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EX-21 - EXHIBIT 21 - Poage Bankshares, Inc.v430113_ex21.htm
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EX-23 - EXHIBIT 23 - Poage Bankshares, Inc.v430113_ex23.htm

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

þ Annual Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015

 

OR

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Commission File Number 001-35295

 

 

 

Poage Bankshares, Inc.

(Exact Name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

 

Maryland

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

45-3204393

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

  

1500 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101

(Address of principal executive offices )

 

41101

(Zip Code)

 

606-324-7196

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:      None

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES   ¨   NO   þ

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES   ¨   NO   þ

 

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  þ     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 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  þ     NO   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   þ .

 

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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨
       
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company þ

 

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

 

As of March 15, 2016, 3,794,021 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value, were issued and outstanding. The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price on June 30, 2015, was $51.1 million.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

1. Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. (Part III)

 

 

 

  

Table of Contents

 

  PART I  
     
ITEM 1. BUSINESS 1
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 32
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 38
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 39
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 39
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 39
     
  PART II  
     
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 40
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 42
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 44
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 53
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 53
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 109
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 109
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 109
     
  PART III  
     
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 110
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 110
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 110
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 110
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 110
     
  PART IV  
     
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 110
  SIGNATURES 112

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1.BUSINESS

 

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

·statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

 

·statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;

 

·statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios;

 

·estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits;

 

·statements about the benefits of the acquisition of Town Square Financial Corporation and Town Square Bank and the acquisition of Commonwealth Bank, including future financial and operating results, cost savings, enhancements to revenue and accretion to reported earnings that may be realized from the acquisition; and

 

·statements about the financial condition, results of operations and business of Poage Bankshares.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Except as may be required by law, we do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

 

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

 

·our ability to manage our operations under the current adverse economic conditions (including real estate values, loan demand, inflation, commodity prices and unemployment levels) nationally and in our market area;

 

·adverse changes in the financial industry, securities, credit and national local real estate markets (including real estate values);

 

·significant increases in our loan losses, including as a result of our inability to resolve classified assets, and management’s assumptions in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses;

 

·credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs and in our allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses;

 

·our ability to successfully enhance internal controls;

 

·our business may not be combined successfully with the business of Town Square Financial Corporation and Commonwealth Bank, or such combination may take longer to accomplish than expected;

 

·the growth opportunities and cost savings from the acquisitions of Town Square Financial Corporation and Commonwealth Bank may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected ;

 

·our ability to manage increased expenses following the acquisitions of Town Square Financial Corporation and Commonwealth Bank, including salary and employee benefit expenses and occupation expenses;

 

·operating costs, customer losses and business disruption following the acquisitions of Town Square Financial Corporation and Commonwealth Bank, including adverse effects of relationships with employees, may be greater than expected;

 

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·competition among depository and other financial institutions;

 

·our success in increasing our originations of adjustable-rate mortgage loans;

 

·our success in increasing our commercial business and commercial real estate;

  

·our ability to improve our asset quality even as we increase our commercial business, commercial real estate and multi-family lending, including as a result of the acquisitions of Town Square Financial Corporation and Commonwealth Bank;

 

·our ability to retain customers and name recognition in the communities we serve as a result of changing our name to “Town Square Bank”;

 

·our success in introducing new financial products;

 

·our ability to attract and maintain deposits, including depositors of the former Town Square Bank and former depositors of Commonwealth Bank;

 

·decreases in our asset quality;

 

·changes in interest rates generally, including changes in the relative differences between short term and long term interest rates and in deposit interest rates, that may affect our net interest margin and funding sources;

 

·fluctuations in the demand for loans, which may be affected by the number of unsold homes, land and other properties in our market areas and by declines in the value of real estate in our market area;

 

·changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

 

·declines in the yield on our assets resulting from the current low interest rate environment;

 

·risks related to a high concentration of loans secured by real estate located in our market area;

 

·the results of examinations by our regulators, including the possibility that our regulators may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write down assets, change our regulatory capital position, limit our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, or prohibit us from paying dividends, which could adversely affect our dividends and earnings;

 

·changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including the Dodd-Frank Act and the JOBS Act, which could result in, among other things, increased deposit insurance premiums and assessments, capital requirements (particularly the new capital regulations), regulatory fees and compliance costs and the resources we have available to address such changes;

 

·changes in the level of government support of housing finance;

 

·our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;

 

·changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;

 

·changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans and our ability to retain key members of our senior management team;

 

·loan delinquencies and changes in the underlying cash flows of our borrowers;

 

·the failure or security breaches of computer systems on which we depend;

 

·the ability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; and

 

·changes in the financial condition or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

 

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Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Please see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 33.

 

Recent Acquisitions

 

On May 31, 2015, Poage Bankshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “Poage Bankshares”) completed the acquisition of Commonwealth Bank, F.S.B., Mt. Sterling, Kentucky (“Commonwealth”), in a conversion merger transaction.  As result of the conversion merger transaction, Commonwealth converted from a mutual to stock institution and merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving institution, and the Company issued and sold 166,221 shares of common stock at a price of $12.73 per share, which reflected a 15% discount on the 30 day average price as prescribed in the merger agreement. These shares were offered to depositor and borrower members of Commonwealth in a subscription offering and to stockholders of the Company and members of the general public in a community offering. Gross offering proceeds totaled approximately $2.1 million.  

 

On May 31, 2015, Commonwealth had total assets of approximately $19.5 million, total loans of $14.9 million and total deposits of $15.4 million. Commonwealth’s sole office, located in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, has become a branch office of Town Square Bank.

 

On March 18, 2014, Poage Bankshares, Inc. completed a merger with Town Square Financial Corporation (“Town Square Financial”) and its bank subsidiary, Town Square Bank for the purposes of expanding the Company’s reach in the market place. Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), the Company incorporated a subsidiary known as Poage Merger Subsidiary, Inc. which was merged with and into Town Square Financial, with Town Square Financial as the surviving entity. Immediately following the merger, Town Square Financial was merged with and into the Company as the surviving entity and Town Square Bank was merged with and into Home Federal Savings and Loan Association (“Home Federal”) with Home Federal as the surviving entity.

 

On the date of the merger, 55% of the outstanding shares of Town Square Financial common stock was converted into the right to receive 2.3289 shares of Company common stock for each share of Town Square Financial common stock. The remaining 45% of the outstanding shares of Town Square Financial common stock was exchanged for $33.86 in cash per share of Town Square Financial common stock. Town Square Financial stockholders were given the right to receive cash or common stock, subject to the requirement that 55% of Town Square Financial common stock be exchanged for Company common stock in accordance with the proration and allocation procedures contained in the merger agreement.

 

As such, on March 18, 2014, in connection with the merger, $6.6 million of cash was paid to Town Square Financial stockholders and 435,398 shares of Town Square Financial common stock were exchanged for 557,621 shares of Poage Bankshares, Inc. common stock which had a closing price of $14.0684 on that date. On the date of the merger, Town Square Financial had total assets of approximately $154.1 million, total loans of $124.7 million, and total deposits of $116.8 million.

 

Name Change

 

Subsequent to the consummation of the Town Square Financial merger transaction, the Board of Directors of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association elected to amend the institution’s charter to change the institution’s name from “Home Federal Savings and Loan Association” to “Town Square Bank.” The name change was effective as of June 25, 2014.

  

Fiscal Year Date Change

 

On August 29, 2013, the Board of Directors of Poage Bankshares amended the Company’s bylaws to change the Company’s fiscal year from September 30 to December 31 of each year.

 

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Poage Bankshares, Inc.

 

Poage Bankshares, Inc. is incorporated in the State of Maryland. We are the holding company for Town Square Bank (“Town Square”).

 

Our cash flow depends on earnings from the investment of the net proceeds from the offering that we retained, and any dividends we receive from Town Square. Poage Bankshares, Inc. neither owns nor leases any property, but instead pays a fee to Town Square for the use of its premises, equipment and furniture. At the present time, we employ only persons who are officers of Town Square to serve as officers of Poage Bankshares, Inc. We do, however, use the support staff of Town Square from time to time. We pay a fee to Town Square for the time devoted to Poage Bankshares, Inc. by employees of Town Square. However, these persons are not separately compensated by Poage Bankshares, Inc. Poage Bankshares, Inc. may hire additional employees, as appropriate, to the extent it expands its business in the future.

 

Our executive offices are located at 1500 Carter Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101. Our telephone number at this address is (606) 324-7196.

 

Town Square Bank

 

General

 

Town Square Bank (the “Bank” and “Town Square”) is a federal savings association headquartered in Ashland, Kentucky. Town Square was originally chartered in 1889. Town Square’s business consists primarily of accepting savings accounts, checking accounts and certificates of deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, in first lien one- to four-family mortgage loans, commercial and multi-family real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans consumer loans, consisting primarily of automobile loans and home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction loans. Town Square also purchases investment securities consisting primarily of mortgage-backed securities issued by United States Government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises, and obligations of state and political subdivisions. Town Square offers a variety of deposit accounts, including savings accounts, NOW and demand accounts, certificates of deposits, money market accounts and retirement accounts. Town Square provides financial services to individuals, families and businesses through our banking offices located in and around Ashland, Nicholasville and Mt. Sterling, Kentucky.

 

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Town Square’s executive offices are located at 1500 Carter Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101. Its telephone number at this address is (606) 324-7196, and its website address is http://www.townsquarebank.com. Information on this website is not and should not be considered to be part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Market Area

 

Our primary lending markets are in Boyd, Greenup, Lawrence, Jessamine, Montgomery and Campbell Counties in Kentucky, and Lawrence, Scioto, Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont Counties in Ohio. Our retail deposit market includes the areas surrounding our nine offices in northeastern Kentucky, including our main office in Ashland and our branch offices in Flatwoods, Greenup, Louisa, South Shore, Catlettsburg, Cannonsburg, Nicholasville and Mt. Sterling. We also operate an automated teller machine at each of our offices and have a loan production office in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.

 

Our market area includes both rural and urban communities. The total population base in the five counties where we operate full service offices was estimated to be 179,000 in 2014 and 2013. The economic base in our lending market was in the past primarily industrial and reliant upon a small number of large employers, particularly in the steel and petroleum industries. A decline in these segments of the local economy has resulted in slow economic growth and population loss over the last several decades. However, during recent years, a diversification of our employment base into services including healthcare has offset to some extent the adverse impact of the decline of our industrial base. We have further diversified our employment base with opening of our Cincinnati, Ohio area loan production office.

 

Per capita incomes in the counties comprising our lending market in Boyd, Jessamine and Campbell counties in Kentucky along with Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio are higher than their respective state averages, while the counties of Lawrence and Greenup in Kentucky along with Lawrence and Scioto in Ohio, lag their respective state averages. As of December 2015, the unemployment rates in Jessamine and Campbell counties in Kentucky and Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio were 4.3%, 4.3%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.2% and 3.9% respectively, which is lower than the national unemployment rate, while the unemployment rates in Boyd, Lawrence, Greenup and Montgomery counties Kentucky along with Lawrence and Scioto counties in Ohio were 7.2%, 10.8, 8.2%, 7.2%, 5.6% and 7.7% respectively, which are higher than the national unemployment rate. Our market area did not experience the high growth in 2003 through 2007 that characterized many “bubble” markets across the country. As a result, although real estate values have softened, our market area has not experienced the level of decline in real estate values that has occurred in many other markets.

 

Competition

 

We compete with national financial institutions, as well as numerous state chartered banking institutions of comparable or larger size and resources, smaller community banking organizations and a variety of nonbank competitors. We compete for deposits with other commercial banks, savings associations and credit unions and with the issuers of commercial paper and other securities, such as shares in money market mutual funds. In making loans, we compete with other banks, savings associations, consumer finance companies, credit unions, leasing companies and other lenders. Many of the institutions against whom we compete are national and regional banks that are significantly larger than us and, therefore, have significantly greater resources and the ability to achieve economies of scale by offering a broader range of products and services at more competitive prices than we can offer. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry.

 

As of June 30, 2015, our market share of deposits represented 14.38% of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured deposits in Boyd, Greenup, Lawrence, Jessamine and Montgomery Counties in Kentucky combined. To effectively compete, we seek to emphasize community orientation, local and timely decision making and superior customer service.

 

Lending Activities

 

Our principal lending activity has been the origination of first lien one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and, to a lesser extent, commercial and multi-family real estate loans, consumer loans, consisting primarily of automobile loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction loans. In order to diversify our loan portfolio, we recently increased our emphasis on commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans and consumer loans.

 

During July 2010, we began selling substantially all of our fixed-rate residential mortgages to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (“FHLB–Cincinnati”) with servicing retained. Total proceeds from mortgages sold under this program was approximately $8.5 million and $8.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In 2014 we also began a secondary market referral program to additional secondary market outlets with no servicing retained. The sale of our fixed-rate residential mortgage originations to the FHLB–Cincinnati along with referrals to other secondary market outlets and our increased originations of nonresidential loans, which generally have shorter terms than one- to four-family residential loans, assist in managing the interest rate risk associated with our portfolio of long-term fixed-rate one- to four-family residential loans.

 

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Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

  

   December 31,   September 30, 
   2015       2014       2013       2013       2012     
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
Real estate loans:                                                  
One-to four-family  $184,613    58.35%  $179,480    59.01%  $135,243    74.73%  $132,462    74.62%  $141,307    77.60%
Multi-family   4,521    1.43%   5,916    1.95%   889    0.57%   1,020    0.57%   985    0.54%
Commercial real estate   62,726    19.83%   62,979    20.71%   17,321    9.44%   16,763    9.44%   16,333    8.97%
Construction and land   6,282    1.99%   5,142    1.69%   2,176    2.16%   3,840    2.16%   3,095    1.70%
Total real estate loans   258,142    81.60%   253,517    83.36%   155,629    86.90%   154,085    86.79%   161,720    88.81%
                                                   
Commercial business loans   31,841    10.07%   25,523    8.39%   5,641    3.15%   5,509    3.10%   4,895    2.69%
                                                   
Consumer loans:                                                  
Home equity loans and lines of credit   8,287    2.62%   7,973    2.62%   5,953    3.32%   5,872    3.31%   5,911    3.25%
Motor vehicle   10,735    3.39%   10,337    3.40%   8,902    4.98%   9,015    5.08%   6,968    3.83%
Other   7,347    2.32%   6,774    2.23%   2,960    1.65%   3,058    1.72%   2,592    1.42%
Total consumer loans   26,369    8.33%   25,084    8.25%   17,815    9.95%   17,945    10.11%   15,471    8.50%
Total loans   316,352    100.00%   304,124    100.00%   179,085    100.00%   177,539    100.00%   182,086    100.00%
                                                   
Net deferred fees   351         201         89         74         84      
Allowance for losses   1,858         1,911         1,908         1,989         2,004      
Loans, net  $314,143        $302,012        $177,088        $175,476        $179,998      

 

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Contractual Maturities and Interest Rate Sensitivity. The following table summarizes the scheduled maturities of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2015. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less. Loans are presented net of loans in process.

 

   One-to       Multi-Family                 
   Four-   Home   Commercial   Construction   Commercial         
December 31, 2015  Family   Equity   Real Estate   and Land   Business   Consumer   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Amounts due in:                                   
One year or less  $344   $-   $1,110   $1,183   $16,047   $1,171   $19,855 
More than one to two years   352    172    145    745    3,205    1,167    5,786 
More than two to three years   529    994    384    62    2,860    2,452    7,281 
More than three to five years   3,352    1,275    1,698    74    5,100    6,911    18,410 
More than five to ten years   20,259    5,665    9,964    1,046    4,007    4,965    45,906 
More than ten to fifteen years   22,016    181    16,813    2,461    430    796    42,697 
More than fifteen years   137,761    -    37,133    711    192    620    176,417 
                                    
Total  $184,613   $8,287   $67,247   $6,282   $31,841   $18,082   $316,352 

 

The following table sets forth our fixed and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2015 that are contractually due after December 31, 2016. Loans are presented net of loans in process.

 

   Due After December 31, 2016 
   Fixed   Adjustable   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Real Estate:               
One-to four- family  $56,149   $128,120   $184,269 
Multi-family and commercial real estate   6,140    59,997    66,137 
Construction and land   1,181    3,918    5,099 
Total real estate loans   63,470    192,035    255,505 
                
Consumer and other loans:               
Consumer   16,425    486    16,911 
Home equity lines-of-credit   2,104    6,183    8,287 
Commercial business   11,317    4,477    15,794 
Total consumer and other loans   29,846    11,146    40,992 
                
Total  $93,316   $203,181   $296,497 

 

One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending. A significant portion of our loan portfolio includes the origination of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2015, $184.6 million, or 58.4% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of loans secured by one- to four-family residences compared to $179.5 million, or 59.0% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014.

 

Historically, we have originated both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one- to four-family mortgage loans. At December 31, 2015, 30.6% of our total one- to four-family mortgage loans were fixed-rate loans and 69.4% were adjustable-rate loans.

 

Our fixed-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans are generally underwritten according to secondary market standards (e.g., Freddie Mac guidelines), and we refer to loans that conform to such guidelines as “conforming loans.” We generally originate both fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits as established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which as of December 31, 2015 was generally $417,000 for single-family homes in our market area. We also originate adjustable rate loans above the lending limit for conforming loans, which are referred to as “jumbo loans.” The majority of our residential loans are secured by properties located in our market area.

 

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We generally limit the loan-to-value ratios of our mortgage loans to 80% of the sales price or appraised value, whichever is lower. Loans with certain credit enhancements, such as private mortgage insurance, may be made with loan-to-value ratios up to 95%. Our fixed-rate one- to four-family mortgage loans typically have terms of 15 or 30 years.

 

Although we have offered adjustable-rate loans for many years, beginning in fiscal 2010 we began to increase our emphasis on such loans, subject to demand for such loans in a lower interest rate environment, and to increase the sale of fixed-rate mortgage loans that we originate, in order to enhance the interest rate sensitivity of our loan portfolio. Our owner-occupied adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans generally have fixed rates for initial terms of five years, and adjust annually thereafter at a margin (generally of 3.5% for owner-occupied properties) over the weekly average yield on U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year. The maximum amount by which the interest rate may be increased or decreased is generally 2% per adjustment period and the lifetime interest rate cap is generally 6% over the initial interest rate of the loan. Our adjustable-rate loans carry terms to maturity of up to 30 years.

 

Although adjustable-rate mortgage loans may reduce to an extent our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because, as interest rates increase, they periodically reprice and the required payments due from the borrower also increase (subject to rate caps), and the ability of the borrower to repay the loan and the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected. Upward adjustments of the contractual interest rate are also limited by the maximum periodic and lifetime rate adjustments permitted by our loan documents. Moreover, the interest rates on most of our adjustable-rate loans generally do not adjust for five years after origination. As a result, the effectiveness of adjustable-rate mortgage loans in compensating for changes in general interest rates may be limited during periods of rapidly rising interest rates.

 

We do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on one- to four-family residential properties (where the borrower pays interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer “subprime loans” (i.e., loans that generally target borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios), or “Alt-A” loans (i.e., loans that generally target borrowers with better credit scores who borrow with alternative documentation such as little or no verification of income).

 

Until fiscal 2010, we generally retained in our portfolio all of the loans that we originated. In July 2010, as part of our interest rate risk management strategy, we initiated a secondary market program focused on reducing the origination of fixed-rate residential mortgage loans for our portfolio and selling some or all of our fixed rate mortgage originations in the FHLB–Cincinnati Mortgage Purchase Program, with servicing retained. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we sold approximately $8.5 million in fixed-rate mortgage loans to the FHLB–Cincinnati. We expect that loans sold under this program will continue to increase.

 

Based on our continued implementation of a secondary market program for new fixed rate loan originations, we expect that adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans will decrease in our loan portfolio over the next three years. Anticipated increases to interest rates may have a negative impact to new loan originations. Additionally, the Bank has placed increased emphasis on fixed rate loans originated and sold in the secondary market. Currently, substantially all fixed rate one- to four- family residential mortgage loans we originate are sold in the secondary market, and we retain substantially all adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans we originate.

 

Consumer Lending and Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. At December 31, 2015, $8.3 million, or 2.6% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of home equity loans and lines of credit, and $18.1 million, or 5.7% of our total loan portfolio consisted of motor vehicles and other consumer loans, compared to $8.0 million, or 2.6% of our total loan portfolio, and $17.1 million, or 5.6% of our total loan portfolio, respectively, at December 31, 2014. In order to reduce the term of our loans and enhance the yields thereof, we intend to increase our consumer loans and home equity loans and lines of credit over the next three years.

 

Currently, our consumer loans include, among other loans, new and used automobile and truck loans, recreational vehicle loans and personal loans.

 

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Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or that are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans. In determining whether to make a consumer loan, we consider the value of collateral, and the borrower’s residence, employment history, annual income and debt service ratio which, including all mortgage payments and the credit line payment, generally may not exceed 40% of gross monthly income without prior approval of Town Square’s credit committee or senior officer with appropriate lending authority.

 

We offer home equity loans and lines of credit secured by a first or second mortgage on residential property (principal dwelling, condominium, etc.). Home equity loans and lines of credit are made with fixed or adjustable rates, and with combined loan-to-value ratios up to 85% on an owner-occupied principal residence and up to 80% on a second home, condominium or vacation home. On a limited basis, loan-to-value ratios may exceed 90% of appraised value if approved by Town Square’s credit committee or senior officer with appropriate lending authority.

 

Home equity loans and lines of credit may entail greater credit risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, as they typically involve higher loan-to-value ratios and are typically second in priority behind first mortgages on the property. Therefore, any decline in real estate values may have a more detrimental effect on our home equity loans and lines of credit than on our one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.

 

Commercial Real Estate and Multi-Family Loans. At December 31, 2015, our commercial real estate loans totaled $62.7 million and our multi-family loans totaled $4.5 million compared to $63.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014. Subject to market conditions, we intend to continue to increase the proportion of these nonresidential real estate loans in our portfolio over the next three years.

 

Maturities for our commercial real estate and multi-family loans generally do not exceed 15 years, although exceptions may be made for terms of up to 20 years. Rates are generally adjustable based upon the weekly average yield on U.S. treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year or another floating index. The maximum loan-to-value ratio is 80% on our owner-occupied commercial real estate loans. The maximum loan-to-value ratio on one- to four-family residential rental properties, and office or retail non-owner-occupied commercial real estate or rental properties with greater than five units is 75%. We generally require a first mortgage on all commercial real estate loans, as well as a debt service coverage ratio of 1.25:1.

 

Set forth below is information regarding our commercial real estate loans at December 31, 2015.

 

Type of Loan  Number of Loans   Balance 
       (In thousands) 
Office   64   $12,668 
Industrial   42    5,668 
Retail   36    11,371 
Mixed use   4    514 
Church   14    3,899 
Other   89    28,606 
Total   249   $62,726 

 

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Commercial and multi-family real estate loans generally carry higher interest rates and have shorter terms than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Multi-family and commercial real estate loans, however, entail greater credit risks compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, the payment of loans secured by income-producing properties typically depends on the successful operation of the property, as repayment of the loan generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the property to cover operating expenses and debt service. Changes in economic conditions that are not in the control of the borrower or lender could affect the value of the collateral for the loan or the future cash flow of the property. Additionally, any decline in real estate values may be more pronounced for commercial and multi-family real estate than residential properties.

 

Commercial Business Loans. Our portfolio of commercial business loans increased to $31.8 million, or 10.0% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2015 from $25.5 million, or 8.4% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014. Our commercial business loans generally consist of regular lines of credit and revolving lines of credit to businesses to finance short-term working capital needs like accounts receivable and inventory. These loans are generally priced on an adjustable-rate basis and may be secured or unsecured. We generally obtain personal guarantees with all commercial business loans. Business assets such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, or real estate may be used to secure lines of credit. Our revolving lines of credit typically have a maximum term of 12 months.

 

We also originate commercial term loans to fund long-term borrowing needs such as purchasing equipment, property improvements or other fixed asset needs. We fix the maturity of a term loan to correspond to 75% of the useful life of any equipment purchased or seven years, whichever is less. Term loans can be secured with a variety of collateral, including business assets such as accounts receivable and inventory or intermediate and long-term assets such as equipment, commercial vehicles or real estate.

 

Unlike one- to four-family residential real estate loans, which we generally originate on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, we typically originate commercial loans (including real estate as well as non-real estate loans) on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business or rental income produced by the property. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business or rental property itself and the general economic environment. Therefore, commercial loans that we originate have greater credit risk than one- to four-family residential real estate loans or consumer loans. In addition, commercial loans generally result in larger outstanding balances to single borrowers, or related groups of borrowers, and also generally require substantially greater evaluation and oversight efforts.

