10-K 1 chfn-0930201410k.htm FORM 10-K CHFN-09.30.2014-10K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
__________________________________________
FORM 10-K
__________________________________________
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014
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: 001-35870
 __________________________________________
CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________________________
Maryland
90-0947148
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
1233 O.G. Skinner Drive, West Point, Georgia
31833
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(706) 645-1391
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
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  x
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  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate 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  x    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.  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Accelerated filer
 
x
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of March 31, 2014 was approximately $208,758,461.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of December 5, 2014 was 17,025,146.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.


CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-K 

 
 
Page No.
Part I
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
 
 
 
Part III
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
 
 
 
Part IV
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15.
 
 
 
 



Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements
We have included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and from time to time our management may make, statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control. These statements include statements other than historical information or statements of current condition and may relate to our future plans and objectives and results, as well as statements about the objectives and effectiveness of our risk management and liquidity policies, statements about trends in or growth opportunities for our businesses, statements about our future status, and activities or reporting under U.S. banking and financial regulation. Forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. By identifying these statements for you in this manner, we are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those discussed below and under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PART I 
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
General Overview
Charter Financial Corporation (the “Company”) is a savings and loan holding company that was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland in April 2013 to serve as the holding company for CharterBank (the “Bank”). The Bank is a federally-chartered savings bank that was originally founded in 1954 as a federally-chartered mutual savings and loan association. In 2014, the Bank celebrated the 60th anniversary of operations in the West Point, Georgia region. As of September 30, 2014, our total assets were approximately $1.0 billion, total loans receivable were approximately $606.4 million and our deposits were approximately $717.2 million. We have total stockholders’ equity of $225.0 million.
In recent years, through public offerings, strategic de novo branching and acquisitions, the Bank has expanded further into the market of West Georgia and East Alabama, as well as into the Florida Gulf Coast. This growth, primarily along the I-85 corridor and adjacent areas anchored by Auburn, Alabama and Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia, was the result of the following:
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Acquired certain assets and assumed all deposits of The First National Bank of Florida (“FNB”), a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Milton, Florida, as a part of a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC in September 2011;
•
Acquired certain assets and assumed all deposits of McIntosh Commercial Bank (“MCB”), a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Carrollton, Georgia, as a part of a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC in March 2010;
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Acquired certain assets and assumed all deposits of Neighborhood Community Bank (“NCB”), a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Newnan, Georgia, as a part of a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC in June 2009;
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Opened de novo branches in Lagrange, Georgia in March 2007 and May 2005;
•
Acquired EBA Bancshares and its subsidiary, Eagle Bank of Alabama, in February 2003.
The Bank’s principal business consists of attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, in commercial real estate loans, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, construction loans and investment securities and, to a lesser extent, commercial business loans, home equity loans and lines of credit and other consumer loans. We offer a variety of community banking services to our customers, including online banking and bill payment services, mobile banking, online cash management, safe deposit box rentals, debit card and ATM card services and the availability of a network of ATMs. In addition to our 14 branch offices in west-central Georgia, east-central Alabama and the Florida Gulf Coast, we operate a cashless branch office in Norcross, Georgia. CharterBank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. CharterBank’s executive offices are located at 1233 O.G. Skinner Dr., West Point, Georgia 31833. Its telephone number at that address is (706) 645-1391.
On April 8, 2013, the Company completed its conversion and reorganization pursuant to which our organization converted from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form of organization. The Company sold 14.3 million shares of common stock for gross offering proceeds of $142.9 million in the offering. Following the conversion and reorganization, the Bank became 100% owned by Charter Financial and Charter Financial became 100% owned by public shareholders.

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Charter Financial Corporation, the federally chartered corporation (“Charter Federal”), was established in October 2001 to be the holding company for the Bank in connection with the Bank’s reorganization from a federal mutual savings and loan association into the two-tiered mutual holding company structure. Charter Federal's business activity was the ownership of the outstanding capital stock of CharterBank. First Charter, MHC was our federally chartered mutual holding company. Its principal business activity was the ownership of common stock of Charter Federal. As of April 8, 2013, Charter Federal and First Charter, MHC both ceased to exist.
The Charter Foundation, Inc. (“Charter Foundation”), a nonprofit charitable foundation, was established in December 1994 by members of CharterBank. Charter Foundation provides funds to eligible nonprofit organizations to help them carry out unique, innovative projects in specific fields of interest. Charter Foundation’s goal is to fund projects that will enhance the quality of life in the communities served by CharterBank. The Foundation had approximately $7.6 million in assets at September 30, 2014 and annually distributes 5% of its net asset value in grants to the local community. The grants and gifts provided by Charter Foundation are generally for charitable causes, and to enhance the quality of life and housing in CharterBank’s markets.
Market Area
We conduct operations primarily in west-central Georgia, east-central Alabama and the Florida Gulf Coast. Our corporate offices as well as one branch are located in West Point, Georgia (Troup County), and we have a branch in Valley, Alabama (Chambers County), three branches in Lagrange, Georgia (Troup County), a branch in Opelika, Alabama (Lee County), and two branch offices in Auburn, Alabama (Lee County), one branch office in Carrollton (Carroll County), two branch offices in Newnan (Cowetra County) along with three branches located in northwest Florida, two of which are located in Santa Rosa County and one in Escambia County. We also have a cashless branch located in Norcross, Georgia (Gwinnett County). The FDIC-assisted acquisitions have complemented the corporate expansion we have achieved in recent years both through de novo branching and acquisitions. Management believes that the acquisitions are key components to building our retail franchise, as we now have 15 branches on the I-85 corridor and adjacent areas between Newnan, Georgia and Auburn, Alabama, and in the Florida Panhandle.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, population in our Georgia market area has increased from 2000 to 2010, with growth rates of 26.7%, 42.7%, 16.8%, 35.2% and 14.4% for Carroll, Coweta, Gwinnett, Harris, and Troup Counties, respectively. As of 2010, the Georgia market area’s median household income of $55,342 was above both the national and state levels. Consistent with national trends, unemployment in the majority of our Georgia market areas decreased in 2014 from 2013 levels. As of October 2014, the unemployment rate for Carroll, Coweta, Gwinnett, Harris, and Troup Counties was 7.0%, 6.5%, 6.3%, 5.8% and 7.6%, respectively, compared to 8.0%, 7.0%, 6.9%, 6.3% and 8.5%, respectively, as of October 2013.
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, from 2000 to 2010, our Alabama market area population decreased in Chambers County by 6.5% while increasing in Lee County by 21.9% and the median household income of $34,964 was below both the national and Alabama state levels as of 2010. Our Alabama market area has seen its unemployment rate in 2014 decrease from 2013 levels, with the Chambers County and Lee County unemployment rate at 5.8% and 4.6%, respectively, as of October 2014 compared to 6.7% and 4.8%, respectively, as of October 2013.
In our Florida market area, population increased 28.6% and 1.1% for Santa Rosa County and Escambia County, respectively, from 2000 to 2010 according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Median household income in our Florida market area for 2010 was $46,000, which was below the national level but above the Florida level. Our Florida market area has seen its unemployment rate in 2014 decrease from 2013 levels, with the Santa Rosa and Escambia County unemployment rate at 5.2% and 5.8%, respectively, as of October 2014, compared to 5.9% and 6.6%, respectively, as of October 2013.
The outlook for our market area is for modest growth supported by a $1.0 billion KIA Motors assembly plant, which opened in February 2010 in West Point, Georgia. As of November 2012, the 2.2 million square-foot automobile manufacturing plant and its nearby suppliers have created more than 12,000 jobs in the area. The outlook for modest growth is also supported by a military base realignment which has added significantly to employment at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Additionally, in the spring of 2012, Point University, formerly known as Atlanta Christian College, moved their main campus from East Point, Georgia to West Point, Georgia, and with it, its students and numerous facility and staff. However, the market area is significantly overbanked, especially Newnan and Coweta County. This has limited our ability to expand organically, thus making growth more dependent upon acquisitions and de novo branching into new markets. We will seek to take advantage of the profitable growth opportunities presented within our expanded market area, and capitalize on our expanded retail footprint resulting from acquisitions. The economy of the Florida Panhandle is primarily dependent upon tourism and hospitality, farming, forestry, paper mills, import/export shipping, shipbuilding, and commercial fishing. Over the next five years, our Florida markets are projected to experience moderate growth in terms of total population and number of households. The outlook for our Florida Panhandle market is affected by the heavy influences of military bases and tourism.

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Competition
We face intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. West-central Georgia, east-central Alabama and the Florida Panhandle have a high concentration of financial institutions, many of which are branches of large money center, super-regional, and regional banks that have resulted from the consolidation of the banking industry in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Many of these competitors have greater resources than we do and may offer services that we do not provide.
Our competition for loans comes from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions, finance companies, credit card banks, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms. Our most direct competition for deposits historically has come from commercial banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, and mutual funds. We face additional competition for deposits from short-term money market funds and other corporate and government securities funds, from brokerage firms, insurance companies and non-traditional financial institutions, including non-depository financial services providers.
FDIC-Assisted Acquisitions
The three FDIC-assisted acquisitions between 2009 and 2011 extended our retail branch footprint as part of our efforts to increase our retail deposits and reduce our reliance on brokered deposits and borrowings as a significant source of funds. We refer to each of the three financial institutions we acquired in conjunction with FDIC loss share agreements collectively as the “Acquired Banks” and we refer to the indemnification assets and other receivables associated with the FDIC loss share agreements related to the Acquired Banks as the “FDIC receivable.” Additionally, we refer to loans subject to loss share agreements with the FDIC as “covered loans” and loans that are not subject to loss share agreements with the FDIC as “non-covered loans.”
Neighborhood Community Bank. On June 26, 2009, CharterBank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of NCB, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Newnan, Georgia. The acquisition of NCB’s four full-service branches, one of which has been closed, has expanded our market presence in west-central Georgia within the I-85 corridor region in which we continue to seek to expand. We assumed $195.3 million of NCB’s liabilities, including $181.3 million of deposits, with no deposit premium paid. We also acquired $202.8 million of NCB assets, including $159.9 million of loans, net of unearned income, and $17.7 million of real estate owned, at a discount to book value of $26.9 million. The acquisition agreement with the FDIC included loss-sharing agreements pursuant to which the FDIC assumes 80% of losses and shares 80% of loss recoveries on the first $82.0 million of losses on acquired loans and real estate owned, and assumes 95% of losses and shares 95% of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $82.0 million. Loans and other real estate owned that are covered under the loss-sharing agreements are referred to in this annual report on Form 10-K as “covered loans” and “covered other real estate,” respectively. The loss sharing portion of the NCB non-single family loss sharing agreement with the FDIC expired in June 2014 with the three year recovery period starting at that time.
It is expected that we will have sufficient nonaccretable discounts and allowance for loan losses, after recording the current year provisions, to cover any losses on the NCB covered loans and covered other real estate. Given the foregoing and as a result of the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC on these assets, we do not expect to incur significant losses.
McIntosh Commercial Bank. On March 26, 2010, CharterBank entered into an acquisition agreement with the FDIC to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of MCB, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Carrollton, Georgia. The retention of one of MCB’s four full-service branches has expanded our market presence in west-central Georgia within the I-85 corridor region and adjacent areas in which we continue to seek to expand. We assumed $306.2 million of MCB’s liabilities, including $295.3 million of deposits, with no deposit premium paid. We also acquired $322.6 million of MCB assets, including $207.6 million of loans, net of unearned income, and $55.3 million of real estate owned, at a discount to book value of $53.0 million. The purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC included loss-sharing agreements pursuant to which the FDIC assumes 80% of losses and shares 80% of loss recoveries on the first $106.0 million of losses on acquired loans and real estate owned, and assumes 95% of losses and shares 95% of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $106.0 million.
We recorded in noninterest income approximately $9.3 million in a pre-tax bargain purchase gain in connection with the MCB transaction, which represented the excess of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired over the fair value of the liabilities assumed. In addition, it is expected that we will have sufficient nonaccretable discounts, after recording the current year provisions, to cover any losses on the MCB covered loans and covered other real estate. We have recorded an FDIC receivable for expected losses to be indemnified and nonaccretable covered loan credit discounts for such amounts. It is also expected that we will have accretable discounts to provide for market yields on the MCB covered loans.
The First National Bank of Florida. On September 9, 2011, CharterBank entered into an acquisition agreement with the FDIC to acquire certain assets and assume certain liabilities of FNB, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Milton, Florida. The retention of three of FNB’s eight full-service branches has expanded our market presence in the Florida Panhandle and adjacent areas in which we were seeking to expand. We assumed $247.5 million of FNB’s liabilities, including $244.7 million

