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EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex99-2.htm
EX-99.1 - EXHIBIT 99.1 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex99-1.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex31-1.htm
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex23-1.htm
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex21-1.htm
EX-10.11 - EXHIBIT 10.11 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex10-11.htm
EX-10.10 - EXHIBIT 10.10 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex10-10.htm
EX-10.9 - EXHIBIT 10.9 - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_ex10-9.htm
10-K - FORM 10-K - FIRST BANCSHARES INC /MS/v461151_10k.htm

 

EXHIBIT 13.1

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
Earnings:                         
Net interest income  $40,289   $36,994   $33,398   $28,401   $22,194 
Provision for loan losses   625    410    1,418    1,076    1,228 
                          
Noninterest income   11,247    7,588    7,803    7,083    6,324 
Noninterest expense   36,862    32,161    30,734    28,165    22,164 
Net income   10,119    8,799    6,614    4,639    4,049 
Net income applicable to common stockholders   9,666    8,456    6,251    4,215    3,624 
                          
Per  common share data:                         
Basic net income per share  $1.78   $1.57   $1.20   $.98   $1.17 
Diluted net income per share   1.57    1.55    1.19    .96    1.16 
                          
Per share data:                         
Basic net income per share  $1.86   $1.64   $1.27   $1.07   $1.31 
Diluted net income per share   1.64    1.62    1.25    1.06    1.29 
                          
Selected Year End Balances:                         
                          
Total assets  $1,277,367   $1,145,131   $1,093,768   $940,890   $721,385 
Securities   255,799    254,959    270,174    258,023    226,301 
Loans, net of allowance   865,424    769,742    700,540    577,574    408,970 
Deposits   1,039,191    916,695    892,775    779,971    596,627 
Stockholders’ equity   154,527    103,436    96,216    85,108    65,885 

 

5 

 

 

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Purpose

 

The purpose of management's discussion and analysis is to make the reader aware of the significant components, events, and changes in the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company and The First during the year ended December 31, 2016, when compared to the years 2015 and 2014. The Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes should also be considered.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

In the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements, certain significant amounts are based upon judgment and estimates. The most critical of these is the accounting policy related to the allowance for loan losses. The allowance is based in large measure upon management's evaluation of borrowers' abilities to make loan payments, local and national economic conditions, and other subjective factors. If any of these factors were to deteriorate, management would update its estimates and judgments which may require additional loss provisions.

 

Companies are required to perform periodic reviews of individual securities in their investment portfolios to determine whether decline in the value of a security is other than temporary. A review of other-than-temporary impairment requires companies to make certain judgments regarding the materiality of the decline, its effect on the financial statements and the probability, extent and timing of a valuation recovery and the company’s intent and ability to hold the security. Pursuant to these requirements, Management assesses valuation declines to determine the extent to which such changes are attributable to fundamental factors specific to the issuer, such as financial condition, business prospects or other factors or market-related factors, such as interest rates. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are recorded in earnings as realized losses.

 

Goodwill is assessed for impairment both annually and when events or circumstances occur that make it more likely than not that impairment has occurred. As part of its testing, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount using these qualitative factors, the Company then compares the fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount, and then measures impaired loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Other intangibles are also assessed for impairment, both annually and when events or circumstances occur, that make it more likely than not that impairment has occurred. No impairment was indicated when the annual test was performed in 2016.

 

Overview

 

The First Bancshares, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated on June 23, 1995, and serves as a bank holding company for The First, A National Banking Association (“The First”), located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The First began operations on August 5, 1996, from its main office in the Oak Grove community, which is on the western side of Hattiesburg. Currently, the First has 48 locations in South Mississippi, South Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida. The Company and The First engage in a general commercial and retail banking business characterized by personalized service and local decision-making, emphasizing the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professional concerns, and individuals.

 

6 

 

 

The Company’s primary source of revenue is interest income and fees, which it earns by lending and investing the funds which are held on deposit. Because loans generally earn higher rates of interest than investments, the Company seeks to employ as much of its deposit funds as possible in the form of loans to individuals, businesses, and other organizations. To ensure sufficient liquidity, the Company also maintains a portion of its deposits in cash, government securities, deposits with other financial institutions, and overnight loans of excess reserves (known as “Federal Funds Sold”) to correspondent banks. The revenue which the Company earns (prior to deducting its overhead expenses) is essentially a function of the amount of the Company’s loans and deposits, as well as the profit margin (“interest spread”) and fee income which can be generated on these amounts.

 

The Company increased to approximately $1.3 billion in total assets, and $1.0 billion in deposits at December 31, 2016 from approximately $1.1 billion in total assets, and $916.7 million in deposits at December 31, 2015. Loans net of allowance for loan losses increased to $865.4 million at December 31, 2016 from approximately $769.7 million at December 31, 2015. The Company increased to $154.5 million in stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2016 from approximately $103.4 million at December 31, 2015. The First reported net income of $11.6 million, $9.6 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company reported consolidated net income applicable to common stockholders of $9.7 million, $8.5 million and $6.3 million, respectively. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto and the other financial data included elsewhere.

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Dollars In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
Earnings:                         
Net interest income  $40,289   $36,994   $33,398   $28,401   $22,194 
Provision for loan losses   625    410    1,418    1,076    1,228 
                          
Noninterest income   11,247    7,588    7,803    7,083    6,324 
Noninterest expense   36,862    32,161    30,734    28,165    22,164 
Net income   10,119    8,799    6,614    4,639    4,049 
Net income applicable to common stockholders   9,666    8,456    6,251    4,215    3,624 
                          
Per common share data:                         
Basic net income per share  $1.78   $1.57   $1.20   $.98   $1.17 
Diluted net income per share   1.57    1.55    1.19    .96    1.16 
                          
Per share data:                         
Basic net income per share  $1.86   $1.64   $1.27   $1.07   $1.31 
Diluted net income per share   1.64    1.62    1.25    1.06    1.29 
                          
Selected Year End Balances:                         
                          
Total assets  $1,277,367   $1,145,131   $1,093,768   $940,890   $721,385 
Securities   255,799    254,959    270,174    258,023    226,301 
Loans, net of allowance   865,424    769,742    700,540    577,574    408,970 
Deposits   1,039,191    916,695    892,775    779,971    596,627 
Stockholders’ equity   154,527    103,436    96,216    85,108    65,885 

 

7 

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following is a summary of the results of operations by The First for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

 

   2016   2015   2014 
   (In thousands) 
             
Interest income  $44,535   $40,196   $36,365 
Interest expense   4,094    3,022    2,791 
Net interest income   40,441    37,174    33,574 
                
Provision for loan losses   625    410    1,418 
                
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   39,816    36,764    32,156 
                
Other income   10,540    7,589    7,439 
                
Other expense   33,941    31,032    29,477 
                
Income tax expense   4,766    3,701    2,733 
                
Net income  $11,649   $9,620   $7,385 

 

8 

 

 

The following reconciles the above table to the amounts reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company at December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014:

 

   2016   2015   2014 
   (In thousands) 
             
Net interest income:               
Net interest income of The First  $40,504   $37,174   $33,574 
Intercompany eliminations   (215)   (180)   (176)
   $40,289   $36,994   $33,398 
                
Net income applicable to common stockholders:               
Net income of  The First  $11,649   $9,620   $7,385 
Net loss of the Company, excluding  intercompany accounts   (1,983)   (1,164)   (1,134)
   $9,666   $8,456   $6,251 

 

Consolidated Net Income

 

The Company reported consolidated net income applicable to common stockholders of $9,666,382 for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to a consolidated net income of $8,456,242 for the year ended December 31, 2015, and consolidated net income of $6,250,743 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in income was attributable to an increase in net interest income of $3.3 million or 8.9%, an increase in other income of $3.7 million, or 48.2%, which was partially offset by an increase in other expenses of $4.7 million or 14.6%. Other expenses included charges of $521,000 related to the acquisitions. See Note T of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included at Item 8 of this report for more information on how the Company accounts for business combinations.

 

Consolidated Net Interest Income

 

The largest component of net income for the Company is net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on assets and interest paid on deposits and borrowings used to support such assets. Net interest income is determined by the rates earned on the Company’s interest-earning assets and the rates paid on its interest-bearing liabilities, the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the degree of mismatch and the maturity and repricing characteristics of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Consolidated net interest income was approximately $40,289,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $36,994,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $33,398,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase was the direct result of increased loan volumes during 2016 as compared to 2015 and increased loan volumes during 2015 as compared to 2014. Average interest-bearing liabilities for the year 2016 were $911,037,000 compared to $822,708,000 for the year 2015 and $746,025,000 for the year 2014. At December 31, 2016, the net interest spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.63% compared to 3.65% at December 31, 2015 and compared to 3.62% at December 31, 2014. The net interest margin (which is net interest income divided by average earning assets) was 3.71% for the year 2016 compared to 3.72% for the year 2015 and compared to 3.70% for the year 2014. Rates paid on average interest-bearing liabilities increased to .47% for the year 2016 compared to .39% for the year 2015 and compared to .40% for the year 2014. Interest earned on assets and interest accrued on liabilities is significantly influenced by market factors, specifically interest rates as set by Federal agencies. Average loans comprised 73.9% of average earnings assets for the year 2016 compared to 71.7% the year 2015 and 67.8% for the year 2014.

 

9 

 

 

Average Balances, Income and Expenses, and Rates. The following tables depict, for the periods indicated, certain information related to the average balance sheet and average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. Average balances have been derived from daily averages.

 

Average Balances, Income and Expenses, and Rates

 

       Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   Average
Balance
   Income/
Expenses
   Yield/
Rate
   Average
Balance
   Income/
Expenses
   Yield/
Rate
   Average
Balance
   Income/
Expenses
   Yield/
Rate
 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Assets                                             
Earning Assets                                             
Loans (1)(2)  $820,881   $38,497    4.69%  $730,326   $34,242    4.69%  $632,049   $30,276    4.79%
Securities (4)   261,508    6,885    2.63%   256,462    6,759    2.64%   271,247    7,024    2.59%
Federal funds sold (3)   18,806    127    .68%   24,582    64    .26%   24,845    53    .21%
Other   10,029    59    .59%   7,585    93    1.23%   3,827    85    2.22%
Total earning assets   1,111,224    45,568    4.10%   1,018,955    41,158    4.04%   931,968    37,438    4.02%
                                              
Other   117,735              103,237              98,354           
Total assets  $1,228,959             $1,122,192             $1,030,322           
                                              
Liabilities                                             
Interest-bearing liabilities  $911,037   $4,316    .47%  $822,708   $3,208    .39%  $746,025   $2,973    .40%
Demand deposits (1)   191,998              196,284              184,037           
Other liabilities   5,601              4,594              11,990           
Stockholders’ equity   120,323              98,606              88,270           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $1,228,959             $1,122,192             $1,030,322           
                                              
Net interest spread             3.63%             3.65%             3.62%
Net yield on interest-earning assets       $41,252    3.71%       $37,950    3.72%       $34,465    3.70%

 

 

(1)All loans and deposits were made to borrowers in the United States. Includes nonaccrual loans of $3,265, $7,368, and $6,056, respectively, during the periods presented. (i.e. 2016, 2015 and 2014). Loans include held for sale loans.
(2)Includes loan fees of $857, $692, and $717, respectively, during the periods presented (i.e. 2016, 2015 and 2014).
(3)Includes EBA-MNBB and Federal Reserve – New Orleans.
(4)Tax equivalent yield

 

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

 

10 

 

 

Analysis of Changes in Consolidated Net Interest Income

 

   Year Ended December 31,   Year Ended December 31, 
  

2016 versus 2015

Increase (decrease) due to

  

2015 versus 2014

Increase (decrease) due to

 
   Volume   Rate   Net   Volume   Rate   Net 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Earning Assets                              
Loans  $3,807   $448   $4,255   $3,826   $140   $3,966 
Securities   174    (48)   126    (409)   144    (265)
Federal funds sold   (63)   126    63    19    (8)   11 
Other short-term investments   4    (38)   (34)   3    5    8 
Total interest income   3,922    488    4,410    3,439    281    3,720 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities                              
Interest-bearing transaction accounts   207    215    422    204    66    270 
Money market accounts and savings   (15)   54    39    6    (24)   (18)
Time deposits   108    313    421    (108)   50    (58)
Borrowed funds   77    149    226    77    (36)   41 
Total interest expense   377    731    1,108    179    56    235 
Net interest income  $3,545   $(243)  $3,302   $3,260   $225   $3,485 

 

Interest Sensitivity. The Company monitors and manages the pricing and maturity of its assets and liabilities in order to diminish the potential adverse impact that changes in interest rates could have on its net interest income. A monitoring technique employed by the Company is the measurement of the Company's interest sensitivity "gap," which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. The Company also performs asset/liability modeling to assess the impact varying interest rates and balance sheet mix assumptions will have on net interest income. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available-for-sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity, or adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability. Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in the same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates. The Company evaluates interest sensitivity risk and then formulates guidelines regarding asset generation and repricing, funding sources and pricing, and off-balance sheet commitments in order to decrease interest rate sensitivity risk.

 

The following tables illustrate the Company's consolidated interest rate sensitivity and consolidated cumulative gap position at December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

 

11 

 

 

   December 31, 2016 
  

Within

Three

Months

  

After Three

Through

Twelve

Months

  

Within

One

Year

  

Greater Than

One Year or

Nonsensitive

   Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Assets                         
Earning Assets:                         
Loans  $121,391   $88,433   $209,824   $663,110   $872,934 
Securities (2)   10,092    21,376    31,468    224,331    255,799 
Funds sold and other   425    29,975    30,400    -    30,400 
Total earning assets  $131,908   $139,784   $271,692   $887,441   $1,159,133 
Liabilities                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:                         
Interest-bearing deposits:                         
NOW accounts (1)  $-   $430,903   $430,903   $-   $430,903 
Money market accounts   113,253    -    113,253    -    113,253 
Savings deposits (1)   -    69,540    69,540    -    69,540 
Time deposits   31,273    93,456    124,729    98,288    223,017 
Total interest-bearing deposits   144,526    593,899    738,425    98,288    836,713 
Borrowed funds (3)   30,000    26,000    56,000    13,000    69,000 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   174,526    619,899    794,425    111,288    905,713 
Interest-sensitivity gap per period  $(42,618)  $(480,115)  $(522,733)  $776,153   $253,420 
Cumulative gap at December 31, 2016  $(42,618)  $(522,733)  $(522,733)  $253,420   $253,420 
Ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets at December 31, 2016   (3.7%)   (45.1%)   (45.1%)   21.9%     

 

   December 31, 2015 
  

Within

Three

Months

  

After Three

Through

Twelve

Months

  

Within

One

Year

  

Greater Than

One Year or

Nonsensitive

   Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Assets                         
Earning Assets:                         
Loans  $101,160   $76,996   $178,156   $598,333   $776,489 
Securities (2)   14,831    18,100    32,931    222,028    254,959 
Funds sold and other   321    17,303    17,624    -    17,624 
Total earning assets  $116,312   $112,399   $228,711   $820,361   $1,049,072 
Liabilities                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:                         
Interest-bearing deposits:                         
NOW accounts (1)  $-   $373,686   $373,686   $-   $373,686 
Money market accounts   105,434    -    105,434    -    105,434 
Savings deposits (1)   -    68,657    68,657    -    68,657 
Time deposits   37,222    83,549    120,771    58,702    179,473 
Total interest-bearing deposits   142,656    525,892    668,548    58,702    727,250 
Borrowed funds (3)   81,130    21,191    102,321    8,000    110,321 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   223,786    547,083    770,869    66,702    837,571 
Interest-sensitivity gap per period  $(107,474)  $(434,684)  $(542,158)  $753,659   $211,501 
Cumulative gap at December 31, 2015  $(107,474)  $(542,158)  $(542,158)  $211,501   $211,501 
Ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets at December 31, 2015   (10.2%)   (51.7%)   (51.7%)   20.2%     

 

12 

 

 

   December 31, 2014 
  

Within

Three

Months

  

After Three

Through

Twelve

Months

  

Within

One

Year

  

Greater Than

One Year or

Nonsensitive

   Total 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Assets                         
Earning Assets:                         
Loans  $99,183   $82,644   $181,827   $524,808   $706,635 
Securities (2)   14,266    14,880    29,146    241,028    270,174 
Funds sold and other   386    13,899    14,285    -    14,285 
Total earning assets  $113,835   $111,423   $225,258   $765,836   $991,094 
Liabilities                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:                         
Interest-bearing deposits:                         
NOW accounts (1)  $-   $301,721   $301,721   $-   $301,721 
Money market accounts   117,018    -    117,018    -    117,018 
Savings deposits (1)   -    66,615    66,615    -    66,615 
Time deposits   53,529    78,581    132,110    73,949    206,059 
Total interest-bearing deposits   170,547    446,917    617,464    73,949    691,413 
Borrowed funds (3)   40,004    40,464    80,468    8,982    89,450 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   210,551    487,381    697,932    82,931    780,863 
Interest-sensitivity gap per period  $(96,716)  $(375,958)  $(472,674)  $682,905   $210,231 
Cumulative gap at December 31, 2014  $(96,716)  $(472,674)  $(472,674)  $210,231   $210,231 
Ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets at December 31, 2014   (9.8%)   (47.7%)   (47.7%)   21.2%     

 

 

 

(1)NOW and savings accounts are subject to immediate withdrawal and repricing. These deposits do not tend to immediately react to changes in interest rates and the Company believes these deposits are fairly stable. Therefore, these deposits are included in the repricing period that management believes most closely matches the periods in which they are likely to reprice rather than the period in which the funds can be withdrawn contractually.
(2)Securities include mortgage backed and other installment paying obligations based upon stated maturity dates.
(3)Does not include subordinated debentures of $10,310,000

 

The Company generally would benefit from increasing market rates of interest when it has an asset-sensitive gap and generally from decreasing market rates of interest when it is liability sensitive. The Company currently is liability sensitive within the one-year time frame. However, the Company's gap analysis is not a precise indicator of its interest sensitivity position. The analysis presents only a static view of the timing of maturities and repricing opportunities, without taking into consideration that changes in interest rates do not affect all assets and liabilities equally. For example, rates paid on a substantial portion of core deposits may change contractually within a relatively short time frame, but those rates are viewed by management as significantly less interest-sensitive than market-based rates such as those paid on non-core deposits. Accordingly, management believes a liability sensitive-position within one year would not be as indicative of the Company’s true interest sensitivity as it would be for an organization which depends to a greater extent on purchased funds to support earning assets. Net interest income is also affected by other significant factors, including changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

The following tables depict, for the periods indicated, certain information related to interest rate sensitivity in net interest income and market value of equity.