 

Construction and Land Loans. At December 31, 2015, $6.3 million, or 2.0% of our total loan portfolio consisted of construction and land loans, compared to $5.1 million, or 1.7% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014. We make construction loans to individuals for the construction of their primary residences. These loans generally have maximum terms of 12 months, and upon completion of construction convert to conventional amortizing mortgage loans. These construction loans have higher risk based interest rates and terms. During the construction phase, the borrower generally pays interest only. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of our owner-occupied construction loans is generally 80% of construction costs or completed-appraised-value, whichever is less. Residential construction loans are generally underwritten pursuant to the same guidelines used for originating permanent residential mortgage loans.

 

We also make construction loans for the construction of homes “on speculation.” These loans are for “pre-sold” and “spec” homes, and no more than two such loans may be outstanding to one borrower at any time. These loans generally have initial maximum terms of nine months, although the term may be extended to up to 18 months. The loans generally carry variable rates of interest. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of these construction loans is generally 80% of construction costs or completed-appraised-value, whichever is less. We also make loans for the construction of commercial and multi-family buildings.

 

In addition, we make loans secured by unimproved land to complement our construction and non-residential lending activities. These loans have terms of up to 15 years, and maximum loan-to-value ratios of 65%.

 

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Set forth below is information regarding our construction and land loans at December 31, 2015.

 

   Number of   Loans in         
   Loans   Process   Performing   Non-Performing 
       (Dollars in thousands)     
One-to four-family construction   7   $1,125   $837   $- 
Commercial and multi-family construction   4    -    1,893    - 
Land Development   20    -    2,182    259 
Residential land   48    -    1,111    - 
                     
Total construction and land loans   79   $1,125   $6,023   $259 

 

To the extent our construction loans are not made to owner-occupants of single-family homes, they are more vulnerable to changes in economic conditions and the concentration of credit with a limited number of borrowers. Further, the nature of these loans is such that they are more difficult to evaluate and monitor. Our risk of loss on a construction or land loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value upon completion of the project and the estimated cost (including interest) of the project. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project with a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment and/or the possibility of having to make substantial investments to complete and sell the project. Because defaults in repayment may not occur during the construction period, it may be difficult to identify problem loans at an early stage.

 

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. The aggregate amount of loans that we are permitted to make to any one borrower or group of related borrowers is generally limited to 15% of Town Square’s unimpaired capital and surplus (25% if the amount in excess of 15% is secured by “readily marketable collateral”). At December 31, 2015, based on the 15% limitation, Town Square’s loans-to-one-borrower limit was approximately $10.2 million. On the same date, Town Square had no lending relationships with outstanding balances in excess of this amount.

 

Our lending is subject to written underwriting standards and origination procedures. Decisions on loan applications are made on the basis of detailed applications submitted by the prospective borrower and property valuations (consistent with our appraisal policy) prepared by outside independent licensed appraisers approved by our Board of Directors, as well as internal evaluations, where permitted by regulations. The loan applications are designed primarily to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the requested loan, and the more significant items on the application are verified through use of credit reports, financial statements and tax returns.

 

Under our loan policy, the individual processing an application is responsible for ensuring that all documentation is obtained prior to the submission of the application to an officer for approval. Once all documentation is obtained, an officer then reviews these materials and verifies that the requested loan meets our underwriting guidelines.

 

Our loan approval authority is based upon the knowledge and experience of our individual lending officers. Larger and more complicated loans require the approval of Town Square’s internal Credit Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Credit Officer and includes the President, Chief Executive Officer and three other senior officers with appropriate credit backgrounds. All loans on an aggregate basis exceeding $2.0 million require the approval of both the internal Credit Committee and Directors Credit Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer and includes four outside directors. All loans on an aggregate basis exceeding $4.0 million up to our legal lending limit, require the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors.

 

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Generally, we require title insurance or abstracts on our mortgage loans as well as fire and extended coverage casualty insurance in amounts at least equal to the principal amount of the loan or the value of improvements on the property, depending on the type of loan.

 

Originations, Sales and Servicing. Lending activities are conducted solely by our salaried loan personnel. All loans originated by us are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures. We originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans. Our ability to originate fixed or adjustable-rate loans is dependent upon relative customer demand for such loans, which is affected by current and expected future levels of market interest rates. We originate real estate and other loans through our loan officers, marketing efforts, our customer base, walk-in customers and referrals from real estate brokers, builders and attorneys.

 

We sell certain of our fixed rate one- to four-family mortgage loan originations in the FHLB-Cincinnati Mortgage Purchase Program. We have also undertaken a review of our existing loan portfolio to identify customers who may qualify and benefit from this product. Loans are sold to the FHLB-Cincinnati without recourse, except for limited circumstances including failure of the mortgage to meet FHLB–Cincinnati guidelines or our breach of any representation and warranty in the sales transaction.

 

In addition to the representations and warranties described above, Town Square provides credit enhancements to the FHLB-Cincinnati by sharing losses with other members of the program in an aggregated pool.  A Fixed Lender Risk Account (“LRA”) has been established and is maintained by the FHLB-Cincinnati on behalf of Town Square and other members selling mortgages to the FHLB-Cincinnati.  The LRA amount is established as a percentage applied to the sum of the initial unpaid principal balance of each mortgage in the Aggregated Pool at the time of the purchase of the mortgage as determined by the FHLB-Cincinnati and is funded by the deduction from the proceeds of sale of each mortgage in the Aggregated Pool to the FHLB-Cincinnati. Town Square had on deposit with the FHLB-Cincinnati $833,000 at December 31, 2015 and $712,000 at December 31, 2014 in these LRA’s.  These accounts are held by the FHLB-Cincinnati and Town Square bears the risk of receiving less than 100% of its LRA contribution in the event of losses, either by Town Square or other members selling mortgages in the aggregated pool.  Any losses will be deducted first from the individual LRA contribution of the institution that sold the mortgage of which the loss was incurred. If losses incurred in the aggregated pool are greater than the member’s LRA contribution, such losses will be deducted from the LRA contribution of other members selling mortgages in that aggregated pool.  Any portion of the LRA not used to pay losses will be released over a thirty year period and will not start until the end of five years after the initial fill-up period.  Town Square had approximately $4,000 of the LRA amounts released during the year ended December 31, 2015.  Unless Town Square is required to buy back a loan because it did not meet the criteria under the representations and warranties to be covered as part of the aggregated pool, the credit risk is limited to the amount provided in the LRA.

 

All of the loans sold during the periods ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were subject to these representations and warranties. As of December 31, 2015 we have had one required repurchase of loans sold, due to an underwriting error. We incurred a loss of approximately $3,000 which was our loss on the sale of that loan. No liabilities have been accrued for loans sold at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

 

Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting loan payments, accounting for principal and interest, contacting delinquent borrowers, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions in the event of un-remedied defaults, making certain insurance and tax payments on behalf of the borrowers and generally administering the loans. We retain a portion of the interest paid by the borrower on the loans we service as consideration for our servicing activities. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we received loan servicing fees of $97,000 and $85,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the principal balance of loans serviced for the FHLB-Cincinnati totaled $39.6 million and $37.0 million, respectively.

 

We currently purchase whole loans or interests in loans from third parties, which includes loans to health care professionals and motor vehicle loans.

 

The following table shows our loan origination and principal repayment activity for loans originated during the periods indicated. One- to four-family loans included $50.0 million and $22.4 million of adjustable rate mortgage loans originated during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Loans are presented net of loans in process.

 

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   Year Ended   Year Ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Total loans at beginning of period  $304,124   $179,085 
           
Loans originated:          
Real estate loans:          
One-to four-family   54,383    23,700 
Multi-family   -    1,249 
Commercial real estate   10,113    14,074 
Construction and land   326    1,302 
Total real estate loans   64,822    40,325 
Commercial and industrial loans   7,022    5,247 
Consumer loans:          
Home equity loans and lines of credit   1,513    1,253 
Motor vehicle   5,987    6,180 
Other   5,418    3,637 
Total loans originated   84,762    56,642 
           
Loans purchased:          
Real estate loans:          
One-to four-family   13,666    41,752 
Multi-family   -    3,838 
Commercial real estate   438    34,554 
Construction and land   -    9,443 
Total real estate loans   14,104    89,587 
Commercial and industrial loans   -    22,402 
Consumer loans:          
Home equity loans and lines of credit   259    2,151 
Motor vehicle   237    1,493 
Other   229    3,488 
Total loans purchased   14,829    119,121 
           
Loans sold:          
Real estate loans:          
One-to four-family   -    7,535 
Multi-family   -    - 
Commercial real estate   -    - 
Construction and land   -    - 
Commercial business loans   -    - 
Consumer loans   -    - 
Total loans sold   -    7,535 
Deduct:          
Principal repayments   87,363    43,189 
Net other   -    - 
           
Net loan activity   12,228    125,039 
Total loans at end of period  $316,352   $304,124 

 

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Delinquencies and Non-Performing Assets

 

Delinquency Procedures. When a borrower fails to make their required monthly payment on or before the late payment date, a notice is generated stating the amount of the payment and applicable late charge(s) that are due. An attempt is also made at this time to contact the borrower by telephone regarding their late payment. Collection procedures provide that if no response or payment is received from the borrower, additional collections efforts will be taken through the generation of a 30-day right to cure or demand letter. Contact with the borrower regarding establishment of payment arrangements to satisfy their delinquency will be coordinated through the lending officer and collections department. If, at this point, no response is received from the borrower, further accelerated collection efforts such as the pursuit of legal action, repossession or foreclosure may be initiated. If any of these actions are pursued, all further communication with the borrower will be directed to the collections area.

 

When we acquire real estate as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, the real estate is classified as foreclosed real estate and held in the other real estate owned (OREO) asset account until it is sold. The real estate is appraised and recorded at estimated fair value after acquisition less estimated costs to sell, and any write-down resulting from the acquisition, is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent decreases in the value of the property are charged to expense. After acquisition, all costs in maintaining the property are expensed as incurred. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, are capitalized to the extent of estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell.

 

Delinquent Loans . The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies still accruing, non-accrual loans, by type and amount at the dates indicated, and excludes PCI loans.

 

   At December 31,   At December 31, 
   2015   2014 
   30-59   60-89   90 Days       30-59   60-89   90 Days     
   Days   Days   or More       Days   Days   or More     
   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due       Past Due   Past Due   Past Due     
   Still   Still   Still   Non-   Still   Still   Still   Non- 
   Accruing   Accruing   Accruing   Accrual   Accruing   Accruing   Accruing   Accrual 
               (In thousands)             
Real estate loans:                                        
One-to four-family  $821   $40   $-   $2,967   $1,719   $78   $-   $2,223 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   44    -    -    773    884    -    -    578 
Construction and land   -    -    -    259    -    -    -    103 
Total real estate loans   865    40    -    3,999    2,603    78    -    2,904 
Commercial and industrial loans   3    -    -    449    245    -    -    396 
Consumer loans:                                        
Home equity loans and lines of credit   -    -    -    23    85    23    -    1 
Motor vehicle   21    1    -    -    102    4    -    21 
Other   18    2    -    31    33    4    -    31 
Total consumer loans   39    3    -    54    220    31    -    53 
Total delinquent loans  $907   $43   $-   $4,502   $3,068   $109   $-   $3,353 

  

Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) to be of lesser quality, as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets that do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated as “special mention” by our management.

 

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When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish general allowances in an amount deemed prudent by management to cover probable incurred losses. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to cover probable incurred losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies a problem asset as “loss,” it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the regulatory authorities, which may require the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

 

In connection with the filing of our periodic reports with the OCC and in accordance with our classification of assets policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations.

 

On the basis of this review of our assets, our classified and special mention assets at the dates indicated were as set forth below. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. Thus, the homogenous pools are not considered for classification or special mention status. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, all loans classified as substandard were comprised of loans that were individually evaluated for impairment and loans that were deemed to be impaired were subsequently adjusted and are carried at fair value.

 

   At December 31,   At December 31, 
   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Special mention assets  $2,836   $6,284 
Substandard assets   8,782    8,812 
Doubtful assets   -    - 
Loss assets   -    - 
Total classified assets  $11,618   $15,096 

 

Non-Performing Assets. We generally cease accruing interest on our loans when contractual payments of principal or interest have become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income is reversed. Funds received on nonaccrual loans generally are applied against principal. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

 

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  The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.

 

Non-performing Assets

 

   At December 31,   At September 30, 
   2015   2014   2013   2013   2012 
   (In thousands) 
Non-accrual loans:                         
Real estate loans:                         
One-to four-family  $2,967   $2,223   $810   $601   $972 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   773    578    36    35    - 
Construction and land   259    103    80    80    - 
Total real estate loans   3,999    2,904    926    716    972 
Commercial and industrial loans   449    396    -    -    - 
Consumer loans:                         
Home equity loans and lines of credit   23    1    -    -    15 
Motor vehicle   -    21    -    2    - 
Other   31    31    -    -    - 
Total nonaccrual loans   4,502    3,353    926    718    987 
                          
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more:                         
Real estate loans:                         
One-to four-family   -    -    -    -    - 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   -    -    -    -    307 
Construction and land   -    -    -    -    - 
Total real estate loans   -    -    -    -    307 
Commercial and industrial loans   -    -    -         14 
Consumer loans:                         
Home equity loans and lines of credit   -    -    -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    -    -    - 
Other   -    -    -    -    - 
Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more   -    -    -    -    321 
Total of nonaccrual and 90 days or more past due loan   4,502    3,353    926    718    1,308 
                          
Real estate owned:                         
One-to four-family   846    429    85    85    566 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial   448    1,371    290    290    435 
Other   12    58    -    -    - 
General Valuation Allowance   -    -    -    -    - 
Total real estate owned   1,306    1,858    375    375    1,001 
Total nonperforming assets   5,808    5,211    1,301    1,093    2,309 
Troubled debt restructurings, still accruing   105    -    -    -    - 
Troubled debt restructurings and total nonperforming assets  $5,913   $5,211   $1,301   $1,093   $2,309 
                          
Total nonperforming loans to total loans   1.42%   1.10%   0.52%   0.40%   0.72%
Total nonperforming assets to total assets   1.33%   1.26%   0.45%   0.38%   0.73%
Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings to total assets   1.36%   1.26%   0.45%   0.38%   0.73%

 

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  There were no loans that are not disclosed above under “-Classified Assets” and “-Non Performing Assets” where there is information about possible credit problems of borrowers that caused us serious doubts about the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and that may result in disclosure of such loans in the future.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Analysis and Determination of the Allowance for Loan Losses. Our allowance for loan losses is the amount considered necessary to reflect probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis. When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings.

 

Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses consists of two key elements: (i) specific allowances for identified problem loans; and (ii) a general valuation allowance on the remainder of the loan portfolio. Although we determine the amount of each element of the allowance separately, the entire allowance for loan losses is available for the entire portfolio.

 

Specific Allowances for Identified Problem Loans. We establish a specific allowance when loans are determined to be impaired. Loss is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses. Factors in identifying a specific problem loan include: (i) the strength of the customer’s personal or business cash flows; (ii) the availability of other sources of repayment; (iii) the amount due or past due; (iv) the type and value of collateral; (v) the strength of our collateral position; (vi) the estimated cost to sell the collateral; and (vii) the borrower’s effort to cure the delinquency. In addition, for loans secured by real estate, we consider the extent of any past due and unpaid property taxes applicable to the property serving as collateral on the mortgage.

 

General Valuation Allowance on the Remainder of the Loan Portfolio. We establish a general allowance for loans that are not classified as impaired to recognize the inherent losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, has not been allocated to particular problem assets. This general valuation allowance is determined by segregating the loans by loan category and assigning allowance percentages based on our historical loss experience, delinquency trends and management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio. The allowance may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. These significant factors may include changes in lending policies and procedures, changes in existing general economic and business conditions affecting our primary market area, credit quality trends, collateral value, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio, duration of the current business cycle and bank regulatory examination results. The applied loss factors are re-evaluated on a quarterly basis.

 

In addition, as an integral part of their examination process, the OCC will periodically review our allowance for loan losses, and they may require that we recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

Analysis of Loan Loss Experience

 

           Three Months         
   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended   Years Ended 
   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   September 30, 
   2015   2014   2013   2013   2012 
           (Dollars in thousands)         
                          
Allowance at beginning of period  $1,911   $1,908   $1,989   $2,004   $1,658 
Provision for loan losses   514    504    -    106    902 
Charge offs:                         
Real estate loans:                         
One-to four-family   (458)   (462)   (88)   (188)   (443)
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   (47)   -    -    -    (151)
Construction and land   -    (49)   -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial loans   (116)   (8)   -    -    - 
Consumer loans:                         
Home equity loans and lines of credit   -    -    -    -    (10)
Motor vehicle   (38)   (28)   -    (7)   (28)
Other   (203)   (46)   (11)   (2)   (1)
Total charge-offs   (862)   (593)   (99)   (197)   (633)
                          
Recoveries:                         
Real estate loans:                         
One-to four-family   16    6    2    7    15 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   128    60    16    68    52 
Construction and land   10    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial loans   54    13    -    -    - 
Consumer loans:                         
Home equity loans and lines of credit   10    -    -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   2    6    -    1    10 
Other   75    7    -    -    - 
Total recoveries   295    92    18    76    77 
Net charge-offs   (567)   (501)   (81)   (121)   (556)
                          
Allowance at end of period  $1,858   $1,911   $1,908   $1,989   $2,004 
                          
Allowance to nonperforming loans   41.27%   56.99%   206.05%   277.02%   153.21%
Allowance to total loans outstanding at the end of the period   0.59%   0.63%   1.07%   1.12%   1.10%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period, annualized where applicable   0.18%   0.16%   0.18%   0.07%   0.31%

 

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Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category, the total loan balances by category, and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the general allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

 

   At December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 
           % of           % of           % of 
       % of   Loans in       % of   Loans in       % of   Loans in 
       Allowance   Category       Allowance   Category       Allowance   Category 
       to Total   to Total       to Total   to Total       to Total   to Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Allowance   Loans   Amount   Allowance   Loans   Amount   Allowance   Loans 
Real estate loans:                                             
One-to four-family  $1,624    87.41%   58.35%  $1,744    91.26%   59.01%  $1,744    91.40%   74.73%
Multi-family   13    0.70%   1.43%   16    0.84%   1.95%   6    0.31%  $0.57%
Commercial real estate   36    1.94%   19.83%   33    1.73%   20.71%   51    2.68%   9.44%
Construction and land   3    0.16%   1.99%   13    0.68%   1.69%   17    0.89%   2.16%
Total real estate loans   1,676    90.21%   81.60%   1,806    94.51%   83.36%   1,818    95.28%   86.90%
Commercial and industrial loans   77    4.14%   10.07%   43    2.25%   8.39%   8    0.42%   3.15%
Consumer loans:                                             
Home equity loans and lines of credit   26    1.40%   2.62%   7    0.36%   2.62%   11    0.58%   3.32%
Motor vehicle   30    1.61%   3.39%   33    1.73%   3.40%   31    1.62%   4.98%
Other   49    2.64%   2.32%   22    1.15%   2.23%   10    0.52%   1.65%
Total consumer   105    5.65%   8.33%   62    3.24%   8.25%   52    2.73%   9.95%
Unallocated   -    -    -%   -    -    -%   30    1.57%   -%
Total allowance for loan losses  $1,858    100.00%       $1,911    100.00%       $1,908    100.00%     

 

   At September 30, 
   2013   2012 
           % of           % of 
       % of   Loans in       % of   Loans in 
       Allowance   Category       Allowance   Category 
       to Total   to Total       to Total   to Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Allowance   Loans   Amount   Allowance   Loans 
Real estate loans:                              
One-to four-family  $1,806    90.80%   74.62%  $1,248    62.28%   77.60%
Multi-family   7    0.35%  $0.57%   -    -    0.54 
Commercial real estate   50    2.51%   9.44%   567    28.29%   8.97%
Construction and land   16    0.80%   2.16%   9    0.45%  $1.70%
Total real estate loans   1,879    94.47%   86.79%   1,824    91.02%   88.81%
Commercial and industrial loans   8    0.40%   3.10    47    2.35%   2.69%
Consumer loans:                              
Home equity loans and lines of credit   8    0.40%  $3.31%   40    2.00%   3.25%
Motor vehicle   24    1.21%   5.08%   81    4.03%   3.83%
Other   12    0.60%   1.72%   12    0.60%   1.42%
Total consumer   44    2.21%   10.11%   133    6.63%   8.50%
Unallocated   58    2.92%   -%   -    -%   -%
Total allowance for loan losses  $1,989    100.00%       $2,004    100.00%     

  

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The allowance for loan losses was $1.86 million, or 0.59% of total loans at December 31, 2015 compared to $1.9 million, or 0.63% of total loans, at December 31, 2014. Provision of $514,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 504,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. We had net charge-offs of $567,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $501,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Total nonperforming loans were $4.5 million at December 31, 2015 compared to $3.4 million at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2015 we had specific allocations of the allowance related to impaired loans of $15,000. In comparison, we had no specific allocation for the year ended December 31, 2014. As a percentage of nonperforming loans, the allowance for loan losses was 41.27% at December 31, 2015 compared to 56.99% at December 31, 2014. The increase in the provision and resulting allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 reflected net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Furthermore, while we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, the existing allowance for loan losses may not be adequate and increases may be necessary if the quality of our loans deteriorates as a result of the factors discussed above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Investment Activities

 

General. The goals of our investment policy are to provide and maintain liquidity to meet deposit withdrawal and loan funding needs, to help manage our interest rate risk, and to generate a favorable return on idle funds within the context of our interest rate and credit risk objectives.

 

Our Board of Directors is responsible for monitoring compliance with our investment policy. The investment policy is reviewed annually by management and any changes to the policy are recommended to and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. A minimum of two members of the Asset/Liability committee may purchase investments based on the investment policy guidelines and submit the purchase to the full Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting.

 

Our current investment policy permits investments in securities issued by the United States Government and its agencies or government sponsored enterprises, including residential mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, municipalities, school boards and fully insured certificates of deposit. We maintain investment securities concentration limits as a percentage of the investment portfolio that we periodically amend based on market conditions and changes in our assets. Current concentration percentage restrictions limit U.S. Government sponsored enterprises to 75%, U.S. Government agency structured notes to 30%, mortgage-backed securities to 75%, collateralized mortgage obligations to 40%, certificates of deposit to 10% and municipal bonds to 40% or 80% of bank capital. Our investment policy also permits investment in corporate securities limited to 10% of the investment portfolio or 20% of capital and investment in FHLB-Cincinnati stock.

 

At December 31, 2015, we did not have an investment in the securities of any single non-government issuer that exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity.

 

Our current investment policy does not permit investment in complex securities and derivatives as defined in federal banking regulations and other high-risk securities. Our current policy does not permit hedging activities, such as engaging in futures, options or swap transactions, or investing in high-risk mortgage derivatives, such as collateralized mortgage obligation residual interests, real estate mortgage investment conduit residual interests or stripped mortgage-backed securities.

 

At December 31, 2015, none of the collateral underlying our securities portfolio was considered subprime or Alt-A and we did not hold any common or preferred stock issued by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae as of that date.

 

State and Political Subdivision Debt Securities. We have purchased primarily bank-qualified and rated general obligation and revenue bonds of certain state and political subdivisions, which provide interest income that is mostly exempt from federal income taxation. All purchases are approved by Town Square’s Board of Directors and are reviewed each quarter. At December 31, 2015, the majority of our state and political subdivision portfolio consisted of revenue bonds issued by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, although we recently began diversifying by investing in other states.

 

U.S. Government and Federal Agency Obligations. We may invest in U.S. Government and federal agency securities. While these securities generally provide lower yields than other investments in our securities investment portfolio, we maintain these investments, to the extent appropriate, for liquidity purposes, as collateral for borrowings and for prepayment protection.

 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities. Residential mortgage-backed securities are securities issued in the secondary market that are collateralized by pools of mortgages. We also invest in mortgage-backed securities commonly referred to as “pass-through” certificates. The principal and interest of the loans underlying these certificates “pass through” to investors, net of certain costs, including servicing and guarantee fees. We invest primarily in residential mortgage-backed securities backed by one- to four-family mortgages. The issuers of such securities pool and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors such as Town Square. The interest rate of the security is lower than the interest rates of the underlying loans to allow for payment of servicing and guaranty fees. Most of our mortgage-backed securities are either backed by Ginnie Mae, a United States Government agency, or government-sponsored enterprises, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

 

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Residential mortgage-backed securities issued by United States Government agencies and government-sponsored enterprises are more liquid than individual mortgage loans because there is an active trading market for such securities. In addition, residential mortgage-backed securities may be used to collateralize our borrowings. Investments in residential mortgage-backed securities involve a risk that actual payments will be greater or less than the prepayment rate estimated at the time of purchase, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such interests, thereby affecting the net yield on our securities. Current prepayment speeds determine whether prepayment estimates require modification that could cause amortization or accretion adjustments.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. We held common stock of the FHLB-Cincinnati in connection with our borrowing activities totaling $3.0 million at December 31, 2015, and $2.7 million at December 31, 2014. The common stock of the FHLB-Cincinnati is carried at cost and classified as restricted equity securities.

