ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-32.02 - EXHIBIT 32.02 - ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.	exh_3202.htm
EX-32.01 - EXHIBIT 32.01 - ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.	exh_3201.htm
EX-31.02 - EXHIBIT 31.02 - ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.	exh_3102.htm
EX-31.01 - EXHIBIT 31.01 - ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.	exh_3101.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

_________________________

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

☒

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2017

☐

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

For the transition period from _______to_______

Commission file number 001-36452

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware	26-0734029
(State or Other Jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)	Identification No.)

850 Shades Creek Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama	35209
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(205) 949-0302

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Title of each class	Name of exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $.001 per share	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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

None

(Title of Class)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company☐ Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act ☐

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

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

Class	Outstanding as of April 28, 2017
Common stock, $.001 par value	52,831,896

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION			4
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements			4
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			25
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			37
Item 4. Controls and Procedures			38

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION			38
Item 1 Legal Proceedings			38
Item 1A. Risk Factors			38
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			38
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities			39
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures			39
Item 5. Other Information			39
Item 6. Exhibits			39

EX-31.01 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO

EX-31.02 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO

EX-32.01 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO

EX-32.02 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(Unaudited)			(1)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	54,993		$	56,855
Interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions		283,181			566,707
Federal funds sold		127,390			160,435
Cash and cash equivalents		465,564			783,997
Available for sale debt securities, at fair value		453,956			422,375
Held to maturity debt securities (fair value of $73,180 and $63,302 at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)		72,057			62,564
Equity securities		1,034			1,024
Mortgage loans held for sale		6,599			4,675
Loans		5,151,984			4,911,770
Less allowance for loan losses		(53,892	)		(51,893	)
Loans, net		5,098,092			4,859,877
Premises and equipment, net		46,407			40,314
Accrued interest and dividends receivable		16,051			15,801
Deferred tax assets		26,966			27,132
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets		5,102			4,988
Bank owned life insurance contracts		115,112			114,388
Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets		14,924			14,996
Other assets		14,301			18,317
Total assets	$	6,336,165		$	6,370,448
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	1,292,440		$	1,281,605
Interest-bearing		4,069,092			4,138,706
Total deposits		5,361,532			5,420,311
Federal funds purchased		358,241			355,944
Other borrowings		55,169			55,262
Accrued interest payable		4,214			4,401
Other liabilities		11,861			11,641
Total liabilities		5,791,017			5,847,559
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, Series A Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual, par value $0.001 (liquidation preference $1,000), net of discount; no shares authorized or outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016		-			-
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 1,000,000 authorized and undesignated at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016		-			-
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 52,812,396 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017, and 52,636,896 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016		53			53
Additional paid-in capital		217,195			215,932
Retained earnings		327,029			307,151
Accumulated other comprehensive income		369			(624	)
Total stockholders' equity attributable to ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.		544,646			522,512
Noncontrolling interest		502			377
Total stockholders' equity		545,148			522,889
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	6,336,165		$	6,370,448

(1) derived from audited financial statements

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans	$	55,556	$	47,247
Taxable securities		2,087		1,269
Nontaxable securities		765		858
Federal funds sold		519		73
Other interest and dividends		590		514
Total interest income		59,517		49,961
Interest expense:
Deposits		5,982		4,361
Borrowed funds		1,483		1,421
Total interest expense		7,465		5,782
Net interest income		52,052		44,179
Provision for loan losses		4,986		2,059
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		47,066		42,120
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts		1,354		1,307
Mortgage banking		899		668
Increase in cash surrender value life insurance		724		624
Other operating income		1,569		836
Total noninterest income		4,546		3,435
Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits		11,713		11,067
Equipment and occupancy expense		2,250		1,985
Professional services		771		738
FDIC and other regulatory assessments		997		750
Other real estate owned expense		76		449
Other operating expenses		5,460		4,301
Total non-interest expenses		21,267		19,290
Income before income taxes		30,345		26,265
Provision for income taxes		7,826		6,309
Net income		22,519		19,956
Dividends on preferred stock		-		-
Net income available to common stockholders	$	22,519	$	19,956

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.43	$	0.38

Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.42	$	0.38

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
Net income	$	22,519	$	19,956
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period from securities available for sale, net of tax of $534 and $984 for 2017 and 2016, respectively		993		1,837
Comprehensive income	$	23,512	$	21,793

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

										Accumulated
					Additional					Other					Total
	Preferred		Common		Paid-in		Retained			Comprehensive			Noncontrolling		Stockholders'
	Stock		Stock		Capital		Earnings			Income			Interest		Equity
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	-	$	52	$	211,546	$	234,124		$	3,048		$	377	$	449,147
Common dividends declared, $0.04 per share		-		-		-		(2,095	)		-			-		(2,095	)
Issue 411,000 shares of common stock upon exercise and vesting of stock options and restricted stock		-		-		1,752		-			-			-		1,752
Stock based compensation expense		-		-		343		-			-			-		343
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-		-			1,837			-		1,837
Net income		-		-		-		19,956			-			-		19,956
Balance, March 31, 2016	$	-	$	52	$	213,641	$	251,985		$	4,885		$	377	$	470,940

Balance, December 31, 2016	$	-	$	53	$	215,932	$	307,151		$	(624	)	$	377	$	522,889
Common dividends declared, $0.05 per share		-		-		-		(2,641	)		-			-		(2,641	)
Issue 175,500 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options		-		-		926		-			-			-		926
Issue 125 shares of REIT preferred stock		-		-		-		-			-			125		125
Stock based compensation expense		-		-		337		-			-			-		337
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-		-			993			-		993
Net income		-		-		-		22,519			-			-		22,519
Balance, March 31, 2017	$	-	$	53	$	217,195	$	327,029		$	369		$	502	$	545,148

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017			2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	22,519		$	19,956
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
Deferred tax (benefit)		(369	)		(255	)
Provision for loan losses		4,986			2,059
Depreciation		752			730
Accretion on acquired loans		(143	)		(290	)
Amortization of core deposit intangible		72			91
Net amortization of debt securities available for sale		1,001			634
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest and dividends receivable		(250	)		282
Stock-based compensation expense		337			343
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable		(187	)		1,274
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale		32,501			27,918
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale		(33,526	)		(24,091	)
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale		(899	)		(668	)
Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets		(36	)		19
Write down of other real estate owned and repossessed assets		-			373
Losses of tax credit partnerships		(22	)		38
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance contracts		(724	)		(624	)
Net change in other assets, liabilities, and other operating activities		3,202			(515	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		29,214			27,274
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Purchase of securities available for sale		(53,885	)		(10,069	)
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of securities available for sale		23,357			21,119
Purchase of securities held to maturity		(9,786	)		(439	)
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of securities held to maturity		293			326
Purchase of equity securities		(10	)		(708	)
Increase in loans		(243,562	)		(124,622	)
Purchase of premises and equipment		(6,844	)		(2,285	)
Expenditures to complete construction of other real estate owned		-			(3	)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets		426			1,013
Net cash used in investing activities		(290,011	)		(115,668	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in non-interest-bearing deposits		10,835			16,808
Net (decrease) increase in interest-bearing deposits		(69,614	)		99,051
Net increase in federal funds purchased		2,297			145,525
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(100	)		(100	)
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock, net		125			-
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		926			1,752
Dividends paid on common stock		(2,105	)		(1,240	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		(57,636	)		261,796
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(318,433	)		173,402
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		783,997			352,235
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	465,564		$	525,637
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	7,652		$	4,508
Income taxes		652			674
Income tax refund		(181	)		(867	)
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS
Other real estate acquired in settlement of loans	$	553		$	1,076
Internally financed sales of other real estate owned		49			1,022
Dividends declared		2,641			2,095

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2017

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 - GENERAL

The accompanying consolidated financial statements in this report have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Regulation S-X and the instructions for Form 10-Q, and have not been audited. These consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of operations for the interim periods have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal nature. The consolidated results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations which ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) may achieve for future interim periods or the entire year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

On December 20, 2016, the Company effected a two-for-one split of its common stock in the form of a stock dividend. Except where specifically indicated otherwise, all reported amounts in this Form 10-Q have been adjusted to give effect to this stock split.

All reported amounts are in thousands except share and per share data.

NOTE 2 - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash on hand, cash items in process of collection, amounts due from banks, and federal funds sold are included in cash and cash equivalents.

NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options and warrants. All reported amounts in this Form 10-Q have been adjusted to give effect to the 2-for-1 stock split disclosed above.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016
	(In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data)
Earnings per common share
Weighted average common shares outstanding		52,745,335		52,194,726
Net income available to common stockholders	$	22,519	$	19,956
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.43	$	0.38

Weighted average common shares outstanding		52,745,335		52,194,726
Dilutive effects of assumed conversions and exercise of stock options and warrants		1,388,387		938,894
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding		54,133,722		53,133,620
Net income available to common stockholders	$	22,519	$	19,956
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.42	$	0.38

NOTE 4 - SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Loss			Fair Value
March 31, 2017	(In Thousands)
Available for sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies	$	57,732	$	408	$	(106	)	$	58,034
Mortgage-backed securities		254,225		1,315		(2,155	)		253,385
State and municipal securities		136,431		1,372		(268	)		137,535
Corporate debt		4,996		6		-			5,002
Total	$	453,384	$	3,101	$	(2,529	)	$	453,956
Held to maturity debt securities
Mortgage-backed securities	$	28,658	$	312	$	(269	)	$	28,701
State and municipal securities		5,889		308		(6	)		6,191
Corporate debt		37,510		794		(16	)		38,288
Total	$	72,057	$	1,414	$	(291	)	$	73,180

December 31, 2016
Available for sale debt securities
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies	$	45,998	$	382	$	(126	)	$	46,254
Mortgage-backed securities		228,843		1,515		(3,168	)		227,190
State and municipal securities		139,504		1,120		(694	)		139,930
Corporate debt		8,985		16		-			9,001
Total	$	423,330	$	3,033	$	(3,988	)	$	422,375
Held to maturity debt securities
Mortgage-backed securities	$	19,164	$	321	$	(245	)	$	19,240
State and municipal securities		5,888		315		(12	)		6,191
Corporate debt		37,512		374		(15	)		37,871
Total	$	62,564	$	1,010	$	(272	)	$	63,302

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of March 31, 2017 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities of mortgage-backed securities since the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or prepaid with or without penalty. Therefore, these securities are not included in the maturity categories along with the other categories of debt securities.