 

13 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

   Net Interest
Income at Risk
   Market Value of Equity 
Change in Interest Rates  % Change from Base   Policy Limit   % Change
from Base
   Policy Limit 
                 
Up 400 bps   15.4%   -20%   22.9%   -40.00%
Up 300 bps   11.8%   -15%   18.8%   -30.00%
Up 200 bps   8.0%   -10%   13.7%   -20.00%
Up 100 bps   4.0%   -5%   7.6%   -10.00%
Down 100 bps   -4.8%   -5%   -9.5%   -10.00%
Down 200 bps   -6.6%   -10%   -11.6%   -20.00%

 

December 31, 2015

 

   Net Interest
Income at Risk
   Market Value of Equity 
Change in
 Interest Rates
  % Change
from Base
   Policy Limit   % Change
from Base
   Policy Limit 
                 
Up 400 bps   11.2%   -20%   34.3%   -40.00%
Up 300 bps   8.6%   -15%   27.7%   -30.00%
Up 200 bps   5.8%   -10%   20.0%   -20.00%
Up 100 bps   2.9%   -5%   10.8%   -10.00%
Down 100 bps   -2.7%   -5%   -11.5%   -10.00%
Down 200 bps   -4.7%   -10%   -10.0%   -20.00%

 

December 31, 2014

 

   Net Interest
Income at Risk
   Market Value of Equity 
Change in
Interest Rates
  % Change
from Base
   Policy Limit   % Change
from Base
   Policy Limit 
                 
Up 400 bps   9.9%   -20%   -14.9%   -40.00%
Up 300 bps   7.4%   -15%   -11.2%   -30.00%
Up 200 bps   4.8%   -10%   -7.7%   -20.00%
Up 100 bps   2.1%   -5%   -4.1%   -10.00%
Down 100 bps   -3.2%   -5%   6.5%   -10.00%
Down 200 bps   -5.1%   -10%   18.7%   -20.00%

 

14 

 

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The Company has developed policies and procedures for evaluating the overall quality of its credit portfolio and the timely identification of potential problem loans. Management’s judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance is based upon a number of assumptions about future events which it believes to be reasonable, but which may not prove to be accurate. Thus, there can be no assurance that charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additional increases in the loan loss allowance will not be required.

 

The Company’s allowance consists of two parts. The first part is determined in accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB regarding the allowance. The Company’s determination of this part of the allowance is based upon quantitative and qualitative factors. A loan loss history based upon the prior seven years is utilized in determining the appropriate allowance. Historical loss factors are determined by criticized and uncriticized loans by loan type. These historical loss factors are applied to the loans by loan type to determine an indicated allowance. The loss factors of peer groups are considered in the determination of the allowance and are used to assist in the establishment of a long-term loss history for areas in which this data is unavailable and incorporated into the qualitative factors to be considered. The historical loss factors may also be modified based upon other qualitative factors including but not limited to local and national economic conditions, trends of delinquent loans, changes in lending policies and underwriting standards, concentrations, and management’s knowledge of the loan portfolio. These factors require judgment upon the part of management and are based upon state and national economic reports received from various institutions and agencies including the Federal Reserve Bank, United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, meetings with the Company’s loan officers and loan committees, and data and guidance received or obtained from the Company’s regulatory authorities.

 

The second part of the allowance is determined in accordance with guidance issued by the FASB regarding impaired loans. Impaired loans are determined based upon a review by internal loan review and senior loan officers. Impaired loans are loans for which the Bank does not expect to receive contractual interest and/or principal by the due date. A specific allowance is assigned to each loan determined to be impaired based upon the value of the loan’s underlying collateral. Appraisals are used by management to determine the value of the collateral.

 

The sum of the two parts constitutes management’s best estimate of an appropriate allowance for loan losses. When the estimated allowance is determined, it is presented to the Company’s audit committee for review and approval on a quarterly basis.

 

Our allowance for loan losses model is focused on establishing a loss history within the Bank and relying on specific impairment to determine credits that the Bank feels the ultimate repayment source will be liquidation of the subject collateral.  Our model takes into account many other factors as well such as local and national economic factors, portfolio trends, non performing asset, charge off, and delinquency trends as well as underwriting standards and the experience of branch management and lending staff.   These trends are measured in the following ways:

 

15 

 

 

Local Trends: (Updated quarterly usually the month following quarter end)

Local Unemployment Rate
Insurance Issues (Windpool Areas)
Bankruptcy Rates (Increasing/Declining)
Local Commercial R/E Vacancy Rates
Established Market/New Market
Hurricane Threat

 

National Trends: (Updated quarterly usually the month following quarter end)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Home Sales
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Interest Rate Environment (Increasing/Steady/Declining)
Single Family Construction Starts
Inflation Rate
Retail Sales

 

Portfolio Trends: (Updated monthly as the ALLL is calculated)

Second Mortgages
Single Pay Loans
Non-Recourse Loans
Limited Guaranty Loans
Loan to Value Exceptions
Secured by Non-Owner Occupied Property
Raw Land Loans
Unsecured Loans

 

Measurable Bank Trends: (Updated quarterly)

Delinquency Trends
Non-Accrual Trends
Net Charge Offs
Loan Volume Trends
Non-Performing Assets
Underwriting Standards/Lending Policies

Experience/Depth of Bank Lending

Management

 

Our model takes into account many local and national economic factors as well as portfolio trends.  Local and national economic trends are measured quarterly, typically in the month following quarter end to facilitate the release of economic data from the reporting agencies.  These factors are allocated a basis point value ranging from -25 to +25 basis points and directly affect the amount reserved for each branch.  As of December 31, 2016, most economic indicators pointed to a stable and improving economy thus most factors were assigned a neutral basis point value. This increased the amount of the allowance that was indicated by historical loss factors.  Portfolio trends are measured monthly on a per branch basis to determine the percentage of loans in each branch that the Bank has determined as having more risk.  Portfolio risk is defined as areas in the Bank’s loan portfolio in which there is additional risk involved in the loan type or some other area in which the Bank has identified as having more risk.  Each area is tracked on bank-wide as well as on a branch-wide basis.  Branches are analyzed based on the gross percentage of concentrations of the Bank as a whole.  Portfolio risk is determined by analyzing concentrations in the areas outlined by determining the percentage of each branch’s total portfolio that is made up of the particular loan type and then comparing that concentration to the Bank as a whole. Branches with concentrations in these areas are graded on a scale from – 25 basis points to + 25 basis points. Second mortgages, single pay loans, loans secured by raw land, unsecured loans and loans secured by non owner occupied property are considered to be of higher risk than those of a secured and amortizing basis. LTV exceptions place the Bank at risk in the event of repossession or foreclosure. 

  

16 

 

 

Measurable Bank Wide Trends are measured on a quarterly basis as well. This consists of data tracked on a bank wide basis in which we have identified areas of additional risk or the need for additional allocation to the allowance for loan loss.   Data is updated quarterly, each area is assigned a basis point value from -25 basis points to + 25 basis points based on how each area measures to the previous time period.  Net charge offs, loan volume trends and non performing assets have all trended upwards therefore increasing the need for increased funds reserved for loan losses.  Underwriting standards/ lending standards as well as experience/ depth of bank lending management is evaluated on a per branch level. 

 

Loans are reviewed for impairment when, in the Bank’s opinion, the ultimate source of repayment will be the liquidation of collateral through foreclosure or repossession.  Once identified updated collateral values are obtained on these loans and impairment worksheets are prepared to determine if impairment exists.  This method takes into account any expected expenses related to the disposal of the subject collateral.  Specific allowances for these loans are done on a per loan basis as each loan is reviewed for impairment.  Updated appraisals are ordered on real estate loans and updated valuations are ordered on non real estate loans to determine actual market value. 

 

At December 31, 2016, the consolidated allowance for loan losses amounted to approximately $7.5 million, or .87% of outstanding loans excluding loans held for sale. Including valuation accounting adjustments on acquired loans, the total valuation plus ALLL was 1.00% of loans at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2015, the allowance for loan losses amounted to approximately $6.7 million, which was .87% of outstanding loans. The Company’s provision for loan losses was $625,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $410,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1,418,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. During 2016 and 2015, the Company experienced recoveries of $219,000 and $722,000, respectively, on a previously charged off loan of $941,000.

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. 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 a 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. Impaired loans not deemed collateral dependent are analyzed according to the ultimate repayment source, whether that is cash flow from the borrower, guarantor or some other source of repayment. Impaired loans are deemed collateral dependent if in the Bank’s opinion the ultimate source of repayment will be generated from the liquidation of collateral.

 

17 

 

 

The Company discontinues accrual of interest on loans when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that a borrower’s financial condition is such that the collection of interest is doubtful. Generally, the Company will place a delinquent loan in nonaccrual status when the loan becomes 90 days or more past due. At the time a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, all interest which has been accrued on the loan but remains unpaid is reversed and deducted from earnings as a reduction of reported interest income. No additional interest is accrued on the loan balance until the collection of both principal and interest becomes reasonably certain.

 

The following tables illustrate the Company’s past due and nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

   December 31, 2016 
   (In thousands) 
   Past Due 30 to
89 Days
   Past Due 90 days or
 more and still accruing
  

Non-Accrual

 
             
Real Estate-construction  $204   $96   $658 
Real Estate-mortgage   2,745    102    1,662 
Real Estate-nonfarm nonresidential   269    -    909 
Commercial   9    -    2 
Consumer   22    -    33 
Total  $3,249   $198   $3,264 

 

   December 31, 2015 
   (In thousands) 
   Past Due 30 to
89 Days
   Past Due 90 days or
 more and still accruing
  

 

Non-Accrual

 
             
Real Estate-construction  $311   $-   $2,956 
Real Estate-mortgage   3,339    29    2,055 
Real Estate-nonfarm nonresidential   736    -    2,225 
Commercial   97    -    100 
Consumer   70    -    32 
Total  $4,553   $29   $7,368 

 

   December 31, 2014 
   (In thousands) 
   Past Due 30 to
 89 Days
   Past Due 90 days or
 more and still accruing
  

 

Non-Accrual

 
             
Real Estate-construction  $428   $-   $2,747 
Real Estate-mortgage   3,208    208    2,164 
Real Estate-nonfarm nonresidential   3,408    461    1,102 
Commercial   29    -    5 
Consumer   90    -    38 
Total  $7,163   $669   $6,056 

 

18 

 

 

Total nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2016, amounted to $3.3 million, which was a decrease of $4.1 million from the December 31, 2015 amount of $7.4 and a decrease of $2.8 million from the December 31, 2014 amount of $6.1 million. Management believes these relationships were adequately reserved at December 31, 2016. Restructured loans not reported as past due or nonaccrual at December 31, 2016, amounted to $2.8 million.

 

A potential problem loan is one in which management has serious doubts about the borrower’s future performance under the terms of the loan contract. These loans are current as to principal and interest and, accordingly, they are not included in nonperforming asset categories. The level of potential problem loans is one factor used in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and December 31, 2014, The First had potential problem loans of $13,291,000, $17,878,000 and $20,946,000, respectively. The gradual decline is the result of payoffs, foreclosures and continual reduction through payment of criticized and classified loans.

 

19 

 

 

Consolidated Allowance For Loan Losses

(In thousands)

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
                     
Average loans outstanding  $820,881   $730,326   $632,049   $583,200   $388,012 
Loans outstanding at year end  $872,934   $776,489   $706,635   $583,302   $413,697 
                          
Total nonaccrual loans  $3,264   $7,368   $6,056   $3,181   $3,401 
                          
Beginning balance of allowance  $6,747   $6,095   $5,728   $4,727   $4,511 
Loans charged-off   (771)   (843)   (1,459)   (759)   (1,190)
Total loans charged-off   (771)   (843)   (1,459)   (759)   (1,190)
Total recoveries   909    1,085    408    684    178 
Net loans (charged-off) recoveries   138    242    (1,051)   (75)   (1,012)
Provision for loan losses   625    410    1,418    1,076    1,228 
Balance at year end  $7,510   $6,747   $6,095   $5,728   $4,727 
                          
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans   (.02%)   (.03%)   .17%   .01%   .26%
Allowance as percent of total loans   .86%   .87%   .86%   .98%   1.14%
Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans   .37%   .95%   .86%   .55%   .82%
Allowance as a multiple of nonaccrual loans   2.3X   .92X   1.0X   1.8X   1.4X

 

At December 31, 2016, the components of the allowance for loan losses consisted of the following:

 

   Allowance 
   (In thousands) 
Allocated:     
Impaired loans  $682 
Graded loans   6,828 
   $7,510 

 

Graded loans are those loans or pools of loans assigned a grade by internal loan review.

 

20 

 

 

The following table represents the activity of the allowance for loan losses for the years 2016, 2015, and 2014.

 

Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in thousands)     
             
Balance at beginning of year  $6,747   $6,095   $5,728 
Charge-offs:               
Real Estate-construction   (274)   (162)   (47)
Real Estate-mortgage   (353)   (372)   (1,156)
Real Estate-nonfarm nonresidential   (-)    (-)    (-) 
Commercial   (71)   (183)   (89)
Consumer   (73)   (126)   (167)
Total   (771)   (843)   (1,459)
Recoveries:               
Real Estate-construction   229    63    96 
Real Estate-mortgage   519    827    212 
Real Estate-nonfarm nonresidential   7    15    17 
Commercial   84    99    15 
Consumer   70    81    68 
Total   909    1,085    408 
Net (Charge-offs) Recoveries   138    242    (1,051)
Provision for Loan Losses   625    410    1,418 
Balance at end of year  $7,510   $6,747   $6,095 

 

The following tables represent how the allowance for loan losses is allocated to a particular loan type as well as the percentage of the category to total loans at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

   December 31, 2016 
       (Dollars in thousands) 
   Amount  

% of loans

in each category
to total loans

 
         
Commercial Non Real Estate  $1,118    15.6%
Commercial Real Estate   4,071    61.6%
Consumer Real Estate   1,589    20.3%
Consumer   155    2.4%
Unallocated   577    0.1%
Total  $7,510    100%

 

21 

 

 

   December 31, 2015 
       (Dollars in thousands) 
   Amount  

% of loans
in each category
to total loans

 
         
Commercial Non Real Estate  $895    17.1%
Commercial Real Estate   3,018    58.4%
Consumer Real Estate   1,477    21.9%
Consumer   141    2.5%
Unallocated   1,216    0.1%
Total  $6,747    100%

 

   December 31, 2014 
       (Dollars in thousands) 
   Amount  

% of loans

in each category
to total loans

 
         
Commercial Non Real Estate  $713    15.3%
Commercial Real Estate   3,355    57.9%
Consumer Real Estate   1,852    24.2%
Consumer   175    2.6%
Unallocated   -    - 
Total  $6,095    100%

 

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Noninterest Income. The Company’s primary sources of noninterest income are mortgage banking operations as well as service charges on deposit accounts. Other sources of noninterest income include bankcard fees, commissions on check sales, safe deposit box rent, wire transfer fees, official check fees and bank owned life insurance income.

 

Noninterest income increased $3,658,000 or 48.2% during 2016 to $11,247,000 from $7,589,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015, and decreased $214,000 or 2.8% during 2015 to $7,589,000 from $7,803,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The deposit activity fees were $5,126,000 for 2016 compared to $5,014,000 for 2015 and compared to $4,262,000 for 2014. Other service charges increased by $3,243,000 or 209.8% for the year ended 2016 from $1,546,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and other service charges decreased $392,000 or 20.2% to $1,546,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $1,938,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Mortgage income increased $3.2 million during 2016 due to increased volume from the acquisition of The Mortgage Connection, LLC in December, 2015.

 

Noninterest expense increased to $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 from $32.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and increased to $32.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $30.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company experienced slight increases in most expense categories. The largest increase was in salaries and employee benefits, which increased by $3.6 million in 2016 as compared to 2015 and $1.1 million in 2015 as compared to 2014. These increases were due in part to a full year of the addition of the Mortgage Connection and the lending teams in Mobile, AL and Jackson, MS.

 

22 

 

 

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

 

Noninterest Expense

 

   Years ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (In thousands)
             
Salaries and employee benefits  $22,137   $18,537   $17,462 
Occupancy   3,459    3,422    3,141 
Equipment   1,262    1,199    1,541 
Marketing and public relations   465    497    445 
Data processing   535    150    161 
Supplies and printing   287    300    498 
Telephone   782    631    616 
Correspondent services   109    104    83 
Deposit and other insurance   1,020    1,051    1,048 
Professional and consulting fees   1,805    1,332    1,618 
Postage   396    400    302 
ATM expense   883    763    689 
Other   3,722    3,775    3,130 
                
Total  $36,862   $32,161   $30,734 

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense consists of two components. The first is the current tax expense which represents the expected income tax to be paid to taxing authorities. The Company also recognizes deferred tax for future income/deductible amounts resulting from differences in the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and this has had no significant impact on results year over year.

 

Analysis of Financial Condition

 

Earning Assets

 

Loans. Loans typically provide higher yields than the other types of earning assets, and thus one of the Company's goals is for loans to be the largest category of the Company's earning assets. At December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, average loans accounted for 73.9%, 71.7% and 67.8% of average earning assets. Management attempts to control and counterbalance the inherent credit and liquidity risks associated with the higher loan yields without sacrificing asset quality to achieve its asset mix goals. Loans averaged $820.9 million during 2016 and $730.3 million during 2015, as compared to $632.0 million during 2014.