 

Company-Owned Life Insurance. We invest in company-owned life insurance to provide us with a funding source for our benefit plan obligations. Company-owned life insurance also generally provides us non-interest income that is non-taxable. Federal regulations generally limit our investment in bank-owned life insurance to 25% of our Tier 1 capital plus our allowance for loan losses. At December 31, 2015, we had invested $6.9 million in company-owned life insurance.

 

Securities Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 
   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value   Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
           (Dollars in thousands) 
Securities available for sale:                              
U.S. Government agencies and government  sponsored entities  $9,750   $9,638   $14,247   $13,986   $27,260   $26,000 
Mortgage-backed securities:                              
Residential   23,156    23,371    28,553    28,965    29,790    29,637 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   7,720    7,634    4,644    4,565    3,834    3,611 
SBA loan pools   5,370    5,372    -    -    4,190    4,291 
State and political subdivisions   17,398    17,960    17,121    17,746    22,277    22,523 
Total available for sale  $63,394   $63,975   $64,565   $65,262   $87,351   $86,062 

 

Securities Portfolio Maturities and Yields . The following table sets forth the contractual maturities and weighted average yields of our securities portfolio at December 31, 2015. Mortgage-backed securities are anticipated to be repaid in advance of their contractual maturities as a result of projected mortgage loan prepayments.

 

           More than One   More than Five                 
   One Year or Less   Year to Five Years   Years to Ten Years   More than Ten Years   Total 
       Weighted       Weighted       Weighted       Weighted       Weighted 
   Amortized   Average   Amortized   Average   Amortized   Average   Amortized   Average   Amortized   Average 
December 31, 2015  Cost   Yield   Cost   Yield   Cost   Yield   Cost   Yield   Cost   Yield 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Securities available for sale:                                                  
U.S. Government agencies and government-sponsored entities  $-    0%  $9,750    1.68%  $-    0%  $-    0%  $9,750    1.68%
Mortgage-backed securities   -    0%   -    0%   2,187    1.81%   20,969    2.28%   23,156    2.24%
Collateralized mortgage obligations   -    0%   -    0%   -    0%   7,720    1.64%   7,720    1.64%
SBA loan pools   -    0%   -    0%   5,370    2.44%   -    0%   5,370    2.44%
State and political subdivisions   -    0%   7,052    2.07%   7,840    3.37%   2,506    3.54%   17,398    2.87%
Total available for sale  $-        $16,802        $15,397        $31,195        $63,394      

 

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Sources of Funds

 

General. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We also use borrowings, primarily FHLB-Cincinnati advances, to supplement cash flow needs, to lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and to manage the cost of funds. In addition, we receive funds from scheduled loan payments, investment maturities, loan prepayments, retained earnings, income on earning assets and the sale of assets from time to time. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition.

 

Deposits. Our deposits are generated primarily from within our primary market area. We offer a selection of deposit accounts, including statement savings accounts, NOW accounts, business checking, certificates of deposit, money market accounts and retirement accounts. Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. We have not accepted brokered deposits in the past, although we have the authority to do so.

 

Interest rates, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals. We rely upon personalized customer service, long-standing relationships with customers, convenient offices and ATM locations and the favorable image of Town Square in the community to attract and retain deposits. We have also expanded our products to include debit cards, on-line banking services and mobile banking services for the convenience of our customers.

  

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in interest rates and competition. Our ability to gather deposits is impacted by the competitive market in which we operate, which includes numerous financial institutions of varying sizes offering a wide range of products. We may use promotional rates to meet asset/liability and market segment goals.

 

The variety of rates and terms on the deposit accounts we offer allows us to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand. Based on our experience, we believe that NOW and demand deposits may be somewhat more stable sources of funding than certificates of deposits.

 

The following table sets forth the distribution of total deposits by account type, at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
           (Dollars in thousands) 
                         
NOW and demand deposits  $92,983    27.10%  $81,824    25.32%  $28,140    13.44%
Money market deposits   22,381    6.52%   11,956    3.70%   4,128    1.97%
Savings and other deposits   68,707    20.02%   65,604    20.30%   55,464    26.48%
Certificates of deposit   131,681    38.38%   135,897    42.06%   96,737    46.19%
Retirement accounts   27,378    7.98%   27,857    8.62%   24,971    11.92%
Total  $343,130    100.00%  $323,138    100.00%  $209,440    100.00%

 

As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of our outstanding time deposits in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was $84.1 million. The following table sets forth the maturity of these time deposits as of December 31, 2015.

 

   Certificates 
December 31, 2015  of Deposit 
   (In thousands) 
Maturity Period:     
Three months or less  $8,644 
Over three through six months   11,221 
Over six through twelve months   17,538 
Over twelve months   46,689 
Total  $84,092 

 

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The following table sets forth our time deposits classified by interest rate as of the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Interest Rate:               
Less than 1%  $86,893   $98,430   $69,995 
1.00% - 1.99%   62,087    54,966    40,263 
2.00% - 2.99%   10,011    10,292    10,027 
3.00% - 3.99%   68    66    1,423 
4.00% - 4.99%   -    -    - 
5.00% - 5.99%   -    -    - 
                
Total  $159,059   $163,754   $121,708 

 

The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of our time deposits at December 31, 2015.

 

   At December 31, 2015 
   Period to Maturity 
           Over Two             
       Over One   Years to   Over       Percentage of 
   Less Than   Year to   Three   Three       Total 
   One Year   Two Years   Years   Years   Total   Certificate 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
     
Interest Rate:                              
Less than 1%  $67,292   $15,490   $3,981   $130   $86,893    54.63%
1.00% - 1.99%   5,222    28,627    8,600    19,638    62,087    39.03%
2.00% - 2.99%   6,330    355    -    3,326    10,011    6.29%
3.00% - 3.99%   68    -    -    -    68    0.04%
4.00% - 4.99%   -    -    -    -    -    -%
5.00% - 5.99%   -    -    -    -    -    -%
Total  $78,912   $44,472   $12,581   $23,094   $159,059    100.00%

 

Borrowings. Our borrowings currently consist primarily of advances from the FHLB-Cincinnati. We obtain advances from the FHLB-Cincinnati upon the security of our capital stock in the FHLB-Cincinnati and certain of our mortgage loans. Such advances may be made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. To the extent such borrowings have different terms to repricing than our deposits, they can change our interest rate risk profile.

 

From time to time during recent years, we have utilized short-term borrowings to fund loan demand. To a limited extent, we have also used borrowings where market conditions permit us to purchase securities and make loans of a similar duration in order to increase our net interest income by the amount of the spread between the asset yield and the borrowing cost. Finally, from time to time, we have obtained advances with longer terms for asset liability management.

 

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The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our FHLB-Cincinnati advances at the dates and for the noted periods.

 

           Three Months 
   Year Ended   Year Ended   Ended 
   December 31,   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014   2013 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
             
Average amount outstanding during the period:               
FHLB advances  $14,572   $25,922   $17,170 
Weighted average interest rate during the period:               
FHLB advances   1.65%   1.31%   2.21%
Balance outstanding at end of period:               
FHLB advances  $15,803   $17,952   $19,958 
Weighted average interest rate at end of period:               
FHLB advances   1.52%   1.55%   1.88%
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during period:               
FHLB advances  $17,533   $39,334   $23,049 

 

At December 31, 2015, based on available collateral and our ownership of FHLB-Cincinnati common stock, we had access to additional FHLB-Cincinnati advances of up to $92.2 million.

 

Subsidiary and Other Activities

 

Poage Bankshares, Inc. has two subsidiaries; Town Square Bank and Town Square Statutory Trust I. Town Square has no subsidiaries. Town Square Statutory Trust I has no subsidiaries.

 

Expense and Tax Allocation

 

Town Square has entered into an agreement with Poage Bankshares to provide it with certain administrative support services for compensation not less than the fair market value of the services provided. In addition, Town Square and Poage Bankshares have entered into an agreement to establish a method for allocating and for reimbursing the payment of their consolidated tax liability.

 

Personnel

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had 104 full-time employees and 16 part-time employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group. Management believes that we have good relations with our employees.

 

Federal Taxation

 

General. Poage Bankshares and Town Square are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize material federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to Poage Bankshares and Town Square.

 

Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, Town Square currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal income tax return. The Small Business Protection Act of 1996 eliminated the use of the reserve method of accounting for bad debt reserves by savings institutions, effective for taxable years beginning after 1995.

 

Minimum Tax. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, referred to as “alternative minimum taxable income.” The alternative minimum tax is payable to the extent alternative minimum taxable income is in excess of an exemption amount. Net operating losses can, in general, offset no more than 90% of alternative minimum taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years.

 

Net Operating Loss Carryovers. Generally, a financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. At December 31, 2015, Town Square had $2.2 million in net operating loss carry forward for federal income tax purposes.

 

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Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction. Poage Bankshares will be able to exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from Town Square as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.

 

Audit of Tax Returns. Town Square’s and Poage Bankshares’ federal income tax returns have not been audited in the most recent five-year period.

 

State Taxation

 

Poage Bankshares is subject to the Kentucky corporation income tax and Limited Liability Entity Tax (“LLET”). The income of corporations subject to Kentucky income tax is similar to income reported for federal income tax purposes except that dividend income, among other income items, is exempt from taxation. Corporations pay the greater of the income tax or the LLET. The LLET is the greater of (i) $175 or (ii) the lesser of (a) $0.095 per $100 of the corporation’s gross receipts, or (b) $0.75 per $100 of the corporation’s gross profits. Gross profits equal gross Kentucky receipts reduced by returns and allowances attributable to Kentucky gross receipts, less Kentucky cost of goods sold. Poage Bankshares, in its capacity as a holding company for a financial institution, will not have a material amount of cost of goods sold.

 

Town Square is exempt from both the Kentucky corporation income tax and LLET, but is subject to an annual franchise tax imposed on federally or state-chartered savings and loan associations, savings banks and other similar institutions operating in Kentucky. The tax is 0.1% of taxable capital stock held as of January 1 each year. Taxable capital stock includes an institution’s undivided profits, surplus and general reserves plus deposits and paid-up stock less deductible items. Deductible items include certain exempt federal obligations and Kentucky municipal bonds. Savings and loans that are subject to tax both within and without Kentucky must apportion their net capital.

 

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

 

General. The federal system of regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which Town Square may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s deposit insurance fund. Town Square is periodically examined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, to ensure that it satisfies applicable standards with respect to its capital adequacy, assets, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market interest rates. Town Square also is regulated to a lesser extent by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or Federal Reserve Board, which governs the reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters. In addition, Town Square is a member of and owns stock in the FHLB-Cincinnati, which is one of the eleven regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Town Square’s relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by federal law and, to a much lesser extent, state law, including in matters concerning the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of Town Square’s loan documents.

 

As a savings and loan holding company, Poage Bankshares is subject to examination and supervision by, and is required to file certain reports with, the Federal Reserve Board. Poage Bankshares is also subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.

 

Set forth below are certain material regulatory requirements that are applicable to Town Square and Poage Bankshares. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on Town Square and Poage Bankshares. Any change in these laws or regulations, whether by Congress or the applicable regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse impact on Poage Bankshares, Town Square and their operations.

 

Dodd-Frank Act

 

The Dodd-Frank Act made significant changes to the regulatory structure for depository institutions and their holding companies. However, the Dodd-Frank Act’s changes go well beyond that and affect the lending, investments and other operations of all depository institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act required the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for both bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital for holding companies were restricted to capital instruments that were then currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. The legislation also established a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect upon passage, and directed the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as Town Square, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, such as Town Square, will continue to be examined for compliance by their applicable bank regulators. The new legislation also weakens the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.

 

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The Dodd-Frank Act also broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The legislation also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008. The Dodd-Frank Act increased stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, and authorizing the Securities and Exchange Commission to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate and solicit votes for their own candidates using a company’s own proxy materials. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded or not. The Dodd-Frank Act provided for originators of certain securitized loans to return a percentage of the risk for the transferred loan, directed the Federal Reserve Board to regulate pricing of certain debit card interchange fees and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage origination.

  

The Dodd-Frank Act also required the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue regulations requiring lenders to make a reasonable good faith determination as to a prospective borrower’s ability to repay a residential mortgage loan. The final “Ability to Repay” rules, which were effective January 10, 2014, establish a “qualified mortgage” safe harbor for loans whose terms and features are deemed to make the loan less risky. 

 

Many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act involve delayed effective dates and/or require implementing regulations or have not been issued in final form. Their impact on our operations cannot yet fully be assessed. However, the Dodd-Frank Act has already increased regulatory burden and compliance, operating and interest expense for Town Square and Poage Bankshares.

 

Federal Banking Regulation

 

Business Activities. A federal savings and loan association derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and the regulations of the OCC. Under these laws and regulations, Town Square may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial business and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets, subject to applicable limits. Town Square also may establish subsidiaries that may engage in activities not otherwise permissible for Town Square, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage. The Dodd-Frank Act authorized depository institutions to commence paying interest on business checking accounts, effective July 21, 2011.

 

Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC-insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8%, and a 4% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

For purposes of the regulatory capital requirements, common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common shareholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that made such an election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). We have exercised the AOCI opt-out. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

 

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one- to four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

 

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019.

 

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In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the OCC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions when deemed necessary.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the capital of the Town Square exceeded all required regulatory guidelines.

 

Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a federal savings and loan association may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate. As of December 31, 2015, Town Square was in compliance with its loans-to-one borrower limitations.

 

Qualified Thrift Lender Test. As a federal savings and loan association, Town Square must satisfy the qualified thrift lender, or “QTL,” test. Under the QTL test, Town Square must maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” in “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including mortgage-backed securities) in at least nine months of the most recent 12-month period. “Portfolio assets” generally means total assets of a savings institution, less the sum of specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, and the value of property used in the conduct of the savings bank’s business.

 

A federal savings and loan association that fails the QTL test must either convert to a commercial bank charter or operate under specified restrictions set forth in the Home Owners’ Loan Act. The Dodd-Frank Act made noncompliance with the QTL test potentially subject to agency enforcement action for a violation of law. At December 31, 2015, Town Square satisfied the QTL test with approximately 83.95% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments.

 

Capital Distributions. Federal regulations govern capital distributions by a savings and loan association, which include cash dividends, stock repurchases and other transactions charged to the savings and loan association’s capital account. A federal savings and loan association must file an application for approval of a capital distribution if:

  

·the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the savings and loan association’s net income for that year to date plus the savings and loan association’s retained net income for the preceding two years;

 

·the savings and loan association would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution;

 

·the distribution would violate any applicable statute, regulation, agreement or written regulatory condition; or

 

·the savings and loan association is not eligible for expedited treatment of its filings.

 

Even if an application is not otherwise required, every savings and loan association that is a subsidiary of a holding company must still file a notice with the Federal Reserve Board at least 30 days before the Board of Directors declares a dividend or approves a capital distribution.

 

A notice or application for capital distribution may be disapproved if:

  

·the savings and loan association would be undercapitalized following the distribution;

 

·the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or

 

·the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation or regulatory condition.

 

In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that an insured depository institution may not make any capital distribution if, after making such distribution, the institution would fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirement. A federal savings and loan association also may not make a capital distribution that would reduce its regulatory capital below the amount required for the liquidation account established in connection with its conversion to stock form. In addition, beginning in 2016, Town Square’s ability to pay dividends will be limited if Town Square does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may limit the ability of Poage Bankshares to pay dividends to its stockholders.

 

Liquidity. A federal savings and loan association is required to maintain a sufficient amount of liquid assets to ensure its safe and sound operation.

 

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All federal savings associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations of the OCC to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income borrowers. In connection with its examination of a federal savings and loan association, the OCC is required to assess the institution’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. A savings and loan association’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in denial of certain corporate applications such as branches or mergers, or in restrictions on its activities. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the OCC, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice. The Community Reinvestment Act requires all Federal Deposit Insurance-insured institutions to publicly disclose their rating. Town Square received a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination.

 

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Transactions with Related Parties. A federal savings and loan association’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates is limited by OCC regulations and by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing Regulation W promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. An affiliate is generally a company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an insured depository institution such as Town Square. Poage Bankshares is an affiliate of Town Square. In general, transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to certain quantitative and collateral requirements. In addition, OCC regulations prohibit a savings and loan association from lending to any of its affiliates that are engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate, other than a subsidiary. Finally, transactions with affiliates must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, not involve low-quality assets and be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as comparable transactions with non-affiliates. The OCC requires federal savings associations to maintain detailed records of all transactions with affiliates.

 

Town Square’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders:

 

  (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features, and

 

  (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of Town Square’s capital.

 

In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by Town Square’s Board of Directors. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional limits based on the type of credit extension involved. As of December 31, 2015 Town Square is in compliance with these credit limitations.

 

Enforcement. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings associations and has the authority to bring enforcement action against all “institution-affiliated parties,” including directors, officers, stockholders, attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on the savings and loan association. Formal enforcement action by the OCC may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution, and the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Civil money penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1 million per day. The FDIC also has the authority to terminate deposit insurance or to recommend to the OCC that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular savings institution. If such action is not taken, the FDIC has authority to take action under specified circumstances.

 

Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems and audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. Interagency guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines address internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, credit underwriting, loan documentation, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to implement an acceptable compliance plan. Failure to implement such a plan can result in further enforcement action, including the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties.

  

Prompt Corrective Action Regulations. Under prompt corrective action regulations, the OCC is authorized and, under certain circumstances, required to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings and loan associations. For this purpose, a federal savings and loan association is placed in one of the following five categories based on the savings association’s capital:

 

  · well-capitalized (at least 5% leverage capital, 6.5% common equity Tier 1, 8% Tier 1 risk-based capital and 10% total risk-based capital);

 

  · adequately capitalized (at least 4% leverage capital, 4.5% common equity Tier 1, 6% Tier 1 risk-based capital and 8% total risk-based capital);

 

  · undercapitalized (less than 4% leverage capital, 4.5% common equity Tier 1, 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital or 8% total risk-based capital);

 

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  · significantly undercapitalized (less than 3% leverage capital, 3% common equity Tier 1, 3% Tier 1 risk-based capital or 6% total risk-based capital); and

 

  · critically undercapitalized (less than 2% tangible capital).

 

Generally, the OCC is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings bank that is “critically undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the OCC within 45 days of the date a savings and loan association receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Any holding company for a savings and loan association that is required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee the lesser of an amount equal to 5% of the association’s assets at the time it was notified or deemed to be undercapitalized by the OCC, or the amount necessary to restore the savings and loan association to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the OCC notifies the saving and loan association that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters, and the OCC has the authority to require payment and collect payment under the guarantee. Failure by a holding company to provide the required guarantee will result in certain operating restrictions on the savings and loan association, such as restrictions on the ability to declare and pay dividends, pay executive compensation and management fees, and increase assets or expand operations. The OCC may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized associations, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

 

At December 31, 2015, Town Square met the criteria for being considered “well-capitalized.”

 

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. Deposit accounts in Town Square are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation charges the insured financial institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund.

 

Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s current risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other risk factors. Assessments are based on an individual institution’s category, with the institutions perceived as riskiest paying higher assessments.

 

In February 2011, the FDIC published a final rule under the Dodd-Frank Act to reform the deposit insurance assessment system. The rule redefined the assessment base used for calculating deposit insurance assessments effective April 1, 2011. Under the new rule, assessments are based on an institution’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity instead of total deposits. The proposed rule revised the assessment rate schedule to establish assessments ranging from 2.5 to 45 basis points.

 

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. Any significant increases would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of Town Square. Management cannot predict what assessment rates will be in the future.

 

In addition to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments, the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) is authorized to impose and collect, with the approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, assessments for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the annualized FICO assessment rate equaled 0.60 basis points. The FICO assessment is based on total assets less tangible capital. The fourth quarter 2015 FICO assessment rate is 0.145 basis points. The bonds issued by the FICO are due to mature in 2017 through 2019.

 

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We do not currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our deposit insurance.

 

Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements . FDIC insured savings and loan associations are prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank System. Town Square is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions as well as other entities involved in home mortgage lending. As a member of the FHLB-Cincinnati, Town Square is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB-Cincinnati. As of December 31, 2015, Town Square was in compliance with this requirement.

 

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Other Regulations

 

Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by Town Square are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. Town Square’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:

 

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

 

  · Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, requiring that borrowers for mortgage loans for one- to four-family residential real estate receive various disclosures, including good faith estimates of settlement costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices, and prohibiting certain practices that increase the cost of settlement services;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  · Truth in Savings Act;

 

  · the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012; and

 

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

 

In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issues regulations and standards under these federal consumer protection laws that affect our consumer businesses. These include regulations setting “ability to repay” and “qualified mortgage” standards for residential mortgage loans and mortgage loan servicing and originator compensation standards. Town Square devotes significant compliance, legal and operational resources to compliance with consumer protection regulations and standards.

 

The operations of Town Square also are subject to the:

 

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

 

  · Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services;

 

  · Check Clearing for the 21 st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check;

 

  · The USA PATRIOT Act, which requires savings and loan associations operating to, among other things, establish broadened anti-money laundering compliance programs, due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement existing compliance requirements, also applicable to financial institutions, under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations; and

 

  · The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which places limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information by financial institutions with unaffiliated third parties. Specifically, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires all financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties.

 

  · Volcker Rule, which on December 10, 2013, in implementing section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, was approved by the OCC, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, the SEC and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). The Volcker Rule attempts to reduce risk and banking system instability by restricting U.S. banks from investing in or engaging in proprietary trading and speculation and imposing a strict framework to justify exemptions for underwriting, market making and hedging activities. U.S. banks will be restricted from investing in funds with collateral comprised of less than 100% loans that are not registered with the SEC and from engaging in hedging activities that do not hedge a specific identified risk. The Company does not believe the Volcker Rule will have a significant effect on operations.

 

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Holding Company Regulation

 

General. Poage Bankshares is a non-diversified savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. As such, Poage Bankshares is registered with the Federal Reserve Board and subject to Federal Reserve Board regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has enforcement authority over Poage Bankshares and its subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution.

 

Permissible Activities. Under present law, the business activities of Poage Bankshares are generally limited to those activities permissible for financial holding companies under Section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or for multiple savings and loan holding companies. A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, including underwriting equity securities and insurance as well as activities that are incidental to financial activities or complementary to a financial activity. A multiple savings and loan holding company is generally limited to activities permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board, and certain additional activities authorized by Federal Reserve Board regulations.

 

Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, including Poage Bankshares, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring more than 5% of another savings institution or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board. It also prohibits the acquisition or retention of, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a nonsubsidiary company engaged in activities that are not closely related to banking or financial in nature, or acquiring or retaining control of an institution that is not federally insured. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the Federal Reserve Board must consider the financial and managerial resources, future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the federal deposit insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.

 

The Federal Reserve Board is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, subject to two exceptions:

 

  (i) the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies; and

 

  (ii) the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisition.

 

The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.

 

Capital. When it reaches $1 billion in total assets, Poage Bankshares, Inc. will be subject to the Federal Reserve Board’s capital adequacy regulations for savings and loan holding companies (on a consolidated basis). These capital standards have historically been similar to, though less stringent than, those of the OCC for Town Square. The Dodd-Frank Act, however, required the Federal Reserve Board to establish, for all savings and loan holding companies with total assets of $500 million or more ( a final rule issued by the Federal Reserve Board has increased this threshold to $1 billion in assets), minimum consolidated capital requirements that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries. Under regulations recently enacted by the Federal Reserve Board and effective January 1, 2015, all such savings and loan holding companies will be subject to regulatory capital requirements that are the same as the new capital requirements for Town Square. These new capital requirements include provisions that, when applicable, might limit the ability of Poage Bankshares, Inc. to pay dividends to its stockholders or repurchase its shares. See “—Federal Banking Regulation—New Capital Rule.” Poage Bankshares, Inc. has conducted a pro forma analysis of the application of these new capital requirements as of December 31, 2015, and has determined that it meets all of these new requirements, including the full 2.5% capital conservation buffer, and would be well-capitalized, if these new requirements had been in effect on that date. 

 

Source of Strength. The Dodd-Frank Act extended the “source of strength” doctrine to savings and loan holding companies. The Federal Reserve Board has issued regulations requiring that all savings and loan holding companies serve as a source of managerial and financial strength to their subsidiary savings associations by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.

 

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Dividends. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies that it has made applicable to savings and loan holding companies as well. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory review of capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The policy statement also states that a savings and loan holding company should inform the Federal Reserve Board supervisory staff prior to redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock if the savings and loan holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or if the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, as of the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of Poage Bankshares to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

 

Acquisition. Under the Federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Board if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of a savings and loan holding company. Under certain circumstances, a change of control may occur, and prior notice is required, upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the company’s outstanding voting stock, unless the Federal Reserve Board has found that the acquisition will not result in control of the company. A change in control definitively occurs upon the acquisition of 25% or more of the company’s outstanding voting stock. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Federal Reserve Board generally has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition.

 

Federal Securities Laws

 

Our common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We are subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. The rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors about our internal control over financial reporting; and they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about their evaluation and whether there have been changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could materially affect internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Future Changes in Interest Rates Could Reduce Our Profits.

