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Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

[X]

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

   
  For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2017

 

OR

 

[   ]

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

   
  For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

 

Commission File No. 001-35693

 

Hamilton Bancorp, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

 

46-0543309

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

     

501 Fairmount Avenue, Suite 200, Towson, Maryland 

 

21286

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Zip Code

 

(410) 823-4510

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.

YES [  X  ]     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 [ X ]     NO [   ]

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer [   ]

 

Accelerated filer [   ]

Non-accelerated filer [   ]

 

Smaller reporting company [ X ]

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

   

Emerging growth company [ X ]

 

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 Exchange Act).

YES [   ]     NO [X]

 

The Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, consisted of 3,411,075 shares issued and outstanding as of February 14, 2018.

 

 

 

Hamilton Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Form 10-Q

 

Index 

 

       

Page

Part I. Financial Information

         

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements

   
         
   

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2017 (unaudited) and March 31, 2017

 

1

         
   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)

 

2

         
   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)

 

3

         
   

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited) 

 

4

         
   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)

 

5 - 6

         
   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

7 – 44

         

Item 2.

 

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

 

45 – 72

         

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

72

         

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

72

         

Part II. Other Information

         

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

73

         

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

73

         

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

73

         

Item 3.

 

Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

73

         

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

73

         

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

73

         

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

73

         
   

Signatures

 

74

 

 

Part I.Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017

 

   

December 31,

   

March 31,

 
   

2017

   

2017

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

(Audited)

 

Assets

 

Assets

               

Cash and due from banks

  $ 9,808,784     $ 24,436,793  

Federal funds sold

    278,054       4,917,128  

Cash and cash equivalents

    10,086,838       29,353,921  

Certificates of deposit held as investment

    499,212       499,280  

Securities available for sale, at fair value

    79,385,066       102,429,128  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

    3,103,900       2,020,200  

Loans

    388,997,498       338,933,198  

Allowance for loan losses

    (2,609,537 )     (2,194,815 )

Net loans and leases

    386,387,961       336,738,383  

Premises and equipment, net

    3,865,095       3,674,280  

Premises and equipment held for sale

    -       547,884  

Foreclosed real estate

    451,248       503,094  

Accrued interest receivable

    1,513,148       1,310,080  

Bank-owned life insurance

    18,623,339       18,253,348  

Deferred income taxes

    5,208,321       7,976,850  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

    9,208,280       9,302,828  

Other assets

    1,619,735       1,920,740  

Total Assets

  $ 519,952,143     $ 514,530,016  
                 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

Liabilities

               

Noninterest-bearing deposits

  $ 27,337,694     $ 30,401,454  

Interest-bearing deposits

    365,353,296       382,454,320  

Total deposits

    392,690,990       412,855,774  

Borrowings

    62,765,387       36,124,899  

Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance

    1,108,006       1,868,110  

Other liabilities

    3,982,573       3,890,003  

Total liabilities

    460,546,956       454,738,786  
                 

Commitments and contingencies

    -       -  
                 

Shareholders' Equity

               

Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized. Issued and outstanding: 3,411,075 shares at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017

    34,111       34,111  

Additional paid in capital

    32,050,303       31,656,235  

Retained earnings

    30,606,613       31,730,673  

Unearned ESOP shares

    (2,073,680 )     (2,221,800 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (1,212,160 )     (1,407,989 )

Total shareholders' equity

    59,405,187       59,791,230  

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

  $ 519,952,143     $ 514,530,016  

 

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

 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 
                                 

Interest revenue

                               

Loans, including fees

  $ 4,104,127     $ 3,878,223     $ 11,890,765     $ 11,026,020  

U.S. treasuries, government agencies and FHLB stock

    37,836       33,022       117,034       182,130  

Municipal and corporate bonds

    102,847       107,564       329,386       226,230  

Mortgage-backed securities

    297,851       310,709       951,330       829,437  

Federal funds sold and other bank deposits

    18,998       28,065       100,145       147,504  

Total interest revenue

    4,561,659       4,357,583       13,388,660       12,411,321  
                                 

Interest expense

                               

Deposits

    714,350       673,348       2,044,413       1,959,630  

Borrowed funds

    209,926       74,336       502,830       192,977  

Total interest expense

    924,276       747,684       2,547,243       2,152,607  
                                 

Net interest income

    3,637,383       3,609,899       10,841,417       10,258,714  

Provision for loan losses

    345,000       780,000       625,000       1,040,006  

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

    3,292,383       2,829,899       10,216,417       9,218,708  
                                 

Noninterest revenue

                               

Service charges

    109,151       104,882       347,201       319,489  

(Loss) gain on sale of investment securities

    (12,736 )     23,720       (2,356 )     23,720  

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

    -       1,438       -       23,047  

Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment

    212,743       (11,043 )     212,743       (11,043 )

Earnings on bank-owned life insurance

    123,597       126,302       369,991       364,928  

Other

    29,860       42,784       95,972       119,937  

Total noninterest revenue

    462,615       288,083       1,023,551       840,078  
                                 

Noninterest expenses

                               

Salaries

    1,445,336       1,354,327       4,415,848       4,092,481  

Employee benefits

    373,699       359,987       1,115,185       1,056,741  

Occupancy

    259,595       234,310       759,848       709,081  

Advertising

    22,487       16,305       63,685       91,635  

Furniture and equipment

    92,894       93,058       262,632       290,818  

Data processing

    176,114       206,596       522,469       583,407  

Legal services

    153,615       47,831       374,610       161,278  

Other professional services

    218,879       284,979       611,699       808,309  

Merger related expenses

    -       -       -       219,417  

Branch consolidation expense

    -       -       -       437,424  

Deposit insurance premiums

    91,470       63,571       222,359       251,759  

Foreclosed real estate expense and losses (gains)

    43,706       (1,578 )     45,005       6,530  

Other operating

    452,423       457,466       1,306,791       1,367,726  

Total noninterest expense

    3,330,218       3,116,852       9,700,131       10,076,606  
                                 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    424,780       1,130       1,539,837       (17,820 )

Income tax expense (benefit)

    2,351,970       (58,239 )     2,663,897       (65,466 )

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,927,190 )   $ 59,369     $ (1,124,060 )   $ 47,646  
                                 

Net (loss) income per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ (0.60 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.01  

Diluted

  $ (0.60 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.01  

 

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

 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited)

Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

   

2017

   

2016

 
                                 

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,927,190 )   $ 59,369     $ (1,124,060 )   $ 47,646  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                               

Unrealized (loss) gain on investment securities available for sale

    (393,475 )     (2,467,108 )     243,772       (2,380,040 )

Reclassification adjustment for realized loss (gain) on investment securities available for sale included in net income

    12,736       (23,720 )     2,356       (23,720 )

Total unrealized (loss) gain on investment securities available for sale

    (380,739 )     (2,490,828 )     246,128       (2,403,760 )

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative transactions

    122,388       -       22,784       -  

Income tax (benefit) expense relating to investment securities available for sale and derivative transactions

    (101,906 )     (982,508 )     73,083       (948,164 )

Other comprehensive (loss) income

    (156,445 )     (1,508,320 )     195,829       (1,455,596 )
                                 

Total comprehensive (loss)

  $ (2,083,635 )   $ (1,448,951 )   $ (928,231 )   $ (1,407,950 )

 

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

 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

 

                                   

Accumulated

         
           

Additional

           

Unearned

   

other

   

Total

 
   

Common

   

paid-in

   

Retained

   

ESOP

   

comprehensive

   

shareholders'

 
   

stock

   

capital

   

earnings

   

shares

   

income (loss)

   

equity

 
                                                 

Balances April 1, 2016

  $ 34,136     $ 31,242,731     $ 32,659,455     $ (2,369,920 )   $ (21,819 )   $ 61,544,583  

Net income

    -       -       47,646       -       -       47,646  

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities, net of tax effect of $ (948,164)

    -       -       -       -       (1,455,596 )     (1,455,596 )

Stock based compensation - options

    -       156,907       -       -       -       156,907  

Stock based compensation - restricted stock

    -       169,279       -       -       -       169,279  

ESOP shares alocated for release

    -       62,951       -       148,120       -       211,071  
                                                 

Balances December 31, 2016

  $ 34,136     $ 31,631,868     $ 32,707,101     $ (2,221,800 )   $ (1,477,415 )   $ 60,673,890  
                                                 

Balances April 1, 2017

  $ 34,111     $ 31,656,235     $ 31,730,673     $ (2,221,800 )   $ (1,407,989 )   $ 59,791,230  

Net loss

    -       -       (1,124,060 )     -       -       (1,124,060 )

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of tax effect of $97,085

    -       -       -       -       149,043       149,043  

Unrealized loss on derivative transactions, net of tax effect of $(24,002)

    -       -       -       -       46,786       46,786  

Stock based compensation - options

    -       172,177       -       -       -       172,177  

Stock based compensation - restricted stock

    -       173,457       -       -       -       173,457  

ESOP shares alocated for release

    -       48,434       -       148,120       -       196,554  
                                                 

Balances December 31, 2017

  $ 34,111     $ 32,050,303     $ 30,606,613     $ (2,073,680 )   $ (1,212,160 )   $ 59,405,187  

 

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

 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Cash flows from operating activities

               

Interest received

  $ 13,864,923     $ 12,443,330  

Fees and commissions received

    444,472       428,385  

Interest paid

    (3,236,631 )     (3,005,077 )

Cash paid to suppliers and employees

    (8,418,190 )     (8,881,370 )

Origination of loans held for sale

    -       (2,397,825 )

Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale

    -       2,680,322  

Income taxes payable (refundable)

    31,549       (1,479,473 )

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    2,686,123       (211,708 )
                 

Cash flows from investing activities

               

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

    -       (11,006,813 )

Proceeds from maturing and called securities available for sale, including principal pay downs

    12,219,990       24,634,898  

Proceeds from sale of investment securities available for sale

    11,608,699       4,273,234  

Purchase of investment securities available for sale

    (1,208,990 )     (50,585,898 )

Proceeds from maturing and called certificates of deposit

    -       1,724,000  

Proceeds from sale of certificates of deposit

    -       2,228,273  

Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    (1,083,700 )     -  

Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    -       185,000  

Loans made, net of principal repayments

    778,762       (1,442,039 )

Purchase of loan portfolios

    (51,049,819 )     -  

Purchase of premises and equipment

    (443,450 )     (190,682 )

Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment

    769,914       429,177  

Proceeds from sale of foreclosed real estate

    35,896       -  

Net cash used by investing activities

    (28,372,698 )     (29,750,850 )
                 

Cash flows from financing activities

               

Net increase (decrease) in

               

Deposits

    (19,836,138 )     (15,202,712 )

Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance

    (760,104 )     32,484  

Proceeds from borrowings

    40,000,000       -  

Payments of borrowings

    (13,007,050 )     (4,000,000 )

Interest rate swap on FHLB borrowings

    22,784       -  

Net cash (provided) used by financing activities

    6,419,492       (19,170,228 )
                 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (19,267,083 )     (49,132,786 )
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    29,353,921       67,448,536  
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 10,086,838     $ 18,315,750  
                 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

               

Total cash consideration paid for Fraternity Acquisition

  $ -     $ 25,704,871  

Less cash acquired

    -       14,698,058  

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

  $ -     $ 11,006,813  

 

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

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Continued)

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

September 30,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
                 

Reconciliation of net (loss) income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities

               

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,124,060 )   $ 47,646  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities

               

Amortization of premiums on certificates of deposit

    68       12,927  

Amortization of premiums on securities

    668,133       600,201  

Loss (gain) on sale of investment securities

    2,356       (23,720 )

Loan discount amortization (accretion)

    46,841       (103,330 )

Deposit premium amortization

    (328,646 )     (455,107 )

Borrowing premium amortization

    (352,463 )     (404,632 )

Core deposit intangible asset amortization

    94,548       89,506  

Premises and equipment depreciation and amortization

    243,348       251,976  

Gain (loss) on disposal of premises and equipment

    (212,743 )     11,043  

Loss on sale of foreclosed real estate

    1,299       -  

Stock based compensation

    345,634       326,186  

Provision for loan losses

    625,000       1,040,006  

ESOP shares allocated for release

    196,555       211,071  

Decrease (increase) in:

               

Accrued interest receivable

    (203,068 )     (533,222 )

Loans held for sale

    -       259,450  

Cash surrender value of life insurance

    (369,991 )     (364,927 )

Income taxes refundable and deferred income taxes

    2,695,446       (1,544,939 )

Other assets

    301,007       2,300,101  

Increase (decrease) in:

               

Accrued interest payable

    (8,279 )     7,269  

Deferred loan origination fees

    (35,711 )     55,433  

Other liabilities

    100,849       (1,994,646 )

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

  $ 2,686,123     $ (211,708 )
                 

Noncash investing activity

               

Real estate acquired through foreclosure

  $ 17,305     $ 17,205  

 

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

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Form 10-Q

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

December 31, 2017

 

 

Note 1:         Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of Operations

 

Hamilton Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated on June 7, 2012 to serve as the stock holding company for Hamilton Bank (the “Bank”), a federally chartered savings bank. On October 10, 2012, the Bank converted from a mutual savings bank to a stock savings bank and became the wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. In connection with the conversion, the Company sold 3,703,000 shares of common stock at a price of $10.00 per share, through which the Company received proceeds of approximately $35,580,000, net of offering expenses of approximately $1,450,000. The Bank’s employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”) purchased 8.0% of the shares sold in the offering, or 296,240 common shares. The purchase of shares by the ESOP was funded by a loan from the Company. The company’s common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading symbol “HBK” on October 12, 2012.

 

On December 21, 2017, the Bank converted its charter from a federal savings bank to a Maryland state-chartered commercial bank and now operates under the laws of the State of Maryland. In conjunction with the Bank’s charter conversion, Hamilton Bancorp converted from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company. The charter conversion is part of the Bank’s strategic plan which will allow it to continue to focus on growth opportunities in commercial, consumer and mortgage lending as well as small business and retail banking. The Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation will serve as the Bank's primary regulator with federal oversight provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Hamilton Bancorp will continue to be regulated by the Federal Reserve Board.

 

On May 13, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Fraternity Community Bancorp, Inc. (“Fraternity”) through the merger of Fraternity, the parent company of Fraternity Federal Savings and Loan, with and into the Company pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 12, 2015, by and between the Company and Fraternity. As a result of the merger, each shareholder of Fraternity received a cash payment equal to nineteen dollars and twenty-five cents ($19.25) for each share of Fraternity common stock, or an aggregate of approximately $25.7 million. Immediately following the merger of Fraternity into the Company, Fraternity Federal Savings and Loan was merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity.

 

On September 11, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Fairmount Bancorp, Inc. (“Fairmount Bancorp”) through the merger of Fairmount Bancorp, the parent company of Fairmount Bank, with and into the Company pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of April 15, 2015, by and between the Company and Fairmount Bancorp. As a result of the merger, each shareholder of Fairmount Bancorp received a cash payment equal to thirty dollars ($30.00) for each share of Fairmount Bancorp common stock, or an aggregate of approximately $15.4 million. Immediately following the merger of Fairmount Bancorp into the Company, Fairmount Bank was merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving entity.

 

Hamilton Bancorp is a holding company that operates a community bank with seven branches in the Baltimore-metropolitan area. Its primary deposit products are certificates of deposit and demand, savings, and money market accounts. Its primary lending products consist of real estate mortgages, along with commercial and consumer loans. Hamilton Bancorp’s primary source of revenue is derived from loans to customers, who are predominately small and middle-market businesses and middle-income individuals.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and with instructions for Form 10–Q and Regulation S–X as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the preceding unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented. We derived the balances as of March 31, 2017 from audited financial statements. Operating results for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018, or any other period. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2017. Certain amounts from prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The accounting and reporting policies of Hamilton Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary (“Hamilton”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and to general practices in the banking industry. The more significant policies follow:

 

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Hamilton Bank. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, deferred income tax valuation allowances, the fair value of investment securities and other than temporary impairment of investment securities.

 

Investment Securities. Management determines the appropriate classification of investment securities at the time of purchase. Securities that may be sold before maturity are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. Investment securities that management has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. All investment securities held by Hamilton at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 are classified as available for sale.

 

Investment securities designated as available for sale are stated at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices. They represent those securities which management may sell as part of its asset/liability strategy or that may be sold in response to changing interest rates or liquidity needs. Changes in unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred taxes, for available-for-sale securities are recorded in other comprehensive income. Realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities are included in noninterest revenue and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined by the specific identification method. The amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts are recognized in interest revenue using methods approximating the interest method over the term of the security.

 

In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Bank to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

 

Loans Receivable. The Bank makes mortgage, commercial, and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by mortgage loans throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. The ability of the Bank’s debtors to repay their loans is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in this area.

 

Loans are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balance adjusted for the allowance for loan loss, premiums on loans acquired, and/or any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest revenue is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees and the direct costs of underwriting and closing loans are recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment to yield using a method that approximates the interest method. Any differences that arise from prepayment will result in a recalculation of the effective yield.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they are 90 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status at an earlier date if the collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual status are reversed against interest revenue. The interest on nonaccrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis method, until the loans qualify for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and, in management’s judgment, future payments are reasonably assured.

 

Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information, management considers it unlikely that collection of principal and interest payments will be made according to contractual terms. If collection of principal is evaluated as doubtful, all payments are applied to principal. Impaired loans are measured: (i) at the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (ii) at the observable market price; or (iii) at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, an impairment is recognized through an allocation of the allowance for loan losses and corresponding provision for loan losses. Generally, identified impairments are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses.

 

Troubled debt restructurings are loans for which Hamilton, for legal or economic reasons related to a debtor’s financial difficulties, has granted a concession to the debtor that it otherwise would not have considered. Concessions that result in the categorization of a loan as a troubled debt restructuring include:

 

 

Reduction of the stated interest rate;

 

 

Extension of the maturity date or dates at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk;

 

 

Reduction of the face amount or maturity amount of the debt as stated in the instrument or other agreement; or

 

 

Reduction of accrued interest.

 

Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer. The loans acquired from the Company’s acquisition of Fraternity on May 13, 2016 (see Note 3 “Acquisition”) and Fairmount on September 11, 2015 were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and no separate valuation allowance was established.  The initial fair values were determined by management, with the assistance of an independent valuation specialist, based on estimated expected cash flows discounted at appropriate rates.  The discount rates were based on market rates for new originations of comparable loans and did not include a separate factor for loan losses as that was included in the estimated cash flows. 

 

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, applies to loans acquired in a transfer with evidence of deterioration of credit quality for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the investor will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable.  If both conditions exist, the Company determines whether to account for each loan individually or whether such loans will be assembled into pools based on common risk characteristics such as credit score, loan type, and origination date.  

 

The Company considered expected prepayments and estimated the total expected cash flows, which included undiscounted expected principal and interest.  The excess of that amount over the fair value of the loan is referred to as accretable yield.  Accretable yield is recognized as interest income on a constant yield basis over the expected life of the loan.  The excess of the contractual cash flows over expected cash flows is referred to as nonaccretable difference and is not accreted into income.  Over the life of the loan, the Company continues to estimate expected cash flows.  Subsequent decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairments in the current period through the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequent increases in cash flows to be collected are first used to reverse any existing valuation allowance and any remaining increase are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life.  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

ASC Topic 310-20, Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs, was applied to loans not considered to have deteriorated credit quality at acquisition.  Under ASC Topic 310-20, the difference between the loan’s principal balance at the time of purchase and the fair value is recognized as an adjustment of yield over the life of the loan. 

 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which, in management’s judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable future losses on existing loans. The allowance for loan losses is established, as loan losses are estimated to have occurred, through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Recoveries on previously charged-off loans are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

 

The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions charged to income and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the Bank’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions. The look back period for historical losses consists of reviewing both a 36 and 48 month look back period for net charge-offs. Both of these periods are used individually to develop a range in which the allowance for loan losses should be within.

 

Management considers a number of factors in estimating the required level of the allowance. These factors include: historical loss experience in the loan portfolios; the levels and trends in past-due and nonaccrual loans; the status of nonaccrual loans and other loans identified as having the potential for further deterioration; credit risk and industry concentrations; trends in loan volume; the effects of any changes in lending policies and procedures or underwriting standards; and a continuing evaluation of the economic environment. Management modified the analysis during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 by keeping our net charge-off history as a percentage of loans, as it pertains to each loan segment, constant across all risk ratings and altering our qualitative factors either up or down based upon the respective risk rating for each loan segment. The change in methodology did not have a material impact on the amount of the allowance for loan and lease losses at September 30, 2016, the date of the change, as compared to the prior methodology.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into and subsequently re-measured at their fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The Company documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.

 

For derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, the Company also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss). The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of operations as a gain or loss. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognized when the forecasted transaction is ultimately recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the consolidated statement of operations as a gain or loss to income.

 

For derivative instruments designated as fair-value hedges, the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations under the same heading as the change in fair value of the hedged item for the portion attributable to the hedged risk. For accounting purposes, if the derivative is highly effective, the change in fair values relating to the asset or liability and the hedged item will offset one another and result in no impact to overall income.

 

Gains (losses) on derivatives representing either hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness or hedge ineffectiveness are recognized in earnings.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

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

 

Income Taxes. Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities (excluding deferred tax assets and liabilities related to business combinations or components of other comprehensive income). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the expected amount most likely to be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of a sufficient level of future taxable income and recoverable taxes paid in prior years. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed into law (“TCJA”).  The TCJA includes a broad range of tax reform including changes to tax rates and deductions that are effective January 1, 2018. The decrease in the enacted corporate tax rate expected to apply when the Company’s temporary differences are realized or settled ultimately resulted in a one-time revaluation of the Company’s net deferred tax asset of $2.2 million in December 2017 with a corresponding charge to income tax expense. The tax effects of the TCJA increased income tax expense to a level that reduced net income to a net loss for both the three and nine-month periods ending December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

Note 2:          New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This ASU’s objectives are to: (1) improve the transparency and understandability of information conveyed to financial statement users about an entity’s risk management activities by better aligning the entity’s financial reporting for hedging relationships with those risk management activities; and (2) reduce the complexity of and simplify the application of hedge accounting by preparers. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018; early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-12 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all the following are met: 1.) The fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the modified award is the same as the fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. If the modification does not affect any of the inputs to the valuation technique that the entity uses to value the award, the entity is not required to estimate the value immediately before and after the modification, 2.) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified and, 3) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. The current disclosure requirements in Topic 718 apply regardless of whether an entity is required to apply modification accounting under the amendments in this. ASU No. 2017-09 became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under the ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The ASU is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This guidance clarifies the definition of a business and assists entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Under this guidance, when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or group of similar assets), the assets acquired would not represent a business. In addition, in order to be considered a business, an acquisition would have to include at a minimum an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create an output. The amended guidance also narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described in FASB guidance for revenue recognition. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update addresses diversity on how certain cash receipts and payments are reflected in the statement of cash flows. The update made the following changes that may affect the Company: (1) Debt Prepayment or Debt Extinguishment Costs: Cash payments for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs should be classified as cash flows for financing activities. (2) Proceeds from the settlement of Bank-Owned Life Insurance Policies: Cash proceeds received from the settlement of bank-owned life insurance policies should be classified as cash flows from investing activities. The cash payments for premiums on bank-owned policies may be classified as cash flows from investing activities, operating activities, or a combination of investing and operating activities. The amendments in this Update will be effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. The Company does not expect the guidance to have a significant impact on its consolidated statement of cash flows.

