UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2017
or
☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to

Commission file number: 000-51556

GUARANTY BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	41-2150446
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1331 Seventeenth St., Suite 200 Denver, CO	80202
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(303) 675-1194

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

He
Voting Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(Title of each class)	(Name of each exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.   Yes ☐   No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   Yes ☐   No ☒

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 ☒          No ☐

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S‑T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer  ☐      Accelerated filer  ☒      Non-accelerated filer  ☐(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company  ☐      Emerging Growth company  ☐

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

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

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The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price per share of the registrant’s voting common stock as of the close of business on June 30, 2017, was approximately $599.5 million. For purposes of this computation, all executive officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners of the registrant’s common stock are assumed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed an admission that such officers, directors and beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.

As of February 27, 2018 there were 29,305,602shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding, of which 454,455 shares were in the form of unvested stock awards.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K will be found in the registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

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GUARANTY BANCORP

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

Table of Contents

PART I		4
Item 1.	BUSINESS	4
Item 1A.	RISK FACTORS	19
Item 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	34
Item 2.	PROPERTIES	34
Item 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	34
Item 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE	34
PART II		35
Item 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	35
Item 6.	SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA	38
Item 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	40
Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That Could Affect Future Results		40
Item 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	71
Item 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	74
Item 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	130
Item 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	130
Item 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION	130
PART III		132
Item 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT	132
Item 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	132
Item 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	132
Item 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	132
Item 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	132
PART IV		133
Item 15.	EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	133
Item 16	FORM 10-K SUMMARY	136
SIGNATURES		137

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

The disclosures set forth in this item are qualified by Item 1A. Risk Factors and the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this report.

General

Guaranty Bancorp (the “Company”) is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”) and headquartered in Colorado. The Company’s principal business is to serve as a holding company for our bank subsidiary, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company,referred to as “Guaranty Bank” or “Bank”.

References to the “Company”, “us”, “we” and “our” refer to Guaranty Bancorp on a consolidated basis. References to “Guaranty Bancorp” or to the “holding company” refer to the parent company on a stand-alone basis.

At December 31, 2017, we had total assets of $3.7 billion, net loans of $2.8 billion, deposits of $2.9 billion and stockholders’ equity of $404.9 million, and we operated 33 branches and one investment management firm in Colorado through our bank subsidiary, Guaranty Bank.

Guaranty Bancorp was incorporated in 2004 in the state of Delaware under the name Centennial C Corp., and in 2004 and 2005acquired several banking institutions and other entities, including the Bank. By 2008, all of the entities acquired were ultimately merged into either Guaranty Bancorp or the Bank or divested.

The Bank is the sole member of several limited liability companies that hold real estate and the sole owner of an investment management firm, Private Capital Management LLC (“PCM”).

In 2012, Guaranty Bank purchased substantially all of the assets of Private Capital Management Inc., a Denver-based firm providing investment management and financial planning services to wealthy individuals since 1994.

In 2014, Guaranty Bank purchased substantially all of the assets of Cherry Hills Investment Advisors LLC (“CHIA”), a Greenwood Village-based firm providing investment management and financial planning services to individuals and families since 2009. On April 3, 2017, CHIA was consolidated into PCM.

On September 8, 2016, the Company purchased Home State Bancorp (“Home State”), the parent company of Home State Bank, a Colorado state chartered bank headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, and merged Home State into the Company.

On July 18, 2017, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Castle Rock Bank Holding Company (“Castle Rock”), parent company of Castle Rock Bank, a Colorado state chartered bank headquartered in Castle Rock, Colorado. On October 27, 2017 the transaction closed and Castle Rock was merged into the Company. Substantially all integration activities were completed by December 31, 2017.

On December 1, 2017, PCM entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Wagner Wealth Management LLC. The transaction closed on January 16, 2018.

As a result of these recent acquisitions, the Company increased its market share in Colorado Front Range markets and gained the ability to provide customers with additional conveniences, including an expanded branch and ATM network.

Business

The Bank provides comprehensive banking and other financial services including commercial and industrial, real estate, construction and consumerloans throughout its targeted Colorado markets to consumers and small to medium-sized businesses, including the owners and employees of those businesses. In addition to loans and

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depository services, the Bank also provides wealth management solutions, including trust and investment management services. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral, including business assets, consumer assets and commercial and residential real estate. Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow from business operations. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or borrower. The borrowers’ ability to repay their loans is generally dependent on the real estate market and general economic conditions prevailing in Colorado, among other factors.

We concentrate our lending activities in the following principal areas:

Commercial Loans: Our commercial and industrial loan portfolio is comprised of operating loans secured by business assets. The portfolio is not concentrated in any particular industry.We classify loans by the borrowers’ intended purpose for the loan rather than the underlying collateral.Therefore, we include loans within this portfolio that are collateralized with various assets, including real estate. Repayment of secured commercial and industrial loans depends substantially on the borrower’s underlying business, financial condition and cash flows, as well as the sufficiency of the collateral.Compared to real estate, the collateral securing these loans may be more difficult to monitor, evaluate and sell. Economic conditions can significantly affect such risks.

Commercial and Residential Real Estate Loans: This portfolio is mostly comprised of loans secured by commercial and residential real estate. The commercial real estate portfolio generally consists of owner-occupied, retail, industrial, office and multi-family properties. Commercial real estate and multi-family loans typically involve one or more loans to a  single sponsor or groups of related sponsors. Since payments on these loans are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties securing the loans, as well as the business and financial condition of the borrower, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market, adverse economic conditions or changes in applicable government regulations. If the borrower is unable to obtain or renew leases for the underlying premises, causing a decline in cash flow from the property, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Residential real estate is comprised of residential mortgages, primarily jumbo mortgages and home equity lines of credit to customers in our markets. Home equity lines of credit are underwritten in a manner such that they result in credit risk that is substantially similar to that of residential mortgage loans. Nevertheless, home equity lines have greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans because they can be secured by mortgages that are subordinated to the existing first mortgage on the property, which we may or may not hold, and they are not covered by private mortgage insurance.

Construction Loans: Our construction loan portfolio is comprised of investor-developer and owner-occupied properties and single-family residential development properties. Investor-developer properties include loans for the construction of commercial buildings, which are primarily income-producing properties. The repayment of construction loans is dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the construction of the subject property, which may additionally include achievement of stabilized occupancy, as well as the sale of the property to a  third party  or the availability of permanent financing upon completion of all improvements. Construction loans expose us to the risk that improvements will not be completed on time and in accordance with specifications and projected costs. Construction delays, the financial impairment of the builder, interest rate increases or economic downturn may further impair the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. In addition, the ultimate sale or rental of the property may not occur as anticipated.

Installment Loans to Individuals and Other Consumer Loans: This category includes miscellaneous consumer loans including overdraft protection, linesofcredit and other consumer loans. Consumer loans may be unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and the remaining deficiency may not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continued financial stability, which can be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount thatwe can recover on such loans.

Small Business Administration Loans: Our Small Business Administration (“SBA”) portfolio consists of SBA guaranteed and other SBA-related loans. The guaranteed loans are for qualifying business purposes with maturity dates up to 25 years.The SBA guarantees up to 90% of the financing for these types of loans. The SBA-related loans are originated in partnership with the SBA under the SBA’s 504 loan program primarily on owner-occupied commercial real estate.

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In addition, we provide traditional deposit accounts such as demand, interest-bearing demand, NOW, money market, IRA, time deposits and savings accounts. Our certificate of deposit customers primarily represent local relationships. Our branch network enables us to offer a full range of deposits, loans and personalized services to our targeted commercial and consumer customers.

For financial information about our operations, see the section captioned “Results of Operations” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which are located elsewhere in this report.

Our Philosophy and Strategy

Our philosophy is to provide relationship banking; offering a broad array of personalized financial products with highly responsive and exceptional customer service. We are a community bank that serves Colorado by providing sound financial solutions to customers through experienced, engaged and empowered employees. Our vision statement expands on this by stating that we want to be recognized as a trusted financial partner where customers experience exceptional service, employees are proud to work, stockholders value their investment and our communities prosper.

Our strategy to build a profitable, community-banking franchise along the Colorado Front Range spanning from Castle Rock to Fort Collins has not changed over the past several years. The strategy for serving our target markets is the delivery of a finely-focused set of value-added products and services that satisfy the primary needs of our customers, emphasizing superior service and relationships as opposed to transaction volume or low pricing. As a locally managed banking institution, we believe we are able to react more quickly to customers’ needs and provide a superior level of customer service compared to larger regional and super-regional banks.

Our Principal Markets

As of the date of this filing, we operate 32 branches located throughout Colorado’s Front Range, including the Denver metropolitan area,  and one investment management firm. The region includes the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld. Colorado’s Front Range has a regional economy that is a diverse mix of advanced technology, tourism, manufacturing, service firms, government, education, retail, small business, construction and agriculture.

Business Concentrations

Management does not consider any individual account or single group of related accounts material in relation to our total assets or in relation to the overall business of the Company. Approximately 74% of our loan portfolio held for investment at December 31, 2017 consisted of real estate-related loans, including construction loans, mini-perm loans, commercial owner-occupied real estate loans and jumbo mortgage loans. Geographically,our business activities are primarily focused in the Colorado Front Range. Consequently, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows depend upon the general trends in the economy of the Colorado Front Range and, in particular, the commercial and residential real estate markets.

Competition

The banking business in Colorado is highly competitive. The market is characterized by a number of large financial institutions each with a large number of offices, and numerous small to medium-sized community banks and credit unions. In addition, non-bank entities in both the public and private sectors seeking to raise capital through the issuance and sale of debt or equity securities also provide competition for us in the acquisition of deposits. We also compete with brokerage firms, investment advisors, money market funds and issuers of other money market instruments. In recent years, increased competition has also developed from specialized finance and non-finance companies, some of which are not subject to the same regulatory requirements to which we are subject, that offer wholesale finance, credit card and other consumer finance services, including online banking services and personal finance software. Additionally, we expect competition to intensify among financial services companies due to mergers and acquisition of institutions within our market area by other competing, out-of-state financial institutions. Competition for deposit and loan products remains strong from both banking and non-banking firms and this competition directly affects the rates and the terms that we must offer on our products to remain competitive in the marketplace. In order to compete in our primary service area, we utilize to the fullest extent possible the

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flexibility that our community bank status permits, including providing an emphasis on specialized services, local promotional activity and personal contacts.

Technological innovation continues to increase competition in the financial services markets. For example, technology has made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer customers automated transfer payment services previously limited to those offered as traditional banking products. In addition, customers now expect a choice of several delivery systems and channels, including telephone, mail, online, automated teller machines (ATMs), debit cards, point-of-sale transactions, automated clearing house transactions (ACH), remote deposit, banking via mobile devices, person-to-person (P2P) payments and in-store branches.

Consolidation in the financial services industry and the resulting economies of scale, as well as increasing costs associated with regulatory compliance, have placed additional pressure on banks to consolidate theiroperations, reduce expenses and increase revenues to remain competitive. In addition, competition has intensified due to federal and state interstate banking laws, which permit banking organizations to expand geographically with fewer restrictions than in the past. These laws allow out-of-state banks to establish or expand banking operations in our market. The competitive environment is also significantly impacted by federal and state legislation that makes it easier for non-bank financial institutions to compete with us.

Economic factors, along with legislative and technological changes, continue to impact the competitive environment within the financial services industry. As the Company is an active participant in financial markets, we strive to anticipate and adapt to dynamic competitive conditions, but we cannot provide assurance as to the impact of such changes on our future business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows nor can we provide assurances as to our ability to continue to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions.

Supervision and Regulation

General

Banking is a complex, highly regulated industry. Consequently, the performance of the Company and the Bank can be affected not only by management decisions and general and local economic conditions, but also by the statutes enacted by, and the regulations and policies of, various governmental regulatory authorities. These authorities include, but are not limited to, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), the Colorado Division of Banking (the “CDB”), the Internal Revenue Service, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) and state taxing authorities. The effect of these statutes, regulations and policies and any changes to any of them can be significant and cannot be predicted.

The primary goals of the bank regulatory scheme are to maintain a safe and sound banking system and to facilitate the conduct of sound monetary policy. In furtherance of these goals, the U.S. Congress and the State of Colorado have created several largely autonomous regulatory agencies that oversee, and have enacted numerous laws that govern banks, bank holding companies and the banking industry. The system of supervision and regulation applicable to the Company and the Bank establishes a comprehensive framework for the entities’ respective operations and is intended primarily for the protection of the Bank’s depositors and the public, rather than the stockholders and creditors. The following summarizes some of the materially relevant laws, rules and regulations governing banks and bank holding companies, including the Company and the Bank, but does not purport to be a complete summary of all applicable laws, rules and regulations governing banks and bank holding companies or the Company or the Bank. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the specific statutes, regulations and policies discussed. Any change in applicable laws, regulations or regulatory policies may have a material effect on our businesses, operations and prospects. We are unable to predict the nature or extent of the effects that economic controls or new federal or state legislation may have on our business and earnings in the future.

Regulatory Agencies

Guaranty Bancorp is a legal entity separate and distinct from its bank subsidiary, Guaranty Bank. As a bank holding company, Guaranty Bancorp is regulated under the BHC Act and is subject to inspection, examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the Federal Reserve Board. Guaranty Bancorp is also under the jurisdiction of the SEC and is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Guaranty Bancorp is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the trading symbol “GBNK,” and is subject to the rules of Nasdaq for listed companies.

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As a Colorado-chartered bank, the Bank is subject to supervision, periodic examination and regulation by the CDB. As a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank is also subject to supervision, periodic examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, or the Federal Reserve. In addition, the Bank is subject to certain rules and regulations of the CFPB, and PCM is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended. The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to certain established limits.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

On July 21, 2010, former President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which implemented and continues to implement significant changes to the regulation of the financial services industry.  

The effects of the Dodd-Frank Act have been far-reaching, and many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act remain subject to rulemaking by various regulatory agencies and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Company, its customers or the financial industry more generally. Provisions in the legislation that require revisions to the capital requirements of the Company and the Bank could require the Company and the Bank to seek additional sources of capital in the future.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

OnDecember22,2017,President Donald TrumpsignedintolawTheTaxCutsandJobsActof2017(the''Tax Act''). Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740-10-25-14 states that the effect of a change in tax law or rates shall be recognized at the date of enactment. Because the law was signed in December 2017, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are accounted for in 2017 financial statements to reflect the new rates. These changes to the tax treatment of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities together with the eliminationoflosscarrybackscouldresultincapitalimplications.Managementiscarefullystudyingthe impactoftheTaxAct.

Bank Holding Company Regulations Applicable to Guaranty Bancorp

The BHC Act and other federal laws subject bank holding companies to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage, and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations.

Permitted activities. Generally, bank holding companies are prohibited under the BHC Act from engaging in or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in any activity other than (i) banking or managing or controlling banks or (ii) an activity that the Federal Reserve Board determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking. The Federal Reserve Board has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate an activity or terminate control of or liquidate or divest certain subsidiaries or affiliates when the Federal Reserve Board believes the activity or the control of the subsidiary or affiliate constitutes a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any of its banking subsidiaries.

A bank holding company that qualifies and elects to become a financial holding company is permitted to engage in additional activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activity. We currently have no plans to make a financial holding company election.

Sound banking practices. Bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in activities that represent unsafe and unsound banking practices. For example, under certain circumstances the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation Y requires a holding company to give the Federal Reserve Board prior notice of any redemption or repurchase of its own equity securities if the consideration to be paid, together with the consideration paid for any repurchases in the preceding year, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may oppose the transaction if it believes that the transaction would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate aregulation. As another example, a holding company is prohibited from impairing its subsidiary bank’s soundness by causing the bank to make funds available to non-banking subsidiaries or their customers if the Federal Reserve believes it not prudent to do so. The Federal Reserve Board has the power to assess civil money penalties for knowing or reckless violations, if the activities leading to a violation caused a substantial loss to a depository institution. Potential penalties are as high as $1,963,870 for each day the activity continues.

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Source of Strength. In accordance with Federal Reserve Board policy, the holding company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank. Under this policy, the holding company is expected to commit resources to support its bank subsidiary, including at times when the holding company may not be in a financial position to provide it. As discussed below, the holding company could be required to guarantee the capital plan of the Bank if it becomes undercapitalized for purposes of banking regulations. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to its subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. The BHC Act provides that, in the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a bank subsidiary will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment.

Regulatory agencies have promulgated regulations to increase the capital requirements for bank holding companies to a level that matches those of banking institutions.

Anti-tying restrictions. Bank holding companies and affiliates are prohibited from tying the provision of services, such as extensions of credit, to other services offered by a holding company or its affiliates, subject to certain exceptions.

Acquisitions.  The BHC Act, the Bank Merger Act, the Colorado Banking Code and other federal and state statutes regulate acquisitions of commercial banks and their holding companies. The BHC Act generally limits acquisitions by bank holding companies to commercial banks and companies engaged in activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before (i) acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of any bank or other bank holding company, (ii) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of any bank or bank holding company, or (iii) merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company.

In reviewing applications seeking approval of merger and acquisition transactions, the bank regulatory authorities generally consider, among other things, the competitive effect and public benefits of the transactions, the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the combined organization (including the capital position of the combined organization), the applicant’s performance record under the Community Reinvestment Act (see the section captioned “Community Reinvestment Act” later in Item  1), fair housing laws and the effectiveness of the subject organizations in combating money laundering activities.

The Company is also subject to the Change in Bank Control Act of 1978 (the “Control Act”) and related Federal Reserve Board regulations, which provide that any person who proposes to acquire at least 10% (but less than 25%) of any class of a bank holding company’s voting securities is presumed to control the company (unless the company is not publicly held and some other shareholder owns a greater percentage of voting stock). Any person who would be presumed to acquire control or who proposes to acquire control of more than 25% of any class of a bank holding company’s voting securities, or who proposes to acquire actual control, must provide the Federal Reserve Board with at least 60 daysprior written notice of the acquisition. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove a proposed acquisition if (i) it would result in adverse competitive effects, (ii) the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize the target institution’s financial stability or prejudice the interests of depositors, (iii) the competence, experience or integrity of any acquiring person indicates that the proposed acquisition would not be in the best interests of the depositors or the public, or (iv) the acquiring person fails to provide all of the information required by the Federal Reserve Board. Any proposed acquisition of the voting securities of a bank holding company that is subject to approval under the BHC Act is not subject to the Control Act notice requirements. Any company that proposes to acquire “control”, as those terms are defined in the BHC Act and Federal Reserve Board regulations, of a bank holding company or to acquire 25% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank holding company would be required to seek the Federal Reserve Board’s prior approval under the BHC Act to become a bank holding company.

Dividends.  Dividends from the Bankare the holding company’s principal source of cash revenues. Our earnings and activities are affected by legislation, by regulations and by local legislative and administrative bodies and decisions of courts in the jurisdictions in which we conduct business. These include limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the holding company and our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve Board that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. The policy provides that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividends that undermines the bank holding company’s ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiary. Consistent with such policy, a banking organization should have

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comprehensive policies on dividend payments that clearly articulate the organization’s objectives and approaches for maintaining a strong capital position and achieving the objectives of the policy statement.

In 2009, the Federal Reserve Board issued a supervisory letter providing greater clarity to its policy statement on the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In this letter, the Federal Reserve Board stated that when a holding company’s board of directors is deciding on the level of dividends to declare, it should consider, among other factors: (i) overall asset quality, potential need to increase reserves and write down assets, and concentrations of credit; (ii) potential for unanticipated losses and declines in asset values; (iii) implicit and explicit liquidity and credit commitments, including off-balance sheet and contingent liabilities; (iv) quality and level of current and prospective earnings, including earnings capacity under a number of plausible economic scenarios; (v) current and prospective cash flow and liquidity; (vi) ability to serve as an ongoing source of financial and managerial strength to depository institution subsidiaries insured by the FDIC, including the extent of double leverageand the condition of subsidiary depository institutions; (vii) other risks that affect the holding company’s financial condition and are not fully captured in regulatory capital calculations; (viii) level, composition, and quality of capital; and (ix) ability to raise additional equity capital in prevailing market and economic conditions (the “Dividend Factors”). It is particularly important for a bank holding company’s  board of directors to ensure that the dividend level is prudent relative to the organization’s financial position and is not based on overly optimistic earnings scenarios. In addition, a bank holding company’s board of directors should strongly consider, after careful analysis of the Dividend Factors, reducing, deferring, or eliminating dividends when the quantity and quality of the holding company's earnings have declined or the holding company is experiencing other financial problems, or when the macroeconomic outlook for the holding company's primary profit centers has deteriorated. The Federal Reserve Board further stated that, as a general matter, a bank holding company should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce its distributions if: (a) its net income is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends, (b) its prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with its capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition, or (c) it will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Failure to do so could result in a supervisory finding that the bank holding company is operating in an unsafe and unsound manner.

Additionally, as discussed above, the Federal Reserve Board possesses enforcement powers over bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries with which it can prevent or remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices, or violations of applicable statutes and regulations. Among these powers is the ability to proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding companies.

Stock Redemptions and Repurchases. It is an essential principle of safety and soundness that a banking organization’s redemption and repurchases of regulatory capital instruments, including common stock, from investors be consistent with the organization’s current and prospective capital needs. In assessing such needs, the board of directors and management of a bank holding company should consider the Dividend Factors discussed above under “Dividends”. The risk-based capital rule directs bank holding companies to consult with the Federal Reserve before redeeming any equity or other capital instrument included in Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital prior to stated maturity, if such redemption could have a material effect on the level or composition of the organization’s capital base. Bank holding companies that are experiencing financial weaknesses, or that are at significant risk of developing financial weaknesses, must consult with the appropriate Federal Reserve supervisory staff before redeeming or repurchasing common stock or other regulatory capital instruments for cash or other valuable consideration. Similarly, any bank holding company considering expansion, whether through acquisitions or through organic growth and new activities, generally also must consult with the appropriate Federal Reserve supervisory staff before redeeming or repurchasing common stock or other regulatory capital instruments for cash or other valuable consideration. In evaluating the appropriateness of a bank holding company’s proposed redemption or repurchase of capital instruments, the Federal Reserve will consider the potential losses that the holding company may suffer from the prospective need to increase reserves and write down assets from continued asset deterioration and the holding company’s ability to raise additional common stock and other Tier 1 capital to replace capital instruments that are redeemed or repurchased. A bank holding company must inform the Federal Reserve of a redemption or repurchaseof common stock or perpetual preferred stock for cash or other value resulting in a net reduction of the bank holding company’s outstanding amount of common stock or perpetual preferred stock below the amount of such capital instrument outstanding at the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurs.In addition, a bank holding company must advise the Federal Reserve sufficiently in advance of such redemptions and repurchases to provide reasonable opportunity for supervisory review and possible objection should the Federal Reserve determine a transaction raises safety and soundness concerns.

Regulation Y requires that a bank holding company that is not well capitalized or well managed, or that is subject to any unresolved supervisory issues, provide prior notice to the Federal Reserve for any repurchase or

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redemption of its equity securities for cash or other value that would reduce by 10% or more the holding company's consolidated net worth aggregated over the preceding 12-month period.

Annual Reporting; Examinations. The holding company is required to file an annual report with the Federal Reserve Board, and such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require.The Federal Reserve Board may examine a bank holding company and any of its subsidiaries, and charge the company for the cost of such an examination.

Imposition of Liability for Undercapitalized Subsidiaries. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) requires bank regulators to take “prompt corrective action” to resolve problems associated with insured depository institutions. In the event an institution becomes “undercapitalized,” it must submit a capital restoration plan. The capital restoration plan will not be accepted by the regulators unless each company “having control of” the undercapitalized institution “guarantees” the subsidiary’s compliance with the capital restoration plan until it becomes “adequately capitalized.” For purposes of this statute, the holding company has control of the Bank. Under FDICIA, the aggregate liability of all companies controlling a particular institution is limited to the lesser of five percent of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to bring the institution into compliance with applicable capital standards. FDICIA grants greater powers to bank regulators in situations where an institution becomes “significantly” or “critically” undercapitalized or fails to submit a capital restoration plan. For example, a bank holding company controlling such an institution can be required to obtain prior Federal Reserve Board approval of proposed distributions,or might be required to consent to a merger or to divest the troubled institution or other affiliates.

Transactions with Affiliates.  The holding company and the Bank are considered “affiliates” of each other under the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between such affiliates are subject to certain restrictions, including compliance with Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and their implementing regulations. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (1) limit the extent to which a financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions (a) with an affiliate (as defined in such sections) to an amount equal to 10% of such institution’s capital and surplus, and (b) with all affiliates, in the aggregate to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and surplus; and (2) require all transactions with an affiliate, whether or not covered transactions, to be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as the terms provided or that would be provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions.

State Law Restrictions. As a Delaware corporation, the holding company is subject to certain limitations and restrictions under applicable Delaware corporate law. For example, state law restrictions in Delaware include limitations and restrictions relating to indemnification of directors, distributions and dividends to stockholders, transactions involving directors, officers or interested stockholders, maintenance of books, records, and minutes, and observance of certain corporate formalities.

Capital Adequacy and Prompt Corrective Action – Guaranty Bancorp and Guaranty Bank

The federal banking regulatory authorities’ risk-based capital guidelines were previously based upon the 1988 capital accord of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, or Basel I. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision is a committee of central banks and bank supervisors and regulators from the major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines for use by each country’s supervisors in determining the supervisory policies they apply. In 2004, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published a new capital accord to replace Basel I, with an update in November 2005 (“Basel II”). Basel II provided two approaches for setting capital standards for credit risk — an internal ratings-based approach tailored to individual institutions’ circumstances (which for many asset classes is itself broken into a “foundation” approach and an “advanced or A-IRB” approach, the availability of which is subject to additional restrictions) and a standardized approach that based risk weightings on external credit assessments to a much greater extent than permitted in previous risk-based capital guidelines. Basel II also set capital requirements for operational risk and refined the existing capital requirements for market risk exposures.

In July 2007, the U.S. banking and thrift agencies reached an agreement on the implementation of the capital adequacy regulations and standards based on Basel II. In November 2007, the agencies approved final rules to implement the new risk-based capital requirements in the United States for large, internationally active banking organizations, or “core banks” - defined as those with consolidated total assets of $250 billion or more or consolidated on-balance sheet foreign exposures of $10 billion or more. The final rule was effective as of April1,2008. We are not a core bank and do not apply the Basel II approach to computing risk-weighted assets.

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In response to the economic and financial industry crisis that began in 2008, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and their oversight body - the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision (GHOS) – set out in late 2009 to work on global initiatives to strengthen the financial regulatory system. In July 2010, the GHOS agreed on key design elements and in September 2010 agreed to transition and implementation of measures. This work is known as Basel III, and it is designed to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of the banking sector. In particular, Basel III strengthensexisting capital requirements and introduces a global liquidity standard. In June 2012, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) jointly issued three notices of proposed rulemaking (“NPRs”) to, among other thingsimplement the Basel III minimum capital requirements. Following the receipt of comment letters from multiple U.S. financial institutions, on November 9, 2012, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the OCC indefinitely delayed the start date for the Basel III capital requirements and stated that they did not expect the final rules to implement the Basel III capital requirements to be in effect on January 1, 2013, the initial deadline. In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and OCC issued two final interim rules to implement the Basel III capital reforms and the rules began phasing-in in 2015, depending on the size of the financial institution. For more on Basel III and its potential effect on us, see item 1A “Risk Factors”.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“FDIA”), requires, among other things, that federal banking agencies take “prompt corrective action” with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA sets forth the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The relevant capital measures are the total capital ratio, the Tier 1 capital ratio, the leverage ratio and a new ratio requirement under Basel III, the common equity Tier I capital ratio.

Under the regulations adopted by the federal regulatory authorities, a bank is: (i)“well capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (ii)“adequately capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and is not “well capitalized”; (iii)“undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 4.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%; (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%; and (v)“critically undercapitalized” if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.

The final rules also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the regulatory minimum capital ratios, and when fully effective in 2019, will result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement began phasing-in in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution is subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its buffer level falls below the required buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such activities.

The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan to the FDIC. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or

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would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.”

“Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

Both Guaranty Bank and Guaranty Bancorp have always maintained the capital ratios and leverage ratio above the levels to be considered quantitatively well-capitalized. For information regarding the capital ratios and leverage ratio of the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, see the discussion under the section captioned “Capital Resources” included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”  and Note 21 —Regulatory Capital Matters in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, elsewhere in this report.

Banking Regulations Applicable to Guaranty Bank

Branching. Colorado state law provides that a Colorado-chartered bank can establish a branch anywhere in Colorado provided that the branch is approved in advance by the CDB.The branch must also be approved by the Federal Reserve. The approval process takes into account a number of factors, including financial history, capital adequacy, earnings prospects, character of management, needs of the community and consistency with corporate powers. The Dodd-Frank Act also reduced any significant barriers to interstate branching.

Dividends.  As a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Bank is subject to Regulation H, which, among other things, provides that a member bank may not declare or pay a dividend if the total of all dividends declared during the calendar year, including the proposed dividend, exceeds the sum of the bank’s net income (as reportable in its Reports of Condition and Income) during the current calendar year and its retained net income for the prior two calendar years, unless the Federal Reserve has approved the dividend.Regulation H also provides that a member bank may not declare or pay a dividend if the dividend would exceed the bank’s undivided profits as reportable on its Reports of Condition and Income, unless the Federal Reserve and holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each class of the bank’s outstanding stock have approved the dividend. Additionally, there are potential additional restrictions and prohibitions if a bank were to be less than well-capitalized.

As a Colorado state-chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations under Colorado law on the payment of dividends. The Colorado Banking Code provides that a bank may declare dividends from retained earnings and other components of capital specifically approved by the Banking Board so long as the declaration is made in compliance with rules established by the Banking Board.

Deposit Insurance.The deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account a bank’s capital level and supervisory rating. Risk Category I is the lowest risk category while Risk Category IV is the highest risk category.

In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act revised certain statutes governing the FDIC’s management of the DIF. Among other things, the revisions raised the minimum fund reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% and required the fund reserve ratio to reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020. In August 2016, the FDIC announced that the fund reserve ratio had surpassed 1.15% as of June 30, 2016. As a result, beginning in the third quarter of 2016, the range of initial assessment rates for all institutions was adjusted downward and institutions with $10 billion or more in assets were assessed a quarterly surcharge. The quarterly surcharge will continue to be assessed until such time as the reserve ratio reaches the statutory minimum of 1.35% required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The Company had $3.7 billionin total assets as of December 31, 2017 and therefore was not subject to the quarterly surcharge.At December31,2017, the Bank’s total assessment rate was approximately three basis points.

The FDIC may further increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule in order to manage the DIF to prescribed statutory target levels. An increase in the risk category for the Bank or in the assessment rates could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s and consequently the Company’s earnings. The FDIC may terminate deposit insurance if it determines the institution involved has engaged in or is engaging in unsafe or unsound banking

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practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated applicable laws, regulations or orders.In the case of a Colorado-chartered bank, the termination of deposit insurance would result in the revocation of its charter.

In addition, all institutions with deposits insured by the FDIC are required to pay assessments to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation (FICO), a mixed-ownership government corporation established to recapitalize a predecessor to the DIF. The current annualized assessment rate is six basis points and the rate is adjusted quarterly. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2019.

The enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 then-temporarily raised the basic limit on federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor and in July of 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act made the increased coverage amount permanent.

The Volcker Rule. Through the Volcker Rule, the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring certain unregistered investments companies (defined as hedge funds and private equity funds). The Volcker Rule, which became effective in July 2015, does not significantly affect our operations, as we generally do not engage in the businesses prohibited by the Volcker Rule.

Depositor Preference.  The FDIA provides that, in the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors, and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority in payment ahead of unsecured, non-deposit creditors, including the parent bank holding company, with respect to any extensions of credit they have made to such insured depository institution.

Consumer Financial Protection. The Company is subject to a number of federal and state consumer protection laws that extensively govern its relationship with its customers. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act, the Service Members Civil Relief Act and these laws’ respective state-law counterparts, as well as state usury laws, privacy and data security laws, and laws regarding unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices. These and other federal laws, among other things, require disclosures of the cost of credit and terms of deposit accounts, provide substantive consumer rights, prohibit discrimination in credit transactions, regulate the use of credit report information, provide financial privacy protections, prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive acts or practices, restrict the Company’s ability to raise interest rates and subject the Company to substantial regulatory oversight. Violations of applicable consumer protection laws can result in significant potential liability from litigation brought by customers, including actual damages, restitution and attorneys’ fees. Federal bank regulators, state attorneys general and state and local consumer protection agencies may also seek to enforce consumer protection requirements and obtain these and other remedies, including regulatory sanctions, customer rescission rights, action by the state and local attorneys general in each jurisdiction in which we operate and civil money penalties. Failure to comply with consumer protection requirements may also result in our failure to obtain any required bank regulatory approval for merger or acquisition transactions the Company may want to pursue or our prohibition from engaging in such transactions even if approval is not required.

Further, the CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of enumerated consumer financial laws that apply to all banks, including, among other things, the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. Abusive acts or practices are defined as those that materially interfere with a consumer’s ability to understand a term or condition of a consumer financial product or service or take unreasonable advantage of a consumer’s: (i) lack of financial savvy, (ii) inability to protect himself in the selection or use of consumer financial products or services, or (iii) reasonable reliance on a covered entity to act in the consumer’s interests.

Brokered Deposit Restrictions.  Well-capitalized institutions are not subject to limitations on brokered deposits, while an adequately capitalized institution is able to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and subject to certain restrictions on the yield paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions are generally not permitted to accept, renew, or roll over brokered deposits.

Community Reinvestment Act.The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“the CRA”), requires depository institutions to assist in meeting the credit needs of their market areas consistent with safe and sound banking practice. Under the CRA, each depository institution is required to help meet the credit needs of its market areas by,

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among other things, providing credit to low- and moderate-income individuals and communities and to communities that are part of federal disaster areas.  These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. The applicable federal regulators regularly conduct CRA examinations to assess the performance of financial institutions and assign one of four ratings to the institution’s records of meeting the credit needs of its community. During its last examination, a rating of “satisfactory”was received by the Bank.

Insider Credit Transactions. Banks are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act on extensions of credit to certain executive officers, directors, principal stockholders and any related interests of such persons. Extensions of credit to such persons must: (i) be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not covered by such restrictions and (ii) not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Banks are also subject to certain lending limits and restrictions on overdrafts to such persons. A violation of these restrictions may result in the assessment of substantial civil monetary penalties on the affected bank or any officer, director, employee, agent or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of that bank, the imposition of a cease and desist order, and other regulatory sanctions.

Concentration in Commercial Real Estate Lending. As a part of their regulatory oversight, the federal regulators have issued guidelines on sound risk management practices with respect to a financial institution’s concentrations in commercial real estate (“CRE”) lending activities.The guidelines identify certain concentration levels that, if exceeded, will expose the institution to additional supervisory analysis surrounding the institution’s CRE concentration risk. The guidelines are designed to promote appropriate levels of capital and sound loan and risk management practices for institutions with a concentration of CRE loans. In general, the guidelines establish two concentration levels.First, a concentration is deemed to exist if the institution’s total construction, land development and other land loans represent 100 percent or more of total risk-based capital (“CRE 1 Concentration”).Second, a concentration will be deemed to exist if total loans for construction, land development and other land and loans secured by multifamily and non-owner occupied non-farm residential properties (excluding loans secured by owner-occupied properties) represent 300 percent or more of total risk-based capital (“CRE 2 Concentration”) and the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50 percent or more during the prior 36 month period. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank’s CRE 1 Concentration level was 41 percent and the Bank’s CRE 2 Concentration level was 328 percent. The Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio increased by 70 percentduring the prior 36 months.Excluding loans acquired in the transactions with Home State and Castle Rock, the balance of commercial real estate loans increased by 41 percent during the preceding 36 months. Management employs heightened risk management practices with respect to commercial real estate lending, including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development and underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing. At December 31, 2017 we have concluded that we have an acceptable and well-managed concentration in commercial real estate lending under the foregoing standards.

FDICIA. Under FDICIA, each federal banking agency has prescribed, by regulation, non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. These standards cover internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, such other operational and managerial standards as the agency determines to be appropriate, and standards for asset quality, earnings and stock valuation. An institution which fails to meet these standards must develop a plan acceptable to the agency, specifying the steps that the institution will take to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions.

Examinations. The Bank is examined from time to time by its primary federal banking regulator, the Federal Reserve, and the CDB,  and is charged for the cost of such an examination. Depending on the results of  a given examination, the Federal Reserve and the CDBmay revalue the Bank’s assets and require that the Bank establish specific reserves to compensate for the difference between the value determined by the regulator and the book value of the assets.