 

Future changes in interest rates could impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Net income is the amount by which net interest income and non-interest income exceeds non-interest expense and the provision for loan losses. Net interest income makes up a majority of our income and is based on the difference between:

 

  · interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities; and

 

  · interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.

 

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We are vulnerable to changes in interest rates including the shape of the yield curve because of a mismatch between the terms to repricing of our assets and liabilities. Historically, our liabilities repriced more quickly than our assets, which made us vulnerable to increases in interest rates. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, our net interest margin was 4.24% and 4.16%, respectively. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee utilizes a computer simulation model to provide an analysis of estimated changes in net interest income in various interest rate scenarios. At December 31, 2015, in the event of an immediate 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, our model projects an increase in our net portfolio value of $3.6 million, or 3.48%. In the event of an immediate 200 basis point increase in interest rates, our model projects a decrease in our net portfolio value of $12.7 million, or 12.35%.

 

Changes in interest rates can affect the average life of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. A reduction in interest rates results in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities, as borrowers refinance their debt in order to reduce their borrowing costs. This creates reinvestment risk, which is the risk that we may not be able to reinvest prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the prepaid loans or securities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and/or make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable-rate loans.

 

We Have Increased and Plan to Continue to Increase Our Levels of Commercial Real Estate, Multi-Family, Commercial Business and Construction and Land Loans, Which Would Increase Our Exposure to Credit Risk.

 

At December 31, 2015, our portfolio of commercial real estate, multi-family, commercial business and construction and land loans totaled $105.4 million, or 33.3% of our total loans, compared to $99.6 million, or 32.7% of our total loans at December 31, 2014. We intend to continue to emphasize the origination of these types of loans consistent with safety and soundness.

 

Non-residential loans generally expose a lender to a greater risk of loss than one- to four-family residential loans. Repayment of such loans generally depends, in large part, on sufficient income from the property or the borrower’s business, respectively, to cover operating expenses and debt service. These types of loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Changes in economic conditions that are beyond the control of the borrower and lender could affect the value of the security for the loan, the future cash flow of the affected property or business, or the marketability of a construction project with respect to loans originated for the acquisition and development of property. As we increase our portfolio of these loans, we may experience higher levels of non-performing assets and/or loan losses.

 

We target our business lending and marketing strategy towards small- to medium-sized businesses. These small- to medium-sized businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities. If general economic conditions negatively impact these businesses, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

 

As a result of the acquisition of Town Square Financial Corporation and Town Square Bank, our portfolio of commercial real estate, multi-family and commercial business loans has increased significantly, which will further increase our exposure to the risks associated with these types of loans. We conducted a thorough review of Town Square Bank’s loan portfolio and made certain assumptions as to the future performance of these loans and the likelihood that such loans would become delinquent or subject to charge-offs in the future. The assessment of the risk as related to Town Square Bank’s loan portfolio is based upon assumptions that may be inaccurate, or may become inaccurate based upon uncertainties, contingencies, and factors beyond the control of Poage Bankshares.

 

We May Not Be Successful in Executing Our Plan to Increase Significantly the Percentage of Our One- to Four-Family Residential Mortgage Loans With Adjustable-Rate Mortgages.

 

In order to reduce our vulnerability to changes in interest rates, in 2009, we changed our business strategy to increase our focus on adjustable-rate mortgage loans. In addition, in fiscal year 2010, we began selling substantially all of our originated fixed-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.

 

Historically, it has often been difficult for thrift institutions to originate adjustable-rate mortgage loans with a spread that compares favorably with the cost of funds. In addition, borrower demand for adjustable-rate mortgage loans decreases significantly during periods of low interest rates, including the current low interest rate environment. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we were able to originate $50.0 million of adjustable-rate mortgage loans, most of which carried rates that adjust annually after five years at a spread of 3.5% over the applicable index (the weekly average yield on United States Treasury securities). At December 31, 2015, $128.1 million, or 40.5% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of adjustable-rate mortgage loans.

  

Although adjustable-rate mortgage loans may reduce, to an extent, our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because they periodically reprice, as interest rates increase the required payments due from the borrower also increase (subject to rate caps), increasing the potential for default by the borrower. At the same time, the ability of the borrower to repay the loan and the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Upward adjustments of the contractual interest rate are also limited by the maximum periodic and lifetime rate adjustments permitted by our loan documents. Moreover, the interest rates on most of our adjustable-rate loans do not adjust for up to five years after origination. As a result, the effectiveness of adjustable-rate mortgage loans in compensating for changes in general interest rates may be limited during periods of rapidly rising interest rates.

 

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Our loan portfolio includes a substantial number of motor vehicle loans, as well as other consumer loans. At December 31, 2015, our consumer loans totaled $26.4 million, or 8.3% of our total loan portfolio, of which motor vehicle loans totaled $10.7 million, or 3.4% of total loans.

 

As of December 31, 2015, we had $1,000 of motor vehicle loans delinquent 60 days or more, which was 0.02% of total delinquent loans 60 days or more past due. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, we had charge-offs of motor vehicle loans totaling $38,000. As we continue to increase our automobile loan portfolio, we may experience increased delinquencies and charge-offs in future periods.

  

Consumer loans generally have a greater risk of loss or default than one- to four-family residential real estate loans, particularly in the case of loans that are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles. We face the risk that any collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance. Thus, the recovery and sale of such property could be insufficient to compensate us for the principal outstanding on these loans. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit our ability to recover on such loans. As a result of our relatively large portfolio of consumer loans, it may become necessary to increase our provision for loan losses in the event our losses on these loans increase, which would reduce our profits.

 

If Our Allowance for Loan Losses Is Not Sufficient to Cover Actual Loan Losses, Our Earnings Will Decrease.

 

We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and our loss and delinquency experience, and we evaluate economic conditions. If our assumptions are incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance. While our allowance for loan losses was 0.59% of total loans at December 31, 2015, future additions to our allowance could materially decrease our net income.

 

In addition, the OCC periodically reviews our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by regulatory authorities might have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The United States Economy Remains Weak. Continued Adverse Economic Conditions, Especially Affecting Our Geographic Market Area, Could Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

The United States experienced a severe economic recession in 2008 and 2009, the effects of which have continued. Recent growth has been slow relative to historical standards. Loan portfolio quality has remained poor at many financial institutions reflecting, in part, the weak United States economy. In addition, the value of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages throughout the United States has declined. The real estate downturn also has resulted in reduced demand for the construction of new housing and increased delinquencies in construction, residential and commercial mortgage loans in many markets across the United States.

 

Our lending market area consists of Greenup, Lawrence, Boyd, Jessamine, Montgomery and Campbell Counties in Kentucky, and Lawrence, Scioto, Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont Counties in Ohio. Five of these seven counties have experienced minimal changes in population and households from April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014, including population growth or shrinkage of -1.6%, -0.3%, -1.4%, 4.6%, 3.7%, 1.7%, -1.3%, -2.8%, 0.5%, 1.6%, 4.1% and 2.1%, respectively. While we did not originate or invest in sub-prime mortgages, our lending business is tied, in part, to the real estate market, which has been weakened by the recession. While we believe our lending market area has not been as adversely affected by the real estate crisis as some other areas of the country, real estate values and demand have softened and we remain vulnerable to adverse changes in the real estate market. In addition, a significant weakening in general economic conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control, could negatively affect our financial results. Finally, negative developments in the securities markets could adversely affect the value of our securities.

 

If We Fail to Maintain an Effective System of Internal and Disclosure Controls, We May Not Be Able to Accurately Report Our Financial Results or Prevent or Detect Fraud. As a Result, Current and Potential Shareholders Could Lose Confidence in Our Financial Reporting, Which Would Harm Our Business and the Trading Price of Our Securities.

 

Effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent or detect fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. We continually review and analyze our internal control over financial reporting for Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance. Our internal control and disclosure controls may still prove ineffective in future periods. Any failure to maintain effective controls or timely effect any necessary improvement of our internal and disclosure controls could hinder our ability to accurately report our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, which could affect our ability to remain listed with The NASDAQ Capital Market. Ineffective internal and disclosure controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our securities.

 

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Regulation of the financial services industry is undergoing major changes and future legislation could increase our cost of doing business or harm our competitive position.

 

In 2010 and 2011, in response to the financial crisis and recession that began in 2008, significant regulatory and legislative changes resulted in broad reform and increased regulation impacting financial institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act has created a significant shift in the way financial institutions operate. The Dodd-Frank Act also creates a new federal agency to administer consumer protection and fair lending laws, a function that was formerly performed by the depository institution regulators. The Dodd-Frank Act contains various other provisions designed to enhance the regulation of depository institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act may have a material impact on our operations, particularly through increased regulatory burden and compliance costs. Any future legislative changes could have a material impact on our profitability, the value of assets held for investment or collateral for loans. Future legislative changes could require changes to business practices or force us to discontinue businesses and potentially expose us to additional costs, liabilities, enforcement action and reputational risk.

 

In addition to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal regulatory agencies have taken stronger supervisory actions against financial institutions that have experienced increased loan losses and other weaknesses as a result of the recent economic crisis. The actions include entering into written agreements and cease and desist orders that place certain limitations on operations. Federal bank regulators have also been using with more frequency their ability to impose individual minimum capital requirements on banks, which requirements may be higher than those required under the Dodd-Frank Act or that would otherwise qualify a bank as being “well capitalized” under applicable prompt corrective action regulations. If we were to become subject to a regulatory agreement or higher individual minimum capital requirements, such action may have a negative impact on our ability to execute our business plan, as well as our ability to grow, pay dividends or engage in mergers and acquisitions and may result in restrictions in our operations.

 

Additionally, the Federal Reserve Board has approved revisions to their capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action rules that implement the revised standards of Basel III, and address relevant provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Basel III and the regulations of the federal banking agencies require bank holding companies and banks to undertake significant activities to demonstrate compliance with the new and higher capital standards. Compliance with these rules will impose additional costs on us.

 

We operate in a highly regulated environment and we may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

 

Town Square Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the OCC, its primary federal regulator, and by the FDIC, as its deposit insurer. The Company is also subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage, and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of Town Square Bank rather than for holders of the Company’s common stock. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses. If our regulators require us to charge-off loans or increase our allowance for loan losses, our earnings would suffer. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations. 

 

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Strong Competition Within Our Market Areas May Limit Our Growth and Profitability.

 

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. In our market areas, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. In our seven-county market area, including Boyd, Greenup, Lawrence, Jessamine and Montgomery Counties in Kentucky and Lawrence and Scioto Counties in Ohio, there are a total of 29 commercial bank and savings institution competitors, along with several credit union competitors.  The commercial banks and savings institutions operate a total of 112 branch offices in those counties, containing $3.3 billion of deposits.  The commercial bank and savings institution competitors include larger institutions with nationwide or regional operations, and local community institutions such as us that serve the local markets only.  The credit union competitors consist of local community based institutions. Some of our competitors have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business, and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we can, which could affect our ability to grow and remain profitable on a long-term basis. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market areas. If we must raise interest rates paid on deposits or lower interest rates charged on our loans, our net interest margin and profitability could be adversely affected. For additional information see “Item 1—Business—Town Square—Market Area” and —“Competition.”

 

The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of new legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.

 

Risks Associated with System Failures, Interruptions, or Breaches of Security Could Negatively Affect Us and Our Earnings.

 

Information technology systems are critical to our business operations. We use various technology systems to manage customer relationships, our general ledger, our securities investments, and our customer deposits and loans. We have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the effect of system failures, interruptions, and security breaches, but these events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, any compromise of our systems could deter customers from using our products and services. Security systems may not protect systems from security breaches.

 

In addition, we outsource some of our data processing to certain third-party providers. If they encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely affected. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

 

The occurrence of any system failures, interruption, or breach of security could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business, thereby subjecting us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We Are a Community Bank and Our Ability to Maintain Our Reputation is Critical to the Success of Our Business and the Failure to Do So May Materially Adversely Affect Our Performance.

 

We are a community bank, and our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. As such, we strive to conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and associates. If our reputation is negatively affected, by the actions of our employees or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results may be materially adversely affected. We will continue to face additional challenges maintaining our reputation with respect to customers of Town Square in our current market area and in building our reputation in the new market areas that we serve as a result of the acquisition of Town Square Financial and Town Square Bank and also the acquisition of Commonwealth Bank.

 

We Depend on Our Management Team to Implement Our Business Strategy and Execute Successful Operations and We Could Be Harmed by the Loss of Their Services.

 

We are dependent upon the services of our senior management team. Our strategy and operations are directed by the senior management team. Any loss of the services of our president and chief executive officer or other members of our senior management team could impact our ability to implement our business strategy, and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to compete in our markets. See “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.”

 

We Operate in a Highly Regulated Environment and May Be Adversely Affected by Changes in Laws and Regulations.

 

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the OCC, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulators govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of a financial institution, the classification of assets by a financial institution, and the adequacy of a financial institution’s allowance for loan losses. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, could have a material impact on us and our operations. Because our business is highly regulated, the applicable laws, rules and regulations are subject to regular modification and change. Laws, rules and regulations may be adopted in the future that could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or prospects.

 

Changes in Accounting Standards Could Affect Reported Earnings.

 

The accounting standard setters, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting guidance that governs the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially affect how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply new or revised guidance retroactively.

 

The Issuance of Awards Under Our Stock-Based Benefit Plans Will Dilute Your Ownership Interest.

 

On January 8, 2013, the shareholders of Poage Bankshares approved the Poage Bankshares, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for employees and directors of Poage Bankshares. The Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 472,132 shares of Poage Bankshares common stock, with no more than 134,895 of shares as restricted stock awards and 337,237 as stock options, either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan may not be less than the fair value on the date the stock option is granted. The compensation committee of the board of directors has sole discretion to determine the amount and to whom equity incentive awards are granted. If awards under the Plan are funded from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, Poage Bankshares shareholders would experience a dilution of their ownership interest. On April 16, 2013, the board of directors awarded the authorized 134,895 restricted shares as designated by the compensation committee and through December 31, 2015 have granted 325,000 stock option awards. The implementation of any additional stock-based benefit plans in the future would cause further dilution of such ownership interests.

 

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Poage Bankshares May Fail to Realize the Anticipated Benefits of the Acquisitions, and the Value of the Poage Bankshares Stock May Decline.

 

The success of the acquisitions of Town Square Financial and Commonwealth will depend on, among other things, Poage Bankshares’ ability to realize anticipated cost savings and to combine the businesses of Poage Bankshares and with the business of Town Square Financial and Commonwealth in a manner that permits growth opportunities and does not materially disrupt the existing customer relationships of Town Square Financial and Commonwealth or result in decreased revenues resulting from any loss of customers. If Poage Bankshares is not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected, adversely affecting the financial condition and results of operations of Poage Bankshares and the value of Poage Bankshares common stock.

 

Certain employees of Town Square Financial have not been employed by Poage Bankshares or Town Square after the acquisitions. In addition, employees of either company, including Commonwealth, that Poage Bankshares has retained may elect to terminate their employment. Replacing such employees or tasking existing employees with such employees’ responsibilities could result in inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the ability of both parties to maintain relationships with their respective customers and employees or the ability of Poage Bankshares to achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition.

 

If the goodwill we have recorded in connection with business acquisitions becomes impaired, it could have a negative impact on our profitability.

 

Goodwill represents the amount of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets we acquired in the purchase of another financial institution.  We review goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the asset might be impaired.  We determine impairment by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  Any such adjustments are reflected in our results of operations in the periods in which they become known.  We have recorded no such impairment charges since we initially recorded the goodwill, there can be no assurance that our future evaluations of goodwill will not result in findings of impairment and related write-downs, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Shareholder Activists Could Cause a Disruption to Poage Bankshares’ Business.

 

Certain institutional investors have indicated that they disagree with the strategic direction and capital allocation policies of Poage Bankshares and have successfully obtained representation on its Board of Directors through a director election contest. Poage Bankshares’ business, operating results or financial condition could be adversely affected by a director election contest and may result in, among other things:

 

  · Increased operating costs, including increased legal expenses, insurance, administrative expenses and associated costs incurred in connection with director election contests;

 

  · Uncertainties as to Poage Bankshares’ future direction could result in the loss of potential business opportunities and could (i) make it more difficult to attract, retain, or motivate qualified personnel, and (ii) strain relationships with investors and customers; and

 

  · Reduction or delay in Poage Bankshares’ ability to effectively execute its current business strategy and to implement new strategies.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

As of December 31, 2015, the net book value of our offices was $10.5 million.

 

   Leased or  Year Acquired   Square   Net Book Value 
Location  Owned  or Leased   Footage   of Real Property 
              (Dollars in 
              thousands) 
Main office:                  
1500 Carter Avenue                  
Ashland, Kentucky  Owned   2007    12,000   $3,680 
                   
Branch offices:                  
1608 Argillite Road                  
Flatwoods, Kentucky  Owned   1969    1,728   $244 
                   
852 US 23                  
South Shore, Kentucky  Owned   1978    1,575   $102 
                   
119 N Main Cross Street                  
Louisa, Kentucky  Owned   1984    1,748   $178 
                   
501 US 23, Greenup, Kentucky  Owned   2008    1,120   $501 
                   
9431 US 60, Cannonsburg, Kentucky  Owned   2014    9,840   $1,190 
                   
150 South Main St                  
Nicholasville, Kentucky  Owned   2014    7,028   $1,931 
                   
3500 Court St.                  
Catlettsburg, Kentucky  Leased   2014    598   $- 
                   
101 Commonwealth Dr.                  
Mt Sterling, Kentucky  Owned   2015    3,929   $1,438 
                   
Branch opening in 2016:                  
621 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd                  
Ashland, Kentucky  Owned   2015    4,736   $756 
                   
Operations center:                  
6628 US 60                  
Summit, Kentucky  Owned   2015    8,640   $435 

 

We believe that current facilities are adequate to meet our present and foreseeable needs, subject to possible future expansion.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are not involved in any pending legal proceedings as a plaintiff or a defendant other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. At December 31, 2015, we were not involved in any legal proceedings, the outcome of which would be material to our financial condition or results of operations. 

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

39 

 

  

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

(a)       Our shares of common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol PBSK. The approximate number of holders of record of Poage Bankshares, Inc.’s common stock as of December 31, 2015 was 463. Certain shares of Poage Bankshares, Inc. are held in “nominee” or “street” name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number. The following table presents quarterly market information for Poage Bankshares, Inc. common stock for each quarter of the previous two fiscal years. The following information was provided by the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

           Closing   Dividends 
   High   Low   Price   Declared 
Quarter ended December 31, 2015  $17.31   $15.50   $17.10   $0.06 
Quarter ended September 30, 2015   16.50    15.35    15.50    0.06 
Quarter ended June 30, 2015   16.00    15.10    15.33    0.06 
Quarter ended March 31, 2015   15.50    14.50    15.35    0.05 
Quarter ended December 31, 2014   15.48    14.20    14.87    0.05 
Quarter ended September 30, 2014   16.60    14.22    15.00    0.05 
Quarter ended June 30, 2014   14.78    14.05    14.75    0.05 
Quarter ended March 31, 2014   14.28    12.46    14.20    0.05 

 

 Dividend payments by Poage Bankshares, Inc. are dependent primarily on dividends it receives from Town Square, because Poage Bankshares, Inc. has no source of income other than dividends from Town Square, earnings from the investment of proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock retained by Poage Bankshares, Inc., and interest payments with respect to Poage Bankshares Inc.’s loan to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. For more information on regulatory restrictions regarding the payment of dividends, see “Item 1—Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends” and “—Holding Company Regulation—Permissible Activities.” For information regarding shares of Poage Bankshares common stock that is available for issuance under equity compensation plans, see “Item 12—Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

 

Other than its employee stock ownership plan, Poage Bankshares, Inc. does not have any equity compensation plans that were not approved by stockholders.

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

(c)

Issuer repurchases. On May 30, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 195,244 shares of Poage Bankshares common stock. On June 29, 2015, the Board of Directors of Poage Bankshares, Inc. terminated the May 30, 2014 stock repurchase program under which the Company had previously purchased a total of 102,003 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $14.86 per share. 

 

On June 29, 2015, the Board of Directors of Poage Bankshares, Inc. authorized program to repurchase up to 200,000 shares, which represents approximately 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock through open-market purchases, block trades, negotiated private transactions and pursuant to a trading plan that was adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

    

On November 23, 2015, the Board of Directors of Poage Bankshares, Inc. terminated the June 29, 2015 stock repurchase program under which the Company had previously purchased a total of 18,604 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price of $15.71 per share. The Board of Directors authorized a new program to repurchase of up to 100,000 shares, which represents approximately 2.55% of the shares currently outstanding.  The new repurchase program was effective upon adoption.   

 

On February 5, 2016, Poage Bankshares, Inc. completed its previously reported stock repurchase program for up to 100,000 shares.  The Company repurchased the 100,000 shares at a weighted average price of $17.29 per share.

 

40 

 

  

 

Poage Bankshares’ stock repurchases pursuant to the repurchase program is dependent on certain factors, including but not limited to, market conditions and prices, available funds and alternative uses of capital. The repurchase program may be carried out through open-market purchases, block trades, negotiated private transactions and pursuant to a trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any repurchased shares will be treated by the Company as authorized but unissued shares.

 

The following table sets forth information in connection with repurchases of the Poage Bankshares’ common stock for the period January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Shares were purchased pursuant to repurchase authorizations outlined above and include 5,341 shares net-settled pursuant to Poage Bankshares’ Equity Incentive Plan

 

           Total Number   Number of Shares 
           of Shares   That May Yet 
   Total       Purchased as   Be Purchased 
   Number of   Average   Part of   Under Publicly 
   Shares   Price Paid   Publicly   Announced 
   Purchased   Per Share   Announced Plan   Plan 
January 1 - January 31, 2015   20,000    14.80    20,000    155,244 
February 1 -  February 28, 2015   11,301    14.95    11,301    143,943 
March 1 -  March 31, 2015   51,133    15.03    50,522    93,421 
April 1 - April 30, 2015   6,759    15.50    2,029    91,392 
May 1 - May 31, 2015   -    -    -    91,392 
June 1 - June 30, 2015   -    -    -    200,000 
July 1 - July 31, 2015   4,700    15.65    4,700    195,300 
August 1 - August 31, 2015   13,904    15.73    13,904    181,396 
September 1 - September 30, 2015   -    -    -    181,396 
October 1 - October 31, 2015   -    -    -    181,396 
November 1 - November 30, 2015   -    -    -    100,000 
December 1- December 31, 2015   29,169    16.79    29,169    70,831 
Total   136,966   $15.48    131,625      

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following tables set forth selected historical financial and other data of Poage Bankshares at the dates and for the periods indicated. The information at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is derived in part from, and should be read together with, the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Poage Bankshares that appear in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information at December 31, 2013, September 30, 2013 and 2012 and for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, is derived in part from audited financial statements that do not appear in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Selected Financial and Other Data

 

   At December 31,   At September 30, 
   2015   2014   2013   2013   2012 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Financial Condition Data:                         
Total assets  $435,088   $414,702   $289,230   $291,008   $317,159 
Cash and cash equivalents   25,876    16,967    6,684    8,192    23,430 
Investment securities   63,975    65,262    86,062    87,930    94,456 
Loans held for sale   367    712    307    482    719 
Loans receivable, net   314,143    302,012    177,088    175,476    179,998 
Deposits   343,130    323,138    209,440    217,340    236,472 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   15,803    17,952    19,958    13,230    17,672 
Subordinated debenture   2,761    2,697    -    -    - 
Retained earnings   34,270    31,933    30,789    31,074    29,416 
Total equity   71,241    68,151    57,658    57,905    60,582 

 

   For the Year   For the Year   For the Three         
   Ended   Ended   Months Ended   For the Years Ended 
   December 31,   December 31,   December 31,   September 30, 
   2015   2014   2013   2013   2012 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Operating Data:                         
Interest and dividend income  $19,106   $17,592   $2,883   $11,750   $12,983 
Interest expense   2,210    2,164    462    2,328    3,253 
Net interest income   16,896    15,428    2,421    9,422    9,730 
Provision for loan losses   514    504    -    106    902 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   16,382    14,924    2,421    9,316    8,828 
Non-interest income   3,912    3,017    274    2,266    1,291 
Non-interest expenses   16,146    15,483    2,839    8,543    8,133 
Income (loss) before income taxes   4,148    2,458    (144)   3,039    1,986 
Income taxes   971    612    16    883    407 
Net income (loss)   3,177    1,846    (160)   2,156    1,579 

 

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           At or for the         
           Three Months         
   At or For the Years Ended   Ended   At or For the Years Ended 
   December 31,   December 31,   September 30, 
   2015   2014   2013   2013   2012 
                     
Performance Ratios:                         
Return on average assets   0.75%   0.47%   (0.22)%   0.70%   0.49%
Return on average equity   4.56%   2.84%   (1.11)%   3.62%   2.57%
Interest rate spread (1)   4.07%   4.01%   3.38%   3.09%   3.01%
Net interest margin (2)   4.24%   4.16%   3.54%   3.27%   3.22%
Noninterest expense to average assets   3.79%   3.81%   3.98%   2.78%   2.52%
Efficiency ratio (3)   77.60%   83.51%   105.34%   72.23%   73.80%
Dividend payout ratio (4)   26.44%   38.46%   n/a    23.19%   15.69%
Average interest-earnings assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   131.09%   127.56%   122.33%   121.23%   119.47%
Average equity to average assets   16.38%   17.54%   19.89%   19.40%   18.99%
                          
Capital Ratios:                         
Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets   24.36%   24.34%   32.12%   31.75%   29.29%
Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets   23.68%   23.61%   30.87%   30.49%   28.03%
Tier I capital to adjusted total assets   15.31%   15.07%   16.16%   15.89%   13.78%
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets   23.68%   n/a    n/a    n/a    n/a 
                          
Asset Quality Ratios:                         
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans   0.59%   0.63%   1.07%   1.12%   1.10%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans   41.27%   56.99%   206.05%   277.02%   153.21%
Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period, annualized where applicable   0.18%   0.16%   0.18%   0.07%   0.31%
Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans   1.42%   1.10%   0.52%   0.40%   0.72%
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets   1.36%   1.26%   0.45%   0.38%   0.73%
Other:                         
Number of offices   9    8    6    6    6 
Loan Production office   1    1    1           

 

 

 

(1) Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

(2) Represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.