 

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. The main objective of this update is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. To achieve this objective, the guidance in this update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to estimate credit losses. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. An entity must use judgment in determining the relevant information and estimation methods that are appropriate in its circumstances. The guidance in this update for public business entities is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Hamilton Bancorp is in the process of implementing a committee and has begun to gather loan information and consider acceptable methodologies to comply with this ASU. The implementation team will meet periodically to discuss the latest developments and updates via webcasts, publications, and conferences. Hamilton Bancorps’ evaluation indicates that the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 are expected to impact its consolidated financial statements, in particular the level of the reserve for loan losses. We are, however, continuing to evaluate the extent of the potential impact.

 

ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718). This ASU includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements.  Some of the key provisions of this new ASU include: (1) companies will no longer record excess tax benefits and certain tax deficiencies in additional paid-in capital (“APIC”).  Instead, they will record all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement, and APIC pools will be eliminated.  The guidance also eliminates the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized before companies can recognize them.  In addition, the guidance requires companies to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity; (2) increase the amount an employer can withhold to cover income taxes on awards and still qualify for the exception to liability classification for shares used to satisfy the employer’s statutory income tax withholding obligation.  The new guidance will also require an employer to classify the cash paid to a tax authority when shares are withheld to satisfy its statutory income tax withholding obligation as a financing activity on its statement of cash flows (current guidance did not specify how these cash flows should be classified); and (3) permit companies to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense for share-based payment awards.  Forfeitures can be estimated, as required today, or recognized when they occur.  ASU No. 2016-09 became effective for the Company on April 1, 2017 and was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). From the lessee’s perspective, the new ASU standard establishes a right-of-use (ROU) model that requires a lessee to record a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement for lessees. The guidance also eliminates the current real estate-specific provision and changes the guidance on sale-leaseback transactions, initial direct costs and lease executory costs. With respect to lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. All entities will classify leases to determine how to recognize lease-related revenue and expense. In applying this guidance entities will also need to determine whether an arrangement contains a lease or service agreement. Disclosures are required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financials statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. For public entities, this guidance is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. The Company is assessing this guidance to determine its impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities. This ASU requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, excluding equity investments that are consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The amendment allows equity investments without readily determinable fair values to be measured at cost minus impairment, with a qualitative assessment required to identify impairment. The amendment also requires public companies to use exit prices to measure the fair value of financial instruments purposes; requiring separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statement; it eliminates the disclosure requirements related to measurement assumptions for the fair value of instruments measured at amortized cost. In addition, for liabilities measured at fair value under the fair value option, to present in other comprehensive income changes in fair value due to changes in instrument specific credit risk. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 implements a common revenue standard that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 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. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The guidance in this update is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. We expect to adopt the ASU during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is evaluating the guidance in this update but does not believe it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

Note 3:          Acquisition

 

Fraternity Community Bancorp, Inc.

 

On May 13, 2016, Hamilton Bancorp acquired Fraternity Community Bancorp, Inc. (“Fraternity”), the parent company of Fraternity Federal Savings and Loan. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, shareholders of Fraternity received a cash payment equal to nineteen dollars and twenty-five cents ($19.25) for each share of Fraternity common stock. The total merger consideration was $25.7 million.

 

In connection with the acquisition, Fraternity Federal Savings and Loan was merged with and into Hamilton Bank, with Hamilton Bank as the surviving bank. The results of the Fraternity acquisition are included with Hamilton’s results as of and from May 13, 2016.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

As required by the acquisition method of accounting, we have adjusted the acquired assets and liabilities of Fraternity to their estimated fair value on the date of acquisition and added them to those of Hamilton Bancorp. Based on management’s preliminary valuation of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which we have based on level 3 valuation estimates and assumptions that were subject to change through the measurement date of May 2017, we have allocated the purchase price for Fraternity as follows:

 

   

As recorded by

                   
   

Fraternity Community

   

Fair Value

     

As recorded by

 
   

Bancorp, Inc.

   

Adjustments

     

Hamilton Bancorp, Inc.

 

Identifiable assets:

                         

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 15,196,058     $ -       $ 15,196,058  

Investment securities available for sale

    17,570,712       -         17,570,712  

FHLB Bank Stock

    782,600       -         782,600  

Loans

    108,872,041       (67,858 )

A

    108,804,183  

Allowance For Loan Loss

    (1,550,000 )     1,550,000  

A

    -  

Premises and equipment

    691,095       78,711  

B

    769,806  

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

    5,058,041       -         5,058,041  

Deferred income taxes

    2,743,481       (410,377 )

C

    2,333,104  

Other assets

    2,877,665       -         2,877,665  

Total identifiable assets

  $ 152,241,693     $ 1,150,476       $ 153,392,169  
                           

Identifiable liabilities:

                         

Non-interest bearing deposits

    1,242,187       -         1,242,187  

Interest bearing deposits

    107,648,792       1,098,131  

D

    108,746,923  

Borrowings

    15,000,000       793,537  

E

    15,793,537  

Other liabilities

    4,023,914       -         4,023,914  

Total identifiable liabilities

  $ 127,914,893     $ 1,891,668       $ 129,806,561  
                           

Net tangible assets acquired

    24,326,800       (741,192 )       23,585,608  
                           

Definite lived intangible assets acquired

    -       242,020         242,020  

Goodwill

    -       1,877,243         1,877,243  

Net intangible assets acquired

    -       2,119,263         2,119,263  
                           

Total cash consideration

  $ 24,326,800     $ 1,378,071       $ 25,704,871  

 

Explanation of fair value adjustments:

 

  A - Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on Hamilton Bancorp’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio and excludes the allowance for losses recorded by Fraternity Community Bancorp, Inc.
  B - Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on Hamilton Bancorp’s evaluation of the acquired premises and equipment.
  C - Adjustment to record deferred tax asset related to fair value adjustments at 39.45% income tax rate.
  D - Adjustment arises since the rates on interest-bearing deposits are higher than rates available on similar deposits as of the acquisition date.
  E - Adjustment reflects the fair value of Fraternity’s borrowings acquired on acquisition date.

 

Prior to the end of the May 13, 2016 measurement period, if information became available which indicated the purchase price allocations require adjustments, we included such adjustments in the purchase price allocation retrospectively.

 

Of the total estimated purchase price, we have allocated $23.6 million to net tangible assets acquired and we have allocated $242,020 to the core deposit intangible which is a definite lived intangible asset. We have allocated the remaining purchase price to goodwill. We will amortize the core deposit intangible on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of eight years. We will evaluate goodwill annually for impairment.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The following table outlines the contractually required payments receivable, cash flows we expect to receive, non-accretable credit adjustments and the accretable yield for all Fraternity loans as of the acquisition date.

 

   

Contractually

                                 
   

Required

   

Non-Accretable

   

Cash Flows

           

Carrying Value

 
   

Payments

   

Credit

   

Expected To Be

   

Accretable FMV

   

of Loans

 
   

Receivable

   

Adjustments

   

Collected

   

Adjustments

   

Receivable

 
                                         

Performing loans acquired

  $ 107,474,993     $ -     $ 107,474,993     $ 301,672     $ 107,776,665  
                                         

Impaired loans acquired

    1,397,048       (314,484 )     1,082,564       (55,046 )     1,027,518  
                                         

Total

  $ 108,872,041     $ (314,484 )   $ 108,557,557     $ 246,626     $ 108,804,183  

 

At our acquisition of Fraternity, we recorded all loans acquired at the estimated fair value on the purchase date with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. On the acquisition date, we segregated the loan portfolio into two loan pools, performing and nonperforming loans, to be retained in our portfolio.

 

We had an independent third party assist us to determine the fair value of cash flows on $107,474,993 of performing loans. The valuation took into consideration the loans' underlying characteristics, including account types, remaining terms, annual interest rates, interest types, past delinquencies, timing of principal and interest payments, current market rates, loan to value ratios, loss exposures, and remaining balances. These performing loans were segregated into pools based on loan and payment type and in some cases, risk grade. The effect of this fair valuation process was a net accretable premium adjustment of $301,672 at acquisition.

 

We also individually evaluated 23 impaired loans totaling $1,397,048 to determine the fair value as of the May 13, 2016 measurement date. In determining the fair value for each individually evaluated impaired loan, we considered a number of factors including the remaining life of the acquired loans, estimated prepayments, estimated loss ratios, estimated value of the underlying collateral and net present value of cash flows we expect to receive, among others.

 

We established a credit risk related non-accretable difference of $314,484 relating to these acquired, credit impaired loans, reflected in the recorded net fair value. We further estimated the timing and amount of expected cash flows in excess of the estimated fair value and established an accretable discount adjustment of $55,046 at acquisition relating to these impaired loans.

 

Fraternity Pro forma Condensed Combined Financial Information. The consolidated statements of operations data for the unaudited pro forma results for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 as if the Fraternity acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of fiscal 2016 and 2017 are deemed immaterial and not presented. Due to the fact the acquisition of Fraternity occurred on May 13, 2016, the three and nine-month periods ending December 31, 2016 and 2017, as reported in this 10-Q, already include or include a significant portion of the impact of Fraternity in the consolidated statements of operations as though the acquisition occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2016 and 2017. The nine-month period ending December 31, 2016 does not reflect the full impact to the consolidated statements of operations for those nine months since the acquisition occurred towards the beginning of that respective period, however, that amount is deemed to be immaterial to the consolidated statement of operations for that period.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Fraternity acquisition expenses. In connection with the acquisition of Fraternity, the Company incurred merger related costs. These expenses were primarily related to legal, other professional services and system conversions. The following table details the expenses included in the consolidated statements of operations for the nine-month periods ending December 31, 2017 and 2016. There were no merger expenses for the three-month periods ending December 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

   

Nine months ended December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 

Legal

  $ -     $ 55,500  

Professional services

    -       157,567  

Other

    -       6,350  

Total merger related expenses

  $ -     $ 219,417  

 

 

 

Note 4:          Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Weighted average shares exclude unallocated ESOP shares. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.

 

Both the basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

 

   

Three months ended

   

Three months ended

   

Nine months ended

   

Nine months ended

 
   

December 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

   

December 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
                                 

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,927,190 )   $ 59,369     $ (1,124,060 )   $ 47,646  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

    3,189,056       3,177,810       3,188,949       3,177,041  

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

    3,189,056       3,180,276       3,188,949       3,179,507  

(Loss) income per common share - basic and diluted

  $ (0.60 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.35 )   $ 0.01  
                                 

Anti-dilutive shares

    118,525       85,394       118,525       85,394  

 

During the three and nine months ending December 31, 2017, none of the common stock equivalents were dilutive due to the loss reported during those periods.

 

 

 

Note 5:          Investment Securities Available for Sale

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, are summarized as follows:

 

           

Gross

   

Gross

         
   

Amortized

   

unrealized

   

unrealized

   

Fair

 

December 31, 2017

 

cost

   

gains

   

losses

   

value

 
                                 

U.S. government agencies

  $ 2,756,604     $ -     $ 25,281     $ 2,731,323  

Municipal bonds

    12,464,369       -       404,378       12,059,991  

Corporate bonds

    2,000,000       -       72,214       1,927,786  

Mortgage-backed securities

    64,104,992       20,435       1,459,461       62,665,966  
    $ 81,325,965     $ 20,435     $ 1,961,334     $ 79,385,066  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

           

Gross

   

Gross

         
   

Amortized

   

unrealized

   

unrealized

   

Fair

 

March 31, 2017

 

cost

   

gains

   

losses

   

value

 
                                 

U.S. government agencies

  $ 3,525,373     $ 323     $ 13,393     $ 3,512,303  

Municipal bonds

    17,096,477       21,858       950,496       16,167,839  

Corporate bonds

    2,000,000       -       83,478       1,916,522  

Mortgage-backed securities

    81,994,305       65,094       1,226,935       80,832,464  
    $ 104,616,155     $ 87,275     $ 2,274,302     $ 102,429,128  

 

Proceeds from sales of investment securities were $7,364,939 and $4,273,234 during the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, with gains of $33,747 and losses of $46,483 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and gains of $36,131 and losses of $12,411 for the three months ended December 31, 2016.

 

Proceeds from sales of investment securities were $11,608,699 and $4,273,234 during the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, with gains of $57,099 and losses of $59,455 for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and gains of $36,131 and losses of $12,411 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016.

 

As of December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, all mortgage-backed securities are backed by U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSE’s), except one private label mortgage-backed security that was acquired in the Fraternity acquisition in May 2016 with a book value of $76,554 and fair value of $77,649 as of December 31, 2017.

 

As of December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the Company had one pledged security to the Federal Reserve Bank with a book value of $744,186 and a fair value of $733,507 and $736,412, respectively.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 follow. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.

 

   

Available for Sale

 
   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

Amortized

   

Fair

   

Amortized

   

Fair

 
   

cost

   

value

   

cost

   

value

 
                                 

Maturing

                               

Within one year

  $ 2,012,418     $ 1,997,816     $ -     $ -  

Over one to five years

    1,233,485       1,212,376       4,234,642       4,240,740  

Over five to ten years

    3,581,591       3,485,451       5,538,313       5,404,810  

Over ten years

    10,393,480       10,023,457       12,848,895       11,951,114  

Mortgage-backed, in monthly installments

    64,104,992       62,665,966       81,994,305       80,832,464  
    $ 81,325,966     $ 79,385,066     $ 104,616,155     $ 102,429,128  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The following table presents the Company's investments' gross unrealized losses and the corresponding fair values by investment category and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017.

 

   

Less than 12 months

   

12 months or longer

   

Total

 
   

Gross

           

Gross

           

Gross

         
   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

 

December 31, 2017

 

losses

   

value

   

losses

   

value

   

losses

   

value

 
                                                 

U.S. government agencies

  $ 10,679     $ 733,507     $ 14,602     $ 1,997,816     $ 25,281     $ 2,731,323  

Municipal bonds

    -       -       404,378       12,059,991       404,378       12,059,991  

Corporate bonds

    -       -       72,214       1,927,786       72,214       1,927,786  

Mortgage-backed securities

    238,033       18,514,960       1,221,428       43,065,908       1,459,461       61,580,868  
    $ 248,712     $ 19,248,467     $ 1,712,622     $ 59,051,501     $ 1,961,334     $ 78,299,968  

 

 

   

Less than 12 months

   

12 months or longer

   

Total

 
   

Gross

           

Gross

           

Gross

         
   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

   

Unrealized

   

Fair

 

March 31, 2017

 

losses

   

value

   

losses

   

value

   

losses

   

value

 
                                                 

U.S. government agencies

  $ 13,393     $ 3,256,964     $ -     $ -     $ 13,393     $ 3,256,964  

Municipal bonds

    950,496       13,982,251       -       -       950,496       13,982,251  

Corporate bonds

    -       -       83,478       1,916,522       83,478       1,916,522  

Mortgage-backed securities

    941,183       66,953,532       285,752       7,016,746       1,226,935       73,970,278  
    $ 1,905,072     $ 84,192,747     $ 369,230     $ 8,933,268     $ 2,274,302     $ 93,126,015  

 

 

The unrealized losses that exist are a result of market changes in interest rates since the original purchase. Management systematically evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on an annual basis from the date of purchase if the respective security is in a loss position. This analysis requires management to consider various factors, which include: (1) duration and magnitude of the decline in value; (2) the financial condition of the issuer or issuers; and (3) structure of the security.

 

An impairment loss is recognized in earnings if any of the following are true: (1) the Company intends to sell the debt security; (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In situations where the Company intends to sell or when it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security, the entire impairment loss must be recognized in earnings. In all other situations, only the portion of the impairment loss representing the credit loss must be recognized in earnings, with the remaining portion being recognized in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax.

 

 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 6:          Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Loans receivable, excluding loans held for sale, consist of the following at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

Legacy (1)

   

Acquired

   

Total Loans

   

% of

Total

   

Legacy (1)

   

Acquired

   

Total Loans

   

% of

Total

 

Real estate loans:

                                                               

One-to four-family:

                                                               

Residential (2)

  $ 80,477,455     $ 74,701,711     $ 155,179,166       40 %   $ 67,126,677     $ 83,892,389     $ 151,019,066       44 %

Residential construction

    6,752,565       -       6,752,565       2 %     6,426,076       -       6,426,076       2 %

Investor (3)

    7,375,997       18,208,906       25,584,903       7 %     6,742,469       18,779,644       25,522,113       8 %

Commercial

    100,857,452       12,160,844       113,018,296       29 %     92,665,689       14,898,523       107,564,212       32 %

Commercial construction

    3,995,441       856,970       4,852,411       1 %     1,881,541       1,308,652       3,190,193       1 %

Total real estate loans

    199,458,910       105,928,431       305,387,341       79 %     174,842,452       118,879,208       293,721,660       87 %

Commercial business (4)

    38,988,229       1,928,232       40,916,461       11 %     19,518,029       2,019,337       21,537,366       6 %

Home equity loans

    13,802,091       6,874,136       20,676,227       5 %     13,278,229       7,266,141       20,544,370       6 %

Consumer (5)

    20,075,548       785,100       20,860,648       5 %     2,258,836       937,600       3,196,436       1 %

Total Loans

    272,324,778       115,515,899       387,840,677       100 %     209,897,546       129,102,286       338,999,832       100 %

Net deferred loan origination fees and costs

    (107,359 )     -       (107,359 )             (143,070 )     -       (143,070 )        

Loan premium (discount)

    1,792,595       (528,415 )     1,264,180               619,846       (543,410 )     76,436          
    $ 274,010,014     $ 114,987,484     $ 388,997,498             $ 210,374,322     $ 128,558,876     $ 338,933,198          
  ____________________________________

(1)

As a result of the acquisition of Fraternity Community Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Fraternity Federal Savings and Loan, in May 2016 and Fairmount Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of Fairmount Bank, in September 2015, we have segmented the portfolio into two components, loans originated by Hamilton Bank "Legacy" and loans acquired from Fraternity Community Bancorp, Inc. and Fairmount Bancorp, Inc. "Acquired".

(2)

"Legacy" one-to four-family residential real estate loans at December 31, 2017 includes $13.1 million of loans purchased in the third quarter of fiscal 2018; and at March 31, 2017 includes $23.4 million of loans purchased in March 2017.

(3)

"Investor" loans are residential mortgage loans secured by non-owner occupied one-to four-family properties.

(4)

"Legacy" commercial business loans as of December 31, 2017 includes $15.4 million of commercial lease loans purchased in June 2017.

(5)

"Legacy" consumer loans as of December 31, 2017 includes $18.4 million of recreational vehicle loans purchased in August 2017.

 

Residential lending is generally considered to involve less risk than other forms of lending, although payment experience on these loans is dependent on economic and market conditions in the Bank's lending area. Construction loan repayments are generally dependent on the related properties or the financial condition of its borrower or guarantor. Accordingly, repayment of such loans can be more susceptible to adverse conditions in the real estate market and the regional economy.

 

A substantial portion of the Bank's loan portfolio is real estate loans secured by residential and commercial real estate properties located in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Loans are extended only after evaluation of a customer's creditworthiness and other relevant factors on a case-by-case basis. The Bank generally does not lend more than 75% - 95% of the appraised value of a property, depending on the type of loan, and requires private mortgage insurance on residential mortgages with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80%. In addition, the Bank generally obtains personal guarantees of repayment from borrowers and/or others for construction loans and disburses the proceeds of those and similar loans only as work progresses on the related projects.

 

Commercial business loans are made to provide funds for equipment and general corporate needs.  Repayment of a loan primarily uses the funds obtained from the operation of the borrower’s business.  Commercial loans also include lines of credit that are utilized to finance a borrower’s short-term credit needs and/or to finance a percentage of eligible receivables and inventory. The Company’s loan portfolio also includes equipment leases, which consists of leases for essential commercial equipment used by small to medium sized businesses.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The home equity loans consist of both conforming loans and revolving lines of credit to consumers which are secured by residential real estate. These loans are typically secured with second mortgages on the homes. Consumer loans include share loans, installment loans and, to a lesser extent, personal lines of credit.  Share loans represent loans that are collateralized by a certificate of deposit or other deposit product. Installment loans are used by customers to purchase primarily automobiles, but may be used to also purchase boats and recreational vehicles.

 

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each portfolio segment is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular portfolio segment and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other portfolio segments.