Financial Privacy.In accordance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999  (the “GLB Act”), federal banking regulators adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose nonpublic information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a nonaffiliated third party. The privacy provisions of the GLB Act affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors.

Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives and the USA Patriot Act.A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions over the last decade has been combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA

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PATRIOT Act of 2001  (the “USA Patriot Act”), substantially broadened the scope of United States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a number of regulations that apply various requirements of the USA Patriot Act to financial institutions such as the Bank. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identities of their customers. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must use enhanced due diligence procedures in their dealings with certain types of high-risk customers and implement a written customer identification program. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and reporting certain types of suspicious transactions. Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions for compliance with these obligations, and failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, can have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation.The United States has imposed economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals and others. These are typically known as the “OFAC” rules based on their administration by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”). The OFAC-administered sanctions targeting countries take many different forms. Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country, including prohibitions against direct or indirect imports from and exports to a sanctioned country and prohibitions on “U.S. persons” engaging in financial transactions relating to making investments in, or providing investment-related advice or assistance to, a sanctioned country; and (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government or specially designated nationals of the sanctioned country have an interest, by prohibiting transfers of property subject to U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the possession or control of U.S. persons). Blocked assets (e.g., property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from OFAC. The Company is responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences.

Other Laws and Regulations.  The Company is not only subject to federal laws applicable to it, it is also subject to the rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.

Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies

In 2010, the federal bank regulators jointly issued final guidance on sound incentive compensation policies (“SICP”) intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking.The SICP guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should: (i)provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors.Any deficiencies in compensation practices that are identified may be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect its ability to make acquisitions or perform other actions.The SICP guidance provides that enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements or related risk-management control or governance processes pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

During the second quarter of 2016, the U.S. financial regulators proposed revised rules on incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities having at least $1 billion in total assets, including the Company and the Bank. The proposed revised rules would establish general requirements applicable to all covered entities, which would include: (i) prohibiting incentive arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation; (ii) prohibiting incentive arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks that could lead to a material financial loss; (iii) establishing requirements for performance measures to appropriately balance risk and reward; (iv) requiring board of director oversight of incentive arrangements; and (v) mandating appropriate record-keeping.

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Cybersecurity

In March 2015, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council issued two related statements regarding cybersecurity. One statement indicates that financial institutions should design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and to ensure that their risk management processes also address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to reliably authenticate customers accessing internet-based services of the financial institution. The other statement indicates that a financial institution’s management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution’s operations after a cyber-attack involving destructive malware. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations and address rebuilding network capabilities and restoring data if the institution or its critical service providers fall victim to this type of cyber-attack. If we fail to observe the regulatory guidance, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.

In April 2015, the SEC issued cybersecurity guidance for Registered Investment Advisors.The guidance highlighted the importance of having strong cybersecurity controls in place and discussed a number of measures that advisers may wish to consider when addressing cybersecurity risks.Some of the measures firms may choose to implement include, but are not limited to, conducting periodic assessments that identify the nature, sensitivity, and location of the information that an adviser collects, processes, and stores. Advisers should also evaluate internal and external cybersecurity and vulnerabilities along with the security controls and measures in place. Advisers are also encouraged to create a strategy that is designed to prevent, detect, and respond to cybersecurity threats and ensure that the strategy is implemented in day-to-day operations.The SEC continues to reinforce the importance of cybersecurity measures by including this in the list of their exam priorities since 2014. Most recently, in February 2018 the SEC indicated that cybersecurity would continue to be a focus in their examination programs. SEC examinations have, and will continue to focus on, governance and risk assessment, access rights and controls, data loss prevention, vendor management, training, and incident response.

In the ordinary course of business, we rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct our operations and to store sensitive data. We employ an in-depth, layered, defensive approach that leverages people, processes and technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. We employ a variety of preventative and detective tools to monitor, block, and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on any suspected advanced persistent threats. Notwithstanding the strength of our defensive measures, the threat from cyber-attacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and increasing in volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. While to date, we have not experienced a significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, our systems and those of our customers and third-party service providers are under constant threat and it is possible that we could experience a significant event in the future. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by us and our customers. See “Risk Factors” for a further discussion of risks related to cybersecurity.

Changing Regulatory Structure and Future Legislation and Regulation

Congress may enact further legislation that affects the regulation of the financial services industry, and state legislatures may enact further legislation affecting the regulation of financial institutions chartered by or operating in these states. Changes in leadership at various federal banking agencies, including the Federal Reserve Board, can also change the policy direction of these agencies. Management is monitoring these policy changes. Federal and state regulatory agencies also periodically propose and adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. We cannot predict the substance or impact of pending or future legislation or regulations, or the application thereof, although enactment of the proposed legislation could impact the regulatory structure under which the Company operates and may significantly increase costs, impede the efficiency of internal business processes, require an increase in regulatory capital, require modifications to the Company’s business strategy, and limit the Company’s ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries could have a material effect on our business.

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Monetary Policy and Economic Environment

The policies of regulatory authorities, including the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve Board, can have a significant effect on the operating results of bank holding companies and their subsidiaries.Among the means available to the Federal Reserve Board to affect the money supply are open market operations in United States Government securities, changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits.These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, and their use may affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.The Federal Reserve Board’s monetary policies have materially affected the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.The nature of future monetary policies and the effect of these policies on the Bank’s business and earnings cannot be predicted.

Employees

At December 31, 2017, we employed 517 employees, including 487 full-time employees and 30 part-time employees. None of our employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements. We believe our employee relations to be good.

Available Information

Guaranty Bancorp maintains an Internet website at www.gbnk.com. At this website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and proxy statements on Schedule14A and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such forms are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains an Internet website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. You may obtain copies of the Company’s filings on the SEC website. These documents may also be obtained in print upon request by our stockholders to our Investor Relations Department.

We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Company, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers, in accordance with Section406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder. The code of ethics, which we call our “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics”, is available on our corporate website, www.gbnk.com, in the section entitled “Corporate Governance.” In the event that we make changes in, or provide waivers from, the provisions of this code of ethics that the SEC requires us to disclose, we intend to disclose these events on our corporate website in such section. In the Corporate Governance section of our corporate website, we have also posted the charters for our Audit Committee, Corporate Risk Committee and Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee, as well as our Corporate Governance Guidelines. In addition, information concerning purchases and sales of our equity securities by our executive officers and directors is available on our corporate website.

Our Investor Relations Department can be contacted at Guaranty Bancorp, 1331 Seventeenth Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone 303-675-1194, or via e-mail to investor.relations@gbnk.com.

Except for the documents specifically incorporated by reference into this document, information contained on our website or information that can be accessed through our website is not incorporated by reference into this document.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves risks.  The following is a description of the material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect our business and an investment in our common stock. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial also may become important factors that affect us and our business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. Therefore, the risk factors below should not be considered a complete list of potential risks that we may face.

If any of the following risks actually occurs, our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our loan portfolio exposes us to credit risk.

There are inherent risks associated with our lending activities and we seek to mitigate these risks by adhering to conservative underwriting practices.Although we believe that our underwriting practices are appropriate for the various kinds of loans we make, we may nevertheless incur losses on loans that meet our underwriting criteria or loans with approved exceptions to our underwriting criteria, and these losses may exceed the amounts set aside as reserves in our allowance for loan losses. The deterioration of one or several of these loans could cause a significant increase in nonperforming loans, which could result in a loss of earnings from these loans and an increase in the provision for credit losses and net charge-offs.

We make both secured and unsecured commercial loans. Unsecured loans generally involve a higher degree of risk of loss than do secured loans because, without collateral, repayment is wholly dependent upon the success of the borrowers’ respective businesses. Secured commercial loans are generally collateralized by real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment or other assets owned by the borrower and may include a personal guaranty of the business owner. Compared to real estate, other types of collateral securing commercial loans are more difficult to monitor, their values are harder to ascertain, their values may depreciate more rapidly and they may not be as readily saleable if repossessed. Commercial loans secured by collateral other than real estate are generally serviced from the operations of the business, which may not be successful, while commercial real estate loans generally will be serviced from the income on the properties securing the loans. If the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio increases, the corresponding risks and potential for losses from these loans will also increase.

We are subject to  interest rate risk, and fluctuations in interest rates may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The majority of our assets are monetary in nature. As a result, our earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon our net interest income which is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds.

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including genera, local, national and global economic conditions, demand for loans, securities and deposits, and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the policies and actions of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. On December14, 2017, the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates for the fifth time in two years. Further, the Federal Reserve indicated that they intend to continue to raise interest rates. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and securities and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect: (i) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, and (iii) the average duration of our loans and securities that are collateralized by mortgages. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, our net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings. In addition, our assets and liabilities may react differently to changes in overall market rates or conditions because there may be mismatches between the repricing or maturity characteristics of the assets and

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liabilities. If short-term interest rates increase further, our interest rates on deposits may increase more significantly than we have experienced with the past five rate increases by the Federal Reserve. Additionally, if short-term interest rates increase, our interest rates on loans may not increase as significantly as we have experienced with the past five rate increases by the Federal Reserve. Because our rates on deposits and loans may change at a higher or lower level than changes in benchmark rates, these variances could negatively affect our asset-liability modeling. If interest rates decline, our higher-rate loans and investments may be subject to prepayment risk, which could negatively impact our net interest margin. Conversely, if interest rates increase, our loans and investments may be subject to extension risk, which could negatively impact our net interest margin as well. If interest rates increase, our earnings credit rate on certain noninterest bearing deposit accounts could increase, which could negatively impact our noninterest income.

Any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” located elsewhere in this report for further discussion related to our management of interest rate risk.

Our business has been and in the future may beadversely affected by conditions in the  financial markets and economic and political conditions generally.

Our success depends, to a certain extent, upon local, national and global economic and political conditions, as well as government monetary policies. The U.S. and Colorado have been in a sustained economic recovery for several years. Although economic conditions in Colorado and in the U.S. in general continue to improve, there can be no assurances that the economic environment will continue to improve or that they will not decline in the future. An adverse change could be triggered by international, national or local economic or political changes.

If the economic recovery slows or if the national or local economy enters into a recession, it may affect consumer confidence levels, real estate values, real estate sales volumes and consumer spending which will adversely affect our customers. This in turn may cause adverse changes in payment patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates which may impact our charge-offs and provision for credit losses. In addition, stock prices could be negatively affected, and our ability to raise capital or borrow in the debt markets may become more difficult.

Declines in values in the equity or bond markets could adversely affect the value of our assets under management. As investment fees are based on assets under management, a decline in the markets could adversely affect our advisory fee income.

An uncertain economic environment could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The concentration of our commercial real estate loan portfolio subjects us to heightenedregulatory scrutiny.

The FDIC, the Federal Reserve and the OCC have promulgated joint guidance on sound risk management practices for financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending. Under the guidance, a financial institution that, like us, is actively involved in commercial real estate lending should perform a risk assessment to identify concentrations. A financial institution may have a concentration in commercial real estate lending if, among other factors: (i) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% or more of total risk-based capital or (ii) total reported loans for construction, land development and other land and loans secured by multifamily and non-owner occupied non-farm residential properties (excluding loans secured by owner-occupied properties) represent 300% or more of total risk-based capital and the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the prior 36 month period. In such event, management should employ heightened risk management practices, including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing.

The Bank’s total reported loans for construction, land development and other land represented 41% of capital at December 31, 2017 as compared to 40% of capital at December 31, 2016. This ratio is below the regulatory commercial real estate concentration guideline level of 100% for land and construction loans. The Bank’s total reported commercial real estate loans to total capital was 328% at December 31, 2017, as compared to 319% of capital at December 31, 2016. This ratio is above the regulatory commercial real estate concentration guideline level of 300% for all investor real estate loans. The Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio has increased by 70% over the

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preceding 36 months. Excluding loans acquired in the transactions with Home State and Castle Rock, the balance of commercial real estate loans increased by 41% over the preceding 36 months.

There is no assurance that in the future we will not continue to exceed the levels set forth in these guidelines and wemay be required to take additional steps to mitigate our potential concentration risk or be required to raise additional capital in order to further reduce our risk. In addition, if we are considered to have a concentration in commercial real estate lending under the foregoing standards in the future and our risk management practices are found to be deficient, it could result in increased reserves and capital costs as well as potential regulatory enforcement action.

Commercial real estate loans are generally viewed as having more inherent risk of default than residential mortgage loans or other consumer loans. Also, the commercial real estate loan balance per borrower is typically larger than that for residential mortgage loans and other consumer loans, inferring higher potential losses on an individual loan basis. The deterioration of one or more of the Bank’s significant commercial real estate loans could cause a significant increase in nonaccrual loans. An increase in nonaccrual loans could result in a loss of interest income from these loans, an increase in the provision for loan losses, and an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The short-term and long-term impact of the changing regulatory capital requirements and capital rules is unknown.

In 2013, the FDIC, the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board approved a new rule that substantially amends the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to us. The final rule implements the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.

The final rule includes minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios which became effective for us on January 1, 2015, and refines the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating these ratios. The minimum capital requirements to be considered “adequately capitalized” are: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6.0%, which was increased from 4.0%; (iii) a total capital ratio of 8.0%, which was unchanged from the previous rules; and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. The final rule also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above the regulatory minimum capital ratios, and when fully effective in 2019, will result in the following minimum capital ratios: (a) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%; (b) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%; and (c) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The capital conservation buffer requirement began phasing-in in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. If an institution does not meet or exceed these minimum capital ratios it will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its buffer level falls below the required buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such activities.

The application of more stringent capital requirements for us could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions such as a prohibition on the payment of dividends, the payment of bonuses to employees or the repurchase of shares if we were unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in our having to restructure our business models or increase our holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes in asset risk weightings for risk-based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital or additional capital conservation buffers could result in management modifying our business strategy.

Our allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover actual credit losses, which could adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.

As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that our borrowers may not repay their loans according to the terms of these loans and that the collateral securing the payment of a particular loan may be insufficient to fully compensate for the outstanding balance of the loan and the costs to dispose of the underlying collateral. We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, that represents management’s best estimate of probable incurred losses within our existing portfolio of loans. Additional credit losses will likely occur in the future and may occur at a rate greater than the Company has experienced on average, over the last credit cycle. The level of the allowance reflects management’s ongoing evaluation of specific credit risks, loan loss experience, loan portfolio quality, economic conditions, loan industry concentrations, and other potential but unidentifiable losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and requires us

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to make significant estimates of current credit risks, future trends, and general economic conditions, all of which may undergo material changes.

Further, the measure of our allowance for loan losses is also subject to the adoption of new accounting standards. On June 16, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) standard, which will require financial institutions to estimate and develop a provision for credit losses at origination for the lifetime of the loan, as opposed to reserving for incurred or probable losses up to the balance sheet date. Under the CECL model, credit deterioration would be reflected in the income statement in the period of origination or acquisition of the loan, with changes in expected credit losses due to further credit deterioration or improvement reflected in the periods in which the expectation changes. Accordingly, the CECL model could require financial institutions, such as the Bank, to increase their allowance for loan losses upon adoption. Moreover, the CECL model could create more volatility in the Bank’s level of allowance for loan losses. For public business entities that are SEC filers the amendments of the update will become effective beginning January 1, 2020. Management expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, but cannot yet estimate the magnitude of the one-time adjustment or the overall impact of the new guidance on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. Likewise, increases in nonperforming loans have a significant impact on our allowance for loan losses. If real estate values decline, we could experience increased delinquencies and credit losses, particularly with respect to commercial real estate loans. Likewise, if management’s assumptions prove to be incorrect or if we experience significant loan losses in future periods, our current level of allowance may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses and adjustments may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in our loan portfolio. A material change to the allowance could cause net income and possibly capital to decrease.

In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require management to increase its provision for loan losses or recognize further charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of the Bank’s management. An increase in our allowance for loan losses or charge-offs as required by these regulatory agencies could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s operating results and financial condition.

Liquidity risk could impair our ability to  fund operations and jeopardize our  financial condition.

An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of securities or loans or other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry.

We rely primarily on commercial and retail deposits and to a significantly lesser extent, brokered deposit renewals and rollovers, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)and other secured and unsecured borrowings to fund our operations. Although we have historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances as necessary, we might not be able to replace such funds in the future if, among other things, our results of operations or financial condition or the results of operations or financial condition of the FHLB or market conditions were to change. In addition, if we fall below the FDIC’s thresholds to be considered “well capitalized”, we will be unable to continue to rollover or renew brokered funds, and the interest rate paid on deposits would be restricted.

Our deposit  insurance premiums could  increase in the future, which could  have a material adverse effect on our future earnings.

The FDIC insures deposits at certain financial institutions, including the Bank and charges insured financial institutions a  premium to maintain the DIF at a certain level. In the event that deteriorating economic conditions increase bank failures, the FDIC ensures payments of deposits up to insured limits from the DIF.

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In August 2016, the FDIC announced that the DIF reserve ratio had surpassed 1.15% as of June 30, 2016. As a result, beginning in the third quarter of 2016, the range of initial assessment rates for all institutions was adjusted downward and institutions with $10 billion or more in assets were assessed a quarterly surcharge. The quarterly surcharge will continue to be assessed until such time as the reserve ratio reaches the statutory minimum of 1.35% required by the Dodd-Frank Act.In March 2017, the FDIC announced that the DIF reserve ratio was 1.20% as of December 31, 2016. The Company had $3.7 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2017 and therefore was not subject to the quarterly surcharge.At December 31, 2017, the Bank’s total assessment rate was approximately three basis points. Although the Bank's FDIC insurance assessments have not increased as a result of these changes, there can be no assurance that the FDIC will not increase assessment rates in the future or that the Bank will not be subject to higher assessment rates as a result of a change in its risk category, either of which could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s earnings.

In addition, the FDIC may terminate an institution’s deposit insurance if it determines that the institution involved has engaged in or is engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated applicable laws, regulations or orders. In the case of a Colorado-chartered bank, the termination of deposit insurance would result in the revocation of its charter.

We may need to raise additional capital or debt in the future and such capital or debt may not be available when needed or at all.

We may need to raise additional capital or debt in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs. In addition, we may elect to raise additional capital or debt to support our business or to finance acquisitions.

Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance.

We cannot assure you that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. Any occurrence that may limit our access to the capital markets, such as a decline in the confidence of investors, the Bank’s depositors or counterparties participating in the capital markets may adversely affect our capital costs and our ability to raise capital and, in turn, our liquidity. Moreover, if we need to raise capital in the future, we may have to do so when many other financial institutions are also seeking to raise capital and would have to compete with those institutions for investors. An inability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The value of securities in our investment securities portfolio may be negatively affected by disruptions in securities markets.

The market for some of the investment securities held in our portfolio has been volatile over the past several years. Volatile market conditions may quickly and detrimentally affect the value of these securities due to the perception of heightened credit and liquidity risks associated with their ownership. There can be no assurance that declines in market value will not result in other than temporary impairments of these assets, which would lead to accounting charges that could have a material adverse effect on our net income and capital levels.Under CECL an allowance will be established for expected lifetime losses on held to maturity securities and impairments on available for sale securities will also need to reflect expected lifetime losses. The change in accounting for held to maturity and available for sale securities under CECL could adversely impact earnings in future periods.

Our accounting estimates and risk management processes rely on analytical and forecasting models.

Processes that management uses to estimate our probable incurred credit losses and to measure the fair value of financial instruments, as well as the processes used to estimate the effects of changing interest rates and other market measures on our financial condition and results of operations, depend upon the use of analytical and forecasting models. These models reflect assumptions that may not be accurate, particularly in times of market stress or other unforeseen circumstances. Even if these assumptions are accurate, the models may prove to be inadequate or inaccurate because of other flaws in their design or their implementation.

If the models that management uses for interest rate risk and asset-liability management are inadequate, we may incur increased or unexpected losses upon changes in market interest rates or other market measures. If the models that management uses for determining our probable incurred credit losses are inadequate, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to support future charge-offs, incurred as of the balance-sheet date. If the models

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that management uses to measure the fair value of financial instruments are inadequate, the fair value of such financial instruments may fluctuate unexpectedly or may not accurately reflect what we could realize upon sale or settlement of such financial instruments. Any such failure in management’s analytical or forecasting models could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The lack of soundness of other financial  institutions could adversely affect us.

Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and lack of commercial soundness of other financial institutions. The businesses of many financial services companies are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a  default by our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be sold or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to us. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and, as a result, are subject to extensive regulation and supervision.

The Company and the Bank are subject to extensive federal and state regulation, supervision and examination. Any change in the laws or regulations applicable to us, or in banking regulators’ supervisory policies, examination procedures or enforcement actions, whether by the CDB, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, other state or federal regulators, the U.S. Congress or the Colorado legislature could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, compliance with these regulations and laws may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

Supervision and the regulationsto which we are subject limit the activities in which we may permissibly engage along with our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth. The purpose of supervision and regulation is primarily to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, rather than our stockholders.

The Dodd-Frank Act instituted major changes to the banking and financial institutions regulatory regimes in light of the recent performance of and government intervention in the financial services sector. Additional legislation and regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could significantly affect the Company’s and the Bank’s powers, authority and operations in substantial and unpredictable ways. Further, regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in the exercise of their supervisory and enforcement powers under banking regulations, as well as under various consumer protection and civil rights laws. Regulators may, among other things, impose restrictions on the operation of a banking institution, the classification of assets by such institution and such institution’s allowance for loan losses. The exercise of this regulatory discretion and power could have a negative impact on the Company. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act or other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations could cause us material financial loss.

The BankSecrecyAct and the USA Patriot Act contain anti-money laundering and financial transparency provisions intended to detect, and prevent the use of the U.S. financial system for money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The BankSecrecyAct, as amended by the USA Patriot Act, requires depository institutions and their holding companies to undertake activities including maintaining an anti-money laundering program, verifying the identity of clients, monitoring for and reporting suspicious transactions, reporting on cash transactions exceeding specified thresholds, and responding to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies. FinCEN, a unit of the U.S. Treasury Department that administers the BankSecrecyAct, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the federal bank regulatory agencies, among others. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the OFAC. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we have already acquired or may acquire in the future are deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain

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planned business activities, including acquisition plans, which would negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have significant reputational consequences for us.

We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the CRA and fair lending laws and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.

The Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution’s performance under the Community Reinvestment Act or other fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on acquisition activity, restrictions on expansion and restrictions on entering new product lines. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The impact of new tax legislation is uncertain and could have a material adverse impact on our cash flows and results of operations.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, and it will take time for additional clarifying guidance and legislation to be issued, and this guidance will be required for the interpretation of these comprehensive changes. Unevaluated implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 could have a material benefit or material adverse impact and could result in volatility in our effective tax rate, tax expense and cash flow. Management is in the process of analyzing the potential aggregate current and future impacts of the legislation. Any benefit associated with the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate could be reduced or outweighed by other adverse changes enacted in the legislation or by the cost of compliance.

Our reported financial results may be adversely affected by changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP, are subject to interpretation by FASB, the SEC and various bodies formed to promulgate and interpret appropriate accounting principles. A change in accounting principles or interpretations could have a significant effect on our reported financial results for subsequent periods and prior periods, if retrospectively adopted. Additionally, the adoption of new standards may potentially require enhancements or changes in our systems and may require significant time and cost on behalf of our financial management. See Note 2 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for information on recent accounting pronouncements and their anticipated impact, on our consolidated financial statements.

Regulations could restrict our ability to originate loans.

The CFPB has issued a rule designed to clarify how lenders can avoid legal liability under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would hold lenders accountable for ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. Loans that meet this definition of “qualified mortgage” will be presumed to have complied with the new ability-to-repay standard. Under the CFPB’s rule, a “qualified mortgage” loan must not contain certain specified features, including:

· excessive upfront points and fees (those exceeding 3% of the total loan amount, less “bona fide discount points” for prime loans);

· interest-only payments;

· negative-amortization; and

· terms longer than 30 years.

Also, to qualify as a “qualified mortgage,” a borrower’s total monthly debt-to-income ratio may not exceed 43%. Lenders must also verify and document the income and financial resources relied upon to qualify the borrower for the loan and underwrite the loan based on a fully amortizing payment schedule and maximum interest rate during the first five years, taking into account all applicable taxes, insurance and assessments. The CFPB’s rule on qualified mortgages and similar rules could limit our ability to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, or

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could make it more expensive and time-consuming to make these loans, which could limit our growth or profitability.

We are subject to losses resulting from fraudulent and negligent acts on the part of loan applicants, correspondents or other third parties.

We rely heavily upon information supplied to us by third parties, including the information contained in credit applications, property appraisals, title information, equipment pricing and valuation and employment and income documentation, in deciding which loans we will originate, as well as the terms of those loans. If any of the information upon which we rely is misrepresented, either fraudulently or inadvertently, and the misrepresentation is not detected prior to asset funding, the value of the asset may be significantly lower than expected, we may fund a loan that we would not have otherwise funded or we may fund a loan on terms that we would not have otherwise extended. Whether a misrepresentation is made by the applicant or by another third party, we generally bear the risk of loss associated with the misrepresentation. A loan subject to a material misrepresentation is typically unsellable or subject to repurchase if it is sold prior to detection of the misrepresentation. The sources of the misrepresentation are often difficult to locate, and it is often difficult to recover any of the monetary losses we may suffer.

Our profitability depends significantly on economic conditions in the Colorado Front Range.

Our success depends significantly on the general economic conditions in the counties in which we conduct business and where our loans are concentrated. Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide banking and financial services to customers primarily in the Front Range of Colorado, which includes the Denver metropolitan area. The local economic conditions in our market area have a significant impact on our loans, the ability of our borrowers to repay those loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans. Accordingly, if the population or income growth along the Colorado Front Range is slower than projected, income levels, deposits and housing starts could be adversely affected and could result in a reduction of our expansion, growth and profitability. The oil and gas industry has a significant economic impact on some of the counties in which we conduct business and a prolonged downturn in this industry may negatively impact our borrowers and their ability to repay their loans. If our market area experiences a downturn or a recession for a prolonged period of time, we could experience significant increases in nonperforming loans, which could lead to operating losses, impaired liquidity and eroding capital.

In view of the concentration of our operations and the collateral securing our loan portfolio in the Front Range, of Colorado we may be particularly susceptible to the effects not only of national-level events such as recession and war but also more local calamities such as natural disasters and fluctuations in the local economy. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

A  downturn in our real estate markets along the Colorado Front Range could hurt our business.

Our business activities and credit exposure are primarily concentrated along the Front Range of Colorado. As of December 31,2017,  approximately 74% of our loan portfolio consisted of real estate loans, the majority of which are secured by properties located in Colorado. A weakening of the real estate market in our primary market areas could have an adverseeffect on the demand for new loans, the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, the value of real estate and other collateral securing the loans and the value of real estate owned by us. As a result of decreased collateral values, our ability to recover on defaulted loans by selling the underlying real estate would be diminished, and we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans and a corresponding material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses, which could also adversely affect our business, results of operation and financial condition.

While we have very limited direct exposure to the energy industry, we may be adversely affected by declining crude oil prices.

Decisions by certain members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to maintain higher crude oil production levels, as well as other market and economic conditions, have led to increased global oil supplies, which in turn has resulted in significant declines in oil prices. While oil prices have stabilized, decreased market oil prices have resulted in compressed margins for many U.S. and Colorado-based oil producers, particularly those that utilize higher-cost production technologies such as hydraulic fracking and horizontal drilling, as well as oilfield service providers, energy equipment manufacturers and transportation suppliers, among others. While the Bank has very limited direct exposure to the energy industry, energy production and related industries represent a relatively

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significant portion of the Colorado economy and can affect us indirectly through our borrowers in other industries that depend on or benefit from energy production and related industries.  A prolonged period of low oil prices could also have a negative impact on the U.S. economy and, in particular, the economies of states such as Colorado. Accordingly, we are unable to predict when or if oil prices will rise, and a prolonged period of low oil prices could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The small to medium-sized businesses to which we lend may have fewer financial resources to weather a downturn in the economy or a material increase in interest rates, which could materially harm our operating results.

We serve the banking and financial services needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Small to medium-sized businesses frequently have smaller market shares than their competition, may be more vulnerable to economic downturns or accelerating interest rates, often need substantial additional capital to expand and compete and may experience significant volatility in operating results. Any one or more of these factors may impair a borrower’s ability to repay a loan. In addition, the success of a small to medium-sized business often depends on the management talents and efforts of one or two persons or a small group of persons, and the death, disability or resignation of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the business and its ability to repay a loan. Economic downturns and other events that negatively impact our market areas could cause us to incur substantial credit losses that could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

New lines of business or new  products and services may subject us to additional risks.

From time to time, we may implement or may acquire new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and new products and services, we may invest significant time and resources. We may not achieve target timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and new products or services and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as regulatory compliance obligations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We operate in a highly competitive industry and market area.

We face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, both within and beyond our principal markets, many of which are larger than us and may have more financial resources available to them. Such competitors primarily include national, regional and community banks within the various markets we serve. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, fintech companies, brokerage firms, investment advisors, insurance companies, factoring companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Additionally, we expect competition to intensify among financial services companies due to the merger and acquisition activity in our market area by competing, out-of-state financial institutions. Also, technology and other changes have lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic funds transfer and automatic payment systems. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, or “disintermediation”, could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. Further, many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints than we do and may have lower cost structures than ours. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may be able to offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.

Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:

· The ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on quality service, high ethical standards and safe, sound assets.

· The ability to expand our market position.

· The ability to attract and retain qualified staff, including those with key customer relationships.

· The scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands.

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· The rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors.

· Customer satisfaction with our level of service.

· Enterprise-wide risk appetites.

· Industry and general economic conditions.

Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, adversely affect our growth and profitability, and, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We rely on dividends from the Bank to pay our expenses and fund our dividends.

Because we are a holding company with no significant assets other than the Bank, we currently depend upon dividends from the Bank for a substantial portion of our revenues and to fund our expenses. Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders therefore depends in large part upon our receipt of dividends or other capital distributions from the Bank.

Various federal and state regulations limit the Bank’s payment of dividends, management fees and other distributions to the Company, and may therefore limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Under these laws, the Bank is currently required to request permission from the Federal Reserve prior to payment of a dividend to the Company.

Further, we may from time to time enter into financing agreements or other contractual arrangements that have the effect of limiting or prohibiting us or the Bank from declaring or paying dividends. See “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Dividends” for more information on these restrictions.

We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of one or more of those key personnel could harm our business.

Competition for qualified employees and personnel in the banking industry is intense and there are a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of and experience in the Colorado community banking industry. This competition may cause employee salaries to increase at rates higher than they have historically. The process of recruiting personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategies is often lengthy. Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified management and loan origination, administrative, credit, marketing and technical personnel and upon the continued contributions of customer relationships developed by our management and personnel. In particular, our success is highly dependent upon the capabilities of our senior executive management. We believe that our management team, comprised of individuals who have worked in the banking industry for many years, is integral to implementing our business plan. The loss of the services of one or more of them could harm our business. In addition, the scope and content of U.S. banking regulators’ policies on incentive compensation, as well as changes to these policies, could adversely affect our ability to hire, retain and motivate our key employees. To mitigate the potential impact of a loss of key personnel, the Company has a management succession plan to ensure that it has a process in place to replace any lost personnel.

Our controls and procedures may fail or be  circumvented.

Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures and corporate governance policies and procedures are based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system will be met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

We are subject to a variety of operational risks, the manifestation of any one of which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders and the risk of unauthorized transactions or operational errors by employees, including clerical or record-keeping errors or errors resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems.

Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. Our necessary dependence upon

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automated systems to record and process transactions and our large transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical flaws or tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. We also may be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control (for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages, natural disasters, disease pandemics affecting large numbers of employees or other damage to property or physical assets), which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. The occurrence of any of these risks could diminish our ability to operate our business (for example, by requiring us to expend significant resources to investigate and correct the defect), as well as potential liability to clients, reputational damage and regulatory intervention, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Negative publicity could damage our reputation and our business.

Reputation risk, or the risk to our earnings and capital from negative public opinion, is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion could adversely affect our ability to attract and keep customers and expose us to adverse legal and regulatory consequences. Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer information, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to that conduct. Negative public opinion could also result from adverse news or publicity that impairs the reputation of the financial services industry generally. Because we conduct most of our business under the “Guaranty” brand, negative public opinion about one business could affect our other businesses.

Our operations rely on external vendors.

We rely on external vendors to provide certain products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. These third party vendors are sources of operational and informational security risk to us, including risks associated with their employees or subcontractors, operational errors, information system interruptions or breaches and unauthorized disclosures of sensitive or confidential client or customer information. If these vendors encounter any of these issues, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, we could be exposed to disruption of operations, loss of service or connectivity to customers, reputational damage, and litigation risk that could have a material adverse effect on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

Further, our operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service agreements. The failure of external vendors to perform in accordance with the contractual terms of a service agreement because of changes in a vendor’s organization structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for any other reason could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations. Replacing these external vendors could also entail significant delay and expense.

Additionally, we outsource our data processing to an external vendor, including item processing, electronic banking, mobile banking, debit card processing, and treasury management processing. If this vendor encounters difficulties or if we have difficulty in communicating with the vendor, it could significantly affect our ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which would in turn significantly affect our ability to conduct our business operations. Furthermore, a  breach of the vendor’s technology may also cause reimbursable loss to our consumer and business customers, through no fault of our own. Fraud attacks targeting customer-controlled devices, plastic payment card devices such as cash advance machines and ATMs and merchant data collection points provide another source of potential loss, again through no fault of our own. Liability arising from such a security breach or fraud attack could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

An interruption in or breach in security of our information systems may result in a loss of customer business and have an adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business, serving both internal and customer constituencies. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems, or the failure of those used by our suppliers and counterparties, could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. Moreover, any such failures, interruptions or security breaches of our information systems used to process customer transactions could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny or expose us to civil litigation and possible

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financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential customer information, whether through a cyber-attack, other breach of our computer systems or otherwise, could severely harm our business.

In the ordinary course of business, we rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct our operations and to store sensitive data. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in significant disruption to our operations. Information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents may include attempts to access information, including customer and company information, capture of systems access information, malicious code, computer viruses and denial of service attacks that could result in unauthorized access, misuse, loss or destruction of data (including confidential customer information), account takeovers, unavailability of service or other events. These types of threats may derive from human error, fraud or malice on the part of external or internal parties, or may result from accidental technological failure. Further, to access our products and services our customers may use computers and mobile devices that are outside the protection of our security control systems. Our technologies, systems, networks and software, and those of other financial institutions have been, and are likely to continue to be, the target of cybersecurity threats and attacks, which may range from uncoordinated individual attempts to sophisticated and targeted measures directed at us. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attack or cyber intrusion, has increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased.

Our business requires the collection and retention of large volumes of customer data, including personally identifiable information in various information systems that we maintain and in those maintained by third parties with whom we contract to provide data services. We also maintain important internal company data such as personally identifiable information about our employees and information relating to our operations. The integrity and protection of that customer and Company data is important to us.

Our customers and employees have been, and will continue to be, targeted by parties using fraudulent e-mails and other communications in attempts to misappropriate passwords, bank account information or other personal information or to introduce viruses or other malware to our information systems or our customers’ computers. Though we endeavor to mitigate these threats through product improvements, use of encryption and authentication technology and customer and employee education, such cyber-attacks against us or our merchants and our third party service providers remain a serious issue. The pervasiveness of cybersecurity incidents in general and the risks of cyber-crime are complex and continue to evolve. More generally, publicized information concerning security and cyber-related problems could inhibit the use or growth of electronic or web-based applications or solutions as a means of conducting commercial transactions.

Although we make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of our information systems and have implemented various measures to manage the risk of a security breach or disruption, there can be no assurance that our security efforts and measures will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging. While to date, we have not experienced a significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, even the most well protected information, networks, systems and facilities remain potentially vulnerable. Attempted security breaches, particularly cyber-attacks and intrusions, or disruptions will occur in the future, and because the techniques used in such attempts are constantly evolving and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, and in some cases are designed not to be detected and, in fact, may not be detected. Accordingly, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate security barriers or other preventative measures, and thus it is virtually impossible for us to entirely mitigate this risk. While we maintain specific cyber insurance coverage, the amount of coverage may not be adequate in any particular case. Furthermore, because cyber threat scenarios are inherently difficult to predict and can take many forms, some breaches may not be covered under our cyber insurance coverage. A security breach or other significant disruption of our information systems or those related to our customers, merchants and our third party vendors, including as a result of cyber-attacks, could (i) disrupt the proper functioning of our networks and systems and therefore our operations or those of certain of our customers; (ii) result in the unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information of ours or our customers; (iii) result in a violation of applicable privacy, data breach and other laws, subjecting us to additional regulatory scrutiny and expose us to civil litigation, governmental fines and possible financial liability; (iv) require significant management attention and resources to remedy the damages that result; or (v) harm our reputation or cause a

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decrease in the number of customers that choose to do business with us. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

We continually encounter technological change.