(3) Represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.

(4) Represents dividends declared per share divided by the net income per share.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

We have historically operated as a traditional thrift institution headquartered in Ashland, Kentucky. Our principal business consists of attracting retail deposits from the general public in our market area and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, and to a lesser extent, borrowings, in one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, commercial and multi-family real estate loans, commercial business loans, consumer loans, consisting primarily of automobile loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction loans. Since the acquisition of Town Square Financial Corporation, our focus has moved towards commercial banking. We also purchase investment securities consisting primarily of securities issued by United States Government agencies and government sponsored entities, including obligations of state and political subdivisions and mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2015, we had total assets of $435.1 million, total deposits of $343.1 million and total equity of $71.2 million.

 

Our results of operations depend primarily on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our results of operations also are affected by our provisions for loan losses, non-interest income and non-interest expense. Non-interest income currently consists primarily of service charges on deposit accounts, net gain on sales of securities and loans, income from company-owned life insurance and miscellaneous other income. Non-interest expense currently consists primarily of expenses related to compensation and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, data processing, federal deposit insurance, foreclosed assets, advertising, professional and accounting fees, and other operating expenses.

 

Other than our loans for the construction of one- to four-family properties, we do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans (where the borrower pays only interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan) on one- to four-family residential properties. We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on his or her loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer “subprime loans” (i.e., loans that generally target borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios) or Alt-A loans (i.e., loans that generally target borrowers with better credit scores who borrow with alternative documentation, such as little or no verification of income).

 

Business Strategy

 

Highlights of our current business strategy include the following:

 

  · Continuing to originate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans while increasing our holdings of such loans with adjustable rates. We have been primarily a one- to four-family residential mortgage lender to borrowers in our market area. As of December 31, 2015, $184.6 million, or 42.4%, of our total assets consisted of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, compared to $179.5 million, or 43.3%, of total assets at December 31, 2014. We historically have held primarily fixed-rate loans in our one- to four-family residential mortgage loan portfolio. However, in order to better manage the interest rate sensitivity of our loan portfolio, in 2009 we began to increase our emphasis on adjustable-rate mortgage loan originations subject to demand for such loans in a lower interest rate environment. In addition, in fiscal year 2010, we began selling substantially all of our new fixed-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans through the FHLB-Cincinnati Mortgage Purchase Program.

  

  · Increasing our origination of commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and other consumer loans. While we will continue to originate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, we also intend to continue to increase our origination of nonresidential real estate loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, other consumer loans and commercial business loans in order to increase the yield of, and reduce the term to repricing of, our total loan portfolio. Between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, commercial business loans increased $6.3 million, or 24.8%, home equity loans and lines of credit increased $314,000, or 3.9%, other consumer loans increased $971,000, or 5.7% and commercial real estate and multi-family loans decreased $1.4 million, or 23.6%. We expect each of these loan categories to continue to grow over the next three years. The additional capital raised in the stock offering increased our commercial real estate lending capacity by enabling us to originate more loans and loans with larger balances. See “Item 1—Business—Town Square Bank—Lending Activities—Commercial Real Estate Lending.”

 

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  · Managing interest rate risk while enhancing to the extent practicable our net interest margin. During the last several years, we have taken steps that are intended to enhance our interest rate margin (in relation to what it would have been had we remained exclusively a residential lender) as well as our ability to manage our interest rate risk in the future. In particular, we have attempted to increase our holdings of nonresidential loans including commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, and consumer loans, which generally have shorter terms to maturity and higher yields than fixed-rate one- to four-family mortgage loans, and which allows us to reinvest these funds into market-rate loans as interest rates change. Our portfolio of these types of loans increased significantly as a result of the acquisition of Town Square Financial Corporation. In addition, we have increased our origination of adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential loans and have developed a secondary market capability with the FHLB-Cincinnati so that we can sell our new fixed-rate one- to four-family mortgage loans that do not fit within our asset/liability management parameters.

 

  · Increasing our “core” deposit base. We are seeking to build our core deposit base, with particular focus on NOW accounts and non-interest bearing demand accounts. We believe such core deposits not only have favorable cost and interest rate change resistance, but also allow us greater opportunity to connect with our customers and offer them other financial services and products. We added two branches in connection with our acquisition of Town Square Financial Corporation and one branch in connection with our acquisition of Commonwealth, which increased our core deposit base by approximately $26.0 million and $8.9 million, respectively. We will continue to provide our high quality service and products as well as competitive pricing to attract deposits.

  

  · Expanding our banking relationships to a larger base of customers. We were established in 1889 and have been operating continuously since that time. As of June 30, 2015 (the latest date for which deposit market share information is available from the FDIC), our market share of deposits represented 14.38% of FDIC-insured deposits in Boyd, Greenup, Lawrence, Jessamine and Montgomery Counties in Kentucky, combined taking into account the acquisitions of Town Square Bank and Commonwealth Bank. We will seek to expand our customer base, primarily through opportunistic acquisitions and organic growth, and offer our products and services to the new base of customers by using our recognized brand name and the goodwill developed over years of providing timely, efficient banking services.

 

  · Maintaining strong asset quality. We have emphasized maintaining strong asset quality by following conservative underwriting guidelines, sound loan administration, and focusing on loans secured by real estate located within our primary market area. Our nonperforming assets totaled $5.8 million, or 1.4% of total assets at December 31, 2015 compared to $5.2 million, or 1.3% of total assets at December 31, 2014. Our nonperforming loans totaled $4.5 million, or 1.4% of total loans at December 31, 2015 compared to $3.4 million, or 1.1% of total loans at December 31, 2014. The slight increase in nonperforming assets and nonperforming loans is primarily due to an increase in consumer mortgage loan defaults.

 

Critical Accounting Policy

 

We consider accounting policies that require management to exercise significant judgment or discretion or make significant assumptions that have, or could have, a material impact on income or on the carrying value of certain assets, to be critical accounting policies. We consider the following to be our critical accounting policy:

 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged-off.

 

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.

 

A loan is impaired when full payment under the terms of the loan is not expected. Commercial and non-residential real estate loans are individually evaluated for impairment. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment, and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

 

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Accounting for Business Combination: During 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Commonwealth Bank. In the prior year, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Town Square Financial Corporation.  Both transactions were accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method as outlined in ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations and ASC Topic 310, Receivables. The acquisition method requires: a) identification of the entity that obtains control of the acquired; b) determination of the acquisition date; c) recognition and measurement of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value; and d) recognition and measurement of goodwill or bargain purchase gain. 

 

Acquired loans are recorded at their estimated fair values, which includes a credit component, and the allowance for loan losses is not carried over.  Loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination are accounted under ASC 310-30.  Under this guidance, the Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows in excess of the amount paid, which is recorded as interest income over the remaining life (accretable yield).  The excess of the contractual principal and interest over the expect cash flow is not recorded (non-accretable difference).  Loans with no evidence of credit deterioration are recorded at their estimated fair value, with the difference between fair value and amortized cost amortized or accreted into income using the interest method.  Credit deterioration post acquisition is recorded as provision expense.

 

Discounts or premiums on other financial instruments are also amortized or accreted into income over the life using the income method.

 

Income Taxes: We account for income taxes under the liability method, whereby deferred tax asset or liability account balances are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using current tax laws and rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets when we expect the amount of tax benefit to be realized is less than the carrying value of the deferred tax asset.

 

Accounting for income taxes involves uncertainty and judgment on how to interpret and apply tax laws and regulations within our annual tax filings. Such uncertainties from time to time may result in a tax position that may be challenged and overturned by a tax authority in the future which could result in additional tax liability, interest charges and possibly penalties. We classify interest and penalties as a component of tax expense.

 

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

 

At December 31, 2015, Poage Bankshares’ assets totaled $435.1 million, an increase of $20.4 million, or 4.9% from $414.7 million at December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Commonwealth.

 

Cash and Cash equivalents increased by $8.9 million, or 52.4% to $25.9 million at December 31, 2015 from $17.0 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to the acquisition of Commonwealth and the sale of $19.7 million in available for sale securities.

 

Loans held for sale decreased $345,000, or 48.5%, from $712,000 at December 31, 2014 to $367,000 at December 31, 2015 primarily due to a decline in mortgage banking activity at year end.

 

Loans receivable, net, increased $12.1 million, or 4.0%, to $314.1 million at December 31, 2015 from $302.0 million at December 31, 2014. This increases were primarily due to the acquisition of Commonwealth. Non-performing loans increased by $1.1 million, or 32.4%, to $4.5 million at December 31, 2015 from $3.4 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to the deterioration in credit quality of consumer mortgage loans and defaults.

 

Securities available for sale decreased by $1.3 million, or 2.0%, from $65.3 million at December 31, 2014 to $64.0 million at December 31, 2015. This decrease is due to $13.8 million in sales, calls, regular maturities and principal payments offset by purchases totaling $13.1 million.

 

Deposits increased $20.0 million, or 6.2%, to $343.1 million at December 31, 2015 from $323.1 million at December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Commonwealth.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased $2.1 million, or 12.0%, to $15.8 million at December 31, 2015 from $18.0 million at December 31, 2014. This decrease in borrowings was primarily due to $51.4 million in regular principal payments and maturities, offset by $47.0 million in advances and $2.3 million in borrowings acquired from Commonwealth.

 

Other borrowings decreased by $64,000 to $2.8 million at December 31, 2015 from $2.7 million at December 31, 2014 as a result of the amortization of fair value related to the subordinate debenture. The subordinated debenture of $2.7 million is shown as a liability. The investment in common stock of the trust is $124,000 and is included in other assets. The subordinated debt has a variable rate of interest equal to the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.83%, which was 2.34% at December 31, 2015.

 

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Total shareholders’ equity increased by $3.0 million, or 4.5%, to $71.2 million at December 31, 2015, from $68.2 million at December 31, 2014. The increase resulted primarily from net income of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, the stock offering in connection with the acquisition of Commonwealth of $1.7 million, net of issuance costs, offset by the repurchase of stock totaling $2.1 million, the payment of cash dividends totaling $840,000 and the decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $76,000.

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

 

General. Net income increased $1.3 million, or 72.1%, to $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from net income of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase reflected an increase in net interest income of $1.5 million, or 9.5%, to $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and increase in non-interest income of $895,000, or 29.7%, to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, offset by an increase in non-interest expense of $663,000, or 4.3%, to $16.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest income increased $1.5 million, or 8.6%, to $19.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $17.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Interest income on loans increased $1.9 million, or 12.0%, to $17.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The average yields on loans decreased to 5.64% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 5.68% for the year ended December 31, 2014, although the average balance of loans increased to $311.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $275.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in yield is due to loans with higher yields maturing in 2015 and being replaced with lower yielding loans. The increase in the average balance for 2015 is primarily due to the acquisition of Town Square Financial in March of 2014 and partially due to the acquisition of Commonwealth in May 2015. The information for year ended December 31, 2015 reflects the accretive benefit, approximately $1.6 million, of both transactions, but the information for year-ended December 31, 2014 only partially reflects the benefits, approximately $1.1 million, from the acquisition of Town Square Financial.

 

Interest income on investment securities decreased $385,000, or 21.2%, to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, reflecting a decrease in the average balance of such securities to $66.7 million at December 31, 2015 from $77.1 million at December 31, 2014 and a decrease in the average yield to 2.14% for the year ended December 31, 2015, from 2.36% for the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease in yield is due to calls and maturity of higher yielding investment securities.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $46,000, or 2.1%, to $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase reflected an increase in the average balance on interest bearing deposits to $286.4 million at December 31, 2015 from $264.6 million at December 31, 2014, offset by a decrease in the average rate paid on such deposits to 0.63% for the year ended December 31, 2015 from 0.65% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Interest expense on interest bearing deposits increased $107,000, or 6.3%, to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Interest expense on FHLB-Cincinnati advances and subordinated debenture decreased $61,000, or 13.4% to $394,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $455,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was due to a decrease of $10.7 million in the average balance of these borrowings offset by a 66 basis point increase to 2.28% from 1.62% in the average rate paid on these borrowings.

 

Interest expense on money market deposits, savings, NOW and demand deposits increased $23,000, or 11.3%, to $226,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $203,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase reflected an increase in the average balance of these deposits to $126.6 million at December 31, 2015 from $108.2 million at December 31, 2014. The average rate paid on these deposits decreased 1 basis point to 0.18% for the year ended December 31, 2015 from 0.19% for the year ended December 31, 2014. Interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $84,000, or 5.6%, to $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase reflected an increase in the average balance of such certificates to $159.8 million from $156.4 million and an increase in the average rate paid on certificates of deposits to 0.99% for the year ended December 31, 2015 from 0.96% for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $1.5 million, or 9.5%, to $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The interest rate spread increased to 4.07% from 4.01%, along with an increase in the ratio of the average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities to 131.09% from 126.65%. Net interest margin increased to 4.24% from 4.16%. The increase in interest rate spread and net interest margin was largely due to the acquisition of Town Square Financial and partially due to the acquisition of Commonwealth.

 

Provision for Loan Losses. Provision for loan losses increased $10,000, or 2.0%, to $514,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $504,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The provisions for each period were based on management’s quarterly calculations and evaluation of trends in the portfolio to insure the allowance is adequate.

 

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $895,000, or 29.7%, to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in noninterest income was primarily attributable to the bargain purchase gain of $955,000 on the acquisition of Commonwealth on May 31, 2015, an increase in service charges on deposits of $264,000, or 15.4%, to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and an increase in gains on mortgage banking activity of $121,000, or 21.5%, to $685,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $564,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014, offset by a decrease in net gains on sales of securities of $218,000, or 94.0%, to $14,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $232,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and a decrease in income from death benefit to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $243,000 from the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

47 

 

  

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $663,000, or 4.3%, to $16.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase was due largely to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $298,000, an increase in data processing expense of $343,000, an increase in foreclosed assets of $203,000 and an increase in occupancy expense of $111,000, offset by a decrease in early termination fee and conversions costs of $297,000 attributable to the acquisition of Commonwealth.

 

Income Tax Expense. The provision for income taxes increased $359,000, or 58.7%, to $971,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $612,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in the effective tax rate is due to an increase in pre-tax income, with non-taxable income comprising a smaller portion of the total. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 was 30.4%, excluding the Bargain purchase gain on the Commonwealth acquisition compared to 24.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014. 

 

48 

 

  

Analysis of Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income represents the difference between the income we earn on interest-earning assets and the interest expense we pay on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income also depends upon the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or paid on them.

 

The following table sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information at the dates and for the periods indicated. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income.

 

   For the Years Ended December 31, 
   2015   2014 
   Average   Interest and       Average   Interest and     
   Balance   Dividends   Yield/ Cost   Balance   Dividends   Yield/ Cost 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Assets:                              
Interest-earning assets:                              
Loans  $310,964   $17,523    5.64%  $275,609   $15,645    5.68%
Investment securities   66,725    1,431    2.14%   77,101    1,816    2.36%
FHLB stock   2,895    115    3.97%   2,533    102    4.03%
Other interest-earning assets   17,530    37    0.21%   15,344    29    0.19%
Total interest-earning assets   398,114    19,106    4.80%   370,587    17,592    4.75%
                               
Noninterest-earning assets   27,655              22,662           
Total assets   425,769              393,249           
                               
Liabilities and equity:                              
Interest bearing liabilities:                              
Interest bearing deposits:                              
NOW, savings, money market, and other   126,588    226    0.18%   108,200    203    0.19%
Certificates of deposit   159,814    1,590    0.99%   156,387    1,506    0.96%
Total interest bearing deposits   286,402    1,816    0.63%   264,587    1,709    0.65%
                               
FHLB advances   14,572    240    1.65%   25,922    339    1.31%
Subordinated Debenture   2,728    154    5.65%   2,089    116    5.55%
Total borrowings   17,300    394    2.28%   28,011    455    1.62%
                               
Total interest bearing liabilities   303,702    2,210    0.73%   292,598    2,164    0.74%
                               
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                              
Non-interest bearing deposits   48,206              33,089           
Accrued interest payable   197              281           
Other liabilities   3,942              2,290           
Total non-interest bearing liabilities   52,345              35,660           
Total liabilities   356,047              328,258           
                               
Total equity   69,722              64,991           
Total liabilities and equity   425,769              393,249           
                               
Net interest income        16,896              15,428      
Interest rate spread             4.07%             4.01%
Net interest margin             4.24%             4.16%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities             131.09%             126.65%

 

49 

 

  

Rate/Volume Analysis

 

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the major categories of Town Square’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Information is provided for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (i.e., changes in average balances multiplied by the prior-period average rate) and (ii) changes attributable to rate (i.e., changes in average rate multiplied by prior-period average balances). For purposes of these tables, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

 

Year Ended December 31,            
2015 Compared to 2014  Volume   Rate   Net 
   (In thousands) 
             
Interest income:               
Loans receivable  $1,993   $(115)  $1,878 
Investment securities   (231)   (154)   (385)
Other interest-earning assets   18    3    21 
Total   1,780    (266)   1,514 
                
Interest expense:               
Now, Savings, Money Market, and other   33    (10)   23 
Certificates   33    51    84 
FHLB advances and other borrowings   (137)   76    (61)
Total   (71)   117    46 
Increase (decrease) in net interest income  $1,851   $(383)  $1,468 

 

50 

 

  

Management of Market Risk

 

Our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk because, as a financial institution, the majority of our assets and liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a principal part of our operations is to manage interest rate risk and limit the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates.

 

Our Board of Directors is responsible for the review and oversight of our asset/liability strategies. Our Board of Directors has also established an Asset/Liability Management Committee consisting of senior management. This committee is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors.

 

Among the techniques we are currently using to manage interest rate risk are: (i) continuing the origination of adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential loans, subject to demand for such loans in a lower interest rate environment, while endeavoring to sell a large portion of the fixed rate; (ii) increasing our origination of commercial and multifamily residential real estate, commercial business and motor vehicle and other consumer loans as they generally reprice more quickly than residential mortgage loans that we originate to the FHLB-Cincinnati; (iii) maintaining a strong capital position, which provides for a favorable level of interest-earning assets relative to interest-bearing liabilities; and (iv) emphasizing less interest rate sensitive and lower-costing “core deposits.” We also maintain a portfolio of short-term or adjustable-rate assets and from time to time have used fixed-rate FHLB-Cincinnati advances and brokered deposits to extend the term to repricing of our liabilities.

 

Depending on market conditions, from time to time we place more emphasis on enhancing net interest margin rather than matching the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities. In particular, we believe that the increased net interest income resulting from a mismatch in the maturity of our assets and liabilities portfolios can, during periods of stable or declining interest rates, provide high enough returns to justify increased exposure to sudden and unexpected increases in interest rates. As a result of this philosophy, our results of operations and the economic value of our equity will remain vulnerable to increases in interest rates and to declines due to differences between long and short-term interest rates.

 

An important measure of interest rate risk is the amount by which the economic value of equity of an institution’s cash flow from assets, liabilities and off balance sheet items changes in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. We have utilized the Sterne Agee Bank Earnings Report (SABER) to provide an analysis of estimated changes in our EVE under the assumed instantaneous changes in the United States treasury yield curve. The financial model uses a discounted cash flow analysis and an option-based pricing approach to measuring the interest rate sensitivity of the EVE.

 

Set forth below is an analysis of the changes to the economic value of our equity (“EVE”) that would occur December 31, 2015 in the event of designated changes in the United States treasury yield curve. At December 31, 2015, the economic value of our equity exposure related to these hypothetical changes in market interest rates was within the current guidelines we have established.

 

  Economic Value of Equity   EVE as % 
  (Dollars in thousands)   of EV of Assets 
Change in Rates  $ Amount   $ Change   % Change   EVE Ratio   Change 
+400bp   77,063    (25,750)   (25.05)%   19.64%   (359)bp
+300bp   83,166    (19,647)   (19.11)%   20.60%   (263)bp
+200bp   90,111    (12,702)   (12.35)%   21.64%   (159)bp
+100bp   96,874    (5,939)   (5.78)%   22.55%   (68)bp
0bp   102,813    -    -    23.23%    -bp
-100bp   106,393    3,580    3.48%   23.39%   16bp
-200bp   107,528    4,715    4.59%   23.07%   (16)bp
-300bp   109,987    7,174    6.98%   23.06%   (17)bp
-400bp   118,984    16,171    15.73%   24.30%   107bp

 

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Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurement. The EVE analysis incorporates all cash flows over the estimated remaining life of all balance sheet items and off balance sheet items. The EVE of the balance sheet is the discounted present value of assets and derivative cash flows minus discounted value of liability cash flows at a point in time and is a measure of longer term interest rate risk. The results of the model are dependent on assumptions concerning the timing and variability of cash flows along with projected prepayments and deposit decay rates.

 

Our policies do not permit hedging activities, such as engaging in futures, options or swap transactions, or investing in high-risk mortgage derivatives, such as collateralized mortgage obligation residual interests, real estate mortgage investment conduit residual interests or stripped mortgage backed securities.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our primary sources of funds are deposits and the proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities. We also utilize Federal Home Loan Bank advances. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Poage Bankshares generally manages the pricing of its deposits to be competitive within its market and to increase core deposit relationships.

 

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term responsibility of management. We adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon management’s assessment of (i) expected loan demand, (ii) expected deposit flows, (iii) yields available on interest-earning deposits and investment securities, and (iv) the objectives of its asset/liability management program. Excess liquid assets are invested generally in interest-earning overnight deposits, federal funds sold, and short and intermediate-term investment securities. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, we have additional borrowing capacity with the FHLB-Cincinnati. At December 31, 2015, we had $15.8 million in advances from the FHLB-Cincinnati and an additional borrowing capacity of $92.2 million.

 

Town Square is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by its primary federal regulator, the OCC. Failure to meet the minimum regulatory capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on Town Square and the consolidated financial statements. Under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, Town Square must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of Town Square’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.

 

Poage Bankshares is a separate legal entity from Town Square and must provide for its own liquidity to pay dividends to shareholders, repurchase its stock and to fund other corporate activities. Poage Bankshares’ primary source of liquidity is dividend payments it receives from Town Square. At December 31, 2015, Poage Bankshares (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets totaling $2.4 million.

 

Town Square’s capital amounts and classification under the prompt corrective action guidelines are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require Town Square to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (as defined in the regulations), Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets (as defined), tangible capital to adjusted total assets (as defined), and common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets (as defined).

  

As of December 31, 2015, based on the most recent notification from the OCC, Town Square was categorized as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since the most recent notification that management believes have changed Town Square’s prompt corrective action category.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. In the normal course of operations, Poage Bankshares engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in its financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit.

   

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

Our consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. U.S. GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration of changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than the effects of inflation.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

For information regarding market risk, see “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operation.” 

 

ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors

Poage Bankshares, Inc.