 

23 

 

 

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

 

Composition of Loan Portfolio

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   Amount  

Percent

Of Total

   Amount  

Percent

of Total

   Amount  

Percent

of Total

 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
                         
Mortgage loans held for sale  $5,880    0.6%  $3,974    0.5%  $2,103    0.3%
Commercial, financial and agricultural   129,423    14.8%   129,197    16.6%   106,109    15.0%
Real Estate:                              
Mortgage-commercial   314,359    36.0%   253,309    32.6%   238,602    33.8%
Mortgage-residential   289,640    33.2%   272,180    35.1%   256,406    36.3%
Construction   109,394    12.5%   99,161    12.8%   84,935    12.0%
Lease Financing Receivable   2,204    0.3%   2,650    0.3%          
Obligations of states and subdivisions   6,698    0.8%   969    0.1%   1,990    0.3%
Consumer and other   15,336    1.8%   15,049    2.0%   16,490    2.3%
Total loans   872,934    100%   776,489    100%   706,635    100%
Allowance for loan losses   (7,510)        (6,747)        (6,095)     
Net loans  $865,424        $769,742        $700,540      

 

In the context of this discussion, a "real estate mortgage loan" is defined as any loan, other than loans for construction purposes, secured by real estate, regardless of the purpose of the loan. The Company follows the common practice of financial institutions in the Company’s market area of obtaining a security interest in real estate whenever possible, in addition to any other available collateral. This collateral is taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan and tends to increase the magnitude of the real estate loan portfolio component. Generally, the Company limits its loan-to-value ratio to 80%. Management attempts to maintain a conservative philosophy regarding its underwriting guidelines and believes it will reduce the risk elements of its loan portfolio through strategies that diversify the lending mix.

 

Loans held for sale consist of mortgage loans originated by the Bank and sold into the secondary market. Commitments from investors to purchase the loans are obtained upon origination.

 

The following table sets forth the Company's commercial and construction real estate loans maturing within specified intervals at December 31, 2016.

 

24 

 

 

Loan Maturity Schedule and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

 

   December 31, 2016 

 

 

Type

 

One Year

or Less

  

Over One Year

Through

Five Years

  

Over Five

Years

   Total 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $34,547   $79,019   $15,857   $129,423 
Real estate – construction   60,202    42,655    6,537    109,394 
                     
   $94,749   $121,674   $22,394   $238,817 
Loans maturing after one year with:                    
Fixed interest rates                 $124,573 
Floating interest rates                  19,495 
                  $144,068 

 

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

 

Investment Securities. The investment securities portfolio is a significant component of the Company's total earning assets. Total securities averaged $261.5 million in 2016, as compared to $256.5 million in 2015, and $271.2 million in 2014. This represents 23.5%, 25.2%, and 29.1% of the average earning assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2016, investment securities were $255.8 million and represented 22.1% of earning assets. The Company attempts to maintain a portfolio of high quality, highly liquid investments with returns competitive with short-term U.S. Treasury or agency obligations. This objective is particularly important as the Company focuses on growing its loan portfolio. The Company primarily invests in securities of U.S. Government agencies, municipals, and corporate obligations with maturities up to five years.

 

The following table summarizes the carrying value of securities for the dates indicated.

 

Securities Portfolio

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (In thousands) 
Available-for-sale               
U. S. Government agencies and Mortgage-backed Securities  $123,334   $118,536   $120,407 
States and municipal subdivisions   98,822    97,889    104,582 
Corporate obligations   20,110    22,346    28,785 
Mutual finds   940    961    972 
Total available-for-sale   243,206    239,732    254,746 
Held-to-maturity               
U.S. Government agencies   -    1,092    2,193 
States and municipal subdivisions   6,000    6,000    6,000 
Total held-to-maturity   6,000    7,092    8,193 
Total  $249,206   $246,824   $262,939 

 

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The following table shows, at carrying value, the scheduled maturities and average yields of securities held at December 31, 2016.

 

Investment Securities Maturity Distribution and Yields (1)

 

   December 31, 2016 
       After One But   After Five But     
(Dollars in thousands)  Within One Year   Within Five Years   Within Ten Years   After Ten Years 
   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield   Amount   Yield 
Held-to-maturity:                                
States and municipal subdivisions  $-    -   $-    -   $6,000,000    .93%  $-    - 

Total investment securities held-to-maturity

   -        $-        $6,000,000        $-    - 
Available-for-sale:                                        
U.S. Government agencies (2)  $4,039,195    1.06%  $5,005,475    1.37%  $-        $-      
States and municipal subdivisions.   13,143,901    2.83%   39,588,283    3.33%   35,262,252    3.99%   10,827,971    4.75%
Corporate obligations and other   3,033,805    1.84%   14,835,047    2.02%   -    -    3,181,083    2.58%

Total investment securities available-for-sale

  $20,216,901        $59,428,805        $35,262,252        $14,009,054      

  

 

(1)Investments with a call feature are shown as of the contractual maturity date.
(2)Excludes mortgage-backed securities totaling $114.3 million with a yield of 2.23% and mutual funds of $.9 million.

 

Short-Term Investments. Short-term investments, consisting of Federal Funds Sold, funds in due from banks and interest-bearing deposits with banks, averaged $18.8 million in 2016, $24.6 million in 2015, and $24.8 million in 2014. At December 31, 2016, 2015, and December 31, 2014, short-term investments totaled $425,000, $321,000 and $386,000, respectively. These funds are a primary source of the Company's liquidity and are generally invested in an earning capacity on an overnight basis.

 

Deposits

 

Deposits. Average total deposits were $1,021.1 million, an increase of $69.5 million, or 7.3% in 2016. Average total deposits were $951.6 million, an increase of $75.3 million, or 8.6% in 2015, and average total deposits were $876.3 million, an increase of $109.8 million, 14.3% in 2014. At December 31, 2016, total deposits were $1,039.2 billion, compared to $916.7at December 31, 2015, an increase of $122.5 million, or 13.4%, and $892.8 million at December 31, 2014.

 

The following table sets forth the deposits of the Company by category for the period indicated.

 

   Deposits 
   December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2016   2015   2014 
      

Percent

of

      

Percent

of

      

Percent

of

 
   Amount   Deposits   Amount   Deposits   Amount   Deposits 
                         
Noninterest-bearing accounts  $202,478    19.5%  $189,445    20.6%  $201,362    22.6%
NOW accounts   430,903    41.5%   373,686    40.8%   301,721    33.8%
Money market accounts   113,253    10.9%   105,434    11.5%   117,018    13.1%
Savings accounts   69,540    6.7%   68,657    7.5%   66,615    7.5%
Time deposits less than $250,000   162,797    15.6%   139,687    15.2%   166,339    18.6%
Time deposits of $250,000 or over   60,220    5.8%   39,786    4.4%   39,720    4.4%
Total deposits  $1,039,191    100%  $916,695    100%  $892,775    100%

 

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The Company’s loan-to-deposit ratio was 83.4% at December 31, 2016, 84.3% at December 31, 2015 and 78.9% at December 31, 2014. The loan-to-deposit ratio averaged 80.4% during 2016. Core deposits, which exclude time deposits of $250,000 or more, provide a relatively stable funding source for the Company's loan portfolio and other earning assets. The Company's core deposits were $979.0 at December 31, 2016, $882.4 million at December 31, 2015, and $859.0 million at December 31, 2014. Management anticipates that a stable base of deposits will be the Company's primary source of funding to meet both its short-term and long-term liquidity needs in the future. The Company has purchased brokered deposits from time to time to help fund loan growth. Brokered deposits and jumbo certificates of deposit generally carry a higher interest rate than traditional core deposits. Further, brokered deposit customers typically do not have loan or other relationships with the Company. The Company has adopted a policy not to permit brokered deposits to represent more than 10% of all of the Company’s deposits.

 

The maturity distribution of the Company's certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more at December 31, 2016, is shown in the following table. The Company did not have any other time deposits of $250,000 or more.

 

Maturities of Certificates of Deposit

of $250,000 or More

 

       After Three         
   Within Three   Through   After Twelve     
(In thousands)  Months   Twelve Months   Months   Total 
                     
December 31, 2016  $9,375   $22,030   $28,815   $60,220 

 

Borrowed Funds

 

Borrowed funds consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, federal funds purchased and reverse repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2016, advances from the FHLB totaled $48.0 compared to $100.0 million at December 31, 2015 and $84.5 million at December 31, 2014. The advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on the first mortgage loans in the amount of the outstanding borrowings, FHLB capital stock, and amounts on deposit with the FHLB. There were $0, $5.3 million and $0 federal funds purchased at December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements consist of one $5,000,000 agreement. The agreement is secured by securities with a fair value of $5,470,105 at December 31, 2016, $5,501,503 at December 31, 2015 and $7,443,951 at December 31, 2014. The maturity date of the remaining agreement is September 26, 2017, with a rate of 3.81%.

 

Subordinated Debentures

 

In 2006, the Company issued subordinated debentures of $4,124,000 to The First Bancshares, Inc. Statutory Trust 2 (Trust 2). The Company is the sole owner of the equity of the Trust 2. The Trust 2 issued $4,000,000 of preferred securities to investors. The Company makes interest payments and will make principal payments on the debentures to the Trust 2. These payments will be the source of funds used to retire the preferred securities, which are redeemable at any time beginning in 2011 and thereafter, and mature in 2036. The Company entered into this arrangement to provide funding for expected growth.

 

27 

 

 

In 2007, the Company issued subordinated debentures of $6,186,000 to The First Bancshares, Inc. Statutory Trust 3 (Trust 3). The Company is the sole owner of the equity of the Trust 3. The Trust 3 issued $6,000,000 of preferred securities to investors. The Company makes interest payments and will make principal payments on the debentures to the Trust 3. These payments will be the source of funds used to retire the preferred securities, which are redeemable at any time beginning in 2012 and thereafter, and mature in 2037. The Company entered into this arrangement to provide funding for expected growth.

 

Capital

 

Total stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2016 was $154.5 million, an increase of $51.1 million or approximately 49.4% as compared with stockholders’ equity of $103.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and $96.2 million as of December 31, 2014.

 

The Federal Reserve Board and bank regulatory agencies require bank holding companies and financial institutions to maintain capital at adequate levels based on a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 600%. Under the risk-based standard, capital is classified into two tiers. Tier 1 capital consists of common stockholders' equity, excluding the unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, minus certain intangible assets. Tier 2 capital consists of the general reserve for loan losses, subject to certain limitations. An institution’s total risk-based capital for purposes of its risk-based capital ratio consists of the sum of its Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. The risk-based regulatory minimum requirements are 6% for Tier 1 and 8% for total risk-based capital.

 

Bank holding companies and banks are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on total assets, which is known as the leverage ratio. The minimum requirement for the leverage ratio is 4%. All but the highest rated institutions are required to maintain ratios 100 to 200 basis points above the minimum. The Company and The First exceeded their minimum regulatory capital ratios as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

The Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved final capital rules in July 2013, that substantially amend the existing capital rules for banks. These new rules reflect, in part, certain standards initially adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010 (which standards are commonly referred to as “Basel III”) as well as requirements contemplated by the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

Under the new capital rules, the Company is required to meet certain minimum capital requirements that differ from past capital requirements. The rules implement a new capital ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets. Common equity Tier 1 capital generally consists of retained earnings and common stock (subject to certain adjustments) as well as accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), except to the extent that the Company exercised a one-time irrevocable option to exclude certain components of AOCI as of March 31, 2015. The Company will also be required to establish a “conservation buffer,” consisting of a common equity Tier 1 capital amount equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets to be phased in by 2019. An institution that does not meet the conservation buffer will be subject to restrictions on certain activities including payment of dividends, stock repurchases, and discretionary bonuses to executive officers.

 

28 

 

 

The prompt corrective action rules are modified to include the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio and to increase the Tier 1 capital ratio requirements for the various thresholds. For example, the requirements for the Company to be considered well-capitalized under the rules will be a 5.0% leverage ratio, a 6.5% common equity Tier 1capital ratio, an 8.0% Tier 1 capital ratio, and a 10.0% total capital ratio. To be adequately capitalized, those ratios are 4.0%, 4.5%, 6.0%, and 8.0%, respectively.

 

The rules modify the manner in which certain capital elements are determined. The rules make changes to the methods of calculating the risk-weighting of certain assets, which in turn affects the calculation of the risk-weighted capital ratios. Higher risk weights are assigned to various categories of assets, including commercial real estate loans, credit facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property, certain exposures or credit that are 90 days past due or are nonaccrual, securitization exposures, and in certain cases mortgage servicing rights and deferred tax assets.

 

The Company was required to comply with the new capital rules on January 1, 2015, with a measurement date of March 31, 2015. The conservation buffer will be phased-in beginning in 2016, and will take full effect on January 1, 2019. Certain calculations under the rules will also have phase-in periods.

 

Analysis of Capital

 

   Adequately   Well   The Company   The First 
Capital Ratios  Capitalized   Capitalized   December 31,   December 31, 
           2016   2015   2014   2016   2015   2014 
                             
Leverage   4.0%   5.0%   11.9%   8.7%   8.4%   13.1%   8.6%   8.4%
Risk-based capital:                                        
Common equity Tier 1   4.5%   6.5%   13.8%   8.1%   -    16.2%   11.0%   - 
Tier 1   6.0%   8.0%   14.7%   11.1%   11.5%   16.2%   11.0%   11.4%
Total   8.0%   10.0%   15.5%   11.9%   12.3%   17.0%   11.8%   12.2%

 

Ratios

 

   2016   2015   2014 
Return on assets (net income applicable  to common stockholders divided by  average total assets)   .79%   .75%   .61%
                
Return on equity (net income applicable  to common stockholders divided by  average equity)   8.0%   8.6%   7.1%
                
Dividend payout ratio (dividends per   share divided by net income per   common share)   9.6%   9.7%   12.6%
                
Equity to asset ratio (average equity  divided by average total assets)   9.8%   8.8%   8.6%

 

29 

 

 

Liquidity and Market Risk Management

 

Liquidity management involves monitoring the Company's sources and uses of funds in order to meet its day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits. Liquidity represents the ability of a company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management is made more complicated because different balance sheet components are subject to varying degrees of management control. For example, the timing of maturities of the investment portfolio is very predictable and subject to a high degree of control at the time investment decisions are made; however, net deposit inflows and outflows are far less predictable and are not subject to the same degree of control. Asset liquidity is provided by cash and assets which are readily marketable, which can be pledged, or which will mature in the near future. Liability liquidity is provided by access to core funding sources, principally the ability to generate customer deposits in the Company’s market area.

 

The Company's Federal Funds Sold position, which includes funds in due from banks and interest-bearing deposits with banks, is typically its primary source of liquidity, averaged $28.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 and totaled $30.4 million at December 31, 2016. Also, the Company has available advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. Advances available are generally based upon the amount of qualified first mortgage loans which can be used for collateral. At December 31, 2016, advances available totaled approximately $397.5 million of which $48.0 million had been drawn, or used for letters of credit.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the market value of unpledged debt securities plus pledged securities in excess of current pledging requirements comprised $100.2 million of the Company’s investment balances, compared to $66 million at December 31, 2015. The increase in unpledged debt from December 2016 compared to December 2015 is primarily due to an increase in unpledged investments and letters of credit utilized for pledging purposes. Other forms of balance sheet liquidity include but are not necessarily limited to any outstanding fed funds sold and vault cash. The Company has a higher level of actual balance sheet liquidity than might otherwise be the case, since we utilize a letter of credit from the FHLB rather than investment securities for certain pledging requirements. That letter of credit, which is backed by loans that are pledged to the FHLB by the Company, totaled $45.5 million at December 31, 2016. Management is of the opinion that available investments and other potentially liquid assets, along with the standby funding sources it has arranged, are more than sufficient to meet the Company’s current and anticipated short-term liquidity needs.

 

30 

 

 

The Company’s liquidity ratio as of December 31, 2016 was 15.3%, as compared to internal policy guidelines of 10% minimum. Other liquidity ratios reviewed include the following along with policy guidelines for the periods indicated:

  

   December 31, 2016   Policy Maximum    
Loans to Deposits (including FHLB advances)   79.1%   90.0%  In Policy
Net Non-core Funding Dependency Ratio   8.3%   20.0%  In Policy
Fed Funds Purchased / Total Assets   0.4%   10.0%  In Policy
FHLB Advances / Total Assets   3.9%   20.0%  In Policy
FRB Advances / Total Assets   0.0%   10.0%  In Policy
Pledged Securities to Total Securities   66.6%   90.0%  In Policy
              
   December 31, 2015   Policy Maximum    
Loans to Deposits (including FHLB advances)   75.4%   90.0%  In Policy
Net Non-core Funding Dependency Ratio   13.8%   30.0%  In Policy
Fed Funds Purchased / Total Assets   0.9%   10.0%  In Policy
FHLB Advances / Total Assets   8.9%   20.0%  In Policy
FRB Advances / Total Assets   0.0%   10.0%  In Policy
Pledged Securities to Total Securities   84.7%   90.0%  In Policy
              
   December 31, 2014   Policy Maximum    
Loans to Deposits (including FHLB advances)   71.6%   90.0%  In Policy
Net Non-core Funding Dependency Ratio   10.2%   30.0%  In Policy
Fed Funds Purchased / Total Assets   0.5%   10.0%  In Policy
FHLB Advances / Total Assets   7.8%   20.0%  In Policy
FRB Advances / Total Assets   0.0%   10.0%  In Policy
Pledged Securities to Total Securities   71.0%   90.0%  In Policy

 

Continued growth in core deposits and relatively high levels of potentially liquid investments have had a positive impact on our liquidity position in recent periods, but no assurance can be provided that our liquidity will continue at current robust levels.

 

The holding company’s primary uses of funds are ordinary operating expenses and stockholder dividends, and its primary source of funds is dividends from the Bank since the holding company does not conduct regular banking operations. Management anticipates that the Bank will have sufficient earnings to provide dividends to the holding company to meet its funding requirements for the foreseeable future.

 

31 

 

 

Management regularly reviews the liquidity position of the Company and has implemented internal policies which establish guidelines for sources of asset-based liquidity and limit the total amount of purchased funds used to support the balance sheet and funding from non-core sources.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

Market risk arises from changes in interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The Company does not engage in the trading of financial instruments, nor does it have exposure to currency exchange rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily that of interest rate risk, and we have established policies and procedures to monitor and limit our earnings and balance sheet exposure to changes in interest rates. The principal objective of interest rate risk management is to manage the financial components of the Company’s balance sheet in a manner that will optimize the risk/reward equation for earnings and capital under a variety of interest rate scenarios.

 

To identify areas of potential exposure to interest rate changes, we utilize commercially available modeling software to perform earnings simulations and calculate the Company’s market value of portfolio equity under varying interest rate scenarios every month. The model imports relevant information for the Company’s financial instruments and incorporates Management’s assumptions on pricing, duration, and optionality for anticipated new volumes. Various rate scenarios consisting of key rate and yield curve projections are then applied in order to calculate the expected effect of a given interest rate change on interest income, interest expense, and the value of the Company’s financial instruments. The rate projections can be shocked (an immediate and parallel change in all base rates, up or down), ramped (an incremental increase or decrease in rates over a specified time period), economic (based on current trends and econometric models) or stable (unchanged from current actual levels).