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to claims and litigation.

From time to time, customers and other stakeholders make claims and take legal action pertaining to the performance of our professional, regulatory, fiduciary and lender responsibilities. At any given time, these claims are in various stages of the legal process from initial complaints to legal cases currently in appeals. Whether or not these claims and legal actions are founded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to us, they may result in significant financial liability and adversely affect the market perception of us and our products and services as well as impact customer demand for our products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

If we are unable to identify and acquire other financial institutions and successfully integrate our acquired businesses, our business and earnings may be negatively affected.

The market for acquisitions remains highly competitive and we may be unable to find acquisition candidates in the future that fit our acquisition and growth strategy. To the extent that we are unable to find suitable acquisition candidates, an important component of our growth strategy may be lost.

Acquisitions of financial institutions involve operational risks and uncertainties and acquired companies may have unforeseen liabilities, exposure to asset quality problems, key employee and customer retention problems and other problems that could negatively affect the Company. We may not be able to complete future acquisitions and, if we do complete such acquisitions, we may not be able to sell certain pieces acquired or successfully integrate the operations, management, products and services of the entities that we acquire and eliminate redundancies. The integration process could result in the loss of key employees or disruption of the combined entity’s ongoing business or cause inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers and employees or achieve the anticipated benefits of the transaction. The integration process may also require significant time and attention from our management that they would otherwise direct at servicing existing business and developing new business. Our inability to find suitable acquisition candidates and failure to successfully integrate the entities we acquire into our existing operations may increase our operating costs significantly and adversely affect our business and earnings.

Acquisitions may be delayed, impeded, or prohibited due to regulatory issues.

Acquisitions by us, particularly those of financial institutions, are subject to approval by a variety of federal and state regulatory agencies. The process for obtaining these required regulatory approvals has become lengthier and more difficult in recent years. Regulatory approvals could be delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues that we have, or may have, with regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, issues related to fair lending laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection laws, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices regulations, Community Reinvestment Act issues and other similar laws and regulations. We may fail to pursue, evaluate or complete strategic and competitively significant acquisition opportunities as a result of our inability, or perceived or anticipated inability, to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner, under reasonable conditions or at all. Difficulties associated with potential acquisitions that may result from these factors could have a material adverse impact on our business, and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

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We may experience impairment of goodwill.

During 2016 and 2017,we recorded $56.4 million and $8.7 million in goodwill, respectively. We evaluate this goodwill at least annually for possible impairment. If the goodwill became impaired and not recoverable, it could result in a material non-cash charge to earnings, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. See Note 8, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” under Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for more information on goodwill impairment.

We are exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which we take title.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. In the course of our business, we may own or foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation costs and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with the environmental contamination, or we may be required to investigate or clean up the hazardous or toxic substances.  The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. Further, the discovery or presence of hazardous or toxic substances may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit the Company’s ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions.

Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds or general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills, obtaining a loan or transferring funds directly without the assistance of a bank. Further, use of crypto-currency can now be used to facilitate certain financial transactions. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, or “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

An investment in our common stock is not an insured deposit.

Our common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in our common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this report and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any company. As a result, if you acquire our common stock, you could lose some or all of your investment.

Concentrated ownership of our stock may discourage a change in control and have an adverse effect on the share price of our voting common stock and also can influence stockholder decisions.

As of February 16, 2018, executive officers, directors and stockholders of more than 5% of our common stock beneficially owned or controlled approximately 32.3% of our common stock. Investors who purchase our common stock may be subject to certain risks due to the concentrated ownership of our common stock. Such a concentration of ownership may have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control and may also have an adverse effect on the market price of our voting common stock. In addition, as a result of their ownership, executive officers, directors and stockholders of more than 5% of our common stock may have the ability to influence the outcome of any matter submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors.

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Our stock price can be volatile.

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for investors to resell our common stock when desired and at attractive prices. Our stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors including, among other things: actual or anticipated variations in quarterly results of operations; recommendations by securities analysts; operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to us; news reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry; perceptions in the marketplace regarding us and/or our competitors; new technology used, or services offered, by competitors; significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors; failure to integrate acquisitions or realize anticipated benefits from acquisitions; changes in government regulations; and geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts.

The trading volume in our voting common stock is less than that of larger financial services companies.

Although our voting common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq,  its trading volume is generally less than that of other, larger financial services companies, and investors are not assured that a liquid market will exist at any given time for our voting common stock. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace at any given time of willing buyers and sellers of our voting common stock. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the lower trading volume of our voting common stock, significant sales of our voting common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause our stock price to fall.

The holders of our junior subordinateddebentures have rights that are senior to those of our stockholders.

We currently have outstanding an aggregate of $65.0 million in junior subordinated debentures. We conditionally guarantee payments of the principal and interest on the juniorsubordinated debentures. Our junior subordinated debentures are senior to our shares of common stock. As a result, we must make payments on the junior subordinated debentures before any dividends can be paid on our common stock and, in the event of the Company’s bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation, the holders of the debentures must be satisfied before any distributions can be made to the holders of the common stock. With respect to two of the three junior subordinated debenture issuances, the Company has the right to defer periodic distributions for up to 60 months, during which time the Company would be prohibited from paying dividends on its common stock. The Company’s ability to pay future distributions depends upon the earnings of the Bank and the dividends from the Bank to the Company, which may be inadequate to service the obligations.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of December 31, 2017, we had a total of 33 branch office properties, including our headquarters, 27 of which we owned and six of which we leased. In addition we lease the office space housing our investment management firm and bank operations groups. All of our properties are located in the Colorado Front Range. Each of Guaranty Bancorp’s and Guaranty Bank’s principal office is located at 1331 Seventeenth Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado 80202.

We consider our properties to be suitable and adequate for our needs.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company and the Bank are defendants, from time to time, in legal actions at various points of the legal process, including appeals, arising from transactions conducted in the ordinary course of business. Management believes, after consultations with legal counselthat it is not probable that the outcome of current legal actions will result in a liability that has a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows. In the event that such legal action results in an unfavorable outcome, the resulting liability could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

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PART II

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

Common Stock Market Prices

Our voting common stock is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “GBNK”. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of our voting common stock as reported by Nasdaq for each quarter in the preceding two fiscal years.

		Sales Prices
		High		Low		Close
Year/Quarter:
2017
Fourth quarter	$	30.42	$	26.26	$	27.65
Third quarter		28.10		24.70		27.80
Second quarter		27.30		23.50		27.20
First quarter		25.70		22.90		24.35
2016
Fourth quarter	$	24.95	$	17.00	$	24.20
Third quarter		18.88		16.30		17.85
Second quarter		17.17		15.01		16.70
First quarter		16.95		13.92		15.46

On February 16, 2018, the closing price of our voting common stock on Nasdaq was $28.55 per share. As of that date, we believe, based on the records of our transfer agent, that there wereapproximately 240 record holders of our voting common stock.

Dividends

Our Board of Directors reviews the appropriateness of declaring or paying cash dividends on an ongoing basis. Any determination to declare or pay dividends in the future is at the discretion of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors takes into account such matters as general business conditions, our financial results, future prospects, capital requirements, contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by the Bank to the holding company, and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant. On February 12, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 16.25 cents per share, payable on March 2, 2018 to stockholders of record on February 23, 2018.During 2017 the Company paid stockholder dividends aggregating to 50 cents per share. These dividends were paid at the level of 12 and ½ cents per share, per quarter, in February, May, August and November 2017. During 2016, the Company paid stockholder dividends aggregating to 46 cents per share. These dividends were paid at the level of 11 and ½ cents per share, per quarter, in February, May, August and November 2016.  

Our ability to pay dividends is subject to the restrictions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Because we are a bank holding company with no significant assets other than our bank subsidiary, we currently depend upon dividends from the Bank for a substantial portion of our revenues. For further information on dividend restrictions affecting the Company and the Bank, refer to the discussion in the sub-sections titled “Bank Holding Company Regulations Applicable to Guaranty Bancorp-Dividends” and “Banking Regulations Applicable to Guaranty Bank-Dividends” in Item 1, Business-Supervision and Regulation, and under Note 2(w) included in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.

Under the terms of our trust preferred securities, including our related subordinated debentures, issued on June30,2003 and April 8, 2004, we cannot declare or pay any dividends or distributions (other than stock dividends) on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any shares of our capital stock if (i)an event of default under any of the subordinated debenture agreements has occurred and is continuing, or (ii)we defer payment of interest on the trust preferred securities (for a period of up to 60 consecutive months as long as we are in compliance with all covenants of the agreement).

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Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2017 regarding securities issued and to be issued under our equity compensation plans that were in effect during the year ended December 31, 2017:

	Plan Category	Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights		Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights	Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
		(a)		(b)	(c)
Equity compensation plans	Guaranty Bancorp 2015 Long-Term
approved by security holders	Incentive Plan (1)	-	(2)	-	619,819	(3)(4)
____________________		-		-	619,819

(1) The Guaranty Bancorp Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”) was approved by the stockholders of the Company at the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

(2) Does not include the 434,149 voting shares of unvested stock grants outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

(3) The total number of shares of common stock that have been approved for issuance pursuant to awards granted or which may be granted in the future under the 2015 Plan is 935,000 shares. The number of shares remaining available for future issuance has been reduced by 315,181 shares, which represents the number of vested shares and the number of unvested shares of time-based and performance stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2017 under the 2015 Plan. Forfeited shares are included in the amount which may be granted in the future.

(4) All of the 619,819 shares remaining available for issuance under the 2015 Plan may be issued not only for future grants of options, warrants and rights, but also for future stock awards. The Company’s current practice is to grant only awards of stock. While the Company has not issued any stock options, warrants or rights, it may do so in the future.

Repurchases of Common Stock

See “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1 of this report for a discussion of potential regulatory limitations for stock repurchases and on the holding company’s receipt of dividends from its bank subsidiary, which may be used to repurchase our common stock. On February 12, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the extension of the expiration date of the Company’s share repurchase program originally announced in April 2014. The repurchase program had been scheduled to expire 12 months from the date of its announcement, and as extended, the program is scheduled to expire on April 2, 2019. Pursuant to the program, the Company may repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of voting common stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of December31,2017, no shares had been repurchased under this plan.

The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) of our voting common stock during the fourth quarter 2017.

				Shares Purchased	Remaining
				under	Repurchase
	Total Shares		Average Price	Publicly Announced	Authority
	Purchased (1)		Paid per Share	Repurchase Plan	in Shares
October 1 to October 31, 2017	-	$	-	-	1,000,000
November 1 to November 30, 2017	52		27.05	-	1,000,000
December 1 to December 31, 2017	19,129		27.66	-	1,000,000
____________________	19,181	$	27.66	-	1,000,000

(1) These shares relate to the net settlement by employees related to vested, restricted stock awards and do not impact the 1,000,000 shares available for repurchase under the repurchase plan originally announced on April 3, 2014, which is scheduled to expire April 2, 2019. Net settlements represent instances where employees elect to satisfy their income tax liability related to the vesting of restricted stock through the surrender of a proportionate number of the vested shares to the Company.

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Performance Graph

Our voting common stock trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol “GBNK”. The following graph shows a comparison from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2017 of the cumulative total return for the Company’s voting common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index and Nasdaq Bank Stocks Index. Such returns are based on historical results and are not intended to suggest future performance. Data for GBNK voting common stock, the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Nasdaq Bank Stocks Index assumes reinvestment of dividends. The total return on the Company’s voting common stock and on each of the comparison indices is determined based on the total return on investment under the assumption that a $100 investment was made on December 31, 2012.

Index		12/31/2012		12/31/2013		12/31/2014		12/31/2015		12/31/2016		12/31/2017
GBNK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$	100	$	145	$	151	$	178	$	267	$	311
NASDAQ Composite Index . . . . . . . . .		100		140		161		172		187		243
NASDAQ Bank Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		100		137		153		156		198		234

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth certain financial and statistical information for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2017. This data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017(1)		2016(2)		2015		2014		2013
		(In thousands, except share data and ratios)
Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
Interest income	$	134,302	$	99,853	$	82,330	$	75,520	$	70,638
Interest expense		13,503		9,465		5,351		6,707		7,068
Net interest income		120,799		90,388		76,979		68,813		63,570
Provision for loan losses		992		143		96		14		296
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses		119,807		90,245		76,883		68,799		63,274
Noninterest income		25,444		19,257		17,180		16,695		13,799
Noninterest expense		86,795		72,787		60,339		65,746		56,688
Income before income taxes		58,456		36,715		33,724		19,748		20,385
Income tax expense		19,832		11,988		11,270		6,236		6,356
Net income	$	38,624	$	24,727	$	22,454	$	13,512	$	14,029
____________________
Common Share Data:
Earnings per common share–basic (3):	$	1.38	$	1.06	$	1.07	$	0.64	$	0.67
Earnings per common share–diluted (3):	$	1.36	$	1.05	$	1.06	$	0.64	$	0.67
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.50	$	0.46	$	0.40	$	0.20	$	0.08
Book value per common share (3)	$	13.86	$	12.44	$	10.21	$	9.57	$	8.89
Weighted average common shares
outstanding-basic (3)		28,056,588		23,267,108		21,065,590		20,957,702		20,867,064
Weighted average common shares
outstanding-diluted (3)		28,343,687		23,559,947		21,272,336		21,086,543		20,951,237
Common shares outstanding
at end of period (3)		29,222,264		28,334,004		21,704,852		21,628,873		21,303,707
____________________
(1) Includes amounts relating to the acquisition of Castle Rock, which occurred on October 27, 2017. (2) Includes amounts relating to the acquisition of Home State, which occurred on September 8, 2016. (3) Share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the Company's 1-for-5 reverse stock split on May 20, 2013.

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		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2017(e)			2016(f)			2015			2014			2013
		(In thousands, except share data and ratios)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	51,553		$	50,111		$	26,711		$	32,441		$	28,077
Time deposits with banks		254			254			-			-			-
Total investments		614,312			590,856			424,692			449,482			442,300
Net loans (including loans held for sale)		2,784,138			2,495,888			1,791,536			1,518,944			1,299,419
Total assets		3,698,890			3,366,427			2,368,525			2,124,778			1,911,032
Deposits		2,941,627			2,699,084			1,801,845			1,685,324			1,528,457
Debt		337,255			299,097			333,098			219,582			180,058
Stockholders' equity		404,899			352,378			221,639			206,939			189,394
Selected Other Balance Sheet Data:
Average assets		3,451,789			2,668,035			2,226,794			2,001,552			1,863,578
Average earning assets		3,206,340			2,510,332			2,098,995			1,882,194			1,755,693
Average stockholders' equity		373,233			264,474			215,513			201,082			189,534
Selected Financial Ratios:
Return on average assets (a)		1.12	%		0.93	%		1.01	%		0.68	%		0.75	%
Return on average equity (b)		10.35	%		9.35	%		10.42	%		6.72	%		7.40	%
Net interest margin (c)		3.77	%		3.60	%		3.67	%		3.66	%		3.62	%
Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent) (d)		52.13	%		57.46	%		60.20	%		65.56	%		66.79	%
Selected Asset Quality Ratios:
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.17	%		0.17	%		0.64	%		0.70	%		1.04	%
Nonperforming loans to loans, net
of deferred fees and costs		0.20	%		0.21	%		0.80	%		0.82	%		1.17	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans,
net of deferred fees and costs, held
for investment		0.83	%		0.92	%		1.27	%		1.46	%		1.59	%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming
loans, held for investment		418.62	%		443.11	%		158.91	%		178.25	%		135.73	%
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans,
loans, held for investment		0.04	%		(0.01)	%		(0.03)	%		(0.10)	%		0.36	%
____________________

^(a) Return on average assets is determined by dividing net income (loss) by average assets.

^(b) Return on average stockholders’ equity is determined by dividing net income (loss) by average stockholders’ equity.

^(c) Net interest margin is determined by dividing net interest income by average interest-earning assets.

^(d) Efficiency ratio is determined by dividing total noninterest expense less intangible amortization expense, less select nonrecurring charges, by an amount equal to net interest income plus noninterest income, plus incremental tax benefit from tax exempt bonds and bank-owned life insurance.

^(e) Includes amounts relating to the acquisition of Castle Rock, which occurred on October 27, 2017.

^(f) Includes amounts relating to the acquisition of Home State, which occurred on September 8, 2016.

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

Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results

Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”), notwithstanding that such statements are not specifically identified as such. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives and expectations of the Company or its management or Board of Directors, including those relating to products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “targeted”, “projected”, “continue”, “remain”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “may” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements and the lack of such an identifying word does not necessarily indicate the absence of a forward-looking statement.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

· Local, regional, national and international economic and political conditions and the impact they may have on us and our customers, and our assessment of that impact on our estimates including, but not limited to, the allowance for loan losses.

· The effects of and changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including the interest rate policies of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board.

· Requirements imposed by regulatory agencies to increase our capital to a level greater than the current level required for well-capitalized financial institutions (including the impact of the joint rule by the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, and the FDIC to revise the regulatory capital rules, including the implementation of the Basel III standards), the failure to maintain capital above the level required to be well-capitalized under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines, the availability of capital from private or government sources, or the failure to raise additional capital as needed.

· Changes in the level of nonperforming assets and charge-offs and the deterioration of other credit quality measures, and their impact on the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses.

· Changes in sources and uses of funds, including loans, deposits and borrowings, including the ability of the Bank to retain and grow core deposits, to purchase brokered deposits and to maintain unsecured federal funds lines and secured lines of credit with correspondent banks.

· Failure, interruption or breach in security of our electronic communications, information systems and computer systems.

· The effects of inflation and interest rate, securities market and monetary supply fluctuations.

· Political instability, acts of war or terrorism and natural disasters.

· Our ability to develop and promote customer acceptance of new products and services in a timely manner and customers’ perceived overall value of these products and services.

· Changes in consumer spending, borrowings and savings habits.

· Competition for loans and deposits and failure to attract or retain loans and deposits.

· Changes in the financial performance or condition of the Bank’s borrowers and the ability of the Bank’s borrowers to perform under the terms of their loans and the terms of other credit agreements.

· Our ability to receive regulatory approval for the Bank to declare and pay dividends to the holding company.

· Our ability to acquire, operate and maintain cost effective and efficient systems.

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· The timing, impact and other uncertainties of any future acquisitions, including our ability to consummate such acquisitions, our ability to identify suitable future acquisition candidates, success or failure in the integration of their operations, the ability to raise capital or debt to fund acquisitions and the ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities.

· Our ability to successfully implement changes in accounting policies and practices, adopted by regulatory agencies, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters.

· The loss of senior management or operating personnel and the potential inability to hire qualified personnel at reasonable compensation levels.

· The costs and other effects resulting from changes in laws and regulations and of other legal and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, changes in tax laws and increases in FDIC insurance premiums, the commencement of legal proceedings or regulatory or other governmental inquiries, and our ability to successfully undergo regulatory examinations, reviews and other inquiries.

· Other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in the Company’s reports and documents filed with the SEC.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Overview

Guaranty Bancorp is a bank holding company with its principal business to serve as the holding company for its Colorado-based bank subsidiary, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”). The Bank is the sole member of several limited liability companies that hold real estate as well as the sole owner of an investment management firm, Private Capital Management LLC (“PCM”). On April 3, 2017, Cherry Hills Investment Advisors Inc., a previously wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, was consolidated into PCM.

On March 16, 2016, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Home State Bancorp (“Home State”), parent company of Home State Bank, a Colorado state chartered bank headquartered in Loveland, Colorado. The transaction closed on September 8, 2016 and substantially all integration activities were completed on November 7, 2016.

On July 18, 2017, the Company entered into a merger agreement with Castle Rock Bank Holding Company (“Castle Rock”), parent company of Castle Rock Bank, a Colorado state chartered bank headquartered in Castle Rock, Colorado. The transaction closed on October 27, 2017 and substantially all integration activities were completed on December 4, 2017.

On December 1, 2017, PCM entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Wagner Wealth Management LLC (“Wagner”). The transaction closed on January 16, 2018.

Through the Bank, we provide banking and other financial services throughout our targeted Colorado markets to small to medium-sized businesses, including the owners and employees of those businesses and consumers. Our banking products and services include accepting demand and time deposits and originating real estate loans (including construction loans), commercial loans, SBA guaranteed loans and consumer loans. The Bank and PCM also provide wealth management solutions, including trust and investment management services. We derive our income primarily from interest (including loan origination fees) received on loans and, to a lesser extent, interest on investment securities and other fees received in connection with servicing loan and deposit accounts, trust and investment management services. Our major operating expenses include the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings and general operating expenses. We rely primarily on locally generated deposits to provide us with funds for making loans.

In addition to building growth organically through our existing branches, we seek opportunities to acquire small to medium-sized banks or specialty finance companies that will allow us to expand our franchise in a manner consistent with our community-banking focus. Ideally, the financial institutions we seek to acquire will be in or contiguous to our existing footprint, which would allow us to use the acquisition to consolidate duplicative costs and administrative functions and to rationalize operating expenses. We believe that by streamlining the administrative

41

and operational functions of an acquired financial institution, we are able to substantially lower operating costs, operate more efficiently and integrate the acquired financial institution while maintaining the stability of our existing business. In certain circumstances we may seek to acquire financial institutions that may be located outside of our existing footprint. We also seek opportunities which will allow us to further diversify our noninterest income base, including adding to our wealth management platform, for example, through the acquisition of Wagner.  

We are subject to competition from other financial institutions and our operating results, like those of other financial institutions operating exclusively or primarily in Colorado, are significantly influenced by economic conditions in Colorado, including the strength of the Colorado real estate market. In addition, the fiscal, monetary and regulatory policies of the federal government and regulatory authorities that govern financial institutions and market interest rates impact our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates

Our accounting policies are integral to understanding our reported financial results. Our most complex accounting policies require management’s judgment to ascertain the valuation of assets, liabilities, commitments and contingencies. We have established detailed policies and procedures that are intended to ensure valuation methods are well controlled and consistently applied from period to period. In addition, the policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the process for changing methodologies occurs in an appropriate manner. The following is a brief description of our current accounting policies that we believe are critical or involve significant management judgment.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Our loan portfolio represents the largest category of assets on our balance sheet. We estimate probable incurred losses in our loan portfolio and establish an allowance for those losses by considering factors including historical loss rates, expected cash flows and estimated collateral values. In assessing these factors, we use organizational history and experience with credit decisions and related outcomes. The allowance for loan losses represents our best estimate of losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio and is increased by the provision for loan losses charged to expense and reduced by credit provisions and loans charged off, net of recoveries. We evaluate our allowance for loan losses quarterly. If our underlying assumptions later prove to be inaccurate based on subsequent loss evaluations, we adjust the allowance for loan losses accordingly.

We estimate the appropriate level of allowance for loan losses by separately evaluating impaired and non-impaired loans. A specific allowance is assigned to an impaired loan when the present value of expected cash flows or value of underlying collateral does not support the carrying amount of the loan. The methodology used to assign an allowance to a non-impaired loan is more subjective. Generally, the allowance assigned to non-impaired loans is determined by applying historical loss rates by portfolio segment to existing loans with similar risk characteristics, adjusted for qualitative factors including the volume and types of loans we make, volume and severity of identified classified loans, economic conditions, changes in credit policies or underwriting standards, and changes in the level of credit risk associated with specific industries and markets. Because the economic and business climate in any given industry or market, and its impact on any given borrower, can change rapidly, management continually assesses the risk profile of our loan portfolio and adjusts it when appropriate. Despite the fact that we have these preventative procedures in place, there still exists the possibility that our assessment could prove to be incorrect and thus require an immediate adjustment to the allowance for loan losses.

We estimate the appropriate level of loan loss allowance by conducting a detailed review of the three portfolio segments which comprise our loan portfolio. Loans in the same portfolio segment would normally have similar characteristics, such as risk classification, past due status, type of loan, industry or collateral. The risk profile of certain segments of the loan portfolio may be improving, while the risk profile of others may be deteriorating. As a result, an increase in the appropriate level of the allowance for one segment may offset a decrease for another. Adjustments to the allowance represent the aggregate impact from the analysis of each of our portfolio segments.

Investment in Securities

We classify our investments in debt and equity securities as either held to maturity or available for sale. Securities classified as held to maturity are recorded at cost or amortized cost. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value. Fair value calculations are based on quoted market prices when such prices are available. If quoted market prices are not available, estimates of fair value are computed using a variety of techniques, including extrapolation from the quoted prices of similar instruments with similar credit ratings or recent trades for thinly

42

traded securities, fundamental analysis, discounted cash flow analysis or through obtaining purchase quotes. Due to the subjective nature of the valuation process, it is possible that the actual fair values of these investments could differ from the estimated amounts, thereby affecting our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. If the estimated value of investments is less than the cost or amortized cost, we evaluate whether an event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. If such an event or change has occurred and we determine that the impairment is other-than-temporary, we expense the impairment of the investment in the period in which the event or change occurred.

Business Combinations

The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair value upon the date of acquisition. Management utilizes third party valuations, such as appraisals which incorporate various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analyses to determine the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any excess of purchase price over amounts allocated to the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes certain key financial results for the periods indicated:

Table 1

											Change
		Year Ended December 31,									Favorable (Unfavorable)
		2017			2016			2015			2017 v 2016			2016 v 2015
		(In thousands, except for share data and ratios)
Results of Operations:
Interest income	$	134,302		$	99,853		$	82,330		$	34,449		$	17,523
Interest expense		13,503			9,465			5,351			(4,038)			(4,114)
Net interest income		120,799			90,388			76,979			30,411			13,409
Provision for loan losses		992			143			96			(849)			(47)
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses		119,807			90,245			76,883			29,562			13,362
Noninterest income		25,444			19,257			17,180			6,187			2,077
Noninterest expense		86,795			72,787			60,339			(14,008)			(12,448)
Income before income taxes		58,456			36,715			33,724			21,741			2,991
Income tax expense		19,832			11,988			11,270			(7,844)			(718)
Net income	$	38,624		$	24,727		$	22,454		$	13,897		$	2,273
Common Share Data:
Earnings per common
share–basic	$	1.38		$	1.06		$	1.07		$	0.32		$	(0.01)
Earnings per common
share–diluted	$	1.36		$	1.05		$	1.06		$	0.31		$	(0.01)
Weighted average common
shares outstanding–basic		28,056,588			23,267,108			21,065,590			4,789,480			2,201,518
Weighted average common
shares outstanding–diluted		28,343,687			23,559,947			21,272,336			4,783,740			2,287,611
Average equity to average assets		10.81	%		9.91	%		9.68	%		0.90	%		0.23	%
Return on average equity		10.35	%		9.35	%		10.42	%		1.00	%		(1.07)	%
Return on average assets		1.12	%		0.93	%		1.01	%		0.19	%		(0.08)	%
Dividend payout ratio		36.41	%		42.56	%		37.54	%		(6.15)	%		5.02	%

	Year Ended December 31,						Change
	2017		2016		2015		2017 v 2016		2016 v 2015
Selected Balance Sheet Ratios:
Total risk-based capital to
risk-weighted assets	13.36	%	13.58	%	13.24	%	(0.22)	%	0.34	%
Leverage ratio	10.21	%	9.81	%	10.68	%	0.40	%	(0.87)	%
Loans(1), net of deferred fees and costs
to deposits	95.38	%	93.18	%	100.70	%	2.20	%	(7.52)	%
Allowance for loan losses to loans (1),
net of deferred fees and costs	0.83	%	0.92	%	1.27	%	(0.09)	%	(0.35)	%
Allowance for loan losses to
nonperforming loans	418.62	%	443.11	%	158.91	%	(24.49)	%	284.20	%
Classified assets to allowance
and Tier 1 capital (2)	7.43	%	9.79	%	11.66	%	(2.36)	%	(1.87)	%
Noninterest bearing deposits to
total deposits	31.94	%	33.96	%	33.99	%	(2.02)	%	(0.03)	%
Time deposits to total deposits	15.60	%	13.55	%	14.38	%	2.05	%	(0.83)	%
______________________
(1) Loans held for investment
(2) Based on Bank only Tier 1 capital

44

2017 Compared to 2016

The Company’s net income for 2017 increased by $13.9 million to $38.6 million compared to $24.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Earnings per basic common share increased to $1.38 and earnings per diluted common share increased to $1.36 for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1.06 per basic common share and $1.05 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The increase in net income for 2017, compared to 2016, was due to a $30.4 million increase in net interest income and a $6.2 million increase in noninterest income, partially offset by a $14.0 million increase in noninterest expense and a $7.8 million increase in income taxes due to higher pretax income. The $30.4 million increase in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 2016, was comprised of a $34.4 million increase in interest income, primarily due to a $696.0 million, or a 27.7% increase in average earnings assets, partially offset by a $4.0 million increase in interest expense mostly due to a $496.9 million, or 35.0% increase in average interest bearing deposits. The increases in interest income and interest expense, in addition to the increases in average balances were primarily a result of the September 8, 2016 acquisition of Home State and the October 27, 2017 acquisition of Castle Rock. The $6.2 million increase in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 2016, was mostly driven by an increased customer base related to the acquisitions.In addition to the impact of the acquisitions, gain on sales of SBA loans increased $0.4 million, bank-owned life insurance income increased $0.6 million, and interest rate swap fees increased $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the prior year.The largest drivers of the $14.0 million increase in noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 2016, were a $5.8 million increase in salaries and employee benefits and a $4.2 million increase in other general and administrative expense. The increase in employee salary and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 2016, was primarily due to a $3.1 million increase in base salaries and a $1.6 million increase in employee benefit costs. Average full-time equivalent employees increased from 421 for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 496 for the same period in 2017, mostly due to the acquisition of Home State.The increase in other general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 2016, was primarily due to a $1.6 million settlement of a litigation claim, a $1.4million increase in data processing expense, a $0.7 million increase in debit card interchange expense and a $0.4 million increase in communication expense.

The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 13.36% at December 31, 2017 compared to 13.58% at December 31, 2016. The decrease in the Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was primarily due to an increase in risk-weighted assets during 2017.

2016 Compared to 2015

The Company’s net income for 2016 increased by $2.3 million to $24.7 million compared to $22.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Earnings per basic common share decreased to $1.06 and earnings per diluted common share decreased to $1.05 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $1.07 per basic common share and $1.06 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The increase in net income for 2016, compared to 2015, was due to a $13.4 million increase in net interest income and a $2.1 million increase in noninterest income, partially offset by a $12.4 million increase in noninterest expense and an increase in income taxes due to higher pretax income. The $13.4 million increase in net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015, was comprised of a $17.5 million increase in interest income, primarily due to a $411.3 million, or a 19.6% increase in average earnings assets, partially offset by a $4.1 million increase in interest expense mostly due to a $299.9 million, or 26.8% increase in average interest bearing deposits. The $2.1 million increase in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015, was mostly related to a $1.5 million increase in deposit services and other fees and a $0.3 million increase in investment management and trust fees. Noninterest expense increased $12.4 million for the year ended December31,2016, compared to the same period in 2015, mostly due to $6.3 million in merger-related expenses incurred in 2016. The $6.3 million in merger-related expenses included $1.9 million in severance, retention bonuses and related taxes and $4.4 million in other general and administrative expense, consisting of professional fees and system conversion costs. Excluding the $1.9 million in severance, retention bonuses and related taxes, described above, salaries and employee benefits expense increased $5.5 million during 2016 as compared to 2015, primarily due to the addition of 143 full-time equivalent employees, mostly due to employees added in the Home State transaction.

The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 13.58% at December 31, 2016 as compared to 13.24% at December 31, 2015. The increase in the Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was primarily due to an increase in

45

capital related to the Home State transaction, in addition to growth in retained earnings.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income, which is our primary source of income, represents the difference between interest earned on assets and interest paid on liabilities.The interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on our interest-bearing assets and liabilities. Net interest margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

The following table summarizes the Company’s net interest income and related spread and margin for the periods indicated:

Table 2

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017			2016			2015
		(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income	$	120,799		$	90,388		$	76,979
Interest rate spread		3.57	%		3.42	%		3.53	%
Net interest margin		3.77	%		3.60	%		3.67	%
Net interest margin, fully tax
equivalent		3.88	%		3.69	%		3.75	%
Loan yield		4.54	%		4.31	%		4.24	%
Average cost of interest-bearing
liabilities (including noninterest-
bearing deposits)		0.44	%		0.40	%		0.27	%
Average cost of deposits
(including noninterest-
bearing deposits)		0.26	%		0.23	%		0.18	%

46

The following table presents, for the years indicated, average assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, as well as interest income from average interest-earning assets,interest expense from average interest-bearing liabilities and the resultant yields and costs expressed in percentages.Nonaccrual loans are included in the calculation of average loans and leases, while nonaccrued interest thereon is excluded from the computation of yield earned.

Table 3

	Year Ended						Year Ended
		December 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
		Average Balance		Interest Income or Expense	Average Yield or Cost			Average Balance		Interest Income or Expense	Average Yield or Cost
		(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets:
Gross loans, net of deferred fees
and costs (1)(3)	$	2,611,435	$	118,674	4.54	%	$	2,024,804	$	87,249	4.31	%
Investment securities (1)
Taxable		352,989		9,264	2.62	%		300,568		7,625	2.54	%
Tax-exempt		209,224		4,933	2.36	%		130,242		3,683	2.83	%
Bank Stocks (4)		21,910		1,290	5.89	%		18,897		1,063	5.63	%
Other earning assets		10,782		141	1.31	%		35,821		233	0.65	%
Total interest-earning assets		3,206,340		134,302	4.19	%		2,510,332		99,853	3.98	%
Non-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		32,364						28,896
Other assets		213,085						128,807
Total assets	$	3,451,789					$	2,668,035
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand and NOW	$	816,017	$	1,442	0.18	%	$	514,877	$	702	0.14	%
Money market		502,064		1,711	0.34	%		438,100		1,181	0.27	%
Savings		183,147		203	0.11	%		155,236		173	0.11	%
Time certificates of deposit		414,838		3,988	0.96	%		310,961		2,803	0.90	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,916,066		7,344	0.38	%		1,419,174		4,859	0.34	%
Borrowings:
Repurchase agreements		37,332		71	0.19	%		25,221		52	0.21	%
Federal funds purchased		1		-	1.58	%		2		-	0.94	%
Subordinated debentures		65,025		3,440	5.29	%		43,691		2,005	4.59	%
Borrowings		144,395		2,648	1.83	%		188,380		2,549	1.35	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,162,819		13,503	0.62	%		1,676,468		9,465	0.56	%
Noninterest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		900,657						711,678
Other liabilities		15,080						15,415
Total liabilities		3,078,556						2,403,561
Stockholders' Equity		373,233						264,474
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	3,451,789					$	2,668,035
Net interest income			$	120,799					$	90,388
Net interest margin					3.77	%					3.60	%
Net interest margin, fully tax
equivalent (2)					3.88	%					3.69	%

(1) Yields on loans and securities have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

(2) The tax-equivalent basis was computed by calculating the deemed interest on municipal bonds and tax-exempt loans that would have been earned on a fully taxable basis to yield the same after-tax income, net of the interest expense disallowance under Internal Revenue Code Sections 265 and 291, using a combined federal and state marginal tax rate of 38.01%.

(3) The loan average balances and rates include nonaccrual loans.

(4) Includes Bankers’ Bank of the West stock, Federal Reserve Bank stock, Federal Home Loan Bank stock and Pacific Coast Bankers’ Bank stock.

47

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

Table 4

		Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016
		Net Change		Rate		Volume
		(In thousands)
Interest income:
Gross Loans, net of deferred
Fees and costs	$	31,425	$	4,985	$	26,440
Investment Securities
Taxable		1,639		271		1,368
Tax-exempt		1,250		(472)		1,722
Bank Stocks		227		51		176
Other earning assets		(92)		235		(327)
Total interest income		34,449		5,070		29,379
Interest expense:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand
and NOW		740		249		491
Money market		530		341		189
Savings		30		(1)		31
Time certificates of deposit		1,185		197		988
Repurchase agreements		19		(4)		23
Subordinated debentures		1,435		342		1,093
Borrowings		99		289		(190)
Total interest expense		4,038		1,413		2,625
Net interest income	$	30,411	$	3,657	$	26,754

2017 Compared to 2016

For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company’s net interest income increased by $30.4 million to $120.8 million compared to $90.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase in net interest income during 2017 was attributable to a $26.8 million favorable volume variance and a $3.7 million favorable rate variance.