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Available for sale debt securities
Due within one year	$	19,508	$	19,587	$	28,270	$	28,400
Due from one to five years		154,295		155,590		152,347		153,003
Due from five to ten years		25,356		25,394		13,870		13,782
Mortgage-backed securities		254,225		253,385		228,843		227,190
	$	453,384	$	453,956	$	423,330	$	422,375

Held to maturity debt securities
Due from one to five years	$	250	$	250	$	250	$	250
Due from five to ten years		34,248		34,879		34,251		34,617
Due after ten years		8,901		9,350		8,899		9,195
Mortgage-backed securities		28,658		28,701		19,164		19,240
	$	72,057	$	73,180	$	62,564	$	63,302

All mortgage-backed securities are with government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) such as Federal National Mortgage Association, Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

The following table identifies, as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company’s investment securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 or more months. At March 31, 2017, seven of the Company’s 802 debt securities had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 or more months. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost, which may be maturity; accordingly, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2017. Further, the Company believes any deterioration in value of its current investment securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates and not credit quality of the issuer.

	Less Than Twelve Months					Twelve Months or More					Total
	Gross					Gross					Gross
	Unrealized					Unrealized					Unrealized
	Losses			Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value		Losses			Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
March 31, 2017:
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies	$	(106	)	$	7,902	$	-		$	-	$	(106	)	$	7,902
Mortgage-backed securities		(2,424	)		188,130		-			-		(2,424	)		188,130
State and municipal securities		(263	)		36,644		(11	)		1,412		(274	)		38,056
Corporate debt		(16	)		3,030		-			-		(16	)		3,030
Total	$	(2,809	)	$	235,706	$	(11	)	$	1,412	$	(2,820	)	$	237,118

December 31, 2016:
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies	$	(126	)	$	10,865	$	-		$	-	$	(126	)	$	10,865
Mortgage-backed securities		(3,413	)		174,225		-			-		(3,413	)		174,225
State and municipal securities		(698	)		64,502		(8	)		1,021		(706	)		65,523
Corporate debt		(15	)		3,034		-			-		(15	)		3,034
Total	$	(4,252	)	$	252,626	$	(8	)	$	1,021	$	(4,260	)	$	253,647

NOTE 5 – LOANS

The following table details the Company’s loans at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	March 31,			December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	2,061,503		$	1,982,267
Real estate - construction		345,777			335,085
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		1,262,578			1,171,719
1-4 family mortgage		554,261			536,805
Other mortgage		872,955			830,683
Subtotal: Real estate - mortgage		2,689,794			2,539,207
Consumer		54,910			55,211
Total Loans		5,151,984			4,911,770
Less: Allowance for loan losses		(53,892	)		(51,893	)
Net Loans	$	5,098,092		$	4,859,877

Commercial, financial and agricultural		40.01	%		40.36	%
Real estate - construction		6.71	%		6.82	%
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		24.51	%		23.86	%
1-4 family mortgage		10.76	%		10.93	%
Other mortgage		16.94	%		16.91	%
Subtotal: Real estate - mortgage		52.21	%		51.70	%
Consumer		1.07	%		1.12	%
Total Loans		100.00	%		100.00	%

The credit quality of the loan portfolio is summarized no less frequently than quarterly using categories similar to the standard asset classification system used by the federal banking agencies. The following table presents credit quality indicators for the loan loss portfolio segments and classes. These categories are utilized to develop the associated allowance for loan losses using historical losses adjusted for current economic conditions defined as follows:

Pass – loans which are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor(s) or by the fair value, less cost to acquire and sell, of any underlying collateral.

Special Mention – loans with potential weakness that may, if not reversed or corrected, weaken the credit or inadequately protect the Company’s position at some future date. These loans are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant an adverse classification.

Substandard – loans that exhibit well-defined weakness or weaknesses that presently jeopardize debt repayment. These loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful – loans that have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard, plus the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable and improbable.

Loans by credit quality indicator as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

			Special
March 31, 2017	Pass		Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,989,337	$	48,280	$	23,886	$	-	$	2,061,503
Real estate - construction		334,480		7,639		3,658		-		345,777
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		1,248,552		6,126		7,900		-		1,262,578
1-4 family mortgage		549,371		1,161		3,729		-		554,261
Other mortgage		857,553		14,573		829		-		872,955
Total real estate - mortgage		2,655,476		21,860		12,458		-		2,689,794
Consumer		54,823		87		-		-		54,910
Total	$	5,034,116	$	77,866	$	40,002	$	-	$	5,151,984

			Special
December 31, 2016	Pass		Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,893,664	$	61,035	$	27,568	$	-	$	1,982,267
Real estate - construction		324,958		5,861		4,266		-		335,085
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		1,158,615		6,037		7,067		-		1,171,719
1-4 family mortgage		531,868		2,065		2,872		-		536,805
Other mortgage		818,724		11,224		735		-		830,683
Total real estate - mortgage		2,509,207		19,326		10,674		-		2,539,207
Consumer		55,135		76		-		-		55,211
Total	$	4,782,964	$	86,298	$	42,508	$	-	$	4,911,770

Loans by performance status as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

March 31, 2017	Performing		Nonperforming		Total
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	2,054,524	$	6,979	$	2,061,503
Real estate - construction		343,116		2,661		345,777
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		1,261,205		1,373		1,262,578
1-4 family mortgage		553,190		1,071		554,261
Other mortgage		872,955		-		872,955
Total real estate - mortgage		2,687,350		2,444		2,689,794
Consumer		54,894		16		54,910
Total	$	5,139,884	$	12,100	$	5,151,984

December 31, 2016	Performing		Nonperforming		Total
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,974,975	$	7,292	$	1,982,267
Real estate - construction		331,817		3,268		335,085
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		1,165,511		6,208		1,171,719
1-4 family mortgage		536,731		74		536,805
Other mortgage		830,683		-		830,683
Total real estate - mortgage		2,532,925		6,282		2,539,207
Consumer		55,166		45		55,211
Total	$	4,894,883	$	16,887	$	4,911,770

Loans by past due status as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

March 31, 2017	Past Due Status (Accruing Loans)
							Total Past
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		90+ Days		Due		Non-Accrual		Current		Total Loans
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,023	$	8	$	-	$	1,031	$	6,979	$	2,053,493	$	2,061,503
Real estate - construction		363		-		-		363		2,661		342,753		345,777
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		1,001		-		-		1,001		1,373		1,260,204		1,262,578
1-4 family mortgage		215		45		-		260		1,071		552,930		554,261
Other mortgage		2,950		-		-		2,950		-		870,005		872,955
Total real estate - mortgage		4,166		45		-		4,211		2,444		2,683,139		2,689,794
Consumer		29		30		16		75		-		54,835		54,910
Total	$	5,581	$	83	$	16	$	5,680	$	12,084	$	5,134,220	$	5,151,984

December 31, 2016	Past Due Status (Accruing Loans)
							Total Past
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		90+ Days		Due		Non-Accrual		Current		Total Loans
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	710	$	40	$	10	$	760	$	7,282	$	1,974,225	$	1,982,267
Real estate - construction		59		-		-		59		3,268		331,758		335,085
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		-		-		6,208		6,208		-		1,165,511		1,171,719
1-4 family mortgage		160		129		-		289		74		536,442		536,805
Other mortgage		95		811		-		906		-		829,777		830,683
Total real estate - mortgage		255		940		6,208		7,403		74		2,531,730		2,539,207
Consumer		52		17		45		114		-		55,097		55,211
Total	$	1,076	$	997	$	6,263	$	8,336	$	10,624	$	4,892,810	$	4,911,770

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, economic conditions, and other risks inherent in the portfolio. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of the estimated cash flows. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense, and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

The methodology utilized for the calculation of the allowance for loan losses is divided into four distinct categories. Those categories include allowances for non-impaired loans (ASC 450), impaired loans (ASC 310), external qualitative factors, and internal qualitative factors. A description of each category of the allowance for loan loss methodology is listed below.

Non-Impaired Loans. Non-impaired loans are grouped into the following homogeneous loan pools by loan type: commercial and industrial, construction and development, commercial real estate, second lien home equity lines of credit, and all other loans. Each loan pool is stratified by internal risk rating and multiplied by a loss allocation percentage derived from the loan pool historical loss rate. The historical loss rate is based on an age weighted five year history of net charge-offs experienced by pool, with the most recent net charge-off experience given a greater weighting. This results in the expected loss rate per year, adjusted by a qualitative adjustment factor and a years-to-impairment factor, for each pool of loans to derive the total amount of allowance for non-impaired loans.

