10-Q 1 f10q_111011.htm FORM 10-Q f10q_111011.htm
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 September 30, 2011

or

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

For the transition period from ______ to _____

Commission File Number 0-23971
__________________________
 
Citizens South Banking Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________
 
Delaware
54-2069979
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
   
519 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
 
(704) 868-5200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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 file such reports).  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 definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “small reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

Large accelerated filer [ ]                                                             Accelerated filer [ ]
Non-accelerated filer   [ ]                                                             Smaller Reporting Company [x]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)  Yes [ ]   No [x]
 
As of November 14, 2011, there were 11,506,324 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value.

 
 

 
Citizens South Banking Corporation
Index
 
  Page
Part I.     Financial Information
 
   
   
   
   
3
   
   
   
29
   
44
   
44
   
Part II.    Other Information
 
   
45
   
45
   
45
   
45
   
 
   
Certifications
 
 

 
 

 
Part I.     Financial Information
Item 1.    Financial Statements
 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
 
           
             
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010*
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
(unaudited)
   
 
 
             
ASSETS
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
           
      Cash and due from banks
  $ 15,150     $ 15,110  
      Interest bearing deposits
    87,580       105,789  
         Cash and cash equivalents
    102,730       120,899  
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $54,270 and $74,335 at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    54,938       74,308  
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $80,268 and $37,638 at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    77,505       37,278  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    5,362       5,715  
Presold loans in process of settlement
    865       4,034  
Loans:
               
      Covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
    168,940       147,576  
      Not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
    582,065       588,934  
      Allowance for loan losses
    (12,956 )     (11,924 )
         Loans, net
    738,049       724,586  
Other real estate owned
    20,973       14,652  
Premises and equipment, net
    25,059       23,785  
FDIC loss share receivable
    41,671       24,848  
Accrued interest receivable
    2,869       3,001  
Bank-owned life insurance
    18,816       18,230  
Intangible assets
    1,499       1,690  
Other assets
    8,638       11,461  
          Total assets
  $ 1,098,974     $ 1,064,487  
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Deposits
  $ 888,580     $ 850,456  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    9,641       9,432  
Borrowed money
    80,673       85,782  
Subordinated debt
    15,464       15,464  
Other liabilities
    9,834       9,910  
       Total liabilities
    1,004,192       971,044  
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 1,000,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 20,500 shares
    20,734       20,672  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, Authorized: 20,000,000 shares; Issued: 11,561,464 shares; Outstanding: 11,506,324 shares at September 30, 2011, and 11,508,750 shares at December 31, 2010
     124        124  
Additional paid-in-capital
    63,234       63,000  
Retained earnings, substantially restricted
    10,279       9,663  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    411       (16 )
       Total shareholders' equity
    94,782       93,443  
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 1,098,974     $ 1,064,487  
 
* Derived from audited consolidated financial statements
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
1

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
                         
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                         
Interest Income:
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 10,233     $ 10,757     $ 30,023     $ 30,243  
Investment securities:
                               
Taxable interest income
    893       620       2,669       1,914  
Tax-exempt interest income
    72       131       209       509  
Other interest income
    48       88       151       236  
Total interest income
    11,246       11,596       33,052       32,902  
Interest Expense:
                               
Deposits
    1,701       2,702       5,683       7,871  
Repurchase agreements
    13       27       50       83  
Borrowed money
    757       825       2,283       2,605  
Subordinated debt
    83       236       218       707  
Total interest expense
    2,554       3,790       8,234       11,266  
                                 
Net interest income
    8,692       7,806       24,818       21,636  
Provision for loan losses
    1,350       3,000       6,050       9,050  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    7,342       4,806       18,768       12,586  
Noninterest Income:
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    1,084       1,031       3,088       2,893  
Mortgage banking income
    350       461       841       1,028  
Commissions on sales of financial products
    70       53       206       359  
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    189       196       586       627  
Gain (loss) from acquisition
    (48 )     193       4,115       19,531  
Gain on sale of investments, available for sale
    110       305       111       349  
Gain (loss) on sale of other assets
    41       (185 )     (285 )     (451 )
Other income
    194       236       694       554  
Total noninterest income
    1,990       2,290       9,356       24,890  
Noninterest Expense:
                               
Compensation and benefits
    3,736       3,777       11,190       10,069  
Occupancy and equipment
    866       732       2,567       2,454  
Loan collection and other expenses
    333       271       827       560  
Advertising and business development
    114       80       239       233  
Professional services
    237       262       739       729  
Data processing and other technology
    293       242       815       666  
Deposit insurance
    421       355       1,116       969  
Amortization of intangible assets
    137       154       412       372  
Other real estate owned valuation adjustments
    1,308       393       3,292       1,088  
Other real estate owned expenses
    309       333       906       685  
Acquisition and integration expenses
    143       141       754       1,022  
Other expenses
    1,034       1,041       3,019       2,570  
Total noninterest expense
    8,931       7,781       25,876       21,417  
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    401       (685 )     2,248       16,059  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    28       (413 )     470       5,680  
Net income (loss)
    373       (272 )     1,778       10,379  
Dividends on preferred stock
    247       256       759       769  
                                 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 126     $ (528 )   $ 1,019     $ 9,610  
                                 
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic
  $ 0.01     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.09     $ 1.04  
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted
    0.01       (0.05 )     0.09       1.04  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
 
                     
Retained
   
Accumulated
       
               
Additional
   
Earnings,
   
Other
   
Total
 
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Substantially
   
Comprehensive
   
Shareholders'
 
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Restricted
   
Income (Loss)
   
Equity
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
                               
                                     
 Balances, January 1, 2010
  $ 20,589     $ 91     $ 48,528     $ 3,411     $ (297 )   $ 72,322  
                                                 
 Comprehensive income:
                                               
      Net income
    -       -       -       10,379       -       10,379  
     Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       395       395  
 Issuance of 1,490,400 shares of common stock
    -       15       5,745       -       -       5,760  
 Issuance of 8,280 shares of preferred stock
    8,280       -       -       -       -       8,280  
 Conversion of 8,280 shares of preferred stock to 1,839,999 shares of common stock
    (8,280 )     18       8,262       -       -       -  
 Accretion of discount on preferred stock
    62       -       -       (62 )     -       -  
 Allocation from shares purchased with loan to ESOP
    -       -       137       -       -       137  
 Vesting of Recognition and Retention Plan ("RRP")
    -       -       272       -       -       272  
 Stock-based compensation
    -       -       74       -       -       74  
 Cash dividends on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (769 )     -       (769 )
 Cash dividends on common stock ($0.09)
    -       -       -       (1,168 )     -       (1,168 )
                                                 
 Balances, September 30, 2010
  $ 20,651     $ 124     $ 63,018     $ 11,791     $ 98     $ 95,682  
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
 Balances, January 1, 2011
  $ 20,672     $ 124     $ 63,000     $ 9,663     $ (16 )   $ 93,443  
                                                 
 Comprehensive income:
                                               
      Net income
    -       -       -       1,778       -       1,778  
     Other comprehensive income+A11, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       427       427  
 Redemption of 20,500 shares of preferred stock issued to the US Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program, a part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP")
    (20,500 )     -       -       -       -       (20,500 )
 Issuance of 20,500 shares of preferred stock issued to the US Treasury under the Small Business Lending Fund ("SBLF")
    20,500       -       -       -       -       20,500  
 Accretion of discount on preferred stock
    62       -       -       (62 )     -       -  
 Allocation from shares purchased with loan to ESOP
    -       -       29       -       -       29  
 Issuance of shares under RRP
    -       -       (10 )     -       -       (10 )
 Vesting of RRP
    -       -       137       -       -       137  
 Stock-based compensation
    -       -       78       -       -       78  
 Cash dividends on preferred stock
    -       -       -       (759 )     -       (759 )
 Cash dividends on common stock ($0.03)
    -       -       -       (341 )     -       (341 )
                                                 
 Balances, September 30, 2011
  $ 20,734     $ 124     $ 63,234     $ 10,279     $ 411     $ 94,782  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
 
 (Dollars in thousands)
           
             
 Cash flows from operating activities:
           
 Net income
  $ 1,778     $ 10,379  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
         
 Provision for loan losses
    6,050       9,050  
 Depreciation of premises and equipment
    943       934  
 Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
    (217 )     2,337  
 Gain on acquisition
    (4,115 )     (19,531 )
 Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale
    (111 )     (349 )
 Loss on sale of other assets
    285       451  
 Valuation adjustment on other real estate owned
    3,292       1,088  
 Net purchase accounting adjustments
    8,243       652  
 Net (increase) decrease in loans available for sale
    3,168       (3,099 )
 Deferred loan origination fees
    179       59  
 Amortization of intangible assets
    412       372  
 Allocation of shares to the ESOP
    29       137  
 Stock-based compensation expense
    78       74  
 Vesting of shares issued for the RRP
    127       272  
 Decrease in accrued interest receivable
    430       581  
 Decrease in other assets
    17,694       3,833  
 Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (1,662 )     3,752  
 Net cash provided by operating activities
    36,603       10,992  
                 
 Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 Net decrease in loans made to customers
    8,232       30,469  
 Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
    9,956       43,109  
 Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    9,608       4,634  
 Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of investment securities available for sale
    19,923       20,076  
 Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of investment securities held to maturity
    8,592       30,015  
 Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    -       (60,188 )
 Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
    (48,820 )     (13,597 )
 Net cash received in acquisition
    7,913       95,058  
 Redemption of FHLB stock
    780       458  
 Purchases of premises and equipment
    (2,180 )     (9,263 )
 Net cash provided by investment activities
    14,004       140,771  
                 
 Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 Net decrease in deposits
    (58,600 )     (35,778 )
 Dividends paid to common stockholders
    (341 )     (1,168 )
 Dividends paid to preferred stockholders
    (759 )     (769 )
 Issuance of common stock
    -       14,040  
 Net decrease in borrowed money and repurchase agreements
    (9,116 )     (27,162 )
 Increase in advances from borrowers for insurance and taxes
    40       36  
 Net cash used in financing activities
    (68,776 )     (50,801 )
                 
 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (18,169 )     100,962  
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    120,899       53,180  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 102,730     $ 154,142  
                 
 Supplemental non-cash investing activity:
               
 Foreclosed loans transferred to other real estate owned
  $ 13,094     $ 10,795  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 
CITIZENS SOUTH BANKING CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements as of and for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and have been included as required by Regulation S-X Rule 10-01. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by such accounting principles for complete financial statements, and therefore should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  The more significant estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairments on securities, and fair value of acquired loans.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Citizens South Banking Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens South Bank, and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Citizens South Financial Services, Inc.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain of the prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.  Such reclassifications were immaterial to the financial statements. Results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future periods, including the year ending December 31, 2011.

Note 2 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A summary of the accounting policies followed by the Company may be found in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.  Updates to the significant accounting policies are reported in the Company’s quarterly reports filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q as new or revised accounting pronouncements are made. The following paragraphs update that information for the third quarter of 2011.

In July 2010, the Receivables topic of the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") was amended by Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2010-20 to require expanded disclosures related to a company's allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of its financing receivables.  The amendments require the allowance disclosures to be provided on a disaggregated basis.  The Company is required to include these disclosures in its interim and annual financial statements. Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs") required by ASU 2010-20 were deferred by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in ASU 2011-01 issued in January 2011.  In April 2011, the F ASB issued ASU 2011-02 to assist creditors with their determination of when a restructuring is a TDR.  The determination is based on whether the restructuring constitutes a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties as both events must be present. Disclosures related to TDRs under ASU 2010-20 are effective for reporting periods beginning after June 15, 2011.  The Company adopted this ASU during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  There was no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of this ASU.

 
5

 
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. The ASU is intended to improve financial reporting of repurchase agreements (“repos”) and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity.  In a typical repo transaction, an entity transfers financial assets to a counterparty in exchange for cash with an agreement for the counterparty to return the same or equivalent financial assets for a fixed price in the future. FASB ACS Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing, prescribes when an entity may or may not recognize a sale upon the transfer of financial assets subject to repo agreements. That determination is based, in part, on whether the entity has maintained effective control over the transferred financial assets.  The amendments to the Codification in this ASU are intended to improve the accounting for these transactions by removing from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets. The guidance in the ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this ASU may have on the consolidated financial statements.
  
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This ASU represents the converged guidance of the FASB and the IASB (the Boards) on fair value measurement. The collective efforts of the Boards and their staffs, reflected in ASU 2011-04, have resulted in common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements, including a consistent meaning of the term “fair value.” The Boards have concluded the common requirements will result in greater comparability of fair value measurements presented and disclosed in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRSs.  The amendments to the FASB ASC in this ASU are to be applied prospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application by public entities is not permitted.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact that this ASU may have on the consolidated financial statements.
  