The favorable volume variance of $26.8 million in 2017, compared to 2016, was primarily the result of a $29.4 million favorable volume variance related to average earning assets partially offset by a $2.6 million unfavorable volume variance on average interest-bearing liabilities. The favorable volume variance in average interest-earning assets was mostly attributable to a $586.6 million increase in average loans. The unfavorable volume variance in average interest-bearing liabilities was attributable to a $496.9 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits and a $21.3 million increase in average subordinated debt.

The $3.7 million favorable rate variance in 2017, compared to 2016, was the result of a $5.1 million favorable rate variance related to average interest earning assets, partially offset by a $1.4 million unfavorable rate variance related to average interest-bearing liabilities. The $5.1 million favorable rate variance on interest earning assets in 2017 was primarily attributable to a $3.1 million increase in accretion of the discount on loans acquired in the Home State and Castle Rock transactions compared to the same period in 2016. Accretion of discount on acquired loans was $4.4 million during 2017, which included $2.9 million related to early loan payoffs, compared to $1.3 million during 2016, which included $0.7 million related to early loan payoffs. As of December 31, 2017 the company maintained a discount on acquired loans of $13.0 million compared to $14.7 million as of December 31, 2016.

The unfavorable rate variance in average interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a 70 basis point increase in average yield on subordinated debt and a four basis point increase in yield on interest-bearing deposits.

48

The following table presents, for the years indicated, average assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, as well as interest income from average interest-earning assets,interest expense from average interest-bearing liabilities and the resultant yields and costs expressed in percentages.Nonaccrual loans are included in the calculation of average loans and leases, while nonaccrued interest thereon is excluded from the computation of yield earned.

Table 5

		Year Ended December 31,
		2016						2015
		Average Balance		Interest Income or Expense	Average Yield or Cost			Average Balance		Interest Income or Expense	Average Yield or Cost
		(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets:
Gross loans, net of deferred costs
and fees (1)(3)	$	2,024,804	$	87,249	4.31	%	$	1,655,857	$	70,188	4.24	%
Investment securities (1)
Taxable		300,568		7,625	2.54	%		335,363		8,325	2.48	%
Tax-exempt		130,242		3,683	2.83	%		88,727		2,852	3.21	%
Bank Stocks (4)		18,897		1,063	5.63	%		16,956		959	5.66	%
Other earning assets		35,821		233	0.65	%		2,092		6	0.29	%
Total interest-earning assets		2,510,332		99,853	3.98	%		2,098,995		82,330	3.92	%
Non-earning assets:
Cash and due from banks		28,896						25,461
Other assets		128,807						102,338
Total assets	$	2,668,035					$	2,226,794
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand and NOW	$	514,877	$	702	0.14	%	$	377,036	$	390	0.10	%
Money market		438,100		1,181	0.27	%		376,061		888	0.24	%
Savings		155,236		173	0.11	%		143,222		158	0.11	%
Time certificates of deposit		310,961		2,803	0.90	%		222,990		1,771	0.79	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,419,174		4,859	0.34	%		1,119,309		3,207	0.29	%
Borrowings:
Repurchase agreements		25,221		52	0.21	%		24,531		45	0.18	%
Federal funds purchased		2		-	0.94	%		15		-	0.80	%
Subordinated debentures		43,691		2,005	4.59	%		25,774		814	3.16	%
Borrowings		188,380		2,549	1.35	%		186,248		1,285	0.69	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,676,468		9,465	0.56	%		1,355,877		5,351	0.39	%
Noninterest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		711,678						642,015
Other liabilities		15,415						13,389
Total liabilities		2,403,561						2,011,281
Stockholders' Equity		264,474						215,513
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,668,035					$	2,226,794
Net interest income			$	90,388					$	76,979
Net interest margin					3.60	%					3.67	%
Net interest margin, fully tax
equivalent (2)					3.69	%					3.75	%

(1) Yields on loans and securities have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.

(2) The tax-equivalent basis was computed by calculating the deemed interest on municipal bonds and tax-exempt loans that would have been earned on a fully taxable basis to yield the same after-tax income, net of the interest expense disallowance under Internal Revenue Code Sections 265 and 291, using a combined federal and state marginal tax rate of 38.01%.

(3) The loan average balances and rates include nonaccrual loans.

(4) Includes Bankers’ Bank of the West stock, Federal Reserve Bank stock, Federal Home Loan Bank stock and Pacific Coast Bankers’ Bank stock.

49

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

Table 6

		Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015
		Net Change		Rate		Volume
		(In thousands)
Interest income:
Gross Loans, net of deferred
fees and costs	$	17,061	$	1,181	$	15,880
Investment Securities
Taxable		(700)		188		(888)
Tax-exempt		831		(287)		1,118
Bank Stocks		104		(5)		109
Other earning assets		227		17		210
Total interest income		17,523		1,094		16,429
Interest expense:
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand
and NOW		312		145		167
Money market		293		135		158
Savings		15		2		13
Time certificates of deposit		1,032		263		769
Repurchase agreements		7		6		1
Subordinated debentures		1,191		470		721
Borrowings		1,264		1,249		15
Total interest expense		4,114		2,270		1,844
Net interest income	$	13,409	$	(1,176)	$	14,585

2016 Compared to 2015

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s net interest income increased by $13.4 million to $90.4million compared to $77.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase in net interest income during 2016 was attributable to a $14.6 million favorable volume variance partially offset by a $1.2 million unfavorable rate variance.

The favorable volume variance of $14.6 million in 2016, compared to 2015, was primarily the result of a $16.4million favorable volume variance related to average earning assets partially offset by a $1.8 million unfavorable volume variance on average interest-bearing liabilities. The favorable volume variance in average interest-earning assets was mostly attributable to a $368.9 million increase in average loans. The unfavorable volume variance in average interest-bearing liabilities was attributable to a $299.9 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits and a $20.7 million increase in average borrowings.

The $1.2 million unfavorable rate variance in 2016, compared to 2015, was the result of an unfavorable rate variance of $2.3 million related to average interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a favorable rate variance of $1.1 million related to average interest earning assets. The unfavorable rate variance in average interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a 66 basis point increase in average yield on borrowings, a 143 basis point increase in the average yield on subordinated debentures and a five basis point increase in yield on interest-bearing deposits. The $1.1 million favorable rate variance on interest earning assets was primarily attributable to $1.3 million in accretion of the discount on loans acquired in the Home State transaction.

50

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses is a charge against earnings and represents management’s estimate of the amount required to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that, in our judgment, is adequate to absorb probable incurred loan losses in the loan portfolio. The provision for loan losses is based on our allowance methodology and reflects our judgments about the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. In determining the amount of the provision, we consider certain quantitative and qualitative factors, including our historical loan loss experience, the volume and type of lending we conduct, the results of our credit review process, the amounts and severity of classified, criticized and nonperforming assets, regulatory policies, general economic conditions, underlying collateral values and other factors regarding collectability and impairment.The estimated amount of expected loss in our loan portfolio is influenced by the collateral value associated with our loans. Loans with greater collateral values, as a percentage of the outstanding loan balance, reduce our exposure to loan loss provision.

For further discussion of the methodology and factors impacting management’s estimate of the allowance for loan losses, see “Financial Condition – Allowance for Loan Losses” below. For a discussion of impaired loans and associated collateral values, see “Financial Condition—Nonperforming Assets and Other Impaired Loans” below.

2017Compared to 2016

The provision for loan losses was $1.0 million in 2017 compared to $0.1 million in 2016. The $1.0million provision recognized in 2017 was impacted by a decrease of $0.9 million in the general component of our allowance for loan losses, by a $0.9 million increase in the specific component of the allowance for loan losses and by $1.0 million in net charge-offs. The decrease in the general component of the allowance for loan losses was primarily attributable to a  reduction in qualitative factors related to concentration risk and loan growth, partially offset by the growth in loans during 2017. The increase in the specific component of the allowance for loan losses was due to the addition of specific reserves on several whole lease equipment purchases during 2017. During 2017, net charge-offs were $1.0 million, compared to $0.1 million in net recoveries during 2016. The Company determined that the provision for loan losses recorded during 2017 was necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level for the probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017.

As a percentage of loans, the allowance for loan losses decreased to 0.83% at December 31, 2017, compared to 0.92% at December 31, 2016. The decrease in the allowance as a percentage of total loans during 2017 compared to the prior year was the result of the acquisition of $71.1 million in loans in the Castle Rock transaction, for which no allowance was established as of the date of acquisition in accordance with GAAP, in addition to a reduction in the qualitative factors related to concentration risk and loan growth, as stated above, and a the reduction in historical loss rates over the lookback period utilized in the calculation. The reduction in qualitative factors and historical loss rates reflects management’s expectation that probable incurred losses on loans not identified as impaired as of December 31, 2017 has decreased as a percentage of these loans, when compared to December 31, 2016. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans decreased to 418.6% at December 31, 2017 from 443.1% at December 31, 2016.

2016Compared to 2015

The provision for loan losses was $0.1 million in both 2016 and 2015. The $0.1 million provision recognized in 2016 was impacted by an increase of $0.3 million in the general component of our allowance for loan losses, a $0.1 million decline in the specific component of our allowance for loan losses and by $0.1 million in net recoveries. The increase in the general component of the allowance for loan losses was primarily attributable to the growth in loans during 2016. During 2016, net recoveries were $0.1 million, compared to $0.4 million in net recoveries during 2015. The Company determined that the provision for loan losses recorded during 2016 was necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level for the probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2016.

As a percentage of loans, the allowance for loan losses decreased to 0.92% at December 31, 2016, compared to 1.27% at December 31, 2015. The decrease in the allowance as a percentage of total loans during 2016 compared to the prior year was primarily the result of the acquisition of $445.5 million in loans in the Home State transaction, for which no allowance was established as of the date of acquisition in accordance with GAAP. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans increased to 443.1% at December 31, 2016 from 158.9% at December31,2015, primarily as a result of a $9.4 million out-of-state loan syndication returning to performing status during the third quarter 2016.

51

Noninterest Income

The following table presents the major categories of noninterest income for 2017 and the preceding two years:

Table 7

		Year Ended December 31,						Change - Increase / (Decrease)
		2017		2016		2015		2017 v 2016		2016 v 2015
		(In thousands)
Noninterest income:
Deposit service and other fees	$	13,951	$	10,447	$	8,941	$	3,504	$	1,506
Investment management and trust		6,005		5,452		5,189		553		263
Increase in cash surrender value of
life insurance		2,559		2,005		1,758		554		247
Gain (loss) on sale of securities		(6)		(73)		132		67		(205)
Gain on sale of SBA loans		1,256		873		824		383		49
Other		1,679		553		336		1,126		217
Total noninterest income	$	25,444	$	19,257	$	17,180	$	6,187	$	2,077

2017 Compared to 2016

Noninterest income increased by $6.2 million in 2017 compared to 2016. The increase in noninterest income during 2017 was primarily the result of a $3.5 million increase in deposit service and other fees, a $1.1million increase in other noninterest income, a $0.6 million increase in investment management and trust income, a $0.6 million increase in bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) earnings and a $0.4 million increase in gain on sale of SBA loans. The increases in deposit service and other fees, investment management and trust income and other noninterest income were primarily a result of fees generated by deposits, assets under management (“AUM”), and debit cards acquired in the Home State transaction. Other noninterest income included a $0.4 million increase in interest rate swap fees and a $0.3 million gain on sale of our $2.0 million credit card loan portfolio in 2017. Total AUM at December 31, 2017 was $883.7 million, comprised of $562.1 million attributable to PCM and $321.6 million attributable to our trust department. The increase in BOLI income was primarily the result of an additional $15.0 million and $7.5 million in BOLI insurance purchased during the third quarter 2016 and second quarter 2017, respectively.

2016 Compared to 2015

Noninterest income increased by $2.1 million in 2016 compared to 2015. The increase in noninterest income during 2016 was primarily the result of a $1.5 million increase in deposit service and other fees, a $0.3 million increase in investment management and trust income and a $0.2 million increase in BOLI earnings. The increases in deposit service and other fees and investment management and trust income were primarily a result of fees generated by deposits and AUM acquired in the Home State transaction. Total AUM at December 31, 2016 was $852.4 million, comprised of $375.1 million attributable to PCM, $192.6 million attributable to CHIA and $284.7million attributable to our trust department.

52

Noninterest Expense

The following table presents the major categories of noninterest expense for 2017 and the preceding two years:

Table 8

		Year Ended December 31,						Change - Increase / (Decrease)
		2017		2016		2015		2017 v 2016		2016 v 2015
		(In thousands)
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	$	46,762	$	40,946	$	33,564	$	5,816	$	7,382
Occupancy expense		6,664		5,887		6,312		777		(425)
Furniture and equipment		3,898		3,070		3,007		828		63
Amortization of intangible assets		2,745		1,557		1,981		1,188		(424)
Other real estate owned, net		174		31		80		143		(49)
Insurance and assessments		2,666		2,314		2,398		352		(84)
Professional fees		4,129		3,639		3,220		490		419
Impairment of long-lived assets		394		185		122		209		63
Other general and administrative		19,363		15,158		9,655		4,205		5,503
Total noninterest expense	$	86,795	$	72,787	$	60,339	$	14,008	$	12,448

2017  Compared to 2016

Noninterest expense was $86.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to $72.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.The $14.0 million increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to a $5.8million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $4.2 million increase in other general and administrative expense, a $1.2 million increase in amortization of intangible assets, a $0.8 million increase in occupancy expense and a $0.8 million increase in furniture and equipment. The increase in employee salary and benefits for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 2016, was primarily due to a $3.1 million increase in base salaries and a $1.6 million increase in employee benefit costs. Average full-time equivalent employees increased from 421 for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 496 for the year ended December 31, 2017, mostly due to the acquisition of Home State. The increase in other general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily due to a $1.6 million settlement of a litigation claim, a $1.4 million increase in data processing expense, a $0.7 million increase in debit card interchange expense and a $0.4 million increase in communication expense. The increase in amortization of intangible assets was attributable to the intangibles recorded in the Home State and Castle Rock transactions. The $0.8 million increase in occupancy expense in 2017 compared to the prior year was mostly due to a $0.6 million increase real estate taxes and a $0.3 million increase in maintenance. The $0.8million increase in furniture and equipment expense in 2017 compared to 2016 was mostly due to investments in software, including maintenance and service contracts, in addition to increased depreciation of furniture and equipment acquired in the Home State transaction.

Merger-related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $3.6 million, primarily related to the Castle Rock acquisition and included in other general and administrative expense. Merger-related expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $6.3 million, primarily related to the Home State acquisition and consisted of $1.9 million in salaries and employee benefits consisting of severance and retention payments, and $4.4 million in other general and administrative expense.

2016  Compared to 2015

Noninterest expense was $72.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $60.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The $12.4 million increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to $6.3million in merger-related expenses incurred during 2016. Excluding the merger-related expenses, noninterest expense increased $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December31,2015, due to a $5.5 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $1.2 million increase in general and administrative expense and a $0.4 million increase in professional fees. These increases were partially offset by a $0.4 million decline in occupancy expense and a $0.4 million decline in amortization of intangible assets.

The $5.5 million increase in salaries and employee benefits in 2016, compared to 2015, was mostly due to a $3.5 million increase in base salaries and a $1.4 million increase in employee benefits, mostly due to the addition of

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143 full-time equivalent employees since December 31, 2015. The $1.2 million increase in general and administrative expense during the year, compared to the prior year, was due to a $0.5 million increase in advertising and business development expense and smaller increases in several other categories.

Amortization expense decreased in 2016, compared to 2015, by $0.4 million as a result of an accelerated amortization schedule.

Income Taxes

2017 Compared to 2016

During the year ended December 31, 2017 income tax expense of $19.8 million was recognized compared to $12.0 million recognized in the year ending December 31, 2016.

The effective tax rate in 2017 was 33.9% compared to 32.7% in 2016. In 2017, the primary differences between the federal statutory rate of approximately 35.0% and the effective tax rate were tax-exempt income, state taxes and the re-measurement of the Company’s deferred tax asset, as outlined below. The increase in the effective tax rate during 2017, compared to 2016 was the result of the $1.0 million re-measurementof the Company’s net deferred tax asset due to the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

As a result of accounting standards update 2016-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation, we recorded an excess tax benefit in restricted stock vestings of $0.8 million in 2017, compared to a $0.5 million of excess tax benefit in restricted stock vestings in 2016. For further information regarding differences between the effective tax rate and the actual tax rate, see Note 12, Income Taxes under Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”.

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law. This new tax law reduced the statutory federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%. As a result, our effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 22% to 23% in 2018.

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, including the existence of any cumulative losses in the current year and the prior two years, forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. This analysis is updated quarterly and adjusted as necessary.

2016 Compared to 2015

During the year ended December 31, 2016 income tax expense of $12.0 million was recognized compared to $11.3 million recognized in the year ending December 31, 2015.

The effective tax rate in 2016 was 32.7% compared to 33.4% in 2015. In 2016, the primary differences between the federal statutory rate of approximately 35.0% and the effective tax rate were tax-exempt income and state taxes. The decrease in the effective tax rate during 2016, compared to 2015 was the result of tax-exempt income in 2016 representing a slightly greater proportion of pretax income compared to 2015, due in part to the Home State transaction.

Financial Condition

At December 31, 2017, the Company had total assets of $3.7 billion, compared to $3.4 billion at December 31, 2016, representing a year-over-year increase of $332.5 million. The increase in total assets year-over-year was comprised of a $288.3 million increase in loans, a $23.5 million increase in investments, a $13.0 million increase in BOLI and a $7.8 million increase in goodwill and intangible assets. The increase in total assets was

54

primarily funded by a $242.5 million increase in total deposits, a $30.3 million increase in borrowings and a $52.5million increase in equity. The 2017 acquisition of Castle Rock included the acquisition of $71.1 million in loans and $128.4 million in deposits.

The following table sets forth certain key consolidated balance sheet data:

Table 9

		December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	51,553	$	50,111	$	26,711
Time deposits with banks		254		254		-
Total investments		614,312		590,856		424,692
Total loans (including loans held for sale)		2,807,388		2,519,138		1,814,536
Total assets		3,698,890		3,366,427		2,368,525
Earning assets		3,424,769		3,115,613		2,241,058
Deposits		2,941,627		2,699,084		1,801,845
FHLB Borrowings		227,444		197,168		280,847

Loans

The following table sets forth the outstanding amount of our loans held for investment at the dates indicated:

Table 10

		December 31,
		2017				2016				2015				2014				2013
		Amount	% of Loans			Amount	% of Loans			Amount	% of Loans			Amount	% of Loans			Amount	% of Loans
		(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial and
residential
real estate	$	1,977,431	70.4	%	$	1,768,424	70.3	%	$	1,281,701	70.6	%	$	1,049,315	68.1	%	$	866,507	65.6	%
Construction		99,965	3.6	%		88,451	3.5	%		107,170	5.9	%		66,634	4.3	%		77,657	5.9	%
Commercial		523,355	18.7	%		461,666	18.4	%		323,552	17.8	%		324,057	21.0	%		271,843	20.6	%
Consumer		143,066	5.1	%		125,264	5.0	%		66,288	3.7	%		60,155	3.9	%		60,932	4.6	%
Other		61,982	2.2	%		71,265	2.8	%		35,570	2.0	%		41,652	2.7	%		43,821	3.3	%
Total gross loans		2,805,799	100.0	%		2,515,070	100.0	%		1,814,281	100.0	%		1,541,813	100.0	%		1,320,760	100.0	%
Less allowance for
loan losses		(23,250)				(23,250)				(23,000)				(22,490)				(21,005)
Deferred (fees)
and costs		(136)				(61)				255				(379)				(843)
Net loans, held
for investment	$	2,782,413			$	2,491,759			$	1,791,536			$	1,518,944			$	1,298,912

For the year ended December 31, 2017, net loans held for investment increased by $290.7 million, including $71.1 million in loans acquired in the Castle Rock transaction. The 2017 net loan growth was primarily comprised of a $209.0 million increase in commercial and residential real estate loans, a $61.7 million increase in commercial loans and a $17.8 million increase in consumer loans. The growth in loans was primarily the result ofnew and expanded customer relationships, utilization of existing lines of credit and commitments and loans acquired in the Castle Rock transaction.

At December 31, 2017, the overall loan portfolio included 30.5% owner-occupied properties, including commercial and residential real estate; 15.9% retail and industrial properties, 9.1% office properties, 10.3% other commercial real estate properties, and 4.8% multi-family properties. We continue to have capacity to extend additional credit on commercial real estate and closely monitor the regulatory concentration ratios relative to the regulatory guidance discussed below.

The FDIC, the Federal Reserve and the OCC have promulgated joint guidance on sound risk management practices for financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending. Under the guidance, a financial institution actively involved in commercial real estate lending should perform a risk assessment to identify

55

concentrations. A financial institution may have a concentration in commercial real estate lending if, among other factors, (i) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% or more of total risk-based capital or (ii) total reported loans for construction, land development and other land and loans secured by multifamily and non-owner occupied non-farm residential properties (excluding loans secured by owner-occupied properties) represent 300% or more of total risk-based capital and the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50 percent or more during the prior 36 month period. In such event, management should employ heightened risk management practices, including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing.

The Bank’s total reported loans for construction, land development and other land represented 41% of capital at December 31, 2017 compared to 40% of capital at December 31, 2016. This ratio is below the regulatory commercial real estate concentration guideline level of 100% for land and construction loans. The Bank’s total reported commercial real estate loans to total capital was 328% at December 31, 2017, compared to 319% of capital at December 31, 2016. This ratio is above the regulatory commercial real estate concentration guideline level of 300% for all investor real estate loans; however, the amount by which the ratio exceeds the guideline consists of loans with a better quality risk rating, supported by significantly better credit metrics in comparison to the Bank’s underwriting guidelines. The Bank’s commercial real estate portfolio increased by 70% in the preceding 36 months.Excluding loans acquired in the Castle Rock and Home State transactions, the Bank’s commercial real estate loans increased by 41% during the preceding 36 months.  Management employs heightened risk management practices with respect to commercial real estate lending, including board and management oversight and strategic planningand development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing. Loans secured by commercial real estate are recorded on the balance sheet as either a commercial real estate loan or commercial loan depending on the purpose of the loan, regardless of the underlying collateral. We have concluded that we have an acceptable and well-managed concentration in commercial real estate lending under the foregoing standards.

With respect to geographic concentrations, most of our business activity is with customers in the state of Colorado. At December 31, 2017, we did not have any significant concentrations in any particular industry.

The following table presents the changes in our loan balances (including loans held for sale) at the dates indicated:

Table 11

	December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	2,519,199	$	1,814,281	$	1,541,813
New credit extended		651,348		589,159		570,672
Acquisition of Castle Rock Bank		71,052		-		-
Acquisition of Home State Bank		-		445,529		-
Net existing credit advanced		321,701		433,844		263,641
Net pay-downs and maturities		(749,333)		(768,845)		(562,221)
Other		(6,443)		5,231		376
Gross loans		2,807,524		2,519,199		1,814,281
Deferred (fees) and costs		(136)		(61)		255
Loans, net	$	2,807,388	$	2,519,138	$	1,814,536
Net change - loans outstanding	$	288,250	$	704,602	$	273,102

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Loan maturities

The following table shows the amounts of loans held for investment at December 31,2017 which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, were due in one year or less, more than one year through five years, and more than five years. Borrowers have the right to prepay their loans with or without penalty, based on their specific loan agreement provisions. Demand notes or other loans having no stated maturity and no stated schedule of repayment are reported as due in one year or less. The table also presents, for loans with maturities over one year, an analysis with respect to fixed interest rate loans and floating interest rate loans. The table excludesdeferred fees and costs and loans held for sale.

Table 12

		Maturity								Rate Structure for Loans with Maturities over One Year
		One Year or Less		One through Five Years		Over Five Years		Total		Fixed Rate		Floating Rate
		(In thousands)
Commercial and residential
real estate	$	204,686	$	628,387	$	1,144,358	$	1,977,431	$	1,153,202	$	619,543
Construction		47,466		37,515		14,984		99,965		28,638		23,861
Commercial		97,003		253,063		173,289		523,355		325,057		101,295
Consumer		12,407		27,487		103,172		143,066		59,753		70,906
Other		6,711		13,979		41,292		61,982		13,572		41,699
Total gross loans	$	368,273	$	960,431	$	1,477,095	$	2,805,799	$	1,580,222	$	857,304

Nonperforming Assets and Other Impaired Loans

Credit risk related to nonperforming assets is inherent in lending activities.To manage this risk, we utilize routine monitoring procedures and take prompt corrective action when necessary. We employ a risk rating system that identifies the potential risk associated with loans in our loan portfolio. This monitoring and rating system is designed to help management identify current and potential problems so that corrective actions can be taken promptly.

Generally, loans are placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days or more past due or at such earlier time as management determines timely recognition of interest to be in doubt. Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and analysis of the borrower’s financial condition and the underlying collateral value, that the collection of interest is doubtful.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments when due according to the contractual terms of the underlying loan agreement. Impaired loans consist of our nonaccrual loans, loans that are 90 days or more past due, and other loans for which we determine that noncompliance with contractual terms of the loan agreement is probable. Losses on individually identified impaired loans that are not collateral dependent are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate of each loan. For loans that are collateral dependent, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs.

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The following table sets forth the amount of our nonperforming assets and impaired loans outstanding at the dates indicated:

Table 13

		December 31,
		2017			2016
		(Dollars in thousands)
Nonperforming Assets:
Originated nonaccrual loans	$	2,742		$	3,254
Purchased credit impaired loans		1,622			1,902
Nonperforming troubled debt restructurings		1,190			91
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more (1)		-			-
Total nonperforming loans	$	5,554		$	5,247
Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets		761			569
Total nonperforming assets	$	6,315		$	5,816
Impaired Loans:
Nonperforming loans	$	5,554		$	5,247
Performing troubled debt restructurings		18,066			25,128
Allocated allowance for loan losses		(1,122)			(222)
Net carrying amount of impaired loans	$	22,498		$	30,153
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance	$	10,033		$	8,841
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance		13,587			21,534
Total impaired loans	$	23,620		$	30,375
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans	$	1,122		$	222
Valuation allowance as a percent of impaired loans		4.75	%		0.73	%
Nonperforming loans to loans, net of deferred fees and costs (2)		0.20	%		0.21	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.17	%		0.17	%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans		418.62	%		443.11	%
________________________
(1) Past due loans include both loans that are past due with respect to payments and loans that are past due because the loan has matured, and is in the process of renewal, but continues to be current with respect to payments.
(2) Loans, net of deferred fees and costs, exclude loans held for sale.

At December 31, 2017, nonperforming assets had increased $0.5 million to $6.3 million from $5.8 million at December 31, 2016.  As a result of the Castle Rock transaction in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company acquired $1.6 million of nonperforming loans and $0.8 million of other real estate owned.

At December 31, 2017, nonperforming loans included approximately $1.2 million in commercial real estate loans, $2.1 million in commercial loans and $2.3 million in other loans. At December 31, 2016, nonperforming loans included $2.8 million in commercial real estate loans, $1.1 million in commercial loans and $1.3 million in other loans.

Our loss exposure on nonperforming loans is mitigated by collateral positions on these loans. The allocated allowance for loan losses associated with impaired loans is computed based upon the related collateral value of the loans if the loan is collateral-dependent or based on the present value of expected cash flows if the loan does not qualify as collateral-dependent. The collateral values are determined by recent appraisals, but are generally discounted by management based on historical collateral dispositions, changes in market conditions since the last valuation, and management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and the client’s business. Management reviews all commercial loan relationships in excess of $500,000 annually, or more frequently where risk categories or property conditions on real estate loans suggest a potentially significant decline in the property’s value. If management determines that such a decline exists, we obtain an updated appraisal. Similarly, upon the renewal, extension or refinancing of a real estate loan, we obtain an appraisal when management determines that there has been a significant decline in value. Appraisals are required in compliance with bank policy and applicable regulations. Generally speaking, appraisals are required for all new commercial real estate loans or loans secured by residential property in excess of $250,000; new business loans secured by real estate in excess of $1.0 million; renewals, extensions or refinancing with the advance of new monies if there is evidence of market or property deterioration; and any foreclosure of other real estate in excess of $250,000. If an appraisal is not required, an internal evaluation is completed or other alternative re-valuation approach is used.

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At December 31, 2017, approximately $4.2 million in additional funds was committed to be advanced in connection with four performing impaired loans.

Additionally, at December 31, 2017, the book value of loans modified in troubled debt restructurings was $19.3 million compared to $25.2 million at December 31, 2016.

Other real estate owned was $0.8 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $0.6 million at December 31, 2016.  The balance at December 31, 2017 was comprised of four separate properties acquired in the Castle Rock transaction, all of which were land. The balance at December 31, 2016 was comprised of two separate properties, both of which were land.

The following table presents our nonperforming assets (including classified loans held for sale) at the dates indicated:

Table 14

		At December 31,
		2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
Originated nonaccrual loans	$	2,742		$	3,254		$	3,762		$	941		$	12,371
Purchased credit impaired loans		1,622			1,902			-			-			-
Nonperforming troubled debt restructurings		1,190			91			10,712			11,676			3,105
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more		-			-			-			-			-
Total nonperforming loans (NPLs)		5,554			5,247			14,474			12,617			15,476
Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets		761			569			674			2,175			4,493
Total nonperforming assets (NPAs)	$	6,315		$	5,816		$	15,148		$	14,792		$	19,969
Performing troubled debt restructurings	$	18,066		$	25,128		$	11,679		$	14,227		$	6,227
Selected ratios:
NPLs to loans, held for investment, net
of deferred fees and costs		0.20	%		0.21	%		0.80	%		0.82	%		1.17	%
NPAs to total assets		0.17	%		0.17	%		0.64	%		0.70	%		1.04	%

As further described below under “Allowance for Loan Losses” we categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information obtained regarding the ability of borrowers to service their debt, such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. These risk categories are based on the definitions in the Uniform Agreement on the Classification of Assets and Appraisal of Securities Held by Banks and Thrifts issued by the OCC, the FDIC and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Each internal risk classification is judgmental, but based on objective and subjective factors/criteria. As described below under “Allowance for Loan Losses”, the Company adjusts the general component of its allowance for loan losses for the trends in the volume and severity of adversely classified loans.

At December 31, 2017, the amount of loans that the Company has internally considered to be adversely classified, other than impaired loans, increased to $6.8 million compared to $6.2 million at December 31, 2016; $1.5 million at December 31, 2015; $2.5 million at December 31, 2014 and $5.7 million at December 31, 2013.

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The following table provides the allowance for loan losses allocated to troubled debt restructurings at the dates indicated:

Table 15

		December 31,
		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs):
Performing TDRs	$	18,066	$	25,128
Allocated allowance for loan losses
on performing TDRs		(52)		(72)
Net investment in performing TDRs	$	18,014	$	25,056
Nonperforming TDRs	$	1,190	$	91
Allocated allowance for loan losses
on nonperforming TDRs		(1)		(2)
Net investment in nonperforming TDRs	$	1,189	$	89

The following table provides a rollforward of troubled debt restructurings for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

Table 16

Troubled Debt Restructuring Rollforward:		Performing TDRs		Nonperforming TDRs		Total
		(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2016	$	11,679	$	10,712	$	22,391
Principal repayments / advances		(3,538)		(1,135)		(4,673)
Charge-offs, net		-		-		-
New modifications		7,765		-		7,765
Loans removed from TDR Status		(164)		(100)		(264)
Transfers		9,386		(9,386)		-
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	25,128	$	91	$	25,219
Principal repayments / advances		(16,414)		(572)		(16,986)
Charge-offs, net		-		(32)		(32)
New modifications		11,534		528		12,062
Loans removed from TDR Status		(1,007)		-		(1,007)
Transfers		(1,175)		1,175		-
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	18,066	$	1,190	$	19,256

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in our judgment, is adequate to absorb probable incurred loan losses in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience and other significant factors affecting loan portfolio collectability, including the level and trends in delinquent, nonaccrual and adversely classified loans, trends in volume and terms of loans, levels and trends in credit concentrations, effects of changes in underwriting standards, policies, procedures and practices, national and local economic trends and conditions, changes in capabilities and experience of lending management and staff and other external factors including industry conditions, competition and regulatory requirements.

Our methodology for evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses has two basic elements: first, the specific identification of impaired loans and the measurement of an estimated loss for each individual loan identified; and second, estimating a nonspecific allowance for probable losses on all other loans.

The specific allowance for impaired loans and the allowance calculated for probable incurred losses on other loans are combined to determine the required allowance for loan losses. The amount calculated is compared to the recorded allowance balance at each quarter end and any shortfall is charged against income as an additional provision for loan losses. If the amount calculated exceeds the recorded allowance for loan losses, the excess would be credited to income as a credit provision for loan losses. For further discussion of the provision for loan losses, see “Provision for Loan Losses” above.

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In estimating the allowance for probable incurred losses on other loans, we group the balance of the loan portfolio into portfolio segments that have common characteristics, such as loan type or risk rating. For each nonspecific allowance portfolio segment, we apply loss factors to calculate the required allowance based upon actual historical loss rates over a time period that we have determined represents the current credit cycle, adjusted for qualitative factors affecting loan portfolio collectability as described above. We also look at risk ratings of loans and compute  a qualitative adjustment based on our credit quality in consideration of credit quality during the historical loss period. We also consider other qualitative factors that may warrant adjustment of the computed historical loss rate, including loan growth, loan concentrations, economic considerations and organizational factors.

We monitor the allowance for loan losses closely and adjust the allowance when necessary, based on our analysis, which includes an ongoing evaluation of impaired loans and their collateral positions.  

The following table provides a summary of the activity within the allowance for loan losses account for the periods presented:

Table 17

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
		(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	23,250	$	23,000	$	22,490	$	21,005	$	25,142
Loan charge-offs:
Commercial and residential real estate		(386)		(14)		(14)		(21)		(5,455)
Construction		-		(203)		(7)		(2)		(325)
Commercial		(586)		(196)		(4)		(360)		(960)
Consumer		(106)		(51)		(12)		(38)		(35)
Other		(472)		(257)		(201)		(202)		(498)
Total loan charge-offs		(1,550)		(721)		(238)		(623)		(7,273)
Loan recoveries:
Commercial and residential real estate		73		206		258		1,385		1,558
Construction		59		134		26		349		734
Commercial		35		203		160		75		30
Consumer		91		14		29		27		33
Other		300		271		179		258		485
Total loan recoveries		558		828		652		2,094		2,840
Net loan recoveries (charge-offs)		(992)		107		414		1,471		(4,433)
Provision for loan losses		992		143		96		14		296
Balance, end of period	$	23,250	$	23,250	$	23,000	$	22,490	$	21,005

Loans held for investment	$	2,805,663		$	2,515,009		$	1,814,536		$	1,541,434		$	1,319,917
Average loans, held for investment		2,610,817			2,024,554			1,655,679			1,419,077			1,237,696
Nonperforming loans, held for investment		5,554			5,247			14,474			12,617			15,476
Selected ratios:
Annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to
average loans, held for investment		0.04	%		(0.01)	%		(0.03)	%		(0.10)	%		0.36	%
Provision for the allowance for
loan losses to average loans,
held for investment		0.04	%		0.01	%		0.01	%		0.00	%		0.02	%
Allowance for loan losses to
loans, held for investment		0.83	%		0.92	%		1.27	%		1.46	%		1.59	%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming
loans, held for investment		418.62	%		443.11	%		158.91	%		178.25	%		135.73	%

At December 31, 2017, the allowance for loan losses was $23.3 million, or 0.83% of total loans held for investment. This compares to an allowance for loan losses of $23.3 million, or 0.92% of total loans held for investment at December 31, 2016.  

While the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2017and December 31, 2016 was consistent at $23.3 million, the components of the allowance changed.The general component of the allowance for loan losses decreased by $0.9 million and was offset by a $0.9 million increase in the specific component of the allowance for loan losses.  The decrease in the general component of the allowance for loan losses was primarily attributable to

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reduction in qualitative factors related to concentration risk and loan growth, partially offset by the growth in loans during 2017. The increase in the specific component of the allowance for loan losses was due to the addition of specific reserves on several whole lease equipment purchases during 2017. Charge-offs are taken on loans when management determines, after review of all possible sources of repayment including future cash flows, collateral values and the financial strength of guarantors or co-makers, that there is no longer a reasonable probability that the principal can be collected.

Net charge-offs have an impact on the historical loss component of our allowance for loan losses computation. We utilize a history of net charge-offs, incurred during the current credit cycle to calculate our historical loss rate, which is adjusted as necessary by management in consideration of various qualitative factors.