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2017

 

Residential Real Estate

   

Investor Real Estate

   

Commercial Real Estate

   

Commercial Construction

   

Commercial Business

   

Home Equity

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Allowance for credit losses:

                                                               

Beginning balance

  $ 528,288     $ 52,255     $ 1,360,433     $ 12,074     $ 327,130     $ 62,570     $ 128,241     $ 2,470,991  

Charge-offs

    -       (111,360 )     (100,236 )     -       -       -       -       (211,596 )

Recoveries

    3,937       -       -       -       171       -       1,034       5,142  

Provision for credit losses

    35,875       103,790       148,707       11,100       45,987       619       (1,078 )     345,000  

Ending balance

  $ 568,100     $ 44,685     $ 1,408,904     $ 23,174     $ 373,288     $ 63,189     $ 128,197     $ 2,609,537  

 

 

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017

 

Residential Real Estate

   

Investor Real Estate

   

Commercial Real Estate

   

Commercial Construction

   

Commercial Business

   

Home Equity

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Allowance for credit losses:

                                                               

Beginning balance

  $ 553,539     $ 35,275     $ 1,375,894     $ 9,031     $ 149,461     $ 70,071     $ 1,544     $ 2,194,815  

Charge-offs

    (8,907 )     (126,482 )     (100,236 )     -       -       -       (486 )     (236,111 )

Recoveries

    3,937       18,129       -       -       551       -       3,216       25,833  

Provision for credit losses

    19,531       117,763       133,246       14,143       223,276       (6,882 )     123,923       625,000  

Ending balance

  $ 568,100     $ 44,685     $ 1,408,904     $ 23,174     $ 373,288     $ 63,189     $ 128,197     $ 2,609,537  
                                                                 

Allowance allocated to:

                                                               

Legacy Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 272,707     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 272,707  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    295,393       44,685       1,408,904       23,174       373,288       63,189       128,197       2,336,830  
                                                                 

Acquired Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2016

 

Residential Real Estate

   

Investor Real Estate

   

Commercial Real Estate

   

Commercial Construction

   

Commercial Business

   

Home Equity

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Allowance for credit losses:

                                                               

Beginning balance

  $ 461,915     $ 112,739     $ 1,090,881     $ 13,092     $ 173,891     $ 88,269     $ 1,581     $ 1,942,368  

Charge-offs

    -       (53,187 )     (621,741 )     -       -       -       (2,793 )     (677,721 )

Recoveries

    -       5,870       -       -       6,796       -       6,256       18,922  

Provision for credit losses

    (3,060 )     24,589       763,937       29,630       (33,364 )     1,952       (3,684 )     780,000  

Ending balance

  $ 458,855     $ 90,011     $ 1,233,077     $ 42,722     $ 147,323     $ 90,221     $ 1,360     $ 2,063,569  

 

 

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2016

 

Residential Real Estate

   

Investor Real Estate

   

Commercial Real Estate

   

Commercial Construction

   

Commercial Business

   

Home Equity

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Allowance for credit losses:

                                                               

Beginning balance

  $ 259,895     $ 168,132     $ 901,768     $ 42,377     $ 228,199     $ 82,012     $ 19,982     $ 1,702,365  

Charge-offs

    -       (97,509 )     (621,741 )     -       (1,521 )     -       (4,073 )     (724,844 )

Recoveries

    -       9,043       -       -       28,827       -       8,172       46,042  

Provision for credit losses

    198,960       10,345       953,050       345       (108,182 )     8,209       (22,721 )     1,040,006  

Ending balance

  $ 458,855     $ 90,011     $ 1,233,077     $ 42,722     $ 147,323     $ 90,221     $ 1,360     $ 2,063,569  
                                                                 

Allowance allocated to:

                                                               

Legacy Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 288,098     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 288,098  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    170,757       90,011       1,233,077       42,722       147,323       90,221       1,360       1,775,471  
                                                                 

Acquired Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Our recorded investment in loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 related to each balance in the allowance for probable loan losses by portfolio segment and disaggregated on the basis of our impairment methodology was as follows:

 

December 31, 2017

 

Residential Real Estate

   

Investor Real Estate

   

Commercial Real Estate

   

Commercial Construction

   

Commercial Business

   

Home Equity

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Legacy Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,697,585     $ 121,514     $ 4,500,043     $ -     $ 905,178     $ 21,579     $ -     $ 7,245,899  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    85,532,435       7,254,483       96,357,409       3,995,441       38,083,051       13,780,512       20,075,548       265,078,879  

Ending balance

  $ 87,230,020     $ 7,375,997     $ 100,857,452     $ 3,995,441     $ 38,988,229     $ 13,802,091     $ 20,075,548     $ 272,324,778  
                                                                 

Acquired Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,061,049     $ 579,172     $ 199,920     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 56,708     $ 1,896,849  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    73,640,662       17,629,734       11,960,924       856,970       1,928,232       6,874,136       728,392       113,619,050  

Ending balance

  $ 74,701,711     $ 18,208,906     $ 12,160,844     $ 856,970     $ 1,928,232     $ 6,874,136     $ 785,100     $ 115,515,899  

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Residential Real Estate

   

Investor Real Estate

   

Commercial Real Estate

   

Commercial Construction

   

Commercial Business

   

Home Equity

   

Consumer

   

Total

 

Legacy Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,773,457     $ 13,832     $ 2,036,391     $ -     $ 781,623     $ 13,041     $ -     $ 4,618,344  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    49,497,566       9,656,550       92,136,832       1,655,899       19,033,550       13,724,080       2,443,559       188,148,036  

Ending balance

  $ 51,271,023     $ 9,670,382     $ 94,173,223     $ 1,655,899     $ 19,815,173     $ 13,737,121     $ 2,443,559     $ 192,766,380  
                                                                 

Acquired Loans:

                                                               

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 984,823     $ 284,602     $ 206,463     $ -     $ -     $ 7,924     $ 37,576     $ 1,521,388  

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    87,497,479       22,147,634       15,305,167       1,620,552       2,506,890       7,940,379       948,717       137,966,818  

Ending balance

  $ 88,482,302     $ 22,432,236     $ 15,511,630     $ 1,620,552     $ 2,506,890     $ 7,948,303     $ 986,293     $ 139,488,206  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Past due loans, segregated by age and class of loans, as of and for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and as of and for the year ended March 31, 2017, were as follows:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

Legacy

   

Acquired

   

Total

   

Legacy

   

Acquired

   

Total

 

Current

  $ 265,792,220     $ 113,966,922     $ 379,759,142     $ 207,328,184     $ 128,769,860     $ 336,098,044  

Accruing past due loans:

                                               

30-59 days past due:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

    27,517       248,711       276,228       69,618       -       69,618  

Investor

    -       -       -       320,971       -       320,971  

Commercial

    -       185,559       185,559       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       113,603       -       113,603  

Commercial business

    297,986       -       297,986       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       34,037       34,037       -       -       -  

Consumer

    248,662       -       248,662       -       -       -  

Total 30-59 days past due

    574,165       468,307       1,042,472       504,192       -       504,192  
                                                 

60-89 days past due:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

    35,319       -       35,319       74,631       -       74,631  

Investor

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    342,813       -       342,813       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       28,800       28,800       -       -       -  

Total 60-89 days past due

    378,132       28,800       406,932       74,631       -       74,631  
                                                 

90 or more days past due:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

    287,310       153,856       441,166       -       -       -  

Investor

    -       -       -       -       21,030       21,030  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total 90 or more days past due

    287,310       153,856       441,166       -       21,030       21,030  

Total accruing past due loans

    1,239,607       650,963       1,890,570       578,823       21,030       599,853  
                                                 

Non-accruing loans:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

    424,124       472,374       896,498       426,354       248,663       675,017  

Investor

    121,514       425,640       547,154       13,976       57,131       71,107  

Commercial

    4,500,043       -       4,500,043       1,546,812       -       1,546,812  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    233,562       -       233,562       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    13,708       -       13,708       3,397       -       3,397  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       5,602       5,602  

Non-accruing loans:

    5,292,951       898,014       6,190,965       1,990,539       311,396       2,301,935  

Total Loans

  $ 272,324,778     $ 115,515,899     $ 387,840,677     $ 209,897,546     $ 129,102,286     $ 338,999,832  
                                                 
                                                 

Nonaccrual interest not accrued:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

  $ 6,410     $ 42,723     $ 49,133     $ 6,460     $ 35,177     $ 41,637  

Investor

    9,400       14,095       23,495       6,982       23,293       30,275  

Commercial

    -       -       -       109,818       -       109,818  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    47       -       47       66       -       66  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       317       317  

Total nonaccrual interest not accrued

  $ 15,857     $ 56,818     $ 72,675     $ 123,326     $ 58,787     $ 182,113  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Impaired Loans as of and for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the year ended March 31, 2017, was as follows:

 

   

Impaired Loans at December 31, 2017

   

Three months ended

December 31, 2017

   

Nine months ended

December 31, 2017

 
   

Unpaid

                                                 
   

Contractual

                   

Average

   

Interest

   

Average

   

Interest

 
   

Principal

   

Recorded

   

Related

   

Recorded

   

Income

   

Recorded

   

Income

 

Legacy:

 

Balance

   

Investment

   

Allowance

   

Investment

   

Recognized

   

Investment

   

Recognized

 

With no related allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

  $ 513,736     $ 371,312     $ -     $ 376,225     $ 280     $ 387,772     $ 1,451  

Investor

    127,420       121,514               122,576       -       123,362       3,772  

Commercial

    6,487,088       4,500,043       -       4,689,502       -       4,703,598       1,077  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    1,303,000       905,178       -       937,594       24,038       894,330       75,926  

Home equity loans

    48,218       21,579       -       22,072       76       23,100       316  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

With an allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

    1,354,169       1,326,273       272,707       1,330,015       13,248       1,341,584       39,333  

Investor

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total legacy impaired

    9,833,631       7,245,899       272,707       7,477,984       37,642       7,473,746       121,875  
                                                         

Acquired (1):

                                                       

With no related allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

    1,211,254       1,061,049       -       1,063,445       4,247       1,077,738       26,087  

Investor

    687,849       579,172       -       663,538       2,893       697,174       34,582  

Commercial

    249,920       199,920       -       200,589       1,888       202,263       5,700  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    42,583       -       -       -       -       -       600  

Consumer

    99,349       56,708       -       58,084       1,338       62,234       4,464  

With an allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Investor

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total acquired impaired

    2,290,955       1,896,849       -       1,985,656       10,366       2,039,409       71,433  

Total impaired

  $ 12,124,586     $ 9,142,748     $ 272,707     $ 9,463,640     $ 48,008     $ 9,513,155     $ 193,308  

 

(1)

Generally accepted accounting principles require that we record acquired loans at fair value at acquisition, which includes a discount for loans with credit impairment. These purchased credit impaired loans are not performing according to their contractual terms and meet the definition of an impaired loan. Although we do not accrue interest income at the contractual rate on these loans, we do recognize an accretable yield as interest income to the extent such yield is supported by cash flow analysis of the underlying loans. 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

   

Impaired Loans at December 31, 2016

   

Three months ended

December 31, 2016

   

Nine months ended

December 31, 2016

 
   

Unpaid

                                                 
   

Contractual

                   

Average

   

Interest

   

Average

   

Interest

 
   

Principal

   

Recorded

   

Related

   

Recorded

   

Income

   

Recorded

   

Income

 

Legacy:

 

Balance

   

Investment

   

Allowance

   

Investment

   

Recognized

   

Investment

   

Recognized

 

With no related allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

  $ 515,728     $ 380,928     $ -     $ 383,561     $ 339     $ 376,304     $ 7,656  

Investor

    107,710       13,831               13,102       -       13,487       -  

Commercial

    3,433,621       2,036,391       -       2,502,696       -       2,610,661       987  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    1,216,028       781,623       -       795,605       26,192       824,690       80,538  

Home equity loans

    37,916       13,041       -       13,507       45       14,628       188  

Consumer

                    -       -       -       -       -  

With an allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

    1,424,979       1,392,530       288,098       1,395,845       13,003       1,402,760       39,163  

Investor

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total legacy impaired

    6,735,982       4,618,344       288,098       5,104,316       39,579       5,242,530       128,532  
                                                         

Acquired (1):

                                                       

With no related allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

    1,093,707       947,365       -       948,723       6,854       823,373       28,956  

Investor

    640,351       322,060       -       328,166       3,303       325,318       11,120  

Commercial

    256,463       206,463       -       207,266       1,939       208,859       5,848  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    57,116       7,924       -       8,848       725       7,712       2,663  

Consumer

    68,230       37,576       -       38,754       969       40,396       4,228  

With an allowance recorded:

                                                       

Real estate loans:

                                                       

Residential

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Investor

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  

Total acquired impaired

    2,115,867       1,521,388       -       1,531,757       13,790       1,405,658       52,815  

Total impaired

  $ 8,851,849     $ 6,139,732     $ 288,098     $ 6,636,073     $ 53,369     $ 6,648,188     $ 181,347  

 

(1)

Generally accepted accounting principles require that we record acquired loans at fair value at acquisition, which includes a discount for loans with credit impairment. These purchased credit impaired loans are not performing according to their contractual terms and meet the definition of an impaired loan. Although we do not accrue interest income at the contractual rate on these loans, we do recognize an accretable yield as interest income to the extent such yield is supported by cash flow analysis of the underlying loans. 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

   

Impaired Loans at March 31, 2017

 
   

Unpaid

                                 
   

Contractual

                   

Average

   

Interest

 
   

Principal

   

Recorded

   

Related

   

Recorded

   

Income

 

Legacy:

 

Balance

   

Investment

   

Allowance

   

Investment

   

Recognized

 

With no related allowance recorded:

                                       

Real estate loans:

                                       

Residential

  $ 491,249     $ 360,590     $ -     $ 373,618     $ 11,901  

Investor

    107,710       16,919               16,306       -  

Commercial

    3,433,621       1,546,812       -       2,485,299       987  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    1,177,632       753,375       -       832,437       107,063  

Home equity loans

    37,365       12,040       -       14,102       257  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -  

With an allowance recorded:

                                       

Real estate loans:

                                       

Residential

    1,432,212       1,401,827       284,177       1,428,128       54,121  

Investor

    -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -  

Total legacy impaired

    6,679,789       4,091,563       284,177       5,149,890       174,329  
                                         

Acquired (1):

                                       

With no related allowance recorded:

                                       

Real estate loans:

                                       

Residential

    1,320,985       1,133,646       -       1,017,399       51,442  

Investor

    503,920       148,506       -       230,757       12,229  

Commercial

    254,844       204,844       -       208,057       7,770  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    88,276       40,107       -       44,079       6,049  

With an allowance recorded:

                                       

Real estate loans:

                                       

Residential

    -       -       -       -       -  

Investor

    66,446       38,382       1,182       34,448       -  

Commercial

    -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -       -       -       -  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -       -  

Total acquired impaired

    2,234,471       1,565,485       1,182       1,534,740       77,490  

Total impaired

  $ 8,914,260     $ 5,657,048     $ 285,359     $ 6,684,630     $ 251,819  

 

(1)

Generally accepted accounting principles require that we record acquired loans at fair value at acquisition, which includes a discount for loans with credit impairment. These purchased credit impaired loans are not performing according to their contractual terms and meet the definition of an impaired loan. Although we do not accrue interest income at the contractual rate on these loans, we do recognize an accretable yield as interest income to the extent such yield is supported by cash flow analysis of the underlying loans. 

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The following table documents changes in the carrying amount of acquired impaired loans (Purchased Credit Impaired or “PCI”) for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, along with the outstanding balance at the end of the period:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
                 

Recorded investment at beginning of period

  $ 1,341,935     $ 919,729  

Fair value of loans acquired during the period

    -       1,027,518  

Accretion

    25,964       20,738  

Reductions for payments

    (324,806 )     (501,432 )

Recorded investment at end of period

  $ 1,043,093     $ 1,466,553  

Outstanding principal balance at end of period

  $ 1,297,471     $ 1,907,842  

 

A summary of changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
                 

Accretable yield at beginning of period

  $ 59,639     $ 32,629  

Addition from acquisition

    -       55,046  

Accretion

    (25,964 )     (20,738 )

Reclassification from nonaccretable difference

    -       -  

Accretable yield at end of period

  $ 33,675     $ 66,937  

 

During the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, accretion income on PCI loans was $25,239 and $7,195, respectively. There were no additions or reclassifications to the accretable yields during those respective three-month periods.

 

Impaired loans also include certain loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) where economic concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced or are expected to experience financial difficulties. These concessions typically result from the Bank's loss mitigation activities and could include reductions in the interest rate, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions. Generally, nonaccrual loans that are modified and considered TDRs are classified as nonperforming at the time of restructure and may only be returned to performing status after considering the borrower's sustained repayment performance for a reasonable period, generally six months.

 

A summary of TDRs at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 follows:

 

   

Number of

                         

December 31, 2017

 

contracts

   

Performing

   

Nonperforming

   

Total

 

Real estate loans:

                               

Residential

    16     $ 1,238,143     $ 327,938     $ 1,566,081  

Investor

    -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    2       -       1,339,200       1,339,200  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    1       607,263       -       607,263  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -  
Consumer     -       -       -       -  
      19     $ 1,845,406     $ 1,667,138     $ 3,512,544  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

   

Number of

                         

March 31, 2017

 

contracts

   

Performing

   

Nonperforming

   

Total

 

Real estate loans:

                               

Residential

    13     $ 1,261,603     $ 294,968     $ 1,556,571  

Investor

    -       -       -       -  

Commercial

    2       -       1,546,812       1,546,812  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -  

Commercial business

    1       643,999       -       643,999  

Home equity loans

    -       -       -       -  

Consumer

    -       -       -       -  
      16     $ 1,905,602     $ 1,841,780     $ 3,747,382  

 

The following table presents the number of contracts and the dollar amount of TDRs that were added during the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The amount shown reflects the outstanding loan balance at the time of the modification. There are no commitments to extend credit under existing TDRs as of December 31, 2017.

 

   

Loans Modified as a TDR for the three months ended

 
   

December 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
   

Number of

   

Outstanding recorded

   

Number of

   

Outstanding recorded

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

 

contracts

   

investment

   

contracts

   

investment

 
                                 

Real estate loans:

                               

One-to four-family

    2       50,432       1       52,649  

 

   

Loans Modified as a TDR for the nine months ended

 
   

December 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
   

Number of

   

Outstanding recorded

   

Number of

   

Outstanding recorded

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings

 

contracts

   

investment

   

contracts

   

investment

 
                                 

Real estate loans:

                               

One-to four-family

    3     $ 52,363       1     $ 52,649  

 

There were no TDRs that defaulted in the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 or the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Earlier in fiscal 2017, there were 11 newly added TDR loans to one borrower for non-owner occupied residential real estate properties that had subsequently defaulted within twelve months. However, these loans were sold as part of a larger pool of loans in October 2016 and are no longer being reflected in these financial statements. Payment default under a TDR is defined as any TDR that is 90 days or more past due following the time that the loan was modified or the inability of the TDR to make the required payment subsequent to the modification.

 

In calculating the allowance for loan losses, individual TDRs are evaluated for impairment. TDRs are evaluated for impairment based upon either the present value of cash flows or, if collateral dependent, the lower of cost or fair value of the underlying collateral. If it is determined that the cash flows or underlying collateral is less than the carrying amount of the loan, the difference in value will be charged-off through earnings, unless the TDR is performing, in which case a specific reserve may be set-up for that TDR.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Credit quality indicators

 

As part of the ongoing monitoring of the credit quality of the Bank's loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to the risk grade of loans, the level of classified loans, net charge offs, nonperforming loans, and the general economic conditions in the Bank's market.

 

The Bank utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans. A description of the overall characteristics of loans characterized as watch list or classified is as follows:

 

Pass

 

A pass loan is considered of sufficient quality to preclude a special mention or an adverse rating. Pass assets generally are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the value of the asset or underlying collateral.

 

Special Mention

 

A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in the Bank's credit position at some future date. Special mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

 

Loans that would primarily fall into this notational category could have been previously classified adversely, but the deficiencies have since been corrected. Management should closely monitor recent payment history of the loan and value of the collateral.

 

Borrowers may exhibit poor liquidity and leverage positions resulting from generally negative cash flow or negative trends in earnings. Access to alternative financing may be limited to finance companies for business borrowers and may be unavailable for commercial real estate borrowers.

 

Substandard

 

A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the collection or liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. This will be the measurement for determining if a loan is impaired.

 

Borrowers may exhibit recent or unexpected unprofitable operations, an inadequate debt service coverage ratio, or marginal liquidity and capitalization. These loans require more intense supervision by Bank management.

 

Doubtful

 

A doubtful loan has all the weaknesses inherent as a substandard loan with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. A loan classified as doubtful exhibits loss potential. However, there is still sufficient reason to permit the loan to remain on the books. A doubtful classification could reflect the deterioration of the primary source of repayment and serious doubt exists as to the quality of the secondary source of repayment.

 

Doubtful classifications should be used only when a distinct and known possibility of loss exists. When identified, adequate loss should be recorded for the specific assets. The entire asset should not be classified as doubtful if a partial recovery is expected, such as liquidation of the collateral or the probability of a private mortgage insurance payment is likely.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Loss

 

Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectable and of such little value that their continuance as loans is unjustified. A loss classification does not mean a loan has absolutely no value; partial recoveries may be received in the future. When loans or portions of a loan are considered a loss, it will be the policy of the Bank to write-off the amount designated as a loss. Recoveries will be treated as additions to the allowance for loan losses.

 

The following tables present the December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 balances of classified loans based on the risk grade. Classified loans include Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss loans. The Bank had no loans classified as Doubtful or Loss as of December 31, 2017 or March 31, 2017.

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

LEGACY

   

ACQUIRED

   

TOTAL

   

LEGACY

   

ACQUIRED

   

TOTAL

 

Risk Rating:

                                               

Rating - Pass:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

  $ 84,465,792     $ 72,618,936     $ 157,084,728     $ 71,721,341     $ 81,228,457     $ 152,949,798  

Investor

    7,254,483       17,326,511       24,580,994       6,728,493       18,151,533       24,880,026  

Commercial

    93,250,455       11,960,924       105,211,379       84,789,748       13,387,987       98,177,735  

Commercial construction

    3,995,441       856,970       4,852,411       1,881,541       1,308,652       3,190,193  

Commercial Business

    38,690,314       1,928,232       40,618,546       19,376,763       2,019,337       21,396,100  

Home Equity

    13,780,512       6,726,697       20,507,209       13,269,478       7,133,164       20,402,642  

Consumer

    20,075,548       727,064       20,802,612       2,258,836       896,022       3,154,858  

Total Pass

    261,512,545       112,145,334       373,657,879       200,026,200       124,125,152       324,151,352  
                                                 

Rating - Special Mention:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

    2,455,625       1,021,726       3,477,351       1,499,436       1,724,987       3,224,423  

Investor

    -       303,223       303,223       -       408,803       408,803  

Commercial

    3,106,954       -       3,106,954       6,329,129       1,305,692       7,634,821  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial Business

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Home Equity

    -       147,439       147,439       -       132,977       132,977  

Consumer

    -       28,800       28,800       -       788       788  

Total Special Mention

    5,562,579       1,501,188       7,063,767       7,828,565       3,573,247       11,401,812  
                                                 

Rating - Substandard:

                                               

Real estate loans:

                                               

Residential

    308,603       1,061,049       1,369,652       331,976       938,945       1,270,921  

Investor

    121,514       579,172       700,686       13,976       219,308       233,284  

Commercial

    4,500,043       199,920       4,699,963       1,546,812       204,844       1,751,656  

Commercial construction

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Commercial Business

    297,915       -       297,915       141,266       -       141,266  

Home Equity

    21,579       -       21,579       8,751       -       8,751  

Consumer

    -       29,236       29,236       -       40,790       40,790  

Total - Substandard

    5,249,654       1,869,377       7,119,031       2,042,781       1,403,887       3,446,668  
                                                 

Rating - Doubtful

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

Rating - Loss

    -       -       -       -       -       -  

TOTAL LOANS

  $ 272,324,778     $ 115,515,899     $ 387,840,677     $ 209,897,546     $ 129,102,286     $ 338,999,832  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

In the normal course of business, the Bank has various outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities that are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Loan commitments and lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition to the contract. Mortgage loan commitments generally have fixed interest rates, fixed expiration dates, and may require payment of a fee. Other loan commitments generally have fixed interest rates. Lines of credit generally have variable interest rates. Such lines do not represent future cash requirements because it is unlikely that all customers will draw upon their lines in full at any time.