 

We use seven standard interest rate scenarios in conducting our 12-month net interest income simulations: “static,” upward shocks of 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points, and downward shocks of 100, and 200 basis points. Pursuant to policy guidelines, we typically attempt to limit the projected decline in net interest income relative to the stable rate scenario to no more than 5% for a 100 basis point (bp) interest rate shock, 10% for a 200 bp shock, 15% for a 300 bp shock, and 20% for a 400 bp shock. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had the following estimated net interest income sensitivity profiles, without factoring in any potential negative impact on spreads resulting from competitive pressures or credit quality deterioration:

 

December 31, 2016  Net Interest Income at Risk 
($ In Thousands)  -200 bp   -100 bp   STATIC   +100 bp   +200 bp   +300 bp   +400 bp 
Net Interest Income   36,818    37,528    39,430    41,011    42,563    44,066    45,518 
Dollar Change   -2,612    -1,902    -    1,581    3,133    4,636    6,088 
NII @ Risk - Sensitivity Y1   -6.6%   -4.8%   -    4.0%   8.0%   11.8%   15.4%

  

If there were an immediate and sustained downward adjustment of 200 basis points in interest rates, all else being equal, net interest income over the next twelve months would likely be approximately $2.6 million lower than in a stable interest rate scenario, for a negative variance of 6.6%. The unfavorable variance increases if rates were to drop below 200 basis points, due to the fact that certain deposit rates are already relatively low (on NOW accounts and savings accounts, for example), and will hit a natural floor of close to zero while non-floored variable-rate loan yields continue to drop. This effect is exacerbated by accelerated prepayments on fixed-rate loans and mortgage-backed securities when rates decline, although rate floors on some of our variable-rate loans partially offset other negative pressures. While we view further interest rate reductions as highly unlikely, the potential percentage drop in net interest income exceeds our internal policy guidelines in declining interest rate scenarios and we will continue to monitor our interest rate risk profile and take corrective action as deemed appropriate.

 

32 

 

 

Net interest income would likely improve by $3.1 million, or 8.0%, if interest rates were to increase by 200 basis points relative to a stable interest rate scenario, with the favorable variance expanding the higher interest rates rise. The initial increase in rising rate scenarios will be limited to some extent by the fact that some of our variable-rate loans are currently at rate floors, resulting in a re-pricing lag while base rates are increasing to floored levels, but the Company still appears well-positioned to benefit from a material upward shift in the yield curve.

 

The Company’s one year cumulative GAP ratio was approximately 199.4% at December 31, 2016 and 168.3% at December 31, 2015, which means that there are more assets repricing than liabilities within the first year. The Company is “asset-sensitive.” The Company’s one year cumulative GAP ratio was approximately 92.2% at December 31, 2014, which meant that there were more liabilities repricing than assets within the first year. These results are based on cash flows from assumptions of assets and liabilities that reprice (maturities, likely calls, prepayments, etc.) Typically, the net interest income of asset-sensitive companies should improve with rising rates and decrease with declining rates.

 

In addition to the net interest income simulations shown above, we run stress scenarios modeling the possibility of no balance sheet growth, the potential runoff of “surge” core deposits which flowed into the Company in the most recent economic cycle, and potential unfavorable movement in deposit rates relative to yields on earning assets. Even though net interest income will naturally be lower with no balance sheet growth, the rate-driven variances projected for net interest income in a static growth environment are similar to the changes noted above for our standard projections. When a greater level of non-maturity deposit runoff is assumed or unfavorable deposit rate changes are factored into the model, projected net interest income in declining rate and flat rate scenarios does not change materially relative to standard growth projections. However, the benefit we would otherwise experience in rising rate scenarios is minimized and net interest income remains relatively flat.

 

The economic value (or “fair value”) of financial instruments on the Company’s balance sheet will also vary under the interest rate scenarios previously discussed. The difference between the projected fair value of the Company’s financial assets and the fair value of its financial liabilities is referred to as the economic value of equity (“EVE”), and changes in EVE under different interest rate scenarios are effectively a gauge of the Company’s longer-term exposure to interest rate risk. Fair values for financial instruments are estimated by discounting projected cash flows (principal and interest) at projected replacement interest rates for each account type, while the fair value of non-financial accounts is assumed to equal their book value for all rate scenarios. An economic value simulation is a static measure utilizing balance sheet accounts at a given point in time, and the measurement can change substantially over time as the characteristics of the Company’s balance sheet evolve and interest rate and yield curve assumptions are updated.

 

33 

 

 

The change in economic value under different interest rate scenarios depends on the characteristics of each class of financial instrument, including stated interest rates or spreads relative to current or projected market-level interest rates or spreads, the likelihood of principal prepayments, whether contractual interest rates are fixed or floating, and the average remaining time to maturity. As a general rule, fixed-rate financial assets become more valuable in declining rate scenarios and less valuable in rising rate scenarios, while fixed-rate financial liabilities gain in value as interest rates rise and lose value as interest rates decline. The longer the duration of the financial instrument, the greater the impact a rate change will have on its value. In our economic value simulations, estimated prepayments are factored in for financial instruments with stated maturity dates, and decay rates for non-maturity deposits are projected based on historical patterns and Management’s best estimates. The table below shows estimated changes in the Company’s EVE as of the periods indicated under different interest rate scenarios relative to a base case of current interest rates:

 

   December 31, 2016 - Balance Sheet Shock 
($ In Thousands)  -200 bp   -100 bp   STATIC (Base)   +100 bp   +200 bp   +300 bp   +400 bp 
Market Value of Equity   315,609    323,038    356,983    384,268    406,044    424,054    438,668 
Change in EVE from base   -41,374    -33,945         27,285    49,061    67,071    81,685 
% Change   -11.6%   -9.5%        7.6%   13.7%   18.8%   22.9%
Policy Limits   -20.00%   -10.00%        -10.00%   -20.00%   -30.00%   -40.00%

 

   December 31, 2015 - Balance Sheet Shock 
($ In Thousands)  -200 bp   -100 bp  

STATIC

(Base)

   +100 bp   +200 bp   +300 bp   +400 bp 
Market Value of Equity   241,882    237,988    268,793    297,881    322,658    343,367    360,886 
Change in EVE from base   -26,911    -30,805         29,088    53,865    74,574    92,093 
% Change   -10.0%   -11.5%        10.8%   20.0%   27.7%   34.3%
Policy Limits   -20.00%   -10.00%        -10.00%   -20.00%   -30.00%   -40.00%

 

   December 31, 2014 - Balance Sheet Shock 
($ In Thousands)  -200 bp   -100 bp  

STATIC

(Base)

   +100 bp   +200 bp   +300 bp   +400 bp 
Market Value of Equity   139,508    125,098    117,504    112,711    108,512    104,338    100,046 
Change in EVE from base   22,004    7,594         -4,793    -8,992    -13,166    -17,458 
% Change   18.7%   6.5%        -4.1%   -7.7%   -11.2%   -14.9%
Policy Limits   -20.00%   -10.00%        -10.00%   -20.00%   -30.00%   -40.00%

 

The tables show that our EVE will generally deteriorate in declining rate scenarios, but should benefit from a parallel shift upward in the yield curve. As noted previously, however, Management is of the opinion that the potential for a significant rate decline is low. We also run stress scenarios for EVE to simulate the possibility of higher loan prepayment rates, unfavorable changes in deposit rates, and higher deposit decay rates. Model results are highly sensitive to changes in assumed decay rates for non-maturity deposits, in particular.

 

Subprime Assets

 

The Bank does not engage in subprime lending activities targeted towards borrowers in high risk categories.

 

34 

 

 

Accounting Matters

 

Information on new accounting matters is set forth in Footnote B to the Consolidated Financial Statements included at Item 8 in this report. This information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

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

 

35 

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The First Bancshares, Inc.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The First Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiary (the "Company") as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The First Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 16, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

  /s/ T. E. Lott & Company

 

Columbus, Mississippi

March 16, 2017

 

36 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The First Bancshares, Inc.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The First Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiary (the "Company") as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Because management's assessment and our audit were conducted to meet the reporting requirements of Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA), management's assessment and our audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting included controls over the preparation of the schedules equivalent to the basic financial statements in accordance with the instructions for the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's Board of Directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

37 

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The First Bancshares, Inc.

Page 2

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We have not examined and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on management's statement referring to compliance with laws and regulations.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The First Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated March 16, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

  /s/ T. E. Lott & Company

 

Columbus, Mississippi

March 16, 2017

 

38 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015

 

  2016   2015 
         
ASSETS        
Cash and due from banks  $31,719,187   $23,634,536 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks   29,974,698    17,303,381 
Federal funds sold   425,000    321,000 
Total cash and cash equivalents   62,118,885    41,258,917 
Held-to-maturity securities (fair value of  $7,393,828 in 2016 and $8,547,832 in 2015)   6,000,000    7,092,120 
Available-for-sale securities   243,205,963    239,732,426 
Other securities   6,592,750    8,134,850 
Total securities   255,798,713    254,959,396 
Loans held for sale   5,879,884    3,973,765 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $7,510,314 in 2016 and $6,747,103 in 2015   859,543,789    765,768,073 
Interest receivable   4,358,098    3,953,338 
Premises and equipment   34,624,352    33,623,011 
Cash surrender value of life insurance   21,250,476    14,871,742 
Goodwill   13,776,040    13,776,040 
Other real estate owned   6,007,621    3,082,694 
Other assets   14,009,388    9,863,743 
Total assets  $1,277,367,246   $1,145,130,719 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
           
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing  $202,478,442   $189,444,815 
Interest-bearing   836,712,820    727,250,297 
Total deposits   1,039,191,262    916,695,112 
Interest payable   306,080    245,732 
Borrowed funds   69,000,000    110,321,245 
Subordinated debentures   10,310,000    10,310,000 
Other liabilities   4,033,197    4,122,540 
Total liabilities   1,122,840,539    1,041,694,629 
Stockholders’ Equity:          
Preferred stock, no par value, $1,000 per share liquidation, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding in 2016 and 17,123 shares issued and outstanding in 2015, respectively.   -    17,123,000 
Common stock, par value $1 per share: 20,000,000 shares authorized; 9,017,891 shares issued in 2016; 10,000,0000 shares authorized; 5,403,159 shares issued in 2015   9,017,891    5,403,159 
Additional paid-in capital   102,574,159    44,650,274 
Retained earnings   44,476,386    35,624,715 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (1,078,084)   1,098,587 
Treasury stock, at cost   (463,645)   (463,645)
Total stockholders’ equity   154,526,707    103,436,090 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $1,277,367,246   $1.145,130,719 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

39 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015, AND 2014

 

  2016   2015   2014 
INTEREST INCOME            
Interest and fees on loans  $38,495,909   $34,242,067   $30,276,477 
Interest and dividends on securities:               
Taxable interest and dividends   4,052,162    3,948,459    3,884,321 
Tax-exempt interest   1,869,644    1,854,213    2,071,782 
Interest on federal funds sold   126,833    63,841    52,945 
Interest on deposits in banks   59,449    93,276    85,257 
Total interest income   44,603,997    40,201,856    36,370,782 
                
INTEREST EXPENSE               
Interest on time deposits of $100,000 or more   1,117,929    762,119    782,441 
Interest on other deposits   2,325,883    1,800,122    1,586,897 
Interest on borrowed funds   871,523    645,207    603,469 
Total interest expense   4,315,335    3,207,448    2,972,807 
Net interest income   40,288,662    36,994,408    33,397,975 
Provision for loan losses   625,271    410,069    1,418,260 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   39,663,391    36,584,339    31,979,715 
                
OTHER INCOME               
Service charges on deposit accounts   5,125,846    5,013,983    4,261,795 
Other service charges and fees   531,162    470,842    485,991 
Secondary market mortgage income   4,258,118    1,075,118    1,452,088 
Bank owned life insurance income   528,734    408,535    369,804 
Gain (Loss) on sale of premises   (51,838)   133,339    110,734 
Securities gains   126,286    -    237,174 
Loss on sale of other real estate   (113,755)   (246,859)   (85,256)
Other   842,781    733,574    971,138 
Total other income   11,247,334    7,588,532    7,803,468 
                
OTHER EXPENSE               
Salaries   17,880,844    15,089,136    14,207,216 
Employee benefits   4,255,690    3,447,367    3,254,399 
Occupancy   3,459,206    3,422,116    3,140,738 
Furniture and equipment   1,261,506    1,198,930    1,540,796 
Supplies and printing   286,880    300,022    497,755 
Professional and consulting fees   1,805,420    1,331,928    1,617,828 
Marketing and public relations   465,344    496,638    445,451 
FDIC and OCC assessments   1,019,668    965,642    938,378 
ATM expense   882,657    763,248    688.766 
Telephone   782,024    631,261    616,160 
Other   4,762,460    4,514,834    3,786,121 
Total other expense   36,861,699    32,161,122    30,733,608 

 

40 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015, AND 2014

 

Continued:  2016   2015   2014 
             
             
Income before income taxes  $14,049,026   $12,011,749   $9,049,575 
Income taxes   3,930,339    3,213,047    2,435,879 
                
Net income   10,118,687    8,798,702    6,613,696 
Preferred dividends and stock accretion   452,305    342,460    362,953 
    Net income applicable to common stockholders  $9,666,382   $8,456,242   $6,250,743 
                
Net income per share:               
    Basic  $1.86   $1.64   $1.27 
    Diluted   1.64    1.62    1.25 
Net income applicable to common stockholders:               
    Basic  $1.78   $1.57   $1.20 
    Diluted   1.57    1.55    1.19 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

41 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015, AND 2014

 

   2016   2015   2014 
             
Net income  $10,118,687   $8,798,702   $6,613,696 
                
Other comprehensive income:               
Unrealized gains on securities:               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on available-for-sale securities   (3,315,089)   (1,093,182)   4,804,819 
               
Less reclassification adjustment for gains included net income   (126,286)   -    (237,174)
                
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period on available-for-sale securities   (3,441,375)   (1,093,182)   4,567,645 
                
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on loans held for sale   (99,283)   2,753    83,826 
                
Income tax benefit (expense)   1,363,987    370,655    (1,584,266)
                
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (2,176,671)   (719,774)   3,067,205 
                
Comprehensive income  $7,942,016   $8,078,928   $9,680,901 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

42 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015, AND 2014

 

                                  Accumulated              
                                Other              
                Additional         Comprehensive            
    Common
Stock
    Preferred
Stock
    Stock
Warrants
    Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Income
(Loss)
    Treasury
Stock
    Total  
Balance, January 1, 2014   $ 5,122,941     $ 17,102,507     $ 283,738     $ 41,802,725     $ 22,508,918     $ (1,248,844 )   $ (463,645 )   $ 85,108,340  
                                                                 
Net income 2014     -       -       -       -       6,613,696       -       -       6,613,696  
Other comprehensive income     -       -       -       -       -       3,067,205       -       3,067,205  
Dividends on preferred stock     -       -       -       -       (342,460 )     -       -       (342,460 )
Cash dividend declared, $.15 per common share     -       -       -       -       (784,612 )     -       -       (784,612 )
Grant of restricted stock     67,627       -       -       (67,627 )     -       -       -       -  
Compensation cost on restricted stock     -       -       -       617,779       -       -       -       617,779  
Preferred stock accretion     -       20,493       -       -       (20,493 )     -       -       -  
Repurchase of restricted stock for payment of taxes     (5,981 )     -       -       (79,551 )     -       -       -       (85,532 )
Issuance of 158,083 common shares for BCB Holding     158,083       -       -       1,863,085       -       -       -       2,021,168  
                                                               
Balance, December 31, 2014   $ 5,342,670     $ 17,123,000     $ 283,738     $ 44,136,411     $ 27,975,049     $ 1,818,361     $ (463,645 )   $ 96,215,584  
                                                                 
Net income 2015     -       -       -       -       8,798,702       -       -       8,798,702  
Other comprehensive loss     -       -       -       -       -       (719,774 )     -       (719,774 )

 

 

 

43 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015, AND 2014

 

Continued:                      Accumulated         
                      Other         
            Additional      Comprehensive        
   Common
Stock
   Preferred
Stock
   Stock
Warrants
   Paid-in
Capital
   Retained
Earnings
   Income
(Loss)
   Treasury
Stock
   Total 
                                 
Dividends on preferred stock   -    -    -    -    (342,460)   -    -    (342,460)
Cash dividend declared, $.15 per common share   -    -    -    -    (806,576)   -    -    (806,576)
Grant of restricted stock   69,327    -    -    (69,327)   -    -    -    - 
Compensation cost on restricted stock   -    -    -    721,124    -    -    -    721,124 
Repurchase of restricted stock for payment of taxes   (6,324)   -    -    (86,066)   -    -    -    (92,390)
Adjustment to consideration issued in BCB Holding acquisition   (2,514)   -    -    (33,196)   -    -    -    (35,710)
Repurchase warrants   -    -    (283,738)   (18,672)   -    -    -    (302,410)
Balance, December 31, 2015  $5,403,159   $17,123,000   $-   $44,650,274   $35,624,715   $1,098,587   $(463,645)  $103,436,090 
                                         
Net income 2016   -    -    -    -    10,118,687    -    -    10,118,687 
Other comprehensive loss   -    -    -    -    -    (2,176,671)   -    (2,176,671)
Dividends on preferred stock   -    -    -    -    (452,305)   -    -    (452,305)

 

44 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014

 

Continued:                                 Accumulated              
                                Other              
                Additional         Comprehensive            
    Common
Stock
    Preferred
Stock
    Stock
Warrants
    Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Income
(Loss)
  Treasury
Stock
    Total  
Cash dividend declared, $.15 per common share     -       -       -       -       (814,711 )     -       -       (814,711 )
Grant of restricted stock     61,247       -       -       (61,247 )     -       -       -       -  
Compensation cost on restricted stock     -       -       -       772,311       -       -       -       772,311  
Repurchase of restricted stock for payment of taxes     (9,895 )     -       -       (166,217 )     -       -       -       (176,112 )
Repayment of CDCI preferred shares     -       (17,123,000 )     -       1,198,000       -       -       -       (15,925,000 )
Issuance of Preferred Stock, Series E     -       63,249,996       -       -       -       -       -       63,249,996  
Conversion of Preferred, Series E   to common     3,563,380       (63,249,996 )     -       59,686,616       -       -       -       -  
Costs associated with capital raise     -       -       -       (3,505,578 )     -       -       -       (3,505,578 )
Balance, December 31, 2016   $ 9,017,891     $ -     $ -     $ 102,574,159     $ 44,476,386     $ (1,078,084 )   $ (463,645 )   $ 154,526,707  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