Approximately $1.1 million, or 4.8%, of the $23.3 million allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2017, relates to specific reserve allocations. This compares to a specific reserve of $0.2 million, or 1.0%, of the total allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2016. In addition to the specific reserve against impaired loans, the balance of impaired loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016reflects a reduction of approximately $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to previous partial charge-offs.

The general component of the allowance as a percentage of overall loans, net of unearned loan fees, was 0.79% at December 31, 2017 compared to 0.92% at December 31, 2016. The general component of the allowance as a percentageof loans that were not impaired was 0.80% at December 31, 2017 compared to 0.93% at December 31, 2016. The decrease in the general component as a percent of loans, net of deferred costs and fees, was due to the impact of purchase accounting, related to the Castle Rock transaction, reductions in the concentration risk and loan growth qualitative factors and a reduction in historical loss rates utilized in the calculation, reflecting  management’s expectation that probable incurred losses as a percentage of loans had declined during 2017.

The following table allocates the allowance for loan losses based on our judgment of inherent losses to the listed classes of loans which correspond closely to how we classify loans for internal management reporting purposes. This differs from the portfolio segment breakout of the allowance for loan losses as illustrated in Note 6, Loans, under Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Table 18

		At December 31,
		2017				2016				2015				2014				2013
		Allocation of the Allowance	% of Allocation to Total			Allocation of the Allowance	% of Allocation to Total			Allocation of the Allowance	% of Allocation to Total			Allocation of the Allowance	% of Allocation to Total			Allocation of the Allowance	% of Allocation to Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial
and
residential
real estate	$	11,514	49.5	%	$	11,954	51.4	%	$	11,824	51.4	%	$	11,323	50.4	%	$	10,214	48.6	%
Construction		2,602	11.2	%		2,979	12.8	%		3,236	14.1	%		3,424	15.2	%		3,382	16.1	%
Commercial		4,837	20.9	%		3,969	17.1	%		3,824	16.6	%		3,813	17.0	%		3,757	17.9	%
Consumer		3,428	14.7	%		3,323	14.3	%		3,073	13.4	%		2,844	12.6	%		2,532	12.1	%
Other		869	3.7	%		1,025	4.4	%		1,043	4.5	%		1,086	4.8	%		1,120	5.3	%
Total	$	23,250	100.0	%	$	23,250	100.0	%	$	23,000	100.0	%	$	22,490	100.0	%	$	21,005	100.0	%

During 2017 and 2016, the majority of the allowance for loan losses remained allocable to real estate loans. This allocation was attributable to the level of risk in the real estate loan portfolioin consideration of historical losses impacting the classification in addition to the size of the portfolio.  

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Securities

We manage our investment portfolio principally to provide liquidity, to balance our overall interest rate risk and to provide collateral for public deposits and customer repurchase agreements.

The carrying value of our portfolio of investment securities at the dates indicated were as follows:

Table 19

		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Securities available for sale:
State and municipal	$	82,486	$	81,608	$	34,713
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		131,180		129,832		129,017
Mortgage-backed - private / residential		-		265		274
Trust preferred		-		-		17,806
Corporate		103,512		86,246		65,291
Collateralized loan obligations		12,799		26,277		8,330
Total securities available for sale	$	329,977	$	324,228	$	255,431
Securities held to maturity:
State and municipal		136,899		121,109		54,853
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		105,698		102,648		74,536
Asset-backed		16,119		19,022		19,372
Other		1,200		1,200		-
Total securities held to maturity	$	259,916	$	243,979	$	148,761
Bank stocks, at cost	$	24,419	$	22,649	$	20,500

Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, while securities held to maturity and bank stocks are carried at historical cost.

The carrying value of our available for sale investment securities at December 31, 2017 was $330.0 million, compared to the December 31, 2016 carrying value of $324.2 million. At December 31, 2017, the effective duration of the investment securities portfolio was approximately 4.6 years compared to 5.3 years as of December 31, 2016. Purchase activity during 2017 in our available for sale portfolio included purchases of mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, collateralized loan obligations and municipal bonds. In addition to these purchases the Company acquired $39.7 million in securities in the Castle Rock transaction, consisting of mortgage-backed securities, US Agencies and municipal bonds, in addition to $0.7 million in bank stock. Subsequent to the Castle Rock transaction, the Company sold $31.7 million in acquired US Agencies, municipals and mortgage-backed securities to redistribute these funds to higher yielding assets. Excluding the sales of securities acquired in the Castle Rock transaction, the Company sold corporate and municipal bonds during 2017, including a $24.1 million local municipal revenue bond of which it was the sole holder. The 2017 purchases in our held to maturity investment portfolio included mortgage-backed securities and investment-grade rated municipal bonds.

The fair values of our securities are determined through the utilization of evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information. The evaluated pricing models apply available information as applicable through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. These models assess interest rate impact, develop prepayment scenarios and take into account market conventions. Standard inputs into these models include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications.

At December 31, 2017, there were 255 individual securities in an unrealized loss position, including 194 individual securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer. We evaluated these securities in addition to the remaining 61 securities in an unrealized loss position and determined that the decline in value since their purchase dates was primarily attributable to fluctuations in market interest rates. At December 31, 2017, we did not intend to sell, and did not consider it likely that we would be required to sell, any of these securities prior to recovery of their fair value, which may be upon maturity.

At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we held $24.4 million and $22.6 million, respectively, of other equity securities consisting primarily of bank stocks with no maturity date, which are not reflected in Table 20

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below. Bank stocks are comprised of stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, Bankers’ Bank of the West and Pacific Coast Bankers’ Bank. These stocks have restrictions placed on their transferability as only members of the entities can own the stock. We review the equity securities quarterly for potential impairment. No impairment has been recognized on these equity securities.

The following table shows the maturities of investment securities at December 31, 2017, and the weighted average yields of such securities, including the benefit of tax-exempt securities:

Table 20

		At December 31, 2017
						After One Year				After Five Years
		Within				but Within				but Within				After
		One Year				Five Years				Ten Years				Ten Years
		Amount	Yield (1)			Amount	Yield (1)			Amount	Yield (1)			Amount	Yield (1)
		(Dollars in thousands)
Securities available for sale:
State and municipal	$	1,009	1.31	%	$	4,506	2.02	%	$	25,782	2.25	%	$	51,189	3.93	%
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		-	0.00	%		-	0.00	%		5,843	3.10	%		125,337	2.32	%
Corporate		5,049	2.67	%		14,450	2.84	%		79,772	3.99	%		4,241	4.77	%
Collateralized loan obligations		-	0.00	%		-	0.00	%		7,519	3.46	%		5,280	3.03	%
Total securities available for sale	$	6,058	2.44	%	$	18,956	2.65	%	$	118,916	3.54	%	$	186,047	2.84	%
Securities held to maturity:
State and municipal	$	1,354	3.16	%	$	15,699	2.19	%	$	74,232	1.97	%	$	45,614	2.53	%
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		-	0.00	%		32,375	2.32	%		44,483	2.38	%		28,840	2.52	%
Asset-backed		-	0.00	%		-	0.00	%		1,705	2.05	%		14,414	2.05	%
Other		150	2.33	%		-	0.00	%		1,050	2.19	%		-	0.00	%
Total securities held to maturity	$	1,504	3.08	%	$	48,074	2.28	%	$	121,470	2.12	%	$	88,868	2.45	%
______________________
(1) Yield is computed on a fully-tax equivalent basis for municipal bonds based on a marginal tax rate of 38.01%

Deposits

Total deposits were $2.9 billion at December 31, 2017,compared to $2.7 billion at December 31, 2016.  

At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, noninterest-bearing deposits constituted 31.9% and 34.0%, respectively, of total deposits. Noninterest-bearing deposits help reduce overall deposit funding costs, but due to the low rate environment, the impact of noninterest-bearing deposits on the overall cost of funds is currently less significant than in a higher rate environment. Interest-bearing, non-maturing deposits, including NOW, money market and savings accounts, increased by $126.5 million to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2017, as compared to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2016. Time deposits as a percentage of total deposits were 15.6% atDecember31, 2017 compared to 13.6% at December 31, 2016. The overall cost of time deposits increased from 0.90% in 2016 to 0.96% in 2017, mostly due to higher rates on time deposits offered to our local customer base and the purchase of $35.0 million in brokered certificates of deposit at a weighted average rate of 1.26% during 2017.

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The following table shows the average amount and average rate paid on the categories of deposits for each of the periods indicated:

Table 21

		At December 31,
		2017				2016				2015
		Average Balance	Average Rate			Average Balance	Average Rate			Average Balance	Average Rate
		(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	900,657	0.00	%	$	711,678	0.00	%	$	642,015	0.00	%
Interest-bearing:
Interest-bearing demand and NOW		816,017	0.18	%		514,877	0.14	%		377,036	0.10	%
Money market		502,064	0.34	%		438,100	0.27	%		376,061	0.24	%
Savings		183,147	0.11	%		155,236	0.11	%		143,222	0.11	%
Time		414,838	0.96	%		310,961	0.90	%		222,990	0.79	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,916,066	0.38	%		1,419,174	0.34	%		1,119,309	0.29	%
Total deposits	$	2,816,723	0.26	%	$	2,130,852	0.23	%	$	1,761,324	0.18	%

Additionally, the following table shows the maturities of time certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more at the dates indicated:

Table 22

		At December 31,
		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Due in three months or less	$	66,103	$	37,444
Due in three months through six months		71,914		46,267
Due in over six months through twelve months		103,652		79,612
Due in over twelve months		89,515		95,859
Total	$	331,184	$	259,182

The following table presents the mix of our deposits by type based on average balances for each of the periods indicated:

Table 23

		At December 31,
		2017				2016				2015
		Average Balance	% of Total			Average Balance	% of Total			Average Balance	% of Total
		(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	900,657	31.98	%	$	711,678	33.40	%	$	642,015	36.45	%
Interest-bearing demand
and NOW		816,017	28.97	%		514,877	24.16	%		377,036	21.41	%
Money market		502,064	17.82	%		438,100	20.56	%		376,061	21.35	%
Savings		183,147	6.50	%		155,236	7.29	%		143,222	8.13	%
Time		414,838	14.73	%		310,961	14.59	%		222,990	12.66	%
Total deposits	$	2,816,723	100.00	%	$	2,130,852	100.00	%	$	1,761,324	100.00	%

Overall, average time deposits increased by $103.9 million, or 33.4%, to $414.8 million in 2017 compared to $311.0 million in 2016. At December 31, 2017, time deposits increased by $93.1 million to $458.9 million compared to $365.8 million at December31, 2016,  as a result of new time deposits offered to our local customers and $33.0 million in time deposits acquired in the Castle Rock transaction.

At December 31, 2017, time deposits included approximately $95.3 million of brokered deposits. These brokered deposits have maturity dates ranging from the first quarter 2018 through the first quarter 2020. At December 31, 2016, time deposits included approximately $94.3 million in brokered deposits, with maturities

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ranging from the second quarter 2017 to the first quarter 2020. Brokered time deposits comprised 3.2% of total deposits at December 31, 2017 compared to 4.1% at December 31, 2016.

During 2017, our average noninterest-bearing deposits increased $189.0 million, or 26.6% to $900.7 million, from $711.7 million in 2016. Our noninterest-bearing deposits grew during 2017 as a result of building existing and new customer relationships in addition to the $34.4 million in noninterest-bearing demand accounts acquired in the Castle Rock transaction.

Borrowings

Subordinated Debentures and Trust Preferred Securities

In April 2004, a predecessor to the Company formed CenBank Statutory Trust III and the trust completed an offering of $15.0 million, LIBOR plus 2.65% Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities (“TruPS”), which are guaranteed by the Company. The trust also issued common securities to the predecessor of the Company and used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase $15.5 million in principal amount of floating rate Junior Subordinated Debentures (“Debentures”) issued by the predecessor. The Company assumed the predecessor’s obligations relating to such securities upon the acquisition of the predecessor. Interest paid on the Debentures was distributed to the holders of the TruPS. Distributions payable on the TruPS were recorded as interest expense in the consolidated statements of income. These Debentures were unsecured, ranked junior and were subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Company. The TruPS were subject to mandatory redemption upon repayment of the Debentures. The Company had the right, subject to events of default, to defer payments of interest on the Debentures at any time by extending the interest payment period for a period not exceeding 10 consecutive semi-annual periods with respect to each deferral period, provided that no extension period could extend beyond the redemption or maturity date of the Debentures. The Debentures mature on April 15, 2034 and are callable on each quarterly payment date.

In June 2003, a predecessor to the Company formed Guaranty Capital Trust III and the trust completed an offering of $10.0 million, LIBOR plus 3.10% Cumulative TruPS which are guaranteed by the Company. The trust also issued common securities to the predecessor of the Company and used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase $10.3 million in principal amount of junior subordinated debentures issued by the predecessor. The Company assumed the predecessor’s obligations relating to such securities upon the acquisition of the predecessor. Interest is paid quarterly and is distributed to the holders of the TruPS. The other terms and conditions of these Debentures are substantially similar to those as described under the CenBank Statutory Trust III. The Debentures mature on July 7, 2033 and are callable on each quarterly interest payment date.

Under the terms of each indenture, we have the ability to defer interest on the debentures for a period of up to 60 months as long as we are in compliance with all covenants of the agreement. At December 31, 2017, the interest payments with respect to our two subordinated debentures were current.

The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of these trusts (variable interest entities), therefore the trusts are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability. The Company’s investment in the common stock of each trust is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act and the joint rule from the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC and the FDIC, certain TruPS are no longer eligible to be included as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. However, an exception to this statutory prohibition applies to securities issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank holding companies with less than $15 billion of total assets. As we have less than $15 billion in total assets and issued all of our TruPS prior to May 19, 2010, we expect our TruPS will continue to be eligible to be treated as Tier 1 capital, subject to other rules and limitations.

In July 2016, the Company issued $40.0 million in fixed-floating rate subordinated debentures primarily to fund the cash consideration paid to Home State shareholders in the Home State transaction. The subordinated debentures bear a fixed interest rate of 5.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears. On July 20, 2021 and thereafter the interest on the subordinated debentures will be payable quarterly in arrears, at an annual floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR as determined by the applicable quarterly period, plus 4.73%. The subordinated debentures mature on July 20, 2026.

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Although the subordinated debt is not included as a component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets, itis treated as capital for regulatory purposes. Specifically, under applicable regulatory guidelines, the Company is allowed to include in Tier 1 capital an amount of subordinated debt equal to no more than 25% of the sum of all core capital elements, which is generally defined as stockholders’ equity less certain intangibles, including core deposit intangibles and customer relationship intangibles, net of any related deferred income tax liability. Any amount that exceeds 25% qualifies as Tier 2 capital. At December 31, 2017, $25.0 million of subordinated debt qualified as Tier 1 capital and $40.0 million of subordinated debt qualified as Tier 2 capital.

Other Borrowings

At December 31, 2017, our outstanding borrowings were $227.4 million as compared to $197.2 million at December 31, 2016.

The borrowings at December 31, 2017 consisted of $157.4 million in FHLB line of credit advances and $70.0 million in term notes with the FHLB at the Bank level.

The FHLB term borrowings at December 31, 2017 consisted of one fixed-rate term note and two variable-rate term notes. The fixed-rate term note is a $20.0 millionnote that matured on January 23, 2018 with an interest rate of 2.52% and was convertible on a quarterly basis by the FHLB to a variable rate note. If the note was converted by the FHLB, we had the option to prepay the note without penalty. The FHLB did not convert the note to a variable rate during 2017. The two variable-rate term notes of $25.0 million each bore interest rates of 1.48% and 1.45% at December 31, 2017. These notes mature on March 7, 2018 and August 3, 2018 and will be renewed annually for the next three to four years under our five year forward starting balance sheet swaps initiated in March 2014 and June 2013.

The total FHLB commitment, including balances outstanding, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $706.3 million and $597.2 million, respectively. The Bank had additional borrowing capacity of $477.5 million at December 31, 2017, which can be utilized with termadvances, line of credit advances or a combination of both.

In April 2017, we renewed our credit agreement for a $10.0 million holding company line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. This line of credit is secured by the holding company’s stock in the Bank. The line of credit matures on March 17, 2018. Under the credit agreement, we can elect a fixed or floating interest rate on each advance. As of December 31, 2017 no amounts had been borrowed on this line of credit.

Capital Resources

Current risk-based regulatory capital standards generally require banks and bank holding companies to maintain a ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.50%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.00%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total assets (leverage ratio) of at least 4.00% and a ratio of total capital (which includes Tier 1 capital plus certain forms of subordinated debt, a portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses, and preferred stock) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.00%. However, under the final rule on Enhanced Regulatory Capital Standards, commonly referred to as Basel III, which became effective in the first quarter 2015, a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, comprised of Common Equity Tier 1, was established above the regulatory minimum capital requirement. The capital conservation buffer phase-in period began January 1, 2016 and will become fully effective on January 1, 2019. A fully phased-in capital conservation buffer is included in the table below.

The Bank made the one-time accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) opt-out election on its March 31, 2015 Call Report, which allowed community banks under $250 billion, in total assets, who made the one-time opt-out election, to remove the impact of certain unrealized gains and losses from the calculation of regulatory capital. There is no opportunity to change methodology in future periods.

Risk-weighted assets are calculated by multiplying the balance in each category of assets by a risk factor, which ranges from zero for cash assets and certain government obligations to 150% for some loans, and adding the products together.

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The following table provides the capital ratios of the Company and Bank as of the dates indicated, along with the applicable regulatory capital requirements:

Table 24

	Ratio at December 31, 2017		Ratio at December 31, 2016		Minimum Requirement for “Adequately Capitalized” Institution plus fully phased in Capital Conservation Buffer		Minimum Requirement for "Well-Capitalized" Institution
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
Consolidated	10.57	%	10.46	%	7.00	%	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company	12.29	%	12.43	%	7.00	%	6.50	%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Consolidated	11.36	%	11.34	%	8.50	%	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company	12.29	%	12.43	%	8.50	%	8.00	%
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Consolidated	13.36	%	13.58	%	10.50	%	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company	13.03	%	13.26	%	10.50	%	10.00	%
Leverage Ratio
Consolidated	10.21	%	9.81	%	4.00	%	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company	11.05	%	10.76	%	4.00	%	5.00	%

At December 31, 2017, all of our regulatory capital ratios remain well above minimum requirements for a “well-capitalized” institution. Our consolidated total risk-based capital ratio decreased compared to December31,2016, primarily due to an increase in risk-based assets during the year ended December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2017, most of our bank-level capital ratios had declined compared to December 31, 2016, primarily due to the $18.7 million dividend paid to the Company in the second quarter 2017 to fund stockholder dividends and debt servicing during 2017.

Liquidity

The Bank relies on deposits as its principal source of funds, and therefore must be in a position to service depositors’ needs as they arise. Fluctuations in the account balances of a few large depositors may cause temporary increases and decreases in liquidity from time to time. We deal with such fluctuations by using other sources of liquidity, as discussed below.

The Bank’s initial sources of liquidity are its liquid assets. At December 31, 2017, the Company had$367.6 million in unencumbered securities, $51.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and $25.2million of excess pledging related to customer accounts that required collateral.

When the level of our liquid assets does not meet our liquidity needs, other available sources of liquid assets, including the purchase of federal funds, sales of loans, including jumbo mortgage loans, brokered and internet certificates of deposit, one-way purchases of certificates of deposit through the Certificates of Deposit Account Registry Service, discount window borrowings from the Federal Reserve and our lines of credit with the FHLB and other correspondent banks are employed to meet current and presently anticipated funding needs. At December 31, 2017, the Bank had approximately $477.5 million of availability on its FHLB line, $50.8 million of availability on its unsecured federal funds lines with correspondent banks and $1.7 million of availability with the Federal Reserve discount window.

At December 31, 2017, the Bank had $120.3 million of brokered deposits, of which $25.0 million were money market accounts, $24.2 million will mature in the first quarter 2018, $20.4 million will mature in the second quarter 2018, $5.3 million will mature in the third quarter 2018, $12.2 million will mature in the fourth quarter 2018, $28.2 million will mature during 2019, and $5.0 million will mature during 2020. We continue to evaluate new brokered deposits as a source of low-cost, longer-term funding.

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The holding company relies primarily on cash flow from the Bank as its source of liquidity. The holding company requires liquidity for the payment of interest on the subordinated debentures, for operating expenses, principally salaries and benefits, for repurchases of our common stock and, if declared by our Board of Directors, for the payment of dividends to our stockholders. The Bank pays a management fee for its share of expenses paid by the holding company, as well as for services provided by the holding company. As discussed in the “Capital Resources” section above, various banking laws applicable to the Bank limit the payment of dividends by the Bank to the holding company, and may therefore limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Under these laws, the Bank is currently required to request permission from the Federal Reserve prior to payment of a dividend to the Company. Under the terms of our TruPS financings, we may defer payment of interest on the subordinated debentures and related TruPS for a period of up to 60 consecutive months as long as we are in compliance with all covenants of the agreement.

As of December 31, 2017, the holding company had approximately $11.8 million of cash on hand. Based on current cash flow projections for the holding company, we estimate that cash balances maintained by the holding company are sufficient to meet the operating needs of the holding company through 2020.  In April 2017, we renewed our credit agreement for a $10.0 million holding company line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. This line of credit is secured by the holding company’s stock in the Bank. The line of credit matures on March 17, 2018. Under the credit agreement, we can elect a fixed or floating interest rate on each advance. As of December 31, 2017 no amounts had been borrowed on this line of credit.

Dividends

Holders of voting common stock are entitled to dividends out of funds legally available for such dividends, when and if declared by the Board of Directors. Beginning in May 2013, we paid cash dividends of 2.5 cents per share to stockholders on a quarterly basis through November 2013. In February 2014, we increased the quarterly cash dividend to 5 cents per share and paid quarterly cash dividends at this level through the fourth quarter 2014. In February 2015, we increased the quarterly cash dividend to 10 cents per share and paid quarterly cash dividends at this level through the fourth quarter 2015. In February 2016, we increased the quarterly cash dividend to 11.5 cents per share and paid quarterly cash dividends at this level through the fourth quarter 2016. In February 2017, we increased the quarterly cash dividend to 12.5 cents per share and paid quarterly cash dividends through the fourth quarter 2017.

On February 12, 2018 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 16.25 cents per share, payable on March 2, 2018 to stockholders of record on February 23, 2018.

Our ability to pay dividends is subject to the restrictions of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Because we are a bank holding company with no significant assets other than our bank subsidiary, we currently depend upon dividends from our bank subsidiary for the majority of our revenues. Various banking laws applicable to the Bank limit the payment of dividends, management fees and other distributions by the Bank to the holding company, and may therefore limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.Under these laws, the Bank is currently required to request permission from the Federal Reserve prior to payment of a dividend to the holding company.

Under the terms of each of our two outstanding trust preferred financings, including our related subordinated debentures, which occurred on June 30, 2003 and April 8, 2004, respectively, we cannot declare or pay any dividends or distributions (other than stock dividends) on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any shares of our capital stock if (1) an event of default under any of the subordinated debenture agreements has occurred and is continuing, or (2) we defer payment of interest on the TruPS for a period of up to 60 consecutive months as long as we are in compliance with all covenants of the agreement. At December 31, 2017, interest payments on our two trust preferred financings were current.

Any future determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including general business conditions, our financial results, our future business prospects, capital requirements, contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by the Bank to the holding company, and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Bank is a party to credit-related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk entered into in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of the Bank’s customers. These financial instruments include

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commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments. We follow the same credit policies in making commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.

The following table sets forth our significant contractual obligations and off-balance sheet commitments at December31,2017:

Table 25

		Payments Due by Period
		Totals		Less Than 1 Year		1 - 3 Years		3 - 5 Years		Over 5 Years
		(In thousands)
Contractual Obligations
Subordinated debentures	$	65,774	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	65,774
Federal home loan bank obligations		227,444		227,444		-		-		-
Operating lease obligations		11,501		1,692		3,422		2,980		3,407
Total contractual obligations	$	304,719	$	229,136	$	3,422	$	2,980	$	69,181
Off Balance Sheet Commitments
Commitments to extend credit:
Variable	$	508,186	$	210,224	$	144,220	$	42,136	$	111,606
Fixed		116,026		27,408		24,036		19,461		45,121
Total commitments to extend credit		624,212		237,632		168,256		61,597		156,727
Standby letters of credit		12,398		12,250		148		-		-
Total off balance sheet commitments	$	636,610	$	249,882	$	168,404	$	61,597	$	156,727

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for information on recent accounting pronouncements and their anticipated impact, on our consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. Our market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing and deposit taking activities.To that end, management actively monitors and manages our interest rate risk exposure.We have not entered into any market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.We manage our interest rate sensitivity by matching the repricing opportunities on our earning assets to those on our funding liabilities. In order to manage the repricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities, we use various strategies designed to ensure that our exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited in accordance with our guidelines of acceptable levels of risk-taking.Balance sheet hedging strategies, including monitoring the terms and pricing of loans and deposits and managing the deployment of our securities, are used to reduce mismatches in interest rate repricing between our portfolio of assets and their funding sources.

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features

The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts with certain commercial banking customers to facilitate the customers’ respective risk management strategies and for the purpose of securing long-term borrowing rates. Customer interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.Thus, these existing interest rate derivatives result from a service provided to certain qualifying customers and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Company’s assets or liabilities.

The Company has entered into interest rate swap contracts to mitigate interest rate risk attributed to its current mix of assets and liabilities. These interest rate swaps are accounted for as cash flow hedges and are marked to market through Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”). The fluctuations in market value related to these interest rate swaps are generally in the opposite direction of fluctuations in market value related to our available for sale investment portfolio allowing us to mitigate the impact of market value fluctuations on OCI.

Management evaluates the Company’s credit risk associated with its interest rate swaps by evaluating the maximum potential credit exposure prior to the execution of the interest rate swap.This maximum potential credit exposure is evaluated by executive management in relation to the Company’s Derivatives and Hedging Policy.On a quarterly basis, the actual credit risk for all swaps is reported to the Company’s asset-liability management committee and compared to the maximum exposure approved in the Company’s Derivatives and Hedging Policy.

The Company has agreements with its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

The Company also has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.

As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of derivatives in a net liability position, which excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements, was $1.0 million. The Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties, and had posted $3.8 million in collateral as of December 31, 2017 in relation to these thresholds. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at December31,2017, it would have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

Net Interest Income Modeling

Our Asset Liability Management Committee, or ALCO, oversees our exposure to and mitigation of interest rate risk and, along with our Board of Directors, reviews our exposure to interest rate risk at least quarterly. The committee is composed of members of our senior management. The ALCO monitors interest rate risk by analyzing the potential impact on the net portfolio value and net interest income from potential changes in interest rates, and considers the impact of alternative strategies or changes in balance sheet structure. The ALCO manages our balance sheet in part to minimize the potential impact of changes in interest rates on net portfolio value and net interest income.

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Interest rate risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to evaluate fluctuations in net portfolio value and net interest income in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates. If potential changes to net portfolio value and net interest income from hypothetical interest rate changes are not within the limits approved by the Board of Directors, the Board may direct management to adjust the Bank’s mix of assets and liabilities to bring interest rate risk within these limits.

We monitor and evaluate our interest rate risk position on at least a quarterly basis using net interest income simulation analysis under 100, 200 and 300 basis point change scenarios (see below). Each of these analyses measures different interest rate risk factors inherent in the financial statements.

Our primary interest rate risk measurement tool, the “Net Interest Income Simulation Analysis”, measures interest rate risk and the effect of hypothetical interest rate changes on net interest income. This analysis incorporates all of our assets and liabilities together with forecasted changes in the balance sheet and assumptions that reflect the current interest rate environment. Through these simulations, we estimate the impact on net interest income of an immediate change in market rates of 100, 200 and 300 basis points upward or downward, over a one year period. Assumptions are made to project rates for new loans and deposits based on historical analysis, our outlook and repricing strategies. Asset prepayments and other market risks are developed from industry estimates of prepayment speeds and other market changes. Since the results of these simulations can be significantly influenced by the assumptions on which the simulations rely, we also evaluate the sensitivity of simulation results to changes in underlying assumptions.

The following table shows the projected net interest income increase or decrease over the next 12 months as of December31,2017 and December 31, 2016:

Table 26

Market Risk:
		Annualized Net Interest Income
		December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
		Amount of Change		Amount of Change
		(In thousands)
Rates in Basis Points
300	$	2,636	$	3,168
200		1,901		1,827
100		817		908
Static		-		-
(100)		(7,412)		(4,152)
(200)		(9,198)		(4,149)
(300)		N/M		N/M
N/M = not meaningful

At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we were positioned to have a favorable interest income impact in the event of an immediate 300, 200 or 100 basis point increase in market interest rates. Our asset sensitivity is mostly due to the amount of variable rate loans on our balance sheet, partially mitigated by interest rate floors, or minimum rates: as rates rise, the loan rate may continue to be at the minimum rate. We anticipate that deposit rates, other than time deposit rates, would increase immediately in a rising rate environment, but at a reduced magnitude. In our market risk table above, we model that interest rates on our NOW and savings accounts will increase 11 percent of any increase in market interest rates. For interest-bearing demand and money market accounts, we model that interest rates would increase 65 percent of any increase in market interest rates. In the past two years, the Federal Reserve has increased short-term interest rates five times. If short-term interest rates increase further, our interest rates on deposits may increase more significantly than we have experienced over the past two years. Additionally, if short-term interest rates increase, our interest rates on loans may not increase as significantly as we have experienced over the past two years. Because our rates on deposits and loans may change at a higher or lower level than changes in benchmark rates, these variances could negatively affect our asset-liability modeling. Our model also reflects an immediate increase in the rate on our FHLB line of credit advances. In addition to performing net interest income modeling, we also monitor the impact an instantaneous change in interest rates would have on our economic value of equity. We anticipate a reduction in the economic value of equity in a rising rate environment as the reduction in the value of our fixed rate earning assets would outweigh the corresponding increase in value of our low cost deposits.

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We estimate that our net interest income would decline in a 100, 200 or 300 basis point falling rate environment. This is consistent with our belief that our balance sheet is asset sensitive. At December 31, 2017, it is not possible for the majority of our deposit rates to fall 100 to 300 basis points since most deposit rates were already below 100 basis points. At December 31, 2017, the loss of gross interest income in a falling interest rate environment is expected to exceed the corresponding reduction in interest expense in a falling rate environment. We believe that this scenario is currently very unlikely. The target federal funds rate is currently set by the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board at a rate of between 125 and 150 basis points and the prime rate has historically been set at a rate of 300 basis points over the target federal funds rate. Our interest rate risk modeling assumes that the prime rate would continue to be set at a rate of 300 basis points over the target federal funds rate; therefore, a 200 basis point decline in overall rates would only result in a 125 to 150 basis point decline in both target federal funds rate and the prime rate. Further, other rates that are currently below 1% or 2% (e.g. short-term U.S. Treasuries and LIBOR) are modeled to not fall below 0% with an overall 100 or 200 basis point decrease in rates. Many of our variable rate loans are set to an index tied to the prime rate, the target federal funds rate or LIBOR, therefore, a further decrease in rates would likely not have a substantial impact on loan yields.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Financial Statements

Guaranty Bancorp and Subsidiaries
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting	75
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	76
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016	78
Consolidated Statements of Income, Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	79
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	80
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	81
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	82
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	83

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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of Guaranty Bancorp, including its consolidated subsidiary, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management maintains a comprehensive system of controls intended to ensure that transactions are executed in accordance with management’s authorization, assets are safeguarded, and financial records are reliable. Management also takes steps to see that information and communication flows are effective and to monitor performance, including performance of internal control procedures.

As of December 31, 2017, Guaranty Bancorp management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission – 2013 (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 was effective.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements should they occur. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree or compliance with the control procedures may deteriorate.

As permitted, the Company has excluded the operations of Castle Rock Bank Holding Company acquired during 2017, which is described in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements, from the scope of this report. The assets acquired in this acquisition are excluded from management's assessment on internal control over financial reporting comprised approximately 4% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2017.

Crowe Horwath LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 28, 2018, has issued an audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, is included in this Item under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

            /s/ Paul W. Taylor            /s/ Christopher G. Treece

Paul W. Taylor                                             Christopher G. Treece

President, Chief Executive Officer                                                   Executive Vice President, Chief

and Director                                                                                      Financial Officer and Secretary

February 28, 2018

75

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders

Guaranty Bancorp

Denver, Colorado

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Guaranty Bancorp and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As permitted, the Company has excluded the operations of Castle Rock Bank Holding Company acquired during 2017, which is described in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements, from the scope of management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. As such, it has also been excluded from the scope of our audit of internal control over financial reporting.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,

76

accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditors since 2007.

Oak Brook, Illinois

February 28, 2018

77

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

		December 31,		December 31,
		2017		2016
		(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Assets
Cash and due from banks	$	51,553	$	50,111
Time deposits with banks		254		254
Securities available for sale, at fair value		329,977		324,228
Securities held to maturity (fair value of $257,665 and $239,404
at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016)		259,916		243,979
Bank stocks, at cost		24,419		22,649
Total investments		614,312		590,856
Loans held for sale		1,725		4,129
Loans, held for investment, net of deferred fees and costs		2,805,663		2,515,009
Less allowance for loan losses		(23,250)		(23,250)
Net loans, held for investment		2,782,413		2,491,759
Premises and equipment, net		65,874		67,390
Other real estate owned and foreclosed assets		761		569
Goodwill		65,106		56,404
Other intangible assets, net		14,441		15,317
Bank-owned life insurance		78,573		65,538
Other assets		23,878		24,100
Total assets	$	3,698,890	$	3,366,427
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	939,550	$	916,632
Interest-bearing demand and NOW		813,882		767,523
Money market		527,621		484,664
Savings		201,687		164,478
Time		458,887		365,787
Total deposits		2,941,627		2,699,084
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase		44,746		36,948
Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit borrowing		157,444		124,691
Federal Home Loan Bank term notes		70,000		72,477
Subordinated debentures, net		65,065		64,981
Interest payable and other liabilities		15,109		15,868
Total liabilities		3,293,991		3,014,049
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock (1)		32		31
Additional paid-in capital - common stock		859,509		832,067
Accumulated deficit		(343,383)		(367,944)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(4,694)		(6,726)
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,421,208 and 2,361,882 shares, respectively		(106,565)		(105,050)
Total stockholders’ equity		404,899		352,378
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	3,698,890	$	3,366,427
____________________

⁽¹⁾ Common stock—$0.001 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 31,643,472shares issued and 29,222,264 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 (including 434,149 shares of unvested restricted stock);40,000,000 shares authorized;30,695,886 shares issued and 28,334,004 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 (including513,187 shares of unvested restricted stock).