Impaired Loans. Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the loan agreement. The collection of all amounts due according to contractual terms means that both the contractual interest and principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of collateral, reduced by costs to sell on a discounted basis, is used if a loan is collateral-dependent. Fair value estimates for specifically impaired collateral-dependent loans are derived from appraised values based on the current market value or “as is” value of the property, normally from recently received and reviewed appraisals. Appraisals are obtained from certified and licensed appraisers and are based on certain assumptions, which may include construction or development status and the highest and best use of the property. These appraisals are reviewed by our credit administration department, and values are adjusted downward to reflect anticipated disposition costs. Once this estimated net realizable value has been determined, the value used in the impairment assessment is updated for each impaired loan. As subsequent events dictate and estimated net realizable values decline, required reserves may be established or further adjustments recorded.

External Qualitative Factors. The determination of the portion of the allowance for loan losses relating to external qualitative factors is based on consideration of the following factors: gross domestic product growth rate, changes in prime rate, delinquency trends, peer delinquency trends, year over year loan growth and state unemployment rate trends. Data for the three most recent periods is utilized in the calculation for each external qualitative component. The factors have a consistent weighted methodology to calculate the amount of allowance due to external qualitative factors.

Internal Qualitative Factors. The determination of the portion of the allowance for loan losses relating to internal qualitative factors is based on the consideration of criteria which includes the following: number of extensions and deferrals, single pay and interest only loans, current financial information, credit concentrations and risk grade accuracy. A self-assessment for each of the criteria is made with a consistent weighted methodology used to calculate the amount of allowance required for internal qualitative factors.

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016. The total allowance for loan losses is disaggregated into those amounts associated with loans individually evaluated and those associated with loans collectively evaluated.

	Commercial,
	financial and			Real estate -			Real estate -
	agricultural			construction			mortgage			Consumer			Total
	(In Thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	28,872		$	5,125		$	17,504		$	392		$	51,893
Charge-offs		(2,855	)		-			(266	)		(75	)		(3,196	)
Recoveries		190			16			2			1			209
Provision		2,500			(316	)		2,722			80			4,986
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	28,707		$	4,825		$	19,962		$	398		$	53,892

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	21,495		$	5,432		$	16,061		$	431		$	43,419
Charge-offs		(50	)		(381	)		-			(18	)		(449	)
Recoveries		3			16			97			-			116
Provision		1,391			(62	)		743			(13	)		2,059
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	22,839		$	5,005		$	16,901		$	400		$	45,145

	As of March 31, 2017
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$	5,297		$	921		$	1,814		$	-		$	8,032
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		23,410			3,904			18,148			398			45,860

Loans:
Ending Balance	$	2,061,503		$	345,777		$	2,689,794		$	54,910		$	5,151,984
Individually Evaluated for Impairment		24,230			3,705			15,084			2			43,021
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		2,037,273			342,072			2,674,710			54,908			5,108,963

	As of December 31, 2016
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually Evaluated for Impairment	$	6,607		$	923		$	622		$	-		$	8,152
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		22,265			4,202			16,882			392			43,741

Loans:
Ending Balance	$	1,982,267		$	335,085		$	2,539,207		$	55,211		$	4,911,770
Individually Evaluated for Impairment		27,922			4,314			13,350			3			45,589
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment		1,954,345			330,771			2,525,857			55,208			4,866,181

The following table presents details of the Company’s impaired loans as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Loans which have been fully charged off do not appear in the table.

	March 31, 2017
							For the three months
							ended March 31, 2017
									Interest
			Unpaid				Average		Income
	Recorded		Principal		Related		Recorded		Recognized
	Investment		Balance		Allowance		Investment		in Period
	(In Thousands)
With no allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,001	$	1,001	$	-	$	1,007	$	16
Real estate - construction		330		333		-		333		1
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		2,561		2,725		-		2,750		40
1-4 family mortgage		2,758		2,758		-		2,831		22
Other mortgage		924		924		-		931		14
Total real estate - mortgage		6,243		6,407		-		6,512		76
Consumer		2		4		-		4		-
Total with no allowance recorded		7,576		7,745		-		7,856		93

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural		23,229		23,229		5,297		23,063		228
Real estate - construction		3,375		3,375		921		3,374		14
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		7,774		7,774		1,445		7,317		79
1-4 family mortgage		971		971		273		972		12
Other mortgage		96		96		96		287		4
Total real estate - mortgage		8,841		8,841		1,814		8,576		95
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-
Total with allowance recorded		35,445		35,445		8,032		35,013		337

Total Impaired Loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural		24,230		24,230		5,297		24,070		244
Real estate - construction		3,705		3,708		921		3,707		15
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		10,335		10,499		1,445		10,067		119
1-4 family mortgage		3,729		3,729		273		3,803		34
Other mortgage		1,020		1,020		96		1,218		18
Total real estate - mortgage		15,084		15,248		1,814		15,088		171
Consumer		2		4		-		4		-
Total impaired loans	$	43,021	$	43,190	$	8,032	$	42,869	$	430

	December 31, 2016
							For the twelve months
							ended December 31, 2016
									Interest
			Unpaid				Average		Income
	Recorded		Principal		Related		Recorded		Recognized
	Investment		Balance		Allowance		Investment		in Period
	(In Thousands)
With no allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	1,003	$	1,003	$	-	$	992	$	64
Real estate - construction		938		1,802		-		1,159		3
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		2,615		2,778		-		2,884		166
1-4 family mortgage		1,899		1,899		-		1,901		102
Other mortgage		940		940		-		965		60
Total real estate - mortgage		5,454		5,617		-		5,750		328
Consumer		3		5		-		6		-
Total with no allowance recorded		7,398		8,427		-		7,907		395

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial and agricultural		26,919		31,728		6,607		26,955		1,162
Real estate - construction		3,376		3,376		923		3,577		68
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		6,924		6,924		348		6,934		362
1-4 family mortgage		972		972		274		313		19
Other mortgage		-		-		-		-		-
Total real estate - mortgage		7,896		7,896		622		7,247		381
Consumer		-		-		-		-		-
Total with allowance recorded		38,191		43,000		8,152		37,779		1,611

Total Impaired Loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural		27,922		32,731		6,607		27,947		1,226
Real estate - construction		4,314		5,178		923		4,736		71
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		9,539		9,702		348		9,818		528
1-4 family mortgage		2,871		2,871		274		2,214		121
Other mortgage		940		940		-		965		60
Total real estate - mortgage		13,350		13,513		622		12,997		709
Consumer		3		5		-		6		-
Total impaired loans	$	45,589	$	51,427	$	8,152	$	45,686	$	2,006

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) at March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016 totaled $7.3 million, $7.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively. At March 31, 2017, the Company had a related allowance for loan losses of $2.3 million allocated to these TDRs, compared to $2.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $0.9 million at March 31, 2016. There were no modifications made to new TDRs or renewals of existing TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

No TDRs which were modified in the previous twelve months (i.e., the twelve months prior to default) defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016. For purposes of this disclosure, default is defined as 90 days past due and still accruing or placement on nonaccrual status.

NOTE 6 - EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR BENEFITS

Stock Options

At March 31, 2017, the Company had stock incentive plans as described below. The compensation cost that has been charged to earnings for the plans was approximately $337,000 and $343,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company’s 2005 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan allows for the grant of stock options to purchase up to 6,150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company’s 2009 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of up to 5,550,000 shares and allows for the issuance of Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Stock Options, Non-stock Share Equivalents, Performance Shares or Performance Units. Both plans allow for the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, and option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The maximum term of the options granted under the plans is ten years.

The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option award using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model which incorporates the assumptions noted in the following table. Expected volatilities are based on an index of southeastern United States publicly traded banks. The expected term for options granted is based on the short-cut method and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U. S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

	2017			2016
Expected volatility		29.00	%		29.00	%
Expected dividends		0.43	%		0.60	%
Expected term (in years)		6			6
Risk-free rate		2.08	%		1.92	%

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 was $11.91 and $5.77, respectively.

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016:

						Weighted
				Weighted		Average
				Average		Remaining
				Exercise		Contractual		Aggregate
	Shares			Price		Term (years)		Intrinsic Value
								(In Thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017:
Outstanding at January 1, 2017		2,026,334		$	9.00		6.2	$	57,636
Granted		51,500			38.10		9.8		(89	)
Exercised		(175,500	)		5.28		5.0		5,459
Forfeited		(27,000	)		21.55		8.8		401
Outstanding at March 31, 2017		1,875,334			9.96		6.2	$	49,540

Exercisable at March 31, 2017		928,236		$	5.12		4.6	$	29,013

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016:
Outstanding at January 1, 2016		2,498,834		$	6.66		6.3	$	42,743
Granted		198,000			19.11		9.8		-
Exercised		(411,000	)		4.27		4.6		7,372
Forfeited		(9,000	)		19.52		9.3		24
Outstanding at March 31, 2016		2,276,834			8.12		6.7	$	32,058

Exercisable at March 31, 2016		782,836		$	4.74		5.2	$	13,672

As of March 31, 2017, there was $2,539,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. The cost is expected to be recognized on the straight-line method over the next 3.1 years.