45 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014

 

   2016   2015   2014 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATINGACTIVITIES               
Net income  $10,118,687   $8,798,702   $6,613,696 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:               
Depreciation and amortization   2,302,163    2,296,985    2,182,630 
FHLB Stock dividends   (37,700)   (8,600)   (6,000)
Provision for loan losses   625,271    410,069    1,418,260 
Deferred income taxes   (10,352)   255,638    331,399 
Restricted stock expense   772,311    721,124    617,779 
Increase in cash value of life insurance   (528,734)   (408,535)   (369,804)
Amortization and accretion, net   629,304    921,853    900,913 
Loss/ (Gain) on sale of land/bank premises/ equipment   51,838    (133,339)   (110,734)
Securities gains   (126,286)   -    (237,174)
Loss on sale/writedown of other real estate   244,466    386,590    395,379 
Changes in:               
Loans held for sale   (2,005,402)   (1,867,661)   1,659,996 
Interest receivable   (404,760)   (294,332)   (152,307)
Other assets   (1,992,955)   135,620    2,643,956 
Interest payable   60,348    (70,112)   (109,218)
Other liabilities   (121,118)   (1,406,347)   (8,721,513)
Net cash provided by operating activities   9,577,081    9,737,655    7,057,258 
                
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES               
Purchases of available-for-sale securities   (53,403,251)   (29,571,287)   (38,459,683)
Purchases of other securities   (1,433,100)   (4,079,400)   (3,296,800)
Proceeds from maturities and calls of available for-sale securities   45,296,821    42,569,677    42,723,486 
Proceeds from maturities and calls of held-to maturity securities   1,094,138    1,099,898    246,980 
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for sale   250,000    -    10,909,239 
Proceeds from redemption of other securities   3,012,900    3,187,500    2,514,485 
Increase in loans   (98,560,749)   (68,588,377)   (89,190,269)
Net additions to premises and equipment   (2,706,842)   (1,230,531)   (988,736)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance   (5,850,000)   -    (7,500,000)
Proceeds from sale of land/bank premises   -    949,516    76,375 
Cash received (paid) in excess of cash paid for acquisition   -    (843,895)   4,272,735 
Net cash used in investing activities   (112,300,083)   (56,506,899)   (78,692,188)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

46 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2015 AND 2014

 

Continued:            
   2016   2015   2014 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES               
Increase in deposits   122,496,150    24,090,591    53,845,509 
Proceeds from borrowed funds   252,000,000    194,340,000    180,000,000 
Repayment of borrowed funds   (293,321,245)   (173,468,821)   (155,653,580)
Dividends paid on common stock   (782,936)   (778,428)   (763,143)
Dividends paid on preferred stock   (452,305)   (342,460)   (342,460)
Repurchase of shares issued in BCB acquisition   -    (35,710)   - 
Net proceeds from issuance of stock   59,744,418    -    - 
Repayment of CDCI Preferred shares   (15,925,000)   -    - 
Repurchase of warrants   -    (302,410)   - 
Repurchase of restricted stock for payment of taxes   (176,112)   (92,390)   (85,532)
Net cash provided by financing activities   123,582,970    43,410,372    77,000,794 
                
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   20,859,968    (3,358,872)   5,365,864 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   41,258,917    44,617,789    39,251,925 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $62,118,885   $41,258,917   $44,617,789 
                
Supplemental disclosures:               
                
Cash paid during the year for:               
Interest  $4,254,987   $3,448,525   $3,056,939 
Income taxes   4,725,814    4,152,050    275,075 
                
Non-cash activities:               
Transfers of loans to other real estate   4,722,529    1,050,342    2,208,010 
Issuance of restricted stock grants   61,247    69,327    67,627 
Loans originated to facilitate the sale of land   -    -    402,982 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

47 

 

 

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE A - NATURE OF BUSINESS

 

The First Bancshares, Inc. (the Company) is a bank holding company whose business is primarily conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiary, The First, A National Banking Association (the Bank). The Bank provides a full range of banking services in its primary market area of South Mississippi, South Alabama, and Louisiana. The Company is regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank. Its subsidiary bank is subject to the regulation of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

 

NOTE B - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Company and the Bank follow accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America including, where applicable, general practices within the banking industry.

 

1.Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

2.Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

 

3.Cash and Due From Banks

 

Included in cash and due from banks are legal reserve requirements which must be maintained on an average basis in the form of cash and balances due from the Federal Reserve. The reserve balance varies depending upon the types and amounts of deposits. At December 31, 2016, the required reserve balance on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank was approximately $16,704,000.

 

4.Securities

 

Investments in securities are accounted for as follows:

 

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

Securities classified as available-for-sale are those securities that are intended to be held for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as available-for-sale would be based on various factors, including movements in interest rates, liquidity needs, security risk assessments, changes in the mix of assets and liabilities and other similar factors. These securities are carried at their estimated fair value, and the net unrealized gain or loss is reported net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders' equity, until realized. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method. Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined using the adjusted cost of the specific security sold.

 

48 

 

 

Securities to be Held-to-Maturity

 

Securities classified as held-to-maturity are those securities for which there is a positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. These securities are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, computed by the interest method.

 

Trading Account Securities

 

Trading account securities are those securities which are held for the purpose of selling them at a profit. There were no trading account securities on hand at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

Other Securities

 

Other securities are carried at cost and are restricted in marketability. Other securities consist of investments in the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Federal Reserve Bank and First National Bankers’ Bankshares, Inc. Management reviews for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis.

 

Other-than-Temporary Impairment

 

Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. A decline in the fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is charged to earnings for a decline in value deemed to be credit related and a new cost basis for the security is established. The decline in value attributed to non-credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

5.Loans held for sale

 

The Bank originates fixed rate single family, residential first mortgage loans on a presold basis. The Bank issues a rate lock commitment to a customer and concurrently “locks in” with a secondary market investor under a best efforts delivery mechanism. Such loans are sold without the servicing retained by the Bank. The terms of the loan are dictated by the secondary investors and are transferred within several weeks of the Bank initially funding the loan. The Bank recognizes certain origination fees and service release fees upon the sale, which are included in other income on loans in the consolidated statements of income. Between the initial funding of the loans by the Bank and the subsequent purchase by the investor, the Bank carries the loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate as determined by the outstanding commitments from investors.

 

6.Loans

 

Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans is recognized based on the principal balance outstanding and the stated rate of the loan. Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

 

A loan is considered impaired, in accordance with the impairment accounting guidance of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Section 310-10-35, Receivables, Subsequent Measurement, when—based upon current events and information—it is probable that the scheduled payments of principal and interest will not be collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral values, and the probability of collecting scheduled payments of principal and interest when due. Generally, impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis using the fair value of the supporting collateral.

 

49 

 

 

Loans are generally placed on a nonaccrual status when principal or interest is past due ninety days or when specifically determined to be impaired. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest accrued but not received is generally reversed against interest income. If collectibility is in doubt, cash receipts on nonaccrual loans are used to reduce principal rather than recorded in interest income. Past due status is determined based upon contractual terms.

 

7.Allowance for Loan Losses

 

For financial reporting purposes, the provision for loan losses charged to operations is based upon management's estimation of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at an adequate level. Allowances for any impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes the collectibility of the principal is unlikely.

 

Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a regular basis. These evaluations are based upon a periodic review of the collectibility considering historical experience, the nature and value of the loan portfolio, underlying collateral values, internal and independent loan reviews, and prevailing economic conditions. In addition, the OCC, as a part of the regulatory examination process, reviews the loan portfolio and the allowance for loan losses and may require changes in the allowance based upon information available at the time of the examination. The allowance consists of two components: allocated and unallocated. The components represent an estimation performed pursuant to either ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, or ASC Subtopic 310-10, Receivables. The allocated component of the allowance reflects expected losses resulting from an analysis developed through specific credit allocations for individual loans, including any impaired loans, and historical loan loss history. The analysis is performed quarterly and loss factors are updated regularly.

 

The unallocated portion of the allowance reflects management’s estimate of probable inherent but undetected losses within the portfolio due to uncertainties in economic conditions, changes in collateral values, unfavorable information about a borrower’s financial condition, and other risk factors that have not yet manifested themselves. In addition, the unallocated allowance includes a component that explicitly accounts for the inherent imprecision in the loan loss analysis.

 

8.Premises and Equipment

 

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The depreciation policy is to provide for depreciation over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to operating expenses; major expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Upon retirement, sale, or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and any gains or losses are included in operations.

 

9.Other Real Estate

 

Other real estate, carried in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, consists of properties acquired through foreclosure and, as held for sale property, is recorded at the lower of the outstanding loan balance or current appraisal less estimated costs to sell. Any write-down to fair value required at the time of foreclosure is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent gains or losses on other real estate are reported in other operating income or expenses. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, other real estate totaled $6,007,621, and $3,082,694, respectively.

 

50 

 

 

10.Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill totaled $13,776,040 for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

 

Goodwill totaling $1,500,000 acquired during the year ended December 31, 2015, was a result of the acquisition of The Mortgage Connection. Footnote C to these consolidated financial statements provides additional information on the acquisition during 2015.

 

The Company performed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill and other intangibles as of December 1, 2016. The Company’s annual impairment test did not indicate impairment as of the testing date, and subsequent to that date, management is not aware of any events or changes in circumstances since the impairment test that would indicate that goodwill and other intangibles might be impaired.

 

The Company’s acquisition method recognized intangible assets, which are subject to amortization, and included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, include core deposit intangibles, amortized on a straight-line basis, over a 10 year average life. The definite-lived intangible assets had the following carrying values at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

       2016     
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Carrying
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)               
                
Core deposit intangibles  $4,000   $(2,268)  $1,732 

 

 

   2015 
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Carrying
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)               
                
Core deposit intangibles  $4,000   $(1,885)  $2,115 

 

The related amortization expense of business combination related intangible assets is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)     
    Amount 
Aggregate amortization expense for the year ended     
December 31:     
      
2014   $387 
2015    399 
2016    383 

 

51 

 

 

Estimated amortization expense for the year ending    
December 31:    
     
2017   331 
2018   331 
2019   331 
2020   331 
2021   261 
Thereafter   147 
   $1,732 

 

11.Other Assets and Cash Surrender Value

 

Financing costs related to the issuance of junior subordinated debentures are being amortized over the life of the instruments and are included in other assets. The Company invests in bank owned life insurance (BOLI). BOLI involves the purchasing of life insurance by the Company on a chosen group of employees. The Company is the owner of the policies and, accordingly, the cash surrender value of the policies is reported as an asset, and increases in cash surrender values are reported as income.

 

12.Stock Options

 

The Company accounts for stock based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Compensation cost is recognized for all stock options granted based on the weighted average fair value stock price at the grant date.

 

13.Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in the financial statements and consist of taxes currently payable plus deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the bases of assets and liabilities as measured by income tax laws and their bases as reported in the financial statements. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled.

 

The Company and its subsidiary file consolidated income tax returns. The subsidiary provides for income taxes on a separate return basis and remits to the Company amounts determined to be payable.

 

ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, provides guidance on financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in tax returns. ASC Topic 740 requires an evaluation of tax positions to determine if the tax positions will more likely than not be sustainable upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority. The Company, at December 31, 2016 and 2015, had no uncertain tax positions that qualify for either recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

14.Advertising Costs

 

Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $401,751, $437,085 and $394,363, respectively.

 

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15.Statements of Cash Flows

 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for a one to seven day period.

 

16.Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

 

In the ordinary course of business, the subsidiary bank enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit, credit card lines and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are exercised.

 

17.Earnings Applicable to Common Stockholders

 

Per share amounts are presented in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Under ASC Topic 260, two per share amounts are considered and presented, if applicable. Basic per share data is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted per share data includes any dilution from potential common stock, such as outstanding stock options.

 

The following tables disclose the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted computations applicable to common stockholders:

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 
   Net
Income
(Numerator)
  
Shares
(Denominator)
  
Per Share
Amount
 
                
Basic per common share  $9,666,382    5,435,088   $1.78 
                
Convertible Preferred Dividend   133,627           
                
Effect of dilutive shares:               
               
Convertible Preferred, Series E        742,371      
Restricted Stock       81,874      
   $9,800,009    6,259,333   $1.57 

 

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For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
   Net         
   Income   Shares   Per Share 
   (Numerator)   (Denominator)   Amount 
             
Basic per common Share  $8,456,242    5,371,111   $1.57 
                
Effect of dilutive shares:               
Restricted Stock        70,939      
   $8,456,242    5,442,050   $1.55 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
   Net
Income
(Numerator)
  
Shares
(Denominator)
  
Per Share
Amount
 
             
Basic per common Share  $6,250,743    5,227,768   $1.20 
                
Effect of dilutive shares:               
 Restricted Stock        42,901      
   $6,250,743    5,270,669   $1.19 

  

The diluted per share amounts were computed by applying the treasury stock method.

 

18.Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Business combinations are accounted for under ASC 805, “Business Combinations”, using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date measured at their fair values as of that date. To determine the fair values, the Company relies on third party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company identifies the acquirer and the closing date and applies applicable recognition principles and conditions. Acquisition-related costs are costs the Company incurs to effect a business combination. Those costs include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Some other examples of costs to the Company include systems conversion, integration planning consultants and advertising costs. The Company accounts for acquisition-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received, with one exception. The costs to issue debt or equity securities is recognized in accordance with other applicable GAAP. These acquisition-related costs have been and will be included within the Consolidated Statements of Income classified within the noninterest expense caption.

 

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19.Investment in Limited Partnership

 

The Company is a limited partner in a partnership that provides low-income housing. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in the limited partnership was $4,058,801 at December 31, 2016 and $885,549 at December 31, 2015, net of amortization, using the proportional method and is reported in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (The Company’s maximum exposure to loss is limited to the carrying value of its investment.) The Company received $160,442 in low-income housing tax credits during 2016 and $0 in 2015 and 2014.

 

20.Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2014 and 2015 financial statements to conform with the classifications used in 2016. These reclassifications did not impact the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

21.Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This ASU removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the amended guidance, a goodwill impairment charge will now be recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This guidance is effective for interim and annual period beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company is assessing the impact of ASU 2017-04.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." Current GAAP is unclear or does not include specific guidance on how to classify certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how eight particular transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. Entities will be required to apply the guidance retrospectively. If it is impracticable to apply the guidance retrospectively for an issue, the amendments related to that issue would be applied prospectively. As this guidance only affects the classification within the statement of cash flows, ASU No. 2016-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. ASU 2016-13 requires a new impairment model known as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) which significantly changes the way impairment of financial instruments is recognized by requiring immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of financial instruments. The main provisions of ASU 2016-13 include (1) replacing the “incurred loss” approach under current GAAP with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost, (2) requiring entities to record an allowance for credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities rather than a direct write-down of the carrying amount of the investments, as is required by the other-than-temporary-impairment model under current GAAP, and (3) a simplified accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, although early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

 

55 

 

 

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09 “Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” ASU 2016-09 requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It also allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election for forfeitures as they occur. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of ASU 2016-09 on its accounting and disclosures.

 

In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02 establishes a right of use model that requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. A lease will be treated as sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as a financing. If the lessor doesn’t convey risks and rewards or control, an operating lease results. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of ASU 2016-02 on its accounting and disclosures.

 

NOTE C – BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

 

The Company accounts for its business combinations using the acquisition method. Acquisition accounting requires the total purchase price to be allocated to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain intangible assets that must be recognized. Typically, this allocation results in the purchase price exceeding the fair value of net assets acquired, which is recorded as goodwill. Core deposit intangibles are a measure of the value of checking, money market and savings deposits acquired in business combinations accounted for under the acquisition method. Core deposit intangibles and other identified intangibles with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of up to ten years. Loans that the Company acquires in connection with acquisitions are recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Fair value of the loans involves estimating the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market rate of interest. The excess or deficit of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable discount or amortizable premium and is recognized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan.

 

56 

 

 

The Mortgage Connection

 

On December 14, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of The Mortgage Connection, a Mississippi corporation, which included two loan production offices located in Madison and Brandon, Mississippi.

 

In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded $1.5 million of goodwill.

 

The amounts of the acquired identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Purchase price:    
   Cash  $844 
   Payable   800 
               Total purchase price   1,644 
Identifiable assets:     
   Intangible   100 
   Personal property   44 
               Total assets   144 
Liabilities and equity   - 
   Net assets acquired   144 
Goodwill resulting from acquisition  $1,500 

 

Expenses associated with the acquisition were $13,000 for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2015, respectively. These costs included charges for legal and consulting expenses.

 

NOTE D – SECURITIES

 

A summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities and held-to- maturity securities at December 31, 2016 and 2015 follows:

 

   December 31, 2016 
                 
       Gross   Gross   Estimated 
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
Available-for-sale securities:                    
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  $9,023,293   $27,718   $6,341   $9,044,670 
Tax-exempt and taxable obligations of states and municipal subdivisions   98,327,829    1,677,764    1,183,186    98,822,407 
Mortgage-backed securities   114,990,863    602,179    1,304,090    114,288,952 
Corporate obligations   21,274,200    66,477    1,230,566    20,110,111 
Other   1,255,483    -    315,660    939,823 
   $244,871,668   $2,374,138   $4,039,843   $243,205,963 
Held-to-maturity securities:                    
                    
Taxable obligations of states and municipal subdivisions  $6,000,000   $1,393,828   $-   $7,393,828 

 

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   December 31, 2015 
                 
       Gross   Gross   Estimated 
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
Available-for-sale securities:                    
   Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  $19,479,107   $144,408   $12,565   $19,610,950 
Tax-exempt and taxable obligations of states and municipal subdivisions   95,631,123    2,361,599    103,391    97,889,331 
   Mortgage-backed securities   98,222,658    1,127,562    425,100    98,925,120 
   Corporate obligations   23,494,670    62,408    1,210,996    22,346,082 
   Other   1,255,483    -    294,540    960,943 
   $238,083,041   $3,695,977   $2,046,592   $239,732,426 
Held-to-maturity securities:                    
   Mortgage-backed securities  $1,092,120   $15,712   $-   $1,107,832 
   Taxable obligations of states and municipal subdivisions   6,000,000    1,440,000    -    7,440,000 
   $7,092,120   $1,455,712   $-   $8,547,832 

 

The scheduled maturities of securities at December 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

   Available-for-Sale   Held-to-Maturity 
   Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Fair
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Estimated
Fair
Value
 
                 
Due less than one year  $20,176,713   $20,216,901   $-   $- 
Due after one year through five years   59,218,198    59,428,805    -    - 
Due after five years through ten years   34,799,243    35,262,252    6,000,000    7,393,828 
Due greater than ten years   15,686,651    14,009,053    -    - 
Mortgage-backed securities   114,990,863    114,288,952    -    - 
   $244,871,668   $243,205,963   $6,000,000   $7,393,828 

  

Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities because the obligations may be called or prepaid with or without penalties.