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of deposits, with no deposit premium paid. We also acquired $251.8 million of FNB assets, including $185.9 million of loans, net of unearned income, and $24.9 million of real estate owned, at a discount to book value of $28.0 million. The purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC included loss-sharing agreements pursuant to which the FDIC assumes 80% of losses and shares 80% of loss recoveries on acquired loans and real estate owned.
We recorded in noninterest income approximately $1.1 million in a pre-tax bargain purchase gain in connection with the FNB transaction, which represented the excess of the estimated fair value of the assets acquired over the fair value of the liabilities assumed. In addition, it is expected that we will have sufficient nonaccretable discounts and allowance for loan losses, after recording the current year provisions, to cover any losses on the FNB covered loans and covered other real estate. We have recorded an FDIC receivable for expected losses to be indemnified and nonaccretable covered loan credit discounts for such amounts. It is also expected that we will have accretable discounts to provide for market yields on the FNB covered loans.
For more information regarding CharterBank’s FDIC-assisted acquisitions and subsequent loss share resolution, see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — FDIC Loss-Share Resolution”.
Lending Activities
We offer a broad range of loan products with a variety of rates and terms. Our lending operations consist of the following major segments: commercial real estate lending; single-family residential mortgage lending for retention in our portfolio; construction lending; and residential mortgage lending for resale in the secondary mortgage market, generally on a servicing-released basis. To a lesser extent, we also originate consumer loans , and commercial business loans. Our lending activities are consistent with our community bank orientation.
We have pursued loan diversification with the objective of lowering credit concentration risk, enhancing yields and earnings, and improving the interest rate sensitivity of our assets. Historically, we have focused our lending activities on residential and commercial mortgage loans as well as consumer loans, primarily to local customers. We also have initiated retail and commercial business lending in the markets formerly served by NCB, MCB and FNB branches.
Commercial Real Estate Loans. Commercial real estate lending is an integral part of our operating strategy and we intend to continue to take advantage of opportunities to originate commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans typically have higher yields, shorter durations and larger loan balances compared to residential mortgage loans. Commercial real estate lending also has provided us with another means of broadening our range of customer relationships. As of September 30, 2014, non-covered commercial real estate loan balances totaled $300.6 million, or 55.0% of our total non-covered loan portfolio. Additionally, at September 30, 2014, we had $67.4 million (contractual amount) of commercial real estate loans covered by FDIC loss-sharing agreements, or 81.3% of total covered loans.
Commercial real estate loans are generally made to Georgia, Alabama or Florida borrowers and are secured by properties in these states. Commercial real estate loans are generally made for up to 80% of the value of the underlying real estate. Our commercial real estate loans are typically secured by offices, hotels, strip shopping centers, warehouses/distribution facilities, land, multi-family properties, or convenience stores located principally in Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
Commercial real estate lending involves additional risks compared to one- to four-family residential lending. Repayment of commercial real estate loans often depends on the successful operations and income stream of the borrowers, and commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to residential real estate loans. To compensate for the increased risk, our commercial real estate loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter maturities than our residential mortgage loans. We offer commercial real estate loans at fixed rates and adjustable rates tied to the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. However, the interest rates on a portion of our commercial real estate loan portfolio are tied to LIBOR. We currently offer terms of up to 10 years.
Our underwriting criteria for commercial real estate loans include maximum loan-to-value ratios, debt coverage ratios, secondary sources of repayment, guarantor requirements and quality of cash flow. As part of our loan approval and underwriting of commercial real estate loans, we undertake a cash flow analysis, and we generally require a debt-service coverage ratio of at least 1.15 times. Our capacity to expand this portfolio may be tempered by lack of demand from qualified borrowers and intense competition for good loans.
Residential Mortgage Loans. We originate first and second mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties within Georgia, Florida and Alabama. We currently originate mortgages in all of our markets, but utilize centralized processing at our corporate office. As of September 30, 2014, non-covered residential mortgage loans totaled $152.8 million, or 28.0% of total non-covered loans. As of September 30, 2014, covered residential mortgage loans totaled $11.6 million (contractual amount), or 14.0% of total covered loans.

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We originate both fixed rate and adjustable rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Fixed rate, 30 year, conforming loans are generally originated for resale into the secondary market on a servicing-released basis. Previously, we originated 15 year fixed rate loans and retained them in our portfolio. Going forward, it is our intent to originate these 15 year fixed rate loans for resale into the secondary market. We generally retain in our portfolio loans that are non-conforming due to property exceptions and loans that have adjustable rates. We are now selling loans to Fannie Mae and retaining the servicing associated with these loans. As of September 30, 2014, approximately 59.2% of our one- to four-family loan portfolio consisted of fixed-rate mortgage loans and 40.8% consisted of either adjustable rate mortgage loans (“ARMs”) or hybrid loans with fixed interest rates for the first one, three, five or seven years of the loan, and adjustable rates thereafter. After the initial term, the interest rate on ARMs generally adjusts on an annual basis at a fixed spread over the monthly average yield on United States Treasury securities, the prime interest rate as listed in The Wall Street Journal, or LIBOR. The interest rate adjustments are generally subject to a maximum increase of 2% per adjustment period and 6% over the life of the loan.
CharterBank originates one- to four-family residential loans with loan-to-values of up to 80%. We will also originate loans with loan-to-values in excess of 80% with private mortgage insurance. A substantial portion of our one- to four-family residential mortgage loans are secured by properties in Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
We offer home equity lines of credit as a complement to our one- to four-family residential mortgage lending. We believe that offering home equity credit lines helps to expand and create stronger ties to our existing customer base by increasing the number of customer relationships and providing cross-marketing opportunities. Home equity credit lines have adjustable-rates and are secured by a first or second mortgage on owner-occupied one- to four-family residences located primarily in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Home equity credit lines enable customers to borrow at rates tied to the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. The underwriting standards applicable to home equity credit lines are similar to those for one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, except for slightly more stringent credit-to-income and credit score requirements. Home equity loans are generally limited to 75% of the value of the underlying property unless the loan is covered by private mortgage insurance. At September 30, 2014, we had $11.8 million of home equity lines of credit and second mortgage loans not covered by the FDIC. We had $8.5 million of unfunded home equity line of credit commitments not covered by the FDIC at September 30, 2014.
The amount of subprime loans held by CharterBank is not material. We consider “subprime” loans to be loans originated to borrowers having credit scores below 620 at the time of origination. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had total subprime loans of $5.5 million. We do not, and have not, originated “low documentation” or “no documentation” loans, “option ARM” loans, or other loans with special or unusual payment arrangements.
We modify residential mortgage loans when it is mutually beneficial to us and the borrower, and on terms that are appropriate to the circumstances. We have no non-covered loans in government modification programs. Covered loans have FDIC modification programs available, these programs are outlined in their respective purchase and assumption agreements.
Construction Loans. Consistent with our community bank strategy, construction lending has been an integral part of our overall lending strategy. Construction loans represent an important segment of the loan portfolio, totaling $63.5 million, or 11.6% of non-covered loans at September 30, 2014. We have no remaining construction loans covered by loss sharing as construction loans have a short maturity and generally, a shorter resolution time than many other loans.
We make loans primarily for the construction of one- to four-family residences but also for multi-family and nonresidential real estate projects on a select basis. We offer construction loans to pre-approved local builders including loans on both speculative (unsold) and pre-sold properties. The number of speculative loans that we will extend to a builder at one time depends upon the financial strength and credit history of the builder. Our construction loan program is expected to remain a modest portion of our loan portfolio. We generally limit the number of outstanding loans on unsold homes under construction within a specific area and/or to a specific borrower.
Commercial Loans and Consumer Loans. To a much lesser extent, we also originate non-mortgage loans, including commercial business and consumer loans. At September 30, 2014, non-covered commercial loans totaled $24.8 million, or 4.5% of total non-covered loans, and non-covered consumer and other loans totaled $5.0 million, or 0.9% of non-covered loans. Additionally, at September 30, 2014, we had $3.7 million (contractual amount) of commercial loans and $178,646 (contractual amount) of consumer and other loans covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements.
Our commercial business loans are generally limited to terms of five years or less. We typically attempt to collateralize these loans with a lien on commercial real estate or with a lien on business assets and equipment. We also generally require the personal guarantee of the business owner. Interest rates on commercial business loans are generally higher than interest rates on residential or commercial real estate loans due to the risk inherent in this type of loan. Commercial business loans are generally considered to have more risk than residential mortgage loans or commercial real estate loans because the collateral may be in the form of intangible assets and/or readily depreciable inventory. Commercial business loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers, with the repayment of such loans typically dependent on the successful operation

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and income stream of the borrower or guarantors. Such risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. In addition, commercial business lending generally requires substantially greater supervision efforts by our management compared to residential mortgage or commercial real estate lending.
Our consumer loans are loans on deposits, automobile loans and various other installment loans. Consumer loans tend to have a higher credit risk than residential mortgage loans because they may be secured by rapidly depreciable assets, or may be unsecured. Our consumer lending generally follows accepted industry standards for non subprime lending, including certain minimum credit scores and debt to income ratios.
Loan Origination and Approval Procedures and Authority. The following describes our current lending procedures for residential mortgage loans and home equity loans and lines of credit. Upon receipt of a completed loan application from a prospective borrower, we order a credit report and verify other information. If necessary, we obtain additional financial or credit related information. We require an appraisal for all residential mortgage loans, except for home equity loans or lines where a valuation may be used to determine the loan-to-value ratio. Appraisals are performed by licensed or certified third-party appraisal firms and are reviewed by our lending department. We require title insurance or a title opinion on all mortgage loans.
We require borrowers to obtain hazard insurance and we may require borrowers to obtain flood insurance prior to closing. For properties with a private sewage disposal system, we also require evidence of compliance with applicable laws on residential mortgage loans. Further, we generally require borrowers to advance funds on a monthly basis together with each payment of principal and interest to a mortgage escrow account from which we make disbursements for items such as real estate taxes, hazard insurance, flood insurance, and private mortgage insurance premiums, if required.
Commercial loans are approved through CharterBank’s Management Loan Committee process. The Management Loan Committee consists of the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer and certain other senior lending and credit officers. Commercial loan relationships of $2.0 million or less may be approved outside the Committee process by senior officers who have commercial loan authority. Commercial loan relationships greater than $2.0 million are approved by the Management Loan Committee.
Loan Originations, Participations, Purchases and Sales. Most of our loan originations are generated by our loan personnel operating at our banking office locations and corporate headquarters. All loans we originate are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures. While we originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, our ability to generate each type of loan depends upon relative borrower demand and the pricing levels as set in the local marketplace by competing banks, thrifts, credit unions, and mortgage banking companies. Our volume of real estate loan originations is influenced significantly by market interest rates, and, accordingly, the volume of our real estate loan originations can vary from period to period.
Consistent with our interest rate risk strategy, in the low interest rate environment that has existed in recent years, we have sold almost all fixed-rate, 30-year conforming one- to four-family residential mortgage loans in the secondary market generally on a servicing-released basis while retaining commercial real estate loans and non-conforming or 15-year fixed rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans for retention in our portfolio. We sold $43.4 million of loans in fiscal 2014.
Occasionally, we have purchased loan participations in commercial loans in which we are not the lead lender that are secured by real estate or other assets. With regard to all loan participations, we follow our customary loan underwriting and approval policies, and although we may be only approving and servicing a portion of the loan, we underwrite the loan request as if we had originated the loan to ensure cash flow and collateral are sufficient. At September 30, 2014, our loan participations totaled $13.9 million, or 2.55%, of our non-covered loan portfolio. All of our organically originated loan participations were performing in accordance with their terms at September 30, 2014. One participation loan that was previously covered by a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC is currently in bankruptcy and at September 30, 2014 was paying in accordance with the bankruptcy terms.
During fiscal 2014 we purchased two loan participations with a combined loan balance of $4.6 million that is reflected in our loan balance at September 30, 2014.
Investments
The Board of Directors reviews and approves our investment policy. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as authorized by the Board, implement this policy based on the established guidelines within the written investment policy, and other established guidelines, including those set periodically by the Asset-Liability Management Committee.
The primary goal of our investment policy is to invest funds in assets with varying maturities that will result in the best possible yield while maintaining the safety of the principal invested and assisting in managing our interest rate risk. We also seek to use our strong capital position to maximize our net income by investing in higher yielding mortgage-related securities funded by borrowings. We also consider our investment portfolio as a source of liquidity.