Restricted Stock

The Company has issued 483,276 shares of restricted stock to certain officers, of which 364,500 are vested. The value of restricted stock awards is determined to be the current value of the Company’s stock at the grant date, and this total value will be recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period. As of March 31, 2017, there was $448,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock. The expense is expected to be recognized evenly over the remaining 1.5 years of the restricted stock’s vesting period.

NOTE 7 - DERIVATIVES

The Company has entered into agreements with secondary market investors to deliver loans on a “best efforts delivery” basis. When a rate is committed to a borrower, it is based on the best price that day and locked with the investor for the customer for a 30-day period. In the event the loan is not delivered to the investor, the Company has no risk or exposure with the investor. The interest rate lock commitments related to loans that are originated for later sale are classified as derivatives. The fair values of the Company’s agreements with investors and rate lock commitments to customers as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were not material.

NOTE 8 – RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption was permitted. The Company elected to early adopt the provisions of this ASU during the second quarter of 2016, and retrospectively apply the changes in accounting for stock compensation back to the first quarter of 2016. In so doing, the Company recognized a $2.3 million reduction in its provision for income taxes in the first quarter of 2016, $4.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 and $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2017, related to the exercise and vesting of stock options and restricted stock. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, such tax benefits were recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) – Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings. ASU 2017-03 provides amendments that add paragraph 250-10-S99-6 which includes the text of "SEC Staff Announcement: Disclosure of the Impact That Recently Issued Accounting Standards Will Have on the Financial Statements of a Registrant When Such Standards Are Adopted in a Future Period” (in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) Topic 11.M). Registrants are required to disclose the effect that recently issued accounting standards will have on their financial statements when adopted in a future period. In cases where a registrant cannot reasonably estimate the impact of the adoption, then additional qualitative disclosures should be considered to assist the reader in assessing the significance of the standard's impact on its financial statements. The Company has enhanced its disclosures regarding the impact of recently issued accounting standards adopted in a future period will have on its accounting and disclosures.

NOTE 9 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606). These amendments affect any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g. insurance contracts or lease contracts). This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance, and creates a Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This ASU also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The ASU allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. This ASU defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606), by one year. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company’s revenue has been more significantly weighted towards net interest income on financial assets and liabilities, which is explicitly excluded from the scope of the new standard, and noninterest income has not been as significant. The Company has begun to scope its general ledger revenue items and assess its contracts with customers to identify its performance obligations and will continue to evaluate the impact of adoption on its noninterest income and on its disclosures.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-1, Financial Instruments Overall (Topic 825): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in ASU 2016-1: (a) requires equity investments (except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (b) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity securities without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (c) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (d) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (e) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income, the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (f) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial assets on the balance sheet or the notes to the financial statements; and (g) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is evaluating the provisions of this ASU to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The FASB issued this ASU to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under current U.S. GAAP and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application of this ASU is permitted for all entities. The Company leases many of its banking offices under lease agreements it classifies as operating leases. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. Management currently anticipates recognizing a right-of-use asset and a lease liability associated with its long-term operating leases.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The amendments eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The amendments require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increase the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Adoption of this standard has not affected the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which is essentially the final rule on use of the so-called CECL model, or current expected credit losses. Among other things, the amendments in this ASU require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For SEC filers, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with later effective dates for non-SEC registrant public companies and other organizations. Early adoption will be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amendments in this ASU on its consolidated financial statements, and is collecting data that will be needed to produce historical inputs into any models created as a result of adopting this ASU.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, to address diversity in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments provide guidance on the following eight specific cash flow issues: 1) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; 2) settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; 3) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; 4) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; 5) proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; 6) distributions received from equity method investees; 7) beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and 8) separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. As this guidance only affects the classification within the statement of cash flows, this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which is intended to provide guidance in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses in order to provide stakeholders with more detailed reporting and less cost to analyze transactions. This ASU provides a screen to determine when a set of assets is not a business. It requires that when substantially all fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set of assets is not a business. If the screen is not met, the amendments in this update provide a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present for the set to be a business. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. No disclosures are required at transition and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amendments in this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the second step of the previous FASB guidance for testing goodwill for impairment and is intended to reduce cost and complexity of goodwill impairment testing. The amendments in this ASU modify the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. After determining if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the entity should take an impairment charge of the same amount to the goodwill for that reporting unit, not to exceed the total goodwill amount for that reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the amendments in this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. ASU 2017-08 is effective for public entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently reviewing its portfolio of debt securities to determine the impact that this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 10 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Measurement of fair value under U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value, as of the measurement date, into three broad levels, which are described below:

Level 1:

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

Level 2:

Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3:

Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible and also considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

Debt Securities. Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government securities such as U.S. Treasuries and exchange-traded equity securities. For securities traded in secondary markets for which quoted market prices are not available, the Company generally relies on pricing services provided by independent vendors. Such independent pricing services are to advise the Company on the carrying value of the securities available for sale portfolio. As part of the Company’s procedures, the price provided from the service is evaluated for reasonableness given market changes. When a questionable price exists, the Company investigates further to determine if the price is valid. If needed, other market participants may be utilized to determine the correct fair value. The Company has also reviewed and confirmed its determinations in discussions with the pricing source regarding their methods of price discovery. Securities measured with these techniques are classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy and often involve using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flow calculations using inputs observable in the market where available. Examples include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and certain corporate, asset-backed and other securities. In cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified in Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Impaired Loans. Impaired loans are measured and reported at fair value when full payment under the loan terms is not probable. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate in a discounted cash flow calculation, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. Expected cash flows are based on internal inputs reflecting expected default rates on contractual cash flows. This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value described in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10 and would generally result in a higher value than the exit-price approach. For loans measured using the estimated fair value of collateral less costs to sell, fair value is generally determined based on appraisals performed by certified and licensed appraisers using inputs such as absorption rates, capitalization rates, and market comparables, adjusted for estimated costs to sell. Management modifies the appraised values, if needed, to take into account recent developments in the market or other factors, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition. Such modifications to the appraised values could result in lower valuations of such collateral. Estimated costs to sell are based on current amounts of disposal costs for similar assets. These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. Impaired loans are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustment upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly based on the same factors identified above. The amount recognized as an impairment charge related to impaired loans that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis was $2,978,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2017, and $911,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate assets (“OREO”) acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less selling costs. Any write-downs to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO are charged to the allowance for loan losses subsequent to foreclosure. Values are derived from appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis. Appraisals are performed by certified and licensed appraisers. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically and assets are marked to current fair value, not to exceed the new cost basis. In the determination of fair value subsequent to foreclosure, management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates and market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in adjustment to lower the property value estimates indicated in the appraisals. These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. A loss on the sale and write-downs of OREO of $30,000 and $392,000 was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. These charges were for write-downs in the value of OREO subsequent to foreclosure and losses on the disposal of OREO. OREO is classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

There were no residential real estate loan foreclosures classified as OREO as of March 31, 2017, compared to $189,000 as of December 31, 2016.

Two residential real estate loans totaling $77,000 were in the process of being foreclosed as of March 31, 2017. No residential real estate loans were in the process of being foreclosed as of December 31, 2016.

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2017 Using
	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant Other		Significant
	for Identical		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
	Assets (Level 1)		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis:	(In Thousands)
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies	$	-	$	58,034	$	-	$	58,034
Mortgage-backed securities		-		253,385		-		253,385
State and municipal securities		-		137,535		-		137,535
Corporate debt		-		5,002		-		5,002
Total assets at fair value	$	-	$	453,956	$	-	$	453,956

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using
	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant Other		Significant
	for Identical		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
	Assets (Level 1)		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis:	(In Thousands)
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies	$	-	$	46,254	$	-	$	46,254
Mortgage-backed securities		-		227,190		-		227,190
State and municipal securities		-		139,930		-		139,930
Corporate debt		-		9,001		-		9,001
Total assets at fair value	$	-	$	422,375	$	-	$	422,375

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2017 Using
	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant Other		Significant
	for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:	(In Thousands)
Impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	34,989	$	34,989
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets		-		-		5,102		5,102
Total assets at fair value	$	-	$	-	$	40,091	$	40,091

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using
	Quoted Prices in
	Active Markets		Significant Other		Significant
	for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:	(In Thousands)
Impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	37,437	$	37,437
Other real estate owned		-		-		4,988		4,988
Total assets at fair value	$	-	$	-	$	42,425	$	42,425

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged in a sale between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Current U.S. GAAP excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its fair value disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and Due from banks: The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition approximate those assets’ fair values.

Debt securities: Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. Level 1 securities include highly liquid government securities such as U.S. treasuries and exchange-traded equity securities. For securities traded in secondary markets for which quoted market prices are not available, the Company generally relies on prices obtained from independent vendors. Such independent pricing services are to advise the Company on the carrying value of the securities available for sale portfolio. As part of the Company’s procedures, the price provided from the service is evaluated for reasonableness given market changes. When a questionable price exists, the Company investigates further to determine if the price is valid. If needed, other market participants may be utilized to determine the correct fair value. The Company has also reviewed and confirmed its determinations in discussions with the pricing service regarding their methods of price discovery. Securities measured with these techniques are classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy and often involve using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flow calculations using inputs observable in the market where available. Examples include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and certain corporate, asset-backed and other securities. In cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Equity securities: Fair values for other investments are considered to be their cost as they are redeemed at par value.

Federal funds sold: The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition approximate those assets’ fair values.