 

The Bank’s maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the customer is the contractual amount of the credit commitment. Loan commitments, lines of credit, and letters of credit are made on the same terms, including collateral, as outstanding loans. The Bank has established an off-balance sheet reserve for potential losses associated with any outstanding commitment or unused line of credit. The off-balance sheet reserve is a percentage of the outstanding commitment or unused line of credit that is based upon a discounted charge-off history associated with each respective loan segment. The reserve at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 totaled $61,010 and $55,000, respectively. At December 31, 2017, management is not aware of any accounting loss to be incurred by funding these loan commitments now.

 

The Bank had the following outstanding commitments and unused lines of credit as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017:

 

   

December 31,

   

March 31,

 
   

2017

   

2017

 
                 

Unused commercial lines of credit

  $ 10,059,219     $ 10,733,345  

Unused home equity lines of credit

    22,129,721       22,993,289  

Unused consumer lines of credit

    29,624       1,110,155  

Residential mortgage loan commitments

    -       -  

Residential construction loan commitments

    7,795,386       8,047,156  

Commercial construction loan commitments

    7,638,013       7,091,564  

Home equity loan commitments

    23,000       84,000  

Commercial & Industrial loan commitments

    1,909,622       1,089,218  

Standby letters of credit

    214,396       472,354  

 

 

 

Note 7:          Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The Company’s intangible assets (goodwill and core deposit intangible) at December 31, 2017 consists of assets recorded in December 2009 associated with the acquisition of a branch office in Pasadena, Maryland and the acquisitions of Fairmount and Fraternity in September 2015 and May 2016, respectively. Only the goodwill related to the branch office acquisition in the amount of $2.7 million is deductible for tax purposes. We evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis. The core deposit intangible asset is being amortized straight-line over a life of eight years.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The following table presents the changes in the net book value of intangible assets for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

           

Core deposit

 
   

Goodwill

   

intangible

 
                 

Balance March 31, 2016

  $ 6,767,811     $ 618,300  

Additions (1)

    1,936,142       242,020  

Post acquisition adjustments

    (81,524 )     -  

Amortization expense

    -       (89,506 )

Balance December 31, 2016

  $ 8,622,429     $ 770,814  

 

           

Core deposit

 
   

Goodwill

   

intangible

 

Balance March 31, 2017

  $ 8,563,530     $ 739,298  

Amortization expense

    -       (94,548 )

Balance December 31, 2017

  $ 8,563,530     $ 644,750  

 

(1) - Additions to intangible assets are related to acquisition of Fraternity Community.

 

The post-acquisition adjustment to goodwill shown in the table above for the prior year period represents a $451,000 write-down of several owner-occupied residential investor loans to one borrower that were acquired in the Fairmount acquisition and recording of a deferred tax asset of $544,000 for the net operating loss (NOL) from Fairmount’s final tax return. With regards to the investor loans, information we were not aware of at the time of the acquisition became available during the quarter ended June 30, 2016. Had we known this information at the time of the acquisition, we would have deemed these loans as impaired and valued them accordingly.

 

At December 31, 2017, future expected annual amortization associated with the core deposit intangible is as follows:

 

Year ending March 31,

 

Amount

 
         

2018

  $ 31,518  

2019

    126,072  

2020

    123,739  

2021

    98,072  

2022

    98,072  

2023

    98,072  

2024

    64,163  

2025

    5,042  
    $ 644,750  

 

 

 

Note 8:          Derivative – Interest Rate Swap Agreement

 

The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. The notional amount of the interest rate swaps does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements. The Company posted $748,000 and $392,000 under collateral arrangements as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively, to satisfy collateral requirements associated with the risk exposure associated with all interest rate swap agreements.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Interest Rate SWAPS Designated as Cash Flow Hedges

 

During fiscal 2017, the Company entered into several interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges. The interest rate swaps have notional amounts totaling $11.6 million as of December 31, 2017 and were designated as cash flow hedges of certain Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The purpose of the cash flow hedges is to match-fund longer-term assets with longer-term borrowings to reduce potential interest rate risk and cost by swapping a variable rate borrowing for a fixed rate borrowing. The aggregate fair value of the swaps is recorded in other assets (liabilities) with changes in fair value associated with the effective portion recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and the ineffective portion recorded in other non-interest income. The cash flow hedges were determined to be ineffective during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. As such, a total of $9,124 of ineffectiveness has been reported in net loss for the period ending December 31, 2017.

 

Summary information about the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of year-end is as follows:

 

   

Notional

 

Effective

     

Pay Fixed

 

Receive

Interest Rate Swap

 

Amount

 

Start Date

 

Maturity Date

 

Rate

 

Floating Rate

FHLB Advance Swap 1

  $ 1,850,000  

March 9, 2017

 

March 9, 2022

    2.24 %

3-Month LIBOR

FHLB Advance Swap 2

    1,850,000  

March 9, 2017

 

March 9, 2024

    2.41 %

3-Month LIBOR

FHLB Advance Swap 3

    1,850,000  

March 9, 2017

 

March 9, 2027

    2.57 %

3-Month LIBOR

FHLB Advance Swap 4

    2,000,000  

March 29, 2017

 

March 29, 2022

    2.08 %

3-Month LIBOR

FHLB Advance Swap 5

    2,000,000  

March 29, 2017

 

March 29, 2024

    2.24 %

3-Month LIBOR

FHLB Advance Swap 6

    2,000,000  

March 29, 2017

 

March 29, 2027

    2.40 %

3-Month LIBOR

    $ 11,550,000                  

 

Interest expense recorded on the swap transactions totaled $33,966 and $102,864 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, respectively and is reported as a component of interest expense on FHLB Advances.

 

The following table reflects cash flow hedges included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

Notional

           

Notional

         
   

Amount

   

Fair Value

   

Amount

   

Fair Value

 
                                 

Included in liabilities:

                               

Interest rate swaps related to FHLB Advances

  $ 11,550,000     $ (69,974 )   $ 11,550,000     $ (83,634 )

 

The following tables present the net gains (losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the Consolidated Statements of Income relating to the cash flow derivative instruments for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017:

 

   

Three Month and Period Ended December 31, 2017

 
   

Amount of Gain

   

Amount of Gain

   

Amount of Gain

 
   

(Loss) Recognized

   

(Loss) Reclassified

   

(Loss) Recognized in

 
   

in OCI

   

from OCI to

   

Other Noninterest Income

 
   

(Effective Portion)

   

Interest Income

   

(Ineffective Portion)

 
                         

Interest Rate Contracts

  $ 122,388     $ -     $ (5,445 )

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

   

Nine Month and Period Ended December 31, 2017

 
   

Amount of Gain

   

Amount of Gain

   

Amount of Gain

 
   

(Loss) Recognized

   

(Loss) Reclassified

   

(Loss) Recognized in

 
   

in OCI

   

from OCI to

   

Other Noninterest Income

 
   

(Effective Portion)

   

Interest Income

   

(Ineffective Portion)

 
                         

Interest Rate Contracts

  $ 22,784     $ -     $ (9,124 )

 

 

Interest Rate SWAPS Designated as Fair Value Hedges

 

The derivative position relates to a transaction in which the Bank entered into an interest rate swap with another financial institution using a fixed rate commercial real estate loan as an offset. The Bank agrees to pay the other financial institution a fixed interest rate on a notional amount based upon the commercial real estate loan and in return receive a variable interest rate on the same notional amount. This transaction allows the Bank to effectively convert a fixed rate loan to a variable rate. Because the terms of the swap with the other financial institution and the commercial real estate loan offset each other, with the only difference being credit risk associated with the loan, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contract and the commercial real estate loan are not materially different and do not significantly impact the Bank’s results of operations.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company entered into the interest rate swap agreement with a $3.3 million notional amount to convert a fixed rate commercial real estate loan at 3.99% into a variable rate for a term of approximately 10 years. The notional amount of the interest rate swap and the offsetting commercial real estate loan were $3.1 million at December 31, 2017. The derivative is designated as a fair value hedge.

 

Credit risk arises from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Bank’s exposure is limited to the replacement value of the contract rather than the notional amount, principal, or contract amount. There are provisions in the agreement with the counterparty that allow for certain unsecured credit exposure up to an agreed threshold. Exposures in excess of the agreed threshold are collateralized. In addition, the Bank minimizes credit risk through credit approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures.

 

The fair value hedge is summarized below:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

Notional

Amount

   

Principal

Amount

   

Fair Value

   

Notional

Amount

   

Principal

Amount

   

Fair Value

 
Included in loans and leases:                                                

Commercial real estate loan

  $ -     $ 3,113,423     $ 3,118,607     $ -     $ 3,175,044     $ 3,201,691  
                                                 
Included in other liabilities:                                                

Interest rate swap

  $ 3,113,423       -     $ 5,184     $ 3,175,044       -     $ 26,647  

 

 

No gain or loss was recognized in earnings with respect to the interest rate swap for the three or nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 due to the fact the gain or increase in the fair value of the commercial real estate loan was offset by the loss or decrease in the fair value of the interest rate swap.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Note 9:          Deposits

 

The following table details the composition of deposits and the related percentage mix of total deposits, respectively:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

Amount

   

% of Total

   

Amount

   

% of Total

 

Savings

  $ 42,481,085       11 %   $ 44,614,415       11 %

Noninterest-bearing checking

    27,337,694       7 %     30,401,454       7 %

Interest-bearing checking

    25,709,045       7 %     26,415,189       7 %

Money market accounts

    51,800,203       13 %     62,962,902       15 %

Time deposits

    244,862,537       62 %     247,632,742       60 %
    $ 392,190,564       100 %   $ 412,026,702       100 %

Premium on deposits asssumed

    500,426               829,072          

Total deposits

  $ 392,690,990             $ 412,855,774          

 

 

 

Note 10:          Lines of Credit and Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

 

The Bank may borrow up to $5,000,000 from a correspondent bank under a secured federal funds line of credit and $1,000,000 under an unsecured federal funds line of credit. The Bank would be required to pledge investment securities to draw upon the secured line of credit. There were no borrowings under these lines of credit at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017. The Bank also maintains a note payable on an automobile purchased during fiscal 2017. The original amount of the note was $28,805 with an interest rate of 1.95% for 36 months. The balance of the note at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 is $20,200 and $27,250, respectively.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Borrowings consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). The Bank may borrow up to 25 percent of its assets under a line of credit agreement with the FHLB. Advances under the line of credit are secured by certain loans owned by the Bank. At December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, the Bank had $64.8 million and $88.2 million, respectively, of available credit from the FHLB. Advances are limited by the balance of loans available for pledge. The amount of loans that were deemed eligible to pledge as collateral totaled $163.0 million at December 31, 2017 and $159.1 million at March 31, 2017. As a condition of obtaining the line of credit from the FHLB, the FHLB also requires the Bank purchase shares of capital stock in the FHLB. Information relating to borrowings at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 is presented below.

 

   

December 31, 2017

 

March 31, 2017

 
   

Amount

   

Rate

 

Maturity Date

 

Amount

   

Rate

   

Maturity Date

 

FHLB advance (1)

  $ 5,550,000       1.48 %

3/9/2018

  $ 5,550,000       0.94 %  

6/9/2017

 

FHLB advance (2)

    6,000,000       1.52 %

3/29/2018

    6,000,000       0.93 %  

6/29/2017

 

FHLB advance

    7,000,000       1.41 %

1/29/2018

    1,000,000       4.24 %  

7/31/2017

 

FHLB advance

    1,000,000       2.60 %

7/2/2018

    5,000,000       4.28 %  

7/31/2017

 

FHLB advance

    1,000,000       3.05 %

7/3/2018

    1,000,000       4.01 %  

8/21/2017

 

FHLB advance

    5,000,000       3.94 %

7/23/2018

    1,000,000       0.91 %  

8/31/2017

 

FHLB advance

    1,000,000       1.35 %

7/31/2018

    1,500,000       3.23 %  

11/24/2017

 

FHLB advance

    1,000,000       1.40 %

8/21/2018

    1,500,000       3.40 %  

11/27/2017

 

FHLB advance

    3,000,000       1.41 %

8/27/2018

    1,000,000       2.60 %  

7/2/2018

 

FHLB advance

    4,000,000       1.44 %

8/27/2018

    1,000,000       3.05 %  

7/3/2018

 

FHLB advance

    5,000,000       3.38 %

9/19/2018

    5,000,000       3.94 %  

7/23/2018

 

FHLB advance

    1,000,000       2.60 %

10/2/2018

    5,000,000       3.38 %  

9/19/2018

 

FHLB advance

    1,000,000       1.59 %

12/31/2018

    1,000,000       2.60 %  

10/2/2018

 

FHLB advance

    3,000,000       1.38 %

7/31/2019

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    3,000,000       1.59 %

8/26/2019

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    3,000,000       1.48 %

8/26/2019

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    3,000,000       1.42 %

8/26/2019

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    1,500,000       1.95 %

11/25/2019

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    1,500,000       1.78 %

11/27/2019

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    1,000,000       2.15 %

11/30/2020

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    2,000,000       2.28 %

12/28/2020

    -       -       -  

FHLB advance

    3,000,000       1.48 %

8/25/2021

    -       -       -  

Note payable - auto

    20,200       1.95 %

2/17/2020

    27,250       1.95 %  

2/17/2020

 
      62,570,200                 35,577,250                  

Premium on borrowings assumed

    195,187                 547,649                  

Total FHLB borrowings

  $ 62,765,387               $ 36,124,899                  

 

(1) -

FHLB Advance is tied to three derivative cash flow hedges in increments of $1.85 million each. The three individual cash flow hedges are for a term of five, seven and ten years, respectively and are tied to the 3-month LIBOR rate. In order for the cash flow hedges to remain effective, the corresponding FHLB Advance will have to be renewed every three months until the respective cash flow hedge matures. 

   

(2) -

FHLB Advance is tied to three derivative cash flow hedges in increments of $2.0 million each. The three individual cash flow hedges are for a term of five, seven and ten years, respectively and are tied to the 3-month LIBOR rate. In order for the cash flow hedges to remain effective, the corresponding FHLB Advance will have to be renewed every three months until the respective cash flow hedge matures. 

 

 

 

Note 11:          Regulatory Capital Ratios

 

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations for banks, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.

 

The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for Hamilton Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions). Quantitative measures established by the Basel III Capital Rules to ensure capital adequacy require the maintenance of minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and Total Capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital to adjusted quarterly average assets (as defined).

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

In connection with the adoption of the Basel III Capital Rules, we elected to opt-out of the requirement to include accumulated other comprehensive income in Common Equity Tier 1. Common Equity Tier 1 for Hamilton Bank is reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets, net of associated deferred tax liabilities and subject to transition provisions.

 

Under the revised prompt corrective action requirements, as of January 1, 2015, insured depository institutions are required to meet the following in order to qualify as “well capitalized:” (1) a Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5%; (2) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8%; (3) a Total risk-based capital ratio of 10% and (4) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5%. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules to be considered “well capitalized” under prompt corrective action rules.

 

The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and is being phased in over a four-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). The Basel III Capital Rules also provide for a “countercyclical capital buffer” that is applicable to only certain covered institutions and does not have any current applicability to Hamilton Bank.

 

The aforementioned capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer (or below the combined capital conservation buffer and countercyclical capital buffer, when the latter is applied) will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall.

 

The following table presents actual and required capital ratios as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 for Hamilton Bank and the Company under the Basel III Capital Rules. The minimum required capital amounts presented include the minimum required capital levels as of January 1, 2015 based on the phase-in provisions of the Basel III Capital Rules and the minimum required capital levels as of January 1, 2019 when the Basel III Capital Rules are fully phased-in. Capital levels required to be considered well capitalized are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, as amended to reflect the changes under the Basel III Capital Rules.

 

                   

Minimum Capital

   

Minimum Capital

                 
                   

Required - Basel III

   

Required - Basel III

   

To be well

 
   

Actual

   

Phase-In Schedule

   

Fully Phased-In

   

capitalized (1)

 
    Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  

December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands)

                                                               
                                                                 

Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

  $ 41,135       11.01 %   $ 21,399       5.750 %   $ 26,051       7.00 %   $ 24,190       6.50 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    49,374       13.22 %     21,474       5.750 %     26,143       7.00 %     24,275       6.50 %

Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

    43,805       11.73 %     34,425       9.250 %     39,077       10.50 %     37,216       10.00 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    52,045       13.94 %     34,546       9.250 %     39,214       10.50 %     37,347       10.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

    41,135       11.01 %     26,981       7.250 %     31,633       8.50 %     29,773       8.00 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    49,374       13.22 %     27,076       7.250 %     31,745       8.50 %     29,877       8.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

    41,135       8.19 %     20,080       4.000 %     20,080       4.00 %     25,100       5.00 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    49,374       9.75 %     20,260       4.000 %     20,260       4.00 %     25,325       5.00 %

 

(1) - Under prompt corrective action

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

                   

Minimum Capital

   

Minimum Capital

                 
                   

Required - Basel III

   

Required - Basel III

   

To be well

 
   

Actual

   

Phase-In Schedule

   

Fully Phased-In

   

capitalized (1)

 
    Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  

March 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands)

                                                               
                                                                 

Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

  $ 40,084       12.13 %   $ 18,996       5.750 %   $ 23,126       7.00 %   $ 21,474       6.50 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    48,318       14.56 %     19,078       5.750 %     23,225       7.00 %     21,566       6.50 %

Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

    42,334       12.81 %     30,559       9.250 %     34,689       10.50 %     33,037       10.00 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    50,568       15.24 %     30,690       9.250 %     34,838       10.50 %     33,179       10.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

    40,084       12.13 %     23,952       7.250 %     28,081       8.50 %     26,429       8.00 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    48,318       14.56 %     24,055       7.250 %     28,202       8.50 %     26,543       8.00 %

Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)

                                                               

Hamilton Bank

    40,084       8.28 %     19,365       4.000 %     19,365       4.00 %     24,207       5.00 %

Hamilton Bancorp

    48,318       9.96 %     19,402       4.000 %     19,402       4.00 %     24,253       5.00 %

 

(1) - Under prompt corrective action

 

Tier 1 capital consists of total shareholders’ equity less goodwill, intangible assets, and deferred tax net operating loss carryforwards. Total capital includes a limited amount of the allowance for loan losses and a portion of any unrealized gain on equity securities. In calculating risk-weighted assets, specified risk percentages are applied to each category of asset and off-balance-sheet items.

 

Failure to meet the capital requirements could affect, among other things, the Bank's ability to accept brokered deposits and may significantly affect the operations of the Bank. During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, the Company transferred $3.0 million in cash down to the Bank as capital to increase the Bank’s lending capacity and enhance the Bank’s capital ratios after falling below the Bank’s self-imposed internal minimum capital level of 8% in the quarter prior.

 

In its regulatory report filed as of December 31, 2017, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and was considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines. Management is not aware of any events that would have caused this classification to change. Management has no plans that should change the classification of the capital adequacy.

 

 

 

Note 12:          Stock Based Compensation

 

In November 2013, the Company’s shareholders approved a new Equity Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Incentive Plan’’). The 2013 Equity Incentive Plan allows for up to 148,120 shares to be issued to employees, executive officers or Directors in the form of restricted stock, and up to 370,300 shares to be issued to employees, executive officers or Directors in the form of stock options. At December 31, 2017, there were 83,900 restricted stock awards issued and outstanding and 247,850 stock option awards granted under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Stock Options:

 

Under the above plan, the exercise price for stock options is the market price at date of grant. The maximum option term is ten years and the options granted shall vest in five equal annual installments of 20% with the first installment becoming exercisable on the first anniversary of the date of grant and succeeding installments on each anniversary thereafter. The Company plans to issue new shares to satisfy share option exercises. The total expense that has been incurred for the stock option plan was $57,392 and $172,177 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and $52,302 and $156,907 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a closed form option valuation (Black-Scholes) model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. Expected volatilities are based on historical data. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected term of options granted represents the period that options granted are expected to be outstanding, which considers that the options are not transferable. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury rate equal to the expected term of the option in effect at the time of the grant.

 

The fair value of options granted to date was determined using the following weighted-average assumptions as of grant date.

 

Grant Date

 

Number of

Options Granted

   

Risk Free

Interest Rate

   

Expected Term

(in years)

   

Expected Stock Price Volatility

   

Dividend

Yield

   

Fair Value of

Options Granted

 
                                                 

February 3, 2014

    225,150       2.07 %     7.0       27.30 %     0.00 %   $ 4.65  

November 1, 2016

    19,000       1.61 %     7.0       27.17 %     0.00 %   $ 4.35  

February 3, 2017

    3,700       2.27 %     7.0       27.26 %     0.00 %   $ 5.18  

 

The following tables summarize the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the periods ended:

 

Nine months ended December 31, 2017:

 

Shares

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

   

Weighted Average Remaining

Contractual Term

(in years)

 

Outstanding at April 1, 2017

    242,350     $ 13.84       7.1  

Granted

    -       -       -  

Exercised

    -       -       -  

Forfeited, exchanged or expired

    -       -       -  

Outstanding at December 31, 2017

    242,350     $ 13.84       6.3  
                         

Vested at December 31, 2017

    135,590     $ 13.84       6.2  

 

Fiscal year ended March 31, 2017:

 

Shares

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

   

Weighted Average

Remaining

Contractual Term

(in years)

 

Outstanding at April 1, 2016

    219,650     $ 13.85       7.8  

Granted

    22,700       13.78       10.0  

Exercised

    -       -       -  

Forfeited, exchanged or expired

    -       -       -  

Outstanding at March 31, 2017

    242,350     $ 13.84       7.1  
                         

Vested at March 31, 2017

    131,790     $ 13.85       6.8  

 

As of December 31, 2017, there was $305,664 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount that the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. Based upon a fair market value of $15.40 at December 31, 2017, the options outstanding had an intrinsic value of $377,298.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Restricted Stock:

 

The specific terms of each restricted stock award are determined by the Compensation Committee at the date of the grant. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. Restricted stock awards granted shall vest in five equal annual installments of 20% with the first installment becoming vested on the first anniversary of the date of grant and succeeding installments on each anniversary thereafter.

 

The following table presents a summary of the activity in the Company’s restricted stock for the periods ended:

 

           

Weighted-Average

 

December 31, 2017:

 

Shares

   

Fair Value

 

Nonvested shares at April 1, 2017

    36,220     $ 13.76  

Granted

    -       -  

Vested

    (380 )     13.61  

Forfeited

    -       -  

Nonvested shares at December 31, 2017

    35,840     $ 13.76  
                 

Fair Value of shares vested at December 31, 2017

  $ 740,124          

 

           

Weighted-Average

 

March 31, 2017:

 

Shares

   

Fair Value

 

Nonvested shares at April 1, 2016

    50,600     $ 13.76  

Granted

    2,000       13.93  

Vested

    (16,380 )     13.78  

Forfeited

    -       -  

Nonvested shares at March 31, 2017

    36,220     $ 13.76  
                 

Fair Value of shares vested at March 31, 2017

  $ 731,888          

 

The Company recorded restricted stock awards expense of $57,819 and $173,457 during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and $56,426 and $169,279 during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there was $283,264 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares granted under the 2013 stock incentive plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years.