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This ASU amends the FASB ASC to allow an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amendments to the Codification in the ASU do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. ASU 2011-05 should be applied retrospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements other than the change in presentation of comprehensive income when this ASU is adopted.
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. ASU 2011-08 is intended to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50%. ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
Several other new accounting standards became effective during the periods presented or will be effective subsequent to September 30, 2011. None of these new standards had or is expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 – Earnings per Common Share

The Company has presented both basic and diluted earnings per common share (“EPS”).  Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, without considering any dilutive items.  Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period and common stock equivalents for items that are dilutive, net of shares assumed to be repurchased using the treasury method.

The potential common stock of the Company includes stock options and unvested shares issued for the Recognition and Retention Plan (“RRP”) granted to various directors and officers of the Bank and unexercised warrants issued to the U.S. Treasury. The Company excluded 763,977 outstanding options and RRPs from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011, and 797,927 outstanding options and RRP shares from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010, because the exercise price exceeded the average closing price of the shares of common stock during the respective period and, accordingly would have been anti-dilutive. All of the 450,314 warrants had an exercise price of $6.83 which was in excess of the market value of the stock at September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010, so no warrants were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for either period since they would have also been anti-dilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                         
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 126     $ (528 )   $ 1,019     $ 9,610  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    11,462,107       10,844,386       11,455,153       9,260,762  
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.01     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.09     $ 1.04  
                                 
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 126     $ (528 )   $ 1,019     $ 9,610  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    11,462,107       10,844,386       11,455,153       9,260,762  
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options and restricted stock
    -       -       -       -  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted
    11,462,107       10,844,386       11,455,153       9,260,762  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.01     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.09     $ 1.04  
 
7

 
Note 4 – Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is the change in the Company’s equity during the period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income are comprised of unrealized gains and losses on certain investment securities. Information concerning the Company’s total comprehensive income (loss) for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 373     $ (272 )   $ 1,778     $ 10,379  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Investment securities, available for sale:
                               
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period
    (70 )     422       806       992  
Tax benefit (expense)
    27       (163 )     (311 )     (382 )
Reclassification for realized gains included in net income
    (110 )     (305 )     (111 )     (349 )
Tax benefit
    42       118       43       135  
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (111 )     72       427       395  
Total comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 262     $ (200 )   $ 2,205     $ 10,774  




 
8

 
Note 5 – Investment Securities

The following is a summary of the investment securities portfolio by major classification:
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
                       
Available for sale:
                       
U.S. Government Agency obligations
  $ 7,196     $ 84     $ -     $ 7,280  
Municipal bonds
    6,771       113       -       6,884  
Mortgage-backed securities
    37,050       328       10       37,368  
SBA securities
    1,257       71       -       1,328  
Other securities
    1,996       219       137       2,078  
Subtotal
    54,270       815       147       54,938  
                                 
Held to maturity:
                               
U.S. Treasury obligations
    9,968       70       -       10,038  
U.S. Government Agency obligations
    6,998       15       -       7,013  
Mortgage-backed securities
    56,539       2,805       -       59,344  
Other securities
    4,000       -       127       3,873  
Subtotal
    77,505       2,890       127       80,268  
                                 
Total
  $ 131,775     $ 3,705     $ 274     $ 135,206  
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2010
                       
Available for sale:
                       
U.S. Government Agency obligations
  $ 19,297     $ 23     $ 122     $ 19,198  
Municipal bonds
    11,602       40       128       11,514  
Mortgage-backed securities
    40,655       293       175       40,773  
Other securities
    2,781       110       68       2,823  
Subtotal
    74,335       466       493       74,308  
                                 
Held to maturity:
                               
U.S. Treasury obligations
    9,955       -       38       9,917  
U.S. Government Agency obligations
    8,509       4       129       8,384  
Mortgage-backed securities
    14,814       641       37       15,418  
Other securities
    4,000       -       81       3,919  
Subtotal
    37,278       645       285       37,638  
                                 
Total
  $ 111,613     $ 1,111     $ 778     $ 111,946  
 
 
9

 
The following tables set forth the amount of the unrealized losses and fair values of the investment securities by investment types segregated between those that have been in a continuous unrealized-loss position for less than twelve months and those investments that have been in a continuous unrealized-loss position for more than twelve months at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  At September 30, 2011, the unrealized losses related to five mortgage-backed securities, four corporate bonds and four other securities.  Of these 13 securities, four have been in a continuous-loss position for more than 12 months.  At December 31, 2010, the unrealized losses related to two U.S. Treasury obligations, 14 municipal bonds, seven mortgage-backed securities, and six other securities.  Of these 39 securities, three have been in a continuous-loss position for more than 12 months.  As of September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, management concluded that the unrealized losses presented above were temporary in nature since the unrealized losses were attributable to changes in interest rates and not a deterioration of the credit quality of the issuers.  Also, the Company has the intent and ability to hold these investment securities until maturity or until such unrealized losses are eliminated.
 
    Less than 12 months     12 months or more     Total  
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
September 30, 2011
                                   
Available for sale:
                                   
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 3,526     $ 9     $ 94     $ 1     $ 3,620     $ 10  
Other securities
    416       67       75       70       491       137  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    3,942       76       169       71       4,111       147  
                                                 
Held to maturity:
                                               
 Other securities
  $ 2,883     $ 117     $ 990     $ 10     $ 3,873     $ 127  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    2,883       117       990       10       3,873       127  
                                                 
Total
  $ 6,825     $ 193     $ 1,159     $ 81     $ 7,984     $ 274  
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                               
Available for sale:
                                               
U.S. Govt. Agency obligations
  $ 18,113     $ 122     $ -     $ -     $ 18,113     $ 122  
Municipals bonds
    8,376       128       -       -       8,376       128  
Mortgage-backed securities
    9,395       174       108       1       9,503       175  
Other securities
    -       -       104       68       104       68  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    35,884       424       212       69       36,096       493  
                                                 
Held to maturity:
                                               
U.S. Treasury obligations
  $ 9,917     $ 38     $ -     $ -     $ 9,917     $ 38  
U.S. Govt. Agency obligations
    5,881       129       -       -       5,881       129  
Mortgage-backed securities
    3,049       37       -       -       3,049       37  
Other securities
    3,919       81       -       -       3,919       81  
                                                 
   Subtotal
    22,766       285       -       -       22,766       285  
                                                 
Total
  $ 58,650     $ 709     $ 212     $ 69     $ 58,862     $ 778  
 
From time to time the Company will pledge investment securities as collateral to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required or allowed by law.  The amortized cost of these pledged investment securities was $84.2 million at September 30, 2011 and $67.5 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
10

 
Note 6 - Loans

The Company makes various business and consumer loans in the normal course of business.  A brief description of these types of loans is as follows:

One-to-four family residential – This portfolio primarily consists of loans secured by properties in the Company’s normal lending area.  The Company originates fixed and adjustable rates for terms of 10 to 30 years, including conventional and jumbo loans.  These loans generally have an original loan-to-value ratio (“LTV”) of 80% or less.  Those loans with an initial LTV of more than 80% typically have private mortgage insurance to protect the Bank.  This type of loan has historically possessed a lower than average level of loss to the Bank.
 
Multifamily residential – This portfolio is moderately seasoned and is generally secured by properties in the Bank’s normal lending area.  These loans generally have an initial LTV of 75% and an initial debt service coverage ratio of 1.2x to 1.0x.  This Bank has not experienced any significant losses in this loan portfolio over the past 18 months.
 
Construction – This portfolio has decreased significantly over the past several years as fewer construction loans have been made during the economic downturn.  These loans are located in the Company’s normal lending area and had an initial LTV of 80%.  Approximately 57% of these loans are secured by residential properties and 43% are secured by commercial properties.  This type of loan has historically possessed a lower than average level of loss to the Bank.
 
Commercial land and residential development – These categories include raw undeveloped land and developed residential lots held by builders and developers.  Generally, the initial LTV for raw land was 65% and the initial LTV for developed lots was 90%.  Given the significant decline in value for both developed and undeveloped land due to reduced demand, these loan portfolios possess an increased level of risk compared to other loan categories.
 
Other commercial real estate – This portfolio consists of nonresidential improved real estate which includes churches, shopping centers, office buildings, etc.  These loans typically had an initial LTV of 75% and an initial debt service ratio of 1.2x to 1.0x.  These properties are generally located in the Company’s normal lending area.  Decreased rental income due to the economic slowdown has caused some deterioration in values.  However, this loan portfolio has historically possessed a lower than average loss history compared to the Bank’s entire portfolio.
 
 Consumer real estate – This category includes home equity lines of credit (“HELOCs”) and loans secured by residential lots purchased by consumers.  The HELOCs generally had an adjustable rate tied to prime rate and a term of 15 years.  The HELOCs initially had an LTV of up to 85%.  The residential lot loans typically had a term of five years or less and were made at an initial LTV of up to 90%.  Many of these properties have declined in value over the past several years.  However, the loss history for these types of loans has been lower than average for the Bank over the past 18 months.
 
Commercial business – These loans include loans to businesses that are not secured by real estate.  These loans are typically secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, etc.  Commercial loans are typically granted to local businesses that have a strong track record of profitability and performance.  This category of loans incurred slightly lower than average losses for the Bank over the past 18 months.
 
Other consumer - These loans are either unsecured or secured by automobiles, marketable securities, etc.  They are generally granted to local customers that have a banking relationship with our Bank.  The loss history for this category of loans has been higher than the Bank average over the past 18 months.
 
 
11

 
The following is a summary of loans outstanding by category at the periods presented:

   
Loans covered
by FDIC-loss
share
agreements
   
Loans not
covered by
FDIC-loss
share
agreements
   
Total
   
Loans covered
by FDIC-loss
share
agreements
   
Loans not
covered by
FDIC-loss
share
agreements
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
Real estate:
                                   
One-to-four family residential
  $ 36,543     $ 115,313     $ 151,856     $ 32,755     $ 101,014     $ 133,769  
Multifamily residential
    2,965       18,810       21,775       2,993       20,674       23,667  
Construction
    1,454       19,631       21,085       207       20,214       20,421  
Land and development
    21,893       50,395       72,288       29,838       62,887       92,725  
Other commercial real estate
    79,943       226,980       306,923       52,117       234,483       286,600  
Consumer real estate
    9,514       104,078       113,592       8,827       109,194       118,021  
Total real estate
    152,312       535,207       687,519       126,737       548,466       675,203  
Commercial business
    10,233       40,918       51,151       13,060       34,993       48,053  
Other consumer
    6,395       5,940       12,335       7,779       5,475       13,254  
Total loans
  $ 168,940     $ 582,065       751,005     $ 147,576     $ 588,934       736,510  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
                    12,956                       11,924  
Total net loans
                  $ 738,049                     $ 724,586  

The Company, through its normal lending activity, originates substantially all of its loans to borrowers that are located in the Piedmont (central) Region of North and South Carolina and the North Georgia Region. The Company also has presold loans in process of settlement which totaled $865,000 at September 30, 2011, and $4.0 million at December 31, 2010.  These presold loans in process of settlement were not included in the table above.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $168.9 million in loans covered by FDIC loss-share agreements as a result of the acquisition of loans from Bank of Hiawassee and New Horizons Bank in separate FDIC-assisted transactions (referred to as “covered loans”).  The loans acquired in the Bank of Hiawassee transaction in March 2010 are covered by two loss-share agreements between the FDIC and the Bank, which afford the Bank significant protection against future loan losses.  Under these loss-share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of net loan losses up to $102 million and 95% of net loan losses that exceed $102 million.  The term of the loss-share agreements is ten years for losses and recoveries on residential real estate loans and five years for losses and eight years on recoveries on nonresidential loans. At acquisition, the Bank recorded an estimated receivable from the FDIC in the amount of $36.3 million, which represented the discounted value of the FDIC’s estimated portion of the expected future loan losses.  New loans made after the acquisition date are not covered by the FDIC loss-share agreements. These covered loans totaled $123.6 million at September 30, 2011.

In April 2011 the Company acquired New Horizons Bank in an FDIC-assisted transaction.  As part of this transaction, the Company acquired $49.3 million in loans at fair value. Of the acquired loans, $47.4 million are covered by two loss-share agreements between the FDIC and the Bank.  Under these loss-share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of net loan losses and qualified expenses.  The term of the loss-share agreements is ten years for losses and recoveries on residential real estate loans and five years for losses and eight years on recoveries on nonresidential loans. At acquisition, the Bank recorded an estimated receivable from the FDIC in the amount of $19.9 million, which represented the discounted value of the FDIC’s estimated portion of the expected future loan losses.  The remaining $1.9 million in loans acquired in the New Horizons Bank transaction were not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements.  As such, any losses incurred on these non-covered loans will be the sole responsibility of the Bank. New loans made after the acquisition date are not covered by the FDIC loss-share agreements. These covered loans totaled $45.3 million at September 30, 2011.
 