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The broad objectives of our investment portfolio management are to:
•
minimize the risk of loss of principal or interest;
•
generate favorable returns without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk;
•
manage the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities;
•
meet daily, cyclical and long term liquidity requirements while complying with our established policies and regulatory liquidity requirements;
•
provide a stream of cash flow;
•
diversify assets and address maturity or interest repricing imbalances; and
•
provide collateral for pledging requirements.
In determining our investment strategies, we consider our interest rate sensitivity, yield, credit risk factors, maturity and amortization schedules, asset prepayment risks, collateral value and other characteristics of the securities to be held.
Sources of Funds
Deposits are the major source of balance sheet funding for lending and other investment purposes. Additional significant sources of funds include liquidity, repayment of loans, loan sales, maturing investments, and borrowings. We believe that our standing as a sound and secure financial institution and our emphasis on the convenience of our customers will continue to contribute to our ability to attract and retain deposits. We offer extended hours at the majority of our offices and alternative banking delivery systems that allow customers to pay bills, transfer funds and monitor account balances at any time. We also offer competitive rates as well as a competitive selection of deposit products, including checking, NOW, money market, regular savings and term certificate accounts. In addition, we offer a bank rewarded product that offers a higher rate on deposit balances up to $15,000 if certain conditions are met. These conditions include receiving electronic statements, having at least one monthly ACH transaction per month and having 20 or more debit card transactions per month. For accounts that do not meet these conditions in any given month, the rate paid on the balances is reduced.
We also rely on advertising and long-standing relationships to maintain and develop depositor relationships, while competitive rates are also paid to attract and retain deposits. Furthermore, the NCB, MCB, and FNB acquisitions continue to enhance customer convenience by broadening the markets currently served by CharterBank.
We continually evaluate opportunities to enhance deposit growth. Potential avenues of growth include de novo branching and branch or institution acquisitions. Additionally, to the extent additional funds are needed, we may employ available collateral to increase borrowings, which are expected to consist primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Based on asset limitations we have $255.7 million available at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta at September 30, 2014. Based on available collateral we are limited to $168.9 million at September 30, 2014. We have a source of emergency liquidity with the Federal Reserve, and at September 30, 2014 we had collateral pledged that provided access to approximately $65.8 million of discount window borrowings.
Employees
As of September 30, 2014, we had 276 full-time employees and 12 part-time employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group. Management believes that we have a good working relationship with our employees.
Subsidiary Activities
Charter Financial has no direct or indirect subsidiaries other than CharterBank.
Availability of Information
The Company’s investor website can be accessed at www.charterbk.com under “Corporate Investor Relations.” Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available on our investor website under the caption “SEC Filings” promptly after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish such materials to, the SEC. No information contained on our website is intended to be included as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Documents filed with the SEC are also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
General
Charter Financial is a savings and loan holding company, and is required to file certain reports with, and is subject to examination by, and otherwise must comply with the rules and regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board” or “FRB”). Charter Financial is also subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.
The Bank is a federal savings bank, examined and supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and is subject to examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund and depositors. Under this system of federal regulation, financial institutions are periodically examined to ensure that they satisfy applicable standards with respect to their capital adequacy, assets, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market interest rates. Following completion of its examination, the federal agency critiques the institution’s operations and assigns its rating (known as an institution’s CAMELS rating). Under federal law, an institution may not disclose its CAMELS rating to the public. The Bank must comply with consumer protection regulations issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Bank also is a member of and owns stock in the FHLB of Atlanta, which is one of the twelve regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank also is regulated to a lesser extent by the FRB, governing reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters. The OCC examines the Bank and prepares reports for the consideration of the Bank’s board of directors on any operating deficiencies should any arise. The Bank’s relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by federal law and, to a much lesser extent, state law, especially in matters concerning the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of the Bank’s loan documents and certain consumer protection matters.
Any change in these laws or regulations, whether by the FDIC, the OCC, the FRB or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Charter Financial, the Bank and their operations.
Certain of the regulatory requirements that are applicable to the Bank and Charter Financial are described below. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete explanation of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Bank and Charter Financial and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual statutes and regulations.
Dodd-Frank Act
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), has significantly changed the bank regulatory structure and affected the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated our former primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and required the Bank to be regulated by the OCC (the primary federal regulator for national banks). The Dodd-Frank Act also authorized the FRB to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies.
The Dodd-Frank Act required the FRB to set minimum capital levels for both bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital for holding companies were restricted to capital instruments that were then currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. The legislation also established a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect upon passage, and directed the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.
The Dodd-Frank Act also created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with substantial power to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as the Bank, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets such as the Bank will continue to be examined by their applicable federal bank regulators. The legislation also weakened the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings banks, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.
The legislation broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a depository institution instead of aggregate deposits. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor. The Dodd-Frank Act increased stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation also

8

directed the FRB to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded. The Dodd-Frank Act provided for originators of certain securitized loans to retain a percentage of the risk for transferred loans, directed the FRB to regulate pricing of certain debit card interchange fees and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage origination.
Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have delayed effective dates and the legislation requires various federal agencies to promulgate numerous and extensive implementing regulations over the next several years. Although the complete substance and scope of these regulations cannot be completely determined at this time, it is expected that the legislation and implementing regulations will increase our operating and compliance costs.
Federal Banking Regulation
Business Activities. A federal savings bank derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended and federal regulations. Under these laws and regulations, the Bank may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial business and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets, subject to applicable limits. The Dodd-Frank Act authorized, for the first time, the payment of interest on commercial checking accounts. The Bank may also establish subsidiaries that may engage in certain activities not otherwise permissible for the Bank, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage. A bank also may establish subsidiaries that may engage in certain activities not otherwise permissible for a bank, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage. The Dodd-Frank Act authorized depository institutions to commence paying interest on business checking accounts, effective July 21, 2011.
Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require savings associations to meet three minimum capital standards: a 1.5% tangible capital ratio, a 4% leverage ratio (3% for savings associations receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS rating system and meeting certain other requirements) and an 8% risk-based capital ratio.
The risk-based capital standard for savings associations requires the maintenance of Tier 1 (core) and total capital (which is defined as core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and 8%, respectively. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100% (or 200% for certain residual interests in transferred assets), assigned by the applicable regulatory agency, based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Core capital is defined as common shareholders’ equity (including retained earnings), certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships. The components of supplementary capital currently include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Overall, the amount of supplementary capital included as part of total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital. Additionally, a savings association that retains credit risk in connection with an asset sale may be required to maintain additional regulatory capital because of the recourse back to the savings association. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the OCC takes into consideration not only these numeric factors but also qualitative factors, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual associations where necessary.
In July, 2013, the OCC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule to revise their risk-based and leverage capital requirements and their method for calculating risk-weighted assets, to make them consistent with the agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more, and top-tier savings and loan holding companies (“banking organizations”). Among other things, the rule establishes a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increases the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets) and assigns a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property.
The rule also includes changes in what constitutes regulatory capital, some of which are subject to a two-year transition period. These changes include the phasing-out of certain instruments as qualifying capital. In addition, Tier 2 capital is no longer limited to the amount of Tier 1 capital included in total capital. Mortgage servicing rights, certain deferred tax assets and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries over designated percentages of common stock will be required to be deducted from capital, subject to a two-year transition period. Finally, Tier 1 capital will include accumulated other comprehensive income (which includes all unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities), subject to a two-year transition period. The Bank has the one-time option in the first quarter of 2015 to permanently opt out of the inclusion of accumulated other comprehensive income

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in its capital calculation. The Bank is considering whether to opt out in order to reduce the impact of market volatility on its regulatory capital levels.
The new capital requirements also include changes in the risk-weights of assets to better reflect credit risk and other risk exposures. These include a 150% risk weight (up from 100%) for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans and non-residential mortgage loans that are 90 day past due or otherwise on non-accrual status; a 20% (up from 0%) credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable; a 250% risk weight (up from 100%) for mortgage servicing and deferred tax assets that are not deducted from capital; and increased risk-weights (from 0% to up to 600%) for equity exposures.
Finally, the final rule also limits a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets. The final rule becomes effective for us on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 and ending January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective.
At September 30, 2014, the Bank’s capital exceeded all applicable requirements.
Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a federal savings bank may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate. As of September 30, 2014, the Bank was in compliance with the loans-to-one borrower limitations.
Qualified Thrift Lender Test. As a federal savings bank, the Bank must satisfy the qualified thrift lender, or “QTL”, test. Under the QTL test, the Bank must maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” in “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including mortgage-backed securities) in at least nine months of the most recent 12-month period. “Portfolio assets” generally means total assets of a savings institution, less the sum of specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, and the value of property used in the conduct of the savings association’s business.
The Bank also may satisfy the QTL test by qualifying as a “domestic building and loan association” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. A savings association that fails the qualified thrift lender test must operate under specified restrictions. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, non-compliance with the QTL test may subject the Bank to agency enforcement action for a violation of law. At September 30, 2014, the Bank satisfied the QTL test.
Capital Distributions. Federal regulations govern capital distributions by a federal savings bank, which include cash dividends, stock repurchases and other transactions charged to the capital account of a savings association. A federal savings bank must file an application with the OCC for approval of a capital distribution if:
•
the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the savings association’s net income for that year to date plus the savings association’s retained net income for the preceding two years;
•
the savings association would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution;
•
the distribution would violate any applicable statute, regulation, agreement or condition imposed by a regulator; or
•
the savings association is not eligible for expedited treatment of its filings.
Even if an application is not otherwise required, every savings association that is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company must still file a notice with the FRB at least 30 days before the board of directors declares a dividend or approves a capital distribution.
The OCC and the FRB have established similar criteria for approving an application or a notice and may disapprove a notice or application if:
•
the savings association would be undercapitalized following the distribution;
•
the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or
•
the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation or agreement.
In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that an insured depository institution may not make any capital distribution, if the institution would be undercapitalized after the distribution. A federal savings bank also may not make a capital distribution that would reduce its regulatory capital below the amount required for the liquidation account established in connection with its conversion to stock form. In addition, beginning in 2016, the Bank’s ability to pay dividends will be limited if the Bank does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may limit the ability of Charter Financial to pay dividends to its stockholders. See “-Capital Requirements.”

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Liquidity. A federal savings bank is required to maintain a sufficient amount of liquid assets to ensure its safe and sound operation.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All federal savings associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related federal regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In connection with its examination of a federal savings bank, the OCC is required to assess the federal savings association’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. A savings association’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in denial of certain corporate applications such as branches or mergers, or in restrictions on its activities. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the OCC, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.
The Community Reinvestment Act requires all institutions insured by the FDIC to publicly disclose their rating. The Bank received a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination.
Transactions with Related Parties. A federal savings bank’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates is limited by FRB regulations and by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and federal regulation. An affiliate is a company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an insured depository institution such as the Bank. Charter Financial is an affiliate of the Bank. In general, loan transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to certain quantitative and collateral requirements. In addition, federal regulations prohibit a savings association from lending to any of its affiliates that are engaged in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate, other than a subsidiary. Finally, transactions with affiliates must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, not involve low-quality assets and be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as comparable transactions with non-affiliates. Savings associations are required to maintain detailed records of all transactions with affiliates.
The Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O of the FRB. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders:
•
subject to certain exceptions for loan law programs made available to all employees, be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features, and
•
not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the Bank’s capital.
Enforcement. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings institutions and has the authority to bring enforcement action against all “institution-affiliated parties,” including shareholders, and attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action by the OCC may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order, to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution and the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1 million per day. The FDIC also has the authority to terminate deposit insurance or to recommend to the OCC that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular savings institution. If action is not taken by the OCC, the FDIC has authority to take action under specified circumstances.
Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems and audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. The federal banking agencies adopted Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement the safety and soundness standards required under federal law. The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to submit a compliance plan. Failure to implement such a plan can result in further enforcement action including the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties.