 

 

 

Note 13:          Fair Value Measurements

 

Generally accepted accounting principles define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value, and establish a hierarchy for determining fair value measurement. The hierarchy includes three levels and is based upon the valuation techniques used to measure assets and liabilities. The three levels are as follows:

 

Level 1: Valuation is based on quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;

 

Level 2: Valuation is determined from quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or by model-based techniques in which all significant inputs are observable in the market; and

 

Level 3: Valuation is derived from model-based techniques in which at least one significant input is unobservable and based on the Company’s own estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use to value the asset or liability.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The following is a description of the valuation methods used for instruments measured at fair value as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the applicable valuation method.

 

Fair value measurements on a recurring basis

 

Securities available for sale – If quoted prices are available in an active market for identical assets, securities are classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. As of December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the Bank has categorized its investment securities available for sale as follows:

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

         

December 31, 2017

 

inputs

   

inputs

   

inputs

   

Total

 
                                 

U.S. government agencies

  $ -     $ 2,731,323     $ -     $ 2,731,323  

Municipal bonds

    -       10,489,586       1,570,405       12,059,991  

Corporate bonds

            1,927,786       -       1,927,786  

Mortgage-backed securities

    -       62,663,669       2,297       62,665,966  

Total investment securities available for sale

  $ -     $ 77,812,364     $ 1,572,702     $ 79,385,066  

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

         

March 31, 2017

 

inputs

   

inputs

   

inputs

   

Total

 
                                 

U.S. government agencies

  $ -     $ 3,512,303     $ -     $ 3,512,303  

Municipal bonds

    -       14,239,526       1,928,313       16,167,839  

Corporate bonds

            1,916,522       -       1,916,522  

Mortgage-backed securities

    -       80,829,991       2,473       80,832,464  

Total investment securities available for sale

  $ -     $ 100,498,342     $ 1,930,786     $ 102,429,128  

 

Derivative – Interest rate swap agreements – The fair values of derivatives are based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (Level 2). The quantitative models that are used utilize multiple market inputs. The inputs will vary based on the type of derivative, but could include interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, prepayment rates, and volatility factors to value the position. The majority of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services. As of December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the bank has categorized its interest rate swaps and related loan as follows:

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

         

December 31, 2017

 

inputs

   

inputs

   

inputs

   

Total

 
                                 

Loans - Commercial real estate loan

  $ -     $ 3,118,607     $ -     $ 3,118,607  

Derivative - Interest rate swap designated as fair value hedge

    -       (5,184 )     -       (5,184 )

Derivatives - Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge

    -       (69,974 )     -       (69,974 )

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

         

March 31, 2017

 

inputs

   

inputs

   

inputs

   

Total

 
                                 

Loans - Commercial real estate loan

  $ -     $ 3,201,691     $ -     $ 3,201,691  

Derivative - Interest rate swap designated as fair value hedge

    -       (26,647 )     -       (26,647 )

Derivatives - Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge

    -       (83,634 )     -       (83,634 )

 

The following table presents the valuation and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017:

 

         

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

Range of

 

Description

 

Fair Value

 

Methodology

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 
                         

Investment securities

  $ 1,572,702  

3rd party valuation

 

Discount to reflect current market conditions

   0.00% - 10.00%  

 

The following table presents a reconciliation of the investments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the periods presented:

 

   

Nine Months Ended

   

Year Ended

 
   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 

Balance, beginning of year

  $ 1,930,786     $ 1,898,640  
                 

Transfers in:

               

Municipal bonds

    -       1,928,313  

Mortgage-backed securities

    -       2,473  

Corporate bonds

    -       -  
                 

Transfers out:

               

Municipal Bonds

    312,228       -  

Corporate bonds

    -       1,898,640  
                 

Change in valuation

    (45,856 )     -  
                 

Balance, end of period

  $ 1,572,702     $ 1,930,786  

 

Fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis

 

Impaired Loans - The Bank has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan's collateral. Fair value is generally determined based upon independent appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values. As of December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the fair values consist of loan balances of $9,142,748 and $5,657,048 that have been written down by $272,707 and $285,359, respectively, because of specific loan loss allowances.

 

Foreclosed real estate – The Bank's foreclosed real estate is measured at the lower of carrying value or fair value less estimated cost to sell. At December 31, 2017, and March 31, 2017, the fair value of foreclosed real estate was estimated to be $451,249 and $503,094, respectively. Fair value was determined based on offers and/or appraisals. Cost to sell the assets was based on standard market factors. The Company has categorized its foreclosed assets as Level 3.

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

Premises and equipment held for sale – The Bank’s premises and equipment held for sale is measured at the fair value less estimated cost to sell. The assets in fiscal 2017 were acquired in the acquisition of Fraternity and sold during the quarter ending December 31, 2017. Fair value was determined based upon appraisals and the cost to sell these assets was determined using standard market factors. The Company has categorized its premises and equipment held for sale as Level 3.

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

         
   

inputs

   

inputs

   

inputs

   

Total

 

December 31, 2017

                               
                                 

Impaired loans

  $ -     $ -     $ 8,870,041     $ 8,870,041  

Foreclosed real estate

    -       -       451,248       451,248  

Premises and equipment held for sale

    -       -       -       -  

 

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

         
   

inputs

   

inputs

   

inputs

   

Total

 

March 31, 2017

                               
                                 

Impaired loans

  $ -     $ -     $ 5,371,689     $ 5,371,689  

Foreclosed real estate

    -       -       503,094       503,094  

Premises and equipment held for sale

    -       -       547,884       547,884  

 

The following table presents the valuation and unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2017:

 

         

Valuation

 

Unobservable

 

Range of

 

Description

 

Fair Value

 

Methodology

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 
                           

Impaired loans, net of allowance

  $ 8,870,041  

Appraised value

 

Discount to reflect current market conditions

    0.00% - 25.00%  
                           
         

Discounted cash flows

 

Discount rates

    2.63% - 7.25%  
                           

Foreclosed real estate

  $ 451,248  

Appraised value

 

Discount to reflect current market conditions

    0.00% - 25.00%  

 

The following table summarizes changes in foreclosed real estate for the periods shown, which is measured on a nonrecurring basis using significant unobservable, level 3, inputs.

 

   

Nine Months

   

Fiscal Year

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 

Balance at beginning of period

  $ 503,094     $ 443,015  

Transfer to foreclosed real estate

    17,305       126,575  

Write-down of foreclosed real estate

    (31,955 )     -  

Proceeds from sale of foreclosed real estate

    (35,897 )     (60,258 )

Loss on sale of foreclosed real estate

    (1,299 )     (6,238 )

Balance at end of period

  $ 451,248     $ 503,094  

 

 

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 

The remaining financial assets and liabilities are not reported on the balance sheets at fair value on a recurring basis. The calculation of estimated fair values is based on market conditions at a specific point in time and may not reflect current or future fair values.

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

 
   

Carrying

   

Fair

   

Carrying

   

Fair

 
   

amount

   

value

   

amount

   

value

 

Financial assets

                               

Level 1 inputs

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 10,086,838     $ 10,086,838     $ 29,353,921     $ 29,353,921  
                                 

Level 2 inputs

                               

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    3,103,900       3,103,900       2,020,200       2,020,200  

Bank-owned life insurance

    18,623,339       18,623,339       18,253,348       18,253,348  
                                 

Level 3 inputs

                               

Certificates of deposit held as investment

    499,212       492,774       499,280       505,641  

Loans receivable, net of unearned income

    385,884,075       384,560,104       335,678,292       337,183,808  
                                 

Financial liabilities

                               

Level 3 inputs

                               

Deposits

    392,690,990       392,466,742       412,855,774       413,148,503  

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance

    1,108,006       1,108,006       1,868,110       1,868,110  

Borrowings

    62,765,387       62,178,116       36,124,899       36,697,631  

 

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents and advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance are estimated to equal the carrying amount.

 

The fair values of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and bank-owned life insurance are estimated to equal carrying amounts, which are based on repurchase prices of the FHLB stock and the insurance company.

 

The fair value of fixed-rate loans is estimated to be the present value of scheduled payments discounted using interest rates currently in effect. The fair value of variable-rate loans, including loans with a demand feature, is estimated to equal the carrying amount. The valuation of loans is adjusted for estimated loan losses.

 

The fair value of certificates of deposit held as investments is estimated based on interest rates currently offered for certificates of deposit with similar remaining maturities.

 

The fair value of interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts is equal to the carrying amount. The fair value of fixed-maturity time deposits is estimated based on interest rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

 

The fair value of borrowings is estimated based on interest rates currently offered for borrowings of similar remaining maturities.

 

The fair value of outstanding loan commitments and unused lines of credit are the same as the contractual amounts, and are not included in the table above. These commitments generate fees that approximate those currently charged to originate similar commitments.

 

 

 

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

 

Statements included in this management's discussion and analysis include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, including tangible common equity, in its analysis of the Company's performance. The tangible common equity non-GAAP reconciliation, which includes tangible book value per share, is presented within the “Summary of Recent Performance and Other Activities” section below.

 

Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company without regard to transactional activities. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. 

 

Safe Harbor Statement for Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts; rather they are statements based on the Company’s current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “intends”, and similar expressions.

 

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company’s actual results, performance, and achievements being materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, legislative and regulatory changes, the quality and composition of the loan and investment securities portfolio, loan demand, deposit flows, competition, and changes in accounting principles and guidelines. Additional factors that may affect our results are discussed in Part II, Item 1A of this form 10-Q and Item 1A of Hamilton Bancorp, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed June 29, 2017 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the sections titled “Risk Factors”. These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

General

 

Hamilton Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation incorporated on June 7, 2012 by Hamilton Bank (the “Bank”) to be its holding company following the Bank’s conversion from the mutual to the stock form of organization (the “Conversion”). The Conversion was completed on October 10, 2012. On that same date, the Company completed its public stock offering and issued 3,703,000 shares of its common stock for aggregate proceeds of $37,030,000, and net proceeds of $35,580,000. The Company’s business is the ownership of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank. Subsequently, on December 21, 2017, the Bank converted its charter from a federal savings bank to a Maryland state-chartered commercial bank and now operates under the laws of the State of Maryland. In conjunction with the Bank’s charter conversion, Hamilton Bancorp converted from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company. The charter conversion is part of the bank’s strategic plan which will allow it to continue to focus on growth opportunities in commercial, consumer and mortgage lending as well as small business and retail banking. The Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation will serve as the Bank's primary regulator with federal oversight provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  Hamilton Bancorp will continue to be regulated by the Federal Reserve Board..

 

 

Founded in 1915 and recently celebrating its 100th year anniversary, the Bank is a community-oriented financial institution, dedicated to serving the financial service needs of consumers and businesses within its market area, which is considered greater Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and northern Virginia. We offer a variety of deposit products and provide loans secured by real estate located in our market area. Our real estate loans consist primarily of one-to four-family mortgage loans, as well as commercial real estate loans, and home equity loans and lines of credit. We also offer commercial term and line of credit loans and, to a limited extent, consumer loans. We currently operate out of our corporate headquarters in Towson, Maryland and our seven full-service branch offices located in Baltimore City, Cockeysville, Towson, Rosedale, Ellicott City and Pasadena, Maryland. The Company does not own or lease any real property but instead uses the premises, equipment and other property of the Bank.

 

On May 13, 2016, the Company acquired Fraternity Community Bancorp, Inc. (“Fraternity”), the parent company of Fraternity Federal Savings and Loan in an all cash transaction for $25.7 million. In addition, the Company acquired Fairmount Bancorp, Inc. (“Fairmount”), the parent company of Fairmount Bank on September 11, 2015 in an all cash transaction for $14.2 million. The two acquisitions combined added three branches to our branch structure in the Baltimore area (See Note 3 – “Acquisition” of the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion about the Fraternity acquisition).

 

The Company and the Bank maintain an Internet website at http://www.hamilton-bank.com. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Summary of Recent Performance and Other Activities

 

The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Hamilton Bank, continued to show improvement in pre-tax income, overall revenue, and loan growth during the three months ending December 31, 2017 compared to the same period a year ago. Interest revenue improved $204,000, or 4.7% to $4.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 compared to the same period a year ago as the Company continued to generate loans organically and through purchases. Interest revenue was partially offset by a $177,000 increase in interest expense over this same period due to the rise in interest rates.

 

Non-interest revenue increased $175,000, or 60.6%, to $463,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $288,000 for the same period ended December 31, 2016. A large portion of this increase is related to the sale of one of our branch locations in Baltimore City, which was sold in December 2017 at a gain of $213,000. On a comparative basis, excluding the gain on sale of the branch, there were increases relating to service charges on deposits, offset by losses on the sale of investment securities and a decrease in other fee generated income, a reduction in gain on the sale of loans and earnings on bank-owned life insurance due to lower rates. The Company made a decision at the beginning of the current fiscal year to hold in portfolio most of our residential loan originations versus selling them in the secondary market to partially offset the increased run-off associated with this loan type.

 

Non-interest expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 was $3.3 million, an increase of $213,000 from the quarter ended December 31, 2016. The increase in operating expenses is partially related to our recent charter conversion, as well costs associated with growing our loan portfolio through loan purchases. The growth of the loan portfolio and its impact is reflected in the increase in interest revenue quarter-over-quarter. Because of the revenue growth, we have been able to maintain our efficiency ratio at 81.2% for the three months ending December 31, 2017 as compared to 80.0% for the three months ending December 31, 2016 despite the increase in non-interest expenses. The largest increase in our noninterest expenses for the respective periods is in salaries because of bonus accruals and strategic new hires focused on branch efficiency and new products. The Company also recognized higher legal costs associated with certain loan purchases and other administrative matters, including our conversion to a state chartered bank. These increases were partially offset by decreases in other expenses largely composed of other professional services and data processing. Management remains committed to reducing operational expenses and achieving higher efficiencies.

 

 

The following highlights contain additional financial data and events that have occurred during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017:

 

 

The Company reported pre-tax income of $425,000 and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, respectively, compared to pre-tax income of $1,000 and a net loss of $18,000 for the comparable periods ending December 31, 2016. The prior year nine-month period included $657,000 in acquisition and branch consolidation related expenses.

 

 

During the quarter-ended December 31, 2017, the Company performed a revaluation of its net deferred tax assets as a result of the reduction in the corporate income tax rate that was enacted through the federal government’s passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017. The revaluation resulted in a one-time adjustment of $2.2 million that was recorded through income tax expense.

 

 

Due to the revaluation of the net deferred tax assets, the Company reported an after-tax loss of $1.9 million, or $0.60 loss per common share, and $1.1 million, or $0.35 loss per common share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017, respectively, compared to net income of $59,000 and $48,000 for the comparable periods ending December 31, 2016.

 

 

Net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $3.6 million, or $27,000 higher compared to the same period a year ago. For the nine months ended December 31, 2017, net interest income increased $583,000, or 5.7%, to $10.8 million compared to $10.3 million for the nine-month period a year ago.

 

 

The net interest margin increased 8 basis points over the comparable nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 because of the increase in net interest income. The net interest margin for the nine-month periods improved from 2.99% to 3.07%, respectively. The net interest margin for the comparable three-month periods ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 remained unchanged at 3.07%.

 

 

A gain of $213,000 was realized on the sale of our Pigtown branch located in Baltimore City, along with the disposal of certain equipment. This branch is being relocated within the same community to a smaller space that will provide operational cost savings.

 

 

The efficiency ratio improved from 90.8% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 to 81.7% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017; an improvement of 10.0%. The improvement is attributable to increased revenue and the reduction of non-interest expenses, including acquisition related expenses.

 

 

Total assets grew $5.4 million, increasing from $514.5 million at March 31, 2017 to $520.0 million at December 31, 2017.

 

 

Gross loans grew to $387.8 million, up $48.8 million, or 14.4% at December 31, 2017, compared to $339.0 million at March 31, 2017. Growth in loans was due to organic growth and the purchase of several loan pools throughout the year. Total loans purchased through the nine months ended December 31, 2017 is approximately $51.0 million and consisted of residential mortgage, commercial business and consumer loan portfolios. The respective loan purchases improved the diversity of our loan portfolio.

 

 

Nonperforming loans increased from $2.3 million at March 31, 2017 to $6.6 million at December 31, 2017. The increase is primarily attributable to one commercial real estate loan with a book value of $3.2 million that was placed on nonaccrual during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. There has been no impairment identified with this loan based upon the current collateral value of the property. As a result of this loan, the percentage of nonperforming loans to gross loans increased from 0.69% at March 31, 2017 to 1.71% at December 31, 2017.

 

 

The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans declined from 94.5% at March 31, 2017 to 39.3% at December 31, 2017. During fiscal 2018, the Company has experienced net charge-offs totaling $210,000 and recorded a loan loss provision of $625,000 associated with growth within the loan portfolio and charge-offs. In comparison, the Company recorded net charge-offs of $678,000 and a provision for loan loss of $1.0 million for the same period a year ago.

 

 

 

Total deposits decreased $20.2 million from $412.9 million at March 31, 2017 to $392.7 million at December 31, 2017, while borrowings increased $26.6 million from $36.1 million to $62.8 million over the same period. Core deposits (consisting of all deposits except certificates of deposits) declined $17.1 million to $147.3 million, respectively. The decline is attributable to the end of a promotional rate on certain money market accounts and the competitive pricing within the deposit market. Core deposits represent 37.6% of total deposits at December 31, 2017 compared to 36.5% of total deposits at December 31, 2016.

 

 

The Company ended December 31, 2017 with a book value of $17.42 per common share and a tangible book value of $14.72 per common share compared to $17.53 and $14.80, respectively, at March 31, 2017. Tangible book value decreased because of the net income reported for the quarter. Tangible book value, a non-GAAP measure, was determined as follows:

 

   

December 31,

   

March 31,

 
   

2017

   

2017

 

Tangible book value per common share:

               

Total shareholders' equity

  $ 59,405,187     $ 59,791,230  

Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets

    (9,208,280 )     (9,302,828 )

Tangible common equity (Non-GAAP)

  $ 50,196,907     $ 50,488,402  
                 

Outstanding common shares

    3,411,075       3,411,075  
                 

Book value per common share (GAAP)

  $ 17.42     $ 17.53  
                 

Tangible book value per common share (Non-GAAP)

  $ 14.72     $ 14.80  

 

 

The Company maintained strong liquidity based upon the amount and make-up of its investment portfolio and at December 31, 2017 the Bank was deemed “well capitalized” under federal regulations.

 

Strategic Plan

 

We have based our 2018-2020 strategic plan on the objective of improving shareholder value through creating sustainable and profitable growth given the current and expected economic and competitive environment in the financial services industry. Our short-term focus and goals include continuing the growth of our loan portfolio, changing the mix of our deposit base to be more concentrated in lower costing core deposits, collecting payments on non-accrual and past due loans, enhancing and improving credit quality, expanding fee income, maintaining an efficient branch network, and using technology to improve efficiencies and enhance the customer experience.

 

We identified several strategic priorities in our three year Strategic Plan. Those priorities included focusing on the following core areas:

 

    Efficient Operating Revenue Growth – Generating sustainable, profitable operating revenue through smart growth of earning assets that are funded by low-cost core deposits and growth of noninterest income. In addition, we will focus on efficient utilization of the Bank’s assets and other resources. This strategic priority includes prudent loan growth, sales strategies to attract and grow small business deposits and other fee income services, strategic marketing campaigns, studying and benchmarking efficiency and productivity, and focusing on ways to utilize technology to drive earnings. With our recent acquisitions and enhanced lending platform, we have been able to increase revenues and improve our efficiency ratio while managing our operating expenses. In addition, we have completed a bench marking study and hired a Marketing Director who has implemented several new campaigns that promote the Bank and reach out to new customers.
     
 

Well-defined and integrated delivery channels – Create and support delivery channels and branch strategy that leverages technology and optimizes efficiencies. This strategy will focus on enhancing the overall customer experience through a seamless integration of all delivery channels, including both existing and newly rolled-out channels. Recently we opened a newly relocated branch that consists of a smaller space and a new modern design and look. The innovative design eliminates the traditional teller line and allows our employees to assist and interact more closely with our customers. We are putting in place Small Business Developers to work with our branches and increase our presence in the communities we serve. Innovative technology has been implemented that allows customers to do even more on-line using our website.

 

 

 

Acquisition strategy and planning - It is expected that the banking industry will continue to consolidate over the coming years due to a competitive market and the cost of regulatory compliance. Hamilton Bancorp is well positioned to take advantage of strategic opportunities that present themselves either through potential mergers or acquisitions in our marketplace. This may include other financial institutions, individual branches, or loan purchases. The focus will be on proactive evaluation and contact with potential targets and the implementation of a capital strategy to fund such acquisitions, including investor relations. These opportunities, however, will be aligned with our strategic vision and goal of creating shareholder value and growth. We currently have no agreements or arrangements relating to any merger or acquisition. We have successfully completed the purchase of several loan portfolios in the past year. These loan purchases have enhanced our revenues and diversified our loan portfolio.

 

Although the current economic climate continues to present significant challenges for the financial industry, management feels that based on our strategic initiatives we have positioned the Company to capitalize on the opportunities that may become available in the current economy, as well as a healthier economy going forward.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expenses. We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be critical accounting policies. The estimates and assumptions that we use are based on historical experience and various other factors and are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, resulting in a change that could have a material impact on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

 

For a discussion of significant accounting policies, see Note 1—Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following are the accounting policies that we believe require the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as current information becomes available:

 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the estimated amount considered necessary to cover inherent credit losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through the provision for losses on loans which is charged against income. In determining the allowance for loan losses, management makes significant estimates and has identified this policy as one of our most critical accounting policies.

 

Management, at a minimum, performs a quarterly evaluation of the allowance for loan losses. Consideration is given to historical losses in conjunction with a variety of other factors including, but not limited to, current economic conditions, delinquency statistics, geographic and industry concentrations, the adequacy of the underlying collateral, the financial strength of the borrower, results of internal loan reviews and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.

 

The analysis has two components, specific and general allocations. Specific allocations can be made for estimated losses related to loans that are determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses. If the fair value of the loan is less than the loan’s carrying value, a charge is recorded for the difference. The general allocation is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, risk weighting (if applicable) and payment history. We also analyze historical loss experience, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and geographic and industry concentrations. This analysis establishes factors that are applied to the loan groups to determine the amount of the general reserve.

 

 

We cannot predict with certainty the amount of loan charge-offs that we will incur. Our regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically reviews our allowance for credit losses. Such agencies may require that we recognize additions to the allowance for credit losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from management’s estimates, additional provisions to the allowance for credit losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.