 
12

 
A portion of the fair value discount on the acquired loans has an accretable yield associated with those loans that is accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loans.  The remaining nonaccretable difference represents cash flows not expected to be collected.  The changes in the accretable yield and the carrying amounts of the covered loans for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 are presented in the following tables.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount
   
Accretable
Yield
   
Carrying
Amount
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                         
Balance at beginning of period
  $ (729 )   $ 177,047     $ 1,050     $ 147,576  
Additions due to acquisition
    -       -       (1,813 )     49,260  
Reductions from payments and foreclosures, net
    (106 )     (8,405 )     (285 )     (28,407 )
Accretion
    298       298       511       511  
Balance at end of period
  $ (537 )   $ 168,940     $ (537 )   $ 168,940  

Note 7 – Credit Quality of Loans

Loan Payment Status.  The following tables present an aging analysis of the Company’s past due loans by loan category at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

   
30 - 59 Days
Past Due
   
60 - 89 Days
Past Due
   
90 Days or
More Past
Due
   
Nonaccrual
   
Total
Past Due
   
Current
   
Total
Loans
   
Recorded
Investment >
90 Days and
Accruing
 
September 30, 2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                               
Real estate:
                                               
One-to-four family residential
  $ 1,338     $ 1,214     $ -     $ 9,539     $ 12,091     $ 139,765     $ 151,856     $ -  
Multifamily residential
    -       -       -       216       216       21,559       21,775       -  
Construction
    -       -       -       845       845       20,240       21,085       -  
Commercial land
    257       335       -       9,737       10,329       32,884       43,213       -  
Residential development
    349       500       -       10,919       11,768       17,307       29,075       -  
Other commercial real estate
    2,890       2,085       378       20,921       26,274       280,649       306,923       389  
Consumer real estate
    1,097       375       103       2,697       4,272       109,320       113,592       104  
Total real estate
    5,931       4,509       481       54,874       65,795       621,724       687,519       493  
Commercial business
    53       212       -       1,271       1,536       49,615       51,151       -  
Other consumer
    118       86       -       973       1,177       11,158       12,335       -  
Total
  $ 6,102     $ 4,807     $ 481     $ 57,118     $ 68,508     $ 682,497     $ 751,005     $ 493  
                                                                 
                                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                                               
Real estate:
                                                               
One-to-four family residential
  $ 1,512     $ 1,761     $ -     $ 5,332     $ 8,605     $ 125,164     $ 133,769     $ -  
Multifamily residential
    -       -       -       -       -       23,667       23,667       -  
Construction
    240       391       -       63       694       19,727       20,421       -  
Commercial land
    1,224       2,056       -       10,463       13,743       76,912       90,655       -  
Residential development
    1,892       909       2,000       -       4,801       -       4,801       2,027  
Other commercial real estate
    3,302       3,956       472       18,632       26,362       257,507       283,869       482  
Consumer real estate
    679       419       37       2,726       3,861       114,160       118,021       37  
Total real estate
    8,849       9,492       2,509       37,216       58,066       617,137       675,203       2,546  
Commercial business
    236       201       17       1,338       1,792       46,261       48,053       18  
Other consumer
    539       239       -       876       1,654       11,600       13,254       -  
Total
  $ 9,624     $ 9,932     $ 2,526     $ 39,430     $ 61,512     $ 674,998     $ 736,510     $ 2,564  

 
13

 
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings.  The Company adopted the amendments in Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-02, during the current period ended September 30, 2011, and has reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after the beginning of the current fiscal year for identification as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). The Company identified as TDRs certain receivables for which the allowance for credit losses had previously been measured under a general allowance for credit losses methodology (ASC 450-20). Upon identifying the reassessed receivables as TDRs, the Company also identified them as impaired under the new guidance in ASC 310-10-35. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-02 require prospective application of the impairment measurement guidance in Section 310-10-35 for those receivables newly identified as impaired. At the end of the first interim period of adoption for the Company, the recorded investment in the receivables for which the allowance for credit losses was previously measured under a general allowance for credit losses methodology and are now impaired under Section 310-10-35 was $1.3 million (310-40-65-1(b)), and there was no allowance for credit losses associated with those receivables, on the basis of a current evaluation of loss (310-40-65-1(b)).
 
The modification or restructuring of a debt constitutes a TDR if we, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grant a concession to the borrowers that we would not otherwise consider. Some examples of modifications are described below:

Rate modification –  A modification in which only the interest rate is changed.

Term modification – A modification in which the maturity date, timing of payments, or frequency of payments is changed.

Interest only modification – A modification in which the loan is converted to interest only payments for a period of time.

Payment Modification – A modification in which the dollar amount of the payment is changed, other than an interest only modification described above.

Transfer of Assets Modification – A modification in which a transfer of assets has occurred to partially satisfy debt, including foreclosure and repossession.

Combination Modification – Any other type of modification, including the use of multiple categories above.


 
14

 
The following tables present the Bank’s loans classified as TDRs by loan type as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
 
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Accrual
Status
 
Non-accrual
Status
 
Total
Contracts
 
Total TDRs
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Real estate:
                       
Commercial land
  $ -     $ 471       1     $ 471  
Other commercial real estate
    4,819       955       18       5,774  
Total real estate
    4,819       1,426       19       6,245  
Commercial business
    -       10       2       10  
Total
  $ 4,819     $ 1,436       21     $ 6,255  
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Accrual
Status
 
Non-accrual
Status
 
Total
Contracts
 
Total TDRs
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                 
Real estate:
                               
One-to-four family residential
  $ -     $ 1,084       1     $ 1,084  
Commercial land
    -       471       1       471  
Other commercial real estate
    1,882       2,163       13       4,045  
Total real estate
    1,882       3,718       15       5,600  
Other consumer
    17       -       1       17  
Total
  $ 1,899     $ 3,718       16     $ 5,617  


 
15

 
The following tables present newly restructured loans that occurred during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively:

    Three months ended  
    September 30, 2011  
   
Term
Modifications
 
Interest Only
Modifications
 
Payment
Modifications
 
Total
Modifications
 
Total
Number of
Contracts
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment:
             
Commercial real estate
  $ -     $ -     $ 720     $ 720       4  
Total
  $ -     $ -     $ 720     $ 720       4  
                                         
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment:
               
Commercial real estate
  $ -     $ -     $ 720     $ 720       4  
Total
  $ -     $ -     $ 720     $ 720     $ 4  
                                         
                                         
    Three months ended  
    September 30, 2010  
   
Term
Modifications
 
Interest Only
Modifications
 
Payment
Modifications
 
Total
Modifications
 
Total
Number of
Contracts
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment:
                 
Residential real estate
  $ 1,157     $ -     $ -     $ 1,157       7  
Commercial real estate
    1,080       -       -       1,080       3  
Total
  $ 2,237     $ -     $ -     $ 2,237       10  
                                         
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment:
               
Residential real estate
  $ 1,157     $ -     $ -     $ 1,157       7  
Commercial real estate
    1,080       -       -       1,080       3  
Total
  $ 2,237     $ -     $ -     $ 2,237       10  
 
 
16

 
 
    Nine months ended  
    September 30, 2011  
   
Term
Modifications
 
Interest Only
Modifications
 
Payment
Modifications
 
Total
Modifications
 
Total
Number of
Contracts
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment:
             
Commercial real estate
  $ 593     $ 905     $ 720     $ 2,218       8  
Commercial business
    10       -       -       10       2  
Total
  $ 603     $ 905     $ 720     $ 2,228       10  
                                         
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment:
               
Commercial real estate
  $ 593     $ 905     $ 720     $ 2,218       8  
Commercial business
    10       -       -       10       2  
Total
  $ 603     $ 905     $ 720     $ 2,228       10  
                                         
                                         
    Nine months ended  
    September 30, 2010  
   
Term
Modifications
 
Interest Only
Modifications
 
Payment
Modifications
 
Total
Modifications
 
Total
Number of
Contracts
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment:
                 
Residential real estate
  $ 1,157     $ -     $ -     $ 1,157       7  
Commercial real estate
    1,080       494       -       1,574       5  
Total
  $ 2,237     $ 494     $ -     $ 2,731       12  
                                         
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment:
               
Residential real estate
  $ 1,157     $ -     $ -     $ 1,157       7  
Commercial real estate
    1,080       494       -       1,574       5  
Total
  $ 2,237     $ 494     $ -     $ 2,731       12  
 
All TDRs are not automatically placed on nonaccrual status.  Generally, those TDRs that are placed on non-accrual status may return to accrual status when the borrower has sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms.  The number of payments needed to meet these criteria varies from loan to loan.  However, as a general rule, most non-accrual loans should be able to return to accrual status after the payment of six consecutive regular scheduled payments.

During the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2011, there was one payment default on a residential TDR.  The collateral for this residential loan was acquired through foreclosure and was sold during the third quarter of 2011.  The loan had an original principal balance of $1.1 million and the resulting loss from the disposition of the collateral was approximately $335,000.

Also, in the normal course of business, the Company will make loan restructurings or modifications to borrowers for reasons unrelated to the borrower’s financial condition.  These restructurings or modifications are made based on the prevailing interest rates and terms offered to other borrowers for similar types of loans at the time of the modification. These types of debt restructurings or loan modifications would not be considered troubled debt restructurings.
 
17

 
Impaired Loans.  The Company evaluates impairment of its non-covered residential mortgage and consumer loans on a collective basis, while non-covered commercial and construction loans are evaluated individually for impairment.  The Company identifies a non-covered loan as impaired when it is probable that principal and interest will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Specific allowances or principal write-downs are established for certain individual non-covered loans that management considers impaired.  The remainder of the portfolio of non-covered loans is segmented into groups of loans with similar risk characteristics for evaluation and analysis.

The following table details the Company’s impaired loans at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Principal 
Write-down
   
Net Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
September 30, 2011
                             
Commercial land
  $ 2,105     $ 3,969     $ 1,992     $ 1,977     $ -  
Residential development
    5,636       7,769       2,289       5,480       -  
Commercial real estate - office
    3,683       4,347       673       3,674       -  
Commercial real estate - other
    2,142       2,801       732       2,069       -  
Consumer real estate
    59       205       170       35       -  
Commercial business
    21       138       128       10       -  
Total impaired loans
  $ 13,646     $ 19,229     $ 5,984     $ 13,245     $ -  
                                         
                                         
                                         
December 31, 2010
                                       
One-to-four family residential
  $ 804     $ 964     $ 200     $ 764     $ -  
Commercial land
    2,792       3,403       774       2,629       -  
Residential development
    4,142       7,613       1,389       4,101       416  
Commercial real estate - office
    3,729       4,249       539       3,709       -  
Commercial real estate - retail
    1,863       4,162       2,320       1,823       -  
Commercial real estate - other
    174       445       298       147       -  
Consumer real estate
    235       696       487       205       -  
Total impaired loans
  $ 13,739     $ 21,532     $ 6,007     $ 13,378     $ 416  

Loan Classification. We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debts such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.  We analyze loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk.  This analysis is performed on at least a quarterly basis.  We use the following definitions for risk ratings: Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of our credit position at some future date. Substandard -  Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.  Loans so classified have one or more well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful -  Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable and improbable.  Loans not meeting the criteria above as part of the above described process are considered to be Pass rated loans.   The Company’s portfolio of FDIC-covered loans was considered to be Pass rated loans at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, as the loans were marked to fair value at acquisition and have FDIC loss-share agreements to cover at least 80% of any future losses.