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Prompt Corrective Action Regulations. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the OCC is required and authorized to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings associations. For this purpose, a savings association is placed in one of the following five categories based on the savings association’s capital:
•
well-capitalized (at least 5% leverage capital, 6% Tier 1 risk-based capital and 10% total risk-based capital, and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive issued by the OCC or the Office of Thrift Supervision under certain statutes and regulations, to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure);
•
adequately capitalized (at least 4% leverage capital (3% for associations with a composite CAMELS rating of 1), 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital and 8% total risk-based capital);
•
undercapitalized (less than 4% leverage capital (except as noted in the bullet point above), 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital or 8% total risk-based capital);
•
significantly undercapitalized (less than 3% leverage capital, 3% Tier 1 risk-based capital or 6% total risk-based capital); and
•
critically undercapitalized (less than 2% tangible capital).
Generally, the OCC is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings association that is “critically undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the OCC within 45 days of the date a savings association receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” The criteria for an acceptable capital restoration plan include, among other things, the establishment of the methodology and assumptions for attaining adequately capitalized status on an annual basis, procedures for ensuring compliance with restrictions imposed by applicable federal regulations, the identification of the types and levels of activities the savings association will engage in while the capital restoration plan is in effect, and assurances that the capital restoration plan will not appreciably increase the current risk profile of the savings association. Any holding company for a savings association required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee the lesser of an amount equal to 5% of the savings association’s assets at the time it was notified or deemed to be undercapitalized by the OCC, or the amount necessary to restore the savings association to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the OCC notifies the savings association that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters, and the OCC has the authority to require payment and collect payment under the guarantee. Failure by a holding company to provide the required guarantee will result in certain operating restrictions on the savings association, such as restrictions on the ability to declare and pay dividends, pay executive compensation and management fees, and increase assets or expand operations. The OCC may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized associations, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.
At September 30, 2014, the Bank met the criteria for being considered “well-capitalized.”
In addition, the final capital rule adopted in July 2013 revises the prompt corrective action categories to incorporate the revised minimum capital requirements of that rule when it becomes effective. The OCC’s prompt corrective action standards will change when these new capital ratios become effective. Under the new standards, in order to be considered well-capitalized, the Bank would have to have a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% (new), a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% (increased from 6.0%), a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% (unchanged), and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5.0% (unchanged).
Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured financial institutions such as the Bank. Deposit accounts in the Bank are insured by the FDIC generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts. The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund.
Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned and certain adjustments specified by FDIC regulations, with institutions deemed less risky to the deposit insurance fund paying lower rates. Assessment rates (inclusive of possible adjustments) currently range from 2.5 to 45 basis points of each institution’s total assets less tangible capital. The FDIC may increase or decrease the range of assessments uniformly, except that no adjustment can deviate more than two basis points from the base assessment rate without notice and comment rulemaking. The FDIC’s current system represents a change, required by the Dodd-Frank Act, from its prior practice of basing the assessment on an institution’s aggregate deposits.
The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits, and the FDIC must achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are required to fund the increase. The Dodd-Frank Act also eliminated the 1.5%

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maximum fund ratio, and instead gives the FDIC the discretion to determine the maximum fund ratio. The FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a long-term fund ratio of 2%.
Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. The Bank does not believe that it is taking or is subject to any action, condition or violation that could lead to termination of its deposit insurance.
All FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay a pro rata portion of the interest due on obligations issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO are due to mature in 2017 through 2019. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the annualized Financing Corporation assessment was equal to 0.62 basis points of total assets less tangible capital. Assessments related to the FICO bond obligations were not subject to the December 30, 2009 prepayment.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, the Bank paid $54,447 related to the FICO bonds and was assessed $600,111 pertaining to deposit insurance assessments.
Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. Federal savings banks are prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. As a member of the FHLB of Atlanta, the Bank is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank.
As of September 30, 2014, outstanding borrowings from the FHLB of Atlanta were $55.0 million and the Bank was in compliance with the stock investment requirement.
Other Regulations
Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. In addition, the Bank’s operations are subject to federal laws and regulations applicable to credit transactions, financial privacy, money laundering and electronic fund transfers.
Holding Company Regulation
General. Charter Financial is a non-diversified savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. As such, Charter Financial is registered with the FRB and subject to FRB regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. In addition, the FRB has enforcement authority over Charter Financial and, in some instances, the Bank. Among other things, this authority permits the FRB to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the Bank.
Permissible Activities. Under present law, the business activities of Charter Financial Corporation are generally limited to those activities permissible for financial holding companies, bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or for multiple savings and loan holding companies. A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, including underwriting equity securities and insurance as well as activities that are incidental to financial activities or complementary to a financial activity. The Dodd-Frank Act specifies that a savings and loan holding company may only engage in financial holding company activities if it meets the qualitative criteria necessary for a bank holding company to engage in such activities, makes an election to be treated as a financial holding company and conducts the activities in accordance with the requirements that would apply to a financial holding company’s conduct of such activity. As of September 30, 2014, Charter Financial Corporation has not elected to be a financial holding company.
Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, including Charter Financial, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring more than 5% of another savings institution or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the FRB. It also prohibits the acquisition or retention of, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary company engaged in activities that are not closely related to banking or financial in nature, or acquiring or retaining control of an institution that is not federally insured. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the FRB must consider the financial and managerial resources, future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect

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of the acquisition on the risk to the federal deposit insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
The FRB is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, subject to two exceptions:
(i)
the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies; and
(ii)
the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisition.
The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.
Capital. Savings and loan holding companies historically have not been subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements. The Dodd-Frank Act, however, requires the Federal Reserve Board to establish for all depository institution holding companies minimum consolidated capital requirements that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries. Under regulations recently enacted by the Federal Reserve Board, Charter Financial will be subject to regulatory capital requirements that generally are the same as the new capital requirements for the Bank. These new capital requirements include provisions that might limit the ability of Charter Financial to pay dividends to its stockholders or repurchase its shares. See “-Federal Banking Regulation-Capital Requirements.”
Dividends and Repurchases. The FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies that it has made applicable to savings and loan holding companies as well. In general, the guidance provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The guidance provides for prior regulatory review of capital distributions in certain circumstances, such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The guidance also provides for regulatory consultation prior to a holding company redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments when the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock that would result in a net reduction as of the end of a quarter in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.
Source of Strength. The Dodd-Frank Act extended the “source of strength” doctrine to savings and loan holding companies. The regulatory agencies must issue regulations requiring that all bank and savings and loan holding companies serve as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. We have existing policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations, and we review and document such policies, procedures and systems to ensure continued compliance with these regulations.
Change in Control Regulations. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a savings and loan holding company such as Charter Financial unless the FRB has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition. Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the institution’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquiror has the power, directly or indirectly, to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the institution. Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a savings and loan holding company’s voting stock constitutes a rebuttable determination of control under the regulations under certain circumstances, including where the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
In addition, federal regulations provide that no company may acquire control of a savings and loan holding company without the prior approval of the FRB. Any company that acquires such control becomes a “savings and loan holding company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the FRB.

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Federal Securities Laws
Charter Financial’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, Charter Financial is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
TAXATION
Federal Taxation
General. First Charter, MHC and Charter Federal were, and CharterBank and Charter Financial are, subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to Charter Federal, Charter Financial or CharterBank.
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, Charter Federal reported its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and used a tax year ending September 30 for filing its federal and state income tax returns. Similarly, for federal income tax purposes, Charter Financial reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending September 30 for filing its federal and state income tax returns.
Bad Debt Reserves. Historically, CharterBank has been subject to special provisions in the tax law regarding allowable tax bad debt deductions and related reserves. Tax law changes were enacted in 1996, pursuant to the Small Business Protection Act of 1996 (the “1996 Act”), that eliminated the use of the percentage of taxable income method for tax years after 1995 and required recapture into taxable income over a six year period all bad debt reserves accumulated after 1987. CharterBank has recaptured its reserves accumulated after 1987.
Currently, the Charter Financial consolidated group uses the specific charge off method to account for bad debt deductions for income tax purposes.
Taxable Distributions and Recapture. Prior to 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if CharterBank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests or made certain distributions. Tax law changes in 1996 eliminated thrift-related recapture rules. However, under current law, pre-1988 tax bad debt reserves remain subject to recapture if CharterBank makes certain non-dividend distributions, repurchases any of its common stock, pays dividends in excess of earnings and profits, or fails to qualify as a “bank” for tax purposes.
At September 30, 2014, the total federal pre-base year bad debt reserve of CharterBank was approximately $2.1 million.
Alternative Minimum Tax. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, less any available exemption. The alternative minimum tax is imposed to the extent it exceeds the regular income tax. Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of alternative taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. Charter Federal's consolidated group has not been subject to the alternative minimum tax and has no such amounts available as credits for carryover.
Net Operating Loss Carryovers. Generally, a financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. However, subject to certain limitations, the carryback period for net operating losses incurred in 2008 or 2009 (but not both years) was expanded to five years. Neither CharterBank nor Charter Financial had a loss carryforward at September 30, 2014.
Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction. Charter Federal excluded from its federal taxable income 100% of dividends received from CharterBank as a wholly-owned subsidiary by filing consolidated tax returns. The corporate dividends-received deduction is 80% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns at least 20% of the stock of the distributing corporation. The dividends-received deduction is 70% when the corporation receiving the dividend owns less than 20% of the distributing corporation.
Audit of Tax Returns. An audit by the Internal Revenue Service of First Charter, MHC, Charter Federal and CharterBank’s federal income taxes for 2009 to 2011 was completed in fiscal 2013. Tax years 2012 and 2013 are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax years 2011 through 2013 are subject to examination by state taxing authorities in Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

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State Taxation
CharterBank currently files Georgia, Florida and Alabama income tax returns. Generally, the income of financial institutions in Georgia, Alabama and Florida, which is calculated based on federal taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, is subject to Georgia, Alabama and Florida tax, respectively.
Charter Financial is required to file a Georgia income tax return and will generally be subject to a state income tax rate that is the same tax rate as the tax rate imposed on financial institutions in Georgia.
As a Maryland business corporation, Charter Financial is required to file an annual report with and pay franchise taxes to the state of Maryland.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
If we are unable to replace the revenue we expect to derive from the interest income and continued realization of accretable discounts on our acquired loans and the FDIC receivable with new loans and other interest earning assets, our financial condition and earnings may be adversely affected.
As a result of the three FDIC-assisted acquisitions that we have made and the asset discount bids associated with each acquisition, a significant portion of our income has been derived from the interest income and continued realization of accretable discounts on the loans that we purchased in our FDIC-assisted acquisitions and from the FDIC receivable. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we recognized $8.2 million and $16.6 million, respectively, of interest and accretion income including amortization of loss share receivable on covered loans, with $3.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively, due to loan accretion and amortization. We currently project $6.0 million remaining of discount accretion and $2.9 million in amortization to be recognized in income over the next two years. During such period, if we are unable to replace our acquired loans and the related accretion with new performing loans at a similar yield and other interest earning assets due to such reasons as a decline in loan demand or competition from other financial institutions in our markets, our financial condition and earnings, including our interest rate spread, may be adversely affected.
Our business may continue to be adversely affected by downturns in our national and local economies.
Our operations are significantly affected by national and local economic conditions. Substantially all of our loans are to businesses and individuals in west-central Georgia, east-central Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. All of our branches and most of our deposit customers are also located in these areas. A continuing decline in the economies in which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, Georgia, Alabama and Florida have experienced home price declines, increased foreclosures and high unemployment rates in recent years.
A further deterioration or minimal improvement in economic conditions in the market areas we serve could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations:
•
demand for our loans, deposits and services may decline;
•
loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
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weak economic conditions may continue to limit the demand for loans by creditworthy borrowers, limiting our capacity to leverage our retail deposits and maintain our net interest income;
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collateral for our loans may decline further in value; and
•
the amount of our low-cost or non-interest bearing deposits may decrease.
We may incur additional losses due to downward revisions to our preliminary estimates of the value of assets acquired in our FDIC-assisted acquisitions, the expiration of the loss sharing agreements or due to higher than expected charge-offs with respect to the assets acquired, which may not be supported by our loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC.
We acquired approximately $202.8 million, $322.6 million and $251.8 million of assets in connection with the NCB, MCB and FNB acquisitions, respectively. We marked down these assets to fair value at the date of each acquisition based on preliminary estimates.
There is no assurance that the assets acquired in the NCB, MCB and FNB acquisitions will not suffer further deterioration in value after the date of acquisition, which would require additional charge-offs. We entered into loss sharing agreements with the FDIC that provide that 80% of losses related to the acquired loans and other real estate owned (“covered assets”) (up to $82.0 million in losses with respect to the $177.6 million of NCB covered assets, up to $106.0 million in losses with respect to the $262.9 million of MCB covered assets) will be borne by the FDIC and thereafter the FDIC will bear 95% of losses on NCB and MCB covered assets. We also entered into a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC that provides that 80% of losses related to the covered