 

Securities Valuation and Impairment. We classify our investments in debt and equity securities as either held to maturity or available for sale. Securities classified as held to maturity are recorded at cost or amortized cost. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value. We obtain our fair values from a third-party service. This service’s fair value calculations are based on quoted market prices when such prices are available. If quoted market prices are not available, estimates of fair value are computed using a variety of techniques, including extrapolation from the quoted prices of similar instruments or recent trades for thinly traded securities, fundamental analysis, or through obtaining purchase quotes. Due to the subjective nature of the valuation process, it is possible that the actual fair values of these investments could differ from the estimated amounts, thereby affecting our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

If the estimated value of investments is less than the cost or amortized cost, we evaluate whether an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. If such an event or change has occurred and we determine that the impairment is other-than-temporary, we record the impairment of the investment in the period in which the event or change occurred. We also consider how long a security has been in a loss position in determining if it is other than temporarily impaired. Management also assesses the nature of the unrealized losses taking into consideration factors such as changes in risk-free interest rates, general credit spread widening, market supply and demand, creditworthiness of the issuer, and quality of the underlying collateral. At December 31, 2017, all of our securities were either issued by U.S. government agencies, U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, municipalities, or corporations.     

 

Goodwill Impairment. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The Company is considered the Reporting Unit for purposes of impairment testing. Impairment testing requires that the fair value of the Company be compared to the carrying amount of the Company’s net assets, including goodwill. If the fair value of the Company exceeds the book value, no write-down of recorded goodwill is required. If the fair value of the Company is less than book value, an expense may be required to write-down the related goodwill to the proper carrying value. We test for impairment of goodwill during February of each year. We estimate the fair value of the Company utilizing four valuation methods including the Comparable Transactions Approach, the Control Premium Approach, the Public Market Peers Approach, and the Discounted Cash Flow Approach.

 

Based on our impairment testing as of February 2017, there was no evidence of impairment of the Company’s goodwill or intangible assets.

 

Business Combinations. Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method of accounting, acquired assets and assumed liabilities are included with the acquirer's accounts as of the date of acquisition at estimated fair value, with any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired (including identifiable core deposit intangibles) capitalized as goodwill. In the event that the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the purchase price, an acquisition gain is recorded for the difference in the consolidated statements of operations for the period in which the acquisition occurred. The core deposit intangible asset is recognized as an asset apart from goodwill when it arises from contractual or other legal rights or if it is capable of being separated or divided from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged. In addition, acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs are recognized as period expenses as incurred.

 

 

Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset/liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets for the future consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period indicated by the enactment date. We establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when, in the judgment of management, it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not become realizable. Potential tax reform and the decrease of corporate tax rates could impact the carrying amount of our deferred tax asset and require the establishment of a valuation allowance. The judgment about the level of future taxable income is dependent to a great extent on matters that may, at least in part, be beyond our control. It is at least reasonably possible that management’s judgment about the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets could change in the near term.

 

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017

 

Assets. Total assets increased $5.4 million to $520.0 million at December 31, 2017 from $514.5 million at March 31, 2017. The increase is primarily attributable to a $48.8 million increase in gross loans, partially offset by a $19.3 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents, a $23.0 million decline in investment securities, and a $2.8 million decrease in net deferred tax assets.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $19.3 million, or 65.6%, to $10.1 million at December 31, 2017 from $29.3 million at March 31, 2017. The decline from March 31, 2017 is in part a result of cash and investments used to purchase various pools of residential mortgage, commercial business, and consumer loans throughout the year; thereby converting lower interest-earning cash and investments into higher interest-earning loans. In addition, the cash proceeds from investment paydowns were also utilized to assist with the decrease in our deposit base.    

 

Investment Securities. Our investment portfolio consists primarily of investment grade securities including U.S. government agency and government-sponsored entity (“GSEs”) securities, securities issued by states, counties and municipalities, corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2017, all securities are classified as available for sale. While we usually intend to hold investment securities until maturity, this classification provides us the opportunity to divest of securities that may no longer meet our liquidity objectives.

 

Investment securities decreased $23.0 million, or 22.5%, to $79.4 million at December 31, 2017, from $102.4 million at March 31, 2017. The decrease is related to $12.2 million in cash flows resulting from normal principal payments associated with the mortgage-backed security portfolio, as well as the sale of $11.6 million in securities during fiscal 2018, including $7.4 million of securities sold in the quarter ended December 31, 2017. The sale of securities to date has resulted in a loss of $2,000. The fair value of the investment portfolio improved $246,000 from an unrealized net loss position of $2.2 million at March 31, 2017 to an unrealized net loss position of $1.9 million at December 31, 2017. The increase in fair value of the investment portfolio is a result of the change in interest rates over the first nine months of the fiscal year and the passage of time as certain investments get closer to maturity.

 

We have evaluated securities with unrealized losses for an extended period of time and determined that these losses are temporary because, at this point in time, we have the ability to hold them until maturity. Currently, we have no intent to sell these securities; however, if market conditions or funding needs change, we may sell securities if needed. As the maturity date moves closer and/or interest rates decline, we expect that any unrealized losses for individual securities in the portfolio will decline or dissipate. As a result, we have not identified any portion of the unrecorded loss as being attributed to credit deterioration in the issuer of the security.

 

 

Loans. Excluding loan premiums and loan origination fees and costs, gross loans receivable increased by $48.8 million, or 14.4%, to $387.8 million at December 31, 2017 from $339.0 million at March 31, 2017. The increase is attributable to organic growth and approximately $51.0 million in loan purchases throughout the year. The various loan purchases included residential mortgages, commercial business, and consumer loans. Included in gross loans at December 31, 2017 are acquired loans with a book balance of $115.5 million associated with the acquisitions of Fraternity and Fairmount institutions (these loans are reflected in the “acquired” loan column of the table below). At December 31, 2017, gross loans receivable represented 74.6% of total assets compared to 65.9% of total assets at March 31, 2017. The following table details the composition of loans and the related percentage mix and growth of total loans:

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

   

Year-To-Date Growth

 
                           

Percent

                           

Percent

           

Growth

 
   

Legacy

   

Acquired

   

Total

   

of Total

   

Legacy

   

Acquired

   

Total

   

of Total

   

Amount

   

Percent

 

Real estate loans:

                                                                               

One-to four-family:

                                                                               

Residential

  $ 80,477,455     $ 74,701,711     $ 155,179,166       40.0 %   $ 67,126,677     $ 83,892,389     $ 151,019,066       44 %   $ 4,160,100       2.8 %

Residential construction

    6,752,565       -       6,752,565       1.7 %     6,426,076       -       6,426,076       2 %     326,489       5.1 %

Investor

    7,375,997       18,208,906       25,584,903       6.6 %     6,742,469       18,779,644       25,522,113       8 %     62,790       0.2 %

Commercial

    100,857,452       12,160,844       113,018,296       29.1 %     92,665,689       14,898,523       107,564,212       32 %     5,454,084       5.1 %

Commercial construction

    3,995,441       856,970       4,852,411       1.3 %     1,881,541       1,308,652       3,190,193       1 %     1,662,218       52.1 %

Total real estate loans

    199,458,910       105,928,431       305,387,341       78.7 %     174,842,452       118,879,208       293,721,660       87 %     11,665,681       4.0 %

Commercial business

    38,988,229       1,928,232       40,916,461       10.6 %     19,518,029       2,019,337       21,537,366       6 %     19,379,095       90.0 %

Home equity loans

    13,802,091       6,874,136       20,676,227       5.3 %     13,278,229       7,266,141       20,544,370       6 %     131,857       0.6 %

Consumer

    20,075,548       785,100       20,860,648       5.4 %     2,258,836       937,600       3,196,436       1 %     17,664,212       552.6 %

Total loans

  $ 272,324,778     $ 115,515,899     $ 387,840,677       100.0 %   $ 209,897,546     $ 129,102,286     $ 338,999,832       100 %   $ 48,840,845       14.4 %

 

The Company’s largest concentration of loans continues to be residential one-to four-family loans as a result of the loans acquired in the Fraternity and Fairmount acquisitions. This loan portfolio comprises 40.0% of the entire loan portfolio at December 31, 2017, an increase of $4.2 million from March 31, 2017. This growth is primarily related to the purchase of $13.1 million in residential mortgage loans during the third quarter of fiscal 2018. In addition, over the last half of fiscal 2017 and into fiscal 2018 we began to portfolio many of the traditional residential mortgage loans we originated, versus selling them in the secondary market, due to the increase in normal attrition within this loan segment resulting from our acquisitions. Prior to that time, we generally sold these loans in the secondary market at a premium to assist with managing interest rate risk and to enhance non-interest revenue.

 

In fiscal 2015, as a means to supplement our residential loan portfolio, the Company began to promote its one-to-four family residential construction lending program. Over the first nine months of fiscal 2018, the Bank has originated commitments of $11.7 million in residential construction loans. At December 31, 2017, we had $11.8 million in residential construction commitments, of which $5.1 million in funds have been advanced; compared to $11.8 million in residential construction commitments at March 31, 2017 of which $6.0 million in funds had been advanced. The construction period on residential homes is typically nine to twelve months, at which time the Bank is often repaid through permanent financing by a third party.

 

Real estate investor loans represent funds advanced to borrowers for the purchase or refinance of non-owner occupied one-to-four family properties. These loans make up $25.6 million, or 6.6%, of total gross loans at December 31, 2017, including a remaining balance of $18.2 million that were acquired from Fraternity and Fairmount. This type of lending typically involves more risk than originating owner-occupied one-to-four family residential mortgages and as such, the Bank typically refrains from originating this type of loan organically.

 

 

The Bank continues to focus on growth through origination or purchase of both commercial real estate and commercial business loans as these loans offer higher rates of return and shorter maturity periods than typical retail lending. The second largest increase in loans over the first half of fiscal 2018, is a $19.4 million, or 90.0%, increase in commercial business loans from $21.5 million at March 31, 2017 to $40.9 million at December 31, 2017. In the last half of fiscal 2017, management focused on diversifying the commercial loan portfolio and seeking more asset-based type lending relationships both organically and through purchases. The majority of the increase in commercial business loans is related to the purchase of a $15.4 million pool of commercial business loans at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The pool of loans consists of commercial lease loans that are concentrated in equipment that is necessary to operate a business segment, such as medical equipment. Over this same period, commercial real estate loans have also grown by $5.5 million, or 5.1%, from $107.6 million at March 31, 2017 to $113.0 million at December 31, 2017. Commercial real estate comprises 29.1% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2017, although this percentage has declined slightly from 31.7% at March 31, 2017 due to the growth and diversification of the commercial business loan portfolio over this same period. The Bank continues to see the benefits of our commercial lending platform that was restructured in the first half of fiscal 2016, with new personnel and improved underwriting and monitoring procedures, from both an origination and credit quality perspective.

 

As a means to continue to increase revenue and diversify the loan portfolio, a group of consumer loans totaling $18.4 million was purchased in August 2017 from another financial institution. This portfolio of loans was collateralized by various makes and models of recreational vehicles (RV). Prior to this purchase, the consumer portfolio made up less than 1.0% of the total loan portfolio. This purchase increased our consumer loan balances significantly from $3.2 million at March 31, 2017 to $20.9 million at December 31, 2017; accounting for 5.4% of the entire loan portfolio. As a result, we were able to further diversify the composition of the loan portfolio and increase our net interest income.

 

Bank-Owned Life Insurance. We invest in bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) to provide us with a funding source for our benefit plan obligations. BOLI also provides us noninterest income that is tax-exempt. Federal regulations generally limit our investment in BOLI to 25% of our Tier 1 capital plus our allowance for loan losses (“total capital”). At December 31, 2017, our investment in bank-owned life insurance remained relatively unchanged at $18.6 million compared to $18.3 million at March 31, 2017 and was at 42.5% of Bank total capital due to the BOLI that was assumed in the Fraternity acquisition. Due to the amount of BOLI currently held, the Company has no plans to purchase additional BOLI in the near term. The increase reflected since the beginning of fiscal 2018 is associated with the increase in the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policies.

 

Deposits. Total deposits (excluding premiums on acquired deposits) decreased $19.8 million to $392.2 million at December 31, 2017 from $412.0 million at March 31, 2017. The Company continues to focus on changing its deposit mix to rely less on time deposits as a primary funding source and attract lower costing core deposits, consisting of savings, checking, and money market accounts. This has proven to be a challenge in fiscal 2018 as we have seen core deposits decline despite our efforts in a competitive market. Overall core deposits have decreased $17.1 million, or 10.4%, to $147.3 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $164.4 million at March 31, 2017. This decline is attributable to the end of a promotional rate on certain money market accounts, as well as a very competitive deposit market and normal business cycles associated with our commercial customers at calendar year end. On a year-over-year comparison, however, core deposits have only decreased $1.4 million, or 0.9%, at December 31, 2017. Core deposits accounted for 37.6% of total deposits at December 31, 2017, compared to 39.9% at March 31, 2017. The Bank is currently running deposit promotions to attract new customers in a competitive deposit market.   

 

 

The following table details the composition of deposits and the related percentage mix and growth of total deposits.

 

   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

   

Year-To-Date Growth

 
           

Percent

           

Percent

           

Growth

 
   

Total

   

of Total

   

Total

   

of Total

   

Amount

   

Percent

 

Savings

  $ 42,481,085       11 %   $ 44,614,415       11 %   $ (2,133,330 )     -4.8 %

Noninterest-bearing checking

    27,337,694       7 %     30,401,454       7 %     (3,063,760 )     -10.1 %

Interest-bearing checking

    25,709,045       7 %     26,415,189       7 %     (706,144 )     -2.7 %

Money market accounts

    51,800,203       13 %     62,962,902       15 %     (11,162,699 )     -17.7 %

Time deposits

    244,862,537       62 %     247,632,742       60 %     (2,770,205 )     -1.1 %
    $ 392,190,564       100 %   $ 412,026,702       100 %   $ (19,836,138 )     -4.8 %

Premium on deposits asssumed

    500,426               829,072               (328,646 )        

Total deposits

  $ 392,690,990             $ 412,855,774             $ (20,164,784 )        

 

As loan demand increases or we look to purchase other loan portfolios, our strategy with respect to deposits has been to maintain our current certificate of deposit base, as we focus on growing our lower costing core deposits at a faster pace. We hope to accomplish this by pricing more competitively in the marketplace or through short-term certificate of deposit promotions. However, there may be instances when funding demands are more immediate. To meet these demands, the Company entered into a contract and began utilizing a certificate of deposit subscription service in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. As a result, we were able to obtain $10.6 million in certificate of deposits in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 through this service. The cost of these deposits is more expensive than traditional certificates of deposit because of the ability to provide the funding needed in a timely manner, but can be less costly than borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank or other sources. We may continue to utilize this service as a funding source when other less costly means are not able to meet our funding requirements.

 

Borrowings. Borrowings consist of both short and long-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and a note payable associated with an automobile. At December 31, 2017, outstanding advances from the FHLB increased $27.0 million to $62.6 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $35.6 million at March 31, 2017. The increase is attributable to additional FHLB advances that were entered into to fund various loan purchases throughout the year. Already included in the FHLB advances is $15.0 million in FHLB advances assumed in the Fraternity acquisition, of which $10 million is to mature in fiscal 2019 and $5.0 million that matured last quarter and were rolled over. The advances assumed from Fraternity were originally longer-term borrowings and carried higher rates of interest varying from 3.4% to 4.3%. As a result of the higher stated rates, the Company recorded a discount of $794,000 when accounting for the borrowings at fair value upon acquisition. At December 31, 2017, the remaining discount is $166,000. The accretion of this discount offsets the higher contractual rate on these borrowings.

 

At December 31, 2017, $33.0 million of the total advances are considered short-term and mature in less than one year, while the remaining $29.6 million in advances are considered long-term and mature in more than one year. Included in long-term advances is $11.6 million in advances that mature on a quarterly basis; however, they are associated with several cash flow hedge transactions and will be continuously renewed over the expected life of the hedged transactions. The hedge transactions currently have an average life of 6.5 years. Excluding the advances associated with the hedge transactions, the longest outstanding borrowing is for $3.0 million and matures in August 2021.

 

The FHLB borrowings provide an alternative means to support the cash outflow needed to fund new loan originations in coordination with deposit growth. FHLB borrowings can provide a less expensive means to support cash outflow when compared to selling higher yielding investment securities. These obligations are secured by our residential and home equity loan portfolios. At December 31, 2017, we had the ability to borrow approximately $64.8 million in additional funds from the FHLB, subject to our pledging sufficient assets. These obligations will be repaid as our cash position strengthens.

 

 

Equity. Total equity decreased $386,000, or 0.6%, to $59.4 million at December 31, 2017 from $59.8 million at March 31, 2017. The change in equity is primarily attributable to a net loss of $1.1 million reported for the first nine months of fiscal 2018, partially offset by a $394,000 increase in additional paid in capital resulting from the expense derived from equity awards granted in prior periods. In addition, accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased $218,000 due to the increase in the fair value of the investment portfolio. The fair value of the investment portfolio increased over the first nine months due to the change in interest rates over that period and the passage of time as certain investments get closer to maturity. The Company’s book value per common share was $17.42 at December 31, 2017 compared to $17.53 at March 31, 2017.

 

 

Comparison of Asset Quality at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017

 

The Bank’s asset quality remains a primary focus of management and the Board of Directors. Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2017 were $7.1 million, an increase of $4.3 million from March 31, 2017 and a $3.6 million increase from December 31, 2016. Nonperforming assets to total assets increased from 0.55% at March 31, 2017 to 1.36% at December 31, 2017. Nonperforming assets and related ratios at or for the respective periods were as follows:

 

   

At

   

At

   

At

 
   

December 31, 2017

   

March 31, 2017

   

December 31, 2016

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 
                         

Nonaccruing loans

  $ 6,195     $ 2,302     $ 3,045  

Accruing loans delinquent more than 90 days

    441       21       -  

Foreclosed real estate

    451       503       460  

Total nonperforming assets

  $ 7,087     $ 2,826     $ 3,505  
                         

Asset Quality Ratios:

                       

Nonperforming loans to gross loans

    1.71 %     0.69 %     0.92 %

Nonperforming assets to total assets

    1.36 %     0.55 %     0.70 %

Net charge-offs (annualized) to average loans

    0.08 %     0.92 %     0.28 %

 

Included in nonperforming loans are accruing loans delinquent more than 90 days. These loans represent loans that are on accrual status and paying under the contractually agreed upon terms of the note, however, such loans are 90 days past their contractual maturity date, and therefore reported as nonperforming. At December 31, 2017, these loan balances were slightly elevated as they related to many smaller investor (residential non-owner occupied) loans that matured at the same time. The Bank’s credit department is diligently working through these loans and obtaining required information so that these loans can either be renewed or extended accordingly.

 

Nonaccrual loans increased to $6.2 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $2.3 million at March 31, 2017 and $3.0 million a year ago. The $3.9 million increase from March 2017 to December 2017 is primarily attributable to one commercial real estate loan with a book value of $3.2 million that was placed on nonaccrual last quarter and a group of residential investor loans totaling $527,000 that were placed on nonaccrual this quarter. Approximately $72,000 was charged-off in relation to the residential investor loans, while there was no impairment identified with the commercial real estate loan based upon the most recent collateral value of the property. The one commercial real estate property is currently listed for sale by the borrower.

 

Also reported as a part of nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 are two commercial real estate loans that are associated with the same borrower. Together these loans have a contractual principal balance of $3.4 million and a recorded investment balance of $1.3 million at December 31, 2017. Life-to-date we have charged-off $1.8 million associated with these loans, including a $107,000 charge-off this quarter based upon a new appraised value. These loans were placed on nonaccrual in October 2015 due to legal issues and the concern of collectability. The loans are classified as a Trouble Debt Restructure (“TDR”) and the borrower continued to make interest only payments through July 2016, which were applied by the Bank as a principal reduction to the loans. The borrower currently has the property listed for sale by a broker. Management is actively exploring other options to resolve this problem credit that may or may not result in additional write-downs. As of December 31, 2017, there were no other commercial real estate or business loans on nonaccrual.

 

 

The remaining balance of nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2017 consisted of $901,000 in one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, including four loans with a book balance of $472,000 that were acquired loans. The remaining $429,000 of nonaccrual one-to-four family residential mortgage loans consists of 20 different loans with smaller outstanding balances, four of which make up $243,000 of this total.

 

Delinquencies 30-89 days past due increased $695,000 to $1.3 million at December 31, 2017 from $579,000 at March 31, 2017. Included in total delinquencies were three commercial lease loans totaling $455,000, one commercial real estate loan for $186,000, and one residential mortgage loan for $249,000. The remaining balance of delinquencies are made up of smaller loan balances, including recreational vehicles totaling $200,000. The Bank is monitoring the delinquent loans closely and working with the borrowers to develop a payment plan to make the loans current again. If the borrowers are unable to bring these loans current or unable to re-pay or re-finance the respective loans, there could be future charge-offs associated with these loans based upon collateral values.

 

Foreclosed real estate decreased $52,000 from $503,000 at March 31, 2017 to $451,000 at December 31, 2017 and consisted of four properties. One of the four properties consist of semi-developed land with a fair value of $411,000. This property was written-down by $32,000 during the recent quarter based upon a newly obtained appraised value. The property is listed for sale and is participated with another financial institution, with Hamilton being the lead lender. The remaining three properties totaling $40,000 are comprised of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, all of which are participations that Hamilton owns less than 15% of and is not the lead lender.

 

The Bank recorded a $625,000 provision for loan loss during the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to a $1.0 million provision for loan loss for the same period a year ago. The provision for loan loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 was a result of an increase in loan growth primarily stemming from the purchase of several loan portfolios throughout the year and some charge-offs previously discussed. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2017 totaled $2.6 million, or 0.67% of gross loans, compared to $2.2 million, or 0.65% of gross loans, at March 31, 2017. The change in this percentage, despite additional provisions, was due to the increase in overall loan balances. This overall percentage remains relatively low compared to peers because of our recent acquisitions. As outlined in note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, loans acquired in an acquisition are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date with no carryover of the related allowance for loan and lease losses. We continue to monitor and manage the acquired loan portfolio to determine if additional provisions are necessary in relation to the estimated fair value placed on those loans as determined by management.

 

The activity in the allowance for loan losses for the nine-month period ending December 31, 2017 includes $236,000 in charge-offs, offset by $26,000 in recoveries and a $625,000 provision for loan losses. We review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses no less than quarterly and are proactively managing problem assets. Based upon our analysis, we believe this allowance appropriately reflects the inherent risk of loss in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2017. We estimate the allowance for loan losses within a range based upon our charge-off history and certain environmental factors.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)

 

General. Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 was a loss of $1.9 million, or $0.60 per common share, compared to net income of $59,000, or $0.02 per common share for the quarter ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in net income was a result of the passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Act amended the Internal Revenue Code to reduce income tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. For businesses, the Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum 35 percent to a flat 21 percent tax rate. As a result, our net deferred tax assets of $7.5 million, which were based upon a 34 percent corporate tax rate, had to be re-evaluated to reflect the new tax rate of 21 percent. This one-time non-cash adjustment is estimated to be $2.2 million and is recorded through income tax expense. Pre-tax income for the quarter, however, was $425,000 compared to $1,000 for the quarter ending December 31, 2016; a period-over-period increase of $424,000 The increase in pre-tax income resulted primarily from a $27,000 increase in net interest income, a $175,000 increase in noninterest revenue, and a $435,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses, partially offset by a $213,000 increase in noninterest expenses.