 
18

 
As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the risk category of loans is as follows:
 
         
Criticized Loans
       
September 30, 2011
 
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 149,378     $ 541     $ 1,937     $ -     $ 151,856  
Multifamily residential
    21,510       265       -       -       21,775  
Construction
    21,085       -       -       -       21,085  
Commercial land
    34,325       5,002       3,886       -       43,213  
Residential development
    17,659       1,806       9,610       -       29,075  
Other commercial real estate
    276,993       13,703       16,227       -       306,923  
Consumer real estate
    109,421       1,140       3,031       -       113,592  
Total real estate
    630,371       22,457       34,691       -       687,519  
Commercial business
    45,222       5,392       537       -       51,151  
Other consumer
    12,103       103       129       -       12,335  
Total loans
  $ 687,696     $ 27,952     $ 35,357     $ -     $ 751,005  

         
Criticized Loans
       
December 31, 2010
 
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Real estate:
                             
One-to-four family residential
  $ 131,072     $ 1,167     $ 1,530     $ -     $ 133,769  
Multifamily residential
    23,394       273       -       -       23,667  
Construction
    18,488       1,933       -       -       20,421  
Land and development
    66,105       10,533       16,012       75       92,725  
Other commercial real estate
    257,769       7,882       20,949       -       286,600  
Consumer real estate
    113,036       1,327       3,523       135       118,021  
Total real estate
    609,864       23,115       42,014       210       675,203  
Commercial business
    47,423       376       254       -       48,053  
Other consumer
    11,200       -       2,054       -       13,254  
Total loans
  $ 668,487     $ 23,491     $ 44,322     $ 210     $ 736,510  

 
 
19

 
Note 8 - Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company has established a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses.  This methodology is set forth in a formal policy and considers all non-covered loans in the portfolio.  Loans totaling $168.9 million that were covered under the FDIC loss-share agreements were not included in the Company’s evaluation of the adequacy of loan loss allowances since potential losses are covered up to at least 80% by the FDIC.  These covered loans were recorded at their estimated fair value at the time of the acquisition.  Management’s periodic evaluation of the allowance is consistently applied and based on inherent losses in the portfolio, past loan loss experience, risks inherent in the different types of loans, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, current economic conditions, the borrower’s financial position, and other relevant internal and external factors that may affect loan collectability. The allowance for loan losses is increased by charging provisions for loan losses against income.  As of September 30, 2011, the allowance for loan losses was $13.0 million, or 2.23% of total non-covered loans.  Management believes that this amount meets the requirement for losses on loans that management considers to be impaired, for known losses, and for losses inherent in the remaining non-covered loan portfolio.  Although management believes that it uses the best information available to make such determinations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be significantly adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations.

A reconciliation of the allowance for loan losses is as follows:
 
   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Balance - Beginning of period
  $ 12,742     $ 9,797     $ 11,924     $ 9,189  
Charge-offs:
                               
One-to-four family residential
    (7 )     (45 )     (1,144 )     (46 )
Construction
    -       (16 )     (42 )     (279 )
Commercial land
    (1,014 )     (65 )     (2,088 )     (591 )
Residential development
    (187 )     (796 )     (1,742 )     (1,942 )
Other commercial real estate
    (122 )     (897 )     (378 )     (3,313 )
Consumer real estate
    -       (184 )     (91 )     (1,451 )
Commercial business
    (26 )     (93 )     (214 )     (153 )
Other consumer
    (32 )     (9 )     (49 )     (51 )
Total charge-offs
    (1,388 )     (2,105 )     (5,748 )     (7,826 )
Recoveries:
                               
One-to-four family residential
    -       -       7       3  
Construction
    -       -       231       48  
Commercial land
    -       -       66       -  
Residential development
    8       -       71       -  
Other commercial real estate
    79       51       93       231  
Consumer real estate
    10       3       88       33  
Commercial business
    151       1       163       2  
Other consumer
    4       5       11       22  
Total recoveries
    252       60       730       339  
Provision for loan losses
    1,350       3,000       6,050       9,050  
Balance - End of period
  $ 12,956     $ 10,752     $ 12,956     $ 10,752  
 
 
20

 
The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of the activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for non-covered loans for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
One-to-four
family
residential
   
Multifamily
residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
land
   
Residential
development
   
Other
commercial
real estate
   
Consumer
real estate
   
Commercial
business
   
Other
consumer
   
Total
 
                                                             
September 30, 2011
                                                           
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                       
Balance - July 1, 2011
  $ 503     $ 200     $ 1,014     $ 2,321     $ 1,778     $ 2,417     $ 1,476     $ 2,475     $ 558     $ 12,742  
Loan charge-offs
    (7 )     -       -       (1,014 )     (187 )     (122 )     -       (26 )     (32 )     (1,388 )
Loan recoveries
    -       -       -       1       8       79       10       150       4       252  
Provision for loan losses
    -       -       -       1,000       200       100       -       -       50       1,350  
Balance - September 30, 2011
  $ 496     $ 200     $ 1,014     $ 2,308     $ 1,799     $ 2,474     $ 1,486     $ 2,599     $ 580     $ 12,956  
                                                                                 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 496     $ 200     $ 1,014     $ 2,308     $ 1,799     $ 2,474     $ 1,486     $ 2,599     $ 580     $ 12,956  
                                                                                 
Loans:
                                                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2,105     $ 5,636     $ 5,825     $ 59     $ 21     $ -     $ 13,646  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    115,671       18,918       19,679       27,553       15,305       221,927       104,081       40,996       5,963       570,093  
Total non-covered loans
  $ 115,671     $ 18,918     $ 19,679     $ 29,658     $ 20,941     $ 227,752     $ 104,140     $ 41,017     $ 5,963     $ 583,739  
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
One-to-four
family
residential
   
Multifamily
residential
   
Construction
   
Commercial
land
   
Residential
development
   
Other
commercial
real estate
   
Consumer
real estate
   
Commercial
business
   
Other
consumer
   
Total
 
                                                             
September 30, 2010
                                                           
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                       
Balance - July 1, 2010
  $ 265     $ 200     $ 1,685     $ 1,379     $ 1,602     $ 1,725     $ 1,450     $ 993     $ 498     $ 9,797  
Loan charge-offs
    (45 )     -       (16 )     (65 )     (796 )     (897 )     (184 )     (93 )     (9 )     (2,105 )
Loan recoveries
    -       -       -       -       -       51       -       1       8       60  
Provision for loan losses
    50       -       25       275       1,250       1,000       250       100       50       3,000  
Balance - September 30, 2010
  $ 270     $ 200     $ 1,694     $ 1,589     $ 2,056     $ 1,879     $ 1,516     $ 1,001     $ 547     $ 10,752  
                                                                                 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 270     $ 200     $ 1,694     $ 1,589     $ 2,056     $ 1,879     $ 1,516     $ 1,001     $ 547     $ 10,752  
                                                                                 
Loans:
                                                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,084     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 3,550     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 4,634  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    101,120       23,769       11,252       40,739       26,189       238,738       110,064       34,876       5,276       592,023  
Total non-covered loans
  $ 102,204     $ 23,769     $ 11,252     $ 40,739     $ 26,189     $ 242,288     $ 110,064     $ 34,876     $ 5,276     $ 596,657  

 
21

 
The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of the activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for non-covered loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
One-to-four
family
residential
 
Multifamily
residential
 
Construction
 
Commercial
land
 
Residential
development
 
Other
commercial
real estate
 
Consumer
real estate
 
Commercial
business
 
Other
consumer
 
Total
 
                                                             
September 30, 2011
                                                           
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                       
Balance - January 1, 2011
  $ 500     $ 200     $ 1,000     $ 2,000     $ 1,500     $ 2,224     $ 1,500     $ 2,500     $ 500     $ 11,924  
Loan charge-offs
    (1,144 )     -       (42 )     (2,088 )     (1,742 )     (378 )     (91 )     (214 )     (49 )     (5,748 )
Loan recoveries
    7       -       231       66       71       93       88       163       11       730  
Provision for loan losses
    1,000       -       250       2,000       1,500       500       500       250       50       6,050  
Balance - September 30, 2011
  $ 363     $ 200     $ 1,439     $ 1,978     $ 1,329     $ 2,439     $ 1,997     $ 2,699     $ 512     $ 12,956  
                                                                                 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 363     $ 200     $ 1,439     $ 1,978     $ 1,329     $ 2,439     $ 1,997     $ 2,699     $ 512     $ 12,956  
                                                                                 
Loans:
                                                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 2,105     $ 5,636     $ 5,825     $ 59     $ 21     $ -     $ 13,646  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    115,671       18,918       19,679       27,553       15,305       221,927       104,081       40,996       5,963       570,093  
Total non-covered loans
  $ 115,671     $ 18,918     $ 19,679     $ 29,658     $ 20,941     $ 227,752     $ 104,140     $ 41,017     $ 5,963     $ 583,739  
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
One-to-four
family
residential
 
Multifamily
residential
 
Construction
 
Commercial
land
 
Residential
development
 
Other
commercial
real estate
 
Consumer
real estate
 
Commercial
business
 
Other
consumer
 
Total
 
                                                                                 
September 30, 2010
                                                                               
Allowance for loan losses:
                                                                         
Balance - January 1, 2010
  $ 250     $ 200     $ 1,775     $ 1,000     $ 1,000     $ 1,964     $ 1,500     $ 1,000     $ 500     $ 9,189  
Loan charge-offs
    (46 )     -       (278 )     (592 )     (1,952 )     (3,312 )     (1,320 )     (153 )     (183 )     (7,836 )
Loan recoveries
    3       -       49       -       -       242       30       2       23       349  
Provision for loan losses
    50       -       250       3,000       2,450       2,000       1,000       250       50       9,050  
Balance - September 30, 2010
  $ 257     $ 200     $ 1,796     $ 3,408     $ 1,498     $ 894     $ 1,210     $ 1,099     $ 390     $ 10,752  
                                                                                 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 257     $ 200     $ 1,796     $ 3,408     $ 1,498     $ 894     $ 1,210     $ 1,099     $ 390     $ 10,752  
                                                                                 
Loans:
                                                                               
Loans individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,084     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 3,550     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 4,634  
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
    101,120       23,769       11,252       40,739       26,189       238,738       110,064       34,876       5,276       592,023  
Total non-covered loans
  $ 102,204     $ 23,769     $ 11,252     $ 40,739     $ 26,189     $ 242,288     $ 110,064     $ 34,876     $ 5,276     $ 596,657  

 
22

 
Note 9 – FDIC Loss Share Receivable

The following tables provide changes in the loss share receivable from the FDIC for the three- and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                         
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 43,424     $ 36,470     $ 24,848     $ -  
Additional FDIC loss share receivable from acquisitions
    -       -       19,922       36,301  
Increase in expected losses on indemnified assets
    488       937       2,053       2,151  
Claimable (gains) losses on OREO covered under loss share agreements
    203       (40 )     862       (40 )
Reimbursable expenses claimed
    153       117       520       117  
Accretion of discounts and premiums, net
    (340 )     (653 )     (1,345 )     (1,698 )
Receipt of payments from FDIC
    (2,317 )     (6,730 )     (5,434 )     (6,730 )
Other
    60       507       245       507  
Balance at end of period
  $ 41,671     $ 30,608     $ 41,671     $ 30,608  

Note 10 – Deposits

Deposit balances are detailed by category as follows for the respective periods:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Noninterest-bearing demand
  $ 87,413     $ 70,056  
Interest-bearing demand
    194,323       172,414  
Money market deposit
    158,685       142,538  
Savings accounts
    20,124       17,004  
Time deposits
    428,035       448,444  
Total deposits
  $ 888,580     $ 850,456  
 
Note 11 – Preferred Stock

On September 22, 2011, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to the Treasury 20,500 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (“Series C Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $20,500,000.    The Securities Purchase Agreement was entered into, and the Series C Preferred Stock was issued, pursuant to the Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund program (“SBLF”), as established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.   The Company’s rights and obligations with respect to the Series C Preferred Stock are set forth in the Securities Purchase Agreement and the Certificate of Designation to its Certificate of Incorporation filed by the Company with the Secretary State of the State of Delaware. The Series C Preferred Stock is entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends payable quarterly.  The dividend rate was initially set at 4.84% per annum based upon the initial level of qualified small business lending (“QSBL”) by the Bank.  The dividend rate for future dividend periods will be set based upon the percentage change in the QSBL between each dividend period and the baseline QSBL level.  This dividend rate may vary from 1% per annum to 5% per annum for the second through tenth dividend periods, from 1% per annum to 7% per annum for the eleventh through the first half of the nineteenth dividend periods.  The current dividend rate is 3.30%.  If the Series C Preferred Stock remains outstanding for more than four-and-one-half years, the dividend rate will be fixed at 9%.  Prior to that time the dividend rate decreases as the level of the Bank’s QSBL increases.  Also, the Company may redeem the shares of Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time subject to prior approval by the Company’s primary federal banking regulator.
 
 
23

 
As a result of the Company’s participation in SBLF, the Company redeemed all 20,500 shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A it sold to the Treasury on December 12, 2008, in connection with the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program.  The Company paid $20.6 million to the Treasury to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, which includes the original investment of $20.5 million, plus accrued dividends.
 
Note 12 – Commitments
 
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  These commitments represent no more than normal lending risk that the Bank commits to its borrowers and management believes that these commitments can be funded through normal operations.

Commitments to extend credit at the respective periods are as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Loan commitments
           
Residential mortgage loans
  $ 27,849     $ 14,530  
Non-residential mortgage loans
    10,144       2,500  
Commercial loans
    3,085       731  
Consumer loans
    1,283       765  
Total loan commitments
  $ 42,361     $ 18,526  
                 
Unused lines of credit
               
Commercial
  $ 18,856     $ 13,000  
Consumer
    75,231       73,655  
Total unused lines of credit
  $ 94,087     $ 86,655  
                 
Undisbursed Construction Loan Proceeds
  $ 1,200     $ 524  


 
24

 
Note 13 – Fair Value Measurements

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine fair value disclosures.  The Company has not elected the fair value option for liabilities.  Investment securities, available for sale, are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as impaired loans and other real estate owned.  These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting for these other assets.