Mortgage loans held for sale: Loans are committed to be delivered to investors on a “best efforts delivery” basis within 30 days of origination. Due to this short turn-around time, the carrying amounts of the Company’s agreements approximate their fair values.

Bank owned life insurance contracts: The carrying amounts in the statements of financial condition approximate these assets’ fair value.

Loans, net: For variable-rate loans that re-price frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair value is based on carrying amounts. The fair value of other loans (for example, fixed-rate commercial real estate loans, mortgage loans, and industrial loans) is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Loan fair value estimates include judgments regarding future expected loss experience and risk characteristics. The method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value as prescribed by ASC 820 and generally produces a higher value than an exit-price approach. The measurement of the fair value of loans is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Deposits: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of variable-rate, fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation using interest rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The fair value of the Company’s time deposits do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value. Measurements of the fair value of certificates of deposit are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Federal funds purchased: The carrying amounts in the statements of condition approximate those assets’ fair value.

Other borrowings: The fair values of borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank for borrowings of similar terms as those being valued. These measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Loan commitments: The fair values of the Company’s off-balance-sheet financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements. Since the majority of the Company’s other off-balance-sheet financial instruments consists of non-fee-producing, variable-rate commitments, the Company has determined they do not have a distinguishable fair value.

The carrying amount, estimated fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are presented in the following table. This table includes those financial assets and liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis.

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Carrying				Carrying
	Amount		Fair Value		Amount		Fair Value
	(In Thousands)
Financial Assets:
Level 1 inputs:
Cash and due from banks	$	338,174	$	338,174	$	623,562	$	623,562

Level 2 inputs:
Available for sale debt securities	$	453,956	$	453,956	$	422,375	$	422,375
Held to maturity debt securities		34,547		34,892		25,052		25,431
Equity securities		1,034		1,034		1,024		1,024
Federal funds sold		127,390		127,390		160,435		160,435
Mortgage loans held for sale		6,599		6,718		4,675		4,736
Bank owned life insurance contracts		115,112		115,112		114,388		114,388

Level 3 Inputs:
Held to maturity debt securities	$	37,510	$	38,288	$	37,512	$	37,871
Loans, net		5,098,092		5,111,532		4,859,877		4,872,689

Financial Liabilities:
Level 2 inputs:
Deposits	$	5,361,532	$	5,358,573	$	5,420,311	$	5,417,320
Federal funds purchased		358,241		358,241		355,944		355,944
Other borrowings		55,169		54,234		55,262		54,203

NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date of this filing to ensure that this Form 10-Q includes appropriate disclosure of events both recognized in the financial statements as of March 31, 2017, and events which occurred subsequent to March 31, 2017 but were not recognized in the financial statements. As of the date of this filing, there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis is designed to provide a better understanding of various factors relating to the results of operations and financial condition of ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, ServisFirst Bank (the “Bank”). This discussion is intended to supplement and highlight information contained in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements concerning future operations, results or performance, are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “might” and similar expressions often signify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions that such forward-looking statements, wherever they occur in this quarterly report or in other statements attributable to the Company, are necessarily estimates reflecting the judgment of the Company’s senior management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors that could affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements, including: general economic conditions, especially in the credit markets and in the Southeast; the performance of the capital markets; changes in interest rates, yield curves and interest rate spread relationships; changes in accounting and tax principles, policies or guidelines; changes in legislation or regulatory requirements; changes in our loan portfolio and deposit base; possible changes in laws and regulations and governmental monetary and fiscal policies; the cost and other effects of legal and administrative cases and similar contingencies; possible changes in the creditworthiness of customers and the possible impairment of the collectability of loans and the value of collateral; the effect of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornados, in our geographic markets; and increased competition from both banks and non-banks. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, please refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other SEC filings. If one or more of the factors affecting our forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements that are made from time to time.

Business

We are a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and are headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ServisFirst Bank, an Alabama banking corporation, provides commercial banking services through nineteen full-service banking offices located in Alabama, Tampa Bay, Florida, the panhandle of Florida, the greater Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area, Charleston, South Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee. Through the bank, we originate commercial, consumer and other loans and accept deposits, provide electronic banking services, such as online and mobile banking, including remote deposit capture, deliver treasury and cash management services and provide correspondent banking services to other financial institutions.

Our principal business is to accept deposits from the public and to make loans and other investments. Our principal sources of funds for loans and investments are demand, time, savings, and other deposits. Our principal sources of income are interest and fees collected on loans, interest and dividends collected on other investments and service charges. Our principal expenses are interest paid on savings and other deposits, interest paid on our other borrowings, employee compensation, office expenses and other overhead expenses.

Overview

As of March 31, 2017, we had consolidated total assets of $6.34 billion, down $30.0 million, or 0.5%, from total assets of $6.37 billion at December 31, 2016. Total loans were $5.15 billion at March 31, 2017, up $240.0 million, or 4.9%, from $4.91 billion at December 31, 2016. Total deposits were $5.36 billion at March 31, 2017, down $60.0 million, or 1.1%, from $5.42 billion at December 31, 2016.

Net income available to common stockholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 was $22.5 million, up $2.5 million, or 12.5%, from $20.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.43 and $0.42, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $0.38 and $0.38, respectively, for the corresponding period in 2016. This increase in net income was primarily attributable to increased net interest income of $7.9 million resulting from a $1.01 billion, or 20.1%, increase in average interest-earning assets from the quarter ended March 31, 2016 to the corresponding period in 2017. This increase in net interest income and average interest-earning assets is further explained in “Results of Operations - Net Interest Income” below.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and financial policies of the Company conform to U.S. GAAP and to general practices within the banking industry. To prepare consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future results could differ. The allowance for loan losses, valuation of foreclosed real estate, deferred taxes, and fair value of financial instruments are particularly subject to change. Information concerning our accounting policies with respect to these items is available in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Financial Condition

Cash and Cash Equivalents

At March 31, 2017, we had $127.4 million in federal funds sold, compared to $160.4 million at December 31, 2016. We also maintain balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, which earn interest. At March 31, 2017, we had $281.7 million in balances at the Federal Reserve, compared to $565.1 million at December 31, 2016. Our decrease in federal funds sold and balances at the Federal Reserve were the result of loan growth and a decline in deposits during the first quarter of 2017.

Investment Securities

Debt securities available for sale totaled $454.0 million at March 31, 2017 and $422.4 million at December 31, 2016. Investment securities held to maturity totaled $72.1 million at March 31, 2017 and $62.6 million at December 31, 2016. We had pay downs of $11.0 million on mortgage-backed securities and calls and maturities of $8.1 million on municipal securities during the first three months of 2017. We bought $6.9 million of U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agency securities, $5.1 million of municipal securities and $40.6 million of mortgage-backed securities during the first three months of 2017. Seven government sponsored agency securities bought during the first three months of 2017 were classified as held to maturity. All other securities bought during the period are classified as available for sale.

The objective of our investment policy is to invest funds not otherwise needed to meet our loan demand to earn the maximum return, yet still maintain sufficient liquidity to meet fluctuations in our loan demand and deposit structure. In doing so, we balance the market and credit risks against the potential investment return, make investments compatible with the pledge requirements of any deposits of public funds, maintain compliance with regulatory investment requirements, and assist certain public entities with their financial needs. The investment committee has full authority over the investment portfolio and makes decisions on purchases and sales of securities. The entire portfolio, along with all investment transactions occurring since the previous board of directors meeting, is reviewed by the board at each monthly meeting. The investment policy allows portfolio holdings to include short-term securities purchased to provide us with needed liquidity and longer term securities purchased to generate level income for us over periods of interest rate fluctuations.

Each quarter, management assesses whether there have been events or economic circumstances indicating that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is other-than-temporarily impaired. Management considers several factors, including the amount and duration of the impairment; the intent and ability of the Company to hold the security for a period sufficient for a recovery in value; and known recent events specific to the issuer or its industry. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by agencies of the federal government, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analysts’ reports, among other things. As we currently do not have the intent to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary. We will continue to evaluate our investment securities for possible other-than-temporary impairment, which could result in non-cash charges to earnings in one or more future periods.

All securities held are traded in liquid markets. As of March 31, 2017, we owned certain restricted securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank with an aggregate book value and market value of $30,000 and certain securities of First National Bankers Bank in which we invested $0.4 million. We had no investments in any one security, restricted or liquid, in excess of 10% of our stockholders’ equity.

The Company does not invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). We bought $37.5 million of bank holding company subordinated notes during the second half of 2016. All such bonds were rated BBB or better by Kroll Bond Rating Agency at the time of our investment in them. All other corporate bonds had a Standard and Poor’s or Moody’s rating of A-1 or better when purchased. The total investment portfolio as of March 31, 2017 has a combined average credit rating of AA.

The carrying value of investment securities pledged to secure public funds on deposit and for other purposes as required by law was $245.3 million and $246.0 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Loans

We had total loans of $5.15 billion at March 31, 2017, up $0.24 billion, or 4.9%, compared to $4.91 billion at December 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, the percentage of our total loans in each of our markets was as follows:

	Percentage of Total Loans in MSA
Birmingham-Hoover, AL MSA		43.9	%
Huntsville, AL MSA		10.0	%
Dothan, AL MSA		9.6	%
Montgomery, AL MSA		7.4	%
Mobile, AL MSA		6.1	%
Total Alabama MSAs		77.0	%
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL MSA		6.5	%
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA		1.3	%
Total Florida MSAs		7.8	%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA MSA		4.0	%
Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN MSA		8.5	%
Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA		2.7	%

Asset Quality

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained at levels management deems adequate to absorb anticipated credit losses from identified and otherwise inherent risks in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management considers its evaluation of the loan portfolio, past due loan experience, collateral values, current economic conditions and other factors considered necessary to maintain the allowance at an adequate level. Our management believes that the allowance was adequate at March 31, 2017.