 

A gain of $126,286 was realized in 2016. No gain or loss was realized from the sale of available-for-sale securities in 2015 and a gain of $237,174 was recognized in 2014. No other-than-temporary impairment losses were recognized for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016.

 

Securities with a carrying value of $170,593,273 and $215,726,751 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

 

58 

 

 

The details concerning securities classified as available-for-sale with unrealized losses as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, were as follows:

 

   2016 
   Losses < 12 Months   Losses 12 Months or >   Total 
   Fair
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Obligations of U.S. government agencies  $2,989,255   $6,341   $-   $-   $2,989,255   $6,341 
Tax-exempt and tax-able obligations of states and municipal subdivisions   48,199,634    1,183,186    -    -    48,199,634    1,183,186 
Mortgage-backed securities   78,467,029    1,294,942    1,905,698    9,148    80,372,727    1,304,090 
Corporate obligations   5,075,850    17,932    2,828,766    1,212,634    7,904,616    1,230,566 
Other   -    -    939,823    315,660    939,823    315,660 
   $134,731,768   $2,502,401   $5,674,287   $1,537,442   $140,406,055   $4,039,843 

 

   2015 
   Losses < 12 Months   Losses 12 Months or >   Total 
   Fair
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Obligations of U.S. government agencies  $4,975,580   $12,565   $-   $-   $4,975,580   $12,565 
Tax-exempt and tax- able obligations of states and municipal subdivisions   12,762,528    50,055    3,049,129    53,336    15,811,657    103,391 
Mortgage-backed securities   36,024,587    370,514    2,507,036    54,586    38,531,623    425,100 
Corporate obligations   8,531,765    28,627    3,144,333    1,182,369    11,676,098    1,210,996 
Other   -    -    960,943    294,540    960,943    294,540 
   $62,294,460   $461,761   $9,661,441   $1,584,831   $71,955,901   $2,046,592 

 

Approximately 47.4% of the number of securities in the investment portfolio at December 31, 2016, reflected an unrealized loss. Management is of the opinion the Company has the ability to hold these securities until such time as the value recovers or the securities mature. Management also believes the deterioration in value is attributable to changes in market interest rates and lack of liquidity in the credit markets. We have determined that these securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired based upon anticipated cash flows.

 

59 

 

 

NOTE E - LOANS

 

Loans typically provide higher yields than the other types of earning assets, and thus one of the Company's goals is for loans to be the largest category of the Company's earning assets. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, loans accounted for 75.3% and 74.0% of earning assets. The Company controls and mitigates the inherent credit and liquidity risks through the composition of its loan portfolio.

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  December 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Amount  

Percent
of
Total

   Amount  

Percent
of
Total

 
                 
Mortgage loans held for sale   $5,880    0.6%  $3,974    0.5%
Commercial, financial and agricultural    129,423    14.8    129,197    16.6 
Real Estate:                    
Mortgage-commercial    314,359    36.0    253,309    32.6 
Mortgage-residential    289,640    33.2    272,180    35.1 
Construction    109,394    12.5    99,161    12.8 
Lease financing receivable    2,204    0.3    2,650    0.3 
Obligations of states and subdivisions    6,698    0.8    969    0.1 
Consumer and other    15,336    1.8    15,049    2.0 
Total loans    872,934    100%   776,489    100%
Allowance for loan losses    (7,510)        (6,747)     
Net loans   $865,424        $769,742      

 

In the context of this discussion, a "real estate mortgage loan" is defined as any loan, other than a loan for construction purposes, secured by real estate, regardless of the purpose of the loan. The Company follows the common practice of financial institutions in the Company’s market area of obtaining a security interest in real estate whenever possible, in addition to any other available collateral. This collateral is taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan and tends to increase the magnitude of the real estate loan portfolio component. Generally, the Company limits its loan-to-value ratio to 80%. Management attempts to maintain a conservative philosophy regarding its underwriting guidelines and believes it will reduce the risk elements of its loan portfolio through strategies that diversify the lending mix.

 

Loans held for sale consist of mortgage loans originated by the Bank and sold into the secondary market. Commitments from investors to purchase the loans are obtained upon origination.

 

60 

 

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

   2016   2015   2014 
             
Balance at beginning of period  $6,747   $6,095   $5,728 
Loans charged-off:               
  Real Estate   (627)   (534)   (1,203)
  Installment and Other   (73)   (126)   (167)
  Commercial, Financial and Agriculture   (71)   (183)   (89)
    Total   (771)   (843)   (1,459)
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off:               
  Real Estate   755    905    325 
  Installment and Other   70    81    68 
                
  Commercial, Financial and Agriculture   84    99    15 
     Total   909    1,085    408 
Net (Charge-offs) Recoveries   138    242    (1,051)
Provision for Loan Losses   625    410    1,418 
Balance at end of period  $7,510   $6,747   $6,095 

 

The following tables represent how the allowance for loan losses is allocated to a particular loan type as well as the percentage of the category to total loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

  

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

 

   December 31, 2016 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
   Amount   % of loans
in each
category
to total loans
 
         
Commercial Non Real Estate  $1,118    15.6%
Commercial Real Estate   4,071    61.6 
Consumer Real Estate   1,589    20.3 
Consumer   155    2.4 
Unallocated   577    .1 
        Total  $7,510    100%

 

   December 31, 2015 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
   Amount   % of loans
in each
category
to total loans
 
         
Commercial Non Real Estate  $895    17.1%
Commercial Real Estate   3,018    58.4 
Consumer Real Estate   1,477    21.9 
Consumer   141    2.5 
Unallocated   1,216    .1 
        Total  $6,747    100%

 

The following table represents the Company’s impaired loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015. This table includes performing troubled debt restructurings.

 

61 

 

 

   December 31,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 
Impaired Loans:          
    Impaired loans without a valuation allowance  $2,667   $6,020 
    Impaired loans with a valuation allowance   3,461    4,107 
Total impaired loans  $6,128   $10,127 
Allowance for loan losses on impaired loans at period end   682    957 
Total nonaccrual loans   3,264    7,368 
           
Past due 90 days or more and still accruing   198    29 
Average investment in impaired loans   8,509    9,652 

  

The following table is a summary of interest recognized and cash-basis interest earned on impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

   2016   2015   2014 
             
Interest income recognized during impairment   -    -    129 
Cash-basis interest income recognized   188    211    256 

 

The gross interest income that would have been recorded in the period that ended if the nonaccrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination, if held for part of the twelve months for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $389,000, $437,000 and $321,000, respectively. The Company had no loan commitments to borrowers in non-accrual status at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

The following tables provide the ending balances in the Company's loans (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) and allowance for loan losses, broken down by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The tables also provide additional detail as to the amount of our loans and allowance that correspond to individual versus collective impairment evaluation. The impairment evaluation corresponds to the Company's systematic methodology for estimating its Allowance for Loan Losses.

 

December 31,  2016                
       Installment   Commercial,     
   Real Estate   and
Other
   Financial and
Agriculture
   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Loans                    
Individually evaluated  $5,935   $40   $153   $6,128 
Collectively evaluated   704,923    21,317    134,686    860,926 
Total  $710,858   $21,357   $134,839   $867,054 
                     
Allowance for Loan Losses                    
Individually evaluated  $651   $21   $10   $682 
Collectively evaluated   5,009    711    1,108    6,828 
Total  $5,660   $732   $1,118   $7,510 

 

62 

 

 

December 31,  2015            
       Installment   Commercial,     
   Real Estate   and
Other
   Financial and
Agriculture
   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Loans                    
  Individually evaluated  $9,782   $39   $306   $10,127 
  Collectively evaluated   610,996    19,591    131,801    762,388 
Total  $620,778   $19,630   $132,107   $772,515 
                     
Allowance for Loan Losses                    
  Individually evaluated  $882   $25   $50   $957 
  Collectively evaluated   3,613    1,332    845    5,790 
Total  $4,495   $1,357   $895   $6,747 

 

The following tables provide additional detail of impaired loans broken out according to class as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The recorded investment included in the following table represents customer balances net of any partial charge-offs recognized on the loans, net of any deferred fees and costs. Recorded investment excludes any insignificant amount of accrued interest receivable on loans 90-days or more past due and still accruing. The unpaid balance represents the recorded balance prior to any partial charge-offs.

 

December 31,  2016              Average   Interest 
               Recorded   Income 
   Recorded   Unpaid   Related   Investment   Recognized 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   YTD   YTD 
   (In thousands) 
                     
Impaired loans with no related allowance:                         
Commercial installment  $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
Commercial real estate   2,324    2,570    -    4,368    37 
Consumer real estate   329    329    -    291    1 
Consumer installment   14    14    -    9    - 
Total  $2,667   $2,913   $-   $4,668   $38 

                         
Impaired loans with a related allowance:                         
Commercial installment  $153   $153   $10   $244   $9 
Commercial real estate   2,726    2,726    343    2,832    127 
Consumer real estate   556    669    308    733    14 
Consumer installment   26    27    21    32    - 
Total  $3,461   $3,575   $682   $3,841   $150 

Total Impaired Loans:

                         
Commercial installment  $153   $153   $10   $244   $9 
Commercial real estate   5,050    5,296    343    7,200    164 
Consumer real estate   885    998    308    1,024    15 
Consumer installment   40    41    21    41    - 
Total Impaired Loans  $6,128   $6,488   $682   $8,509   $188 

 

63 

 

 

December 31, 2015                    
               Average   Interest 
               Recorded   Income 
   Recorded   Unpaid   Related   Investment   Recognized 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   YTD   YTD 
           (In thousands)         
Impaired loans with no related allowance:                         
Commercial  installment  $-   $-   $-   $2   $- 
Commercial real estate   5,790    5,828    -    5,099    50 
Consumer real estate   223    223    -    205    - 
Consumer installment   7    7    -    8    - 
Total  $6,020   $6,058   $-   $5,314   $50 

                         
Impaired loans with a related allowance:                         
Commercial installment  $306   $306   $50   $264   $14 
Commercial real estate   2,927    2,927    444    2,891    132 
Consumer real estate   842    842    438    1,152    15 
Consumer installment   32    32    25    31    - 
Total  $4,107   $4,107   $957   $4,338   $161 

Total Impaired Loans:

                         
Commercial installment  $306   $306   $50   $266   $14 
Commercial real estate   8,717    8,755    444    7,990    182 
Consumer real estate   1,065    1,065    438    1,357    15 
Consumer installment   39    39    25    39    - 
Total Impaired Loans  $10,127   $10,165   $957   $9,652   $211 

 

64 

 

 

December 31, 2014                    
               Average   Interest 
               Recorded   Income 
   Recorded   Unpaid   Related   Investment   Recognized 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   YTD   YTD 
           (In thousands)         
Impaired loans with no related allowance:                         
Commercial  installment  $-   $-   $-   $50   $- 
Commercial real estate   4,665    4,665    -    2,654    142 
Consumer real estate   27    27    -    179    - 
Consumer installment   10    10    -    11    - 
Total  $4,702   $4,702   $-   $2,894   $142 

                         
Impaired loans with a related allowance:                         
Commercial installment  $240   $240   $18   $189   $20 
Commercial real estate   2,558    2,558    315    2,415    59 
Consumer real estate   2,032    2,032    607    1,546    33 
Consumer installment   28    28    28    33    2 
Total  $4,858   $4,858   $968   $4,183   $114 

Total Impaired Loans:

                         
Commercial installment  $240   $240   $18   $239   $20 
Commercial real estate   7,223    7,223    315    5,069    201 
Consumer real estate   2,059    2,059    607    1,725    33 
Consumer installment   38    38    28    44    2 
Total Impaired Loans  $9,560   $9,560   $968   $7,077   $256 

 

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality are those purchased in a 2014 acquisition. These loans were recorded at estimated fair value at the acquisition date with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. The acquired loans were segregated as of the acquisition date between those considered to be performing (acquired non-impaired loans) and those with evidence of credit deterioration (acquired impaired loans). Acquired loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration and if it is probable, at acquisition, all contractually required payments will not be collected.

  

65 

 

 

The following table presents information regarding the contractually required payments receivable, cash flows expected to be collected and the estimated fair value of loans acquired in the acquisition as of July 1, 2014, the closing date of the transaction:

 

   July 1, 2014 
   (In thousands) 
   Commercial,
financial and
agricultural
   Mortgage-
Commercial
   Mortgage-
Residential
   Commercial
and other
   Total 
Contractually required payments  $1,519   $29,648   $7,933   $976   $40,076 
Cash flows expected to be collected   1,570    37,869    9,697    1,032    50,168 
Fair value of loans acquired   1,513    28,875    7,048    957    38,393 

 

Total outstanding acquired impaired loans were $2,199,477 as of December 31, 2016. The outstanding balance of these loans is the undiscounted sum of all amounts, including amounts deemed principal, interest, fees, penalties, and other under the loans, owed at the reporting date, whether or not currently due and whether or not any such amounts have been charged off.

 

Changes in the carrying amount and accretable yield for acquired impaired loans were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

   Accretable
Yield
   Carrying Amount
of Loans
 
Balance at beginning of period  $1,219   $1,821 
Accretion   (325)   325 
Payments received, net   -    (841)
Balance at end of period  $894   $1,305 

 

The following tables provide additional detail of troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

   December 31, 2016 
   Outstanding
Recorded
   Outstanding
Recorded
       Interest 
   Investment
Pre-Modification
   Investment
Post-Modification
   Number of
Loans
   Income
Recognized
 
   (in thousands except number of loans) 
                 
Commercial installment  $-   $-    -   $- 
Commercial real estate   296    269    1    13 
Consumer real estate   -    -    -    - 
Consumer installment   -    -    -    - 
Total  $296   $269    1   $13 

 

   December 31, 2015 
   Outstanding
Recorded
   Outstanding
Recorded
       Interest 
   Investment
Pre-Modification
   Investment
Post-Modification
   Number of
Loans
   Income
Recognized
 
   (in thousands except number of loans) 
                 
Commercial installment  $-   $-    -   $- 
Commercial real estate   499    492    2    10 
Consumer real estate   45    40    1    - 
Consumer installment   -    -    -    - 
Total  $544   $532    3   $10 

 

66 

 

 

   December 31, 2014 
   Outstanding
Recorded
   Outstanding
Recorded
       Interest 
   Investment
Pre-Modification
   Investment
Post-Modification
   Number of
Loans
   Income
Recognized
 
   (in thousands except number of loans) 
                 
Commercial installment  $239   $176    1   $15 
Commercial real estate   1,345    1,342    7    26 
Consumer real estate   94    94    1    1 
Consumer installment   -    -    -    - 
Total  $1,678   $1,612    9   $42 

 

The TDRs presented above did increase the allowance for loan losses and resulted in charge-offs of $208,000, $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

The balance of troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $4.1 million, $6.9 million and $6.8 million, respectively, calculated for regulatory reporting purpose. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no additional amount committed on any loan classified as troubled debt restructuring.

 

All loans were performing as agreed with modified terms.

 

During the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the terms of 1, 3 and 9 loans, respectively, were modified as TDRs. The modifications included one of the following or a combination of the following: maturity date extensions, interest only payments, amortizations were extended beyond what would be available on similar type loans, and payment waiver. No interest rate concessions were given on these nor were any of these loans written down.

 

   December 31, 2016 
   Current
 Loans
   Past Due
30-89
   Past Due 90
days and still
accruing 
   Non-Accrual   Total 
Commercial installment  $150,509   $-   $-   $-   $150,509 
Commercial real estate   2,463,484    -    -    1,101,279    3,564,763 
Consumer real estate   153,695    89,996    -    122,450    366,141 
Consumer installment   5,898    -    -    23,594    29,492 
Total  $2,773,586   $89,996   $-   $1,247,323   $4,110,905 
Allowance for loan losses  $124,484   $-   $-   $40,165   $164,649 

 

   December 31, 2015 
   Current
 Loans
   Past Due
30-89
   Past Due 90
days and still
accruing 
   Non-Accrual   Total 
                     
Commercial installment  $206,237   $-   $-   $50,221   $256,458 
Commercial real estate   1,823,217    -    -    2,933,287    4,756,504 
Consumer real estate   721,110    -    -    1,134,816    1,855,926 
Consumer installment   7,894    -    -    29,435    37,329 
Total  $2,758,458   $-   $-   $4,147,759   $6,906,217 
Allowance for loan losses  $106,028   $-   $-   $197,338   $303,366 

 

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   December 31, 2014 
   Current
 Loans
   Past Due
30-89
   Past Due 90
days and still
accruing 
   Non-Accrual   Total 
                     
Commercial installment  $233,340   $-   $-   $-   $233,340 
Commercial real estate   1,684,755    -    -    2,729,170    4,413,925 
Consumer real estate   952,162    622,302    -    448,796    2,023,260 
Consumer installment   9,983    -    -    103,109    113,092 
Total  $2,880,240   $622,302   $-   $3,281,075   $6,783,617 
Allowance for loan losses  $120,220   $11,206   $102,657   $-   $234,083 

 

The following tables summarize by class our loans classified as past due in excess of 30 days or more in addition to those loans classified as non-accrual:

 

   December 31, 2016 
   (In thousands) 
  

Past Due

30 to 89

Days

  

Past Due

90 Days or
More and
Still Accruing

   Non-Accrual  

Total

Past Due and

Non-Accrual

  

Total

Loans

 
                     
Real Estate-construction  $204   $96   $658   $958   $109,394 
Real Estate-mortgage   2,745    102    1,662    4,509    289,640 
Real Estate-nonfarm  nonresidential   269    -    909    1,178    314,359 
Commercial   9    -    2    11    129,423 
Lease financing receivable   -    -    -    -    2,204 
Obligations of states and subdivisions   -    -    -    -    6,698 
Consumer   22    -    33    55    15,336 
Total  $3,249   $198   $3,264   $6,711   $867,054 

 

68 

 

 

   December 31, 2015 
   (In thousands) 
  

Past Due

30 to 89

Days

  

Past Due 90
Days or More
and Still
Accruing

   Non-Accrual  

Total

Past Due and

Non-Accrual

  

Total

Loans

 
                          
Real Estate-construction  $311   $-   $2,956   $3,267   $99,161 
Real Estate-mortgage   3,339    29    2,055    5,423    272,180 
Real Estate- nonfarm nonresidential   736    -    2,225    2,961    253,309 
Commercial   97    -    100    197    129,197 
Lease finance receivable   -    -    -    -    2,650 
Obligations of states and subdivisions   -    -    -    -    969 
Consumer   70    -    32    102    15,049 
Total  $4,553   $29   $7,368   $11,950   $772,515 

 

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 uses the following definitions for risk ratings, which are consistent with the definitions used in supervisory guidance:

 

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 Company’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 Company 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.