Ashland, Kentucky

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Poage Bankshares, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 

 

  /s/ Crowe Horwath LLP
   
Louisville, Kentucky  
March 30, 2016  

 

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POAGE BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)  

 

   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from financial institutions  $23,876   $16,967 
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions   1,992    - 
Securities available for sale   63,975    65,262 
Loans held for sale   367    712 
Loans, net of allowance of $1,858 and $1,911   314,143    302,012 
Restricted stock, at cost   3,276    2,921 
Other real estate owned, net   1,306    1,858 
Premises and equipment, net   11,514    9,257 
Company owned life insurance   6,941    6,760 
Accrued interest receivable   1,340    1,347 
Goodwill   1,277    1,082 
Other intangible assets, net   1,353    1,470 
Deferred tax asset   1,617    2,341 
Other assets   2,111    2,713 
Total Assets  $435,088   $414,702 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Deposits          
Non-interest bearing  $49,222   $49,646 
Interest bearing   293,908    273,492 
Total deposits   343,130    323,138 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   15,803    17,952 
Subordinated debenture   2,761    2,697 
Accrued interest payable   38    47 
Other liabilities   2,115    2,717 
Total liabilities   363,847    346,551 
           
Commitments and contingent liabilities   -    - 
           
Shareholders' equity          
Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, 3,892,282 and 3,876,455 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively   39    39 
Additional paid-in-capital   38,673    37,978 
Retained earnings   34,270    31,933 
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) shares   (2,125)   (2,259)
Accumulated other comprehensive income   384    460 
Total shareholders' equity   71,241    68,151 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $435,088   $414,702 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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POAGE BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data) 

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Interest and dividend income          
Loans, including fees  $17,523   $15,645 
Taxable securities   1,012    1,316 
Tax-exempt securities   419    500 
Federal funds sold and other   152    131 
    19,106    17,592 
Interest expense          
Deposits   1,816    1,709 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other   394    455 
    2,210    2,164 
Net interest income   16,896    15,428 
           
Provision for loan losses   514    504 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   16,382    14,924 
           
Non-interest income          
Service charges on deposits   1,974    1,710 
Other service charges   47    33 
Gains on mortgage banking activity   685    564 
Net gains on sales of securities   14    232 
Income from company owned life insurance   181    213 
Income from death benefit   -    243 
Bargain purchase gain   955    - 
Other   56    22 
    3,912    3,017 
Non-interest expense          
Salaries and employee benefits   7,272    6,974 
Occupancy and equipment   1,791    1,680 
Data processing   2,285    1,942 
Federal deposit insurance   253    223 
Loan processing and collection   312    291 
Foreclosed assets, net   335    132 
Advertising   185    215 
Professional Fees   859    932 
Other taxes   500    247 
Director fee and expense   230    223 
Amortization of intangible assets   343    264 
Early contract termination   575    872 
Other   1,206    1,488 
    16,146    15,483 
Income (loss) before income taxes   4,148    2,458 
Income tax expense   971    612 
Net income (loss)  $3,177   $1,846 
Earnings (loss) per share:          
Basic  $0.87   $0.52 
Diluted   0.87    0.52 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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POAGE BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Net income  $3,177   $1,846 
           
Other comprehensive income:          
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities   (101)   2,218 
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses recognized in income   (14)   (232)
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities   (115)   1,986 
Tax effect   39    (675)
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (76)   1,311 
           
Comprehensive income  $3,101   $3,157 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

56 

 

   

POAGE BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

 

                   Accumulated     
       Additional       Unearned   Other   Total 
   Common   Paid-In   Retained   ESOP   Comprehensive   Shareholders' 
   Stock   Capital   Earnings   Shares   Income (Loss)   Equity 
     
Balances, January 1, 2014  $34   $30,080   $30,789   $(2,394)  $(851)  $57,658 
Net income   -    -    1,846    -    -    1,846 
Issuance of 557,621 common shares, net of issuance costs   6    7,618    -    -    -    7,624 
Stock repurchasing   (1)   (409)   -    -    -    (410)
Dividends paid ($.20/share)   -    -    (702)   -    -    (702)
ESOP compensation earned   -    60    -    135    -    195 
Stock based compensation expense   -    629    -    -    -    629 
Change in other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    1,311    1,311 
Balances, December 31, 2014  $39   $37,978   $31,933   $(2,259)  $460   $68,151 
Net income   -    -    3,177    -    -    3,177 
Issuance of 168,279 common shares, net of issuance costs   2    1,673    -    -    -    1,675 
Stock consideration paid in acquisition   -    492                   492 
Stock repurchasing, 136,966 shares repurchased   (2)   (2,119)   -    -    -    (2,121)
Dividends paid ($.23/share)   -    -    (840)   -    -    (840)
ESOP compensation earned   -    76    -    134    -    210 
Stock based compensation expense, net of 13,486 forfeited shares   -    573    -    -    -    573 
Change in other comprehensive income (loss)   -    -    -    -    (76)   (76)
Balances, December 31, 2015  $39   $38,673   $34,270   $(2,125)  $384   $71,241 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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POAGE BANKSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(Dollar amounts in thousands except per share data)

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
CASH FLOW FORM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net income  $3,177   $1,846 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:          
Bargain purchase gain   (955)   - 
Depreciation   856    569 
Provision for loan losses   514    504 
ESOP compensation expense   210    195 
Stock based compensation expense   573    629 
Gains on sales of securities   (14)   (232)
Loss on disposal of assets   -    18 
Loss on sale of other real estate owned   166    75 
Gains on sales of repossessed assets   (1)   - 
Amortization of core deposit intangible   343    264 
Accretion of fair value adjustments related to loans   (1,579)   (1,103)
Accretion of fair value adjustments related to deposits   (71)   (49)
Amortization of fair value related to subordinated debenture   64    48 
Net amortization on securities   495    677 
Deferred income tax expense   854    296 
Net gain on mortgage banking activities   (685)   (564)
Origination of loans held for sale   (7,486)   (7,940)
Proceeds from loans held for sale   8,516    8,099 
Increase in cash value of life insurance   (181)   (213)
Income from death benefit   -    (243)
Change in asset and liabilities, net of assets and liabilities acquired:          
Accrued interest receivable   64    259 
Other assets   621    (862)
Accrued interest payable   (31)   (16)
Other liabilities   (817)   252 
Net cash from operating activities   4,633    2,509 
           
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Net increase in interest-bearing deposits with other institutions   (1,992)   - 
Securities available for sale:          
Proceeds from sales   4,052    19,721 
Proceeds from calls   2,010    15,030 
Proceeds from maturities   1,010    385 
Purchases   (13,087)   (3,936)
Principal payments received   6,706    5,832 
Purchase of restricted stock   (56)   - 
Cash received for acquisition, net of cash acquired (See Note 19)   2,355    1,445 
Loan originations and principal payments on loans, net   2,442    (7,740)
Proceeds from death benefit   -    632 
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned   899    128 
Proceeds from the sale of repossessed assets   52    - 
Purchase of properties and equipment   (1,024)   (2,090)
Net cash from (used in) investing activities   3,367    29,407 
           
 CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Net change in deposits   4,660    (3,303)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   48,000    65,000 
Payments on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   (52,465)   (82,006)
Cash dividend paid   (840)   (702)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of costs   1,675    - 
Stock issuance costs paid   -    (212)
Stock repurchases   (2,121)   (410)
Net cash used in financing activities   (1,091)   (21,633)
           
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   6,909    10,283 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   16,967    6,684 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR  $23,876   $16,967 
           
Additional cash flows and supplementary information:          
Cash paid during the year for:          
Interest on deposits and advances  $2,212   $2,180 
Income taxes   500    200 
Stock issued for consideration paid in acquisition (See Note 19)  $492   $7,836 
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans  $1,768   $930 
Real estate transferred to premises and equipment  $756   $0 
Real estate transferred from premises and equipment  $0   $756 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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POAGE BANKSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

  

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include Poage Bankshares, Inc. (the “Company” or “Poage Bankshares”) and the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Town Square Bank (the “Bank”) (which was formerly operated under the name “Home Federal Savings and Loan Association”). The Company’s principal business is the business of the Bank. Inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Bank is a federally chartered savings association. The Bank currently serves the financial needs of communities in its market area through its main office located in Ashland, Kentucky and its branch offices located in Flatwoods, South Shore, Louisa, Cannonsburg, Catlettsburg, Nicholasville, Greenup and Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. The Bank also has a loan production office in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. The Bank’s business involves attracting deposits from the general public and using such deposits, together with other funds, to originate one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, commercial and multi-family real estate loans, construction loans, commercial and industrial loans and consumer loans primarily in its market area which includes the Kentucky counties of Boyd, Greenup, Jessamine, Lawrence, Montgomery and Campbell and the Ohio counties of Scioto, Lawrence, Hamilton, Butler, Warren and Clermont.

 

Subsidiary name change: The Board of Directors of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association elected to amend the charter to change the institution’s name from “Home Federal Savings and Loan Association” to “Town Square Bank.” The name change was effective as of June 25, 2014.

 

Reorganization: The Board of Directors of Home Federal Savings and Loan Association adopted a Plan of Conversion on December 21, 2010 (the “Plan”) from a federally chartered mutual savings association to a federally chartered stock savings association (“the Conversion”). The Conversion was accomplished through the amendment of the Association’s charter and the sale of common stock in an amount equal to the market value of the Association. A subscription offering the shares of the Association’s common stock was offered to the Association’s depositors, and second, to the Association’s tax-qualified employee benefit plans. No shares in the subscription were offered for sale to the general public.

 

On September 12, 2011, the Conversion was completed. A new holding company, Poage Bankshares, Inc., was established as part of the Conversion. The public offering was consummated through the sale and issuance by the Company of 3,372,375 shares of common stock at $10 per share. Net proceeds of $32.0 million were raised in the stock offering, after deduction of conversion costs of $1.7 million and excluding $2.7 million which was loaned by the Company to a trust for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the ESOP), enabling it to finance the purchase of 269,790 shares of common stock in the offering.

 

Voting rights are held and exercised exclusively by the stockholders of the new holding company. Deposit account holders continue to be insured by the FDIC.

 

A liquidation account was established in the amount of $29.0 million which represented the Association’s retained earnings as of the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final prospectus utilized in connection with the Conversion. The liquidation account is maintained for the benefit of eligible depositors who continue to maintain their accounts at the Association after the Conversion. The liquidation account is reduced annually to the extent that eligible depositors have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases will not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation account. In the event of a complete liquidation, each eligible depositor will be entitled to receive a distribution from the liquidation account in an amount proportionate to the current adjusted qualifying balances for accounts then held. The Company may not declare, pay a dividend on, or repurchase any of its capital stock, if the effect thereof would cause retained earnings to be reduced below the liquidation account amount or regulatory capital requirements. Any repurchases of the Company’s common stock will be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

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Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ.

 

Cash Flows: Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions with maturities fewer than 90 days, and federal funds sold. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions, federal funds purchased and sold, and repurchase agreements.

 

Interest Bearing Deposits in Other Financial Institutions: Interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions mature within five year and are carried at cost.

 

Securities: Debt securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

 

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.  For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement, and 2) other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

 

Loans Held for Sale: Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.

 

Loans: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs, and an allowance for loan losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income over the contractual life of the loan using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

 

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Interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days past due. Real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans are charged off on a case by case basis at such time that management determines the loan to be uncollectible. Past due status of all loan types is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans. All loan types are moved to non-accrual status in accordance with the Company’s policy, typically after 90 days of non-payment.

 

All interest accrued but not received for all loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. All types of loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest are brought current and the loan has been performing according to the contractual terms for a period of not less than 6 months.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk: The majority of the Company’s business activity is with customers located within a 50 mile radius of its home office. Therefore, the Company’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in the immediate area.

 

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans: The Company purchases groups of loans, some of which have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These purchased credit impaired loans are recorded at the amount paid, such that there is no carryover of the seller’s allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

 

Such purchased credit impaired loans are accounted for individually or aggregated into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics such as, credit score, loan type, and date of origination. The Company estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each loan or pool, and the expected cash flows in excess of amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable yield). The excess of the loan’s or pool’s contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).

 

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. If a loan is categorized as loss under the regulatory definitions of loan classifications, the loan is immediately charged off. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions, and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. The allowance for loan losses reflects the estimate management believes to be appropriate to cover incurred probable losses which are inherent in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.

 

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans, for which the terms have been modified at the borrower’s request, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and classified as impaired. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for all commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential mortgage loans for impairment disclosures. Troubled debt restructurings are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception.

 

TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and included in the separately identified impairment disclosures. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of the allowance on that loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses on loans individually identified as impaired.

 

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The general component of the allowance covers non-impaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other economic factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These economic factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and practices; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; national and local economic trends and conditions; industry conditions; and effects of changes in credit concentrations. The following portfolio segments have been identified as having differing risk characteristics:

 

Real estate loans: Loans secured by real estate represent the lowest risk of loans for the Company. The majority of loans in this segment are loans secured by the borrower’s principal residence; however, there are also loans secured by apartment buildings, non-owner occupied property, commercial real estate, or construction and land development projects. They include fixed and floating rate loans as well as loans for commercial purposes or consumer purposes. Borrowers with loans in this category, whether for commercial or consumer purposes, tend to make their payments timely as they do not want to risk foreclosure and loss of the real estate.

 

Commercial and industrial loans: These loans to businesses do not have real estate as the underlying collateral. Instead of real estate, collateral could be business assets such as equipment or accounts receivable or the personal guarantee of one or more guarantors. These loans generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by real estate because in the event of default by the borrower, the business assets must be liquidated and/or guarantors pursued for deficit funds. Business assets are worth more while they are in use to produce income for the business and worth significantly less if the business is no longer in operation. For this reason, the Company discounts the value on these types of collateral prior to meeting the Company’s loan-to-value policy limits.

 

Consumer loans: Consumer loans are generally loans to borrowers for non-business purposes. They can be either secured or unsecured. Consumer loans are generally small in the individual amount of principal outstanding and are repaid from the borrower’s private funds earned from employment. Consumer lending risk is very susceptible to local economic trends. If there is a consumer loan default, any collateral that may be repossessed is generally not well maintained and has a diminished value. For this reason, consumer loans tend to have higher overall interest rates to cover the higher cost of repossession and charge-offs. However, due to their smaller average balance per borrower, consumer loans are collectively evaluated for impairment in determining the appropriate allowance for loan losses.

 

Servicing Rights: Servicing rights are recognized separately when they are acquired through sales of loans. When mortgage loans are sold, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts when available or, alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Servicing rights are included in the other assets line item of the balance sheet.

 

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Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. No valuation allowance was required at December 31, 2015 or 2014. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.

 

Servicing fee income which is reported on the income statement as other income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal; or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.

 

Other Real Estate Owned: Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. Physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. These assets are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

 

Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and related components are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 5 to 39 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method with useful lives ranging from 3 to 10 years.

 

Restricted Stock: The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system and Bankers’ Bank of Kentucky (BBK). Members of the FHLB are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB and BBK stock are carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

 

Company Owned Life Insurance: The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Company owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill resulting from business combinations is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events and circumstances exists that indicate that a goodwill impairment test should be performed. The Company has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on our balance sheet.

 

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets arising from whole bank and branch acquisitions are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range from 7 to 10 years.

 

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

 

Stock-Based Compensation: Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. The fair value of restricted stock awards is estimated by using the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant, a Black-Scholes model is used to estimate the fair value of stock options. Awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

   

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

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A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.

 

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. There were no such expenses recognized in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

Retirement Plans: Employee 401(k) and profit sharing plan expense is the amount of matching contributions. The Bank participates in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Pension Plan for Financial Institutions. This plan covers eligible employees who were employed by the Bank prior to January 1, 2007. Employees hired subsequent to that date are not eligible to participate. The employees hired prior to January 1, 2007 continue to earn benefits under the plan. It is the policy of the Company to fund the amount that is determined by annual actuarial valuations.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

 

Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Restrictions on Cash: Cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was required to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements. The Bank is required to maintain reserve funds in cash or on deposit with a designated depository financial institution. The required reserve at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $862,000 and $623,000, respectively.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”): The cost of shares issued to the ESOP, but not yet allocated to participants, is shown as a reduction of shareholders’ equity. Compensation expense is based on the market price of shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings; dividends on unearned ESOP shares reduce debt and accrued interest.

 

Earnings Per Common Share: Basic earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for this calculation unless unearned. All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered participating securities for this calculation. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for all stock splits and stock dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements.

 

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Segment Reporting: The Company has one reportable segment: banking. While the chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis.

 

Reclassifications: Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Newly Issued Accounting Standard Not Yet Effective: In May 2014 the FASB amended existing guidance related to revenue from contracts with customers. This amendment supersedes and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, establishes a new control-based revenue recognition model, changes the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a point in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. In addition, this amendment specifies the accounting for some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer.

 

These amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new accounting standard on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Adoptions of New Accounting Standards: In January 2014, the FASB amended existing guidance to clarify when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan should be derecognized and the real estate recognized. These amendments clarify that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either: (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure, or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additional disclosures are required. 

 

These amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2015, FASB amended existing guidance related to simplify the accounting for measurement-period adjustments. The amendments require the acquirer recognize adjustments to estimated amounts that are identified during measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the estimated amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date.

 

The amendments also require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the estimated amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date.

 

These amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The amendments should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have been issued.

 

The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.

 

65 

 

   

NOTE 2 – SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):

 

       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
December 31, 2015                    
States and political subdivisions  $17,398   $567   $(5)  $17,960 
U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities   9,750    -    (112)   9,638 
Government sponsored entities residential mortgage-backed:                    
FHLMC   11,499    156    (11)   11,644 
FNMA   11,657    91    (21)   11,727 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   7,720    -    (86)   7,634 
SBA loan Pools   5,370    17    (15)   5,372 
Total securities  $63,394   $831   $(250)  $63,975 

  

       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
December 31, 2014                    
States and political subdivisions  $17,121   $633   $(8)  $17,746 
U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities   14,247    6    (267)   13,986 
Government sponsored entities residential mortgage-backed:                    
FHLMC   14,346    251    (7)   14,590 
FNMA   14,207    177    (9)   14,375 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   4,644    -    (79)   4,565 
SBA loan pools   -    -    -    - 
Total securities  $64,565   $1,067   $(370)  $65,262 

  

(Continued)

 

66 

 

  

The proceeds from sales of securities and the associated gross gains and losses are listed below (in thousands):

 

   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Proceeds  $3,058   $19,721 
Gross gains   20    389 
Gross losses   (6)   (157)

  

The provision for income taxes related to net realized gains and losses was $5,000 and $79,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, based on an income tax rate of 34%.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of the securities portfolio at December 31, 2015 are shown by contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities, are shown separately.

 

   December 31, 
   2015 
   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value 
   (in thousands) 
Within one year  $-   $- 
One to five years   16,802    16,816 
Five to ten years   7,840    8,210 
Beyond ten years   2,506    2,573 
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and SBA loan pools   36,246    36,376 
Total  $63,394   $63,975 

 

Securities pledged at December 31, 2015 and 2014 had a carrying amount of $34.0 million and $10.8 million, respectively, and were pledged to secure public deposits and repurchase agreements.

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.

 

67 

 

  

The following table summarizes the securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2015 and 2014, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 

   Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or Longer   Total 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
(In thousands)                        
                         
December 31, 2015                              
States and political subdivisions  $1,357   $(5)  $-   $-   $1,357   $(5)
U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities   4,212    (39)   5,426    (73)   9,638    (112)
Government sponsored entities residential mortgage backed:                              
FHLMC   1,429    (11)   -    -    1,429    (11)
FNMA   2,529    (21)   -    -    2,529    (21)
Collateralized mortgage obligations   5,387    (35)   2,247    (51)   7,634    (86)
SBA loan pools   1,845    (15)   -    -    1,845    (15)
Total available-for-sale securities  $16,759   $(126)  $7,673   $(124)  $24,432   $(250)
                               
December 31, 2014                              
States and political subdivisions  $1,072   $(8)  $-   $-   $1,072   $(8)
U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities   -    -    12,482    (267)   12,482    (267)
Government sponsored entities residential mortgage backed:                              
FHLMC   -    -    1,131    (7)   1,131    (7)
FNMA   2,063    (3)   946    (6)   3,009    (9)
Collateralized mortgage obligations   1,652    (13)   2,913    (66)   4,565    (79)
SBA loan pools   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total available-for-sale securities  $4,787   $(24)  $17,472   $(346)  $22,259   $(370)

 

Unrealized losses on bonds have not been recognized into income because the issuers of the bonds are of high credit quality, management does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in interest rates. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach maturity.

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company’s security portfolio consisted of 87 securities, 23 of which were in an unrealized loss position.

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through earnings.  For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) OTTI related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement, and 2) OTTI related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income.  The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire amount of impairment is recognized through earnings.

 

68 

 

  

NOTE 3 - LOANS

 

Loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Real estate:          
One to four family  $184,613   $179,480 
Multi-family   4,521    5,916 
Commercial real estate   62,726    62,979 
Construction and land   6,282    5,142 
    258,142    253,517 
           
Commercial and industrial   31,841    25,523 
           
Consumer          
Home equity loans and lines of credit   8,287    7,973 
Motor vehicle   10,735    10,337 
Other   7,347    6,774 
    26,369    25,084 
           
Total   316,352    304,124 
Less:          
Net deferred loan fees   351    201 
Allowance for loan losses   1,858    1,911 
Net loans  $314,143   $302,012 

 

69 

 

  

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment based on impairment method as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Accrued interest receivable and net deferred loan fees are not considered significant and therefore are not included in the loan balances presented in the table below (in thousands):

 

December 31, 2015                                
   Allowance for Loan Losses   Loan Balances 
     Purchased   Collectively         Purchased   Collectively    
   Individually   Credit-   Evaluated       Individually   Credit-   Evaluated     
   Evaluated for   Impaired   for       Evaluated for   Impaired   for     
Loan Segment  Impairment   Loans   Impairment   Total   Impairment   Loans   Impairment   Total 
                                 
Real estate  $2   $-   $1,674   $1,676   $1,497   $2,624   $254,021   $258,142 
Commercial and industrial   -    -    77    77    449    -   $31,392    31,841 
Consumer   13    -    92    105    23    16   $26,330    26,369 
Unallocated   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                         
Total  $15   $-   $1,843   $1,858   $1,969   $2,640   $311,743   $316,352 

 

December 31, 2014                                
   Allowance for Loan Losses   Loan Balances 
     Purchased   Collectively         Purchased   Collectively    
   Individually   Credit-   Evaluated       Individually   Credit-   Evaluated     
   Evaluated for   Impaired   for       Evaluated for   Impaired   for     
Loan Segment  Impairment   Loans   Impairment   Total   Impairment   Loans   Impairment   Total 
                                 
Real estate  $-   $-   $1,806   $1,806   $324   $3,633   $249,560   $253,517 
Commercial and industrial   -    -    43    43    19    439    25,065    25,523 
Consumer   -    -    62    62    -    10    25,074    25,084 
Unallocated   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                         
Total  $-   $-   $1,911   $1,911   $343   $4,082   $299,699   $304,124 

 

 There were $2.2 million and $4.1 million of purchased credit impaired loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which were acquired in a business combination completed March 18, 2014. There were $424,000 of purchased credit impaired loans at December 31, 2015 which were acquired in a business combination completed May 31, 2015.

 

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The following table presents information related to impaired loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (in thousands):

  

   December 31, 2015   December 31, 2014 
           Allowance           Allowance 
   Unpaid       for Loan   Unpaid       for Loan 
   Principal   Recorded   Losses   Principal   Recorded   Losses 
   Balance   Investment   Allocated   Balance   Investment   Allocated 
With no related allowance recorded:                              
Real Estate:                              
One to four family  $1,416   $1,100   $-   $125   $125   $- 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   183    183    -    199    199    - 
Construction and land   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial   582    449    -    19    19    - 
Consumer:                              
Home Equity and lines of credit   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Other   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Subtotal  $2,181   $1,732   $-   $343   $343   $- 
                               
With an allowance recorded:                              
Real Estate:                              
One to four family  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   214    214    2    -    -    - 
Construction and land   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer:                              
Home Equity and lines of credit   23    23    13    -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Other   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Subtotal  $237   $237   $15   $-   $-   $- 
                               
Total  $2,418   $1,969   $15   $343   $343   $- 

 

For purposes of this disclosure, the unpaid balance is not reduced for partial charge-offs.

 

71 

 

  

The following table presents the average balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment and interest income recognized on these loans for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands). Impaired loans averaged $228,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and $152,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014.

 

   Average   Interest   Cash Basis 
Year Ended  Recorded   Income   Interest 
December 31, 2015  Investment   Recognized   Recognized 
Real Estate:               
One to four family  $992   $4   $4 
Multi-family   -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   602    -    - 
Construction and land   -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial   358    4    4 
Consumer:               
Home Equity and lines of credit   11    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    - 
Other   -    -    - 
Subtotal  $1,963   $8   $8 

 

   Average   Interest   Cash Basis 
Year Ended  Recorded   Income   Interest 
December 31, 2014  Investment   Recognized   Recognized 
Real Estate:               
One to four family  $10   $-   $- 
Multi-family   -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   149    -    - 
Construction and land   -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial   14    -    - 
Consumer:               
Home Equity and lines of credit   -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    - 
Other   -    -    - 
Subtotal  $173   $-   $- 

 

The recorded investment in loans excludes accrued interest receivable and loan origination fees, net, due to immateriality.