In accordance with ASC 825-10, when measuring fair value, the Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate and consistently applied.  A fair value hierarchy is used based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair value.  These levels are as follows:
 
Level 1:   Inputs to the valuation methodology are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

Level 2:   Inputs to the valuation methodology are derived from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving similar types of instruments in active markets.
 
Level 3:   Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value measurements for assets where there exists limited or no observable market data and, therefore, are based primarily upon estimates, are often calculated based on the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset and other factors.  Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.  Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect the results of current or future values.  The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value. The determination of where an instrument falls in the hierarchy requires significant judgment.

Investment SecuritiesInvestment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on at least a monthly basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions.  Level 1 fair value is used for those securities traded on an active exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by brokers or dealers in an active over-the-counter market, and money market funds.  Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises, municipal bonds, and corporate debt securities.  These Level 2 securities are valued using an independent third party.  This independent third party uses multiple pricing vendors and matrix pricing methods developed in accordance with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s industry-standard methods.  Level 3 investment securities include equity securities that are not traded on an active exchange, investments in closely held subsidiaries, and asset-backed securities traded in less liquid markets. The $258,000 of transfers into Level 3 investment securities during 2011 include equity securities that were pledged as collateral on a loan that defaulted.  A reconciliation of the Company’s Level 3 securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 is shown in the following table:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Beginning balance, January 1
  $ 3,023     $ 2,941  
Total gains included in:
               
Other comprehensive income
    91       12  
Sales
    (1,093 )     -  
Transfers in
    258       -  
Ending balance, September 30
  $ 2,279     $ 2,953  
 
 
25

 
Loans - The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and a specific allowance is established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as being impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with ASC 310-10-35.  The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market price and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, substantially all of the total impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with ASC 825-10, impaired loans where an allowance was established based on the fair value of collateral required classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral was based on an observable market price, the Company recorded the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an observable market price was not available or when management made assumptions that impact the fair value of the collateral, such as estimated disposition or holding costs, the Company recorded the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned - Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to foreclosed assets. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price, the Company records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 2. When an observable market price is not available, or when management makes assumptions that impact the fair value of the collateral, such as estimated disposition or holding costs, the Company records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
 
   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
September 30, 2011
               
Investment securities, available for sale
 
$
   
$
52,659
   
$
2,279
   
$
54,938
 
Investment securities, rabbi trusts
   
     
197
     
     
197
 
                                 
December 31, 2010
                               
Investment securities, available for sale
 
$
   
$
71,285
   
$
3,023
   
$
74,308
 
Investment securities, rabbi trusts
   
     
731
     
     
731
 
Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis:
                               
                                 
September 30, 2011
                               
Presold loans in process of settlement
 
$
   
$
865
   
$
   
$
865
 
Impaired loans
   
     
     
13,245
     
13,245
 
Other real estate owned
   
     
     
20,973
     
20,973
 
                                 
December 31, 2010
                               
Presold loans in process of settlement
 
$
   
$
4,034
   
$
   
$
4,034
 
Impaired loans
   
     
     
15,913
     
15,913
 
Other real estate owned
   
     
     
14,652
     
14,652
 
 
 
 
26

 
Note 14 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Estimated fair values of financial instruments have been estimated by the Company using the provisions of ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments “ASC 825”, which requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments.  ASC 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:
   
Cash and noninterest-bearing deposits - The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and noninterest-bearing deposits approximate the fair value of those assets.

Interest-earning deposits - The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for interest-earning deposits approximate the fair value of those assets.

Investment securities - Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving comparable types of investments in active markets.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock - The fair values for FHLB stock are its carrying value since this is the amount for which it could be redeemed. There is no active market for this stock and the Company, in order to be a member of the FHLB, is required to maintain a minimum investment.

Presold loans in process of settlement – The fair values of presold loans in process of settlement are its carrying value since these loans have a firm commitment to be purchased by an independent third party.
 
Loans receivable, net - The fair values for fixed rate loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms and credit ratings for the same remaining maturities. The fair value of variable rate loans that reprice frequently is based on the carrying value.  The resulting fair value for fixed and variable rate loans is adjusted for the allowance for loan losses.

FDIC indemnification asset - The fair values for the FDIC indemnification asset are estimated based on discounted future cash flows using current discount rates.

Accrued interest receivable and Accrued interest payable - The carrying values of accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable are assumed to approximate fair value.

Bank-owned life insurance - The carrying value of life insurance approximates fair value because this investment is carried at cash surrender value, as determined by the insurer.

Demand deposits, money market accounts and savings - The fair values of demand deposits, money market accounts and savings accounts are equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.

Time deposits – The fair values for time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on these accounts to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Securities sold under repurchase agreements - The fair values of securities sold under repurchase agreements are equal to the carrying value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
 
 
27

 
Borrowed Money - The fair values for borrowed money are estimated based on discounted future cash flows using current discount rates for similar borrowings.

Subordinated debt - The fair values for subordinated debt are estimated based on a broker indication of fair value at the respective dates.

At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding unfunded commitments to extend credit offered in the normal course of business.  Fair values of these commitments are based on fees currently charged for similar instruments.  At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the carrying amounts and fair values of these off-balance sheet financial instruments were considered immaterial.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at the respective dates were as follows:

   
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and noninterest-bearing deposits
  $ 15,150     $ 15,150     $ 15,110     $ 15,110  
Interest-earning bank balances
    87,580       87,580       105,789       105,789  
Investment securities
    132,443       135,206       111,586       111,946  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    5,362       5,362       5,715       5,715  
Presold loans in process of settlement
    865       865       4,034       4,034  
Loans receivable, net
    738,049       757,834       724,586       739,295  
FDIC loss share receivable
    41,671       41,671       24,848       24,848  
Accrued interest receivable
    2,869       2,869       3,001       3,001  
Bank-owned life insurance
    18,816       18,816       18,230       18,230  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Demand deposits
  $ 281,736     $ 281,736     $ 242,470     $ 242,470  
Money market deposit
    158,685       158,685       142,538       142,538  
Savings accounts
    20,124       20,124       17,004       17,004  
Time deposits
    428,035       430,850       448,444       451,853  
Securities sold under repurchase agreements
    9,641       9,641       9,432       9,432  
Borrowed money
    80,673       90,202       85,782       109,092  
Subordinated debt
    15,464       7,732       15,464       6,959  
Accrued interest payable
    806       806       1,263       1,263  

Note 15 – Subsequent Events

Dividend Declaration.  On October 24, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved and declared a regular cash dividend of one cent ($0.01) per share of common stock to shareholders of record as of November 7, 2011, payable on November 21, 2011. The Company has paid cash dividends in each of the 54 quarters since the Company’s conversion to public ownership.
 
 
28

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company and the Bank.  These statements are based on assumptions and estimates with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change based on changes in the economic and competitive environment in which we operate.  Such forward- looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as  “may,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” and “plan,” as well as similar expressions. Such statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control.  A number of factors could cause actual conditions, events, or results to differ significantly from those described in the forward-looking statements.   Factors that could cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, 1) the timing and amount of revenues that may be recognized by the Company, 2) changes in local or national economic trends, 3) increased competition among depository and financial institutions, 4) continuation of current revenue and expense trends (including trends affecting charge-offs and provisions for loan losses), 5) changes in interest rates and the shape of the yield curve, and 6) adverse legal, regulatory or accounting changes and other risk factors described under Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the Company’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company is under no duty to update these forward-looking statements.
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
This quarterly report contains certain non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.  Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results with prior periods.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“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 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.
 
Executive Summary

Citizens South Banking Corporation (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation that owns all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Citizens South Bank (the "Bank"). The shares of common stock of the Company trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “CSBC.”  The Company’s principal business activities are overseeing and directing the business of the Bank. The Company’s assets consist primarily of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank, deposits held at the Bank, and investment securities.  The Company became the holding company for the Bank on September 30, 2002, in connection with the mutual-to-stock conversion of Citizens South Holdings, MHC, the mutual holding company of Citizens South Banking Corporation, a federal corporation, formerly named Gaston Federal Bancorp, Inc., which was originally formed on March 18, 1998, for the purpose of acting as the holding company for the Bank.

Citizens South Bank was chartered in 1904 and currently operates as a federally chartered savings bank. The Bank is headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina, which is located approximately 20 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina.  The Bank’s executive office is located at 519 South New Hope Road, P.O. Box 2249, Gastonia, North Carolina 28053-2249 and its telephone number is (704) 868-5200. The Company also maintains a website at www.citizenssouth.com that includes important information on our Bank, including a list of our products and services, branch locations and current financial information.  Information on our website should not be considered a part of this interim report.

 
29

 
The Bank provides a full range of retail products, commercial banking services, and mortgage lending services to local customers through our 21 branch offices located in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.  Our primary banking activities include the acceptance of deposits and the origination of loans.  We offer retail deposit products such as checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as time deposits and individual retirement accounts.  For business customers, the Bank offers commercial analysis deposit accounts, business checking accounts, and repurchase agreements (also called securities sold under agreement to repurchase).  The Bank is a member of the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”), which gives our customers the ability to obtain FDIC insurance on deposits of up to $50 million, while continuing to work directly with our Bank. The Bank also offers a wide variety of consumer and commercial loans including business loans, real estate loans, residential loans and consumer loans.  We offer consumer and business credit cards, debit cards, commercial letters of credit, safe deposit box rentals, and electronic funds transfer services, including automated clearing house, or ACH, and wire transfers.  In addition, the Bank offers online banking, remote deposit capture, cash management, bank-by-phone capabilities, and ATM services.   The Bank also acts as a broker in the sale of uninsured financial products.

The following discussion is provided to assist in understanding and evaluating the Company’s results of operations and financial condition and is designed to provide a general overview of the Company’s performance for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.  Financial highlights for the five previous quarters are presented in the following table.

 
30

 
Quarterly Financial Highlights (unaudited)
 
At and For the Quarters Ended
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
   
December 31
   
September 30
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
                               
Summary of Operations:
               
 
   
 
 
Interest income - taxable equivalent
  $ 11,308     $ 11,488     $ 10,457     $ 11,055     $ 11,675  
Interest expense
    2,554       2,826       2,855       3,411       3,790  
   Net interest income - taxable equivalent
    8,754       8,662       7,602       7,644       7,885  
Less: Taxable-equivalent adjustment
    62       69       70       70       79  
   Net interest income
    8,692       8,593       7,532       7,574       7,806  
Provision for loan losses
    1,350       1,700       3,000       5,000       3,000  
Net interest income after loan loss provision
    7,342       6,893       4,532       2,574       4,806  
Noninterest income
    1,990       5,886       1,478       2,274       2,290  
Noninterest expense
    8,931       9,270       7,672       7,918       7,781  
   Net income (loss) before income taxes
    401       3,509       (1,662 )     (3,070 )     (685 )
Income tax expense (benefit)
    28       1,213       (771 )     (1,331 )     (413 )
   Net income (loss)
    373       2,296       (891 )     (1,739 )     (272 )
Dividends on preferred stock
    247       256       256       256       256  
   Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 126     $ 2,040     $ (1,147 )   $ (1,995 )   $ (528 )
                                         
Per Common Share Data:
                                       
Net income (loss):
                                       
  Basic
  $ 0.01     $ 0.18     $ (0.10 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.05 )
  Diluted
    0.01       0.18       (0.10 )     (0.18 )     (0.05 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                 
  Basic
    11,462,107       11,455,642       11,491,734       11,173,174       10,844,386  
  Diluted
    11,462,107       11,455,642       11,491,734       11,173,174       10,844,386  
End of period shares outstanding
    11,506,324       11,506,324       11,508,750       11,508,750       10,964,146  
Cash dividends declared
  $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.01     $ 0.04  
Book value
    6.44       6.44       6.22       6.32       6.86  
Tangible book value
    6.31       6.29       6.09       6.17       6.70  
                                         
Selected Financial Performance Ratios (annualized):
                                       
Return on average assets
    0.05 %     0.73 %     (0.44 )%     (0.74 )%     (0.20 )%
Return on average common equity
    0.68 %     11.00 %     (6.39 )%     (10.68 )%     (2.77 )%
Noninterest income to average total assets
    0.72 %     2.12 %     0.56 %     0.85 %     0.85 %
Noninterest expense to average total assets
    3.23 %     3.34 %     2.91 %     2.95 %     2.88 %
                                         
Operating Earnings (Non-GAAP):
                         
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders
  $ 126     $ 2,040     $ (1,147 )   $ (1,995 )   $ (528 )
(Gain) loss on acquisition, net of tax
    29       (2,695 )     155       (90 )     (118 )
(Gain) loss on sale of investments, net of tax
    (67 )     -       -       -       (186 )
Other-than-temporary impairment on securities, net of tax
    -       -       -       365       -  
Acquisition and integration expenses, net of tax
    86       345       27       26       86  
  Net operating income (loss)
  $ 174     $ (310 )   $ (965 )   $ (1,694 )   $ (746 )
                                         
Operating net income (loss) per common share:
         
  Basic
  $ 0.02     $ (0.03 )   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.07 )
  Diluted
    0.02       (0.03 )     (0.08 )     (0.15 )     (0.07 )
                                         
Pre-tax, pre-credit earnings  (1)
  $ 3,545     $ 3,902     $ 2,638     $ 2,885     $ 3,023  
                                         
Operating return on average assets
    0.06 %     (0.11 )%     (0.37 )%     (0.63 )%     (0.28 )%
Operating return on average common equity
    0.73 %     (1.30 )%     (4.13 )%     (7.15 )%     (3.10 )%
Operating efficiency ratio  (2)
    67.52 %     65.92 %     69.97 %     70.49 %     72.04 %
 
                     
                     
(1)
Calculated using net interest income plus noninterest income less noninterest expense adjusted for the following items: 1) gains or losses from acquisition or sale of investments or sale of other assets; 2) other-than-temporary impairment on securities; 3) amortization of intangible assets; 4) other real estate owned valuation adjustments and expenses; and 5) acquisition and integration expenses.
   