 

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

 

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As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans (excluding mortgage loans held for sale) was as follows:

 

(In thousands)                    
December 31, 2016                
               Commercial,     
  

Real Estate

Commercial

  

Real Estate

Mortgage

  

Installment and

Other

  

Financial and

Agriculture

   Total 
                     
Pass  $522,949   $174,325   $21,278   $134,235   $852,787 
Special Mention   376    237    -    618    1,231 
Substandard   11,873    1,336    79    208    13,496 
Doubtful   -    200    -    40    240 
                          
Subtotal   535,198    176,098    21,357    135,101    867,754 
Less:                         
Unearned Discount   378    60    -    262    700 
Loans, net of  unearned discount  $534,820   $176,038   $21,357   $134,839   $867,054 

 

December 31, 2015

               Commercial,     
  

Real Estate

Commercial

  

Real Estate

Mortgage

  

Installment and

Other

   Financial and
Agriculture
   Total 
                     
Pass  $434,638   $167,394   $19,556   $132,101   $753,689 
Special Mention   681    153    -    168    1,002 
Substandard   16,655    1,453    75    178    18,361 
Doubtful   -    327    -    -    327 
Subtotal   451,974    169,327    19,631    132,447    773,379 
Less:                         
Unearned Discount   448    76    -    340    864 
Loans, net of  unearned discount  $451,526   $169,251   $19,631   $132,107   $772,515 

 

NOTE F - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization as follows:

 

   2016   2015 
Premises:          
Land  $10,566,139   $10,352,314 
Buildings and improvements   27,463,504    26,164,412 
Equipment   10,436,712    10,927,780 
Construction in progress   779,833    76,920 
    49,246,188    47,521,426 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization   14,621,836    13,898,415 
   $34,624,352   $33,623,011 

 

The amounts charged to operating expense for depreciation were $1,653,663, $1,645,081 and $1,552,297 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

NOTE G - DEPOSITS

 

The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of $250,000 or more as of December 31, 2016, and as of December 31, 2015, was $60,219,749 and $39,786,088 respectively.

 

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At December 31, 2016, the scheduled maturities of time deposits included in interest-bearing deposits were as follows (in thousands):

 

Year  Amount 
     
2017  $124,729 
2018   39,609 
2019   38,530 
2020   11,690 
2021   8,459 
Thereafter   - 
   $223,017 

 

NOTE H - BORROWED FUNDS

 

Borrowed funds consisted of the following:

 

   2016   2015 
         
Reverse Repurchase Agreement  $5,000,000   $5,000,000 
Fed Funds purchased   -    5,340,000 
FHLB advances   48,000,000    99,981,245 
First Tennessee Bank   16,000,000    - 
   $69,000,000   $110,321,245 

 

Advances from the FHLB have maturity dates ranging from January 2017 through June 2019. Interest is payable monthly at rates ranging from .66% to 1.60%. Advances due to the FHLB are collateralized by a blanket lien on first mortgage loans in the amount of the outstanding borrowings, FHLB capital stock, and amounts on deposit with the FHLB. At December 31, 2016, FHLB advances available and unused totaled $349,511,450.

 

Future annual principal repayment requirements on the borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

Year  Amount 
     
2017  $35,000,000 
2018   2,500,000 
2019   10,500,000 
2020   - 
Total  $48,000,000 

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements consist of one $5,000,000 agreement. The agreement is secured by securities with a fair value of $5,470,105 at December 31, 2016 and $5,501,503 at December 31, 2015. The repurchase date of the agreement is September 26, 2017, and bears an interest rate of 3.81%.

 

The Company entered into a loan agreement with First Tennessee Bank for a $20 million revolving line of credit. The maturity date is December 5, 2017. The interest rate will be at a rate of 2.50% over the LIBOR Rate. The Company executed a negative pledge agreement to which it agreed not to pledge any capital stock of the Bank so long as any indebtedness is outstanding under the line of credit. The loan agreement includes covenants that require the Company to maintain key financial ratios above or below a stated benchmark level.

 

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NOTE I – LEASE OBLIGATIONS

 

The Company is committed under several long-term operating leases which provide for minimum lease payments. Certain leases contain options for renewal. Total rental expense under these operating leases amounted to $577,000, $530,000 and $421,000 as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

The Company is also committed under two long-term capital lease agreements. One capital lease agreement had an outstanding balance of $879,000 and $1,018,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively (included in other liabilities). This lease has a remaining term of 5 years at December 31, 2016. Assets related to the capital lease are included in premises and the cost consists of $2.6 million less accumulated depreciation of approximately $1,389,513 and $1,127,913 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The second capital lease agreement had an outstanding balance of $236,000 at December 31, 2016. This lease has a remaining term of 3 years at December 31, 2016. Assets related to the capital lease are included in premises and the cost consists of $0.3 million less accumulated depreciation of approximately $12,000, and $1,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Minimum future lease payments for the operating and capital leases at December 31, 2016, were as follows:

 

   Operating     
   Leases   Capital Leases 
   (In thousands) 
         
2017  $325   $275 
2018   260    275 
2019   194    275 
2020   130    191 
2021   133    175 
Thereafter   437    - 
           
Total Minimum Lease Payments  $1,479   $1,191 
           
Less:  Amount representing interest        (76)
           
Present value of minimum lease payments       $1,115 

 

NOTE J - REGULATORY MATTERS

 

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

 

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To ensure capital adequacy, quantitative measures have been established by regulators, and these require the Company and its subsidiary bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), Tier I capital to adjusted total assets (leverage) and common equity Tier 1. Management believes, as of December 31, 2016, that the Company and its subsidiary bank exceeded all capital adequacy requirements.

 

In 2013, the Federal Reserve voted to adopt final capital rules implementing Basel III requirements for U.S. Banking organizations. Under the final rule, minimum requirements increased for both the quantity and quality of capital held by banking organizations. The final rule includes a new minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital (Tier 1 Common) to risk-weighted assets and a Tier 1 Common capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets that will apply to all supervised financial institutions. The rule also raises the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and includes a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for all banking organizations. These new minimum capital ratios were effective on January 1, 2015, and will be fully phased in on January 1, 2019.

 

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the subsidiary bank was categorized by regulators as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. Under Basel III requirements, a financial institution is considered to be well-capitalized if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or more, has a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 8% or more, has a common equity Tier 1 of 6.5%, and has a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 5% or more. There are no conditions or anticipated events that, in the opinion of management, would change the categorization. The actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented in the following table. No amount was deducted from capital for interest-rate risk exposure.

 

   Company   Subsidiary 
   (Consolidated)   The First 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
December 31, 2016                    
Total risk-based  $157,557    15.5%  $172,572    17.0%
Common equity Tier 1   140,747    13.8%   165,062    16.2%
Tier I risk-based   150,047    14.7%   165,062    16.2%
Tier I leverage   150,047    11.9%   165,062    13.1%
December 31, 2015                    
Total risk-based  $103,403    11.9%  $102,911    11.8%
Common equity Tier 1   70,587    8.1%   96,164    11.0%
Tier I risk-based   96,656    11.1%   96,164    11.0%
Tier I leverage   96,656    8.7%   96,164    8.6%

 

The minimum amounts of capital and ratios as established by banking regulators at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

 

   Company   Subsidiary 
   (Consolidated)   The First 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
December 31, 2016                    
Total risk-based  $81,504    8.0%  $81,391    8.0%
Common equity Tier 1   45,846    4.5%   45,782    4.5%
Tier I risk-based   61,128    6.0%   61,043    6.0%
Tier I leverage   50,412    4.0%   50,364    4.0%
                     
December 31, 2015                    
Total risk-based  $69,753    8.0%  $69,698    8.0%
Common equity Tier 1   39,236    4.5%   39,205    4.5%
Tier I risk-based   52,315    6.0%   52,274    6.0%
Tier I leverage   44,661    4.0%   44,625    4.0%

 

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The Company’s dividends, if any, are expected to be made from dividends received from its subsidiary bank. The OCC limits dividends of a national bank in any calendar year to the net profits of that year combined with the retained net profits for the two preceding years.

 

NOTE K - INCOME TAXES

 

The components of income tax expense are as follows:

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
Current:               
Federal  $3,363,290   $2,484,372   $1,757,098 
State   577,401    473,037    347,382 
Deferred   (10,352)   255,638    331,399 
   $3,930,339   $3,213,047   $2,435,879 

 

The Company's income tax expense differs from the amounts computed by applying the federal income tax statutory rates to income before income taxes. A reconciliation of the differences is as follows:

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   % 
                         
Income taxes at statutory rate  $4,917,159    35%  $4,083,995    34%  $3,076,856    34%
Tax-exempt income   (927,506)   (7)%   (831,141)   (7)%   (863,204)   (10)%
Nondeductible expenses   130,609    1%   161,176    1%   238,638    3%
State income tax, net of federal tax effect   375,311    3%   307,951    3%   215,803    2%
Tax credits, net   (308,684)   (2)%   (295,800)   (2)%   (337,716)   (4)%
Other, net   (256,550)   (2)%   (213,134)   (2)%   105,502    2%
   $3,930,339    28%  $3,213,047    27%  $2,435,879    27%

 

The components of deferred income taxes included in the consolidated financial statements were as follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Deferred tax assets:          
Allowance for loan losses  $2,897,479   $2,516,669 
Net operating loss carryover   2,315,140    2,426,903 
Other real estate   272,598    275,530 
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities   642,629    - 
Other   1,219,682    1,194,345 
    7,347,528    6,413,447 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Securities   (115,737)   (112,050)
Premises and equipment   (449,136)   (554,103)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities   -    (560,791)
Core deposit intangible   (231,845)   (149,109)
Goodwill   (1,228,960)   (929,316)
    (2,025,678)   (2,305,369)
Net deferred tax asset, included in other assets  $5,321,850   $4,108,078 

 

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With the acquisition of Wiggins in 2006, Baldwin in 2013, and Bay in 2014, the Company assumed federal tax net operating loss carryovers. These net operating losses are available to the Company and expire as follows:

 

Years  Amounts 
2017-2018  $1,011,522 
2019   350,928 
2020-2032   3,865,563 
2033   235,743 
2034   101,560 
   $5,565,316 

 

The Company follows the guidance of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no uncertain tax positions that it believes should be recognized in the financial statements. The tax years still subject to examination by taxing authorities are years subsequent to 2012. In February 2017, the Company was notified that its federal income tax return for 2014 is to be examined by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

NOTE L - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

The Company and its subsidiary bank provide a deferred compensation arrangement (401(k) plan) whereby employees contribute a percentage of their compensation. For employee contributions of six percent or less, the Company and its subsidiary bank provide a 50% matching contribution. Contributions totaled $339,200 in 2016, $287,055 in 2015 and $255,716 in 2014.

 

The Company sponsors an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for employees who have completed one year of service for the Company and attained age 21. Employees become fully vested after five years of service. Contributions to the plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. At December 31, 2016, the ESOP held 5,771 shares of Company common stock and had no debt obligation. All shares held by the plan were considered outstanding for net income per share purposes. Total ESOP expense was $5,346 for 2016, $25,506 for 2015 and $26,267 for 2014.

 

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In 2014, the Company established a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for three active key executives. During 2016, the Company established a SERP for 8 additional active key executives. Pursuant to the SERP, these officers are entitled to receive 180 equal monthly payments commencing at the later of obtaining age 65 or separation from service. The costs of such benefits, assuming a retirement date at age 65, will be accrued by the Company at such retirement date. The Company accrued to expense $194,164 for 2016 and $88,992 for 2015 and $0 for 2014 for future benefits payable under the SERP. The SERP is an unfunded plan and is considered a general contractual obligation of the Company.

 

NOTE M - STOCK PLANS

 

In 2007, the Company adopted the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.  The 2007 Plan provided for the issuance of up to 315,000 shares of Company Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share.  In 2015, the Company adopted an amendment to the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan which provided for the issuance of an additional 300,000 shares of Company Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, for a total of 615,000 shares. Shares issued under the 2007 Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, 67,627 nonvested restricted stock awards were granted under the Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2015, 69,327 nonvested restricted stock awards were granted under the Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2016, 61,247 nonvested restricted stock awards were granted under the Plan and no stock awards were forfeited due to separation. During 2016, 9,895 shares were repurchased for payment of taxes. During 2015, 6,324 shares were repurchased and during 2014, 5,981 shares were repurchased for payment of taxes. The weighted average grant-date fair value for these shares was $17.16 per share. Compensation costs in the amount of $772,311 was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2016, $721,124 was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $617,779 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Shares of restricted stock granted to employees under this stock plan are subject to restrictions as to the vesting period. The restricted stock award becomes 100% vested on the earliest of 1) the three or five year vesting period provided the Grantee has not incurred a termination of employment prior to that date, 2) the Grantee’s retirement, or 3) the Grantee’s death. During this period, the holder is entitled to full voting rights and dividends, which are held until vested. As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $1,543,897 of unrecognized compensation cost related to this Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining term of the vesting period (approximately 4 years).

 

NOTE N - SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

 

On June 30, 2006, the Company issued $4,124,000 of floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to The First Bancshares Statutory Trust 2 in which the Company owns all of the common equity. The debentures are the sole asset of the Trust. The Trust issued $4,000,000 of Trust Preferred Securities (TPSs) to investors. The Company’s obligations under the debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the Trust’s obligations under the preferred securities. The preferred securities were redeemable by the Company at its option. The preferred securities must be redeemed upon maturity of the debentures in 2036. Interest on the preferred securities is the three month London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.65% and is payable quarterly. The terms of the subordinated debentures are identical to those of the preferred securities. On July 27, 2007, the Company issued $6,186,000 of floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures to The First Bancshares Statutory Trust 3 in which the Company owns all of the common equity. The debentures are the sole asset of Trust 3. The Trust issued $6,000,000 of Trust Preferred Securities (TPSs) to investors. The Company’s obligations under the debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the Trust’s obligations under the preferred securities. The preferred securities are redeemable by the Company at its option. The preferred securities must be redeemed upon maturity of the debentures in 2037. Interest on the preferred securities is the three month LIBOR plus 1.40% and is payable quarterly. The terms of the subordinated debentures are identical to those of the preferred securities. In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, the trusts are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTE O - TREASURY STOCK

 

Shares held in treasury totaled 26,494 at December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

 

NOTE P - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In the normal course of business, the Bank makes loans to its directors and executive officers and to companies in which they have a significant ownership interest. In the opinion of management, these loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other parties, are consistent with sound banking practices, and are within applicable regulatory and lending limitations. Such loans amounted to approximately $15,788,000 and $7,957,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The activity in loans to current directors, executive officers, and their affiliates during the year ended December 31, 2016, is summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

Loans outstanding at beginning of year  $7,957 
New loans   9,311 
Repayments   (1,480)
Loans outstanding at end of year  $15,788 

 

NOTE Q - COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES, AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

 

In the normal course of business, there are outstanding various commitments and contingent liabilities, such as guaranties, commitments to extend credit, etc., which are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The subsidiary bank had outstanding letters of credit of $1,742,000 and $1,135,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and had made loan commitments of approximately $220,252,000 and $144,086,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit include some exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance of the customer. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit policies and procedures for such commitments are the same as those used for lending activities. Because these instruments have fixed maturity dates and because a number expire without being drawn upon, they generally do not present any significant liquidity risk. No significant losses on commitments were incurred during the two years ended December 31, 2016, nor are any significant losses as a result of these transactions anticipated.

 

The primary market areas served by the Bank are Forrest, Lamar, Jones, Pearl River, Jackson, Hancock, Stone, and Harrison Counties within South Mississippi, as well as Washington Parish, St. Tammany Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana and Baldwin and Mobile Counties in South Alabama. Management closely monitors its credit concentrations and attempts to diversify the portfolio within its primary market area. As of December 31, 2016, management does not consider there to be any significant credit concentrations within the loan portfolio. Although the Bank’s loan portfolio, as well as existing commitments, reflects the diversity of its primary market area, a substantial portion of a borrower's ability to repay a loan is dependent upon the economic stability of the area.

 

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NOTE R - FAIR VALUES OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

The Company follows the guidance of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, that establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

 

The guidance defines the fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

In accordance with the guidance, the Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

 

 

Level 1: Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange.  Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
     
  Level 2: Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities which use observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities.
     
  Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Available-for-Sale Securities

 

The fair value of available-for-sale securities is determined by various valuation methodologies. Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1. Level 1 securities include mutual funds. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. Level 2 securities include U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

 

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The following table presents the Company’s available-for-sale securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fell as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
       Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
For
Identical Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
   Fair Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
                 
December 31, 2016                
                 
Obligations of U.S.                    
Government agencies  $9,045   $-   $9,045   $- 
Municipal securities   98,822    -    98,822    - 
Mortgage-backed securities   114,289    -    114,289    - 
Corporate obligations   20,110    -    17,869    2,241 
Other   940    940    -    - 
Total  $243,206   $940   $240,025   $2,241 

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
       Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
For
Identical Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
   Fair Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
                 
December 31, 2015                
                 
Obligations of U.S.                    
Government agencies  $19,611   $-   $19,611   $- 
Municipal securities   97,889    -    97,889    - 
Mortgage-backed securities   98,925    -    98,925    - 
Corporate obligations   22,346    -    19,789    2,557 
Other   961    961    -    - 
Total  $239,732   $961   $236,214   $2,557 

 

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The following is a reconciliation of activity for assets measured at fair value based on significant unobservable (non-market) information.