The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses for each respective loan category with the corresponding percentage of loans in each category to total loans. Management believes that the comprehensive allowance analysis developed by our credit administration group is in compliance with all current regulatory guidelines.

			Percentage
			of loans in
			each
			category to
March 31, 2017	Amount		total loans
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	28,707		40.01	%
Real estate - construction		4,825		6.71	%
Real estate - mortgage		19,962		52.21	%
Consumer		398		1.07	%
Total	$	53,892		100.00	%

			Percentage
			of loans in
			each
			category to
December 31, 2016	Amount		total loans
	(In Thousands)
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	28,872		40.36	%
Real estate - construction		5,125		6.82	%
Real estate - mortgage		17,504		51.70	%
Consumer		392		1.12	%
Total	$	51,893		100.00	%

Nonperforming Assets

Total nonperforming loans, which include nonaccrual loans and loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing, decreased to $12.1 million at March 31, 2017 compared to $16.9 million at December 31, 2016. Of this total, nonaccrual loans of $12.1 million at March 31, 2017 represented a net increase of $1.5 million from nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2016. Excluding credit card accounts, there were no loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing at March 31, 2017, compared to one loan 90 or more days past due and still accruing totaling $6.2 million at December 31, 2016. Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) at March 31, 2017 were $7.3 million, unchanged compared to December 31, 2016. There were no loans newly classified as a TDR or renewals of existing TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2017 or 2016.

OREO and repossessed assets increased to $5.1 million at March 31, 2017, from $5.0 million at December 31, 2016. The total number of OREO and repossessed asset accounts was 12 for both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The following table summarizes OREO and repossessed asset activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

	Three months ended March 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,988		$	5,392
Transfers from loans and capitalized expenses		553			1,079
Proceeds from sales		(426	)		(1,013	)
Internally financed sales		(49	)		(1,022	)
Write-downs / net gain (loss) on sales		36			(392	)
Balance at end of period	$	5,102		$	4,044

The following table summarizes our nonperforming assets and TDRs at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	March 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
				Number of					Number of
	Balance			Loans		Balance			Loans
	(Dollar Amounts In Thousands)
Nonaccrual loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	6,979			16	$	7,282			13
Real estate - construction		2,661			4		3,268			5
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		1,373			1		-			-
1-4 family mortgage		1,071			4		74			1
Other mortgage		-			-		-			-
Total real estate - mortgage		2,444			5		74			1
Consumer		-			-		-			-
Total Nonaccrual loans:	$	12,084			25	$	10,624			19

90+ days past due and accruing:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	-			-	$	10			1
Real estate - construction		-			-		-			-
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		-			-		6,208			1
1-4 family mortgage		-			-		-			-
Other mortgage		-			-		-			-
Total real estate - mortgage		-			-		6,208			1
Consumer		16			5		45			10
Total 90+ days past due and accruing:	$	16			5	$	6,263			12

Total Nonperforming Loans:	$	12,100			30	$	16,887			31

Plus: Other real estate owned and repossessions		5,102			12		4,988			12
Total Nonperforming Assets	$	17,202			42	$	21,875			43

Restructured accruing loans:
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	345			1	$	354			1
Real estate - construction		-			-		-			-
Real estate - mortgage:
Owner-occupied commercial		-			-		-			-
1-4 family mortgage		-			-		-			-
Other mortgage		191			1		204			1
Total real estate - mortgage		191			1		204			1
Consumer		-			-		-			-
Total restructured accruing loans:	$	536			2	$	558			2
Total Nonperforming assets and restructured accruing loans	$	17,738			44	$	22,433			45

Ratios:
Nonperforming loans to total loans		0.23	%				0.34	%
Nonperforming assets to total loans plus other real estate owned and repossessions		0.33	%				0.44	%
Nonperforming assets plus restructured accruing loans to total loans plus other real estate owned and repossessions		0.34	%				0.46	%

The balance of nonperforming assets can fluctuate due to changes in economic conditions. We have established a policy to discontinue accruing interest on a loan (i.e., place the loan on nonaccrual status) after it has become 90 days delinquent as to payment of principal or interest, unless the loan is considered to be well-collateralized and is actively in the process of collection. In addition, a loan will be placed on nonaccrual status before it becomes 90 days delinquent unless management believes that the collection of interest is expected. Interest previously accrued but uncollected on such loans is reversed and charged against current income when the receivable is determined to be uncollectible. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized only as received. If we believe that a loan will not be collected in full, we will increase the allowance for loan losses to reflect management’s estimate of any potential exposure or loss. Generally, payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied directly to principal.

Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

As of March 31, 2017, we had impaired loans of $43.0 million inclusive of nonaccrual loans, a decrease of $2.6 million from $45.6 million as of December 31, 2016. This decrease is attributable to loan charge-offs totaling $2.7 million, OREO transfers and repossessions of $1.4 million, net pay downs of $0.6 million, partially offset by $2.1 million of loans newly classified as specifically impaired. We allocated $8.0 million of our allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2017 to these impaired loans, a decrease of $0.2 million compared to $8.2 million as of December 31, 2016. A loan is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement. Impairment does not always indicate credit loss, but provides an indication of collateral exposure based on prevailing market conditions and third-party valuations. Impaired loans are measured by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at each loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. The amount of impairment, if any, and subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses. Interest on accruing impaired loans is recognized as long as such loans do not meet the criteria for nonaccrual status. Our credit risk management team performs verification and testing to ensure appropriate identification of impaired loans and that proper reserves are held on these loans.

Of the $43.0 million of impaired loans reported as of March 31, 2017, $24.2 million were commercial, financial and agricultural loans, $3.7 million were real estate – construction loans, and $15.1 million were real estate - mortgage loans.

Deposits

Total deposits decreased by $60.0 million to $5.36 billion at March 31, 2017 compared to $5.42 billion at December 31, 2016. We anticipate long-term sustainable growth in deposits through continued development of market share in our less mature markets and through organic growth in our mature markets.

For amounts and rates of our deposits by category, see the table “Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis on a Fully Taxable-equivalent Basis” under the subheading “Net Interest Income” below.

Borrowings

Our borrowings consist of federal funds purchased and subordinated notes payable. We had $358.2 million and $355.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, in federal funds purchased from correspondent banks that are clients of our correspondent banking unit. The average rate paid on these borrowings was 0.86% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Other borrowings consist of the following:

$20.0 million of 5.50% Subordinated Notes due November 9, 2022, which were issued in a private placement in November 2012;

$34.75 million of 5% Subordinated Notes due July 15, 2025, which were issued in a private placement in July 2015; and

$0.5 million of principal reducing advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, which have an interest rate of 0.75% and require quarterly principal payments of $100,000 until maturity on May 22, 2018.

Liquidity

Liquidity is defined as our ability to generate sufficient cash to fund current loan demand, deposit withdrawals, and other cash demands and disbursement needs, and otherwise to operate on an ongoing basis.

The retention of existing deposits and attraction of new deposit sources through new and existing customers is critical to our liquidity position. If our liquidity was to decline due to a run-off in deposits, we have procedures that provide for certain actions under varying liquidity conditions. These actions include borrowing from existing correspondent banks, selling or participating loans, and curtailing loan commitments and funding. At March 31, 2017, liquid assets, which are represented by cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and unpledged available-for-sale securities, totaled $772.5 million. Additionally, the Bank had borrowing availability of approximately $473.0 million in unused federal funds lines of credit with regional banks, subject to certain restrictions and collateral requirements. We believe these sources of funding are adequate to meet immediate anticipated funding needs, but we may need additional funding if we are able to maintain our current growth rate into the future. Our management meets on a quarterly basis to review sources and uses of funding to determine the appropriate strategy to ensure an appropriate level of liquidity. At the current time, our long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to funds required to support loan originations and commitments and deposit withdrawals. Our regular sources of funding are from the growth of our deposit base, repayment of principal and interest on loans, the sale of loans and the renewal of time deposits. In addition, we have issued debt as described above under “Borrowings.”

We are subject to general FDIC guidelines that require a minimum level of liquidity. Management believes our liquidity ratios meet or exceed these guidelines. Our management is not currently aware of any trends or demands that are reasonably likely to result in liquidity materially increasing or decreasing.

The following table reflects the contractual maturities of our term liabilities as of March 31, 2017. The amounts shown do not reflect any early withdrawal or prepayment assumptions.

	Payments due by Period

	Total		1 year or less		1 - 3 years		3 - 5 years		Over 5 years
	(In Thousands)
Contractual Obligations (1)

Deposits without a stated maturity	$	4,824,315	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-
Certificates of deposit (2)		537,217		306,953		155,604		71,516		3,144
Federal funds purchased		358,241		358,241		-		-		-
Subordinated notes payable		55,250		-		500		-		54,750
Operating lease commitments		19,490		3,936		6,667		4,204		4,683
Total	$	5,794,513	$	669,130	$	162,771	$	75,720	$	62,577

(1) Excludes interest.

(2) Certificates of deposit give customers the right to early withdrawal. Early withdrawals may be subject to penalties. The penalty amount depends on the remaining time to maturity at the time of early withdrawal.