(2)
Calculated by dividing noninterest expense by net interest income plus noninterest income excluding the following items: 1) gains or losses from acquisition or sale of investments; 2) other-than-temporary impairment on securities; 3) other real estate owned valuation adjustments and expenses; and 4) acquisition and integration expenses.
 
 
31

 
Quarterly Financial Highlights (unaudited)
 
At and For the Quarters Ended
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
 
December 31
 
September 30
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
       
                               
Credit Quality Information and Ratios:
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Allowance for loan losses - beginning of period
  $ 12,742     $ 12,006     $ 11,924     $ 10,752     $ 9,796  
Add:  Provision for loan losses
    1,350       1,700       3,000       5,000       3,000  
Less:  Net charge-offs
    1,136       964       2,918       3,828       2,044  
Allowance for loan losses - end of period
  $ 12,956     $ 12,742     $ 12,006     $ 11,924     $ 10,752  
 
                                       
Assets not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements:
 
Past due loans (30-89 days) accruing
  $ 4,479     $ 5,687     $ 5,692     $ 13,787     $ 6,602  
Past due loans (30-89 days) to total non-covered loans
    0.77 %     0.99 %     0.97 %     2.34 %     1.11 %
                                         
Nonperforming non-covered loans:
                       
    One-to-four family residential
  $ 1,556     $ 1,406     $ 2,373     $ 1,864     $ 2,068  
    Construction
    -       -       72       14       163  
    Acquisition and development
    6,459       5,155       4,675       2,560       340  
    Commercial land
    3,176       3,167       4,653       4,360       5,034  
    Other commercial real estate
    6,602       10,306       9,636       4,800       9,566  
    Commercial business
    306       201       309       287       720  
    Consumer
    2,426       2,440       2,639       2,529       1,930  
Total nonperforming non-covered loans
    20,525       22,675       24,357       16,414       19,821  
Other nonperforming non-covered assets
    8,208       10,723       8,463       7,650       8,557  
Total nonperforming non-covered assets
  $ 28,733     $ 33,398     $ 32,820     $ 24,064     $ 28,378  
                                         
Allowance for loan losses to total non-covered loans
    2.23 %     2.22 %     2.05 %     2.02 %     1.81 %
Net charge-offs to average non-covered loans (annualized)
    0.79 %     0.66 %     2.00 %     2.59 %     1.34 %
Nonperforming non-covered loans to non-covered loans
    3.53 %     3.95 %     4.15 %     2.79 %     3.33 %
Nonperforming non-covered assets to total assets
    2.61 %     2.99 %     3.15 %     2.26 %     2.61 %
Nonperforming non-covered assets to total non-covered loans and other real estate owned
    4.87 %     5.72 %     5.51 %     4.03 %     4.71 %
                                         
Assets covered by FDIC loss-share agreements:
       
Past due loans (30-89 days) accruing (3)
  $ 6,430     $ 12,987     $ 7,006     $ 5,767     $ 8,701  
Past due loans (30-89 days) to total covered loans
    3.81 %     7.34 %     5.09 %     3.91 %     5.43 %
                                         
Total covered nonperforming loans (4)
  $ 37,074     $ 35,830     $ 24,791     $ 25,541     $ 22,416  
Other covered nonperforming assets
    12,765       14,127       8,225       7,108       3,183  
Total covered nonperforming assets
  $ 49,839     $ 49,957     $ 33,016     $ 32,649     $ 25,599  
                                         
Classified Assets (5)
                                       
Non-covered classified loans
  $ 35,357     $ 41,515     $ 42,915     $ 44,532     $ 39,685  
OREO and other nonperforming assets
    8,208       10,723       8,463       7,650       8,557  
Total classified assets
  $ 43,565     $ 52,238     $ 51,378     $ 52,182     $ 48,242  
                                         
Tier 1 capital
  $ 104,487     $ 105,088     $ 102,628     $ 103,233     $ 104,469  
                                         
Total classified assets to Tier 1 capital
    41.69 %     49.71 %     50.06 %     50.55 %     46.18 %
 
   
   
(3)
The contractual balance of past due loans covered by  FDIC loss-share agreements totaled $14.8 million, $7.0 million, $7.7 million $13.7 million and $8.2 million at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011, and September 30, 2011, respectively.
(4)
The contractual balance of nonperforming loans covered by  FDIC loss-share agreements totaled $29.1 million, $31.2 million, $28.7 million $39.3 million and $48.8 million at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011, and September 30, 2011, respectively.
(5)
Excludes loans and OREO covered by FDIC loss-share agreements.

 
32

 
Quarterly Financial Highlights (unaudited)
 
At and For the Quarters Ended
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
September 30
   
June 30
   
March 31
   
December 31
   
September 30
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
       
                               
Net Interest Margin (annualized):
                   
Yield on earning assets
    4.84 %     4.95 %     4.62 %     4.68 %     4.91 %
Cost of funds
    1.11 %     1.23 %     1.32 %     1.51 %     1.66 %
Net interest rate spread
    3.73 %     3.72 %     3.30 %     3.17 %     3.25 %
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent)
    3.76 %     3.78 %     3.42 %     3.25 %     3.42 %
                                         
Selected End of Period Balances:
                                       
Loans covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
  $ 168,940     $ 177,047     $ 137,758     $ 147,576     $ 160,327  
Loans not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
    582,065       573,603       586,897       588,934       594,413  
Total loans, net
    751,005       750,650       724,655       736,510       754,740  
Investment securities
    132,443       156,328       154,006       111,586       87,255  
Total interest-earning assets
    916,910       931,156       886,872       914,456       937,278  
Total assets
    1,098,974       1,117,993       1,041,444       1,064,487       1,087,558  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    87,413       82,305       78,342       70,056       70,908  
Interest-bearing deposits
    801,167       822,273       754,461       780,400       794,878  
Total deposits
    888,580       904,578       832,803       850,456       865,786  
Total borrowings and other debt
    105,778       108,011       107,646       110,678       111,021  
Shareholders' equity
    94,782       94,771       92,276       93,443       95,682  
                                         
Selected Quarterly Average Balances:
                                       
Loans covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
  $ 173,755     $ 170,580     $ 142,353     $ 154,998     $ 157,339  
Loans not covered by FDIC loss-share agreements
    576,846       583,294       583,993       592,056       610,042  
Average loans, net
    750,601       753,874       726,346       747,054       767,381  
Investment securities
    146,017       157,513       135,645       100,691       91,361  
Average interest-earning assets
    920,932       918,118       902,141       928,756       915,882  
Average total assets
    1,107,687       1,110,740       1,053,747       1,075,338       1,080,680  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    84,001       81,617       72,235       69,675       68,100  
Interest-bearing deposits
    810,469       814,736       769,152       783,510       785,802  
Average total deposits
    894,470       896,353       841,387       853,185       853,902  
Average borrowings and other debt
    106,696       107,872       109,385       111,271       114,252  
Shareholders' equity
    94,711       95,116       93,533       94,761       96,258  
                                         
Capital Ratios:
                                       
Total equity to total assets
    8.62 %     8.48 %     8.86 %     8.78 %     8.80 %
Tangible common equity to tangible assets
    6.61 %     6.49 %     6.73 %     6.69 %     6.74 %
Total Risk-Based Capital (Bank only)
    17.32 %     17.29 %     16.70 %     16.80 %     16.83 %
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital (Bank only)
    16.06 %     16.03 %     15.44 %     15.54 %     15.58 %
Tier 1 Leverage Capital (Bank only)
    9.53 %     9.42 %     9.89 %     9.74 %     9.58 %
 
 
33

 
Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and financial policies of the Company and its subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and conform to general practices in the banking industry.  We consider accounting policies that require difficult or subjective judgment and assumptions by management that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income to be critical accounting policies.  Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on our future financial condition and results of operations.  Based on the size of the item or significance of the estimate, the following accounting policies are considered critical to our financial results.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is calculated with the objective of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb estimated probable loan losses inherent in the Company’s portfolio at the measurement date.  Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolio and other relevant factors.  However, this evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires an estimate of the loss for each type of loan and for each impaired loan, an estimate of the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows, and an estimate of the value of the collateral. Management has established a systematic method for periodically evaluating the credit quality of the loan portfolio in order to establish an allowance for loan losses.  The methodology is consistently applied, set forth in a formal policy and includes a review of all loans in the portfolio on which full collectability may or may not be reasonably assured.  Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is consistently applied and is based on our past loan loss experience, particular risks inherent in the different kinds of lending that we engage in, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, current economic conditions, and other relevant internal and external factors that affect loan collectability.  Specific allowances or principal write-downs are established for certain individual loans that management considers impaired. The remainder of the portfolio is segmented into groups of loans with similar risk characteristics for evaluation and analysis.  We increase our allowance for loan losses by charging provisions for loan losses against our current period income.  Management believes this is a critical accounting policy because this evaluation involves a high degree of complexity and requires us to make subjective judgments that often require assumptions or estimates about various matters.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”). The Company reviews all investment securities with significant declines in fair value for potential OTTI on at least a quarterly basis. Consideration is given to the amount of time that the impairment has existed, the financial condition of the issuer and the probability of receiving the required payments on the investments.  Also, the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value is considered.  The Company records an impairment charge when it believes an investment has experienced a decline in value that is OTTI.  Generally changes in market interest rates that result in a decline in value of an investment security are considered to be temporary, since the value of such investment can recover in the foreseeable future as market interest rates return to their original levels.  Management believes this is a critical accounting policy because this evaluation of the underlying credit or analysis of other conditions contributing to the decline in value involves a high degree of complexity and requires us to make subjective judgments that often require assumptions or estimates about various matters.

Fair Value of Acquired Loans. The initial fair value of loans acquired in FDIC-assisted acquisitions and the related FDIC loss-share receivable involved a high degree of judgment and complexity.  On March 19, 2010, the Bank acquired Bank of Hiawassee in an FDIC-assisted acquisition and on April 15, 2011, the Bank acquired New Horizons Bank in an FDIC-assisted transaction.  The carrying value of the acquired loans and the FDIC loss-share receivable reflect management’s best estimate based on information available at the time of the acquisition.  The amount that the Bank actually receives on these loans could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in the financial statements based upon the timing and collections on the acquired loans in the future.  To the extent that actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the initial estimates, the FDIC loss-share receivable will generally be impacted in an offsetting manner due to the nature of the FDIC loss-share agreements.
 
 
34

 
Comparison of Financial Condition for the Periods Ended September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

Assets.  Total assets of the Company increased by $34.5 million, or 3.2%, to $1.1 billion at September 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank which included $105.4 million of total assets.
 
Total cash and cash equivalents, which include cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits, decreased by $18.2 million, or 15.0%, from $120.9 million at December 31, 2010, to $102.7 million at September 30, 2011. This decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily attributable to the purchase of $48.8 million of investment securities.  The Company’s excess liquidity was held in the Company’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank.  Management expects that a portion of these low-yielding bank deposits will be invested in higher-yielding loans and investments over the next several quarters.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011, loans receivable increased by $14.5 million, or 2.0%, to $751.0 million at September 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the $49.3 million of loans that were acquired in the New Horizons Bank transaction.   Excluding these acquired loans, the Company’s total loans decreased by $34.8 million during the nine-month period.  This decrease was largely due to the Company’s continuing efforts to reduce exposures in its commercial land and residential development loans, coupled with reduced loan demand. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011, the Company’s non-covered commercial land and residential development loans decreased by $12.5 million, or 19.9%, to $50.4 million.  The Company remains focused on originating owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, residential loans, and consumer loans to qualified borrowers.