 

(In thousands)  Bank-Issued Trust
Trust Preferred
Securities
 
   2016   2015   2014 
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at January 1  $2,557   $2,801   $2,798 
Transfers into Level 3   -    -    - 
Transfers out of Level 3   -    -    - 
Unrealized income (loss) included in comprehensive income   (316)   (244)   3 
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at December 31  $2,241   $2,557   $2,801 

 

The following table presents quantitative information about recurring Level 3 fair value measurements (in thousands):

 

Trust Preferred
Securities
  Fair Value   Valuation Technique  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
  Range of Inputs 
December 31, 2016  $2,241   Discounted cash flow  Discount rate   1.50% - 3.34% 
December 31, 2015  $2,557   Discounted cash flow  Discount rate   1.08% - 2.77% 
December 31, 2014  $2,801   Discounted cash flow  Discount rate   .79% - 2.49% 

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

 

Impaired Loans

 

Loans for which it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest due according to contractual terms are measured for impairment. Allowable methods for estimating fair value include using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans or, where a loan is determined not to be collateral dependent, using the discounted cash flow method.

 

If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of impairment is utilized. This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor to the value. If the impaired loan is determined not to be collateral dependent, then the discounted cash flow method is used. This method requires the impaired loan to be recorded at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The effective interest rate of a loan is the contractual interest rate adjusted for any net deferred loan fees or costs, premiums or discounts existing at origination or acquisition of the loan. Impaired loans are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Other Real Estate Owned

 

Other real estate owned consists of properties obtained through foreclosure. The adjustment at the time of foreclosure is recorded through the allowance for loan losses. Fair value of other real estate owned is based on current independent appraisals. Due to the subjective nature of establishing the fair value when the asset is acquired, the actual fair value of the other real estate owned or foreclosed asset could differ from the original estimate. If it is determined the fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through other income. Operating costs associated with the assets after acquisition are also recorded as non-interest expense. Gains and losses on the disposition of other real estate owned and foreclosed assets are netted and posted to other income. Other real estate owned measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2016, amounted to $6,007,621. Other real estate owned is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

The following table presents the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fell at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands). 

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using 
       Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
For
Identical Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
   Fair Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
                 
December 31, 2016                    
                     
Impaired loans  $6,128   $-   $6,128   $- 
Other real estate owned   6,007    -    6,007    - 
                     
December 31, 2015                    
                     
Impaired loans  $10,127   $-   $10,127   $- 
Other real estate owned   3,083    -    3,083    - 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents – For such short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Investment in securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity – The fair value measurement for securities available-for-sale was discussed earlier. The same measurement approach was used for securities held-to-maturity and other securities.

 

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Loans – The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

 

Bank-owned Life Insurance – The fair value of bank-owned life insurance approximates the carrying amount, because upon liquidation of these investments, the Company would receive the cash surrender value which equals the carrying amount.

 

Deposits – The fair values of demand deposits are, as required by ASC Topic 825, equal to the carrying value of such deposits. Demand deposits include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings accounts, NOW accounts, and money market demand accounts. The fair value of variable rate term deposits, those repricing within six months or less, approximates the carrying value of these deposits. Discounted cash flows have been used to value fixed rate term deposits and variable rate term deposits repricing after six months. The discount rate used is based on interest rates currently being offered on comparable deposits as to amount and term.

 

Short-Term Borrowings – The carrying value of any federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings approximates their fair values.

 

FHLB and Other Borrowings – The fair value of the fixed rate borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flows, based on current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying amount of any variable rate borrowing approximates its fair value.

 

Subordinated Debentures – The subordinated debentures bear interest at a variable rate and the carrying value approximates the fair value.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments – Fair values of off-balance sheet financial instruments are based on fees charged to enter into similar agreements. However, commitments to extend credit do not represent a significant value until such commitments are funded or closed. Management has determined that these instruments do not have a distinguishable fair value and no fair value has been assigned.

 

As of December 31, 2016          Fair Value Measurements 
(Dollars in thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
                     
Financial Instruments:                         
Assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $62,119   $62,119   $62,119   $-   $- 
Securities available-for-sale   243,206    243,206    940    240,025    2,241 
Securities held-to-maturity   6,000    7,394    -    7,394    - 
Other securities   6,593    6,593    -    6,593    - 
Loans, net   865,424    883,161    -    -    883,161 
Bank-owned life insurance   21,250    21,250    -    21,250    - 
                          
Liabilities:                         
                          
Noninterest-bearing deposits  $202,478   $202,478   $-   $202,478   $- 
Interest-bearing deposits   836,713    835,658    -    835,658    - 
Subordinated debentures   10,310    10,310    -    -    10,310 
FHLB and other borrowings   69,000    69,000    -    69,000    - 

 

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As of December 31, 2015          Fair Value Measurements 
   Carrying
Amount
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Quoted
Prices
(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Financial Instruments:                         
Assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $41,259   $41,259   $41,259   $-   $- 
Securities available-for-sale   239,732    239,732    961    236,214    2,557 
Securities held-to-maturity   7,092    8,548    -    8,548    - 
Other securities   8,135    8,135    -    8,135    - 
Loans, net   769,742    784,113    -    -    784,113 
Bank-owned life insurance   14,872    14,872    -    14,872    - 
                          
Liabilities:                         
Noninterest-bearing deposits  $189,445   $189,445   $-   $189,445   $- 
Interest-bearing deposits   727,250    726,441    -    726,441    - 
Subordinated debentures   10,310    10,310    -    -    10,310 
FHLB and other borrowings   110,321    110,321    -    110,321    - 

 

NOTE S - PREFERRED STOCK

 

Pursuant to the terms of a letter agreement between the Company and the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), the Company issued 17,123 CDCI Preferred Shares.

 

The Letter Agreement contains limitations on the payment of dividends on the common stock to no more than 100% of the aggregate per share dividend and distributions for the immediate prior fiscal year (dividends were declared and paid in 2011 through 2016) and on the Company’s ability to repurchase its common stock in the event of a non-payment of our dividend, and continues to subject the Company to certain of the executive compensation limitations included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), as previously disclosed by the Company. The CDCI Preferred Shares entitle the holder to an annual dividend of 2% for 8 years of the liquidation value of the shares, payable quarterly in arrears.

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On May 13, 2015, The First Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into a Letter Agreement, including Schedule A thereto (the “Letter Agreement”), with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company redeemed the Warrant to purchase up to 54,705 shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value per share (the “Common Stock”) issued to Treasury on February 6, 2009 under the Capital Purchase Program. In connection with this redemption, on May 13, 2015, the Company paid Treasury an aggregate redemption price of $302,410.

 

On December 6, 2016, the Company repurchased all 17,123 shares of its CDCI Preferred Shares at fair market value $15,925,000, which equated to a discount of 7% to par, or $1,198,000.

 

On October 14, 2016, the Company issued 3,563,380 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock at $17.75 per share in a private placement offering and received approximately $59,744,000 in net proceeds after offering expenses of $3,506,000. The net proceeds from this private placement were used to finance the Iberville Bank acquisition and pay related expenses, to support our capital ratios in connection with the Iberville Bank acquisition and Gulf Coast Community Bank acquisition, and for general corporate purposes. See Note T – Subsequent Events. All 3,563,380 shares of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock were converted into 3,563,380 shares of common stock on December 30, 2016, following shareholder approval. Dividends were declared and paid on the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

NOTE T – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Acquisitions

 

Iberville Bank

 

On January 1, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the common stock of Iberville Bank, Plaquemine, Louisiana from A. Wilbert’s Sons Lumber and Shingle Co. (“Iberville Parent”), and immediately thereafter merged Iberville Bank with and into The First. The Company paid a total of $31.1 million in cash. Approximately $2.5 million of the purchase price is being held in escrow as contingency for flood-related losses in the loan portfolio that may be incurred due to recent flooding in Iberville Bank’s market area. At December 31, 2016, Iberville Bank had $269.4 in total assets, $147.3 million in net loans, $243.6 million in deposits and $22.4 million in stockholders’ equity.

 

In connection with the acquisition, the Company expects to record approximately $4.2 million of goodwill and $3.2 million of core deposit intangible. The core deposit intangible is to be expensed over 10 years.

 

The Company acquired the $149.4 million loan portfolio at an estimated fair value discount of $.9 million. The discount represents expected credit losses, adjusted for market interest rates and liquidity adjustments.

 

Expenses associated with the acquisition were $193,000 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016. These costs included charges associated with due diligence as well as legal and consulting expenses, which have been expensed as incurred.

 

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The following unaudited pro-forma financial information for the year ended December 31, 2016, gives effect to the Iberville acquisition as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016. The pro-forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations had the acquisition been effective as of this date.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

   Pro-Forma 
   December 31, 2016 
   (unaudited) 
     
Net interest income  $49,639 
Non-interest income   13,461 
Total revenue   63,100 
Income before income taxes  $15,171 

 

Supplemental pro-forma earnings for 2016 were adjusted to exclude acquisition costs incurred during 2016.

 

Gulf Coast Community Bank

 

Also on January 1, 2017, the Company completed the merger of Gulf Coast Community Bank, Pensacola, Florida, with and into The First. The Company issued to Gulf Coast Community Bank’s shareholders shares of the Company’s common stock which, for purposes of the Gulf Coast acquisition, were valued through averaging the trading price of the Company’s common stock price over a 30 day trading period ending on the fifth business day prior to the closing of the Gulf Coast acquisition. The consideration for the Gulf Coast Acquisition was approximately $2.3 million. As of December 31, 2016, Gulf Coast had total assets of approximately $121.9 million, $88.1 million in net loans and deposits of approximately $111.9 million.

 

In connection with the acquisition, the Company expects to record approximately $1.7 million of goodwill and $.8 million of core deposit intangible. The core deposit intangible is to be expensed over 10 years.

 

The Company acquired the $91.0 million loan portfolio at a fair value discount of approximately $2.2 million. The discount represents expected credit losses, adjusted for market interest rates and liquidity adjustments.

 

Expenses associated with the acquisition were $328,000 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016. These costs included charges associated with due diligence, as well as legal and consulting expenses, which have been expensed as incurred.

 

The acquisition of Gulf Coast Community Bank is not considered significant.

 

The acquisition of both Iberville Bank and Gulf Coast Community Bank is an effort to expand the Company’s market presence and enhance shareholder value.

 

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NOTE U - PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The balance sheets, statements of income and cash flows for The First Bancshares, Inc. (parent company only) follow.

 

Condensed Balance Sheets

 

   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents  $69,158   $213,621 
Investment in subsidiary bank   179,541,693    112,943,885 
Investments in statutory trusts   310,000    310,000 
Other   1,112,514    686,409 
   $181,033,365   $114,153,915 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:          
Subordinated debentures  $10,310,000   $10,310,000 
Advances from First Tennessee Bank   16,000,000    - 
Other   196,658    407,825 
Stockholders’ equity   154,526,707    103,436,090 
   $181,033,365   $114,153,915 

 

Condensed Statements of Income

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
Income:               
Interest and dividends  $6,680   $5,573   $5,453 
Dividend income   2,875,000    1,650,000    5,109,668 
Other   -    -    364,719 
    2,881,680    1,655,573    5,479,840 
Expenses:               
Interest on borrowed funds   222,152    185,351    181,330 
Legal   910,214    295,637    504,130 
Other   1,240,863    833,502    752,027 
    2,373,229    1,314,490    1,437,487 
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiary   508,451    341,083    4,042,353 
Income tax benefit   835,757    487,853    296,388 
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiary   1,344,208    828,936    4,338,741 
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary   8,774,479    7,969,766    2,274,955 
                
Net income  $10,118,687   $8,798,702   $6,613,696 

 

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Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2016   2015   2014 
Cash flows from operating activities:               
Net income  $10,118,687   $8,798,702   $6,613,696 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:               
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary   (8,774,479)   (7,969,766)   (2,274,955)
Restricted stock expense   772,311    721,124    617,779 
Gain on sale of assets   -    -    (364,719)
Other, net   (669,047)   151,251    689,740 
Net cash provided by operating activities   1,447,472    1,701,311    5,281,541 
                
Cash flows from investing activities:               
Investment in subsidiary bank   (60,000,000)   -    - 
Outlays for acquisitions   -    (35,709)   (4,034,668)
Net cash used in investing activities   (60,000,000)   (35,709)   (4,034,668)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:               
Dividends paid on common stock   (782,936)   (778,428)   (763,488)
Dividends paid on preferred stock   (452,305)   (342,460)   (342,460)
Repurchase of restricted stock for payment of taxes   (176,112)   (92,390)   (85,532)
Repurchase of warrants   -    (302,410)   - 
Net proceeds from issuance of 3,563,380 shares   59,744,418    -    - 
Repayment of CDCI Preferred Shares   (15,925,000)   -    - 
Proceeds of borrowed funds   16,000,000    -    - 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   58,408,065    (1,515,688)   (1,191,480)
                
Net  increase  (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (144,463)   149,914    55,393 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   213,621    63,707    8,314 
                
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $69,158   $213,621   $63,707 

 

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NOTE V - OPERATING SEGMENTS

 

The Company is considered to have three principal business segments in 2016, 2015, and 2014, the Commercial/Retail Bank, the Mortgage Banking Division, and the Holding Company. (Dollars in thousands)

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2016 
   Commercial/   Mortgage         
   Retail   Banking   Holding     
   Bank   Division   Company   Total 
                 
Interest income  $43,785   $812   $7   $44,604 
Interest expense   3,679    414    222    4,315 
Net interest income (loss)   40,106    398    (215)   40,289 
Provision (credit) for loan losses   667    (42)   -    625 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses   39,439    440    (215)   39,664 
Non-interest income   6,989    4,258    -    11,247 
Non-interest expense   31,369    3,342    2,151    36,862 
                     
Income (loss) before income    taxes   15,059    1,356    (2,366)   14,049 
Income tax (benefit) expense   4,386    380    (836)   3,930 
Net income (loss)  $10,673   $976   $(1,530)  $10,119 
                     
Total Assets  $1,254,476   $21,400   $1,491   $1,277,367 
Net Loans   851,947    13,477    -    865,424 

 

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   Year Ended December 31, 2015 
   Commercial/   Mortgage         
   Retail   Banking   Holding     
   Bank   Division   Company   Total 
                 
Interest income  $39,422   $774   $6   $40,202 
Interest expense   2,727    296    185    3,208 
Net interest income (loss)   36,695    478    (179)   36,994 
Provision for loan losses   410    -    -    410 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses   36,285    478    (179)   36,584 
Non-interest income   6,513    1,075    -    7,588 
Non-interest expense   29,786    1,245    1,129    32,160 
Income (loss) before income taxes   13,012    308    (1,308)   12,012 
Income tax (benefit) expense   3,618    82    (487)   3,213 
Net income (loss)  $9,394   $226   $(821)  $8,799 
                     
Total Assets  $1,123,240   $20,681   $1,210   $1,145,131 
Net Loans   755,077    14,665    -    769,742 

 

 

   Year Ended December 31, 2014 
   Commercial/   Mortgage         
   Retail   Banking   Holding     
   Bank   Division   Company   Total 
                 
Interest income  $35,506   $860   $5   $36,371 
Interest expense   2,482    310    181    2,973 
Net interest income (loss)   33,024    550    (176)   33,398 
Provision for loan losses   1,401    17    -    1,418 
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses   31,623    533    (176)   31,980 
Non-interest income   5,986    1,452    365    7,803 
Non-interest expense   28,034    1,443    1,256    30,733 
Income (loss) before income taxes   9,575    542    (1,067)   9,050 
Income tax (benefit) expense   2,586    146    (296)   2,436 
Net income (loss)  $6,989   $396   $(771)  $6,614 
                     
Total Assets  $1,075,439   $17,147   $1,182   $1,093,768 
Net Loans   685,563    14,977    -    700,540 

 

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NOTE W - SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS (UNAUDITED)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31   June 30   Sept. 30   Dec. 31 
   (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
                 
2016                    
Total interest income  $10,596   $10,871   $11,269   $11,868 
Total interest expense   922    1,016    1,202    1,176 
Net interest income   9,674    9,855    10,067    10,692 
Provision for loan losses   190    204    143    88 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   9,484    9,651    9,924    10,604 
Total non-interest income   2,484    2,961    3,099    2,705 
Total non-interest expense   8,395    8,921    9,416    10,132 
Income tax expense   969    1,042    1,049    870 
Net income   2,604    2,649    2,558    2,307 
Preferred dividends   85    86    86    195 
Net income applicable to common stockholders  $2,519   $2,563   $2,472   $2,112 
Per common share:                    
Net income, basic  $.47   $.47   $.46   $.39 
Net income, diluted   .46    .47    .45    .26 
Cash dividends declared   .0375    .0375    .0375    .0375 
                     
2015                    
Total interest income  $9,683   $10,022   $10,080   $10,417 
Total interest expense   804    806    793    804 
Net interest income   8,879    9,216    9,287    9,613 
Provision for loan losses   150    -    250    10 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   8,729    9,216    9,037    9,603 
Total non-interest income   1,850    1,854    1,982    1,903 
Total non-interest expense   7,818    8,092    7,977    8,275 
Income tax expense   732    793    815    873 
Net income   2,029    2,185    2,227    2,358 
Preferred dividends   85    86    86    85 
Net income applicable to common stockholders  $1,944   $2,099   $2,141   $2,273 
Per common share:                    
Net income, basic  $.36   $.39   $.40   $.42 
Net income, diluted   .36    .39    .39    .42 
Cash dividends declared   .0375    .0375    .0375    .0375 
                     
2014                    
Total interest income  $8,447   $8,574   $9,688   $9,662 
Total interest expense   623    726    833    791 
Net interest income   7,824    7,848    8,855    8,871 
Provision for loan losses   358    277    631    152 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   7,466    7,571    8,224    8,719 
Total non-interest income   1,672    2,055    2,021    2,055 
Total non-interest expense   7,227    7,384    8,071    8,051 
Income tax expense   484    629    641    682 
Net income   1,427    1,613    1,533    2,041 
Preferred dividends and stock accretion   106    86    85    86 
Net income applicable to common stockholders  $1,321   $1,527   $1,448   $1,955 
Per common share:                    
Net income, basic  $.26   $.30   $.27   $.37 
Net income, diluted   .25    .29    .27    .36 
Cash dividends declared   .0375    .0375    .0375    .0375 

 

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