See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

78

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Interest income:
Loans, including costs and fees	$	118,674	$	87,249	$	70,188
Investment securities:
Taxable		9,264		7,625		8,325
Tax-exempt		4,933		3,683		2,852
Dividends		1,290		1,063		959
Federal funds sold and other		141		233		6
Total interest income		134,302		99,853		82,330
Interest expense:
Deposits		7,344		4,859		3,207
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase		71		52		45
Borrowings		2,648		2,549		1,285
Subordinated debentures		3,440		2,005		814
Total interest expense		13,503		9,465		5,351
Net interest income		120,799		90,388		76,979
Provision for loan losses		992		143		96
Net interest income, after provision for loan losses		119,807		90,245		76,883
Noninterest income:
Deposit service and other fees		13,951		10,447		8,941
Investment management and trust		6,005		5,452		5,189
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		2,559		2,005		1,758
Gain (loss) on sale of securities		(6)		(73)		132
Gain on sale of SBA loans		1,256		873		824
Other		1,679		553		336
Total noninterest income		25,444		19,257		17,180
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		46,762		40,946		33,564
Occupancy expense		6,664		5,887		6,312
Furniture and equipment		3,898		3,070		3,007
Amortization of intangible assets		2,745		1,557		1,981
Other real estate owned, net		174		31		80
Insurance and assessments		2,666		2,314		2,398
Professional fees		4,129		3,639		3,220
Impairment of long-lived assets		394		185		122
Other general and administrative		19,363		15,158		9,655
Total noninterest expense		86,795		72,787		60,339
Income before income taxes		58,456		36,715		33,724
Income tax expense		19,832		11,988		11,270
Net income	$	38,624	$	24,727	$	22,454
Earnings per common share–basic:	$	1.38	$	1.06	$	1.07
Earnings per common share–diluted:		1.36		1.05		1.06
Dividends declared per common share:		0.50		0.46		0.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic:		28,056,588		23,267,108		21,065,590
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted:		28,343,687		23,559,947		21,272,336

See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

79

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Net income	$	38,624	$	24,727	$	22,454
Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale
securities during the period excluding the change attributable to
available for sale securities reclassified to held to maturity		1,868		(4,304)		(1,971)
Income tax effect		(710)		1,636		750
Change in unamortized loss on available for sale securities
reclassified into held to maturity securities		486		504		427
Income tax effect		(185)		(192)		(162)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included
in net income during the period		6		73		(132)
Income tax effect		(2)		(28)		50
Change in fair value of derivatives during the period		136		(296)		(1,250)
Income tax effect		(52)		113		475
Reclassification adjustment of losses on derivatives
during the period		783		925		218
Income tax effect		(298)		(352)		(83)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		2,032		(1,921)		(1,678)
Total comprehensive income	$	40,656	$	22,806	$	20,776

See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”

80

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except share data)

	Common Stock Shares Outstanding		Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital		Treasury Stock		Accumulated Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		Totals
Balance, January 1, 2015	21,628,873	$	709,365	$	(103,127)	$	(396,172)	$	(3,127)	$	206,939
Net income	-		-		-		22,454		-		22,454
Other comprehensive loss	-		-		-		-		(1,678)		(1,678)
Stock compensation awards, net of forfeitures	115,690		-		-		-		-		-
Stock based compensation, net	-		2,739		-		-		-		2,739
Tax effect of restricted stock vestings	-		230		-		-		-		230
Repurchase of common stock	(39,711)		-		(616)		-		-		(616)
Dividends paid  ($0.40 paid per share)	-		-		-		(8,429)		-		(8,429)
Balance, December 31, 2015	21,704,852		712,334		(103,743)		(382,147)		(4,805)		221,639
Net income	-		-		-		24,727		-		24,727
Other comprehensive loss	-		-		-		-		(1,921)		(1,921)
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of Home
State Bancorp net of issuance costs	6,533,756		116,643		-		-		-		116,643
Stock compensation awards, net of forfeitures	169,534		-		-		-		-		-
Stock based compensation, net	-		3,121		-		-		-		3,121
Repurchase of common stock	(74,138)		-		(1,307)		-		-		(1,307)
Dividends paid  ($0.46 paid per share)	-		-		-		(10,524)		-		(10,524)
Balance, December 31, 2016	28,334,004	$	832,098	$	(105,050)	$	(367,944)	$	(6,726)	$	352,378
Net income	-		-		-		38,624		-		38,624
Other comprehensive income	-		-		-		-		2,032		2,032
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of Castle
Rock Bank Holding Company	840,629		24,420								24,420
Stock compensation awards, net of forfeitures	106,957		-		-		-		-		-
Stock based compensation, net	-		3,023		-		-		-		3,023
Repurchase of common stock	(59,326)		-		(1,515)		-		-		(1,515)
Dividends paid  ($0.50 paid per share)	-		-		-		(14,063)		-		(14,063)
Balance, December 31, 2017	29,222,264	$	859,541	$	(106,565)	$	(343,383)	$	(4,694)	$	404,899

See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	38,624	$	24,727	$	22,454
Reconciliation of net income to net cash from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		5,716		4,270		4,728
Net amortization (accretion) on investment and loan portfolios		(953)		872		530
Provision for loan losses		992		143		96
Impairment of long-lived assets		394		185		122
Stock compensation, net		3,023		3,121		2,739
Dividends on bank stocks		(434)		(521)		(504)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		(2,164)		(1,629)		(1,453)
Net gain on sale of securities and SBA loans		(1,250)		(800)		(956)
Landlord cash allowance		-		-		934
Loss (gain) on the sale of other assets		(271)		345		18
Origination of SBA loans with intent to sell		(8,455)		(12,990)		(6,538)
Proceeds from the sale of SBA loans originated with intent to sell		13,795		10,587		8,038
Loss, net, and valuation adjustments on real estate owned		160		105		42
Net change in:
Interest receivable and other assets		1,035		(282)		(969)
Net deferred income tax assets		1,723		(360)		4,105
Interest payable and other liabilities		(91)		977		47
Net cash from operating activities		51,844		28,750		33,433
Cash flows from investing activities:
Activity in available for sale securities:
Sales, maturities, prepayments and calls		125,234		411,461		61,276
Purchases		(91,934)		(152,650)		(22,561)
Activity in held to maturity securities and bank stocks:
Maturities, prepayments and calls		25,443		29,599		19,047
Purchases		(43,052)		(60,639)		(35,320)
Loan originations, net of principal collections		(122,461)		(142,268)		(224,202)
Loan purchases		(98,940)		(109,519)		(50,111)
Redemption of time deposits with banks		-		250		-
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance contracts		(7,500)		(15,000)		(5,000)
Proceeds from sale of other assets		1,463		2,204		1,293
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned and foreclosed assets		514		45		1,427
Proceeds from sale of SBA and other loans transferred to held for sale		3,939		229		589
Additions to premises and equipment		(1,549)		(1,464)		(5,136)
Cash paid in acquisition, net of cash received		21,717		(23,915)		(1,457)
Net cash from investing activities		(187,126)		(61,667)		(260,155)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in deposits		114,160		127,561		116,521
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank term notes		(2,409)		(50,026)		-
Net change in borrowings on Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit		32,753		(63,208)		45,547
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank term notes		-		25,000		75,000
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt, net of issuance costs		-		39,170		-
Cash dividends on common stock		(14,063)		(10,524)		(8,429)
Net change in repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased		7,798		(9,515)		(7,031)
Repurchase of common stock		(1,515)		(1,307)		(616)
Payment of stock issuance costs related to acquisition		-		(834)		-
Net cash from financing activities		136,724		56,317		220,992
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		1,442		23,400		(5,730)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		50,111		26,711		32,441
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	51,553	$	50,111	$	26,711
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activity:
Interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds	$	13,731	$	8,312	$	5,484
Income taxes paid		15,983		12,653		7,262
Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
Common stock issued in acquisition		24,420		117,477		-
Loans transferred to other real estate owned and foreclosed assets		113		-		-
Real estate transferred to held for sale		4,278		-		-
Reclassification of available for sale securities into held to maturity		-		63,432		49,084
See Footnote 3 for breakout of acquisition purchase price

See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1)Organization

Guaranty Bancorp is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and headquartered in Colorado.

The Company’s principal business is to serve as a holding company for its wholly owned bank subsidiary, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, referred to as the “Bank”.

References to the “Company,” “us,” “we,” and “our” refer to Guaranty Bancorp on a consolidated basis. References to “Guaranty Bancorp” or to the “holding company” refer to the parent company on a stand-alone basis.

(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a)Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation

The Bank is a full-service community bank offering an array of banking products and services to the communities it serves along the Front Range of Colorado including accepting time and demand deposits and originating commercial loans, commercial and residential real estate loans, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) guaranteed loans and consumer loans. The Bank, together with its wholly owned subsidiary Private Capital Management, LLC (“PCM”), provides wealth management services, including private banking, investment management and trust services. On April 3, 2017, Cherry Hills Investment Advisors, Inc. (“CHIA”), a previously wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, was consolidated into PCM. Substantially all of the Bank’s loans are secured by specific items of collateral, including business assets, commercial and residential real estate, which include land or improved land and consumer assets. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer. On September 8, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Home State Bancorp (“Home State”), based in Loveland, Colorado, in exchange for a combination of Company stock and cash. The transaction enhanced the Company’s balance sheet liquidity and supports the Company’s objective of serving the banking needs of northern Colorado business and consumer customers. On October 27, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Castle Rock Bank Holding Company (“Castle Rock”), based in Castle Rock, Colorado in exchange for Company stock. Similar to the Home State acquisition, the Castle Rock acquisition enhanced the Company’s liquidity and grew market share in Douglas County, Colorado.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of financial statement issuance.

(b)Business Combinations

The Company accounts for acquisitions of businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair value upon the date of acquisition. Management utilizes various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analyses to determine the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any excess of purchase price over amounts allocated to the acquired assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill.

(c)Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the consolidated balance sheets and income and expense for the periods presented. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(d)Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets include cash-on-hand, balances due from banks and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions that have an original maturity of three months or less and are carried at cost. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions, short-term borrowings, federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements.

(e)Time Deposits with Banks

The Company may invest in short term, fully insured time deposits with other banks.

(f)Securities

Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

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

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as an impairment to earnings.

The investments in bank stocks are reviewed by management quarterly for potential OTTI. This quarterly review considers the credit quality of the institution, the institution’s ability to repurchase shares and the Company’s carrying value in the shares relative to book value. Based on these reviews, management concluded that there was no impairment during 2017, 2016 and 2015.

(g)Loans and Loan Commitments

The Company extends commercial, real estate and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio consists of commercial and real estate loans throughout the Front Range of Colorado. The ability of the Company’s borrowers to honor their loan contracts is generally dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions prevailing in Colorado, among other factors.

Loans acquired in a business combination, that on the date of acquisition reflected evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which collection of all contractually required payments was not probable, were designated as purchased credit impaired or “PCI” loans. In the September 8, 2016 Home State transaction, the Company designated $2,108,000 of loans as PCI. In the October 27, 2017 Castle Rock transaction, the Company designated $1,283,000 of loans as PCI. As of December 31, 2017, $1,622,000 in PCI loans remained in the Company’s loan portfolio. Loans not designated as PCI (“Non-PCI” loans) comprise the significant majority of the Company’s loan portfolio and consist of internally originated loans in addition to acquired loans. Acquired Non-PCI loans were designated as such as of the date of acquisition for one or both of the following reasons: (1) management considered the collection of all contractually required payments probable, and (2) the loan demonstrated no evidence of credit deterioration since origination.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, acquisition-related discounts and any deferred fees or costs. Acquired loans are recorded upon acquisition at fair value, with no associated allowance for loan loss. However, if subsequent to acquisition the

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

credit quality of an acquired loan deteriorates, an allowance may be required. Accounting for loans is performed consistently across all portfolio segments and classes.

A portfolio segment is defined in accounting guidance as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for loan losses. A class is defined in accounting guidance as a group of loans having similar initial measurement attributes, risk characteristics and methods for monitoring and assessing risk.

Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance of the Company’s loans. Loan origination fees, net of direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to the related loan yield using the effective interest method without anticipating prepayments. Purchase discount or premium on acquired, Non-PCI loans is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of such loans using the effective interest method, or taken into income when the related loans are paid off or sold. With respect to PCI loans, the “accretable yield”, calculated as the excess of undiscounted expected cash flows over the present value of expected cash flows, is accreted into income over the term of the loan assuming the amount and timing of cash flows are reasonably estimable.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued (and the loan is put on nonaccrual status) at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the loan is well secured and in process of collection. The time at which a loan enters past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off prior to the date on which they would otherwise enter past due status if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. The interest on a nonaccrual loan is accounted for using the cost-recovery or cash-basis method, until the loan qualifies for a return to the accrual-basis method. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero, with payments received being applied first to the principal balance of the loan. Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recognized when the payment is received in cash. A loan is returned to accrual status after the delinquent borrower’s financial condition has improved, when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and when the likelihood of the borrower making future timely payments is reasonably assured.

Financial instruments include off‑balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount of each item represents the Company’s total exposure to loss with respect to the item before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

(h)Allowance for Loan Losses and Allowance for Unfunded Commitments

The allowance for loan losses or “the allowance” is a valuation allowance for probable incurred loan losses and is reported as a reduction of outstanding loan balances.

Management evaluates the amount of the allowance on a regular basis based upon its periodic review of the collectability of the Company’s loans. Factors affecting the collectability of the loans include the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect borrowers’ ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Management maintains the allowance at a level that it deems appropriate to adequately provide for probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio and other extensions of credit. The Company’s methodology for estimating the allowance is consistent across all portfolio segments and classes of loans.

Loans deemed to be uncollectable are charged-off and deducted from the allowance. The Company’s loan portfolio primarily consists of non-homogeneous commercial and real estate loans where charge-offs are considered on a loan-by-loan basis based on the facts and circumstances, including management’s evaluation of collateral values in comparison to book values on collateral-dependent loans. Charge-offs on smaller balance unsecured homogenous type loans such as overdrafts and ready reserves are recognized by the time the loan in question is 90 days past due. The provision for loan losses and recoveries on loans previously charged-off are added to the allowance.

The allowance consists of both specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired. All loans are subject to individual impairment evaluation should the pertinent facts and circumstances suggest that such evaluation is necessary. Factors considered by

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

management in determining impairment include the loan’s payment status and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when they become due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the original underlying loan agreement. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. If a loan is impaired, a portion, if any, of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s original contractual rate or at the fair value of collateral, less estimated selling costs, if repayment is expected solely from collateral. Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) are separately identified for impairment disclosures. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral-dependent loan, impairment of the loan is measured using the fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs. Likewise, if a TDR is not collateral-dependent, impairment is measured by the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective rate at inception. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of reserve in accordance with its accounting policy for the allowance.

The general component of the allowance covers all other loans not specifically identified as impaired and is determined by calculating losses recognized by portfolio segment during the current credit cycle and adjusted based on management’s evaluation of various qualitative factors. In performing this calculation, loans are aggregated into one of three portfolio segments: Real Estate, Consumer and Commercial & Other. An assessment of risks impacting loans in each of these portfolio segments is performed, and qualitative adjustment factors, which will adjust the historical loss rate, are estimated. These qualitative adjustment factors consider current conditions relative to conditions present throughout the current credit cycle in the following areas: credit quality, loan class concentration levels, economic conditions, loan growth dynamics and organizational conditions. The historical loss experience is adjusted for management’s estimate of the impact of these factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment.

The Company recognizes a liability in relation to unfunded commitments that is intended to represent the estimated future losses on commitments. In calculating the amount of this liability, management considers the amount of the Company’s off-balance sheet commitments, estimated utilization factors and loan specific risk factors. The Company’s liability for unfunded commitments is calculated quarterly and the liability is included under “other liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheet.

(i)Loans Held for Sale

Particular loans may be considered “held for sale” as of the Company’s balance sheet date. The Company routinely sells SBA guaranteed loans, and historically has designated select classified or nonaccrual loans as held-for-sale as part of its strategy to dispose of these non-earning assets. Once the decision is made to sell a loan, the loan is designated as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or fair value, with any required write-down being taken at the time of the reclassification.

(j) Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

(k)Other Real Estate Owned and Foreclosed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If the asset’s fair value declines subsequent to the asset’s acquisition, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating revenues and expenses of these assets and reductions in the fair value of the assets are included in noninterest expense. Gains and losses on their disposition are also included in noninterest expense.

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(l)Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Buildings, equipment and software are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed on the straight-line method over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the lease term. Buildings and leasehold improvements carry an estimated useful life of five to 40 years and equipment and software carry an estimated useful life of one to 15 years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to noninterest expense as incurred.

(m)Bank Stocks

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. The Bank also owns Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock, Bankers’ Bank of the West (BBW) stock and Pacific Coast Bankers’ Bank (PCBB) stock. FHLB, FRB, BBW and PCBB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically reviewed for impairment based on the likelihood of ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

(n)Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill was recorded in both the Home State and Castle Rock transactions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets less liabilities. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and evaluated for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate that such an evaluation is necessary.

Core deposit intangible assets (“CDI assets”) are recognized at the time of their acquisition based on valuations prepared by independent third parties or other estimates of fair value. In preparing such valuations, management considers variables such as deposit servicing costs, attrition rates and market discount rates. CDI assets are amortized to expense over their useful lives, ranging from 10 years to 15 years.

Customer relationship intangible assets are recognized at the time of their acquisition based upon management’s estimate of their fair value. In preparing their valuation, management considers variables such as growth in existing customer base, attrition rates and market discount rates. The customer relationship intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful life, which has been estimated to be 10 years.

(o)Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, less costs to sell.

Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell, classified as held for sale and moved into other assets. At the time of the transfer into held for sale depreciation is suspended. During 2017, the Company recognized $394,000 in impairment charges on three properties acquired in the Home State transaction and designated as held for sale during the year. During 2016, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $185,000 on a long-lived asset. During 2015 the Company recognized $122,000 in impairment charges on the sale of a former branch facility.

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(p)Derivative Instruments

The Company records all derivatives on its consolidated balance sheet at fair value. At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to the derivative’s likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand-alone derivative”). To date, the Company has entered into cash flow hedges and stand-alone derivative agreements but has not entered into any fair value hedges. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction impacts earnings. Any portion of the cash flow hedge not deemed highly effective in hedging the changes in expected cash flows of the hedged item is recognized immediately in current earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as noninterest income.

The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions, at the inception of the derivative contract. This documentation includes linking cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedge is highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items.

(q)Stock Incentive Plan

The Company’s Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) provided for the grant of equity-based awards representing up to a total of 1,700,000 shares of voting common stock to key employees, nonemployee directors, consultants and prospective employees. The Incentive Plan expired by its terms on April 4, 2015. At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders on May 5, 2015, the Company’s stockholders approved the Guaranty Bancorp 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which had been previously approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The 2015 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock awards, stock unit awards, performance stock awards, stock appreciation rights, and other equity-based awards representing up to a total of 935,000 shares of voting common stock to key employees, nonemployee directors, consultants and prospective employees. All awards issued under the Incentive Plan will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms despite the expiration of the Incentive Plan; however, any awards granted subsequent to the expiration of the Incentive Plan have been, and will continue to be, issued under the 2015 Plan. As of December 31, 2017 there were 619,819shares remaining available for grant under the 2015 Plan.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had granted stock awards under both the Incentive Plan and the 2015 plan. The Company recognizes stock compensation expense for services received in a share-based payment transaction over the requisite service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The compensation cost of employee and director services received in exchange for stock awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award, as determined by quoted market prices. Stock compensation expense is recognized using an estimated forfeiture rate, adjusted as necessary to reflect actual forfeitures. The Company has issued stock awards that vest based on the passage of time over service periods of one to five years (in some cases vesting in annual installments, in other cases cliff vesting at the end of the service period), and other stock awards that vest contingent upon the satisfaction of certain performance conditions. The last date on which outstanding performance stock awards may vest is February 15, 2020. Compensation cost related to the performance stock awards is recognized based on an evaluation of expected financial performance in comparison to established criteria. Should expectations of the Company’s future financial performance change, expense to be recognized in future periods could be impacted.

(r)Stock Repurchase Plan

On February 12, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the extension of the expiration date of the Company’s share repurchase program originally announced in April 2014. Due to previous extensions the program was scheduled to expire on April 2, 2018, however, this most recent extension extends

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

the expiration date of the repurchase program through April 2, 2019. Pursuant to the program, the Company may repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its voting common stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of the date of this filing, the Company had not repurchased any shares under the program.

(s)Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Bank has life insurance policies on certain key executives and former key executives.Bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date,  which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts likely due at settlement.

(t)Income Taxes

Income tax expense is the total of the current year’s income tax payable or refundable and the increase or decrease in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of the enactment date. During 2017 the President of the United States signed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”) which reduced the statutory Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018. As a result, the Company’s existing deferred tax assets and liabilities expecting to be reversed beginning in 2018 had to be re-measured in 2017 using the updated statutory rates applicable in 2018. The re-measurement of the Company’s net deferred tax asset resulted in a $976,000 re-measurement charge being recognized in income tax expense in 2017.

Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the Company will not realize some portion of, or the entire deferred tax asset. In assessing the Company’s likelihood of realizing deferred tax assets, management evaluates both positive and negative evidence, forecasts of future income, taking into account applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. Management performs this analysis quarterly and adjusts as necessary.At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $1,802,000 and $4,846,000, respectively, which includes the deferred tax asset associated with the net unrealized loss on securities and interest rate swaps. The portion of the total deferred tax asset relating to net unrealized losses on securities and interest rate swaps was $1,867,000 as of December 31, 2017 and $4,124,000 as of December 31, 2016. After analyzing the composition of and changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities and considering the Company’s forecasted future taxable income and various tax planning strategies, including the intent to hold the securities available for sale that were in a loss position until maturity, management determined that as of December 31, 2017, it was more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset would be fully realized. As a result, there was no valuation allowance with respect to the Company’s deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The Company and the Bank are subject to U.S. federal income tax, State of Colorado income tax and income tax in other states. Generally, the Company is no longer subject to examination by Federal taxing authorities for years before 2014 and is no longer subject to examination by the State of Colorado for years before 2013. The Company recognizes interest related to income tax matters as interest expense and penalties related to income tax matters as other noninterest expense. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any amounts accrued for interest or penalties.

(u)Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information

The Company operates as a single segment. The operating information used by the Company’s executive officers and its Chief Executive Officer for purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions impacting the Company is the consolidated financial data presented in this report. For the years ended 2017, 2016, and 2015 the Company had one active operating subsidiary, the Bank. The Company has determined that banking is its one reportable business segment.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(v)Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share represents the earnings allocable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares that may be issued by the Company represent unvested stock awards subject to a service or performance condition.

Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following calculation of weighted average shares outstanding:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017	2016	2015
Average common shares outstanding	28,056,588	23,267,108	21,065,590
Effect of dilutive unvested stock grants (1)	287,099	292,839	206,746
Average shares outstanding for calculated
diluted earnings per common share	28,343,687	23,559,947	21,272,336
_____________

(1) Unvested stock grants representing 434,149 shares at December 31, 2017 had a dilutive impact of 287,099 shares in the diluted earnings per share calculation. Unvested stock grants representing 513,187 shares at December 31, 2016 had a dilutive impact of 292,839 shares in the diluted earnings per share calculation. Unvested stock grants representing 590,755 shares at December 31, 2015 had a dilutive impact of 206,746 shares in the diluted earnings per share calculation.

(w)Dividend Restrictions

Holders of voting common stock are entitled to dividends out of funds legally available for such dividends, when, and if, declared by the Board of Directors.

Various banking laws applicable to the Bank limit the payment of dividends, management fees and other distributions by the Bank to the Company, and may therefore limit our ability to pay dividends on our common stock. Under these laws, the Bank is currently required to request permission from the Federal Reserve and the Colorado Division of Banking prior to payment of a dividend to the Company.

Any future determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors, including general business conditions, our financial results, our future prospects, capital requirements, contractual, legal, and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by the Bank to the holding company, and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

On February 12, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 16.25 cents per share, payable on March 2, 2018 to stockholders of record on February 23, 2018.

(x)Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 18 “Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments”. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

(y)Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of a loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Loss contingencies are more fully disclosed in Note 15 “Legal Contingencies”.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(z)Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Adoption of New Accounting Standards:

In March 2016, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2016-09 Compensation-Stock Compensation. The purpose of the update was to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences of such transactions. Under the provisions of the update, the income tax consequences of excess tax benefits and deficiencies are recognized in income tax expense in the reporting period in which the awards vest. Previously, excess tax benefits or deficiencies impacted stockholders’ equity directly to the extent there was an existing cumulative excess tax benefit. The update also provided that entities may continue to estimate forfeitures in accounting for stock-based compensation or recognize them as they occur; the Company has elected to continue to estimate forfeitures. The provisions of this update become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however early adoption was permitted beginning in 2016. The Company adopted the provisions of the update in the fourth quarter 2016 with the most significant impact being $528,000 of excess tax benefit in restricted stock vestings directly reducing 2016 income tax expense. In 2017, excess tax benefits related to restricted stock vestings reduced income tax expense by $764,000.

Recently Issued but not yet Effective Accounting Standards:

In May 2014, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, codified at ASC 606. The main provisions of the update require the identification of performance obligations within a contract and require the recognition of revenue based on a stand-alone allocation of contract revenue to each performance obligation. Performance obligations may be satisfied and revenue recognized over a period of time if: (i) the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the entity’s performance as the entity performs, or (ii) the entity’s performance creates or enhances an asset that the customer controls as the asset is created or enhanced, or (iii) the entity’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the entity and the entity has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date. For public business entities, the amendments of this update are effective beginning with interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Interest income earned on financial instruments is outside of the scope of the update, and as a result the impact of the update is limited to certain components of noninterest income. The Company adopted ASC 606, utilizing the modified retrospective transition method on January 1, 2018. Because the Company’s noninterest income is primarily generated by customer transactions or attributable to the passage of time (wealth management fees), ASC 606 will not have a material impact on the timing of revenue recognized in our income statement and there will be no cumulative transition adjustment to retained earnings in 2018 for revenue relating to uncompleted customer contracts as of December 31, 2017. Management has concluded that the requirements of this update will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and has concluded that the most significant impact will be the disaggregated disclosure of certain components of noninterest income.

In January 2016, the FASB released accounting standards update 2016-01 Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities. The main provisions of the update are to eliminate the available for sale classification of accounting for equity securities and to adjust the fair value disclosures for financial instruments carried at amortized costs such that the disclosed fair values represent an exit price as opposed to an entry price. The provisions of this update will require that equity securities be carried at fair market value on the balance sheet and any periodic changes in value will be adjustments to the income statement. A practical expedient is provided for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value, such that these securities can be carried at cost less any impairment. The provisions of this update become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The disclosure of the fair value of the loan portfolio will be impacted as the fair value will be calculated using an exit price. Management has selected a consultant to assist with the exit pricing valuation of loans as of March 31, 2018. Management does not expect the requirements of this update to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2016-02 Leases. The update requires all leases, with the exception of short-term leases that have contractual terms of no greater than one year, to be recorded on the balance sheet. Under the provisions of the update, leases classified as operating will be reflected on the balance sheet with the recognition of both a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. Under the

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

update, a distinction will exist between finance and operating type leases and the rules for determining which classification a lease will fall into are similar to existing rules. For public business entities, the amendments of this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The update requires a modified retrospective transition under which comparative balance sheets from the earliest historical period presented will be revised to reflect what the financials would have looked like were the provisions of the update applied consistently in all prior periods. Management is in the process of evaluating the impacts of the update on the Company’s financial position and does not expect the requirements of the update to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Based on leases outstanding at December 31, 2017, we anticipate total assets and total liabilities will increase between $9,000,000 and $11,000,000 as the result of additional leases being recognized on our balance sheet. Decisions to repurchase, modify, or renew leases prior to the implementation date will impact the results of the Company’s final analysis.

In June 2016, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, commonly referred to as “CECL”. The provisions of the update eliminate the probable initial recognition threshold under current GAAP which requires reserves to be based on an incurred loss methodology. Under CECL reserves required for financial assets measured at amortized cost will reflect an organization’s estimate of all expected credit losses over the contractual term of the financial asset and thereby require the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate future credit losses. Because CECL encompasses all financial assets carried at amortized cost, the requirement that reserves be established based on an organization’s reasonable and supportable estimate of expected credit losses extends to held to maturity (“HTM”) debt securities. Under the provisions of the update credit losses recognized on available for sale (“AFS”) debt securities will be presented as an allowance as opposed to a write-down. In addition, CECL will modify the accounting for purchased loans, so that reserves are established at the date of acquisition for purchased loans. Under current GAAP a purchased loan’s contractual balance is adjusted to fair value through a credit discount and no reserve is recorded on the purchased loan upon acquisition. Since under CECL reserves will be established for purchased loans at the time of acquisition the accounting for purchased loans is made more comparable to the accounting for originated loans. Finally, increased disclosure requirements under CECL require organizations to present the currently required credit quality disclosures disaggregated by the year of origination or vintage. The FASB expects that the evaluation of underwriting standards and credit quality trends by financial statement users will be enhanced with the additional vintage disclosures. For public business entities that are SEC filers the amendments of the update will become effective beginning January 1, 2020. The Company has formed a cross-functional committee that is assessing our data and system needs and has begun working with an external vendor regarding the development of a CECL-compliant model and the gathering of the requisite data. Management expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, but cannot yet estimate the magnitude or direction of the one-time adjustment or the overall impact of the new guidance on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice of how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017; however early adoption is permitted. The provisions of the update outline the appropriate classification of debt extinguishment costs, repayment of debt instruments with insignificant coupons, contingent consideration payments made subsequent to a business combination, insurance proceeds, premiums and settlements on bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions from equity method investees, beneficial interest in securitizations and the appropriate classification of payments and receipts that contain aspects of multiple classes of cash flows. Management does not expect the update to materially impact the Company’s statement of cash flows, although the classification of certain items could shift relative to past presentation.

In January 2017, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The provisions of the update eliminate the existing second step of the goodwill impairment test which provides for the allocation of reporting unit fair value among existing assets and liabilities, with the net leftover amount representing the implied fair value of goodwill. In replacement of the existing goodwill impairment rule, the update will provide that impairment should be recognized as the excess of any of the reporting unit’s carrying value over the fair value of the reporting unit. Under the provisions of this update, the amount of the impairment is limited to the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. For public business entities that are SEC filers, the amendments of the update will become effective in fiscal years

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

beginning after December 15, 2019. Management does not expect the requirements of this update to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments in this update provide a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. Because the current definition of a business is interpreted broadly and can be difficult to apply, feedback received by FASB indicated that analyzing transactions can be inefficient and costly and that the current definition does not permit the use of reasonable judgment. The amendments provide more consistency in applying the guidance, reduce the costs of application, and make the definition of a business more operable. The amendments in this update become effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Management does not expect the requirements of this update to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2017, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The provisions of the update require premiums recognized upon the purchase of callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date in order to avoid losses recognized upon call. For public business entities that are SEC filers, the amendments of the update will become effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management does not expect the requirements of this update to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2017, the FASB issued accounting standards update 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align a company’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. Adoption of the standard also provides a one-time opportunity to transfer held to maturity securities to available for sale. The update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The update requires a modified retrospective transition method in which the Company will recognize the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity in the statement of financial position as of the date of adoption. The provisions of the standard impacting the accounting for hedges designated as fair value hedges will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as the Company does not have any fair value hedges. The Company is currently evaluating whether the opportunity to transfer held to maturity securities to the available for sale designation would be beneficial.

In February 2018, the FASB issued accounting standards updated 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments of the update allow an optional reclassification for stranded tax effects included in accumulated other comprehensive income, resulting from the reduction in the U.S. Statutory Corporate Income Tax Rate as provided for in the Tax Act. As a result of the December 22, 2017 signing of the Tax Act, the Company recognized a $976,000 re-measurement of its net deferred tax assets, including a re-measurement of $1,011,000 in a net deferred tax asset related to unrealized losses on available for sale securities, cash flow hedges and held to maturity securities previously transferred from available for sale. Because the tax effect of variations in unrealized losses of available for sale securities, cash flow hedges and transferred held to maturity securities impact accumulated other comprehensive income the Company had a stranded tax effect of $1,011,000 included in its December 31, 2017 accumulated other comprehensive income. The provisions of the update are effective for all entities beginning with fiscal years commencing after December 15, 2018, with early adoption allowed in any interim period or for financial statements not yet issued as of the date the FASB issued the accounting standards update. The Company is currently evaluating the potential adoption of the update.  

(aa)Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior year balances have been made to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on the Company’s total assets, stockholder's equity, net income or net change in cash and cash equivalents.

(3)Business Combinations

On July 18, 2017, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Castle Rock Merger Agreement”) with Castle Rock Bank Holding Company (“Castle Rock”), parent company of Castle Rock

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Bank, a Colorado state chartered bank headquartered in Castle Rock, Colorado whereby Castle Rock would merge into the Company. The transaction closed on October 27, 2017 with an aggregate transaction value of $24,421,000. The Castle Rock Merger Agreement provided that, subject to certain conditions, Castle Rock shareholders would receive 840,629 shares of Company voting common stock valued at $24,420,000 based on the Company’s closing stock price on October 27, 2017 of $29.05, in addition to approximately $1,000 in cash paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares of Company stock.

On March 16, 2016, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Home State Merger Agreement”) with Home State, parent company of Home State Bank, a Colorado state chartered bank headquartered in Loveland, Colorado whereby Home State would merge into the Company. The transaction closed on September 8, 2016 with an aggregate transaction value of $152,478,000. The Home State Merger Agreement provided that, subject to certain conditions, Home State shareholders would receive 6,533,756 shares of Company voting common stock valued at $117,477,000 based on the Company’s closing stock price on September 8, 2016 of $17.98, in addition to $35,001,000 in cash.

The Home State and Castle Rock transactions enhanced the Company’s balance sheet liquidity and supported the Company’s objective of serving the banking needs of business and consumer customers in Colorado’s Front Range markets.

Castle Rock’s and Home State’s results of operations subsequent to the respective merger dates have been included in the Company’s results of operations, however, it is impractical to provide separate information on Castle Rock’s or Home State’s revenues and income subsequent to acquisition due to changes in the consolidated balance sheet. Pre-tax merger expenses of $3,587,000 and $6,259,000 were included in the Company’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The pre-tax merger expenses incurred during 2017 were comprised exclusively of expenses recorded in other general and administrative expense, however, pre-tax merger expenses in 2016 consisted of $1,915,000 in salaries and employee benefits expense and $4,344,000 in other general and administrative expense. In addition to pre-tax merger costs recognized as expense, the Company incurred debt-issuance and stock-issuance costs of $830,000 and $834,000, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company did not incur debt-issuance or stock-issuance costs in association with the Castle Rock transaction. Debt-issuance costs are recorded as a reduction to subordinated debentures and stock-issuance costs are recorded as a reduction to additional paid in capital on the Company’s balance sheet.

Goodwill of $8,702,000 and $56,404,000, respectively, was recognized in the Castle Rock and Home State transactions. The recognized goodwill represents expected synergies and cost savings resulting from combining the operations of the acquired institutions with those of the Company. Due to the tax-free structure of both transactions, the recognized goodwill was not deductible for tax purposes in either acquisition. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at acquisition are subject to measurement period adjustments, should information obtained in a subsequent period shed light on the valuations utilized as of the acquisition date. In the fourth quarter 2016, the receipt of final valuations from the Home State transaction resulted in the reduction in the fair value of acquired assets by $256,000, with the net impact of these changes offset by a $256,000 increase in goodwill. These adjustments included changes in the acquired fair value of investments, premises and equipment, other assets and liabilities, and the related impact to deferred income taxes. Impacts to income and expense recognized in the fourth quarter 2016 related to adjustments to the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities were not material.

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the October 27, 2017 transaction with Castle Rock, and reflects all adjustments made to the fair value of the opening balance sheet through December 31, 2017:

Assets acquired:
		(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	21,717
Securities available for sale		39,670
Bank stocks		705
Net Loans		71,052
Premises and equipment, net		4,184
Other real estate owned		761
Goodwill		8,702
Other intangible assets, net		1,870
Bank owned life insurance		3,371
Other assets		1,048
Total assets acquired		153,080
Liabilities assumed:
Deposits		128,450
Other liabilities		209
Total liabilities assumed		128,659
Net Assets Acquired	$	24,421

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the September 8, 2016 transaction with Home State, and reflects all adjustments made to the fair value of the opening balance sheet through December 31, 2017:

Assets acquired:
		(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,849
Time deposits with banks		504
Securities available for sale		396,450
Securities held to held maturity		850
Bank stocks		1,477
Net Loans		445,529
Premises and equipment, net		22,950
Other real estate owned		45
Goodwill		56,404
Other intangible assets, net		11,701
Other assets		8,118
Total assets acquired		955,877
Liabilities assumed:
Deposits		769,709
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase and federal funds purchased		19,985
Federal Home Loan Bank term notes		2,525
Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit borrowing		2,052
Other liabilities		9,128
Total liabilities assumed		803,399
Net Assets Acquired	$	152,478

The fair value of net assets acquired includes fair value adjustments to certain loans that were considered impaired as of the acquisition date. The fair value adjustments were determined using discounted expected cash flows. Acquired loans that evidence credit deterioration since origination, for which the acquirer does not expect to collect all contractual cash flows, are designated as PCI upon acquisition. The gross contractual amount of loans identified as PCI as of the acquisition date totaled $1,644,000 in the Castle Rock transaction and $2,834,000 in the Home State transaction. Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected as of acquisition date on these PCI loans totaled $320,000 in the Castle Rock transaction and $531,000 in the Home State transaction. Additionally, Castle Rock and Home State PCI loans had an interest rate fair value adjustment of $41,000 and $195,000,  

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

respectively, bringing the net fair value of acquired PCI loans to $1,283,000 in the Castle Rock transaction and $2,108,000 in the Home State transaction. The cash flows on the Company’s PCI loans cannot be reliably estimated and as a result these loans have been designated as nonaccrual. Loans that were not designated PCI in the Castle Rock transaction had a fair value and contractual balance of $69,769,000 and $72,220,000 as of October 27, 2017. Loans that were not designated PCI in the Home State transaction had a fair value and contractual balance of $443,421,000 and $458,014,000 as of September 8, 2016. The credit component of the fair value adjustment on non-PCI loans as of acquisition totaled $1,494,000 and $8,358,000 in the Castle Rock and Home State transactions representing 2.1% and 1.8% of their respective contractual balances. No allowance for loan losses related to acquired loans was brought over as a result of either the Castle Rock or Home State transaction.