A majority of the Company’s loans are to borrowers that are located in the Charlotte region.  While the economy in the Charlotte region has generally outperformed most other large metropolitan areas of the country during the ongoing economic slowdown, the economy in the Charlotte region remains sluggish.  However, the Company’s loan production has improved from $71.6 million during the first nine months of 2010 to $95.2 million during the first nine months of 2011.  The Company’s expansion into the North Georgia market will allow us to geographically diversify our loan portfolio.  Although the North Georgia market has sustained significant decreases in real estate values over the past several years, management believes that when economic conditions normalize, this new market will be able to provide additional loan growth for the Company. While continued economic slowdowns in the local markets that we serve would have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to generate loan growth, management will seek to grow the loan portfolio in a prudent manner with an emphasis on borrowers that have a demonstrated capacity to meet their debt obligations, even in the current economic condition.

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011, investment securities increased by $20.9 million, or 18.7%, to $132.4 million.  The increase was due to the purchase of $48.8 million in investment securities, held to maturity.  These investment securities were primarily U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities that provide for monthly cash flow that can be reinvested in higher-yielding loans when loan demand strengthens and U.S. Government Agency bonds. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011, the Company sold $10.0 million of investment securities and experienced normal maturities, principal calls, and principal amortization of $28.5 million. Management expects the investment portfolio to increase as a percentage of total assets over the next 12 months as a portion of the Company’s excess liquidity is invested in higher-yielding investments.

Other real estate owned, which includes all properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure, totaled $21.0 million at September 30, 2011, compared to $14.7 million at December 31, 2010.   Of the $21.0 million in other real estate owned at September 30, 2011, $12.8 million is covered by FDIC loss-share agreements.  The remaining $8.2 million of non-covered other real estate owned is comprised of $495,000 of one-to-four family residential dwellings, $2.1 million of commercial real estate, $3.3 million of undeveloped land, and $2.3 million of developed residential lots.  All foreclosed properties are written down to their estimated fair value (market value less estimated disposition costs) at acquisition and are predominately located in the Bank’s primary lending area.  Properties may be reappraised after acquisition as market conditions change, resulting in additional valuation adjustments which are reflected in current period noninterest expenses.  Management will continue to aggressively market foreclosed properties for a timely disposition.

 
35

 
During the first nine months of 2011, premises and equipment increased by $1.3 million, or 5.4%, to $25.1 million at September 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of the premises and equipment of New Horizons Bank for $1.7 million during the second quarter of 2011.  Partly offsetting this increase was normal depreciation of $943,000 on the Company’s premises and equipment during the first nine months of 2011. Also, in the second quarter of 2011, the Company consolidated the operations of its supermarket store branch with its Hiawassee full-service branch office.  These two offices were located in the same area, so customer interruption was minimal.

Liabilities. Total liabilities increased by $33.1 million, or 3.4%, from $971.0 million at December 31, 2010, to $1.0 billion at September 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank which included total liabilities of $102.5 million.

During the first nine months of 2011, total deposits increased by $38.1 million, or 4.5%, to $888.6 million at September 30, 2011. The increase in deposits was primarily due to the acquisition of $96.7 million of deposits in the New Horizons Bank transaction, which included $21.6 million of out-of-market deposits.  Substantially all of the $21.6 million of out-of-market deposits were repaid prior to September 30, 2011.  Excluding the acquired deposits, total core deposits, which include all non-time deposits, increased by $37.0 million, or 9.2%, to $439.0 million at September 30, 2011.  This core deposit growth included a $13.8 million, or 19.8%, increase in non-interest bearing demand deposits, a $13.9 million, or 8.1%, increase in interest-bearing demand deposit accounts, a $7.4 million, or 5.2%, increase in money market accounts, and a $1.8 million, or 10.8%, increase in savings accounts.   We believe our core deposit growth was partly due to a flight to safety as funds moved from weaker financial institutions as well as a continued emphasis on increasing the Company’s retail and business customers through cross-selling opportunities.  Partially offsetting these increases in core deposit was a $60.3 million, or 13.4%, decrease in time deposits, excluding acquired deposits, during the nine-month period.  This decrease in time deposits was primarily due to the Company’s continued focus on building customer banking relationships and avoiding growth through offering above market rates on time deposits.

During the first nine months of 2011 borrowed money decreased by $5.1 million, or 6.0%, to $80.7 million at September 30, 2011.  This decrease was primarily due to the maturity of $5.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances during the period.  The Company plans to use excess liquidity to repay these borrowings as they mature.  From time to time additional borrowed money may be used to fund additional loan growth, or to purchase investment securities. The Company acquired $4.2 million of borrowed money in the New Horizons Bank transaction, but these borrowings were repaid in full prior to September 30, 2011.

Shareholders’ Equity.  Total shareholders’ equity increased by $1.3 million, or 1.4%, from $93.4 million at December 31, 2010, to $94.8 million at September 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to the net income of $1.8 million during the nine-month period and the $427,000 of other comprehensive income that was due to the increase in the fair value of investment securities, available for sale, during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011.  These increases in shareholders’ equity were partly offset by the payment of $341,000 in cash dividends on common stock and $759,000 in cash dividends on preferred stock.
 
On September 22, 2011, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to the Treasury 20,500 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $20,500,000.    In conjunction with the issuance of these shares of preferred stock the Company redeemed all 20,500 shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A it sold to the Treasury on December 12, 2008, in connection with the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program.  See Note 11 – Preferred Stock, for additional details.
 
36

 
As a result of the Company’s participation in SBLF, the Company redeemed all 20,500 shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A it sold to the Treasury on December 12, 2008, in connection with the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program.  The Company paid $20.6 million to the Treasury to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, which includes the original investment of $20.5 million, plus accrued dividends.

Comparison of Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

General.  Net income available to common shareholders for the three months ended September 30, 2011, amounted to $126,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, as compared to net loss allocable to common shareholders of $528,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2010.

Net interest income.  Net interest income increased by $886,000, or 11.4%, to $8.7 million for the third quarter of 2011 as compared to $7.8 million for the third quarter of 2010. The Company’s net interest margin increased by 34 basis points to 3.76% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, compared to 3.42% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  This increase in the net interest margin was primarily the result of a 55 basis point decrease in the cost of funds.

Interest income decreased by $350,000, or 3.0%, to $11.2 million for the third quarter of 2011.  This decrease was largely due to a seven basis points reduction in the Company’s yield on assets from 4.91% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, to 4.84% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The reduction in the yield on assets was partially offset by a $5.1 million, or 0.6%, increase in average interest-earning assets during the comparable third quarter periods to $920.9 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2011.  During the comparable third quarter periods, average interest-earning deposits decreased by $21.9 million, or 21.8%, to $78.2 million for the 2011 third quarter, average investment securities increased by $54.6 million, or 59.7%, to $146.1 million for the 2011 third quarter ending September 30, 2011, and average accruing loans decreased by $27.7 million, or 3.8%, to $696.7 million for the 2011 third quarter.  The decrease in average interest-bearing deposits was largely due to the purchase of higher-yielding investment securities during the past 12 months.  Average loans decreased due to higher levels of repayments and higher average nonaccrual loans during the comparable periods.

Interest expense decreased by $1.2 million, or 33.3%, for the comparable quarters to $2.6 million for the third quarter of 2011.  This decrease in interest expense was largely due to lower market interest rates, which resulted in a 55 basis point decrease in the average cost of funds to 1.11% for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  Partially offsetting the positive effects of the lower cost of funds was a $17.1 million, or 1.9%, increase in the average interest-bearing liabilities to $917.2 million for the third quarter of 2011.  This change included a $24.7 million, or 3.1%, increase in average interest-bearing deposits and a $7.6 million, or 6.6%, decrease in average borrowings.  The increase in average interest-bearing deposits was largely due to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank, while the decrease in average borrowings was due to normal maturities during the period.
 
Provision for loan losses.  The Company’s provision for loan losses decreased from $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2010 to $1.4 million for the third quarter of 2011.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses was largely due to the lower level of non-covered net charge-offs which totaled $1.1 million, or 0.79% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the third quarter of 2011 compared to $2.0 million, or 1.34% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the third quarter of 2010.  The Company’s ratio of nonperforming non-covered assets to total assets remained flat at 2.61% at September 30, 2010, compared to September 30, 2011.  Approximately 98% of the Company’s nonperforming non-covered loans at September 30, 2011, were secured by real estate predominately located in the Company’s primary lending market.  Management expects that the Company will continue to experience significant loan loss provisions for the next several quarters.
 
 
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Noninterest income.  Noninterest income decreased by $300,000 to $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The primary reason for the decrease was a $241,000 reduction in the gain from acquisition, a $195,000 decrease in the gain on sale of investments and an $111,000 decrease in mortgage banking income.  These decreases were partly offset by a $53,000 increase in service charges on deposit accounts and a $17,000 increase in commissions on sales of financial products.  The following table presents the detail for the three-month periods ending September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

   
Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest income:
                 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 1,084     $ 1,031     $ 53  
Mortgage banking income
    350       461       (111 )
Commissions on sales of financial products
    70       53       17  
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    189       196       (7 )
Gain (loss) from acquisition
    (48 )     193       (241 )
Gain on sale of investments, available for sale
    110       305       (195 )
Gain (loss) on sale of other assets
    41       (185 )     226  
Other income
    194       236       (42 )
Total noninterest income
  $ 1,990     $ 2,290     $ (300 )

Service charges on deposit accounts were higher due to the increased number of demand deposit accounts, due in part to the acquisition of New Horizons Bank, which generate monthly service charges and non-sufficient fund fees on overdrafts.  Mortgage banking income was lower in the third quarter of 2011 due to decreased origination activity and regulatory changes that were enacted in early 2011. Commissions on sales of financial products were slightly higher in 2011 due to increased transactions during the period.  Income from bank-owned life insurance decreased slightly due to lower market rates.  The loss from acquisition in the third quarter of 2011 was an adjustment to the initial $4.4 million gain that was booked at acquisition during the second quarter of 2011. The gain on sale of investments was lower during the third quarter of 2011, due to the fact that there were fewer investments sold at a gain as compared to the third quarter of 2010.  The gain on sale of other assets was higher due to the recognition of some gains from the sale of other real estate owned during the third quarter of 2011.  Other income decreased primarily due lower interchange fees and other miscellaneous items.
 
Noninterest expense.  Noninterest expense increased by $1.1 million, or 14.8%, to $8.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The following table presents the detail of noninterest expense for the three-month periods ending September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

 
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Three Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest Expense:
                 
Compensation and benefits
  $ 3,736     $ 3,777     $ (41 )
Occupancy and equipment
    866       732       134  
Loan collection and other expenses
    333       271       62  
Advertising and business development
    114       80       34  
Professional services
    237       262       (25 )
Data processing and other technology
    293       242       51  
Deposit insurance
    421       355       66  
Amortization of intangible assets
    137       154       (17 )
Other real estate owned valuation adjustments
    1,308       393       915  
Other real estate owned expenses
    309       333       (24 )
Acquisition and integration expenses
    143       141       2  
Other expenses
    1,034       1,041       (7 )
Total noninterest expense
  $ 8,931     $ 7,781     $ 1,150  

Compensation and benefits decreased due to the elimination of a number of positions relating to the consolidation of the Bank of Hiawassee.  This decrease was partly offset by the additional employees that were added as a part of the New Horizons Bank acquisition.  Occupancy and equipment expense increased in part due to the addition of one full service office as a result of the New Horizons Bank acquisition. Increases in loan collection and other expenses, advertising and business development, data processing and other technology, and deposit insurance were largely related to the new market and the additional accounts and customers that resulted from the New Horizons Bank acquisition.  Professional services decreased due to lower legal and other professional fees incurred during the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the third quarter of 2010.  Amortization of intangible assets was slightly lower due to the reduced amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible that was created as a result of previous acquisitions.  This intangible asset is being amortized over an eight-year period using the accelerated method, resulting in a progressive decreased expense over the amortization period.  Other real estate owned valuation adjustments and other real estate owned expenses increased due to a higher number of foreclosed properties and a decline in local real estate values for commercial land and residential development properties during the past year.  Acquisition and integration expenses increased due to expenses related to the New Horizons Bank acquisition.  No additional material acquisition and integration expenses related to the New Horizons Bank acquisition are expected.  Other expenses decreased primarily as a result of various miscellaneous items.