 

72 

 

  

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the periods indicated was as follows (in thousands):

 

Year Ended      Commercial             
December 31, 2015  Real Estate   and Industrial   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
                     
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Beginning balance  $1,806   $43   $62   $-   $1,911 
Provision for loan losses   221    96    197    -    514 
Loans charged-off   (505)   (116)   (241)   -    (862)
Recoveries   154    54    87    -    295 
                          
Total ending allowance balance  $1,676   $77   $105   $-   $1,858 

 

Year Ended      Commercial             
December 31, 2014  Real Estate   and Industrial   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
                     
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Beginning balance  $1,818   $8   $52   $30   $1,908 
Provision for loan losses   433    30    71    (30)   504 
Loans charged-off   (511)   (8)   (74)   -    (593)
Recoveries   66    13    13    -    92 
                          
Total ending allowance balance  $1,806   $43   $62   $-   $1,911 

 

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Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days still on accrual consist of smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

 

The following table presents the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due over 90 days still on accrual by class of loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 

   December 31, 2015   December 31, 2014 
       Loans Past Due       Loans Past Due 
       Over 90 Days       Over 90 Days 
   Nonaccrual   Still Accruing   Nonaccrual   Still Accruing 
Real Estate:                    
One to four family  $2,967   $-   $2,223   $- 
Multi-family   -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   773    -    578    - 
Construction and land   259    -    103    - 
Commercial and industrial   449    -    396    - 
Consumer:                    
Home equity loans and lines of credit   23    -    1    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    21    - 
Other   31    -    31    - 
                     
Total  $4,502   $-   $3,353   $- 

 

74 

 

  

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 by class of loans. Non-accrual loans of $4.5 million and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively, are included in the tables below and have been categorized based on their payment status (in thousands):

 

                   Purchased         
   30-59   60-89   Greater than       Credit-         
   Days   Days   89 Days   Total   Impaired   Loans Not     
   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Loans   Past Due   Total 
December 31, 2015                                   
Real Estate:                                   
One to four family  $1,152   $35   $1,226   $2,413   $1,305   $180,895   $184,613 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    -    4,521    4,521 
Commercial real estate   44    -    214    258    1,061    61,407    62,726 
Construction and land   -    -    -    -    258    6,024    6,282 
Commercial and industrial   3    19    362    384    -    31,457    31,841 
Consumer:                  -              - 
Home Equity loans and lines of credit   -    -    23    23    -    8,264    8,287 
Motor vehicle   21    1    -    22    4    10,709    10,735 
Other   25    2    1    28    12    7,307    7,347 
                                    
Total  $1,245   $57   $1,826   $3,128   $2,640   $310,584   $316,352 

 

                   Purchased         
   30-59   60-89   Greater than       Credit-         
   Days   Days   89 Days   Total   Impaired   Loans Not     
   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Loans   Past Due   Total 
December 31, 2014                            
Real Estate:                                   
One to four family  $2,028   $488   $1,259   $3,775   $1,262   $174,443   $179,480 
Multi-family   -    -    -    -    -    5,916    5,916 
Commercial real estate   1,102    124    38    1,264    2,031    59,684    62,979 
Construction and land   -    -    103    103    340    4,699    5,142 
Commercial and industrial   245    46    257    548    439    24,536    25,523 
Consumer:                  -              - 
Home Equity loans and lines of credit   86    23    -    109    7    7,857    7,973 
Motor vehicle   102    4    20    126    -    10,211    10,337 
Other   33    20    16    69    3    6,702    6,774 
                                    
Total  $3,596   $705   $1,693   $5,994   $4,082   $294,048   $304,124 

 

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Troubled Debt Restructurings:

 

As of December 31, 2015, the Company has a recorded investment in three TDRs which totaled $307,000. There were $218,000 at December 31, 2014. A less than market rate and extended term was granted as concessions for both TDRs. No additional charge-off or provision has been made for the loan relationships. No additional commitments to lend have been made to the borrower.

 

   TDR's on Non-         
December 31, 2015  accrual status   Other TDR's   Total TDR's 
(in thousands)            
Real Estate:               
One to four family  $-   $105   $105 
Multi-family   -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   183    -    183 
Construction and land   -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial   19    -    19 
Consumer:               
Home equity loans and lines of credit   -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    - 
Other   -    -    - 
                
Total  $202   $105   $307 

 

   TDR's on Non-         
December 31, 2014  accrual status   Other TDR's   Total TDR's 
(in thousands)            
Real Estate:               
One to four family  $-   $-   $- 
Multi-family   -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   199    -    199 
Construction and land   -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial   19    -    19 
Consumer:               
Home equity loans and lines of credit   -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    - 
Other   -    -    - 
                
Total  $218   $-   $218 

 

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The following table presents loans by class modified as troubled debt restructuring that occurred during the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2015   Year Ended December 31, 2014 
       Pre-   Post-       Pre-   Post- 
       Modification   Modification       Modification   Modification 
   Number   Outstanding   Outstanding   Number   Outstanding   Outstanding 
   of   Recorded   Recorded   of   Recorded   Recorded 
(in thousands)  Loans   Investment   Investment   Loans   Investment   Investment 
Real Estate:                              
One to four family   1   $105   $105    -   $-   $- 
Multi-family   -    -    -         -    - 
Commercial real estate   -    -    -    1    199    199 
Construction and land   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial and industrial   -    -    -    1    19    19 
Consumer:                              
Home equity loans and lines of credit   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Motor vehicle   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Other   -    -    -    -    -    - 
                               
Total   1   $105   $105    2   $218   $218 

 

CREDIT QUALITY INDICATORS:

 

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes all non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial and commercial real estate loans. The analysis for residential real estate and consumer loans primarily includes review of past due status. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

 

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

 

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

 

Doubtful. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 

Loss. Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectable and of such little value that continuing to carry them as an asset is not feasible.  Loans will be classified as a loss when it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off or reserving all or a portion of a basically worthless asset, even though partial recovery may be possible at some time in the future.

 

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans.

 

(Continued)

77 

 

  

Based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows (in thousands):

 

       Special             
December 31, 2015  Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
One to four family  $176,824   $2,716   $5,073   $-   $184,613 
Multi-family   4,521    -    -    -    4,521 
Commercial real estate   60,544    107    2,075    -    62,726 
Construction and land   6,023    -    259    -    6,282 
Commercial and industrial   30,551    5    1,285    -    31,841 
Home equity loans and lines of credit   8,262    -    25    -    8,287 
Motor vehicle   10,703    -    32    -    10,735 
Other   7,306    8    33    -    7,347 
                          
Total  $304,734   $2,836   $8,782   $-   $316,352 

 

       Special             
December 31, 2014  Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
One to four family  $171,324   $3,794   $4,362   $-   $179,480 
Multi-family   5,916    -    -    -    5,916 
Commercial real estate   60,250    54    2,675    -    62,979 
Construction and land   4,402    52    688    -    5,142 
Commercial and industrial   22,162    2,332    1,029    -    25,523 
Home equity loans and lines of credit   7,935    30    8    -    7,973 
Motor vehicle   10,299    22    16    -    10,337 
Other   6,740    -    34    -    6,774 
                          
Total  $289,028   $6,284   $8,812   $-   $304,124 

 

There were $2.3 million and $3.0 million PCI loans included in substandard disclosure above at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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The Company holds purchased loans without evidence of credit quality deterioration and purchased loans for which there was, at their acquisition date, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since their origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. A summary of non-impaired purchased loans and credit-impaired purchased loans with the carrying amount of those loans is as follows at December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

   Non-impaired   Credit-impaired 
   Purchased   Purchased 
Purchased Loans as of December 31, 2015  Loans   Loans 
Real Estate:          
One to four family   37,557    1,305 
Multi-family   2,376    - 
Commercial real estate   25,946    1,061 
Construction and land   1,058    258 
Commercial and industrial   7,122    - 
Consumer:          
Home equity loans and lines of credit   1,660    - 
Motor vehicle   605    4 
Other   1,107    12 
           
Total  $77,431   $2,640 

 

For those purchased loans disclosed above, the Company did not increase the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

The following table presents the composition of the acquired loans at December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

   Contractual   Remaining   Carrying 
As of December 31, 2015  Amount   Discount   Amount 
Real Estate:               
One to four family   39,682    (820)   38,862 
Multi-family   2,407    (31)   2,376 
Commercial real estate   27,636    (629)   27,007 
Construction and land   1,333    (17)   1,316 
Commercial and industrial   7,243    (121)   7,122 
Consumer:               
Home equity loans and lines of credit   1,681    (21)   1,660 
Motor vehicle   617    (8)   609 
Other   1,139    (20)   1,119 
                
Total  $81,738   $(1,667)  $80,071 

 

The following table presents the purchased loans that are included within the scope of ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, as of December 31, 2015. Loans purchased during the year ended December 31, 2015 of $499,000 are included in the contractually – required principal interest payments with a fair value of $424,000 (in thousands):

  

Contractually-required principal and interest payments  $3,281 
Non-Accretable difference   (349)
Accretable yield   (292)
Carrying Amount  $2,640 

 

The Company adjust interest income to recognize $861,000 and $285,000 of accretable yield on credit-impaired purchased loans for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

 

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The company has purchased loans, for which there was, at acquisition, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. The carrying amount of those loans is as follows at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 

December 31,   2015   2014 
Real Estate:          
One to four family  $1,305   $1,262 
Multi-family   -    - 
Commercial Real Estate   1,061    2,031 
Construction and land   258    340 
Commercial and Industrial   -    439 
Consumer:          
Home equity loans and lines of credit   -    7 
Motor vehicle   4    - 
Other   12    3 
           
Outstanding Balance  $2,640   $4,082 
           
Carrying amount, net of allowance of $0, and $0  $2,640   $4,082 

 

Accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, is as follows:        
   2015   2014 
         
Balance at January 1  $4,082   $- 
New Loans Purchased   508    5,712 
Accretion of income   (861)   (285)
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference   -    - 
Disposals   (1,089)   (1,345)
           
Balance at December 31  $2,640   $4,082 

 

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NOTE 4 - FAIR VALUE

 

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:

 

Securities: The fair values for securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments (Level 2). This includes the use of “matrix pricing” used to value debt securities absent the exclusive use of quoted prices. For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows (Level 3). As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, all securities were classified as a Level 2 fair value.

 

Other Real Estate Owned: Commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned (OREO) are measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may use single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Appraisals for real estate properties classified as other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Bank’s management. The appraisal values are discounted to allow for selling expenses and fees, and the discounts range from 5% to 10%.

 

Impaired Loans: The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for the differences between the comparable sales and income data available for similar loans and collateral underlying such loans. Non-real estate collateral may be valued using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports, adjusted or discounted based on management’s historical knowledge of the client and client’s business, resulting in a Level 3 fair value classification. Impaired loans are evaluated on a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted in accordance with the allowance policy. The appraisal values are discounted to allow for selling expenses and fees, and the discounts range from 10% to 20%.

 

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, are as follows (in thousands):

 

       Fair Value Measurements at 
       December 31, 2015 Using: 
           Significant     
       Quoted Prices in   Other   Significant 
       Active Markets for   Observable   Unobservable 
   Carrying   Identical Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
                 
Financial Assets Securities:                    
States and political subdivisions  $17,960   $-   $17,960   $- 
U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities   9,638    -    9,638    - 
Mortgage backed securities: residential   23,371    -    23,371    - 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   7,634    -    7,634    - 
SBA loan pools   5,372         5,372      
Total securities  $63,975   $-   $63,975   $- 

 

       Fair Value Measurements at 
       December 31, 2014 Using: 
           Significant     
       Quoted Prices in   Other   Significant 
       Active Markets for   Observable   Unobservable 
   Carrying   Identical Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
                 
Financial Assets Securities:                    
States and political subdivisions  $17,746   $-   $17,746   $- 
U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities   13,986    -    13,986    - 
Mortgage backed securities: residential   28,965    -    28,965    - 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   4,565    -    4,565    - 
Total securities  $65,262   $-   $65,262   $- 

 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

 

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Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

       Fair Value Measurements at 
       December 31, 2015 Using: 
           Significant     
       Quoted Prices in   Other   Significant 
       Active Markets for   Observable   Unobservable 
   Carrying   Identical Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Impaired Loans:                
Commercial real estate, net  $212   $-   $-   $212 
Consumer loan HELOC, net   10    -    -    10 

 

       Fair Value Measurements at 
       December 31, 2014 Using: 
           Significant     
       Quoted Prices in   Other   Significant 
       Active Markets for   Observable   Unobservable 
   Carrying   Identical Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Other real estate owned:                    
One to four family, net  $72   $-   $-   $72 
Commercial real estate, net   115    -    -    115 

 

At December 31, 2015, impaired loans recorded at fair value had a net carrying amount of $222,000, equal to the outstanding balance of $237,000, net of a valuation allowance of $15,000. There were no impaired loans recorded at fair value at December 31, 2014. There were charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2015 in the amount of $252,000 and no charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2014. The charge-offs and change in specific reserve on impaired loans resulted in an increase to the provision for loan losses $514,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

At December 31, 2015, no OREO was recorded at fair value. There were write-downs of $95,400 for the year ended December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2014, other real estate owned recorded at fair value had a net carrying amount of $187,000, equal to the outstanding balance of $244,000, net of a valuation allowance of $57,000. There were no writedowns for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

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The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

 

       Fair Value Measurements 
   Carrying                 
   Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
December 31, 2015                         
Financial assets                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $23,876   $23,876   $-   $-   $23,876 
Interest bearing deposits   1,992    1,992    -    -    1,992 
Securities   63,975    -    63,975    -    63,975 
Restricted stock   3,276     N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A 
Loans held for sale   367    -    367    -    367 
Loans, net   314,143    -    -    356,337    356,337 
Accrued interest receivable   1,340    -    294    1,046    1,340 
                          
Financial liabilities                         
Deposits  $343,130   $184,284   $158,328   $-   $342,612 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   15,803    9,770    10,943    -    20,713 
Subordinated debenture   2,761    -    2,761    -    2,761 
Accrued interest payable   38    -    38    -    38 

  

       Fair Value Measurements 
   Carrying                 
   Value   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
December 31, 2014                         
Financial assets                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $16,967   $16,967   $-   $-   $16,967 
Securities   65,262    -    65,262    -    65,262 
Restricted stock   2,921     N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A 
Loans held for sale   712    -    712    -    712 
Loans, net   302,012    -    -    316,493    316,493 
Accrued interest receivable   1,347    -    293    1,054    1,347 
                          
Financial liabilities                         
Deposits  $323,138   $159,384   $165,190   $-   $324,574 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   17,952    9,000    9,171    -    18,171 
Subordinated debenture   2,697    -    2,697    -    2,697 
Accrued interest payable   47    -    47    -    47 

 

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The methods and assumptions, not previously presented, used to estimate fair value is described as follows:

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values and are classified as Level 1.

 

Restricted Stock:

 

It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

 

Loans:

 

Fair values of loans, excluding loans held for sale, are estimated as follows: For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values resulting in a Level 3 classification. Fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality resulting in a Level 3 classification. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price.

 

The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated based upon binding contracts and quotes from third party investors in a Level 2 classification.

 

Deposits:

 

The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, passbook savings, and certain types of money market accounts) are by definition equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amount) resulting in a Level 1 classification. The carrying amounts of variable rate, fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair value at the reporting date resulting in a Level 1 classification. Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flows calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances and subordinate debenture:

 

The fair values of the Company’s long-term borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements resulting in a Level 2 classification.

 

Accrued Interest Receivable/Payable:

 

The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value and are classified by level consistent with the level of the related assets or liabilities.

 

 

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NOTE 5 - LOAN SERVICING

 

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not reported as assets. The principal balance of these loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $39.6 million and $37.0 million, respectively. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were $140,000 and $108,000, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Activity for loan servicing rights during the period and year ends was as follows (in thousands):

 

   Years ended 
   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Beginning of year  $319   $288 
Additions   83    79 
Amortized to expense   (62)   (48)
End of year  $340   $319 

 

There was no valuation allowance for servicing rights at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The fair value of servicing rights is estimated to be $389,000 and $383,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Fair value at December 31, 2015 was determined using a discount rate of 10%, prepayment speeds ranging from 127% to 217%, depending on the stratification of the specific right and a weighted average default rate of 0%. Fair value at December 31, 2014 was determined using a discount rate of 8%, prepayment speeds ranging from 201% to 288%, depending on the stratification of the specific right and a weighted average default rate of 0%.

 

The weighted average amortization period is 7.1 years.

 

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NOTE 6 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Premises and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Land  $2,702   $2,298 
Buildings and leasehold improvements   10,501    8,259 
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment   3,053    2,487 
Automobiles   149    180 
    16,405    13,224 
Less:  Accumulated depreciation   4,891    3,967 
   $11,514   $9,257 

 

Depreciation expense was $856,000 and $569,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Operating Leases: The Company leases one branch property, an operations center and a loan production office under operating leases. The Company purchased the Nicholasville branch, which was previously rented, in November 2014. Rent expense was $96,132 and $159,485 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Rent commitments, before considering renewal options that generally are present, were $21,882 for 2016 and $10,956 per year for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

 

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NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill: The change in goodwill during the year is as follows (in thousands): 

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Beginning of year  $1,082   $- 
Acquired goodwill   195    1,082 
Impairment   -    - 
End of year  $1,277   $1,082 

 

Acquired intangible assets were as follows at year-end (in thousands):

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
   Gross       Gross     
   Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying   Accumulated 
   Amount   Amortization   Amount   Amortization 
Core deposit intangibles  $1,961   $607   $1,734   $264 

 

Aggregate amortization expense was $343,000 for 2015 and $264,000 for 2014. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years (in thousands):

 

 2016   $347 
 2017    340 
 2018    334 
 2019    262 
 2020    27 

 

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NOTE 8 - DEPOSITS

 

Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC Insurance limit of $250,000 at year-end 2015 and 2014 were $22.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively.

 

Scheduled maturities of time deposits for the next five years were as follows (in thousands):

 

   December 31, 
   2015 
2016  $78,912 
2017   44,472 
2018   12,581 
2019   6,338 
2020   16,756 
Total  $159,059 

 

NOTE 9 - FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES

 

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank were as follows:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
           
Maturities January 2016 through January 2029, fixed rate at rates from 0.42% to 6.86%, weighted average rate of 1.52% at December 31, 2015 and weighted average rate of 1.55% at December 31, 2014.  $15,803   $17,952 

 

Rates on advances were as follows:

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
0.00% - 1.75%  $9,000   $9,000 
1.76% - 2.75%   3,240    4,655 
2.76% - 3.75%   2,961    3,453 
3.76% - 4.75%   591    807 
5.76% - 6.75%   10    37 
6.76% - 7.75%   1    - 
   $15,803   $17,952 

 

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Each advance is payable at its maturity date, with a prepayment penalty for fixed rate advances. The advances were collateralized by all of the Bank’s one to four family first mortgage loans under a blanket lien arrangement at December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the Company’s FHLB stock. Based on this collateral and the Company’s holdings of FHLB stock, the Bank is eligible to borrow an additional $92.2 million at December 31, 2015.

 

Payments contractually required over the next five years as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

2016  $11,735 
2017   1,839 
2018   1,416 
2019   356 
2020   90 
Thereafter   367 
Total  $15,803 

 

NOTE 10 - SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

 

In December 2006, Town Square Statutory Trust I, a trust formed by the Town Square Financial Corporation, closed a pooled private offering of 4,000 trust preferred securities with a liquidation amount of $1,000 per security. The Company issued $4,124,000 of subordinated debentures to the trust in exchange for ownership of all of the common security of the trust and the proceeds of the preferred securities sold by the trust. The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of this Trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability. The Company’s investment in the common stock of the trust was $124,000 and is included in other assets. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the book value of the Company’s subordinated debt was net of an unaccreted discount of $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, resulting in an increase in interest expense related to the subordinated debt of $64,000 and 48,000 for the years then ended.

 

The Company may redeem the subordinated debentures, in whole or in part, in a principal amount with integral multiples of $1,000, on or after December 22, 2012 at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The subordinated debentures mature on December 22, 2036. The subordinated debentures are also redeemable in whole or in part from time to time, upon the occurrence of specific events defined within the trust indenture. The Company has the option to defer interest payments on the subordinated debentures from time to time for a period not to exceed five consecutive years.

 

The subordinated debentures may be included in Tier I capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations. The subordinated debentures have a variable rate of interest equal to the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.83%, which was 2.34% at December 31, 2015.

 

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NOTE 11 - BENEFIT PLANS

 

The Bank participates in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (“The Pentegra DB Plan”), a tax-qualified defined-benefit pension plan. The Pentegra DB Plan’s Employer Identification Number is 13-5645888 and the Plan Number is 333. The Pentegra DB Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan.

 

The Pentegra DB Plan is a single plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 413C and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the liabilities. Accordingly, under the Pentegra DB Plan contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers.

 

Funded Status (Market value of plan assets divided by funding target) as of July 1,

 

   2015*   2014** 
Source  Valuation   Valuation 
   Report   Report 
           
Bank Plan   104.55%   111.23%

 

*Market value of plan assets reflects any contributions received through December 31, 2015.

**Market value of plan assets reflects any contributions received through December 31, 2014.

 

Employer Contributions

 

Total contributions made to the Pentegra DB Plan, as reported on Form 5500, equal $159.5 million and $190.8 million for the plan years ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, respectively. The Bank’s contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan are not more than 5% of the total contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan.

 

The following contributions were paid by the Bank during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 

December 31,  December 31,
2015  2014
Date Paid  Amount   Date Paid  Amount 
12/16/2015  $99   12/26/2014  $76 

  

This plan was “frozen” as of February 1, 2013. Contributions will be limited to sustaining earned participant benefits.

 

401(k) Plan : A 401(k) benefit plan allows employee contributions up to 15% of their compensation, which are matched equal to 50% of the first 6% of the compensation contributed. Expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $87,000 and $60,000, respectively.

 

Deferred Compensation Plan : A deferred compensation plan covers certain directors and certain executive officers. Under the plan, the Bank pays each participant, or their beneficiary, the amount of fees deferred plus interest over 20 years, beginning with the individual’s termination of service. A liability is accrued for the obligation under these plans. In January 2003, the Bank adopted a non-contributory retirement plan which provides benefits to certain directors and certain key officers. The Company’s obligations under the plan have been informally funded through the purchase of single premium key man life insurance of which the Company is the beneficiary. The expense incurred for the deferred compensation for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 $114,000 and $157,000, respectively resulting in a deferred compensation liability of $1.5 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The cash surrender value of the key man life insurance policies totaled $6.9 million and $6.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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NOTE 12 - INCOME TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Current expense  $117   $316 
Deferred expense   854    296 
   $971   $612 

 

The following tabulation reconciles the federal statutory tax rate of 34% to the effective rate of taxes provided for income taxes (dollars in thousands):

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Tax at statutory rate  $1,410   $836 
Tax exempt interest   (143)   (163)
Income from company owned life insurance   (61)   (72)
Income from death benefit   -    (83)
Nondeductible merger expenses   39    54 
Bargain purchase gain   (325)   - 
Other   51    40 
Federal income tax expense  $971   $612 
           
Effective Tax Rate   23.41%   24.90%

 

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The components of the Company’s net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Deferred tax assets:          
Deferred compensation plan  $399   $396 
Deferred loan origination fees   119    68 
Allowance for loan losses   632    650 
AMT credit carryforward   279    339 
Stock based compensation plans   169    133 
Basis in other real estate owned   -    20 
ESOP compensation expense   47    38 
Interest on non-accrual loans   228    588 
Purchase accounting fair value adjustments   174    1,519 
Net operating loss carryforward   1,021    - 
Other   34    8 
    3,102    3,759 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends   496    462 
Basis in property and equipment   215    107 
Accretion on securities   1    4 
Mortgage servicing rights   115    108 
Core deposit intangible   460    500 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities   198    237 
    1,485    1,418 
Net deferred tax asset  $1,617   $2,341 

 

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Management evaluated whether a valuation allowance was necessary based on taxes paid in prior periods and recoverable, projected future income, projected future reversals of deferred tax items, and tax planning strategies. Based on its assessments, management concluded that it was more likely than not that all deferred tax assets could be realized based primarily on current taxes paid and recoverable and projected reversals of deferred tax liabilities, as well as future income. As such, no valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.

 

At December 31, 2015, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2.2 million which expire at various dates from 2016 to 2036. Deferred tax assets are recognized for net operating losses because the benefit is more likely than not to be realized. At December 31, 2015, the Company deferred tax assets had net operating loss carryforwards of $828,000 from the Commonwealth acquisition. The deductibility of the net operating loss carryforwards is limited under IRC Sec. 382 and estimated to be $41,000 annually.

 

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax. The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before December 31, 2012.

 

The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2015 or 2014. No change in unrecognized tax benefits is expected in the next twelve months.

 

Retained earnings at December 31, 2015 and 2014 included approximately $2.3 million, for which no provision for federal income taxes has been made. This amount represents the tax bad debt reserve at September 30, 1987, which is the end of the Bank’s base year for purposes of calculating the bad debt deduction for tax purposes. If this portion of retained earnings is used in the future for any purpose other than to absorb bad debts, the amount used will be added to future taxable income. The unrecorded deferred tax liability on the above amount at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $796,000.