 

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $27,000 to $3.6 million for the three-months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $3.6 million for the three-months ended December 31, 2016. The increase in net interest income was due to a $204,000 increase in interest revenue, partially offset by a $177,000 increase in interest expense. The increase in interest revenue was due to an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets as lower yielding assets, particularly investments and interest-bearing deposits with banks, were re-invested into higher yielding loans. The average yield increased 13 basis points from 3.71% to 3.84%. Over this same period, the average balance in interest-earning assets increased $4.4 million, or 0.9%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2017 as the average balance in loans receivable continued to grow.

 

The increase in interest expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same quarter last year was the result of a 17 basis points increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased from 0.71% for the three months ended December 31, 2016 to 0.88% for the three months ended December 31, 2017. In addition, the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities also increased $1.7 million from $418.7 million to $420.2 million. The increase resulted from the growth in average borrowings, partially offset by a decrease in average interest-bearing deposits. The net interest margin decreased 1 basis point from 2.99% for the three months ended December 31, 2016 to 2.98% for the three months ended December 31, 2017.

 

Interest Revenue. Interest revenue increased $204,000, or 4.7% to $4.6 million during the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The increase resulted from the increase in interest and fees on loans, partially offset by decreases in interest revenue earned on investment securities and federal funds sold and other bank deposits.

 

Interest and fees on loans increased $226,000, or 5.8%, to $4.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $3.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The increase in interest and fees on loans is due to a $44.2 million increase in the average balance of net loans from $327.3 million to $371.5 million quarter-over-quarter. The increase in average loans is attributable to organic growth generated by our commercial lending area and strategic loan purchases over the past year. Partially offsetting the increase in the average balance of loans is a 32 basis point decline in the average yield earned on loans from 4.74% for the quarter ending December 31, 2016 to 4.42% for the quarter ending December 31, 2017. The decline in yield is a result of the extended low interest rate environment and the competitive pressure relating to pricing.

 

Interest revenue on investment securities decreased $12,000 to $439,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from $451,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The average balance of investment securities decreased $16.8 million, or 15.7%, to $90.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from $107.0 million for the same period last year, while the average yield increased 26 basis points to 1.95% from 1.69%. The largest decrease in investment securities was in mortgage-backed securities, which decreased $14.9 million to $67.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from $82.9 million for the same period last year. The average balance of investment securities also decreased quarter-over-quarter by $1.8 million. The decrease in average investments is attributable to $7.4 million in securities that were sold during the most recent quarter and the utilization of excess cash in the second half of fiscal 2017 to purchase new securities that have since paid down through normal attrition.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $177,000, or 23.6%, to $924,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $748,000 for the same period in fiscal 2017, due to the increase in the average cost of both interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. The average cost of deposits increased nine basis points from 0.69% for the three months ended December 31, 2016 to 0.78% for the three months ended December 31, 2017. The increase in interest expense associated with the average cost of interest-bearing deposits was partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits decreased $25.7 million, or 6.5%, to $366.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from $392.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016. Because of the increase in costs that were offset by the decline in average balances, the interest expense associated with interest-bearing deposits only increased $40,000, or 5.9%, period-over-period. In the last quarter of fiscal 2017 and during the second quarter of this year, we began to offer a money market account with a 6-month promotional rate to attract core deposits. As a result, the average cost associated with money market accounts has increased from 0.38% to 0.50% quarter-over-quarter, which contributed to the increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits.

 

 

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, average interest-bearing deposit balances increased or remained relatively unchanged for all types of deposits, except for the decreases in money market accounts and certificate of deposits, when compared to the same period a year ago. We remain focused on changing the mix of our deposit portfolio by maintaining our maturing certificates of deposits and growing lower cost core deposits, including savings, interest-bearing checking and money market accounts. This has proven to be a challenge in fiscal 2018 as we have seen our overall deposits decline despite our efforts in a competitive market. The average balance of time deposits decreased $25.5 million, or 9.6%, to $239.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 compared to $265.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2016. For the same two periods, average core interest-bearing deposits remained relatively unchanged, decreasing $132,000 to $126.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $127.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016.

 

Noninterest-bearing deposits allow us to fund growth in interest-earning assets at minimal cost. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased $4.4 million, or 17.5%, to $29.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $25.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016. This increase resulted from the efforts of our cash management personnel and commercial loan officers working with commercial clients to move their deposit relationship to Hamilton Bank.

 

For the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, average interest-bearing borrowings were $53.6 million compared to an average balance of $26.3 million for the same period a year ago. The increase in borrowings is associated with funds needed to purchase several loan portfolios over the past year and a declining deposit base. The borrowings primarily consisted of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. At December 31, 2017, the Bank had $62.6 million in outstanding advances from the FHLB, including $13.0 million in borrowings assumed through the Fraternity and Fairmount acquisitions. The borrowings carried an average rate of 1.57% for the three months ended December 31, 2017; a 44 basis points increase from 1.13% for the same period a year ago. Borrowing from the FHLB in today’s low interest rate environment can be a more cost-effective means to obtain funds if deposits are not growing compared to selling investment securities that are earning a higher yield.

 

 

Average Balances, Interest and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest revenue from average interest-earning assets, the dollar amounts of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting annualized average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing interest revenue or interest expense by the average balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented and have been annualized. Average balances have been calculated using average daily balances. No tax-equivalent adjustments were made. Nonaccrual loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

 

   

Three Months Ended December 31,

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
   

Average

           

Yield/

   

Average

           

Yield/

 
   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Cost

   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Cost

 

Interest-earning assets:

                                               

Interest bearing deposits with banks

  $ 12,850     $ 19       0.59 %   $ 35,824     $ 28       0.31 %

Investment securities (1)

    22,310       141       2.53 %     24,145       140       2.32 %

Mortgage-backed securities

    67,919       298       1.76 %     82,856       311       1.50 %

Loans receivable, net (2)

    371,486       4,103       4.42 %     327,336       3,879       4.74 %

Total interest-earning assets

    474,565       4,561       3.84 %     470,161       4,358       3.71 %

Noninterest-earning assets

    43,173                       42,425                  

Total assets

  $ 517,738                     $ 512,586                  
                                                 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                               

Certificates of deposit

  $ 239,920     $ 625       1.04 %   $ 265,448     $ 594       0.90 %

Money Market

    58,761       74       0.50 %     64,848       62       0.38 %

Statement savings

    43,080       13       0.12 %     44,806       17       0.15 %

NOW accounts

    24,996       2       0.03 %     17,315       1       0.02 %

Total interest-bearing deposits

    366,757       714       0.78 %     392,417       674       0.69 %

Borrowings

    53,645       210       1.57 %     26,280       74       1.13 %

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    420,402       924       0.88 %     418,697       748       0.71 %
                                                 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities and equity:

                                               

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    29,708                       25,274                  

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

    6,026                       7,014                  

Total liabilities

    456,136                       450,985                  

Total shareholders’ equity

    61,602                       61,601                  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 517,738                     $ 512,586                  
                                                 

Net interest income

          $ 3,637                     $ 3,610          

Net interest rate spread (3)

                    2.98 %                     2.99 %

Net interest-earning assets (4)

  $ 54,163                     $ 51,464                  

Net interest margin (5)

                    3.07 %                     3.07 %

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

    112.88 %                     112.29 %                

__________________________________

(1) Includes U.S agency and treasury securities, municipal and corporate bonds and to a much lesser extent, Federal Home Loan Bank equity securities.

(2) Loans on non-accrual status are included in average loans carrying a zero yield.

(3) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing libilities.

(4) Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

(5) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

 

 

Provision for Loan Losses. We establish provisions for loan losses that are charged to operations in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level believed, to the best of management’s knowledge, to cover all known and inherent losses in the portfolio both probable and reasonable to estimate at each reporting date. There was $345,000 charged to the provision for loan losses for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a provision for loan loss of $780,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. In the current quarter, $206,000 of the provision for loan loss is attributable to net charge-offs while the remaining $139,000 is related to the overall growth within the loan portfolio, particularly residential mortgage loans that include $13.1 million in loans that were purchased during the quarter. For the quarter ending December 31, 2016, the $780,000 charged to the provision for loan losses included a $622,000 charge-off relating to one commercial real estate relationship.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $2.6 million, or 39.3% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2017 compared to $2.1 million, or 67.78% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2016. The lower percentage overall at December 31, 2017 is due to two commercial real estate relationships with a combined book balance of $4.5 million that are on nonaccrual. If these loans were excluded, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans at December 31, 2017 would be 100.9%. These loans are reported at the estimated fair value of their underlying collateral and any respective charge-offs have been taken either this quarter or in prior periods.

 

During the three months ended December 31, 2017, loan charge-offs totaled $211,000 with recoveries of $5,000, compared to $677,000 in charge offs and $19,000 in recoveries during the three months ended December 31, 2016. During fiscal year 2018, we expect that we will continue our emphasis in growing organically commercial real estate and commercial business loans, which have higher interest rates than one-to four-family mortgage loans, but are generally considered to bear higher risk than one-to four-family mortgage loans and could contribute to higher loan loss provisions going forward.

 

Summary of Allowance for Loan Losses Activity. The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

   

Three Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 
                 

Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

  $ 2,471     $ 1,942  

Charge-offs:

               

Real estate loans:

               

Residential

    -       52  

Investor

    111       -  

Commercial

    100       622  

Commercial construction

    -       -  

Commercial business

    -       -  

Home equity

    -       -  

Consumer

    -       3  

Total charge-offs

    211       677  

Recoveries

    5       19  

Net charge-offs

    206       658  

Provision for loan losses

    345       780  

Allowance for loan losses at end of period

  $ 2,610     $ 2,064  
                 

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

    39.33 %     67.78 %

Allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding at the end of the period

    0.67 %     0.62 %

Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period (annualized)

    0.22 %     0.80 %

 

 

Noninterest Revenue. Noninterest revenue increased $175,000, or 60.6%, to $463,000 for the three-months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $288,000 for the three-months ended December 31, 2016. The following table outlines the changes in noninterest revenue for the three-month periods.

 

   

Three months ended

                 
   

December 31,

                 
   

2017

   

2016

   

$ Change

   

% Change

 

Service charges

  $ 109,151     $ 104,882     $ 4,269       4.1  

(Loss) gain on sale of investment securities

    (12,736 )     23,720       (36,456 )     (153.7 )

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

    -       1,438       (1,438 )     (100.0 )

Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment

    212,743       (11,043 )     223,786       2,026.5  

Earnings on bank-owned life insurance

    123,597       126,302       (2,705 )     (2.1 )

Other fees and commissions

    29,860       42,784       (12,924 )     (30.2 )
                                 

Total noninterest revenue

  $ 462,615     $ 288,083     $ 174,532       60.6  

 

Noninterest revenue was impacted during the three months ended December 31, 2017 by increases in service charges and gains on sale of property and equipment, partially offset by decreases in gain on sale of investments and loans held for sale, other fees and commissions, and earnings on bank-owned life insurance.

 

Service charges associated with retail and commercial deposit products increased $4,000, or 4.1% during the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period a year ago due to an $11.3 million increase in our checking accounts period-over-period. Management is focused on growing core deposits, particularly checking accounts, which typically generate more service fee income. We continue to review and evaluate our retail fee structure to be more in-line with our market area. Customers, however, have become more cost conscious of fees and better manage their deposit relationship with the Bank.     

 

The $213,000 gain on sale of property and equipment for the three months ended December 31, 2017 is related specifically to the sale of our Pigtown branch in Baltimore City, along with various furniture and equipment that was associated with the property. This branch is being relocated within the same community, but to a smaller, more efficient space that will provide operational cost savings. We are continuing to operate from the existing location in accordance with the sales agreement with the buyer until the new location is renovated and opened for operation, which is expected to be in March 2018.

 

Other fees and commissions include loan fees charged to customers, merchant credit card fees, and other smaller fees. The decrease with respect to the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016, is primarily related to loan fees. Loan fees include various charges to customers for loan applications, processing, and/or extensions. Loan fees for the three months ending December 31, 2017 decreased $19,000 to $11,000, compared to $30,000 for the same period a year ago.

 

The decrease in earnings on bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) is associated with lower interest rates offered by the insurance companies on the outstanding balance compared to the comparable period a year ago. The revenue earned from BOLI is exempt for tax purposes.

 

The other components that make up noninterest revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2017 include a decrease in gain on investment securities and gain on the sale of loans held for sale. The loss on sale of investment securities for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was associated with the sale of securities with a book value of $7.4 million. The securities were sold to provide additional liquidity.

 

 

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $213,000, or 6.8%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016. The following table outlines the changes in noninterest expense for those periods.

 

   

Three months ended

                 
   

December 31,

                 
   

2017

   

2016

   

$ Change

   

% Change

 

Salaries and benefits

  $ 1,819,035     $ 1,714,314     $ 104,721       6.1  

Occupancy

    259,595       234,310       25,285       10.8  

Advertising

    22,487       16,305       6,182       37.9  

Furniture and equipment

    92,894       93,058       (164 )     (0.2 )

Data processing

    176,114       206,596       (30,482 )     (14.8 )

Legal services

    153,615       47,831       105,784       221.2  

Other professional services

    218,879       284,979       (66,100 )     (23.2 )

Deposit insurance premiums

    91,470       63,571       27,899       43.9  

Foreclosed real estate expense and losses (gains)

    43,706       (1,578 )     45,284       2,869.7  

Other operating

    452,423       457,466       (5,043 )     (1.1 )
                                 

Total noninterest expense

  $ 3,330,218     $ 3,116,852     $ 213,366       6.8  

 

Overall our operating expenses have increased quarter-over-quarter due to costs associated with growing the loan portfolio and addressing other administrative matters, such as our charter conversion. Despite these increases, we have been able to manage a growing loan portfolio from an operational cost basis and continue to increase our interest revenue. This is reflected in our ability to essentially maintain our efficiency ratio at 81.2 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to 80.0 percent for the three months ended December 31, 2016. We hope to realize some of the benefit of operating as a larger financial institution and utilize greater economies of scale going forward.

 

The largest increase in noninterest expenses quarter-over-quarter was in salaries and benefits, which increased $105,000. During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company made strategic new hires that were focused on branch efficiency and new products. In addition, annual salary increases were awarded and the cost of health benefits increased, along with the cost recognized under our Employee Stock Ownership Plan resulting from the increase in our stock price over the past year. Also included in salaries and benefits for the three months ending December 31, 2017 and 2016, is $80,000 and $79,000 in expense, respectively, relating to equity awards granted to officers under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan. The equity awards provide for management to have an interest in the performance of the company and share in the benefit of an increase in shareholder value. Similarly, other operating expenses for the same periods include $35,000 and $30,000 in expense, respectively, associated with equity awards granted to Directors.

 

Legal expense for the quarter ending December 31, 2017 increased over the same quarter a year ago. The increase in legal costs is due in part to management’s engagement of counsel to assist with our charter conversion from a federal savings bank to a Maryland commercial bank. The charter conversion was approved and effective December 21, 2017. The charter conversion should reduce regulatory costs going forward. In addition, counsel has been sought to assist with compiling and reviewing agreements associated with loan purchases, as well as advise on the relocation of our Pigtown branch and other compliance matters. Counsel also continues to assist with the collection and foreclosure process associated with problem loans, as well as consult on how to proceed with certain problem borrowers.

 

Deposit insurance premiums increased due to the increase in the Bank’s asset size and the rate assessed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the government agency that insures deposits. The rate assessed by the FDIC is formula based and considers several financial factors, including nonperforming loans. Foreclosed real estate expense also increased quarter-over-quarter due to a $32,000 write-down of one of the Bank’s foreclosed real estate properties. This write-down was based upon a new appraisal obtained on the property. The remainder of foreclosed real estate expense is associated with the property taxes paid on the same property.

 

 

Certain other non-interest expenses, including furniture and equipment, data processing, and other operating expenses declined as a result of management’s continued focus on reducing costs where applicable. Some of these reductions have been obtained through the review or negotiation of vendor contracts, analysis of alternative sources, and more efficient means. We are in the process of re-locating our Pigtown branch to a smaller space to reduce costs and continue to look for alternatives to making our branches more efficient. Other professional services decreased in part due to the end of our contractual obligation under a consulting and non-compete agreement with one of the former Fraternity executives. Roughly $145,000 was recognized in the prior year quarter that related to these agreements.

 

Income Tax Expense. We recorded tax expense of $2.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 after pre-tax income of $425,000, compared to a tax benefit of $58,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2016 after pre-tax income of $1,000. The increase in tax expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 is directly related to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Act amended the Internal Revenue Code to reduce income tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. For businesses, the Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum 35 percent to a flat 21 percent tax rate. As a result, our net deferred tax assets of $7.5 million, which were based upon a 34 percent corporate tax rate, had to be re-evaluated to reflect the new tax rate of 21 percent. This one-time non-cash adjustment is estimated to be $2.2 million and is recorded through income tax expense. The effective income tax rates for the three-month periods ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 are skewed due to the deferred tax revaluation adjustment and the low pre-tax income with offsetting tax-exempt items, respectively. Certain items, such as bank-owned life insurance and certain municipal security interest are tax-exempt, while acquisition related expenses are not tax-deductible.

 

At December 31, 2017, the Company reported net deferred tax assets of $5.2 million compared to $8.0 million at March 31, 2017. The change is primarily due to the revaluation of the deferred tax assets resulting from the passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act discussed earlier, along with a decrease in net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards attributable to the net income reported for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The NOL carryforwards have a defined expiration date of 20 years from the date of creation.

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company continually assesses whether a deferred tax asset is more likely than not to be realized based on an evaluative process that considers all available positive and negative evidence. As part of this evaluative process, management considers the following sources of taxable income: 1) the future reversals of taxable temporary differences; 2) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; 3) taxable income in prior carryback years and; 4) tax planning strategies. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established to reduce the net carrying amount of deferred tax assets if it is determined to be more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has established a valuation allowance in the amount of $54,000 at December 31, 2017 because the Company believes that a portion of the state operating loss carryforwards and state tax credit carryforwards will not be utilized.

 

In making a conclusion, management has evaluated all available positive and negative evidence impacting these sources of taxable income. The positive evidence that is most heavily relied upon is future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. Based upon our analysis, there is more positive evidence than negative regarding the utilization of our deferred tax asset and the realization of our recorded deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017.

 

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)

 

General. Net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 was a loss of $1.1 million, or $0.35 per common share, compared to net income of $48,000, or $0.01 per common share for the same period ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in net income was a result of the passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Act amended the Internal Revenue Code to reduce income tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. For businesses, the Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum 35 percent to a flat 21 percent tax rate. As a result, our net deferred tax assets of $7.5 million, which were based upon a 34 percent corporate tax rate, had to be re-evaluated to reflect the new tax rate of 21 percent. This one-time non-cash adjustment is estimated to be $2.2 million and is recorded through income tax expense. Pre-tax income for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017, however, was $1.5 million compared to a loss of $18,000 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016; a period-over-period increase of $1.6 million The increase in pre-tax income resulted from a $583,000 increase in net interest income, a $183,000 increase in noninterest revenue, a $415,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses, and a $376,000 decrease in noninterest expenses.

 

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $583,000, or 5.7%, to $10.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $10.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The increase in net interest income was due to a $977,000 increase in interest revenue, partially offset by a $395,000 increase in interest expense. The increase in interest revenue was due to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets, particularly higher yielding loans, as well as an increase in average yield on interest-earning assets. The average balance in interest-earning assets increased $12.8 million, or 2.8%, for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to the same period in fiscal 2017, while the average yield increased 18 basis points to 3.79% from 3.61%. The average balances increased period-over-period due in part to the acquisition of Fraternity, which occurred in May 2016. Over this same period, the Bank was also able to increase the average balance of higher interest-earning assets, particularly loans, both organically and through loan purchases.

 

Partially offsetting the increase in interest revenue was the $395,000 increase in interest expense for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period a year ago. This increase was due to the growth in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities, particularly higher yielding borrowings, as well as an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $10.3 million, or 2.5%, for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to the same period in fiscal 2017, while the average yield increased 10 basis points to 0.81% from 0.71%. The increase in interest-bearing liabilities was impacted by the growth in borrowings that were used to help in funding a growing loan portfolio and a decreasing deposit base. Our net interest margin increased 8 basis points from 2.99% to 3.07% for the same two periods.

 

Interest Revenue. Interest revenue increased $977,000, or 7.9% to $13.4 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $12.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The increase resulted from increases in interest and fees on loans and interest revenue earned on investment securities, partially offset by a decrease in revenue from federal funds sold and other bank deposits.

 

Interest and fees on loans increased $865,000, or 7.8%, to $11.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $11.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The increase in interest and fees on loans is due to a $43.2 million increase in the average balance of net loans from $310.9 million to $354.1 million period-over-period. The increase in average loans is attributable to the loans acquired in the Fraternity acquisition, which was completed in May 2016, as well as organic growth generated by our commercial lending area and strategic loan purchases over the past year. Partially offsetting the revenue derived from an increase in the average balance of loans is a 25-basis point decline in the average yield earned on loans from 4.73% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 to 4.48% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. The decline in yield is a result of the extended low interest rate environment and the competitive pressure relating to pricing.

 

Interest revenue on investment securities increased $160,000 to $1.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from $1.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The average balance of investment securities increased by $4.3 million, or 4.6%, to $97.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from $93.0 million for the same period last year, while the average yield also increased 14 basis points to 1.91% from 1.77% for the same two periods. The largest increase in investment securities was in mortgage-backed securities, which increased $3.2 million to $73.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from $70.4 million for the same period last year. The average balance of investment securities also increased for the nine-month period-over-period by $1.0 million. The increase in average investments is attributable to the Fraternity acquisition, along with utilizing the excess cash acquired in the Fraternity acquisition to purchase new securities in the second half of fiscal 2017. Investment balances have been declining since that time due to the need to provide liquidity to fund loan growth and a declining deposit base.