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assets of $210.9 million acquired in the FNB transaction will be borne by the FDIC. However, we are not protected from all losses resulting from charge-offs with respect to such covered assets. Internal costs incurred to collect and otherwise resolve covered assets are borne by us and not subject to loss sharing reimbursement. Further, the loss sharing agreements have limited terms ranging from five years for commercial loans to ten years for residential mortgage loans. In June 2014, the loss sharing portion of the NCB non-single family loss sharing agreement with the FDIC expired. Therefore, any charge-offs or related losses that we experience after the expiration of the loss sharing agreements will not be reimbursed by the FDIC, including the write down of the FDIC indemnification asset, and would reduce our net income. Finally, if we fail to comply with the terms of the loss sharing agreements, we could lose the right to receive payments on a covered asset from the FDIC under the agreements. See “— Our ability to continue to receive the benefits of our loss share arrangements with the FDIC is conditioned upon our compliance with certain requirements under the agreements,” below.
We may not be able to collect all of the FDIC indemnification asset from the FDIC due to the FDIC’s policy on the administration of certain loss sharing claims.
There may be some assets covered by loss sharing that we are unable to collect the loss reimbursement from the FDIC before the loss sharing reimbursement period ends. In many cases the basis for reimbursement is an appraisal of real estate for a proposed sale. Many of the loss share assets are real estate located in geographic areas where there is still not an orderly market with willing buyers and willing sellers which frequently results in appraisals with values for properties that attract no buyers. The FDIC will only pay loss sharing claims that approximate a current appraisal. If the Company is unable to sell real estate covered by loss sharing at prices that approximate the property’s appraisal, the Company may incur the loss without loss sharing which would reduce its net income.
Our non-covered commercial real estate, real estate construction, and commercial business loans increase our exposure to credit risks.
Over the last several years, we have increased our non-residential lending in order to improve the yield and reduce the average duration of our assets. At September 30, 2014, our portfolio of non-covered commercial real estate, real estate construction, and commercial business loans totaled $388.8 million, or 71.1% of total non-covered loans, compared to $277.2 million, or 63.3% of total loans (all of which were non-covered) at September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2014, the amount of non-covered non-performing commercial real estate and commercial business loans was $2.7 million, or 64.6% of total non-covered nonperforming loans. At September 30, 2014, our largest non-covered non-residential real estate borrowing relationship had a loan balance of $12.5 million and a potential liability of $19.5 million, and consisted of a borrower whose collateral was multiple one- to four-family residential real estate construction loans. These loans may expose us to a greater risk of non-payment and loss than residential real estate loans because, in the case of commercial loans, repayment often depends on the successful operation and earnings of the borrower's businesses and, in the case of consumer loans, the applicable collateral is subject to rapid depreciation. Additionally, commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to residential real estate loans. If loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled and the value of the real estate has been significantly impaired, then we may not be able to recover the full contractual amount of principal and interest due on the loan, which could cause us to increase our provision for loan losses and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
If the allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.
Our customers may not repay their loans according to the original terms, and the collateral, if any, securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance. We may experience significant loan losses, which may have a material adverse effect on our operating results. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. If our assumptions are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, which would require additions to the allowance. Additions to the allowance would decrease our net income. At September 30, 2014, our allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans was $8.5 million, or 1.55% of total non-covered loans and 199.64% of non-covered non-performing loans, compared to $8.2 million, or 1.70% of total non-covered loans and 280.32% of non-covered non-performing loans at September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2014, $4.2 million of nonperforming loans were not covered by loss sharing.
Our level of commercial real estate, real estate construction and commercial business loans is one of the more significant factors in evaluating the allowance for loan losses. These loans may require increased provisions for loan losses in the future, which would decrease our earnings.
Bank regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase to the provision for loan losses or further loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs would decrease our earnings and adversely affect our financial condition.

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If our problem assets increase, our earnings will decrease.
At September 30, 2014, our non-performing assets (which consist of non-accrual loans, loans 90 days or more delinquent, and foreclosed real estate assets) not covered by loss sharing agreements consisted of $4.2 million of loans and $1.8 million of foreclosed real estate. As of September 30, 2014, we also had covered foreclosed real estate of $5.6 million. In addition, our non-covered classified assets (consisting of substandard loans and securities, doubtful loans and loss assets) totaled $28.1 million at September 30, 2014. Our problem assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on non-accrual loans or real estate owned. Based on our estimate of the level of allowance for loan losses required, we record a provision for loan losses as a charge to earnings to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level. From time to time, we also write down the value of properties in our real estate owned portfolio to reflect changing market values. Additionally, there are legal fees associated with the resolution of problem assets as well as carrying costs such as taxes, insurance and maintenance related to our real estate owned. Further, the resolution of problem assets requires the active involvement of management, which could detract from the overall supervision of our operations. Finally, if our estimate of the allowance for loan losses is inadequate, we will have to increase the allowance accordingly.
Our ability to continue to receive the benefits of our loss share arrangements with the FDIC is conditioned upon our compliance with certain requirements under the agreements.
Our ability to recover a portion of our losses and retain the loss share protection is subject to our compliance with certain requirements imposed on us in the loss share agreements with the FDIC. These requirements relate primarily to our administration of the assets covered by the agreements, as well as our obtaining the consent of the FDIC to engage in certain corporate transactions that may be deemed under the agreements to constitute a transfer of the loss share benefits. For example, any merger or consolidation of CharterBank with another financial institution would require the consent of the FDIC under the loss share agreements relating to the NCB, MCB and FNB transactions.
In instances where the FDIC’s consent is required under the loss share agreements, the FDIC may withhold its consent to such transactions or may condition its consent on terms that we do not find acceptable. If the FDIC does not grant its consent to a transaction we would like to pursue, or conditions its consent on terms that we do not find acceptable, this may cause us not to engage in a corporate transaction that might otherwise benefit our shareholders or we may elect to pursue such a transaction without obtaining the FDIC’s consent, which could result in termination of our loss share agreements with the FDIC.
Acquisitions could disrupt our business and adversely affect our operating results.
On June 26, 2009 we entered into an agreement with the FDIC to acquire assets from Neighborhood Community Bank with a fair value of approximately $196.7 million and assume liabilities from such bank with a fair value of approximately $196.7 million. We also acquired four branches of NCB in the transaction, one of which has been closed. On March 26, 2010, we entered into an agreement with the FDIC to acquire assets of McIntosh Commercial Bank with a fair value of approximately $316.2 million and assume liabilities from such bank with a fair value of approximately $310.6 million. We also acquired four branches of MCB in the transaction, three of which have been closed. On September 9, 2011, we entered into an agreement with the FDIC to acquire assets of First National Bank of Florida with a fair value of approximately $249.0 million and assume liabilities from such bank with a fair value of approximately $248.3 million. We also acquired eight branches of FNB in the transaction, five of which have been closed. We expect to continue to grow by acquiring other financial institutions, related businesses or branches of other financial institutions that we believe provide a strategic fit with our business. To the extent that we grow through acquisitions, we may not be able to adequately or profitably manage this growth. In addition, such acquisitions may involve the issuance of securities, which may have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. Acquiring banks, bank branches or businesses involves risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including:
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Potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities we acquire;
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Exposure to potential asset quality problems of the acquired financial institutions, businesses or branches;
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Difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of financial institutions, businesses or branches we acquire;
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Potential diversion of our management’s time and attention;
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The possible loss of key employees and customers of financial institutions, businesses or branches we acquire;
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Difficulty in safely investing any cash generated by the acquisition;
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Inability to utilize potential tax benefits from such transactions;
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Difficulty in estimating the fair value of the financial institutions, businesses or branches to be acquired which affects the profits we generate from the acquisitions; and

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•
Potential changes in banking or tax laws or regulations that may affect the financial institutions or businesses to be acquired.
Our management team’s strategies for the enhancement of shareholder value may not succeed.
Our management team is taking actions to enhance shareholder value, including consolidating branches, reviewing personnel, developing new products, and continuing to review acquisition opportunities. In addition, we intend to focus on opportunities for cross selling products to existing customers in an effort to deepen our “share of wallet.” These actions may not enhance shareholder value.
As a community bank, our recruitment efforts may not be sufficient enough to implement our business strategy and execute successful operations.
As we continue to grow, we may find our recruiting efforts more challenging. If we do not succeed in attracting, hiring, and integrating experienced or qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy. Additionally, we may be unable to grow efficiently and effectively.
We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance.
Our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. As such, we strive to conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and associates. If our reputation is negatively affected, by the actions of our employees or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results may be materially adversely affected.
Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our results of operations and financial condition are significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Our results of operations depend substantially on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Because our interest-bearing liabilities generally reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets, a sustained increase in interest rates generally would tend to reduce our interest income.
Changes in interest rates may also affect the average life of loans and mortgage-related securities. Decreases in interest rates can result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities, as borrowers refinance to reduce their borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates on existing loans and securities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans. Also, increases in interest rates may extend the life of fixed-rate assets, which would restrict our ability to reinvest in higher yielding alternatives, and may result in customers withdrawing certificates of deposit early so long as the early withdrawal penalty is less than the interest they could receive on a new investment.
Changes in interest rates also affect the current fair value of our interest-earning securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2014, the fair value of our portfolio of investment securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations totaled $188.7 million. Net unrealized losses on these securities totaled $1.1 million at September 30, 2014.
Additionally, a majority of our single-family mortgage loan portfolio is comprised of adjustable-rate loans. Any rise in market interest rates may result in increased payments for borrowers who have adjustable rate mortgage loans, which would increase the possibility of default.

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Strong competition and changing banking environment may limit growth and profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. We compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere, and non-traditional financial institutions, including non-depository financial services providers. Many of these competitors (whether regional or national institutions) have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. Additionally, non-traditional financial institutions may not have the same regulatory requirements or burdens as we do even while playing a rapidly increasing role in the financial services industry, which could ultimately limit our growth, profitability and shareholder value. Our profitability depends upon our ability to successfully compete in our market areas and adapt to the ever changing banking environment.
Financial reform legislation has, among other things, tightened capital standards and created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and will result in new laws and regulations that are expected to increase our costs of operations.
The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and consequently many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many months or years.
Among other things, as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act:
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the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency became the primary federal regulator for federal savings banks such as CharterBank (replacing the Office of Thrift Supervision), and the FRB now supervises and regulates all savings and loan holding companies that were formerly regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, including Charter Financial;
•
the federal prohibition on paying interest on demand deposits has been eliminated, thus allowing businesses to have interest bearing checking accounts. This change has increased our interest expense;
•
the FRB is required to set minimum capital levels for depository institution holding companies that are as stringent as those required for their insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital are required to be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. There is a five-year transition period (from the July 21, 2010 effective date of the Dodd-Frank Act) before the capital requirements will apply to savings and loan holding companies. However, the new rule for savings and loan holding companies has set January 1, 2015 as the date the new capital requirements will begin to apply;
•
the federal banking regulators are required to implement new leverage and capital requirements that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives;
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a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been established, which has broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, like CharterBank, will be examined by their applicable bank regulators; and
•
federal preemption rules that have been applicable for national banks and federal savings banks have been weakened, and state attorneys general have the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws.
In addition to the risks noted above, we expect that our operating and compliance costs, and possibly our interest expense, could increase as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and the implementing rules and regulations. The need to comply with additional rules and regulations, as well as state laws and regulations to which we were not previously subject, may also divert management’s time from managing our operations. Higher capital levels would require us to maintain higher levels of assets that earn less interest and dividend income and returns on shareholders’ equity may suffer.
We will become subject to more stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity, require us to raise additional capital, or constrain us from paying dividends or repurchasing shares.
In July 2013, the OCC and the Federal Reserve Board approved a new rule that will substantially amend the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to CharterBank and Charter Financial. The final rule implements the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.
The final rule includes new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which will be effective for CharterBank and Charter Financial on January 1, 2015, and refines the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating these ratios. The new minimum capital requirements will be: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-

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based assets capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The final rule also establishes a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, and will result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement would be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and would increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such actions.
The application of more stringent capital requirements for CharterBank and Charter Financial could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions such as the inability to pay dividends or repurchase shares if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements.
New regulations could restrict our ability to originate and sell mortgage loans.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a rule designed to clarify for lenders how they can avoid monetary damages under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would hold lenders accountable for ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. Loans that meet this “qualified mortgage” definition will be presumed to have complied with the new ability-to-repay standard. Under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule, a “qualified mortgage” loan must not contain certain specified features, including:
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excessive upfront points and fees (those exceeding 3% of the total loan amount, less “bona fide discount points” for prime loans);
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interest-only payments;
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negative-amortization; and
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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 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule on qualified mortgages could limit our ability or desire to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, or could make it more expensive/and or time consuming to make these loans, which could limit our growth or profitability.
Our stock price may be volatile due to limited trading volume.
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. However, the average daily trading volume in Charter Financial’s common stock has been relatively small, averaging less than approximately 80,000 shares per day during 2014. As a result, trades involving a relatively small number of shares may have a significant effect on the market price of the common stock, and it may be difficult for investors to acquire or dispose of large blocks of stock without significantly affecting the market price.
Government responses to economic conditions may adversely affect our operations, financial condition and earnings.
The Dodd-Frank Act has changed the bank regulatory framework, created an independent consumer protection bureau that has assumed the consumer protection responsibilities of the various federal banking agencies, and established more stringent capital standards for banks and bank holding companies. Bank regulatory agencies also have been responding aggressively to concerns and adverse trends identified in examinations. Ongoing uncertainty and adverse developments in the financial services industry and the domestic and international credit markets, and the effect of the Dodd-Frank Act and regulatory actions, may adversely affect our operations by increasing ongoing compliance costs and restricting our business activities, including our ability to originate or sell loans, modify loan terms, or foreclose on property securing loans. These risks could affect the performance and value of our loan and investment securities portfolios, which also would negatively affect our financial performance.
If the FRB increases the federal funds rate, overall interest rates will likely rise, which may negatively impact the housing markets and the U.S. economic recovery. In addition, deflationary pressures, while possibly lowering our operating costs, could have a significant negative effect on our borrowers, especially our business borrowers, and the values of underlying collateral securing loans, which could negatively affect our financial performance.