Income taxes.  The Company recognized an income tax expense of $28,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, compared to an income tax benefit of $413,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in the income tax expense was due to the increase in the pre-tax income in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the pre-tax loss in the third quarter of 2010.  The effective tax rate decreased to 7.0% due to a larger percentage of income being derived from tax-advantaged assets such as municipal securities, U.S. Government Agency securities, and bank-owned life insurance that generate tax-exempt income.
 
 
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Comparison of Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

General.  Net income available to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, amounted to $1.0 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, as compared to net income available to common shareholders of $9.6 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This change was largely related to the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee which contributed to a $19.5 million pre-tax gain from acquisition for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010.

Net interest income.  Net interest income increased by $3.2 million, or 14.7%, to $24.8 million for the first nine months of 2011 as compared to $21.6 million for the first nine months of 2010. The Company’s net interest margin increased by 28 basis points to 3.66% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to 3.38% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This increase in the net interest margin was primarily the result of the cost of funds falling at a faster rate than the yield on assets.

Interest income increased by $150,000, or 0.5%, to $33.1 million for the first nine months of 2011.  This improvement was primarily due to a $47.9 million, or 5.5%, increase in average interest-earning assets during the comparable periods to $913.7 million for the first nine months of 2011.  This increase was largely due to the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee in March 2010, and the acquisition of New Horizons Bank in April 2011.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, average interest-earning deposits decreased by $11.0 million, or 12.8%, average investment securities increased by $52.7 million, or 56.3%, and average accruing loans increased by $6.3 million, or 0.9%, as compared to the average balances during the nine month period ended September 30, 2010. The positive effect of the increase in interest-earning assets was partly offset by a 16 basis point decrease in the average yield on earning assets during the respective periods to 4.81% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease in yield was largely due to lower market rates and higher levels of lower-yielding liquid assets held during the first nine months of 2011.

Interest expense decreased by $3.0 million, or 26.9%, for the comparable periods to $8.0 million for the first nine months of 2011.  This decrease in interest expense was largely due to lower market interest rates, which resulted in a 58 basis point decrease in the average cost of funds to 1.22% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The decrease in cost of funds offset the effects of a $73.8 million, or 8.9%, increase in the average interest-bearing liabilities to $906.1 million for the first nine months of 2011.  This change included an $84.4 million, or 11.8%, increase in average interest-bearing deposits and a $10.6 million, or 8.9%, decrease in average borrowings. The increase in average interest-bearing deposits was largely due to the aforementioned acquisitions, while the decrease in average borrowings was due to normal maturities during the period.
 
 
Provision for loan losses.  The Company’s provision for loan losses decreased from $9.1 million for the first nine months of 2010 to $6.1 million for the first nine months of 2011.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses was largely due to lower levels of net charge-offs which totaled $5.0 million, or 1.15% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the first nine months of 2011 compared to $7.5 million, or 1.65% of average non-covered loans annualized, during the first nine months of 2010.  The Company’s ratio of nonperforming non-covered assets to total assets remained flat at 2.61% at September 30, 2010, compared to September 30, 2011. Approximately 98% of the Company’s nonperforming non-covered loans at September 30, 2011, were secured by real estate predominately located in the Company’s primary lending market.  Management expects that the Company will continue to experience larger than normal loan loss provisions for the next several quarters.
 
Noninterest income.  Noninterest income decreased by $15.5 million to $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to $24.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The primary reason for the decrease was the $19.5 million gain from the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee in the first nine months of 2010.  The following table presents the detail for the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

 
40

 
   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest income:
                 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 3,088     $ 2,893     $ 195  
Mortgage banking income
    841       1,028       (187 )
Commissions on sales of financial products
    206       359       (153 )
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    586       627       (41 )
Gain from acquisition
    4,115       19,531       (15,416 )
Gain on sale of investments, available for sale
    111       349       (238 )
Loss on sale of other assets
    (285 )     (451 )     166  
Other income
    694       554       140  
Total noninterest income
  $ 9,356     $ 24,890     $ (15,534 )

Service charges on deposit accounts were higher due to the increased number of demand deposit accounts which generate monthly service charges and non-sufficient fund (“NSF”) fees on overdrafts. Legislation limiting the assessment of NSF fees from overdrafts generated from debit cards in 2010 has had an adverse impact on fee income on deposit accounts.  However, the Company has successfully worked to lessen the negative impact of this legislation by asking customers to “opt-in” to allow overdrafts on their debit cards.  Mortgage banking income was lower in the first nine months of 2011 due to decreased origination activity arising in part from the expiration of tax incentives in 2010.  Commissions on sales of financial products were lower in 2011 largely due to decreased activity and reduced staffing.  Income from bank-owned life insurance decreased due to lower market rates.  The $19.5 million gain on acquisition in the first nine months of 2010 was related to the Bank of Hiawassee acquisition. The $4.1 million gain on acquisition for the first nine months of 2011 represents the initial $4.4 million gain on acquisition of New Horizons Bank and a subsequent downward adjustment to the gain on acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee during the first quarter of 2011.   The gain on sale of investments was lower during the first nine months of 2011, due to the fact that there were fewer investments sold at a gain as compared to the first nine months of 2010.  The loss on sale of other assets was lower due to fewer losses from sale of other real estate owned recognized during the first nine months of 2011.  Other income increased primarily due an increase in rental income on other real estate owned, increased safe deposit box rental income, and other miscellaneous items.
 
Noninterest expense.  Noninterest expense increased by $4.5 million, or 20.8%, to $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  The following table presents the detail of noninterest expense for the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2011 and September 30, 2010.

 
41

 
   
Nine Months Ended
       
   
September 30,
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Variance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest Expense:
                 
Compensation and benefits
  $ 11,190     $ 10,069     $ 1,121  
Occupancy and equipment
    2,567       2,454       113  
Loan collection and other expenses
    827       560       267  
Advertising and business development
    239       233       6  
Professional services
    739       729       10  
Data processing and other technology
    815       666       149  
Deposit insurance
    1,116       969       147  
Amortization of intangible assets
    412       372       40  
Other real estate owned valuation adjustments
    3,292       1,088       2,204  
Other real estate owned expenses
    906       685       221  
Acquisition and integration expenses
    754       1,022       (268 )
Other expenses
    3,019       2,570       449  
Total noninterest expense
  $ 25,876     $ 21,417     $ 4,459  

Compensation and benefits increased due to the increased number of employees resulting from the acquisitions. These additional employees included branch personnel, troubled asset officers, FDIC loss-share specialists and other loans and deposit support positions.  Occupancy and equipment increased due to the addition of four full-service branch offices in 2010 and one full-service office in 2011. Loan collection and other expenses increased due to the higher number of delinquent and troubled loans that resulted from the FDIC-assisted acquisitions.  A large portion of these loans are covered by FDIC loss-share agreements, resulting in the Company paying 20% of qualified expenses on these covered loans.   Advertising and business development expenses increased slightly due to the new markets in North Georgia.  Increases in professional services, data processing and other technology, and deposit insurance were directly related to the additional offices, personnel and customers that resulted from the acquisitions. Amortization of intangible assets was higher due to the amortization expense related to the $1.8 million core deposit intangible that was created as a result of the acquisitions. This intangible asset is being amortized over an eight-year period using the accelerated method.  The increased number of foreclosed properties and the lower real estate values resulted in the increased valuation adjustment on other real estate owned and higher expenses on other real estate owned.  Acquisition and integration expenses were lower since the Bank of Hiawassee acquisition in 2010 was larger than the New Horizons Bank acquisition in 2011. Other expenses increased primarily as a result of higher office supplies, communications, postage, insurance and other miscellaneous expenses resulting from the increase in the number of branch offices and customers during the period.
 
Income taxes.  The Company recognized income tax expense of $470,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to income tax expense of $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The decrease in the tax expense was due to the reduction of pre-tax income in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the pre-tax income in the first nine months of 2010.  The effective tax rate decreased to 20.9% due to a larger percentage of income being derived from tax-advantaged assets such as municipal securities, U.S. Government Agency securities, and bank-owned life insurance that generate tax-exempt income.

 
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Liquidity

The objectives of the Company’s liquidity management policy include providing adequate funds to meet the cash needs of both borrowers and depositors, to provide for the on-going operations of the Company, and to capitalize on opportunities for expansion.  Liquidity management addresses the Company’s ability to meet deposit withdrawals on demand or at contractual maturity, to repay borrowings as they mature, and to fund new loans and investments as opportunities arise.  The primary sources of internally generated funds are principal and interest payments on loans receivable, increases in local deposits, cash flows generated from operations, and cash flows generated by investments.  As of September 30, 2011, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $102.7 million.  Of this amount, $87.4 million was held in the Company’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank.  If the Company requires funds beyond its internal funding capabilities, it may rely upon external sources of funds such as brokered deposits, repurchase agreements, and advances.  The Company has $100.4 million available to draw from its line of credit with the FHLB.  The FHLB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member financial institutions. As a member of the FHLB, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and we are authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of our mortgage loans and other assets (principally investment securities that are obligations of, or guaranteed by, U.S. Government Agencies, or Government Sponsored Enterprises) provided certain creditworthiness standards have been met. Advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs. Each credit program has its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based on the financial condition of the member institution and the adequacy of collateral pledged to secure the credit.  The Company also has $16.0 million available from an unsecured federal funds accommodation with Pacific Coast Bankers Bank (“PCBB”).  PCBB is the Company’s primary correspondent bank. The federal funds facility is available through September 30, 2012, and is used for the purpose of providing daily liquidity as needed by the Company.  Outstanding advances made under this facility are generally repaid on a daily basis at a rate determined by PCBB based on their marginal cost of funds.  Advances are limited to not more than 10 consecutive days at a time.  The Company also has an unsecured federal funds accommodation with CenterState Bank of Florida in the amount of $5.0 million.  The credit facility, which is used to fund short-term liquidity needs, may be terminated at any time and may not be outstanding for more than 14 consecutive days.   The Company may also solicit brokered deposits for providing funds for asset growth.  As of September 30, 2011, the Company had no outstanding brokered deposits and $1.6 million of internet deposits that were assumed from the acquisition of Bank of Hiawassee and New Horizons Bank.  These internet deposits are not renewed at maturity. The Company believes that it has sufficient sources of liquidity to fund the cash needs of both borrowers and depositors, to provide for the ongoing operations of the Company, and to capitalize on opportunities for expansion.

In the normal course of business, various commitments are outstanding that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.  Commitments to extend credit and undisbursed advances on customer lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  The funding of these commitments and previously approved undisbursed lines of credit could affect the Company's liquidity position.  At September 30, 2011, the Company had loan commitments of $42.4 million, unused lines of credit of $94.1 million, and undisbursed construction loan proceeds of $1.2 million.  See Note 11 – Commitments for additional details. The Company also has various leases in place to provide office space for four full-service offices and one in-store office.  The current annualized cost of these leases was $608,000.  Management does not expect any material changes in the amount of the leases over the next five years. Short-term borrowings totaled $15.9 million at September 30, 2011.  These short-term borrowings consisted of $9.6 million of daily securities sold under repurchase agreements and $9.0 million of FHLB advances that mature over the next 12 months. The Company does not have any special purpose entities or other similar forms of off-balance-sheet financing. The Company believes that given its current level of internal and external sources of liquidity, it has adequate resources to fund loan commitments and lines of credit, repay short-term borrowings if necessary, and fund any other normal obligations that may arise in the near future.
 
 
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Capital Resources

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

The Bank’s actual capital levels and regulatory capital ratios as of September 30, 2011, are presented in the following table.
 
               
Minimum Requirements
to be Well Capitalized
 
   
Actual
             
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
                       
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
  $ 112,688       17.32 %   $ 65,543       10.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    104,487       16.06 %     39,326       6.00 %
Tier 1 capital (to adjusted total assets)
    104,487       9.53 %     54,836       5.00 %
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)
    104,487       9.53 %     32,901       3.00 %


Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no material changes to the Company’s asset/liability management strategies or interest rate position that were described in Item 7A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.


Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures in accordance with Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Based upon their evaluation, our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the quarterly evaluation that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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Part II.  Other Information

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

There are various claims and lawsuits in which the Bank is periodically involved incidental to the Company's business.  In the opinion of management, no material loss is expected from any of such pending claims or lawsuits.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Not applicable, as the Company is a smaller reporting company.
 
 
Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company did not repurchase any common stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

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.

32.1  Written statement of Chief Executive Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2  Written statement of Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101   Financial statements and related notes formatted in XBRL.

 
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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.


Citizens South Banking Corporation


Date: November 14, 2011                                                                     By:     /s/ Kim S. Price
Kim S. Price
President and Chief Executive Officer


Date: November 14, 2011                                                                     By:      /s/ Gary F. Hoskins
Gary F. Hoskins
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 
 
 
 

 
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