 

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $395,000, or 18.3%, to $2.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $2.2 million for the same period in fiscal 2017. The primary reason for this increase is due to the increase in the average balance and cost of borrowings, and to a lesser extent the increase in the cost of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a decrease in the average balance of those same deposits. For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017, average interest-bearing borrowings were $44.0 million compared to an average balance of $25.5 million for the same period a year ago. The borrowings primarily consisted of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and have been utilized to help with funding a growing loan portfolio and a declining deposit base over the first nine months of fiscal 2018. At December 31, 2017, the Bank had $62.6 million in outstanding advances from the FHLB, including $13.0 million in borrowings assumed through the Fraternity and Fairmount acquisitions. Overall borrowings carried an average rate of 1.52% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to 1.01% for the nine-period ended December 31, 2016. Borrowing from the FHLB in today’s low interest rate environment can be a more cost-effective means to obtain funds if deposits are not growing compared to selling investment securities that are earning a higher yield.

 

The average balance of interest-bearing deposits decreased $8.2 million to $373.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from $381.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The average cost of deposits though increased from 0.68% to 0.73% for those same periods. We have begun to increase the rates on a portion of our deposit products and run various deposit promotions as the demand for deposits is becoming more competitive in the marketplace. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018 and last quarter of fiscal 2017, we began to run a money market promotion with a 6-month promotional rate as a means to attract core deposits. As a result, the average cost associated with money market accounts increased from 0.33% to 0.52% for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

 

For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017, the average interest-bearing deposit balances increased for all types of deposits, except certificates of deposits, when compared to the same period last year. These increases are a result of the Fraternity acquisition, as well as promotional efforts to raise funds for new loan growth. We remain focused on changing the mix of our deposit portfolio by maintaining our maturing certificates of deposits and growing lower cost core deposits, including savings, interest-bearing checking and money market accounts. The average balance of core interest-bearing deposits increased $11.7 million, or 9.8%, to $132.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $120.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The average balance of time deposits, however, decreased $19.2 million, or 7.6%, to $241.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $261.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in time deposits is related to the competitive interest rate market, as well as the decrease in our customer base that is attributable to an aging demographic. To compensate for this decline, the Company entered into a contract and began utilizing a certificate of deposit subscription service in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. As a result, we have been able to obtain $10.6 million in certificate of deposits in the third quarter of fiscal 2018 through this service. The cost of these deposits is more expensive than traditional certificates of deposit because of the ability to provide the funding needed in a timely manner, but can be less costly than borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank or other source. We will continue to utilize this service as a funding source when other less costly means are not able to meet our funding requirements.

 

Noninterest-bearing deposits allow us to fund growth in interest-earning assets at minimal cost. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased $6.1 million, or 25.9%, to $29.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $23.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. This increase resulted from the efforts of our cash management personnel and commercial loan officers working with commercial clients to move their deposit relationship to Hamilton Bank and the acquisition of Fraternity.

 

 

Average Balances, Interest and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest revenue from average interest-earning assets, the dollar amounts of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting annualized average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing interest revenue or interest expense by the average balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented and have been annualized. Average balances have been calculated using average daily balances. No tax-equivalent adjustments were made. Nonaccrual loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.

 

   

Nine Months Ended December 31,

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
   

Average

           

Yield/

   

Average

           

Yield/

 
   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Cost

   

Balance

   

Interest

   

Cost

 

Interest-earning assets:

                                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 19,636     $ 100       0.68 %   $ 54,294     $ 148       0.36 %

Investment securities (1)

    23,635       446       2.52 %     22,607       408       2.41 %

Mortgage-backed securities

    73,637       951       1.72 %     70,397       829       1.57 %

Loans receivable, net (2)

    354,132       11,891       4.48 %     310,922       11,026       4.73 %

Total interest-earning assets

    471,040       13,388       3.79 %     458,220       12,411       3.61 %

Noninterest-earning assets

    43,526                       39,905                  

Total assets

  $ 514,566                     $ 498,125                  
                                                 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                               

Certificates of deposit

  $ 241,176     $ 1,753       0.97 %   $ 261,096     $ 1,759       0.90 %

Money Market

    62,308       243       0.52 %     60,441       148       0.33 %

Statement savings

    43,771       41       0.12 %     42,956       49       0.15 %

NOW accounts

    25,966       7       0.04 %     16,910       3       0.02 %

Total interest-bearing deposits

    373,221       2,044       0.73 %     381,403       1,959       0.68 %

Borrowings

    44,022       503       1.52 %     25,547       193       1.01 %

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    417,243       2,547       0.81 %     406,950       2,152       0.71 %
                                                 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities and equity:

                                               

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    29,585                       23,501                  

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

    6,604                       6,460                  

Total liabilities

    453,432                       436,911                  

Total shareholders’ equity

    61,134                       61,214                  

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 514,566                     $ 498,125                  
                                                 

Net interest income

          $ 10,841                     $ 10,259          

Net interest rate spread (3)

                    2.98 %                     2.91 %

Net interest-earning assets (4)

  $ 53,797                     $ 51,270                  

Net interest margin (5)

                    3.07 %                     2.99 %

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

    112.89 %                     112.60 %                

____________________________________

(1) Includes U.S agency and treasury securities, municipal and corporate bonds and to a much lesser extent, Federal Home Loan Bank equity securities.

(2) Loans on non-accrual status are included in average loans carrying a zero yield.

(3) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing libilities.

(4) Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.

(5) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

 

 

Provision for Loan Losses. We establish provisions for loan losses that are charged to operations in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level believed, to the best of management’s knowledge, to cover all known and inherent losses in the portfolio both probable and reasonable to estimate at each reporting date. There was $625,000 charged to the provision for loan losses for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to a provision for loan loss of $1.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The $625,000 provision for loan loss recorded for the first nine months of fiscal 2018 is attributable to the overall growth within the loan portfolio and net charge-offs of $210,000. The growth within the loan portfolio is in part due to the residential mortgage, commercial business, and consumer loan portfolios purchased throughout the year. For the nine-month period ending December 31, 2016, $622,000 of the $1.0 million charged to the provision for loan loss was related to a charge-off associated with one commercial real estate relationship. The remaining provision, for the most part, was not a product of charge-offs, as reflected in the table below.

 

The allowance for loan losses was $2.6 million, or 39.3% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2017 compared to $2.1 million, or 67.8% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2016. The lower percentage overall at December 31, 2017 is due to two commercial real estate relationships with a combined book balance of $4.5 million that are on nonaccrual. If these loans were excluded, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans at December 31, 2017 would be 100.9%. These loans are reported at the estimated fair value of their underlying collateral and any respective charge-offs have been taken either this quarter or in prior periods.

 

During the nine months ended December 31, 2017, loan charge-offs totaled $236,000 with recoveries of $26,000, compared to $724,000 in charge-offs and $46,000 in recoveries during the nine months ended December 31, 2016. During fiscal year 2018, we expect that we will continue our emphasis in organically growing commercial real estate and commercial business loans, which have higher interest rates than one-to four-family mortgage loans, but are generally considered to bear higher risk than one-to four-family mortgage loans and could contribute to higher loan loss provisions going forward.

 

Summary of Allowance for Loan Losses Activity. The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

   

Nine Months Ended

 
   

December 31,

 
   

2017

   

2016

 
   

(dollars in thousands)

 
                 

Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

  $ 2,195     $ 1,702  

Charge-offs:

               

Real estate loans:

               

Residential

    9       96  

Investor

    126       -  

Commercial

    100       622  

Construction

    -       -  

Commercial business

    -       2  

Home equity

    -       -  

Consumer

    1       4  

Total charge-offs

    236       724  

Recoveries

    26       46  

Net charge-offs

    210       678  

Provision for loan losses

    625       1,040  

Allowance for loan losses at end of period

  $ 2,610     $ 2,064  
                 

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

    39.33 %     67.78 %

Allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding at the end of the period

    0.67 %     0.62 %

Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period (annualized)

    0.08 %     0.28 %

 

 

Noninterest Revenue. Noninterest revenue increased $183,00, or 21.8%, to $1.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017, compared to $840,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The following table outlines the changes in noninterest revenue for the nine-month periods.

 

   

Nine months ended

                 
   

December 31,

                 
   

2017

   

2016

   

$ Change

   

% Change

 

Service charges

  $ 347,201     $ 319,489     $ 27,712       8.7  

(Loss) gain on sale of investment securities

    (2,356 )     23,720       (26,076 )     (109.9 )

Gain on sale of loans held for sale

    -       23,047       (23,047 )     (100.0 )

Gain (loss) on sale of property and equipment

    212,743       (11,043 )     223,786       (2,026.5 )

Earnings on bank-owned life insurance

    369,991       364,928       5,063       1.4  

Other fees and commissions

    95,972       119,937       (23,965 )     (20.0 )
                                 

Total noninterest revenue

  $ 1,023,551     $ 840,078     $ 183,473       21.8  

 

Noninterest revenue was impacted during the nine months ended December 31, 2017 by increases in service charges, gain on sale of property and equipment, and earnings on bank-owned life insurance, partially offset by decreases in gain on sale of investments and loans held for sale, along with other fees and commissions.

 

Service charges associated with retail and commercial deposit products increased $28,000, or 8.7% during the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period a year ago due to an $11.3 million increase in our checking accounts period-over-period. Management is continually focused on growing core deposits, particularly checking accounts, which typically generate more service fee income. We continuously review and evaluate our retail fee structure on transactional accounts to be more in-line with our market area. Customers, however, have become more cost conscious of fees and better manage their deposit relationship with the Bank.

 

The $213,000 gain on sale of property and equipment for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 is related specifically to the December 2017 sale of our Pigtown branch in Baltimore City, along with various furniture and equipment that was associated with the property. This branch is being relocated within the same community, but to a smaller, more efficient space that will provide operational cost savings. We are continuing to operate from the existing location in accordance with the sales agreement with the buyer until the new location is renovated and opened, which is expected to be in March 2018.

 

The increase in earnings on bank-owned life insurance (BOLI) is associated with the $5.1 million in BOLI assumed in the Fraternity acquisition in May 2016. The revenue earned from an increase in the average balance, is partially offset by a decrease in the rate earned on the outstanding BOLI policies, else revenue would have been higher. The revenue earned from BOLI is exempt for tax purposes.

 

Offsetting the increases in noninterest revenue for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 was a decrease in gain on the sale of loans held for sale. Gain on sale of loans held for sale represents revenue earned on loans sold in the secondary market at a premium. Over the past several years, we typically sold our newly originated residential mortgage loans in the secondary market to better manage interest rate risk in a rising rate environment. During the second half of fiscal 2017, however, the Company began to hold in portfolio our residential loan originations to partially offset the increased run-off associated with this loan type. Consequently, there were no loans sold during the first nine months of fiscal 2018 compared to the same period last last year in which several loans were sold at a gain of $23,000.

 

Other fees and commissions include loan fees charged to customers, merchant credit card fees, and other smaller fees. The decrease with respect to the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to nine months ended December 31, 2016, is primarily related to loan fees. Loan fees include various charges to customers for loan applications, processing, and/or extensions. Loan fees for the nine months ending December 31, 2017 declined $40,000 to $49,000, compared to $89,000 for the same period a year ago.

 

 

Gains on investment securities are also reported as noninterest revenue. During fiscal 2018 we sold investment securities with a book value of $11.6 million and recognized a loss of $2,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. For the comparable nine-month period ended December 31, 2016, investment securities with a book value of $4.3 million were sold and a gain of $24,000 was recognized.

 

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense decreased $376,000, or 3.7%, to $9.7 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to $10.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The following table outlines the changes in noninterest expense for those periods.

 

   

Nine months ended

                 
   

December 31,

                 
   

2017

   

2016

   

$ Change

   

% Change

 

Salaries and benefits

  $ 5,531,033     $ 5,149,222     $ 381,811       7.4  

Occupancy

    759,848       709,081       50,767       7.2  

Advertising

    63,685       91,635       (27,950 )     (30.5 )

Furniture and equipment

    262,632       290,818       (28,186 )     (9.7 )

Data processing

    522,469       583,407       (60,938 )     (10.4 )

Legal services

    374,610       161,278       213,332       132.3  

Other professional services

    611,699       808,309       (196,610 )     (24.3 )

Merger related expenses

    -       219,417       (219,417 )     (100.0 )

Branch consolidation expense

    -       437,424       (437,424 )     (100.0 )

Deposit insurance premiums

    222,359       251,759       (29,400 )     (11.7 )

Foreclosed real estate expense and losses

    45,005       6,530       38,475       589.2  

Other operating

    1,306,791       1,367,726       (60,935 )     (4.5 )
                                 

Total noninterest expense

  $ 9,700,131     $ 10,076,606     $ (376,475 )     (3.7 )

 

The decline in noninterest expense is primarily the result of non-recurring costs incurred in the prior year period ended December 31, 2016, including $219,000 in merger related expenses associated with the completion of our most recent acquisition of Fraternity and $437,000 in costs relating to the closing of one of our branch locations due to branch overlap from that same acquisition. Merger related expenses include fees paid to attorneys, investment bankers and accountants, data conversion, as well as other related costs. Excluding the acquisition and branch consolidation expense, overall operating expenses for the comparative periods has increased slightly as a result of a growing loan portfolio and revenue base. The elimination of acquisition related costs and the economies of scale achieved through those same acquisitions is reflected in the improvement of our efficiency ratio from 90.8% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 to 81.7% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. We are realizing the benefit of operating as a larger financial institution and the ability to offset expenses against greater revenue.

 

Certain noninterest expenses, including furniture and equipment, data processing, and other operating expenses, declined as a result of management’s continued focus on reducing costs where applicable. Some of these reductions have been obtained through the review or negotiation of vendor contracts, analysis of alternative sources, and more efficient means. Advertising expense decreased because we hired a full-time marketing director versus outsourcing to a third-party vendor. Federal deposit insurance premiums were lower due to a decrease in the average rate assessed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the government agency that insures deposits, while other professional services decreased in part due to the end of our contractual obligation under a consulting and non-compete agreement with one of the former Fraternity executives.

 

 

The largest increase in noninterest expenses for the nine-month period-over-period was in salaries and benefits, which increased $382,000. During the nine months ended December 31, 2017, the Company made strategic new hires that are focused on branch efficiency and new products. In addition, annual increases were awarded and annual bonus accruals are adjusted based upon certain matrices. In the prior year period, the bonus accrual was stopped and reversed based upon the net loss reported at that time. Also included in salaries and benefits for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is $241,000 and $237,000 in expense, respectively, relating to equity awards granted to officers under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan. The equity awards provide for management to have an interest in the performance of the company and share in the benefit of an increase in shareholder value. Similarly, other operating expenses for the same periods include $104,000 and $89,000 in expense, respectively, associated with equity awards granted to directors.

 

Legal expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 increased over the same period a year ago. The increase in legal costs is due in part to management’s engagement of counsel to assist with our charter conversion from a federal savings bank to a Maryland commercial bank. The charter conversion was approved and effective December 21, 2017. The charter conversion should reduce regulatory costs going forward. In addition, counsel has been sought to assist with compiling and reviewing agreements associated with loan purchases, as well as advise on the relocation of our Ellicott City and Pigtown branches and other compliance issues. Counsel also continues to assist with the collection and foreclosure process associated with problem loans, as well as consult on how to proceed with certain borrowers.

 

The increase in occupancy expense is primarily related to the relocation of our Ellicott City branch within the same geographic area of Howard County during the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Due to the timing and ability to move into the new location, the Bank had to pay rent expense on both the current and new property for a one-month period. In addition, there were costs incurred in the period associated with the relocation that were not capitalized. The new branch location in Ellicott City opened in July 2017.

 

Foreclosed real estate expense also increased quarter-over-quarter due to a $32,000 write-down of one of the Bank’s foreclosed real estate properties during the current quarter. This write-down was based upon a new appraisal obtained on the property. The remainder of foreclosed real estate expense is associated with the property taxes paid on that same property.

 

 

Income Tax Expense. We recorded tax expense of $2.7 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 after pre-tax income of $1.5 million, compared to a tax benefit of $65,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 after a pre-tax net loss of $18,000. The increase in tax expense for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 is directly related to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (the “Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Act amended the Internal Revenue Code to reduce income tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. For businesses, the Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from a maximum 35 percent to a flat 21 percent tax rate. As a result, our net deferred tax assets of $7.5 million, which were based upon a 34 percent corporate tax rate, had to be re-evaluated to reflect the new tax rate of 21 percent. This one-time non-cash adjustment is estimated to be $2.2 million and was recorded through income tax expense during the quarter ending December 31, 2017. The effective income tax rates for the nine-month periods ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 are skewed due to the deferred tax revaluation adjustment and the low pre-tax income with offsetting tax-exempt items, respectively. Certain items, such as bank-owned life insurance and certain municipal security interest are tax-exempt, while acquisition related expenses are not tax-deductible.

 

At December 31, 2017, the Company reported net deferred tax assets of $5.2 million compared to $8.0 million at March 31, 2017. The change is primarily due to the revaluation of the deferred tax assets resulting from the passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act discussed earlier, along with a decrease in net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards attributable to the net income reported for the first nine months of fiscal 2018. The NOL carryforwards have a defined expiration date of 20 years from the date of creation.

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, Accounting for Income Taxes, the Company continually assesses whether a deferred tax asset is more likely than not to be realized based on an evaluative process that considers all available positive and negative evidence. As part of this evaluative process, management considers the following sources of taxable income: 1) the future reversals of taxable temporary differences; 2) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards; 3) taxable income in prior carryback years and; 4) tax planning strategies. A deferred tax asset valuation allowance is established to reduce the net carrying amount of deferred tax assets if it is determined to be more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has established a valuation allowance in the amount of $54,000 at December 31, 2017 because the Company believes that a portion of the state operating loss carryforwards and state tax credit carryforwards will not be utilized.

 

 

In making a conclusion, management has evaluated all available positive and negative evidence impacting these sources of taxable income. The positive evidence that is most heavily relied upon is future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. Based upon our analysis, there is more positive evidence than negative regarding the utilization of our deferred tax asset and the realization of our recorded deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity describes our ability to meet current and future financial obligations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of our customers and to fund current and planned expenditures. Our primary sources of funds are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal and mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities and funds provided by our operations. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets available to meet short-term liquidity needs based upon our assessment of (i) expected loan demand, (ii) expected deposit flows, (iii) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities, and (iv) the objectives of our asset/liability management policy.

 

We also have the ability to borrow from the FHLB to meet our funding and liquidity needs. At December 31, 2017, we had $62.6 million in borrowings from the FHLB, of which $13.0 million were assumed through acquisitions, and the capacity to borrow approximately $64.8 million more, subject to our pledging sufficient assets.

 

Hamilton Bank may also borrow up to $5.0 million from a correspondent bank under a secured federal funds line of credit, and $1.0 million under an unsecured line of credit. We would be required to pledge investment securities to draw upon the secured line of credit.

 

We normally carry balances with correspondent banks that exceed the federally insured limit. We currently conduct a quarterly review of each correspondent bank’s financial information, including the banks’ capital ratios, balance sheet, income statement, allowance for loans losses, and other performance ratios, to determine if the bank is financially stable.

 

Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing deposits. The level of these assets depends on our operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period. At December 31, 2017, cash and cash equivalents totaled $10.1 million and securities classified as available-for-sale amounted to $79.4 million.

 

Total deposits decreased $20.1 million over the nine months ended December 31, 2017, while decreasing $15.6 million since December 31, 2016, including $16.0 million in deposits in the last half of fiscal 2017 associated with one deposit customer. The $16.0 million in deposits consisted of money market accounts and was expected to be short-term. Deposit flows are affected by the level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by competitors and other factors. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, we made an increased effort to grow our lower costing core deposits (considered to be all deposits other than certificates of deposit) and retain maturing certificates of deposits through various promotions to assist in funding organic loan growth and potential loan purchases. Certificates of deposit allow us to lock in those funds for an extended period based upon current interest rates. At December 31, 2017, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature within one year totaled $124.5 million, or 50.8% of certificates of deposit. The percentage of certificates of deposit that mature within one year reflects customers’ hesitancy to invest their funds for longer periods due to the current low interest rate environment, expectation of rising rates, and local competitive pressures. Whether we retain these deposits will be determined in part by the interest rates we are willing to pay on such deposits. If these maturing deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and borrowings. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on certificates of deposit due on or before December 31, 2018.

 

 

In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in our financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments, unused lines of credit and letters of credit. At December 31, 2017, we had $49.8 million in commitments to extend credit outstanding.

 

We are committed to maintaining a strong liquidity position. We monitor our liquidity position on a daily basis. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds to meet our current funding commitments. Based on our deposit retention experience and current pricing strategy, we anticipate that a significant portion of maturing time deposits will be retained.

 

At December 31, 2017, we exceeded all the applicable regulatory capital requirements for the Bank, including the new requirement under Basel III to obtain a minimum common equity core (Tier 1) capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 4.5%. To be classified as a well-capitalized bank, we must have a common equity core (Tier 1) capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 6.5%. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our common equity to Tier 1 capital was $41.1 million, or 11.01%, of total risk-weighted assets compared to $40.1 million, or 12.13% of total risk-weighted assets for the year ended March 31, 2017.

 

Our core (Tier 1) capital was $41.1 million and $40.1 million, or 8.19% and 8.28% of adjusted total assets, at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, respectively. In order to be classified as “well-capitalized” under federal banking regulations, we were required to have core capital of at least $25.1 million, or 5.0% of adjusted assets, as of December 31, 2017. To be classified as a well-capitalized bank, we must also have a ratio of total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.0%, and a Tier 1 risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8%. At December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017, we had total risk-based capital ratios of 11.73% and 12.81%, respectively, and Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios of 11.01% and 12.13%, respectively. Our regulatory risk weighted capital ratios decreased during the first nine months of fiscal 2018 as a result of our risk-weighted assets increasing due to the Fraternity acquisition and to a lesser extent, increases within the loan portfolio due to organic growth and loan purchases.

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

For a discussion of our market risk, please refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2017 filed on June 29, 2017. The Company’s market risk has not changed materially from that disclosed in the annual report.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, management of the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as that term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

It should be noted that the design of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures is based in part upon certain reasonable assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no reasonable assurance that any design of disclosure controls and procedures will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote, but the Company’s principal executive and financial officers have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are, in fact, effective at a reasonable assurance level.

 

During the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13a-15 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Part II – Other Information

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Bank and Company are subject to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s or the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

For information regarding the Company’s risk factors, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the risk factors of the Company have not changed materially from those disclosed in the annual report.

 

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

          

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

        

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

         

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

          

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

   32

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

 

 

 101

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2017 (unaudited) and March 31, 2017; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited); (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited); (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Equity for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited); (v) the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited); and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

____________________

* This information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and shall not be deemed incorporated into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 unless specifically incorporated therein.

 

 

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.

 

   

HAMILTON BANCORP, INC.

 
       
       

Date:  February 14, 2018 

 

/s/ Robert A. DeAlmeida

 
   

Robert A. DeAlmeida

 
   

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
       
       

Date:  February 14, 2018

 

/s/ John P. Marzullo

 
   

John P. Marzullo

 
   

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

 

74