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Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and our income.
In response to the financial crisis of 2008 and early 2009, Congress has taken actions that are intended to strengthen confidence and encourage liquidity in financial institutions, and the FDIC has taken actions to increase insurance coverage on deposit accounts. In addition, there have been proposals made by members of Congress and others that would reduce the amount delinquent borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay on their mortgage loans and limit an institution’s ability to foreclose on mortgage collateral.
Moreover, bank regulatory agencies have responded aggressively to concerns and trends identified in examinations, and have issued many formal enforcement orders requiring capital ratios in excess of regulatory requirements. Bank regulatory agencies, such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the FDIC, govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors, and not for the protection or benefit of potential investors. In addition, new laws and regulations are likely to increase our costs of regulatory compliance and costs of doing business, and otherwise affect our operations. New laws and regulations may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and investments, the fees we can charge, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. For example, recent regulatory changes to our overdraft protection programs could decrease the amount of fees we receive for these services. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, overdraft protection fees totaled $4.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively. Further, legislative proposals limiting our rights as a creditor could result in credit losses or increased expense in pursuing our remedies as a creditor. Regulations limit interchange fees for banks with assets of more than $10.0 billion. It is unclear whether in the future these limits will apply to smaller banks such as CharterBank.
We hold certain intangible assets that in the future could be classified as either partially or fully impaired, which would reduce our earnings and the book values of these assets.
Pursuant to applicable accounting requirements, we are required to periodically test our goodwill and core deposit intangible assets for impairment. The impairment testing process considers a variety of factors, including the current market price of our common shares, the estimated net present value of our assets and liabilities and information concerning the terminal valuation of similarly situated insured depository institutions. Future impairment testing may result in a partial or full impairment of the value of our goodwill or core deposit intangible assets, or both. If an impairment determination is made in a future reporting period, our earnings and the book value of these intangible assets will be reduced by the amount of the impairment.
Any requested or required changes in how we determine the impact of loss share accounting on our financial statements could have a material or adverse effect on our reported results.
Our financial results are significantly based on loss share accounting, which is subject to assumptions and judgments made by us. Loss share accounting is a complex accounting methodology. Many of the decisions management makes regarding the application of this accounting methodology may be revised at the request of various regulatory agencies to whom we report. As such, any financial information generated through the use of loss share accounting is subject to change. Any significant change in such information could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our previously reported results.
Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, we face significant operational risks.
We operate in diverse markets and rely on the ability of our employees and systems to process a high number of transactions. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of: fraud by employees or persons outside our company; the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees: errors relating to transaction processing and technology; breaches of the internal control systems and compliance requirements; and business continuation and disaster recovery. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation, and customer attrition due to negative publicity. In the event of a breakdown in our internal control systems, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, we could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action, and suffer damage to our reputation.
We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.
Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

22

System failure or breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities.
The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or a similar catastrophic event, as well as from security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Computer break-ins, phishing and other disruptions could also jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in violations of consumer privacy laws including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, cause significant liability to us and give reason for existing and potential customers to refrain from doing business with us. Although we, with the help of third-party service providers, intend to continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures to prevent such damage and potential liability, there can be no assurance that these security measures will be successful. In addition, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the algorithms we and our third-party service providers use to encrypt and protect customer transaction data. A failure of such security measures could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Hurricanes or other adverse weather events would negatively affect our local economies or disrupt our operations, which would have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
Our market area is located in the southeastern region of the United States and is susceptible to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, other severe weather events and related flooding and wind damage, and man-made disasters. These natural disasters could negatively impact regional economic conditions, cause a decline in the value or destruction of mortgaged properties and an increase in the risk of delinquencies, foreclosures or loss on loans originated by us, damage our banking facilities and offices and negatively impact our growth strategy. Such weather events can disrupt operations, result in damage to properties and negatively affect the local economies in the markets where they operate. We cannot predict whether or to what extent damage that may be caused by future hurricanes or tornadoes will affect our operations or the economies in our current or future market areas, but such weather events could negatively impact economic conditions in these regions and result in a decline in local loan demand and loan originations, a decline in the value or destruction of properties securing our loans and an increase in delinquencies, foreclosures or loan losses. Our business or results of operations may be adversely affected by these and other negative effects of natural or manmade disasters. 
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
We currently conduct business through our administrative office in West Point, Georgia, our branch offices in west-central Georgia, east-central Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and our cashless branch office in Norcross, Georgia. Our Georgia branch offices are located in Carrollton, LaGrange (three offices), Newnan (two offices) and West Point, and our Alabama branches are located in Auburn (two offices), Opelika and Valley. Our Florida Branch offices are in Milton, Pace, and Pensacola. The net book value of the land, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment owned by us was $20.6 million at September 30, 2014.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of the date of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we were not involved in any legal proceedings other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business, which, in the aggregate, involve amounts that we believe are immaterial to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.


23

PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market and Dividend Information
Our common stock currently trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the trading symbol “CHFN.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices of our common stock. The table below also presents the cash dividends paid per share for the periods indicated. Share price and dividends paid per share prior to April 8, 2013, have been updated to reflect the completion of the second-step conversion using the conversion ratio of 1.2471.
 
 
Price Per Share
 
Cash
Dividend  Declared
 
 
High
 
Low
 
Fiscal 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth quarter
 
$
11.20

 
$
10.58

 
$
0.05

Third quarter
 
11.13

 
10.57

 
0.05

Second quarter
 
10.86

 
10.51

 
0.05

First quarter
 
11.00

 
10.55

 
0.05

Fiscal 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth quarter (1)
 
$
11.05

 
$
10.14

 
$
0.30

Third quarter
 
10.24

 
9.87

 
0.05

Second quarter
 
10.26

 
8.51

 
—

First quarter
 
8.50

 
7.38

 
—

__________________________________
(1)
Charter Financial declared a special dividend of $0.25 per share in addition to its regular quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share on July 23, 2013.
Holders
As of December 1, 2014, there were approximately 709 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
The Company started paying a quarterly cash dividend in September 2002. Beginning with the dividend paid for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we reduced our quarterly dividend from $0.25 per share to $0.05 per share. The reduction of the dividend reflected our decision to pursue opportunities for deployment of capital in FDIC-assisted transactions such as the Neighborhood Community Bank, McIntosh Commercial Bank and The First National Bank of Florida transactions. The dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends will primarily depend on our earnings, alternative uses for capital, such as capital requirements, acquisition opportunities, our financial condition and results of operations, statutory and regulatory limitations affecting dividends and the policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) and, to a lesser extent, tax considerations and general economic conditions. The Company briefly discontinued the quarterly cash dividend following the dividend paid in May 2012 but reinstated the quarterly cash dividend in May 2013.
Under the rules of the Office of Comptroller of the Currency and the FRB, CharterBank is not permitted to make a capital distribution if, after making such distribution, it would be undercapitalized. For information concerning additional federal laws and regulations regarding the ability of CharterBank to make capital distributions, including the payment of dividends to Charter Financial, see Part I, Item 1 Business “Taxation—Federal Taxation” and “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Banking Regulation.”
Unlike CharterBank, Charter Financial is not restricted by Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regulations on the payment of dividends to its shareholders. However, the FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies that it has also made applicable to savings and loan holding companies. In general, the FRB’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. FRB guidance provides for prior regulatory review of capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory

24

policies could affect the ability of Charter Financial to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions. In addition, the source of dividends that may be paid by Charter Financial depends on dividends from CharterBank.
In addition, pursuant to applicable regulations, during the three-year period following our conversion and stock offering completed in April, 2013, we will not take any action to declare an extraordinary dividend to shareholders that would be treated by recipients as a tax-free return of capital for federal income tax purposes. Finally, we may not pay dividends if those dividends would reduce equity capital below the required liquidation account amount.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
See Part III, Item 12(d) Equity Compensation Plan Information, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the table providing information as of September 30, 2014 about Company common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options under the Charter Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan and the Charter Financial Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
Shares repurchased in the:
 
Total number of share repurchases
 
Average price paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced program (1)
 
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 1 - July 31, 2014
 
626,900

 
11.07

 
3,779,894

 
1,071,683

August 1 - August 31, 2014
 
813,771

 
11.06

 
4,593,665

 
257,912

September 1 - September 30, 2014
 
257,912

 
11.04

 
4,851,577

 
1,825,000

Total
 
1,698,583

 
$
11.06

 
4,851,577

 
1,825,000

__________________________________
(1) We completed our third repurchase program for fiscal 2014 in September 2014 and announced a fourth share repurchase program allowing the repurchase of an additional 1.8 million shares, or approximately 10% of the Company's outstanding shares. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, shares were repurchased at a cost of approximately $53.2 million.
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The summary financial information presented below is derived in part from our consolidated financial statements. The following is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information at September 30, 2014 and 2013 and for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is derived in part from the audited consolidated financial statements that appear in this annual report. The information at September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and for years ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, is derived in part from the audited consolidated financial statements that do not appear in this annual report. The information presented below does not include the financial condition, results of operations or other data of First Charter, MHC prior to its elimination following the April 8, 2013 conversion. The information presented prior to April 8, 2013, is that of Charter Federal, Charter Financial's predecessor company.
 
 
At September 30,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(in thousands)
Selected financial condition data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,010,361

 
$
1,089,406

 
$
1,032,220

 
$
1,171,710

 
$
1,186,082

Non-covered loans receivable, net (1)
 
536,732

 
470,863

 
427,676

 
419,979

 
451,231

Covered loans receivable, net (2)
 
69,635

 
108,991

 
166,228

 
235,050

 
148,139

Investment and mortgage securities available for sale (3)
 
188,743

 
215,118

 
189,379

 
158,737

 
133,183

Core deposits (4)
 
486,248

 
475,426

 
456,292

 
447,176

 
313,170

Retail deposits (5)
 
717,192

 
745,900

 
779,397

 
883,389

 
739,691

Total deposits
 
717,192

 
751,297

 
800,262

 
911,094

 
823,134

Total borrowings
 
55,000

 
60,000

 
81,000

 
110,000

 
212,000

Total stockholders’ equity
 
224,955

 
273,778

 
142,521

 
139,416

 
136,876

Tangible total equity
 
220,206

 
268,649

 
136,915

 
133,263

 
130,532


25

______________________________
(1)
Excludes “covered loans” acquired from the FDIC subject to loss-sharing agreements. See Note 5 - Loans Receivable in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Loans shown are net of deferred loan (fees) costs and allowance for loan losses and exclude loans held for sale.
(2)
Consists of loans acquired from the FDIC still subject to loss sharing agreements. See Note 5 - Loans Receivable in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Loans shown are net of deferred loan fees, allowance for loan losses, and nonaccretable and accretable discounts.
(3)
Includes all CharterBank investment and mortgage securities available for sale.
(4)
Core deposits consist of transaction accounts, money market accounts and savings accounts.
(5)
Retail deposits include core deposits and certificates of deposit other than brokered and wholesale certificates of deposit.
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Selected operating data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
35,648

 
$
42,636

 
$
48,101

 
$
45,786

 
$
49,959

Interest expense
 
5,730

 
7,361

 
10,589

 
15,228

 
22,758

Net interest income
 
29,918

 
35,275

 
37,512

 
30,558

 
27,201

Provision for loan losses on non-covered loans
 
300

 
1,400

 
3,300

 
1,700

 
5,800

Provision for loan losses on covered loans
 
(1,013
)
 
89

 
1,202

 
1,200

 
420

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
30,631

 
33,786

 
33,010

 
27,658

 
20,981

Noninterest income
 
14,277

 
11,653

 
12,912

 
9,291

 
17,515

Noninterest expense
 
36,211

 
36,314

 
40,304

 
33,950

 
30,474

Income before provision for income taxes
 
8,697

 
9,125

 
5,618

 
2,999

 
8,022

Income tax expense
 
2,742

 
2,869

 
639

 
694

 
2,087

Net income
 
$
5,955

 
$
6,256

 
$
4,979

 
$
2,305

 
$
5,935

Per share data: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share – basic
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.31

Earnings per share – fully diluted
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.31

Cash dividends per share
 
$
0.20

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.08

 
$
0.16

 
$
0.32

______________________________
(1)
Share and share amounts held by the public prior to April 8, 2013 have been restated to reflect the completion of the second-step conversion on April 8, 2013 using a conversion ratio of 1.2471.