The composition of Castle Rock’s portfolio as of October 27, 2017 is detailed in the table below:

		October 27,
		2017
		(In thousands)
Commercial and residential real estate	$	51,531
Construction		6,337
Commercial		5,666
Agricultural		3,735
Consumer		3,783
Total gross loans		71,052

The composition of Home State’s portfolio as of September 8, 2016 is detailed in the table below:

		September 8,
		2016
		(In thousands)
Commercial and residential real estate	$	294,069
Construction		39,947
Commercial		45,996
Agricultural		7,906
Consumer		16,460
SBA		25,227
Other		15,924
Total gross loans		445,529

The following tables present unaudited pro-forma financial information as if the Castle Rock transaction occurred as of January 1, 2016. The unaudited pro-forma information includes adjustments for interest income on loans and securities acquired, amortization of intangibles arising from the transaction and the related tax effects. The unaudited pro forma financial information has been adjusted to exclude nonrecurring expenses related to the Castle Rock transaction. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the transactions been effected on January 1, 2016.  

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016
UNAUDITED		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net interest income	$	125,203	$	95,889
Noninterest income		25,952		19,918
Net income		42,178		26,710
Earnings per common share-basic:	$	1.47	$	1.11
Earnings per common share-diluted:	$	1.45	$	1.09

Unaudited pro forma net income for 2017 excludes $3,587,000 in merger-related expenses incurred by the Company and $139,000 in merger-related expenses incurred by Castle Rock during the year ended December 31, 2017. These expenses were excluded since they were nonrecurring in nature and directly attributable to the transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2016, no merger-related expense adjustments were made to pro

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

forma income. Adjustment of net interest income and noninterest income for nonrecurring income or expense directly related to the acquisition was not necessary for the years ending December 31, 2017 and December31,2016.

(4)Securities

The fair value of available for sale debt securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(“AOCI”) were as follows as of the dates presented:

	December 31, 2017
		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Amortized Cost
		(In thousands)
Securities available for sale:
State and municipal	$	82,486	$	530	$	(1,224)	$	83,180
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		131,180		133		(3,069)		134,116
Corporate		103,512		546		(1,320)		104,286
Collateralized loan obligations		12,799		17		(51)		12,833
Total securities available for sale	$	329,977	$	1,226	$	(5,664)	$	334,415

	December 31, 2016
		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Amortized Cost
		(In thousands)
Securities available for sale:
State and municipal	$	81,608	$	91	$	(2,542)	$	84,059
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		129,832		347		(3,117)		132,602
Mortgage-backed - private / residential		265		-		(6)		271
Corporate		86,246		288		(1,357)		87,315
Collateralized loan obligations		26,277		50		(66)		26,293
Total securities available for sale	$	324,228	$	776	$	(7,088)	$	330,540

During the fourth quarter 2016, the Company reclassified, at fair value, approximately $63,432,000 in available for sale municipal bonds, asset-backed securities and mortgage backed securities to the held to maturity category, primarily to limit future volatility in equity due to potential increases in interest rates. The related unrealized pre-tax losses of approximately $828,000 remained in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities, offsetting the related accretion of discount on the transferred securities. No gains or losses were recognized at the time of reclassification. No transfers of securities occurred in 2017.

During the first quarter 2015, the Company reclassified, at fair value, approximately $49,084,000 in available for sale mortgage-backed, asset-backed and municipal securities to the held to maturity category, primarily to limit future volatility in equity due to potential increases in interest rates. The related unrealized pre-tax losses of approximately $750,000 remained in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and will continue to be amortized over the remaining life of the securities. No gains or losses were recognized at the time of reclassification.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The carrying amount, unrecognized gains/losses and fair value of securities held to maturity were as follows as of the dates presented:

		Fair Value		Gross Unrecognized Gains		Gross Unrecognized Losses		Amortized Cost
		(In thousands)
December 31, 2017:
State and municipal	$	136,490	$	1,121	$	(1,530)	$	136,899
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		103,925		315		(2,088)		105,698
Asset-backed		16,050		7		(76)		16,119
Other		1,200		-		-		1,200
	$	257,665	$	1,443	$	(3,694)	$	259,916
December 31, 2016:
State and municipal	$	118,734	$	745	$	(3,120)	$	121,109
Mortgage-backed - agency / residential		100,565		507		(2,590)		102,648
Asset-backed		18,905		9		(126)		19,022
Other		1,200		-		-		1,200
	$	239,404	$	1,261	$	(5,836)	$	243,979

The proceeds from sales and calls of securities and the associated gains are listed below:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Proceeds	$	80,027	$	370,111	$	27,985
Gross gains		334		2,486		217
Gross losses		(340)		(2,608)		(85)
Net tax (benefit) expense related to
gains (losses) on sale		(2)		(46)		50

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale and held to maturity debt securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2017 are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are presented separately.

		Available for Sale
December 31, 2017		Fair Value		Amortized Cost
		(In thousands)
Securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less	$	6,058	$	6,041
Due after one year through five years		18,956		18,949
Due after five years through ten years		105,554		107,156
Due after ten years		55,430		55,320
Total AFS, excluding mortgage-backed (MBS)
and collateralized loan obligations		185,998		187,466
Mortgage-backed and collateralized
loan obligations		143,979		146,949
Total securities available for sale	$	329,977	$	334,415

		Held to Maturity
December 31, 2017		Fair Value		Amortized Cost
		(In thousands)
Securities held to maturity:
Due in one year or less	$	1,524	$	1,504
Due after one year through five years		15,672		15,699
Due after five years through ten years		74,774		75,282
Due after ten years		45,720		45,614
Total HTM, excluding MBS and asset-backed		137,690		138,099
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed		119,975		121,817
Total securities held to maturity	$	257,665	$	259,916

Securities with carrying values of $219,621,000 and $237,036,000 were pledged at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, as collateral for various lines of credit, public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law. Fluctuations in the fair value of these securities, and/or the fluctuation in public deposits or customer repurchase agreement balances, may result in the need to pledge additional securities against these borrowings. Management monitors the Bank’s collateral position with respect to public deposits and repurchase agreement borrowings on a daily basis. At December 31, 2017, approximately $367,587,000 of securities were unpledged. At December 31, 2016, approximately $328,946,000 of securities were unpledged.

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table presents the fair value and the unrealized loss on securities that were temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2017, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position:

December 31, 2017		Less than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(In thousands)
Description of securities:
Available for sale:
State and municipal	$	8,710	$	(82)	$	36,894	$	(1,142)	$	45,604	$	(1,224)
Mortgage-backed - agency /
residential		43,494		(315)		77,909		(2,754)		121,403		(3,069)
Corporate		38,267		(567)		23,731		(753)		61,998		(1,320)
Collateralized loan obligations		4,532		(13)		3,011		(38)		7,543		(51)
Held to maturity:
State and municipal		18,521		(167)		69,314		(2,057)		87,835		(2,224)
Mortgage-backed - agency /
residential		19,721		(162)		78,472		(2,685)		98,193		(2,847)
Asset-backed		-		-		16,051		(448)		16,051		(448)
Total temporarily impaired	$	133,245	$	(1,306)	$	305,382	$	(9,877)	$	438,627	$	(11,183)

The table above presents unrealized losses on held to maturity securities since the date of the securities purchase, independent of the impact associated with changes in cost basis upon transfer from available for sale to held to maturity.

In determining whether or not there is an OTTI for a security, management considers many factors, including: (i) the length of time for which and the extent to which the security’s fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the security’s issuer, (iii) whether the decline in the security’s value was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (iv) whether the Company intends to sell the security and whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before a recovery in its fair value. The assessment of whether an OTTI exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a particular point in time. There were no accumulated credit losses on any of the Company’s securities as of December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2017, there were 255 individual securities in an unrealized loss position, including 194 individual securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer. Management has evaluated these securities in addition to the remaining 61 securities in an unrealized loss position and has determined that the decline in value since their purchase dates was primarily attributable to fluctuations in market interest rates and does not reflect a decline in the underlying issuers’ ability to repay. Management determined that the increase in the number of securities in an unrealized loss position in excess of 12 months from 10 securities at December 31, 2016 to 194 securities at December 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to the increase in securities resulting from the Home State transaction in addition to the timing of interest rate fluctuations. The total number of securities in an unrealized loss position decreased from 271 individual securities at December 31, 2016 to 255 securities at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2017, the Company did not intend to sell, and did not consider it likely that it would be required to sell, any of these securities prior to recovery in their fair value.

The Company’s unrated and rated municipal bond securities, along with the Company’s other rated investment securities, are subject to an annual internal review process that management has historically performed in the fourth quarter. The review process includes a review of the securities’ issuers’ most recent financial statements, including an evaluation of the expected sufficiency of the issuers’ cash flows relative to their debt service requirements. In addition, management considers any interim information made available to it that would prompt the need for more frequent review. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company’s unrated municipal bonds comprised approximately 4.4% and 5.0%, respectively, of the carrying value of the Company’s entire municipal bond portfolio.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table presents the fair value and the unrealized loss on securities that were temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2016, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position:

December 31, 2016		Less than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(In thousands)
Description of securities:
Available for sale:
State and municipal	$	47,434	$	(2,542)	$	-	$	-	$	47,434	$	(2,542)
Mortgage-backed - agency /
residential		93,909		(2,782)		9,526		(335)		103,435		(3,117)
Mortgage-backed - private /
residential		265		(6)		-		-		265		(6)
Corporate		49,964		(1,042)		5,685		(315)		55,649		(1,357)
Collateralized loan obligations		9,077		(17)		5,488		(49)		14,565		(66)
Held to maturity:
State and municipal		90,959		(3,804)		596		(259)		91,555		(4,063)
Mortgage-backed - agency /
residential		99,920		(3,442)		-		-		99,920		(3,442)
Asset-backed		15,690		(542)		3,216		(98)		18,906		(640)
Total temporarily impaired	$	407,218	$	(14,177)	$	24,511	$	(1,056)	$	431,729	$	(15,233)

At December 31, 2016, there were 271 individual securities in an unrealized loss position, including 10 individual securities that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer. Management evaluated these securities in addition to the remaining 261 securities in an unrealized loss position and determined that the decline in value since their purchase dates was primarily attributable to fluctuations in market interest rates and did not reflect a decline in the underlying issuers’ ability to repay. At December 31, 2016, the Company did not intend to sell, and did not consider it likely that it would be required to sell, any of these securities prior to recovery in their fair value.

(5)Bank Stocks

The Bank is a member of both the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka and is required to maintain an investment in the capital stock of each. The Federal Reserve, Federal Home Loan Bank and other bank stocks are restricted in that they can only be redeemed by the issuer at par value. The Company’s investments in these instruments at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City	$	12,495	$	12,104
Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka		10,235		8,895
Other bank stocks securities		1,689		1,650
Totals	$	24,419	$	22,649

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(6)Loans

A summary of loans held for investment by loan type is included in the following table:

		December 31,		December 31,
		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Commercial and residential real estate	$	1,977,431	$	1,768,424
Construction		99,965		88,451
Commercial		523,355		461,666
Agricultural		16,995		16,690
Consumer		143,066		125,264
SBA		44,121		52,380
Other		866		2,195
Total gross loans		2,805,799		2,515,070
Deferred (fees) and costs		(136)		(61)
Loans, held for investment, net		2,805,663		2,515,009
Less allowance for loan losses		(23,250)		(23,250)
Net loans, held for investment	$	2,782,413	$	2,491,759

During 2017, excluding the Castle Rock transaction, the Company purchased $98,940,000 in performing loans, included in our commercial and residential real estate, commercial and consumer loan portfolio segments. In comparison, during 2016, excluding the Home State transaction, the Company purchased $109,519,000 in performing loans included in our commercial and residential real estate and consumer loan portfolio segments.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated is as follows:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	23,250	$	23,000	$	22,490
Provision for loan losses		992		143		96
Loans charged-off		(1,550)		(721)		(238)
Recoveries on loans previously
charged-off		558		828		652
Balance, end of period	$	23,250	$	23,250	$	23,000

The Company’s additional disclosures relating to loans and the allowance for loan losses are broken out into two subsets, portfolio segment and class. The portfolio segment level is defined as the level where financing receivables are aggregated in developing the Company’s systematic method for calculating its allowance for loan losses. The class level is the second level at which credit information is presented and represents the categorization of financing related receivables at a slightly less aggregated level than the portfolio segment level. Because data presented according to class is dependent upon the underlying purpose of the loan, whereas loan data organized by portfolio segment is determined by the loan’s underlying collateral, disclosures broken out by portfolio segment versus class may not be in agreement. The disclosures in this footnote include both non-PCI and PCI loans. As of December 31, 2017, PCI loans acquired in the Castle Rock and Home State transactions are not considered material and as a result separate PCI disclosures are not included.

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables provide detail for the ending balances in the Company’s allowance for loan losses and loans held for investment, broken down by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. In addition, the table also provides a rollforward by portfolio segment of the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The detail provided for the amount of the allowance for loan losses and loans individually versus collectively evaluated for impairment (i.e., the specific component versus the general component of the allowance for loan losses) corresponds to the Company’s systematic methodology for estimating its allowance for loan losses.

		Real Estate		Consumer and Installment		Commercial and Other		Total
		(In thousands)
Allowance for Loan Losses
Balance as of January 1, 2015	$	19,607	$	39	$	2,844	$	22,490
Charge-offs		(21)		(12)		(205)		(238)
Recoveries		284		29		339		652
Provision (credit)		436		15		(355)		96
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$	20,306	$	71	$	2,623	$	23,000
Balance as of January 1, 2016	$	20,306	$	71	$	2,623	$	23,000
Charge-offs		(217)		(51)		(453)		(721)
Recoveries		340		14		474		828
Provision (credit)		(347)		71		419		143
Balance as of December 31, 2016	$	20,082	$	105	$	3,063	$	23,250
Balance as of January 1, 2017	$	20,082	$	105	$	3,063	$	23,250
Charge-offs		(386)		(106)		(1,058)		(1,550)
Recoveries		132		91		335		558
Provision (credit)		(1,283)		220		2,055		992
Balance as of December 31, 2017	$	18,545	$	310	$	4,395	$	23,250

Balances at December 31, 2017:
Allowance for Loan Losses
Individually evaluated	$	1	$	-	$	1,121	$	1,122
Collectively evaluated		18,544		310		3,274		22,128
Total	$	18,545	$	310	$	4,395	$	23,250
Loans
Individually evaluated	$	11,256	$	1	$	12,363	$	23,620
Collectively evaluated		2,225,944		74,675		481,424		2,782,043
Total	$	2,237,200	$	74,676	$	493,787	$	2,805,663

Balances at December 31, 2016:
Allowance for Loan Losses
Individually evaluated	$	29	$	-	$	193	$	222
Collectively evaluated		20,053		105		2,870		23,028
Total	$	20,082	$	105	$	3,063	$	23,250
Loans
Individually evaluated	$	22,728	$	2	$	7,645	$	30,375
Collectively evaluated		2,024,524		55,182		404,928		2,484,634
Total	$	2,047,252	$	55,184	$	412,573	$	2,515,009

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables provide additional detail with respect to impaired loans broken out according to class as of the dates indicated. The recorded investment included in the following table represents customer balances net of any partial charge-offs recognized on the loans, net of any deferred fees and costs. The unpaid balance represents the recorded balance prior to any partial charge-offs. Interest income recognized may exclude an immaterial amount of interest income on matured loans that are 90 days or more past due, but that are in the process of being renewed and thus are still accruing.

December 31, 2017		Recorded Investment		Unpaid Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment YTD		Interest Income Recognized YTD
		(In thousands)
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
Commercial and residential real estate	$	9,981	$	10,705	$	-	$	16,166	$	2,052
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial		1,006		1,553		-		886		195
Consumer		367		425		-		88		-
Other		2,233		2,838		-		1,066		62
Total	$	13,587	$	15,521	$	-	$	18,206	$	2,309
Impaired loans with a related allowance:
Commercial and residential real estate	$	46	$	157	$	1	$	779	$	-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial		9,807		9,899		1,120		5,262		447
Consumer		180		214		1		329		18
Other		-		-		-		635		6
Total	$	10,033	$	10,270	$	1,122	$	7,005	$	471
Total impaired loans:
Commercial and residential real estate	$	10,027	$	10,862	$	1	$	16,945	$	2,052
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial		10,813		11,452		1,120		6,148		642
Consumer		547		639		1		417		18
Other		2,233		2,838		-		1,701		68
Total impaired loans	$	23,620	$	25,791	$	1,122	$	25,211	$	2,780

104

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2016		Recorded Investment		Unpaid Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment YTD		Interest Income Recognized YTD
		(In thousands)
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
Commercial and residential real estate	$	20,477	$	21,140	$	-	$	13,875	$	1,911
Construction		-		-		-		592		-
Commercial		222		229		-		243		16
Consumer		18		19		-		117		2
Other		817		1,625		-		493		-
Total	$	21,534	$	23,013	$	-	$	15,320	$	1,929
Impaired loans with a related allowance:
Commercial and residential real estate	$	1,767	$	1,890	$	19	$	8,590	$	44
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial		6,371		6,423		155		2,937		309
Consumer		306		383		9		389		9
Other		397		444		39		348		-
Total	$	8,841	$	9,140	$	222	$	12,264	$	362
Total impaired loans:
Commercial and residential real estate	$	22,244	$	23,030	$	19	$	22,465	$	1,955
Construction		-		-		-		592		-
Commercial		6,593		6,652		155		3,180		325
Consumer		324		402		9		506		11
Other		1,214		2,069		39		841		-
Total impaired loans	$	30,375	$	32,153	$	222	$	27,584	$	2,291

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

December 31, 2017		30-89 Days Past Due		90 Days + Past Due and Still Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Nonaccrual and Past Due		Total Loans, Held for Investment
		(In thousands)
Commercial and residential
real estate	$	410	$	-	$	1,750	$	2,160	$	1,977,335
Construction		-		-		-		-		99,960
Commercial		1,663		-		2,079		3,742		523,330
Consumer		469		-		444		913		143,059
Other		327		-		1,281		1,608		61,979
Total	$	2,869	$	-	$	5,554	$	8,423	$	2,805,663

December 31, 2016		30-89 Days Past Due		90 Days + Past Due and Still Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Nonaccrual and Past Due		Total Loans, Held for Investment
		(In thousands)
Commercial and residential
real estate	$	1,258	$	-	$	2,835	$	4,093	$	1,768,381
Construction		-		-		-		-		88,449
Commercial		37		-		1,094		1,131		461,655
Consumer		42		-		201		243		125,261
Other		-		-		1,117		1,117		71,263
Total	$	1,337	$	-	$	5,247	$	6,584	$	2,515,009

If nonaccrual loans outstanding during 2017, 2016 and 2015 had been current in accordance with their original terms, $252,000,  $257,000 and $586,000 would have been recorded in incremental gross interest income during

105

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The income recognized on nonaccrual loans prior to impairment during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $93,000,  $163,000 and $90,000 respectively. During 2016 and 2015, $332,000 and $118,000 of cash basis interest income was recognized on a nonaccrual loan that was moved to accruing status in the third quarter of 2016; no cash basis interest income was recognized on nonaccrual loans in 2017. With the exception of cash basis interest income, the $2,780,000 and $2,291,000 in interest income recognized on impaired loans during 2017 and 2016, respectively, is primarily comprised of interest income recognized on performing TDRs.

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of a particular borrower to service its debt, such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings, which are consistent with the definitions used in supervisory guidance:

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

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

Loans not meeting the criteria above are considered to be non-classified loans.

The following tables provide detail for the risk categories of loans by class of loans based on the most recent credit analysis performed as of the dates indicated:

December 31, 2017		Commercial & Residential Real Estate		Construction		Commercial		Consumer		Other		Total
		(In thousands)
Non-classified	$	1,964,934	$	99,965	$	513,563	$	142,512	$	57,256	$	2,778,230
Substandard		12,497		-		9,792		554		4,726		27,569
Doubtful		-		-		-		-		-		-
Subtotal		1,977,431		99,965		523,355		143,066		61,982		2,805,799
Deferred fees and costs		(96)		(5)		(25)		(7)		(3)		(136)
Loans, held for investment, net	$	1,977,335	$	99,960	$	523,330	$	143,059	$	61,979	$	2,805,663

December 31, 2016		Commercial & Residential Real Estate		Construction		Commercial		Consumer		Other		Total
		(In thousands)
Non-classified	$	1,742,974	$	88,451	$	456,861	$	124,932	$	68,978	$	2,482,196
Substandard		25,450		-		4,805		332		2,287		32,874
Doubtful		-		-		-		-		-		-
Subtotal		1,768,424		88,451		461,666		125,264		71,265		2,515,070
Deferred fees and costs		(43)		(2)		(11)		(3)		(2)		(61)
Loans, held for investment, net	$	1,768,381	$	88,449	$	461,655	$	125,261	$	71,263	$	2,515,009

The book balance of TDRs at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $19,256,000 and $25,219,000, respectively. Management established approximately $53,000 and $74,000 in specific reserves with respect to these loans as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2017, the Company had an additional $4,181,000 committed on loans classified as troubled debt restructurings. At December 31, 2016, the Company had an additional $2,238,000 committed on loans classified as troubled debt restructurings.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the terms of 33 loans totaling $12,062,000 were modified in troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans included 19 restructurings of payment terms and 14 loan renewals with terms more favorable to the borrowers than would otherwise be available based on

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

the borrower’s financial strength. As a result of these modifications, the Company did not recognize any additional charge-offs during 2017.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the terms of 19 loans totaling $7,765,000 were modified in troubled debt restructurings. The modification of the terms of such loans included 10 restructurings of payment terms and nine loan renewals with terms more favorable to the borrowers than would otherwise be available based on the borrower’s financial strength. As a result of these modifications, the Company did not recognize any additional charge-offs during 2016.

The following tables present loans by class modified as troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the years indicated:

Year Ended December 31, 2017:
Troubled Debt Restructurings	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
			(In thousands)
Commercial and residential
real estate	12	$	2,935	$	2,935
Construction	-		-		-
Commercial	15		7,991		7,991
Consumer	1		51		51
Other	5		1,085		1,085
Total	33	$	12,062	$	12,062

Year Ended December 31, 2016:
Troubled Debt Restructurings	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
			(In thousands)
Commercial and residential
real estate	2	$	1,018	$	1,018
Construction	-		-		-
Commercial	16		6,650		6,650
Consumer	-		-		-
Other	1		97		97
Total	19	$	7,765	$	7,765

A TDR loan is considered to be in payment default once it is 90 days contractually past due under the modified terms. No TDRs defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

(7)Premises and Equipment

A summary of the cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment at December 31 is as follows:

		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Land	$	15,354	$	16,826
Buildings		59,060		58,637
Leasehold improvements		3,790		3,691
Equipment and Software		17,506		16,553
Leasehold interest in land		684		684
Subtotal	$	96,394	$	96,391
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(30,520)		(29,001)
Total premises and equipment	$	65,874	$	67,390

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $2,971,000,  $2,713,000 and $2,747,000, respectively. Such amounts are classified in occupancy and furniture and equipment expense.

Operating Leases: Pursuant to the terms of non-cancelable lease agreements in effect at December 31, 2017 pertaining to banking premises, future minimum rent commitments under various operating leases are as follows (in thousands):

2018	$	1,721
2019		1,698
2020		1,724
2021		1,664
2022		1,316
Thereafter		3,407
	$	11,530

Certain leases contain options to extend the lease terms for five to twenty-one years. The cost of such extensions is not included in the above rental commitments. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $1,704,000,$1,849,000 and $2,213,000, respectively.

(8)Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company recognized $8,702,000 in goodwill as a result of the Castle Rock transaction on October 27, 2017 and $56,404,000 in goodwill as a result of the Home State transaction on September 8, 2016.

Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had intangible assets comprised of its core deposit intangible assets and customer relationship intangible assets.

The following table presents the gross amounts of core deposit intangible assets and customer relationship intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization at the dates indicated:

			December 31,
	Useful Life		2017		2016
			(In thousands)
Core deposit intangible assets	10 - 15 years	$	75,956	$	74,087
Core deposit intangible assets accumulated amortization			(65,272)		(63,112)
Core deposit intangible assets, net		$	10,684	$	10,975
Customer relationship intangible assets	10 years		6,243		6,243
Customer relationship intangible assets accumulated amortization			(2,486)		(1,901)
Customer relationship intangible assets, net		$	3,757	$	4,342
Total other intangible assets, net		$	14,441	$	15,317

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2,745,000,  $1,557,000 and $1,981,000, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years, and thereafter, is as follows (in thousands):

		Total
Fiscal year ending:
2018	$	2,705
2019		2,188
2020		1,935
2021		1,795
2022		1,597
Thereafter		4,221
	$	14,441

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(9)Deposits

The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of $250,000 or more at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $88,449,000 and $56,018,000, respectively.

At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Bank had $95,299,000 and $94,338,000, respectively, in brokered time deposits. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Bank had $25,035,000 and $15,006,000, respectively, in brokered money market accounts. Reciprocal time deposits at December 31, 2016 were $1,206,000. There were no reciprocal time deposits at December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows (amounts in thousands):

2018	$	339,410
2019		81,482
2020		21,279
2021		8,983
2022		7,733
	$	458,887

(10)Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

The following is a summary of information pertaining to securities sold under agreement to repurchase at December 31:

		2017			2016
		(Dollars in thousands)
Ending Balance	$	44,746		$	36,948
Weighted-average interest rate at year-end		0.20	%		0.19	%

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are classified as secured borrowings, generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying security. The securities sold under agreements to repurchase are collateralized by government agency and mortgage-backed securities held by the Company, which had carrying values of $57,183,000 and $42,825,000 at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase is summarized below:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017			2016			2015
		(Dollars in thousands)
Average daily balance during the year	$	37,332		$	25,221		$	24,531
Average interest rate during the year		0.19	%		0.21	%		0.18	%
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	48,391		$	38,089		$	31,977

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(11)Borrowings

A summary of borrowings is as follows:

		Principal	Interest Rate	Maturity Date		Total Committed
		(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2017
Short-term borrowings:
FHLB line of credit	$	157,444	1.47%	overnight	$	706,251
Total short-term borrowings	$	157,444
Long-term borrowings:
FHLB term notes (fixed rate)		20,000	2.52%	January 23, 2018		See below
FHLB term notes (variable rate)		25,000	1.48%	March 7, 2018		See below
FHLB term notes (variable rate)		25,000	1.45%	August 3, 2018		See below
Total long-term borrowings	$	70,000
Total borrowings	$	227,444
December 31, 2016
Short-term borrowings:
FHLB line of credit	$	124,691	0.72%	overnight	$	597,202
Total short-term borrowings	$	124,691
Long-term borrowings:
FHLB term notes (fixed rate)		22,477	Range: 2.52% - 6.38%	2017 - 2018		See below
FHLB term notes (variable rate)		25,000	1.15%	March 7, 2017		See below
FHLB term notes (variable rate)		25,000	0.96%	August 4, 2017		See below
Total long-term borrowings	$	72,477
Total borrowings	$	197,168

At December 31, 2017, the Company’s outstanding borrowings were $227,444,000 compared to $197,168,000 at December 31, 2016. These borrowings at December 31, 2017 consisted of $70,000,000 of term notes and $157,444,000 of advances on our line of credit, both with the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). At December 31, 2016, outstanding borrowings consisted of $72,477,000 of term notes and $124,691,000 of advances on our line of credit, both with the FHLB.

The interest rate on the line of credit varies with the federal funds rate, and was 1.47% at December 31, 2017. The Company has three term notes with the FHLB. The first fixed-rate term note of $20,000,000 with an interest rate of 2.52% matured on January 23, 2018. The note had a prepayment penalty if paid prior to maturity and was convertible to floating rate on predetermined conversion dates at the discretion of the FHLB. If the note was converted by the FHLB, the Bank had the option to prepay the note without penalty. Additionally, the Company has two$25,000,000 variable rate term notes that mature on March 7, 2018 and August 3, 2018 and carry an interest rate that resets quarterly. As of December 31, 2017, the rates on our variable rate term notes were set at 1.48% and 1.45%.  

The Company has an advance, pledge and security agreement with the FHLB and had pledged qualifying loans and securities in the amount of $706,251,000 at December 31, 2017 and $597,202,000 at December 31, 2016. The maximum credit allowance for future borrowings, including term notes and advances on the line of credit, was $477,474,000 at December 31, 2017 and $400,102,000 at December 31, 2016.

The Company had additional availability with correspondent banks of $62,400,000 and $64,005,000 at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Information concerning borrowings on the FHLB line of credit is summarized below:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017			2016			2015
		(Dollars in thousands)
Average daily balance during the year	$	73,042		$	81,539		$	130,152
Average interest rate during the year		0.99	%		0.55	%		0.28	%
Maximum month-end balance during the year	$	157,444		$	185,700		$	212,065

(12)Income Taxes

The components of the income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Current tax expense:
Federal	$	15,894	$	11,921	$	7,165
State		2,215		427		-
Total current tax expense		18,109		12,348		7,165
Deferred tax expense
Federal		626		(1,026)		3,132
Re-measurement of net deferred tax asset		976		-		-
State		121		666		973
Total deferred tax expense (benefit)		1,723		(360)		4,105
Total tax expense	$	19,832	$	11,988	$	11,270

Income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to pretax income from operations as a result of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Tax expense at statutory federal rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State tax, net of federal benefit	2.7	%	2.7	%	2.8	%
Tax exempt income	(4.8)	%	(5.1)	%	(4.4)	%
Re-measurement of net deferred tax asset	1.7	%	-	%	-	%
related to 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Other	(0.7)	%	0.1	%	-	%
Effective tax rate	33.9	%	32.7	%	33.4	%

As of December 31, 2017, the Company maintained a current tax receivable of approximately $100,000 compared to current taxes receivable at December 31, 2016 of $2,090,000. The Company’s net deferred tax asset is included in other assets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

On December 22, 2017 President Donald Trump signed into law H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Under GAAP, the Company was required to account for the effects of this change in the period of enactment, or 2017. The direct impact to the 2017 financial statements was the re-measurement of the Company’s net deferred tax asset, which resulted in $976,000 in additional income tax expense being recognized in 2017. The impact of this re-measurement is included in the statutory rate reconciliation included above.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from the tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:

		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	5,733	$	8,837
Other real estate owned		61		93
Other assets and accruals		1,061		1,522
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities		1,094		2,399
Unrealized loss on securities transferred to held to maturity		548		1,029
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges		225		696
Intangible assets		515		848
Fair value adjustments on loans and other assets		3,313		5,816
Stock compensation and other		910		1,281
Total deferred tax assets:		13,460		22,521
Deferred tax liabilities:
Premises and equipment		5,211		8,321
Unrealized gain on acquired securities		1,141		1,726
Core deposit intangibles		2,774		4,394
Deferred loan costs		1,301		1,724
FHLB stock, prepaid assets, equity
investments and other liabilities		1,231		1,510
Total deferred tax liabilities		11,658		17,675
Deferred tax asset, net	$	1,802	$	4,846

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income during the periods in which existing deferred tax assets are expected to become deductible for income tax purposes. Based on projections of future taxable income in periods in which existing deferred tax assets are expected to become deductible, in addition to the support provided by available tax planning strategies, management determined that the realization of the Company’s net deferred tax asset was more likely than not. As a result, the Company did not recognize a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had no Federal NOL loss carryforward, Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) Credit carryforward or State of Colorado net operating loss carryforward.

As of December 31, 2017 the Company does not have any known unrecognized tax benefits and does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly in the next twelve months.

(13)Subordinated Debentures and Trust Preferred Securities

At December 31, 2017, the Company’s outstanding subordinated debentures and notes (collectively, the “Debentures”) consisted of $65,774,000 in debt, partially offset by $709,000 in debt issuance costs. As of December 31, 2017, the Debentures carried a weighted average cost of funds of 5.14% compared to 4.95% at December 31, 2016.

The Company’s Debentures were issued in three separate series. The first two issuances have a maturity of 30 years from their date of issuance. These two issuances of Debentures were issued to trusts established by the Company, which in turn issued $25,000,000 of trust preferred securities (“TruPS”). Generally, and with certain limitations, the Company is permitted to call the Debentures subsequent to the first five or ten years, as applicable, after issuance, if certain conditions are met, or at any time upon the occurrence and continuation of certain changes in either the tax treatment or the capital treatment of the trusts, the Debentures or the TruPS. The Guaranty Capital Trust III TruPS became callable at each quarterly interest payment date starting on July 7, 2008. The CenBank Statutory Trust III TruPS became callable at each quarterly interest payment date starting on April 15, 2009.

In April 2004, a predecessor to the Company formed CenBank Statutory Trust III and the trust completed an offering of $15,000,000, LIBOR plus 2.65% Cumulative TruPS, which are guaranteed by the Company. The trust also issued common securities to the predecessor of the Company and used the net proceeds from the offering to

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

purchase $15,464,000 in principal amount of floating rate Debentures issued by the predecessor. The Company assumed the predecessor’s obligations relating to such securities upon the acquisition of the predecessor. Interest is paid quarterly and is distributed to the holders of the TruPS. These Debentures are unsecured, ranked junior and were subordinate in right of payment to all senior debt of the Company. The TruPS are subject to mandatory redemption upon repayment of the Debentures. The Company has the right, subject to events of default, to defer payments of interest on the Debentures at any time by extending the interest payment period for a period not exceeding 60 consecutive months with respect to each deferral period, provided that no extension period could extend beyond the redemption or maturity date of the Debentures. The Debentures mature on April 15, 2034 and are callable on each quarterly payment date.

In June 2003, a predecessor to the Company formed Guaranty Capital Trust III and the trust completed an offering of $10,000,000, LIBOR plus 3.10% Cumulative TruPS, which are guaranteed by the Company. The trust also issued common securities to the predecessor of the Company and used the net proceeds from the offering to purchase $10,310,000 in principal amount of Debentures issued by the predecessor. The Company assumed the predecessor’s obligations relating to such securities upon the acquisition of the predecessor. Interest is paid quarterly and is distributed to the holders of the TruPS. The other terms and condition of these Debentures are substantially similar to those described under the CenBank Statutory Trust III. The Debentures mature on July 7, 2033 and are callable on each quarterly interest payment date.

Under the terms of each indenture pursuant to which the two respective Debentures were issued, the Company has the ability to defer interest on the Debentures for a period not exceeding 60 consecutive months as long as it is in compliance with all covenants of the respective indenture. Such a deferral is not an event of default under each indenture and interest on the Debentures continues to accrue during the deferral period. No interest is being deferred as of December 31, 2017.

The Company is not considered the primary beneficiary of the trusts that issued the TruPS (variable interest entities); therefore, the trusts are not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements and these two Debentures are shown as liabilities. The Company’s investment in the common stock of each trust is included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

In July 2016, the Company issued its third set of Debentures in anticipation of closing on the Home State transaction. This third issuance of $40,000,000 fixed-to-floating rate subordinated Debentures yield 5.75% and are due July 20, 2026. These Debentures initially bear a fixed interest rate of 5.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears. The carrying balance of these Debentures at December 31, 2017 was comprised of the $40,000,000 face amount net of unamortized debt-issuance costs of $709,000. On July 20, 2021, and, thereafter, the interest on the Debentures will be payable quarterly in arrears, at an annual floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR as determined by the applicable quarterly period, plus 4.73%.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of all three Debentures.

At December 31, 2017, the Company had accrued, unpaid interest on all three Debentures of approximately $1,305,000 compared to $1,286,000 at December 31, 2016. Interest payable on Debentures is included in interest payable and other liabilities, on the consolidated balance sheets.

Although the securities issued by each of the trusts are not included as a component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets, they are treated as capital for regulatory purposes. Specifically, under applicable regulatory guidelines, the $25,000,000 of TruPS issued by the trusts qualify as Tier 1 capital, up to a maximum of 25% of capital on an aggregate basis. Any amount that exceeds 25% qualifies as Tier 2 capital. At both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the full $25,000,000 of the TruPS qualified as Tier 1 capital. The $40,000,000 from July 2016 issuance qualifies for inclusion in Tier 2 capital.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act and a joint rule from the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, and the FDIC, certain TruPS are no longer eligible to be included as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes. However, an exception to this statutory prohibition applies to securities issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank holding companies with less than $15 billion in total assets. As we have less than $15 billion in total assets and issued all of our TruPS prior to May 19, 2010, our TruPS continue to be eligible to be treated as Tier 1 capital, subject to other rules and limitations.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes the terms of each outstanding subordinated debenture issuance at December 31, 2017(dollars in thousands):

	Date Issued	Amount	Maturity Date	Call Date *	Fixed or Variable	Rate Adjuster		Current Rate		Next Rate Reset Date**
CenBank Trust III	4/8/2004	15,464	4/15/2034	4/15/2018	Variable	LIBOR + 2.65	%	4.01	%	4/15/2018
Guaranty Capital Trust III	6/30/2003	10,310	7/7/2033	4/7/2018	Variable	LIBOR + 3.10	%	4.46	%	4/7/2018
Subordinated Note	7/18/2016	40,000	7/20/2026	N/A	Fixed	LIBOR + 4.73	%	5.75	%	7/20/2021

*   Call date represents the earliest or next date the Company can call the debentures.