  

NOTE 13 - RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Loans to principal officers, directors, and their affiliates at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Beginning balance  $1,504   $600 
New loans   215    33 
Acquired with Town Square acquisition   -    1,082 
Repayments   (461)   (211)
           
Ending balance  $1,258   $1,504 

  

Deposits from principal officers, directors, and their affiliates at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $4.4 million and $3.6 million, respectively.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid approximately $0 and $3,800, respectively, to a principal officer who is a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser for appraisals performed on real estate properties that were used as collateral on loans extended to customers. The appraisals are validated through an internal validation process and once a property is foreclosed upon or the loan is deemed impaired, an appraisal from an outside party is obtained.

 

The Bank purchases office supplies and equipment from a company owned by a director of the Company. Purchases of such supplies and equipment totaled $98,033 in 2015 and $27,295 in 2014.

  

NOTE 14 - REGULATORY CAPITAL MATTERS

 

The Bank is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by its primary federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action. The final rules implementing Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks (Basel III rules) became effective for the Bank on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi-year schedule, and fully phased in by January 1, 2019. The net unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities is not included in computing regulatory capital. Capital amounts and ratios for December 31, 2014 are calculated using Basel I rules. Management believes as of December 31, 2015, the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

 

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Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and capital restoration plans are required. At year-end 2015 and 2014, the most recent regulatory notification from the OCC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.

  

Actual and required capital amounts (in thousands) and ratios for the Bank are presented below at December 31, 2015 and 2014: 

 

                   To Be Well 
                   Capitalized Under 
           For Capital Adequacy   Prompt Corrective 
   Actual   Purposes   Action Regulations 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
As of December 31, 2015:                              
Total Risk-Based Capital  $67,705    24.36%  $22,237    8.00%  $27,796    10.00%
(to Risk-weighted Assets)                              
Tier I Capital   65,816    23.68    16,678    6.00    22,237    8.00 
(to Risk-weighted Assets)                              
Common Equity   65,816    23.68    12,508    4.50    18,067    6.50 
(to Risk-weighted Assets)                              
Tier I Capital   65,816    15.31    17,190    4.00    21,488    5.00 
(to Adjusted Total Assets)                              

  

                   To Be Well 
                   Capitalized Under 
           For Capital Adequacy   Prompt Corrective 
   Actual   Purposes   Action Regulations 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
As of December 31, 2014:                              
Total Risk-Based Capital                              
(to Risk-weighted Assets)  $64,002    24.34%  $21,034    8.00%  $26,293    10.00%
Tier I Capital                              
(to Risk-weighted Assets)   62,068    23.61    10,517    4.00    15,776    6.00 
Tier I Capital                              
(to Adjusted Total Assets)   62,068    15.07    16,477    4.00    20,597    5.00 

 

Dividend Restrictions: The Company’s principal source of funds for dividend payments is dividends received from the Bank. Banking regulations limit the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior approval of regulatory agencies. Under these regulations, the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to the current year’s net profits, combined with the retained net profits of the preceding two years, subject to the capital requirements described above. As of December 31, 2015, the Company could, without prior approval, declare dividends of approximately $2.6 million, plus any 2016 net profits retained to the date of the dividend declaration.

 

NOTE 15 - LOAN COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES

 

Some financial instruments, such as loan commitments, credit lines, letters of credit, and overdraft protection, are issued to meet customer financing needs. These are agreements to provide credit or to support the credit of others, as long as conditions established in the contract are met, and usually have expiration dates. Commitments may expire without being used. Off-balance-sheet risk to credit loss exists up to the face amount of these instruments, although material losses are not anticipated. The same credit policies are used to make such commitments as are used for loans, including obtaining collateral at exercise of the commitment.

 

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The contractual amounts of financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):

  

   December 31, 2015 
   Fixed   Variable 
   Rate   Rate 
         
Commitments to make loans  $130   $- 
Unused lines of credit   6,348    15,090 
Standby letters of credit   380    - 

 

   December 31, 2014 
   Fixed   Variable 
   Rate   Rate 
         
Commitments to make loans  $-   $- 
Unused lines of credit   7,311    17,680 
Standby letters of credit   358    - 

 

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NOTE 16 - ESOP

 

Effective January 1, 2011, the company adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) for eligible employees. The ESOP borrowed $2.7 million from the Company and used those funds to acquire 269,790 shares issued by the Company in its initial public offering. The shares were acquired at a price of $10.00 per share.

 

The debt is secured by the shares purchased with the debt proceeds and will be repaid by the ESOP over the 20-year term of the debt with funds from Town Square’s contributions to the ESOP and dividends payable on unallocated shares, if any. The interest rate on the ESOP loan adjusts annually and is the prime rate on the first business day of the calendar year, as published in The Wall Street Journal.

 

Shares purchased by the ESOP are held by a trustee in an unallocated suspense account and shares are released annually from the suspense account on a pro-rata basis as principal and interest payments are made by the ESOP to the Company. The trustee allocates the shares released among participants on the basis of each participant’s proportional share of compensation relative to all participants. Total ESOP shares may be reduced as a result of employees leaving the Company; shares that have previously been released to those exiting employees may be removed from the plan and transferred to that employee. As shares are committed to be released from the suspense account, the Company reports compensation expense based on the average fair value of shares committed to be released with a corresponding credit to shareholders’ equity.

 

Compensation expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $210,000 and $195,000, respectively.

 

Shares held by the ESOP at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Allocated to participants   42,832    29,967 
Released, but unallocated   -    - 
Unearned   225,953    239,442 
           
Total ESOP shares   268,785    269,409 
           
Fair value of unearned shares  $3,864   $3,561 

 

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NOTE 17 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The two-class method is used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Under the two-class method, earnings available to common shareholders for the period are allocated between common shareholders and participating securities according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participating rights in undistributed earnings. The factors used in the earnings per computation follow (dollars in thousands except per share data):

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Basic          
Net income  $3,177   $1,846 
Less:  Net income attributable to participating securities   58    54 
Net income available to common shareholders  $3,119   $1,792 
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding   3,887,568    3,773,667 
Less:  Average unallocated ESOP shares   (231,641)   (239,402)
Average participating shares   (70,767)   (110,454)
Average shares   3,585,160    3,423,811 
           
Basic earnings per common share  $0.87   $0.52 
           
Diluted          
Net income  $3,119   $1,792 
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per common share   3,585,160    3,423,811 
Add:  Dilutive effects of assumed exercises of stock options   3,838    - 
           
Average shares and dilutive potential common shares   3,588,998    3,423,811 
           
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share  $0.87   $0.52 

 

There were 3,838 potentially dilutive securities outstanding at December 31, 2015. Stock options of 205,500 were considered in computing diluted earnings per common share at December 31, 2015. There were no potentially dilutive securities outstanding at December 31, 2014. Stock options of 299,500 shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share for December 31, 2014 because they were antidilutive.

 

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NOTE 18 – STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

 

On January 8, 2013, the shareholders of Poage Bankshares, Inc. approved the Poage Bankshares, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for employees and directors of the Company. The Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 472,132 shares of the Company’s common stock, with no more than 134,895 of shares as restricted stock awards and 337,237 as stock options, either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan may not be less than the fair value on the date the stock option is granted. The compensation committee of the board of directors has sole discretion to determine the amount and to whom equity incentive awards are granted.

 

On April 16, 2013, the compensation committee of the board of directors approved the issuance of 134,895 shares of restricted stock to its directors and officers. In addition, on May 10, 2013, the compensation committee of the board of directors approved the issuance of 300,000 stock options to its directors and officers. An additional 20,000 stock option shares were issued on March 19, 2014 as a result of the acquisition of Town Square Financial Corporation by Poage Bankshares, Inc. All stock options and restricted stock awards vest ratably over five years. Stock options expire ten years after issuance. An additional 5,000 stock option shares were issued on May 31, 2015 to employees as a result of the acquisition of Commonwealth. Apart from the vesting schedule for both stock options and restricted stock, there are no performance-based conditions or any other material conditions applicable to the awards issued.

 

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The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

       Weighted 
       Average 
   Options   Exercise Price 
Outstanding - January 1, 2015   299,500   $14.94 
Granted   5,000    15.44 
Exercised   (81,750)   15.00 
Forfeited   (17,250)   14.96 
Outstanding - December 31, 2015   205,500   $14.93 
           
Fully vested and exercisable at December 31, 2015   76,200      
Fully vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014   57,950      
Expected to vest in future periods   129,300      

 

The fair value for each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model that uses the following assumptions. The Company uses the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant to determine the risk-free interest rate. The expected dividend yield is estimated using the projected annual dividend level and recent stock price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. Expected stock volatility is based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock. The expected term of the options is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, which takes into account that the options are not transferable.

 

The weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to determine the fair value of options granted was as follows:

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31, 2015   December 31, 2014 
         
Risk-free interest rate   1.86%   2.16%
Expected dividend yield   1.55%   1.42%
Expected stock volatility   12.94    11.97 
Expected life (years)   7    7 
Weighted average fair value of options granted  $2.01   $1.91 

 

Stock options are assumed to be earned ratably over their respective vesting periods and charged to compensation expense based upon their grant date fair value and the number of options assumed to be earned. At December 31, 2015, 205,500 options were outstanding and 76,200 options were fully vested and exercisable with aggregate intrinsic value of $446,000 and 165,000, respectively. At December 31, 2014, 299,500 options were outstanding and 57,950 options were fully vested and exercisable with aggregate intrinsic value of $16,000 and $0, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for stock options included in salaries and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $136,000 and $142,000, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to vested and non-vested stock options was $208,000 at December 31, 2015 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.4 years.

 

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The following table summarizes non-vested restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

 

Balance - January 1, 2014   134,895 
Granted   - 
Forfeited   - 
Vested   (34,271)
Balance - December 31, 2014   100,624 
Granted   - 
Forfeited   (13,486)
Vested   (33,191)
Balance - December 31, 2015   53,947 

 

The fair value of the restricted stock awards is amortized to compensation expense over the vesting period (generally five years) and is based on the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant multiplied by the number of shares granted that are expected to vest. Stock-based compensation expense for the vested and non-vested restricted stock included in salaries and benefits for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $437,000 and $487,000, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value was $15.10 per award. Unrecognized compensation expense for vested and non-vested restricted stock awards was $623,000 at December 31, 2015 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.

   

NOTE 19 – BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

Effective May 31, 2015, the Company completed its previously reported acquisition of Commonwealth Bank, F.S.B., Mt. Sterling, Kentucky (“Commonwealth”), in a conversion merger transaction. The Company’s primary reason for undertaking the conversion merger is to fill-in its existing footprint along the Interstate 64 corridor between its main office in Ashland, Kentucky (Boyd County) and its Nicholasville branch office (Jessamine County). Montgomery County, where Commonwealth is located, lies in between Boyd, Greenup and Lawrence Counties (to the northeast of Montgomery County) and Jessamine County (to the southwest of Montgomery County). As result of the conversion merger transaction, Commonwealth converted from a mutual to stock institution and merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving institution, and the Company issued and sold 166,221 shares of common stock at a price of $12.73 per share, which reflected a 15% discount on the 30 day average price as prescribed in the merger agreement. The shares were offered to depositor and borrower members of Commonwealth in a subscription offering and to stockholders of the Company and members of the general public in a community offering. Gross offering proceeds totaled approximately $2.1 million. Commonwealth’s sole office, located in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, has become a branch office of the Bank.

 

Acquisition costs of $617,000 are included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. These costs include $418,000 in early termination fees primarily attributable to data processing and $199,000 in professional fees for attorneys, accountants and consultants. The Company has determined that the acquisition constitutes a business combination as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are presented at their estimated fair values as required by the accounting guidance. Fair values were determined based on the requirements of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements

 

In many cases, the determination of these fair values required management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions and other future events which are highly subjective in nature and are subject to change. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction are presented at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. 

 

The Company recorded the following assets and liabilities as of May 31, 2015. The discounts and premiums resulting from the fair value adjustments will be accreted and amortized over the anticipated lives of the underlying excess fair value of assets and liabilities. The excess fair value of assets acquired over liabilities assumed, resulted in an estimated $955,000 bargain purchase gain. The bargain purchase gain is recorded in non-interest income in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company has determined the total fair value of the stock consideration transferred in exchange for net identifiable assets of $1.5 million was $492,000.

 

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The following is a description of the methods used to determine the fair values of significant assets and liabilities at the Acquisition Date presented above.

 

Cash and Due from Banks and Interest-bearing Deposits in Banks – The Company acquired $2.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these assets, adjusted for any cash items deemed uncollectible by management, was determined to be a reasonable estimate of fair value based on their short-term nature.

 

Investment Securities –Federal Home Loan Bank stock totaling $299,000 was acquired at cost, as it is not practicable to determine its fair value because of restrictions on its marketability.

 

Loans – The Company acquired approximately $14.8 million in loans with and without evidence of credit quality deterioration. The loans acquired consist of residential real estate, commercial real estate and consumer loans.

 

At the acquisition date, the Company recorded $14.3 million of loans without evidence of credit quality deterioration and $508,000 of purchased credit-impaired loans subject to nonaccretable difference of $133,000. The acquired loans were deemed impaired at the acquisition date if the Company did not expect to receive all contractually required cash flows due to concerns about credit quality. Fair values for loans were based on discounted cash flow methodology that considered factors including the type of loan and related collateral, classification status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan and whether or not the loan was amortizing, and a discount rate reflecting current market rates for new originations of comparable loans adjusted for the risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. Certain loans that were determined to be collateral dependent were valued based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. These estimates were based on the most recently available real estate appraisals with certain adjustments made based on the type of property, age of appraisal, current status of the property and other related factors to estimate the current value of the collateral (in thousands):

 

   Non-impaired   Credit-impaired 
   Purchased Loans   Purchased Loans 
Real estate mortgage loans:          
Residential:          
1-4 Family  $13,181   $485 
Multi-family   -    - 
Construction   -    - 
Nonresidential and land   438    - 
Commercial non-mortgage loans   -    - 
Consumer Loans   702    23 
Total Loans  $14,321   $508 

 

The composition of the acquired loans at May 31, 2015 follows (in thousands):

 

   Contractual   Fair Value     
   Amounts   Adjustments   Fair Value 
Real estate mortgage loans:               
Residential:               
1-4 Family  $14,001   $(335)  $13,666 
Multi-family   -    -    - 
Construction   -    -    - 
Nonresidential and land   450    (12)   438 
Commercial non-mortgage loans   -    -    - 
Consumer loans   731    (6)   725 
Total Loans  $15,182   $(353)  $14,829 

 

Loans purchased in the acquisition are accounted for using one of two following accounting standards:

 

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  · ASC Topic 310-20 is used to value loans that have not demonstrated post origination credit quality deterioration and the acquirer expect to collect all contractually required payments from the borrower. For these loans, the difference between fair value of the loan at acquisition and the amortized cost of the loan would be amortized or accreted into income using the interest method.

 

  · ASC Topic 310-30 is used to value loans with post origination credit quality deterioration. For these loans, it is probable the acquirer will be unable to collect all contractually required payments from the borrower. Under ASC 310-30, the expected cash flows that exceed the initial investment in the loan (fair value) represent the “accretable yield,” which is recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the expected cash flow periods of the loans. The excess of the loan’s contractual principal and interest over the expected cash flows is the nonaccretable difference.

 

The following table presents the purchased loans that are included within the scope of ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality as of May 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 

Contractually-required principal and interest payments  $652 
Non-Accretable difference   (133)
Accretable yield   (11)
      
   $508 

 

Core Deposit Intangible – This intangible asset represents the value of the relationships that Commonwealth had with its deposit customers. The fair value of this intangible asset will be estimated based on a discounted cash flow methodology that gave appropriate consideration to the type of deposit, deposit retention, cost of the deposit base, and net maintenance cost attributable to customer deposits.

 

Deposits - The Company assumed $15.4 million in deposits at estimated fair value. Savings accounts and demand deposit accounts totaled $9.2 million, while certificates of deposit had face value of $6.2 million. The Company recorded a premium associated with the certificates of deposit of $5,077 due to the interest rates associated with the time deposits, which caused those deposits to be valued at $6.2 million.

 

PRO FORMA INFORMATION (Unaudited)

 

The following table presents pro forma information as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the periods presented (January 1, in this case.) The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the transactions been effected on the assumed dates (in thousands except per share data):

 

   Year ended 
   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Net Interest Income  $17,171   $16,115 
           
Net Income before tax  $3,686   $2,548 
Tax (expense)   1,253    542 
           
Net Income  $2,433   $2,006 
           
Basic and diluted earnings per share  $0.67   $0.54 

 

103 

 

  

A summary of the net assets acquired as of May 31, 2015 follows (in thousands):

 

   May 31, 
   2015 
     
Consideration     
Fair value of total stock consideration transferred  $492 
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed     
Assets acquired     
Cash and due from banks  $2,355 
Restricted stock   299 
Loans   14,829 
Premises and equipment, net   1,333 
Accrued interest receivable   57 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   17 
Deferred federal income taxes   286 
Core deposit intangible   227 
Total assets acquired  $19,403 
Fair value of liabilities assumed     
Deposits   15,403 
FHLB advances   2,316 
Accrued interest payable   22 
Other liabilities   215 
Total liabilities assumed  $17,956 
Total identifiable net assets  $1,447 
Bargain purchase gain  $955 

 

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NOTE 20 – HOLDING COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following balance sheets, statements of income and comprehensive income and statements of cash flows for Poage Bankshares, Inc. should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

 

BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands)

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents  $2,442   $2,871 
Investment in subsidiary   67,865    65,113 
Investment in statutory trust   124    124 
ESOP note receivable   2,263    2,372 
Other assets   1,522    672 
           
Total assets   74,216    71,152 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
           
Other liabilities   214    304 
Subordinated Debenture   2,761    2,697 
Total shareholders' equity   71,241    68,151 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $74,216   $71,152 

 

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STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands)

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
         
Interest income  $77   $80 
Dividends from subsidiaries   3,003    3,002 
Bargain purchase gain   955    - 
Interest expense   154    116 
Other expense   1,467    1,699 
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of Subsidiary   2,414    1,267 
Income tax benefit   (483)   (535)
Net income before equity in undistributed income of Bank   2,897    1,802 
Equity in undistributed income of Bank   280    44 
           
Net income  $3,177   $1,846 
           
Comprehensive income  $3,101   $3,157 

 

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STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

(In thousands)  

 

   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31,   December 31, 
   2015   2014 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income  $3,177   $1,846 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:          
Bargain purchase gain   (955)   - 
Amortization of fair value related to subordinated debenture   64    48 
Deferred income tax benefit   (1,506)   (227)
Equity in undistributed net income of Bank   (280)   (44)
Share based compensation expense   783    824 
(Increase) decrease in other assets   381    (672)
Decrease in other liabilities   (77)   (132)
           
Net cash from (used in) operating activities   1,587    1,643 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Cash (paid) received in acquisition   -    (6,561)
Investment in subsidiary   (839)   - 
Payments received loan to ESOP   109    105 
           
Net cash from (used in) investing activities   (730)   (6,456)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Stock repurchases   (2,121)   (410)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of costs   1,675    - 
Stock issuance costs paid   -    (212)
Dividends paid   (840)   (702)
           
Net cash used in financing activities   (1,286)   (1,324)
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents   (429)   (6,137)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   2,871    9,008 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $2,442   $2,871 

 

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NOTE 21 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

The following is changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by component, net of tax for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 

   Unrealized Gains and 
   Losses on Available- 
   for-Sale Securities 
   Year ended   Year ended 
   December 31, 2015   December 31, 2014 
Beginning balance  $460   $(851)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax before reclassification   (67)   1,464 
           
Amounts reclassified from accumulated to other comprehensive income for gains on sale of securities, net of tax expense of $5 and $79 respectively.   (9)   (153)
           
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)   (76)   1,311 
           
Ending Balance  $384   $460 

 

The following is significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

 

Details about  Amount   Affected Line Item
Accumulated Other  Reclassified From   in the Statement
Comprehensive  Accumulated Other   Where Net
Income Components  Comprehensive Income   Income is Presented
   Year ended   Year ended    
   December 31, 2015   December 31, 2014    
Unrealized gains and losses on             
available-for-sale securities  $14   $232   Net gain on sale of securities
              
   $(5)  $(79)  Tax expense
              
   $9   $153   Net of tax

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

  (a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2015 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this annual report has been made known to them in a timely fashion.

 

  (b) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Poage Bankshares’ management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Poage Bankshares’ system of internal control over financial reporting is designed under the supervision of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of Poage Bankshares’ consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

 

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

  pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of our assets; 
  provide reasonable assurance that our transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and our directors; and 
  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness as to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time. Our system contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.

 

As of December 31, 2015, management assessed the effectiveness of Poage Bankshares’ internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework established in Internal Control—2013 Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based upon its assessment, management believes that Poage Bankshares’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 is effective using these criteria. This annual report does not include an attestation report of Poage Bankshares’ registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by Poage Bankshares’ registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit Poage Bankshares (as a smaller reporting company) to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

  (c) Changes in internal controls.

 

There were no significant changes made in our internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

 

109 

 

  

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information required by Item 10 of Form 10-K appears under the caption “Proposal I—Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required by Item 11 of Form 10-K appears under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required by Item 12 of Form 10-K appears under the caption “Voting Securities and Principal Holders” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required by Item 13 of Form 10-K appears under the caption “Proposal I—Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

  

The information required by Item 14 of Form 10-K appears under the caption “Proposal III—Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)(1)  Financial Statements

 

The following documents are filed as item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 

(A) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

(B) Consolidated Balance Sheets – at December 31, 2015

 

(C) Consolidated Statements of Income – Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

(D) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years end December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

(E) Consolidated Statements of Changes In Shareholders’ Equity – Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

(F) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

 

 

110 

 

  

(G) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

 

None.

 

  (b) Not applicable.

 

  (c) Not applicable.

 

(a)(3) Exhibits

 

3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Poage Bankshares, Inc.*
3.2 Bylaws of Poage Bankshares, Inc.**
4 Form of Common Stock Certificate of Poage Bankshares, Inc.*
10.1 Form of Employee Stock Ownership Plan*
10.2 Three Year Change in Control Agreement, dated September 12, 2011, by and between James W. King and Home Federal Savings and Loan Association.*
10.3 Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement, dated April 29, 2003, by and between James W. King and Home Federal Savings and Loan Association.*
10.4 Form of Director Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement.*
10.5 Form of Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement.*
10.6 Form of Amendment to the Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement.*
10.7 Poage Bankshares, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan***
10.8 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 21, 2013, by and among Poage, Bankshares, Inc., Poage Merger Subsidiary, Inc. and Home Federal Savings and Loan Association, and Town Square Financial Corporation and Town Square Bank.****
10.9 Employment Agreement, dated March 18, 2014, by and between Bruce VanHorn and Home Federal Savings and Loan Association *****
10.10 Agreement and Plan of Conversion Merger by and among Poage Bankshares, Inc., Town Square Bank and Commonwealth Bank, F.S.B.******
21 Subsidiaries of registrant
23 Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP
31.1 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
101 Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

* Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Poage Bankshares, Inc. (File No. 333-172192, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2011, and as subsequently amended). 
** Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Poage Bankshares, Inc. (File No. 001-35295, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 29, 2013).
*** Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of Poage Bankshares, Inc. (File No. 001-35295, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 1, 2013).
**** Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Poage Bankshares, Inc. (File No. 001-35295, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 21, 2013).
***** Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Poage Bankshares, Inc. (File No. 001-35295, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 18, 2014).
****** Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Poage Bankshares, Inc. (File No. 333-172192, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2014, and as subsequently amended). 

 

111 

 

  

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  Poage Bankshares, Inc.
   
Date: March 30, 2016  
   
  /s/ Bruce VanHorn
  Bruce VanHorn
  President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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

 

Name   Position   Date
           
By: /s/ Bruce VanHorn   President, Chief Executive   March 30, 2016
  Bruce VanHorn   Officer and Director    
      (Principal Executive Officer)    
           
By: /s/ Jane Gilkerson   Chief Financial Officer   March 30, 2016
  Jane Gilkerson   (Principal Financial and    
      Accounting Officer)    
           
By: /s Thomas Burnette   Chairman of the Board   March 30, 2016
  Thomas Burnette        
           
By: /s/ Stephen S. Burchett   Director   March 30, 2016
  Stephen S. Burchett        
           
By: /s/ Everette B. Gevedon   Director   March 30, 2016
  Everette B. Gevedon        
           
By: /s/ Stuart N. Moore   Director   March 30, 2016
  Stuart N. Moore        
           
By: /s/ Charles W. Robinson   Director   March 30, 2016
  Charles W. Robinson        
           
By: /s/ John C. Stewart, Jr.   Director   March 30, 2016
  John C. Stewart, Jr.        
           
By: /s/ Daniel King, III   Director   March 30, 2016
  Daniel King, III        

 

112