26

 
 
At or For the Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Selected financial ratios and other data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets (ratio of net income to average total assets)
 
0.56
%
 
0.58
%
 
0.46
%
 
0.22
%
 
0.56
%
Return on average equity (ratio of net income to average equity)
 
2.28
%
 
2.98
%
 
3.58
%
 
1.67
%
 
5.62
%
Net interest rate spread (1)
 
3.02
%
 
3.66
%
 
4.12
%
 
3.53
%
 
3.30
%
Net interest margin (2)
 
3.22
%
 
3.82
%
 
4.17
%
 
3.59
%
 
3.07
%
Net interest margin, excluding the effects of purchase accounting (3)
 
2.87
%
 
2.82
%
 
3.11
%
 
2.57
%
 
2.13
%
Efficiency ratio (4)
 
81.93
%
 
77.38
%
 
79.93
%
 
85.32
%
 
79.16
%
Non-interest expense to average total assets
 
3.41
%
 
3.38
%
 
3.75
%
 
3.34
%
 
2.89
%
Average interest-earning assets as a ratio of average interest-bearing liabilities
 
1.31
x
 
1.19
x
 
1.05x

 
1.04x

 
0.89x

Average equity to average total assets
 
24.62
%
 
19.51
%
 
12.95
%
 
13.43
%
 
10.03
%
Dividend payout ratio (5)
 
70.06
%
 
122.82
%
 
27.56
%
 
83.82
%
 
27.29
%
Asset quality ratios: (6) (7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-covered assets: (6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming assets to total assets (7)
 
0.65
%
 
0.49
%
 
0.69
%
 
1.99
%
 
2.33
%
Nonperforming loans to total loans
 
0.77
%
 
0.61
%
 
0.79
%
 
2.72
%
 
2.55
%
Allowance for loan losses as a ratio of nonperforming loans
 
2.00
x
 
2.80
x
 
2.38
x
 
0.80x

 
0.84x

Allowance for loan losses to total loans
 
1.55
%
 
1.70
%
 
1.87
%
 
2.19
%
 
2.12
%
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average non-covered loans outstanding
 
0.08
%
 
0.32
%
 
0.86
%
 
0.48
%
 
0.90
%
Bank regulatory capital ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
27.90
%
 
33.83
%
 
19.22
%
 
24.36
%
 
21.53
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
26.65
%
 
32.57
%
 
17.97
%
 
23.10
%
 
20.28
%
Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
 
17.67
%
 
18.56
%
 
12.16
%
 
10.68
%
 
10.21
%
Consolidated capital ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total equity to total assets
 
22.26
%
 
25.13
%
 
13.81
%
 
11.90
%
 
11.42
%
Tangible total equity to total assets
 
21.79
%
 
24.66
%
 
13.26
%
 
11.38
%
 
10.98
%
Other data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of full service offices
 
15

 
16

 
16

 
18

 
16

Full time equivalent employees
 
282

 
287

 
292

 
294

 
260

______________________________
(1)
The interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the year.
(2)
The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the year.
(3)
Net interest income excluding accretion and amortization of loss share loans receivable divided by average net interest earning assets excluding average loan accretable discounts in the amount of $4.9 million, $9.2 million, $17.9 million, $14.7 million, and $26.7 million for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(4)
The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(5)
The dividend payout ratio represents total dividends declared and not waived by First Charter, MHC as applicable prior to the completion of the conversion divided by total net income.
(6)
Excludes covered assets consisting of assets of Neighborhood Community Bank, McIntosh Commercial Bank, and The First National Bank of Florida acquired from the FDIC that are still subject to loss sharing agreements. Non-covered assets consist of assets other than covered assets, including acquired NCB loans that are no longer covered under the non-single family loss sharing agreement with the FDIC.
(7)
We also had $5.6 million of covered other real estate owned at September 30, 2014, representing 0.55% of consolidated assets. Loss sharing agreements cover any losses upon disposition of such assets at either 95% or 80%.

27

ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Overview
Our results of operations depend primarily on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of loans, investment securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and other interest-earning assets (primarily cash and cash equivalents), and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.
Our business is affected by prevailing general and local economic conditions, particularly market interest rates, and by government policies concerning, among other things, monetary and fiscal affairs and housing. In addition, we are subject to extensive regulations applicable to financial institutions, lending and other operations, privacy, and consumer disclosure.
As a result of our loan underwriting policies, management believes that we have not suffered the same level of loan losses during the recent economic downturn as many financial institutions in our market area. Consequently, we have been able to take advantage of attractive low-risk opportunities to enhance our banking franchise through the purchase of distressed banking franchises from the FDIC.
On April 8, 2013, we completed our conversion from the mutual holding company to the stock holding company form of organization. As a result of the stock offering, we received gross proceeds of $142.9 million.
Our net income decreased $301,000 and totaled $6.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, from $6.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net income for fiscal 2014 resulted primarily from a $5.8 million decrease in discount accretion and amortization of the FDIC loss share receivable, partially offset by an increase to noninterest income and decreases to both interest expense and provision for loan losses. Net interest income decreased $5.4 million to $29.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 due to lower average yields on loans and a decline in accretion income on acquired covered loans which was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on certificates of deposit and borrowings. Our provision for non-covered loan losses was $300,000 for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. This decrease in the provision for non-covered loan losses was a result of an approximately $1.0 million decline in net charge-offs for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared with fiscal 2013, as well as an overall improvement in the asset quality of our non-covered loan portfolio. Our provision for covered loan losses decreased $1.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 due to improved credit quality and the resolution of problem assets. Noninterest income increased $2.6 million to $14.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 due primarily to an increase in bankcard and deposit fees as well as a one-time true-up receipt from the completion and renegotiation of a processing contract. Noninterest expense decreased slightly to $36.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2014.
Our net income increased $1.3 million and totaled $6.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, from $5.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. The increase in net income for fiscal 2013 resulted primarily from decreases in noninterest expense and provision for loan losses and was partially offset by a decrease in net interest income and an increase in income tax expense. Net interest income decreased $2.2 million to $35.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to a decrease in average loan balances and was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on certificates of deposit and borrowings. Noninterest income decreased $1.3 million to $11.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to decreases in FDIC indemnification asset income and gain on sale of securities available for sale, partially offset by increased fee income on deposits. Most of the reduction in the FDIC indemnification asset income was due to amortization of impairment. During the year ended September 30, 2013, we reduced income by $0.6 million and based on September 30, 2013 estimates of cash flows, have $0.7 million remaining to be amortized. Our provision for non-covered loan losses was $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to $3.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. This decrease in the provision for non-covered loan loss was a result of a decrease in net charge-offs for the year ended September 30, 2013 as compared to a $1.2 million charge-off of specific allowances of impaired loans as required by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency policy for the year ended September 30, 2012 as we converted to being regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency instead of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Noninterest expense decreased $4.0 million to $36.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to a decrease in cost of Real Estate Owned (“REO”) and decreases in compensation expense and marketing expense both due to increased 2012 costs related to acquisitions.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is to operate as a well-capitalized and profitable community bank dedicated to providing exceptional personal service to our individual and business customers. We believe that we have a competitive advantage in the markets we serve because of our knowledge of the local marketplace and our long-standing history of providing superior, relationship-based

28

customer service. This 60-year history in the community, combined with management’s extensive experience and adherence to conservative underwriting standards through numerous business cycles, has enabled us to maintain a strong capital position with favorable credit quality metrics despite the economic downturn. On April 8, 2013, we completed our conversion from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully public stock holding company form of organization and raised $142.9 million in gross offering proceeds from the related stock offering. We intend to continue to manage our capital position in order to provide value to our shareholders through actions such as paying cash dividends and in the near term, repurchasing shares of common stock. The Company currently pays a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share and paid a special dividend of $0.25 per share to shareholders in fiscal 2013. Additionally, during the year ended September 30, 2014, we completed three stock buyback programs whereby 4.9 million shares, or approximately 21% of our common stock were repurchased. In September 2014, we announced the approval of a new stock buyback program for up to 1.8 million shares, or approximately 10% of our outstanding shares, of which 1.2 million were repurchased subsequent to fiscal year end for an average price of $10.93 per share. The 6.1 million of total shares repurchased since December 2013 through December 5, 2014 were purchased at a combined discount to tangible book value of $6.6 million.
We believe that the current economic and financial services environment presents a significant opportunity for us to grow our retail banking operations. Through our FDIC-assisted acquisitions in June 2009, March 2010 and September 2011, we acquired sixteen full-service branch offices, of which six were retained. We also acquired deposits of $721.0 million in the three transactions. In each of the FDIC-assisted acquisitions, we participated in a competitive bid process in which we offered an asset discount bid on net assets acquired and no deposit premium. We also entered into loss sharing agreements with the FDIC which cover a majority of the assets acquired (referred to as “covered assets”) and provide for substantial protection on losses associated with the covered assets. See “FDIC-Assisted Acquisitions” below.
Based on the persistent challenges presented by the economic and regulatory climate along with increased compliance costs and an accelerated need for economies of scale, we expect there to be a significant amount of unassisted consolidation in our banking markets which we intend to explore as opportunities arise. We believe that our strong financial condition and capital position are desirable traits for smaller community banking institutions seeking a merger partner. Our knowledge of the marketplace and our experienced management team, together with our experience in managing problem assets acquired from the FDIC in the NCB, MCB, and FNB transactions position us to take advantage of future opportunities to acquire financial institutions.
Key aspects of our business strategy include the following:
•
Leverage capital through disciplined acquisitions. The economy and banking industry in our market area of west-central Georgia, east-central Alabama and the Florida Panhandle continue to face significant challenges as many banks have experienced capital and liquidity losses as a result of significant charge-offs associated with troubled loan credits. These challenges have created strategic growth opportunities for us. Our discipline and selectivity in identifying target franchises, along with our successful history of working with the FDIC, such as in the NCB, MCB and FNB transactions, and the additional capital raised through our second-step conversion provide us an advantage in pursuing and consummating future acquisitions. We intend to leverage our capital base and acquisition experience to selectively pursue conservatively structured unassisted transactions of select franchises that present attractive risk-adjusted returns. In addition, future acquisitions will enable us to further utilize our substantial infrastructure devoted to the workout of special assets.
•
Expand our retail banking franchise. Our focus is on growing our retail banking presence throughout the markets in west-central Georgia, east-central Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, including our expanded retail footprint resulting from the NCB, MCB and FNB acquisitions, while reducing reliance on wholesale funding sources. Since September 30, 2010 we have reduced FHLB borrowings by $157.0 million and certificates of deposit by $279.0 million in our efforts to fund our balance sheet with core deposits (comprised of transaction, savings and money market accounts). Over this same time period we have increased core deposits from $313.2 million to $486.2 million while lowering our cost of funds from 2.55% for the year ended September 30, 2010 to 0.81% for the year ended September 30, 2014. These deposits provide a low cost source of funds for our lending operations, as well as a potential source of fee income.
We intend to build a diversified balance sheet to position us as a full-service community bank that offers both retail and commercial loan and deposit products to all markets within the I-85 corridor and the adjacent and other markets resulting from our acquisitions of NCB, MCB, and FNB. Moreover, we expect that the high level of customer service and expanded product offerings we provide, as well as our capital strength and financial position in an otherwise distressed banking market, will also facilitate organic growth and an opportunity to increase market share.
•
Provide quality customer service and convenience. In order to proactively address the needs of our clients, we continue to make and build out investments in infrastructure and technology to improve transactional efficiencies and minimize the amount of time required for customers to complete regular banking activities, such as making a deposit at a branch drive-thru. In addition, the customer experience is enhanced for in-branch transactions as unique amenities such as child-friendly

29

play areas, coffee cafes and change counters combine banking activities with everyday realities. To further emphasize convenience for our customers, we offer extended hours at the majority of our offices and alternative banking delivery systems, such as internet and mobile banking, that allow customers to pay bills, transfer funds and monitor account balances at any time. Additionally, we strive to create tailored products and services that are designed to meet the changing needs of our customers, such as our Rewards checking program discussed under the heading Item 1, Business “—Sources of Funds.”
•
Maintain strong asset quality. We emphasize a disciplined credit culture based on intimate market knowledge, close ties to our customers, sound underwriting standards and experienced loan officers. While the challenging operating environment which began several years ago contributed to an increase in problem assets, management’s primary objective has been to expeditiously reduce the level of nonperforming and classified assets through diligent monitoring and aggressive resolution efforts, including problem covered assets of NCB, MCB and FNB. The results of this effort are evidenced by our asset quality at September 30, 2014, with $6.0 million of non-performing assets not covered by loss sharing which represented 0.65% of total non-covered assets. This is compared to $4.5 million, or 0.49% of total non-covered assets, and $5.6 million, or 0.69% of total non-covered assets, of non-performing assets not covered by loss sharing at September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, respectively. Our ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-covered non-performing loans was 199.64% at September 30, 2014.
We have a dedicated problem asset resolution team with experienced leadership to resolve nonperforming assets and classified assets acquired in the NCB, MCB and FNB transactions. While the majority of these nonperforming assets do not pose a significant credit risk because they are substantially covered under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, reducing the amount of contractually non-performing assets acquired in the NCB, MCB and FNB acquisitions will reduce the cost of carrying these assets. Covered loans are generally considered accruing and performing loans as the loans accrete interest income over the estimated life of the loan when cash flows are reasonably estimable. Accordingly, covered loans that are contractually past due are still considered to be accruing and performing loans. See —Asset Quality for additional detail.
•
Focus on relationship-driven banking. We are focused on meeting the financial needs of our customer base through offering a full complement of loan, deposit and online banking solutions (i.e. internet banking and mobile banking). Over the years we have introduced new products and services in order to more fully serve and deepen the relationship with customers which has enabled us to grow our core deposit base, which generally represents a customer’s primary banking relationship. Our quality customer relationships and core competencies provide opportunities for cross selling products to existing customers in an effort to deepen our “share of wallet” and we intend to actively develop such opportunities.
•
Scalable operating platform. Our acquisitions of NCB in June 2009, MCB in March 2010, and FNB in September 2011 highlight our ability to capitalize on opportunities that offer attractive risk-adjusted returns and provide a template for future acquisitions. We have closed 12 branch locations, 10 of which were acquired in FDIC acquisitions, since 2009 as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and will continue to focus our attention on other initiatives to increase franchise value.