** On January 7, 2018, the rate on the Guaranty Capital Trust III subordinated debentures reset to 4.82%. On January 15, 2018, the rate on the CenBank Trust III subordinated debentures reset to 4.37%.  The subordinated notes issued July 18, 2016 are fixed at 5.75% until July 20, 2021 at which point the notes turn to floating rate at three-month LIBOR plus 4.73%.

(14)Commitments

The Bank enters into credit-related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments. The Bank follows the same credit policies in making commitments, including obtaining collateral, if necessary, as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

At December 31 of the year indicated, the following financial instruments were outstanding whose contract amounts represented credit risk:

		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Commitments to extend credit:
Variable	$	508,186	$	436,546
Fixed		116,026		95,607
Total commitments to extend credit	$	624,212	$	532,153
Standby letters of credit	$	12,398	$	10,292

At December 31, 2017, the rates on the fixed rate commitments to extend credit ranged from 2.44% to 7.00%.

A commitment to extend credit is an agreement to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the underlying contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Commitments may expire without being fully drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Off-balance sheet risk to credit loss exists up to the face amount of these instruments, although material losses are not anticipated.

A commitment to extend credit under an overdraft protection agreement is a commitment for a possible future extension of credit to an existing deposit customer. These lines of credit are uncollateralized and usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Bank is committed.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. A majority of letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank holds collateral supporting these commitments if deemed necessary.

(15)Legal Contingencies

The Company and the Bank are defendants, from time to time, in legal actions at various points of the legal process, including appeals, arising from transactions conducted in the ordinary course of business. Management

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

believes, after consultations with legal counsel that it is not probable that the outcome of current legal actions will result in a liability that has a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows. In the event that such legal action results in an unfavorable outcome, the resulting liability could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income or cash flows.

In the third quarter 2017, the Company incurred a $1,600,000 charge for a litigation settlement. The settlement related to a commercial borrower who filed counterclaims immediately after the Bank began collection efforts on its defaulted loan. The Company successfully defended all initial counterclaims, but at the onset of the initial trial, one new claim was raised and resulted in a hung jury. After a successful appeals process, the final claim was scheduled for a retrial in the third quarter of 2017. Prior to this retrial, the former borrower requested a conference to settle this remaining issue and after negotiation, the Company agreed to settle with the borrower to eliminate the expected significant costs of continued litigation.

(16)Employee Benefit Plans

Substantially all employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) plan. Employees may contribute up to 100% of their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The Company makes matching contributions equal to a specified percentage of the employee’s compensation as defined by the plan. For years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, matching contributions to the 401(k) plan were $764,000,  $615,000 and $503,000, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Company’s Incentive Plan, which expired by its terms on April 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors had the authority to grant stock-based compensation awards prior to the plan’s expiration. Under the 2015 Plan, which was approved by the Company’s stockholders at the May 5, 2015 annual meeting, the Company’s Board of Directors maintains the authority to grant stock-based compensation awards to nonemployee directors, key employees, consultants and prospective employees.

Stock-based compensation awards issuable under the 2015 Plan include, and that were issuable under the Incentive Plan, included, the grant of stock-based compensation awards in the form of options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance stock awards, stock appreciation rights and other equity based awards. Likewise, the Incentive Plan provided for, and the 2015 Plan provides, that eligible participants may be granted shares of Company common stock that are subject to forfeiture until the grantee vests in the stock award based on the established conditions, which may include service conditions, established performance measures or both.

Prior to the vesting of stock awards that are subject to a service vesting condition, each grantee has the rights of a stockholder with respect to voting the shares of stock represented by the award. The grantee is not entitled to dividend rights with respect to the shares of stock until vesting occurs. Prior to vesting of the stock awards with performance vesting conditions, each grantee has the rights of a stockholder with respect to voting of the shares of stock represented by the award. The recipient is generally not entitled to dividend rights with respect to unvested shares. Other than the stock awards with service and performance-based vesting conditions, no other grants have been made under the Incentive Plan or the 2015 Plan.

Under the provisions of the 2015 Plan and the Incentive Plan grants of stock-based compensation awards of 935,000 and 1,700,000 shares, respectively, were authorized, subject to adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. As of December 31, 2017, there were 234,204 and 199,945 outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan and the Incentive Plan, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there were 619,819shares remaining available for grant under the 2015 Plan. As of December 31, 2016, there were 178,513 and 334,674 outstanding awards under the 2015 Plan and the Incentive Plan, respectively and 728,305 shares remaining available for grant under the 2015 Plan.

Of the 434,149 shares represented by unvested awards at December 31, 2017, approximately 421,000 shares are expected to vest. At December 31, 2017, there were 290,066 shares of restricted stock outstanding that were subject to a performance condition. As of December 31, 2017, management expects that approximately 283,000 of these shares will vest and that the remaining shares will expire unvested. The performance shares that are expected to vest relate to awards granted to various key employees from March 2014 through November 2017. The vesting of these performance shares is contingent upon meeting certain return on average asset performance measures. The

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

performance-based shares awarded in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 each include a “threshold” and “target” performance level, with vesting determined based on where actual performance falls in relation to the numeric range represented by these performance criteria. As of December 31, 2017, management expected that all of the performance awards made in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 not forfeited from a failure by the grantee to provide the requisite service will vest, which is consistent with the level of expense currently being recognized over the vesting period. Should this expectation change, the accrual of compensation expense in future periods could be impacted.

A summary of the status of unearned stock awards and the change during the period is presented in the table below:

	Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value on Award Date
Unearned at January 1, 2017	513,187	$	14.39
Awarded	116,030		24.95
Forfeited	(9,073)		19.51
Vested	(185,995)		14.52
Unearned at December 31, 2017	434,149	$	17.05

The Company recognized $3,023,000,  $3,121,000 and $2,739,000 in stock-based compensation expense for services rendered for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements was $1,149,000,  $1,186,000 and $1,041,000 for the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2,894,000,  $2,998,000 and $2,427,000, respectively. The fair value of vested shares as of the date of vesting were $4,711,000,  $4,334,000 and $2,250,000 in 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively. At December 31, 2017, compensation cost of $3,470,000 related to unvested awards not yet recognized is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.

(17)Related-Party Transactions

Related parties include directors, executive officers and their affiliates. Deposits from related parties held by the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $3,135,000 and $3,330,000, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the Company had two loans to one related party with a total balance of $568,000. At December 31, 2016, the Company had no loans to related parties.

On December 2, 2016, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement with Castle Creek Capital Partners IV, LP providing for the exchange of 1,019,000 shares of the Company’s non-voting common stock, which represented 100% of the outstanding shares of non-voting common stock, for 1,019,000 shares of the Company’s voting common stock.

(18)Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets.

Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets, or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset.

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

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Transfers of financial instruments between levels within the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the date management determines that the underlying circumstances or assumptions have changed.

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Fair values of our securities are determined through the utilization of evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information (Level 2). The evaluated pricing models apply available information, as applicable, through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing to prepare evaluations. These models assess interest rate impact, develop prepayment scenarios and take into account market conventions. For securities where routine valuation techniques are not used, management utilizes a discounted cash flow model with market-adjusted discount rates or other unobservable inputs to estimate fair value. Due to the lack of ratings available on these securities, management determined that a relationship to other benchmark quoted securities was unobservable and as a result these securities should be classified as Level 3 (Level 3 inputs). The valuation of the Company’s Level 3 bonds is highly sensitive to changes in unobservable inputs.

Currently, the Company uses interest rate swapsto help manage interest rate risk. The fair value of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves (Level 2 inputs). The Company considers the value of the swaps to be sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balance
		(In thousands)
Assets/(Liabilities) at December 31, 2017
State and municipal securities	$	-	$	75,162	$	7,324	$	82,486
Mortgage-backed securities – agency /
residential		-		131,180		-		131,180
Corporate securities		-		103,512		-		103,512
Collateralized loan obligations		-		12,799				12,799
Interest rate swaps - cash flow hedge		-		(1,010)		-		(1,010)
Assets/(Liabilities) at December 31, 2016
State and municipal securities	$	-	$	49,856	$	31,752	$	81,608
Mortgage-backed securities – agency /
residential		-		129,832		-		129,832
Mortgage-backed securities – private /
residential		-		265		-		265
Corporate securities		-		86,246		-		86,246
Collateralized loan obligations		-		26,277				26,277
Interest rate swaps - cash flow hedge		-		(1,929)		-		(1,929)

There were no transfers of financial assets and liabilities among Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 during 2017 or 2016.

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The table below presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2017:

		State and Municipal Securities
		(In thousands)
Beginning balance December 31, 2016	$	31,752
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Net income		(233)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		-
Sales, calls and prepayments		(24,195)
Transfers in and (out) of Level 3		-
Balance December 31, 2017	$	7,324

For the year ended December 31, 2017, there was no other comprehensive income or loss for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as a result of consistent mark-to-market valuations at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017 the amount included in net income included a $241,000 loss on the sale of the Company’s largest Level 3 municipal bond, partially offset by $8,000 in accretion on Level 3 bonds. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the amounts included in net income include accretion of any discount on these Level 3 bonds.

The table below presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the year ended December 31, 2016:

		State and Municipal Securities
		(In thousands)
Beginning balance January 1, 2016	$	32,040
Total unrealized gains (losses) included in:
Net income		6
Other comprehensive income (loss)		-
Sales, calls and prepayments		(425)
Acquisition of Level 3 security		131
Transfers in and (out) of Level 3		-
Balance December 31, 2016	$	31,752

For the year ended December 31, 2016, there was no other comprehensive income or loss for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as a result of consistent mark-to-market valuations at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The following tables present quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements on the Company’s state and municipal securities at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

December 31, 2017		Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range
		(In thousands)
State and municipal securities	$	7,324	discounted cash flow	discount rate	2.50%-3.00%
Total	$	7,324

December 31, 2016		Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range
		(In thousands)
State and municipal securities	$	31,752	discounted cash flow	discount rate	2.29%-4.75%
Total	$	31,752

118

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were not material as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis

Nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were not material as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

119

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017:
		Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	51,553	$	51,553	$	-	$	-	$	51,553
Time deposits with banks		254		254		-		-		254
Securities available for sale		329,977		-		322,653		7,324		329,977
Securities held to maturity		259,916		-		255,189		2,476		257,665
Bank stocks		24,419		n/a		n/a		n/a		n/a
Loans held for sale		1,725		1,898		-		-		1,898
Loans held for investment, net		2,782,413		-		-		2,771,262		2,771,262
Accrued interest receivable		11,441		-		11,441		-		11,441
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	2,941,627	$	-	$	2,937,584	$	-	$	2,937,584
Securities sold under
agreements to repurchase		44,746		-		44,746		-		44,746
Short-term borrowings		157,444		-		157,444		-		157,444
Subordinated debentures		65,065		-		-		61,129		61,129
Long-term borrowings		70,000		-		70,141		-		70,141
Accrued interest payable		1,930		-		1,930		-		1,930
Interest rate swap - cash flow hedge		1,010		-		1,010		-		1,010

				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016:
		Carrying Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
		(In thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	50,111	$	50,111	$	-	$	-	$	50,111
Time deposits with banks		254		254		-		-		254
Securities available for sale		324,228		-		292,476		31,752		324,228
Securities held to maturity		243,979		-		236,857		2,547		239,404
Bank stocks		22,649		n/a		n/a		n/a		n/a
Loans held for sale		4,129		4,542		-		-		4,542
Loans held for investment, net		2,491,759		-		-		2,504,144		2,504,144
Accrued interest receivable		9,825		-		9,825		-		9,825
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	2,699,084	$	-	$	2,696,766	$	-	$	2,696,766
Securities sold under
agreements to repurchase		36,948		-		36,948		-		36,948
Short-term borrowings		124,691		-		124,691		-		124,691
Subordinated debentures		64,981		-		-		60,048		60,048
Long-term borrowings		72,477		-		72,769		-		72,769
Accrued interest payable		1,661		-		1,661		-		1,661
Interest rate swap - cash flow hedge		1,929		-		1,929		-		1,929

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of

120

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from the disclosure requirements. Therefore, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

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

(a) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values (Level 1).

(b) Securities and Bank Stocks

Fair values for securities available for sale and held to maturity are generally determined through the utilization of evaluated pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information (Level 2). The evaluated pricing models apply available information, as applicable, through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing to prepare evaluations. These models assess interest rate impact, develop prepayment scenarios and take into account market conventions. For positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions (i.e., bonds valued with Level 3 inputs), management uses a combination of reviews of the underlying financial statements, appraisals and management’s judgment regarding credit quality and intent to sell in order to determine the value of the bond.

It is not practical to determine the fair value of bank stocks due to restrictions placed on the transferability of FHLB stock, Federal Reserve Bank stock and Bankers’ Bank of the West stock. These three stocks comprise the majority of the balance of the Company’s bank stocks.

(c)Loans Held for Investment

For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values (Level 3). Fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and investment property mortgage loans and commercial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality (Level 3). Impaired loans are valued at the lower of cost or fair value when specific reserves are attributed to these loans because the present value of expected cash flows or the net realizable value of collateral is less than the impaired loan’s recorded investment. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price.

(d)Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, with fair value determined by the sales price agreed upon in negotiations with the purchaser (Level 1).

(e)Deposits

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

121

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(f)Short-term Borrowings

The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values (Level 2).

(g)Long-term Borrowings

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

(h)Subordinated Debentures

The fair values of the Company’s Subordinated Debentures are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements (Level 3).

(i)Accrued Interest Receivable/Payable

The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value (Level 2).

(j)Interest Rate Swaps, net

The fair value of interest rate swaps are determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash payments (or receipts) and the discounted expected variable cash receipts (or payments). The variable cash receipts (or payments) are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves (Level 2).

(k)Off-balance Sheet Instruments

Fair values for off-balance sheet, credit-related financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing. The fair value of commitments is not material.

(19)Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments to assist in the management of interest rate risk, primarily helping to secure long-term borrowing rates. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the payment or receipt of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash payments or receipts principally related to certain variable-rate borrowings. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	Balance
	Sheet		Fair Value December 31,
	Location		2017		2016
			(In thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Assets:
Interest rate swaps	Other assets	$	-	$	-
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	Other liabilities	$	1,010	$	1,929

122

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability and predictability to interest expense and to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. For hedges of the Company’s variable-rate borrowings, interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed payments. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had two forward-starting interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $50,000,000 that were each designated as cash flow hedges associated with the Company’s forecasted variable-rate borrowings. The first $25,000,000 swap became effective in June 2015 at a fixed rate of 2.46% and matures in June 2020. The second $25,000,000 swap became effective in March 2016 at a fixed rate of 3.00% and matures in March 2021.  

Summary information about the interest-rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is included in the table below:

		2017			2016
		(Dollars in thousands)
Notional amounts	$	50,000		$	50,000
Weighted average pay rates		2.73	%		2.73	%
Weighted average receive rates		3 month LIBOR			3 month LIBOR
Weighted average maturity		2.9 years			3.9 years
Unrealized gains (losses)	$	(1,010)		$	(1,929)

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in AOCI and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. The Company’s cash flow hedges are used to hedge the forecasted variable cash outflows associated with forecasted issuances of FHLB advances. During 2017, 2016, and 2015, the income statement effect of hedge ineffectiveness was not material.

Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate liabilities. Management expects that, during the next 12 months, approximately $446,000 will be reclassified from AOCI into interest expense.

The Company executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with another third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. The impact of these customer interest rate swaps on the Company’s financial statements was immaterial for the periods covered by this report.

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on both comprehensive income and net income for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	Income
Interest Rate Swaps with	Statement		December 31,
Hedge Designation	Location		2017		2016
			(In thousands)
Gain or (loss) recognized in OCI on
derivative - net of tax	Not applicable	$	84	$	(183)
(Gain) or loss reclassified from
accumulated OCI into income
(effective portion) - net of tax	Interest expense		485		573

The Company has agreements with its derivative counterparties that contain a cross-default provision whereby if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

123

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties and has posted $3,751,000 against its obligations under these agreements. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2017, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

(20)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the changes within each classification of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) net of tax for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available for Sale Securities		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Held to Maturity Securities		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedges		Total
		(In thousands)
Balance, January 1, 2015	$	(965)	$	(1,277)	$	(885)	$	(3,127)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications, net of tax		(1,221)		-		(775)		(1,996)
Net unrealized losses on securities transferred
from available for sale, to held to maturity
net of tax		465		(465)		-		-
Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(82)		265		135		318
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		(838)		(200)		(640)		(1,678)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	(1,803)	$	(1,477)	$	(1,525)	$	(4,805)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications, net of tax	$	(2,668)	$	-	$	(183)	$	(2,851)
Net unrealized losses on securities transferred
from available for sale, to held to maturity
net of tax		513		(513)		-		-
Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		45		312		573		930
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		(2,110)		(201)		390		(1,921)
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	(3,913)	$	(1,678)	$	(1,135)	$	(6,726)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications, net of tax		1,158		-		84		1,242
Net unrealized losses on securities transferred
from available for sale, to held to maturity
net of tax		-		-		-		-
Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		4		301		485		790
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		1,162		301		569		2,032
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	(2,751)	$	(1,377)	$	(566)	$	(4,694)

124

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes the significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

Details about							Affected Income Statement
AOCI Components		Amount Reclassified from AOCI					Line Item
		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Unrealized gains and losses on
available for sale securities	$	6	$	73	$	(132)	(Gain) loss on the sale of securities
		(2)		(28)		50	Income tax effect
	$	4	$	45	$	(82)	Net income
Unrealized gains and losses on
held to maturity securities	$	486	$	504	$	427	Interest income
		(185)		(192)		(162)	Income tax effect
	$	301	$	312	$	265	Net income
Unrealized gains and losses on
cash flow hedges	$	783	$	925	$	218	Interest expense
		(298)		(352)		(83)	Income tax effect
	$	485	$	573	$	135	Net income
Total reclassifications
for the period	$	790	$	930	$	318	Net income

(21)Regulatory Capital Matters

The Holding Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weighting, and other factors. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

Current risk-based regulatory capital standards generally require banks and bank holding companies to maintain a ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.50%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.00%, a ratio of Tier 1 capital to average total assets (leverage ratio) of at least 4.00% and a ratio of total capital (which includes Tier 1 capital plus certain forms of subordinated debt, a portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses, and preferred stock) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.00%. However, under the final rule on Enhanced Regulatory Capital Standards, commonly referred to as Basel III, which became effective in the first quarter 2015, a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, comprised of Common Equity Tier 1 was established above the regulatory minimum capital requirement. The capital conservation buffer phase-in period began January 1, 2016 and will become fully effective on January 1, 2019. A fully phased-in capital conservation buffer is included in the table below. Management believes that the Holding Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

125

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are presented in the table below:

		Actual				Minimum Requirement for “Adequately Capitalized” Institution plus fully phased in Capital Conservation Buffer				Minimum Requirement for "Well-Capitalized" Institution
		Amount	Ratio			Amount	Ratio			Amount	Ratio
		Dollars in thousands
As of December 31, 2017:
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
Consolidated	$	335,153	10.57	%	$	221,969	7.00	%	$	N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		389,698	12.29	%		221,923	7.00	%		206,071	6.50
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Consolidated		360,153	11.36	%		269,534	8.50	%		N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		389,698	12.29	%		269,477	8.50	%		253,626	8.00	%
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Consolidated		423,583	13.36	%		332,954	10.50	%		N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		413,128	13.03	%		332,884	10.50	%		317,032	10.00	%
Leverage Ratio
Consolidated		360,153	10.21	%		141,164	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		389,698	11.05	%		141,075	4.00	%		176,344	5.00	%
As of December 31, 2016:
Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based
Capital Ratio
Consolidated	$	296,146	10.46	%	$	198,249	7.00	%	$	N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		351,806	12.43	%		198,111	7.00	%		183,960	6.50
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Consolidated		321,146	11.34	%		240,731	8.50	%		N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		351,806	12.43	%		240,564	8.50	%		226,413	8.00	%
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
Consolidated		384,552	13.58	%		297,373	10.50	%		N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		375,213	13.26	%		297,167	10.50	%		283,016	10.00	%
Leverage Ratio
Consolidated		321,146	9.81	%		130,927	4.00	%		N/A	N/A
Guaranty Bank and Trust Company		351,806	10.76	%		130,841	4.00	%		163,552	5.00	%

126

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(22)Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Information

The following is condensed financial information of Guaranty Bancorp (parent company only):

Balance Sheets
(Parent Company Only)
December 31, 2017 and 2016
		2017		2016
		(In thousands)
Assets
Cash	$	11,762	$	9,469
Investments in subsidiaries		459,443		408,039
Other assets		1,443		2,742
Total assets	$	472,648	$	420,250
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Subordinated debentures	$	65,065	$	64,981
Other liabilities		2,684		2,891
Total liabilities		67,749		67,872
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock		32		31
Common stock - additional paid-in capital		859,509		832,067
Accumulated deficit		(343,383)		(367,944)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(4,694)		(6,726)
Treasury stock		(106,565)		(105,050)
Total stockholders' equity		404,899		352,378
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	472,648	$	420,250

Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
(Parent Company Only)
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Income:
Management fee - subsidiary bank	$	6,139	$	8,127	$	5,129
Dividends from subsidiary bank		18,700		9,800		8,400
Other		1		-		28
Total income		24,840		17,927		13,557
Expenses:
Interest expense		3,440		2,005		814
Salaries and benefits		3,736		3,838		3,325
Professional services		2,083		1,774		1,779
Other		1,633		3,759		953
Total expenses		10,892		11,376		6,871
Income before federal income taxes and equity
in undistributed net income of subsidiaries		13,948		6,551		6,686
Income tax benefit		1,576		1,024		495
Income before equity in undistributed
net income of subsidiaries		15,524		7,575		7,181
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		23,100		17,152		15,273
Net income	$	38,624	$	24,727	$	22,454
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		2,032		(1,921)		(1,678)
Total Comprehensive Income	$	40,656	$	22,806	$	20,776

127

GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Statements of Cash Flow
(Parent Company Only)
Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
		2017		2016		2015
		(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	38,624	$	24,727	$	22,454
Reconciliation of net income to net cash from
operating activities:
Equity based compensation		1,123		1,168		990
Net change in:
Other assets		1,298		1,474		(168)
Other liabilities		(122)		1,454		111
Equity in undistributed income
of consolidated subsidiaries		(23,100)		(17,152)		(15,273)
Net cash from operating activities		17,823		11,671		8,114
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid in acquisition, net of cash acquired		48		(32,446)		-
Net cash from investing activities		48		(32,446)		-
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock		(1,515)		(1,307)		(616)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt, net
of issuance costs		-		39,170		-
Dividends paid		(14,063)		(10,524)		(8,429)
Payment of stock issuance costs related to acquisition		-		(834)		-
Net cash from financing activities		(15,578)		26,505		(9,045)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		2,293		5,730		(931)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year		9,469		3,739		4,670
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	11,762	$	9,469	$	3,739

(23)Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

2017 Quarterly Results of Operations

The table below summarizes the Company’s results of operations on a quarterly basis for the year ended December 31, 2017:

		Quarter Ended
		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2017		2017		2017		2017
		(In thousands, except share data)
Interest income	$	35,340	$	34,688	$	32,933	$	31,341
Interest expense		3,546		3,354		3,434		3,169
Net interest income		31,794		31,334		29,499		28,172
Provision for loan losses		284		497		206		5
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses		31,510		30,837		29,293		28,167
Noninterest income		6,570		6,130		6,342		6,402
Noninterest expense		23,956		21,807		20,503		20,529
Income before income taxes		14,124		15,160		15,132		14,040
Income tax expense		5,519		5,106		5,007		4,200
Net income	$	8,605	$	10,054	$	10,125	$	9,840
Earnings per common share–basic:	$	0.30	$	0.36	$	0.36	$	0.35
Earnings per common share–diluted:	$	0.30	$	0.36	$	0.36	$	0.35

Loan growth during 2017 contributed to increased interest income. The Company’s fourth quarter income statement was also impacted by the October 27, 2017 closing of the Castle Rock transaction. Noninterest expense

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GUARANTY BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

increased in the fourth quarter 2017 primarily as a result of incurring $3,319,000 in merger-related expenses. Noninterest expense also grew in 2017 as a result of additional employee and occupancy related expenses driven by the increased size of the organization following the acquisitions in 2016 and 2017. In the fourth quarter 2017, the Company recognized a $976,000 re-measurement of its net deferred tax asset as a result of the President of the United States signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 in December 2017.

2016 Quarterly Results of Operations

		Quarter Ended
		December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2016		2016		2016		2016
		(In thousands, except share data)
Interest income	$	30,800	$	25,342	$	21,851	$	21,860
Interest expense		2,978		2,592		2,030		1,865
Net interest income		27,822		22,750		19,821		19,995
Provision for loan losses		90		27		10		16
Net interest income after
provision for loan losses		27,732		22,723		19,811		19,979
Noninterest income		6,232		4,705		4,142		4,178
Noninterest expense		23,237		18,624		15,134		15,792
Income before income taxes		10,727		8,804		8,819		8,365
Income tax expense		3,306		3,039		3,133		2,510
Net income	$	7,421	$	5,765	$	5,686	$	5,855
Earnings per common share–basic:	$	0.27	$	0.25	$	0.27	$	0.28
Earnings per common share–diluted:	$	0.26	$	0.25	$	0.27	$	0.27

The acquisition of Home State on September 8, 2016, in addition to loan growth resulted in increased income in the fourth quarter of 2016. Likewise, increases in deposits from the transaction in addition to organic growth resulted in increased interest expense during 2016. Noninterest expense during 2016 was impacted by merger-related expenses and grew in the fourth quarter 2016 as a result of additional salary and occupancy related expenses driven by the increased size of the organization following the acquisition.

(24)Subsequent Events

On December 1, 2017, Private Capital Management LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Guaranty Bank

and Trust Company, entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Wagner Wealth Management LLC (“Wagner”). The transaction, structured as an asset purchase, closed on January 16, 2018. The combined firm will operate under the name “Private Capital Management”. With the acquisition, the Company acquired approximately $575 million in assets under management (“AUM”) bringing its total AUM to approximately $1.4 billion. The acquisition increases the Company’s market share in the Denver wealth management marketplace and adds additional investment advisory expertise.

On January 16, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of Wagner in an all cash transaction. The purchase price consisted of $5.0 million of cash paid at closing in addition to contingent consideration to be paid in the future subject to future revenue.  An immaterial amount of merger-related expenses were included in other general and administrative expense in 2017 related to the transaction. The transaction will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. As of the date of this filing, such valuations had not yet been completed.

On  February 12, 2018 the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 16.25 cents per share, payable on March 2, 2018 to stockholders of record on February 23, 2018.  

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

None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.

(b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness, as of December31,2017, of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission – 2013 (COSO). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Audit Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Crowe Horwath LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,2017. Crowe Horwath’s report is set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c)  Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

On February 23, 2018, the Company entered into employment agreements with Paul W. Taylor, Christopher G. Treece, Michael B. Hobbs and Cathy P. Goss (collectively, the “Employment Agreements”). The term of Mr. Taylor’s agreement is for three years from the date of the agreement, and the term of the other officers’ agreements is for two years from the dates of the respective agreements, in each case unless sooner terminated. Under their respective Employment Agreements, Messrs. Taylor, Treece and Hobbs and Ms. Goss will be entitled to base salaries of $607,700, $319,300, $386,250 and $309,000, respectively, and each officer’s salary will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and may be increased or decreased from time to time in the Board of Directors’ sole discretion. Each officer will be eligible to participate in employee benefit plans and programs (other than any severance plans) as well as equity incentive programs, subject to such exceptions as the Board of Directors may reasonably determine in good faith from time to time.

In the event that an officer’s employment is terminated within two years following a Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreements) by the Company or the Bank, as applicable, without Cause (as defined in the Employment Agreements) or by the officer for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreements), the Employment Agreements provide that the Company will: (i) provide or pay, as the case may be, the officer: (A) his or her accrued base salary and benefits through termination, plus his or her pro rata target annual bonus for the year in which the officer is terminated; and (B) a designated multiple of the officer’s annual compensation (annual base salary plus the average annual bonus for the two most recent years); and (ii) provide the officer and his or her dependents with medical, dental and vision coverage through the date the officer ceases to be eligible for COBRA, unless the officer obtains other health coverage. In connection with entering into the employment agreement, each officer was removed as a participant from the Company’s Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Plan.

Except with respect to a termination in connection with a Change in Control, as described above, in the event that an officer’s employment is terminated by the Company or the Bank, as applicable, without Cause or by the

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officer for Good Reason, the Employment Agreements provide that the Company will pay to the officer (A) his or her accrued base salary and benefits through termination, (B) his or her base salary for 18 months after the date of termination (for Messrs. Taylor and Hobbs) or 12 months after the date of termination (for Mr. Treece and Ms. Goss) and (C) a pro rata amount of the average of his or her two annual bonuses for the two fiscal years preceding the year in which the date of termination occurs.

In the event that an officer’s employment is terminated by the Company or the Bank, as applicable, with Cause or by the officer without Good Reason, the Employment Agreements provide that the Company will pay to the officer his or her accrued base salary and benefits through the date of termination.

To receive any of the severance benefits provided upon termination without Cause or resignation for Good Reason, the respective officer would be required to sign a release. The Employment Agreements also include restrictive covenants that restrict the respective officers after termination from competing against the Company or the Bank, soliciting the Company’s and the Bank’s customers and employees, disparaging the Company and the Bank and maintaining the confidentiality of the Company’s and the Bank’s information. These covenants apply regardless of whether an officer is terminated with or without Cause or resigns for or without Good Reason. In order to avoid duplication of restrictive covenants the noncompetition agreements to which each officer was a party were terminated in connection with entering into the employment agreements.

The above description of the Employment Agreements is qualified in its entirety by the Employment Agreements, which are attached as exhibits to this report.

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PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT

Information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule14A) for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end. Information relating to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our employees, including its senior financial officers, is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1. Business—Available Information.”

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule14A) for our 2018  Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end.

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

Certain information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is included under the section captioned “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” in Item 5 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule 14A) for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule14A) for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement (Schedule14A) for our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end.

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PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) 1. Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements of Guaranty Bancorp and its subsidiaries and independent auditors’ reports are included in Part II (Item 8) of this Form 10-K

2. Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules have been omitted, as they are either inapplicable or included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3. Exhibits

The following documents are included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10‑K:  

Exhibit Number	Description of Exhibit
1.1	Underwriting Agreement dated July 13, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2016.
2.1	Amended and Restated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Transaction Agreement, dated August 9, 2011, among the Registrant and certain stockholders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 11, 2011)
2.2	Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated March 16, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 16,2016)
2.3	Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated July 18, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 19, 2017)
3.1	Second Amended and Restated Certification of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 12, 2009)
3.2	Certificate of Amendment to the Registrant’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2011)
3.3	Certificate of Amendment to the Registrant’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 31, 2013)
3.4	Certificate of Amendment to the Registrant’s Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2016)
3.5	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2008)
4.1	Specimen stock certificate representing shares of common stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 13, 2009)
4.2	Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated April 8, 2004, between Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.8 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
4.3	Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated April 8, 2004, among Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware, the Administrative Trustees and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.9 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)

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4.4	Guarantee Agreement, dated April 8, 2004, between Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.10 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
4.5	Assumption Letter, dated December 31, 2004, to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and Wells Fargo Delaware Trust Company from the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.11 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
4.6	Indenture, dated June 30, 2003, between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and Guaranty Corporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.12 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
4.7	First Supplemental Indenture, dated December 31, 2004, by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.13 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
4.8	Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated June 30, 2003, by the Trustees, the Administrators and Guaranty Corporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.14 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
4.9	Guarantee Agreement, dated June 30, 2003, by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, and Guaranty Corporation (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.15 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
4.10	Indenture dated July 18, 2016 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2016)
4.11	First Supplemental Indenture dated July 18, 2016 between the Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2016)
4.12	Form of 5.75% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Note due July 20, 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 18, 2016)
10.1	Investment Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2009, by and among the Registrant and the Investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2009)
10.2	Amendment No. 1 to Investment Agreement, dated as August 11, 2009, by and among the Registrant and the Investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 12, 2009)
10.3	Amendment No. 2 to Investment Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2010, by and among the Registrant and the Investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 12, 2010)
10.4	Amendment No. 3 to Investment Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011, by and among the Registrant and the Investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2011)
10.5†	Form of Indemnification Agreement for Executive Officers and Directors of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-124855), as amended)
10.6†	Guaranty Bancorp Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Plan, amended and restated effective as of May 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 19, 2015)
10.7†	2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit A to the Registrant’s Notice of 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on March 27, 2015

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10.8†	Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.16 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-126643), as amended)
10.9†	Amended Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement  (filed herewith).
10.10†	Form of Executive Cash Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.12 to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 10, 2012)
10.11†	Retention letter, dated February 28, 2011, between Paul W. Taylor and the Registrant (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s 8-K filed February 28, 2011)
10.12	Exchange Agreement, dated December 2, 2016, by and between the Registrant and Castle Creek Capital Partners IV, LP (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2016)
10.13	Employment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2016, by and among Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, the Registrant and Harry Devereaux (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-211330), as amended).
10.14	Employment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2016, by and among Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, the Registrant and Joe Scherger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-211330), as amended).
10.15	Employment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2016, by and among Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, the Registrant and Mark Bower (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-211330), as amended).
10.16	Employment Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2016, by and among Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, the Registrant and Keith Dickelman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-211330), as amended).
10.17	Termination of Employment Agreement and Release, dated as of March 16, 2016, by and between Home State Bank and Mark Bower (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-211330), as amended).
10.18	Voting and Support Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2016, by and among the Registrant and each of the shareholders of Home State Bancorp party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-211330), as amended).
10.19	Employment Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2017, by and among Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, the Registrant and D.J. Tedesco (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-220287), as amended).
10.20†	Amendment No. 1 to 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan dated November 6, 2017 (filed herewith).
10.21†	Employment Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2018, by and between the Registrant and Paul W. Taylor (filed herewith).
10.22†	Employment Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2018, by and between the Registrant and Christopher G. Treece (filed herewith).
10.23†	Employment Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2018, by and between the Registrant and Cathy P. Goss (filed herewith).
10.24†	Employment Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2018, by and between Guaranty Bank and Trust Company and Michael B. Hobbs (filed herewith).

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11.1		Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings (See Note 2(v) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)
21.1		Subsidiaries of the Registrant  (filed herewith)
23.1		Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP  (filed herewith))
24.1	Power of Attorney (included on signature page)
31.1	Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)
31.2	Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)
32.1	Section 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)
32.2	Section 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)
101.INS	XBRL Interactive Data File*
101.SCH	XBRL Interactive Data File*
101.CAL	XBRL Interactive Data File*
101.LAB	XBRL Interactive Data File*
101.PRE	XBRL Interactive Data File*
101.DEF	XBRL Interactive Data File*
† Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement *  This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of those sections, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

(b)Exhibits

The exhibits listed in Item 15(a)(3) are incorporated by reference or attached hereto.

(c) Excluded Financial Statements

Not Applicable

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not Applicable

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SIGNATURES

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

Date: February 28, 2018

GUARANTY BANCORP
By:	/s/ Christopher G. Treece
Name:	Christopher G. Treece
Title:	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial Officer)

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Paul W. Taylor and Christopher G. Treece, and each of them severally, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact with power of substitution and resubstitution to sign in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to do any and all things and execute any and all instruments that such attorney-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Annual Report on Form 10‑K and any and all amendments hereto, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, and hereby ratifies and confirms all said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, and his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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

Signature	Title	Date
/s/    Edward B. Cordes Edward B. Cordes	Chairman of the Board and Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    Paul W. Taylor Paul W. Taylor	President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    Christopher G. Treece Christopher G. Treece	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)	February 28, 2018
/s/    John M. Eggemeyer John M. Eggemeyer	Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    Keith R. Finger Keith R. Finger	Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    Stephen D. Joyce Stephen D. Joyce	Director	February 28, 2018

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/s/    Gail H. Klapper Gail H. Klapper	Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    Stephen G. McConahey Stephen G. McConahey	Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    Suzanne R. Brennan Suzanne R. Brennan	Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    W. Kirk Wycoff W. Kirk Wycoff	Director	February 28, 2018
/s/    Albert C. Yates Albert C. Yates	Director	February 28, 2018

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