Capital Adequacy

As of March 31, 2017, our most recent notification from the FDIC categorized us as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To remain categorized as well-capitalized, we must maintain minimum common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 risk-based, total risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as disclosed in the table below. Our management believes that we are well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action provisions as of March 31, 2017.

The following table sets forth (i) the capital ratios required by the FDIC and the Alabama Banking Department’s leverage ratio requirement and (ii) our actual ratios of capital to total regulatory or risk-weighted assets, as of March 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and March 31, 2016:

	Actual					For Capital Adequacy Purposes					To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
As of March 31, 2017:
CET 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated	$	530,034		9.67	%	$	246,744		4.50	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		582,483		10.63	%		246,695		4.50	%	$	356,338		6.50	%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated		530,536		9.68	%		328,992		6.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		582,985		10.63	%		328,927		6.00	%		438,570		8.00	%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated		639,597		11.66	%		438,656		8.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		637,377		11.63	%		438,570		8.00	%		548,212		10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:
Consolidated		530,536		8.46	%		250,867		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		582,985		9.30	%		250,848		4.00	%		313,560		5.00	%

As of December 31, 2016:
CET 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated	$	508,982		9.78	%	$	234,262		4.50	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		560,731		10.77	%		234,232		4.50	%	$	338,335		6.50	%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated		509,359		9.78	%		312,350		6.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		561,108		10.78	%		312,309		6.00	%		416,413		8.00	%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated		616,415		11.84	%		416,467		8.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		613,501		11.79	%		416,413		8.00	%		520,516		10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:
Consolidated		509,359		8.22	%		247,777		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		561,108		9.06	%		247,760		4.00	%		309,700		5.00	%

As of March 31, 2016:
CET 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated	$	451,402		9.90	%	$	205,210		4.50	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		461,663		10.13	%		205,152		4.50	%	$	296,331		6.50	%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated		451,779		9.91	%		273,613		6.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		462,040		10.13	%		273,537		6.00	%		364,715		8.00	%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:
Consolidated		552,569		12.12	%		364,818		8.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		507,685		11.14	%		364,715		8.00	%		455,894		10.00	%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:
Consolidated		451,779		8.65	%		208,832		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
ServisFirst Bank		462,040		8.85	%		208,814		4.00	%		261,018		5.00	%

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, we are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit beyond current fundings, credit card arrangements, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in our balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement we have in those particular financial instruments.

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to such financial instruments is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance sheet instruments. During the first quarter of 2017, we funded an initial reserve for losses on such off-balance sheet arrangements consistent with guidance in the Federal Reserve Bank’s Interagency Policy Statement SR 06-17. As of March 31, 2017, we had total reserves of $0.5 million.

As part of our mortgage operations, we originate and sell certain loans to investors in the secondary market. We continue to experience a manageable level of investor repurchase demands. For loans sold, we have an obligation to either repurchase the outstanding principal balance of a loan or make the purchaser whole for the economic benefits of a loan if it is determined that the loans sold were in violation of representations and warranties made by the Bank at the time of the sale. Representations and warranties typically include those made regarding loans that had missing or insufficient file documentation or loans obtained through fraud by borrowers or other third parties such as appraisers. We had a reserve of $368,000 as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 for the settlement of any repurchase demands by investors.

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk at March 31, 2017 are as follows:

	March 31, 2017
	(In Thousands)
Commitments to extend credit	$	1,739,575
Credit card arrangements		108,238
Standby letters of credit		34,668
	$	1,882,481

Commitments to extend credit beyond current funded amounts are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the applicable loan agreement. Such commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit is based on our management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. All letters of credit are due within one year or less of the original commitment date. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

Results of Operations

Summary of Net Income

Net income and net income available to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $22.5 million compared to net income and net income available to common stockholders of $20.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a $7.9 million increase in net interest income as a result of growth in average earning assets and a $1.1 million increase in non-interest income, offset by a $2.0 million increase in non-interest expense.

Basic and diluted net income per common share were $0.43 and $0.42, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $0.38 and $0.38, respectively, for the corresponding period in 2016. Return on average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 1.45% compared to 1.53% for the corresponding period in 2016, and return on average stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 17.09% compared to 17.39% for the corresponding period in 2016.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between the income earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities used to support such assets. The major factors which affect net interest income are changes in volumes, the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Our management’s ability to respond to changes in interest rates by effective asset-liability management techniques is critical to maintaining the stability of the net interest margin and the momentum of our primary source of earnings.

Taxable-equivalent net interest income increased $7.8 million, or 17.4%, to $52.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to $44.7 million for the corresponding period in 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to a $1.01 billion increase in average earning assets, or 20.1%, year over year. The taxable-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets was flat at 4.03% year over year. The yield on loans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 4.51% compared to 4.48% for the corresponding period in 2016. The cost of total interest-bearing liabilities increased to 0.68% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from 0.63% for the corresponding period in 2016. Net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2017 decreased four basis points to 3.53% from 3.57% for the corresponding period in 2016.

The following table shows, for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, the average balances of each principal category of our assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, and an analysis of net interest revenue. The accompanying tables reflect changes in our net interest margin as a result of changes in the volume and rate of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the same periods. Changes as a result of mix or the number of days in the periods have been allocated to the volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each. The tables are presented on a taxable-equivalent basis where applicable:

Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis

On a Fully Taxable-Equivalent Basis

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollar Amounts In Thousands)

	2017								2016
				Interest		Average					Interest		Average
	Average			Earned /		Yield /			Average		Earned /		Yield /
	Balance			Paid		Rate			Balance		Paid		Rate
Assets:
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income (1) (2)
Taxable	$	4,976,933		$	55,282		4.50	%	$	4,230,057	$	47,079		4.48	%
Tax-exempt (3)		27,322			318		4.72			10,281		143		5.59
Total loans, net of unearned income		5,004,255			55,600		4.51			4,240,338		47,222		4.48
Mortgage loans held for sale		5,637			57		4.10			6,084		70		4.63
Investment securities:
Taxable		368,349			2,087		2.27			221,722		1,267		2.29
Tax-exempt (3)		132,578			1,145		3.45			137,763		1,304		3.79
Total investment securities (4)		500,927			3,232		2.58			359,485		2,571		2.86
Federal funds sold		234,460			519		0.90			48,390		73		0.61
Equity securities		1,030			4		1.57			4,962		47		3.81
Interest-bearing balances with banks		295,648			586		0.80			373,339		469		0.51
Total interest-earning assets	$	6,041,957		$	59,998		4.03	%	$	5,032,598	$	50,452		4.03	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		59,697								61,578
Net premises and equipment		44,739								21,023
Allowance for loan losses, accrued interest and other assets		138,289								126,491
Total assets	$	6,284,682							$	5,241,690

Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	789,273		$	733		0.38	%	$	665,039	$	581		0.35	%
Savings deposits		50,461			41		0.33			41,055		30		0.29
Money market accounts		2,694,225			3,876		0.58			1,979,727		2,490		0.51
Time deposits (5)		530,000			1,332		1.02			507,605		1,260		1.00
Total interest-bearing deposits		4,063,959			5,982		0.60			3,193,426		4,361		0.55
Federal funds purchased		359,747			766		0.86			441,309		703		0.64
Other borrowings		55,239			717		5.26			55,630		718		5.19
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	4,478,945		$	7,465		0.68		$	3,690,365	$	5,782		0.63
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits		1,254,496								1,077,613
Other liabilities		16,809								12,194
Stockholders' equity		535,232								457,218
Unrealized gains on securities and derivatives		(800	)							4,300
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	6,284,682							$	5,241,690
Net interest income				$	52,533						$	44,670
Net interest spread							3.35	%						3.40	%
Net interest margin							3.53	%						3.57	%

(1)

Non-accrual loans are included in average loan balances in all periods. Loan fees of $775,000 and $409,000 are included in interest income in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(2)

Accretion on acquired loan discounts of $143,000 and $290,000 are included in interest income in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(3)

Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%.

(4)

Unrealized (losses) gains of $(1,232,000) and $6,615,000 are excluded from the yield calculation in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(5)

Accretion on acquired CD premiums of $32,000 and $92,000 are included in interest in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017 Compared to 2016 Increase (Decrease) in Interest Income and Expense Due to Changes in:
	Volume			Rate			Total
	(In Thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans, net of unearned income
Taxable	$	8,296		$	(93	)	$	8,203
Tax-exempt		201			(26	)		175
Total loans, net of unearned income		8,497			(119	)		8,378
Mortgages held for sale		(5	)		(8	)		(13	)
Debt securities:
Taxable		831			(11	)		820
Tax-exempt		(48	)		(111	)		(159	)
Total debt securities		783			(122	)		661
Federal funds sold		398			48			446
Equity securities		(24	)		(19	)		(43	)
Interest-bearing balances with banks		(113	)		230			117
Total interest-earning assets		9,536			10			9,546

Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits		113			39			152
Savings		8			3			11
Money market accounts		991			395			1,386
Time deposits		56			16			72
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,168			453			1,621
Federal funds purchased		(146	)		209			63
Other borrowed funds		(5	)		4			(1	)
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,017			666			1,683
Increase in net interest income	$	8,519		$	(656	)	$	7,863

Our growth in loans continues to drive favorable volume component change and overall change. However, we have experienced an unfavorable variance relating to the interest rate component because yields on loans have not increased as much as rates paid on deposits. Accordingly, the prolonged low interest rate environment has resulted in a compression of the net interest margin percentage. Growth in non-interest bearing deposits has also contributed to our growth in net interest income.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses represents the amount determined by management to be necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level capable of absorbing inherent losses in the loan portfolio. Our management reviews the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. The allowance for loan losses calculation is segregated into various segments that include classified loans, loans with specific allocations and pass rated loans. A pass rated loan is generally characterized by a very low to average risk of default and in which management perceives there is a minimal risk of loss. Loans are rated using a nine-point risk grade scale with loan officers having the primary responsibility for assigning risk grades and for the timely reporting of changes in the risk grades. Based on these processes, and the assigned risk grades, the criticized and classified loans in the portfolio are segregated into the following regulatory classifications: Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful or Loss, with some general allocation of reserve based on various internal and external factors. At March 31, 2017, total loans rated Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful were $117.9 million, or 2.3% of total loans, compared to $128.9 million, or 2.6% of total loans, at December 31, 2016. Impaired loans are reviewed specifically and separately under FASB ASC 310-30-35, Subsequent Measurement of Impaired Loans, to determine the appropriate reserve allocation. Our management compares the investment in an impaired loan with the present value of expected future cash flow discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent, to determine the specific reserve allowance. Reserve percentages assigned to non-impaired loans are based on historical charge-off experience adjusted for other risk factors. To evaluate the overall adequacy of the allowance to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio, our management considers historical loss experience based on volume and types of loans, trends in classifications, volume and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals, economic conditions and other pertinent information. Based on future evaluations, additional provisions for loan losses may be necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level.

The provision for loan losses was $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $2.9 million from $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Net credit charge-offs to quarter-to-date average loans were 0.24% at March 31, 2017, a 15 basis point increase compared to 0.09% for the fourth quarter of 2016 and a 21 basis point increase compared to 0.03% for the first quarter of 2016. Nonperforming loans decreased to $12.1 million, or 0.23% of total loans, at March 31, 2017 from $16.9 million, or 0.34% of total loans, at December 31, 2016, and were higher than $6.6 million, or 0.15% of total loans, at March 31, 2016. Impaired loans decreased to $43.0 million, or 0.83% of total loans, at March 31, 2017, compared to $45.6 million, or 0.93% of total loans, at December 31, 2016. The allowance for loan losses totaled $53.9 million, or 1.05% of total loans, net of unearned income, at March 31, 2017, compared to $51.9 million, or 1.06% of loans, net of unearned income, at December 31, 2016.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income totaled $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $1.1 million, or 32.4%, compared to the corresponding period in 2016. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $1.3 million during the corresponding period in 2016. Mortgage banking income increased $0.2 million to $0.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $0.7 million during the corresponding period in 2016, resulting from increases in average profit margin per loan originated. Credit card income increased $0.7 million to $1.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to $0.5 million during the corresponding period in 2016, resulting from an 84% increase in the amount of purchases year over year. The number of credit card accounts increased by 3,715, or 35%, from March 31, 2016 to March 31, 2017.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense totaled $21.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $2.0 million, or 10.4%, compared to $19.3 million for the corresponding period in 2016. Increases in expenses primarily relate to our continued expansion, both within existing markets and into our newer markets, the Tampa Bay area of Florida, Atlanta, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Further details of expenses are as follows:

Salary and benefit expense increased $0.6 million, or 5.4%, to $11.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $11.1 million for the corresponding period in 2016. Seven new sales officers were added during the first quarter of 2017, while two sales officers left the Bank. Four net new sales officers were added in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, our newest region. We had 425 total employees as of March 31, 2017 compared to 396 as of March 31, 2016, an 7.3% increase.

Occupancy expense increased $0.3 million, or 15.0%, to $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $2.0 million for the corresponding period in 2016. New main offices were opened in our Tampa Bay, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina regions since the beginning of 2016, contributing to the increase in occupancy expense. Also, we accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements for our headquarters building in Birmingham, Alabama to coincide with the date we move into our new headquarters building, which we anticipate will be in the second half of 2017.

FDIC insurance assessments increased $0.2 million as a result asset growth and, to a lesser extent, a change in the assessment rates which took effect in the third quarter of 2016.

Expenses related to other real estate owned decreased to $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $0.4 million for the corresponding period in 2016. Fewer properties in OREO and no writedowns during the first quarter of 2017 contributed to this decrease.

Other operating expenses increased $1.2 million, or 27.9%, to $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $4.3 million for the corresponding period in 2016. Sales taxes paid in connection with the construction of our new headquarters building in Birmingham contributed approximately $0.2 million of this increase. Higher loan origination expenses and credit card processing charges also contributed to the increase in other operating expenses.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2017		2016		$ change			% change
	(Dollars In Thousands)
Non-interest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	1,354	$	1,307	$	47			3.6	%
Mortgage banking		899		668		231			34.6	%
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		724		624		100			16.0	%
Other operating income		1,569		836		733			87.7	%
Total non-interest income	$	4,546	$	3,435	$	1,111			32.3	%

Non-interest expense:
Salaries and benefits	$	11,713	$	11,067	$	646			5.8	%
Equipment and occupancy expense		2,250		1,985		265			13.4	%
Professional services		771		738		33			4.5	%
FDIC and other regulatory assessments		997		750		247			32.9	%
Other real estate owned expense		76		449		(373	)		(83.1	)%
Other operating expense		5,460		4,301		1,159			26.9	%
Total non-interest expense	$	21,267	$	19,290	$	1,977			10.2	%

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 versus $6.3 million for the same period in 2016. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was 25.8%, compared to 24.0% for the corresponding period in 2016. We recognized excess tax benefits as a credit to our income tax expense from the exercise and vesting of stock options and restricted stock of $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared to $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2016. Our primary permanent differences are related to tax exempt income on securities, state income tax benefit on real estate investment trust dividends, various qualifying tax credits and change in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance.

We own real estate investment trusts for the purpose of holding and managing participations in residential mortgages and commercial real estate loans originated by the Bank. The trusts are wholly-owned subsidiaries of a trust holding company, which in turn is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. The trusts earn interest income on the loans they hold and incur operating expenses related to their activities. They pay their net earnings, in the form of dividends, to the Bank, which receives a deduction for state income taxes.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Like all financial institutions, we are subject to market risk from changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is inherent in the balance sheet due to the mismatch between the maturities of rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities. If rates are rising, and the level of rate-sensitive liabilities exceeds the level of rate-sensitive assets, the net interest margin will be negatively impacted. Conversely, if rates are falling, and the level of rate-sensitive liabilities is greater than the level of rate-sensitive assets, the impact on the net interest margin will be favorable. Managing interest rate risk is further complicated by the fact that all rates do not change at the same pace; in other words, short-term rates may be rising while longer-term rates remain stable. In addition, different types of rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities react differently to changes in rates.

To manage interest rate risk, we must take a position on the expected future trend of interest rates. Rates may rise, fall or remain the same. Our asset-liability committee develops its view of future rate trends and strives to manage rate risk within a targeted range by monitoring economic indicators, examining the views of economists and other experts, and understanding the current status of our balance sheet. Our annual budget reflects the anticipated rate environment for the next 12 months. The asset-liability committee conducts a quarterly analysis of the rate sensitivity position and reports its results to our board of directors.

The asset-liability committee thoroughly analyzes the maturities of rate-sensitive assets and liabilities. This analysis measures the “gap”, which is defined as the difference between the dollar amount of rate-sensitive assets repricing during a period and the volume of rate-sensitive liabilities repricing during the same period. The gap is also expressed as the ratio of rate-sensitive assets divided by rate-sensitive liabilities. If the ratio is greater than one, the dollar value of assets exceeds the dollar value of liabilities and the balance sheet is “asset-sensitive.” Conversely, if the value of liabilities exceeds the value of assets, the ratio is less than one and the balance sheet is “liability-sensitive.” Our internal policy requires management to maintain the gap such that net interest margins will not change more than 10% if interest rates change 100 basis points or more than 15% if interest rates change 200 basis points. There have been no changes to our policies or procedures for analyzing our interest rate risk since December 31, 2016, and there are no significant changes to our sensitivity to changes in interest rates since December 31, 2016 as disclosed in our Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

CEO and CFO Certification.

Appearing as exhibits to this report are Certifications of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). The Certifications are required to be made by Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). This item contains the information about the evaluation that is referred to in the Certifications, and the information set forth below in this Item 4 should be read in conjunction with the Certifications for a more complete understanding of the Certifications.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

We conducted an evaluation (the “Evaluation”) of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, as of March 31, 2017. Based upon the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of March 31, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries is made known to management, including the CEO and CFO, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared.

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time we may be a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe the Company or the Bank is currently a party to any material legal proceedings except as disclosed in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, and there has been no material change in any matter described therein.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business is influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict, involve uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and are often beyond our control. We have identified a number of these risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which should be taken into consideration when reviewing the information contained in this report. There have been no material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K. For other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement or projection contained in this report, see “Forward-Looking Statements” under Part 1, Item 2 above.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibit:

31.01 Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.02 Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32.01 Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.02 Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

101.INS XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

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

		SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

Date: May 2, 2017	By	/s/ Thomas A. Broughton III
		Thomas A. Broughton III
		President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 2, 2017	By	/s/ William M. Foshee
		William M. Foshee
		Chief Financial Officer

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. - FORM 10-Q - May 2, 2017

Attached files

ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. Reports