FDIC Loss-Share Resolution
The three FDIC-assisted acquisitions between 2009 and 2011 extended our retail branch footprint as part of our efforts to increase our retail deposits and reduce our reliance on brokered deposits and borrowings as a significant source of funds. As of September 30, 2014, our net covered loans totaled $69.6 million, or 11.5% of total loans.
The following table presents the estimated losses and losses incurred on acquired assets covered under loss share agreements as of September 30, 2014:
Entity
 
Date of
Transaction
 
FDIC Stated Threshold or Intrinsic Loss Estimate
 
Original Estimated Covered Losses
 
Losses Incurred Through September 30, 2014 (1)
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
NCB
 
6/26/2009
 
$
82,000

 
$
65,072

 
$
84,595

MCB
 
3/26/2010
 
106,000

 
132,874

 
136,473

FNB
 
9/9/2011
 
59,483

 
70,008

 
57,362

 
 
 
 
$
247,483

 
$
267,954

 
$
278,430

__________________________________
(1)
Claimed loans and other real estate owned losses including expenses, net of revenues.

30

Under the FNB loss share agreements, all losses (whether or not they exceed the intrinsic loss estimate) are reimbursable by the FDIC at 80% of the losses and reimbursable expenses paid. During the year ended September 30, 2013, the losses and reimbursable expenses claimed under the MCB loss share agreements exceeded the FDIC established threshold and became reimbursable at 95% rather than the 80% rate. Additionally, during the year ended September 30, 2014, the losses and reimbursable expenses claimed under the NCB loss share agreements exceeded the FDIC established threshold and became reimbursable at 95% rather than the 80% rate.

Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that involve significant judgments and assumptions by management and that have, or could have, a material impact on our income or the carrying value of our assets. They require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. The following are the accounting policies that we believe are critical. For a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to our Financial Statements.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance. The allowance is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb losses on existing loans that become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, historical loss rates, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions and trends that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay.
We segment our allowance for loan losses into the following three major categories: (1) general allowances for Classified/Watch loans; (2) general allowances for loans with satisfactory ratings; and (3) an unallocated amount. Risk ratings are initially assigned in accordance with our loan and collection policy. A department independent from our loan origination staff reviews risk grade assignments on an ongoing basis. Management reviews current information and events regarding a borrowers’ financial condition and strengths, cash flows available for debt repayment, the related collateral supporting the loan and the effects of known and expected economic conditions. When the evaluation reflects a greater than normal risk associated with the individual loan, management classifies the loan accordingly. If the loan is determined to be impaired, management allocates a portion of the allowance for loan losses for that loan based on the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is considered collateral-dependent, as the measure for the amount of the impairment. Impaired and Classified/Watch loans are aggressively monitored. The allowances for loans by credit grade are further subdivided by loan type. We have developed specific quantitative allowance factors to apply to each loan grade which considers loan charge-off experience over the most recent seven years by loan type. In addition, we apply loss estimates for certain qualitative allowance factors that are subjective in nature and require considerable judgment on the part of management. Such qualitative factors include economic and business conditions, the volume of past due loans, changes in the value of collateral in collateral-dependent loans, and other economic uncertainties. An unallocated component of the allowance is also for losses that specifically exist in the remainder of the portfolio, but have yet to be identified.
While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions or changes in accounting guidance on reserves. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
The Company incorporates certain refinements and improvements to its allowance for loan losses methodology from time to time. During the year ended September 30, 2014, the Company made certain refinements in its allowance methodology. The Company increased the look back period of historical losses from 24 months to 84 months as net charge-offs were not as reflective of a full credit cycle for the two year period ended September 30, 2014 as compared with the seven year period ended September 30, 2014. In addition, some qualitative factors were removed and the loss allocation for qualitative risk factors was decreased to better reflect risks related to this period. The change in the historical look back period more closely aligns the quantitative aspect of the Company's allowance methodology with the risks inherent in a full credit cycle. The adjustments in our methodology were not material to the overall allowance or provision for the year ended September 30, 2014.
Management believes that the current allowance for non-covered loan losses is adequate. At September 30, 2014, we had 94.6% of our total non-covered loan portfolio secured by real estate, with commercial real estate loans comprising 55.0% of the total non-covered loan portfolio, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans comprising 28.0% of the total non-covered loan portfolio, and construction loans comprising 11.6% of the total non-covered loan portfolio. We carefully monitor our commercial real estate loans since the repayment of these loans is generally dependent upon earnings from the collateral real estate or the liquidation of the real estate and is affected by national and local economic conditions. For many owner-occupied commercial

31

real estate loans, debt service may be dependent upon cash flow from business operations. The residential category represents those loans we choose to maintain in our portfolio rather than selling into the secondary market. The residential loans held for sale category comprises loans that are in the process of being sold into the secondary market. The credit has been approved by the investor and the interest rate and purchase price fixed so we take no credit or interest rate risk with respect to these loans.
Relating to the FDIC-assisted acquisitions of the loans of NCB and FNB, we have established an allowance for loan losses for loans covered by loss-sharing agreements and such allowance for loan losses was $1.0 million at September 30, 2014. Management believes this allowance for covered loans is adequate.
Through the FDIC-assisted acquisitions of the loans of NCB, MCB, and FNB, we established nonaccretable discounts for the acquired impaired loans and we also established nonaccretable discounts for all other loans of MCB. These nonaccretable discounts were based on estimates of future cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition dates, we continue to assess the experience of actual cash flows on a quarterly basis compared to our estimates. When we determine that nonaccretable discounts are insufficient to cover expected losses in the applicable covered loan portfolios, an allowance for covered loans is recorded with a corresponding provision for covered loan losses as a charge to earnings and an increase in the applicable FDIC receivable based on additional future cash expected to be received from the FDIC due to loss sharing indemnification.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities. A decline in the market value of any available for sale security below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for that security. In connection with the assessment for other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, management obtains fair value estimates by independent quotations, assesses current credit ratings and related trends, reviews relevant delinquency and default information, assesses expected cash flows and coverage ratios, reviews average credit score data of underlying mortgages, and assesses other current data. The severity and duration of an impairment and the likelihood of potential recovery of an impairment is considered along with the intent and ability to hold any impaired security to maturity or recovery of carrying value.
Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired through foreclosure, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, is reported on an individual asset basis at the lower of cost or fair value, less disposal costs. Fair value is determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources. When properties are acquired through foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance at the time of foreclosure over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is recognized and charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent write downs are charged to a separate allowance for losses pertaining to real estate owned, established through provisions for estimated losses on real estate owned which are charged to expense. Based upon management’s evaluation of the real estate acquired through foreclosure, additional expense is recorded when necessary in an amount sufficient to reflect any declines in estimated fair value. Gains and losses recognized on the disposition of the properties are recorded in noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Intangible assets include costs in excess of net assets acquired and deposit premiums recorded in connection with the acquisitions. In accordance with accounting requirements, we test our goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently as circumstances and events may warrant. No impairment charges have been recognized through September 30, 2014.
Deferred Income Taxes. Management estimates income tax expense using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future income tax consequences attributable to differences between the amount of assets and liabilities reported in the consolidated financial statements and their respective tax bases. In estimating the liabilities and corresponding expense related to income taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of various tax positions considering statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance. Because of the complexity of tax laws and regulations, interpretation is difficult and subject to differing judgments. 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. Management’s determination of the realization of the net deferred tax asset is based upon management’s judgment of various future events and uncertainties, including the timing and amount of future income, reversing temporary differences which may offset, and the implementation of various tax plans to maximize realization of the deferred tax asset. Management has determined that no valuation allowances were necessary relating to the realization of its deferred tax assets.
Changes in the estimate of income tax liabilities occur periodically due to changes in actual or estimated future tax rates and projections of taxable income, interpretations of tax laws, the complexities of multi-state income tax reporting, the status of examinations being conducted by various taxing authorities and the impact of newly enacted legislation or guidance as well as income tax accounting pronouncements.

32

Receivable from FDIC Under Loss Sharing Agreements. Under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, we recorded a receivable from the FDIC equal to 80 percent or 95 percent, as applicable, of the estimated losses in the covered loans and other real estate acquired in an FDIC-assisted transaction. The receivable was recorded at the present value of the estimated cash flows at the date of the acquisition and is reviewed and updated prospectively as loss estimates related to covered loans and other real estate acquired through foreclosure change. Most third party expenses on other acquired real estate and covered impaired loans are covered under the loss sharing agreements and the cash flows from the reimbursable portion are included in the estimate of the FDIC receivable when incurred.
Estimation of Fair Value. The estimation of fair value is significant to certain of our assets, including investment securities available for sale, other real estate owned, assets and liabilities subject to acquisition accounting and the value of loan collateral for impaired loans. These are all recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Fair values are determined based on third party sources, when available. Furthermore, generally accepted accounting principles require disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments as a part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Fair values may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, liquidity considerations, discount rates and the shape of yield curves. For additional information relating to the fair value of our financial instruments, see Note 15 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement in the consolidated financial statements.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2014 and 2013
Assets. Total assets decreased $79.0 million, or 7.3%, to $1.0 billion at September 30, 2014, compared to $1.1 billion at September 30, 2013. Assets decreased primarily due to declines in cash and cash equivalents, securities available for sale and FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreements of $62.0 million, $26.4 million and $19.4 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in net loans of $26.5 million.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents declined to $99.5 million at September 30, 2014, down from $161.5 million at September 30, 2013. This decrease was primarily the result of the Company's share repurchase programs during fiscal 2014 along with funding the increase in total loans.
Loans. At September 30, 2014, total loans were $606.4 million, or 60.0% of total assets. During the year ended September 30, 2014, our total loan portfolio increased by $26.5 million, or 4.6%. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $65.9 million, or 14.0%, in net loans not covered by loss sharing agreements, partially offset by a reduction of balances of acquired loan portfolios covered by loss sharing agreements. Of the $65.9 million in net non-covered loan growth, $8.3 million was due to a transfer of non-single family loans that are no longer covered by the FDIC due to the expiration of the NCB non-single family loss sharing agreement during fiscal 2014. Of the $606.4 million in net loans as of September 30, 2014, $69.6 million were covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements.
 
 
 Non-covered (1)
 
    Covered (2)
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Loan Balances:
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
$
536,732

 
$
69,635

 
$
606,367

June 30, 2014
 
511,176

 
71,227

 
582,403

March 31, 2014
 
481,907

 
90,133

 
572,040

December 31, 2013
 
476,466

 
100,101

 
576,567

September 30, 2013
 
470,863

 
108,991

 
579,854

June 30, 2013
 
443,581

 
120,712

 
564,293

March 31, 2013
 
421,175

 
131,359

 
552,534

December 31, 2012
 
426,370

 
149,268

 
575,638

September 30, 2012
 
427,676

 
166,228

 
593,904

__________________________________
(1)
Non-covered loans are shown net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan losses.
(2)
Covered loans are shown net of deferred loan fees, allowances, nonaccretable differences and accretable discounts.

33

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated. 
 
At September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(dollars in thousands)
1-4 family residential real estate (1)
$
152,811

 
24.5
%
 
$
124,571

 
20.8
%
 
$
105,515

 
16.8
%
 
$
98,845

 
14.2
%
 
$
106,041

 
16.5
%
Commercial real estate
300,556

 
48.2

 
269,609

 
45.1

 
251,379

 
40.1

 
252,037

 
36.3

 
267,726

 
41.6

Commercial
24,760

 
4.0

 
23,774

 
4.0

 
16,597

 
2.7

 
17,613

 
2.6

 
19,604

 
3.0

Real estate construction (2)
63,485

 
10.2

 
44,653

 
7.5

 
45,369

 
7.2

 
41,726

 
6.0

 
45,930

 
7.1

Consumer and other loans
4,959

 
0.8

 
17,545

 
2.9

 
18,107

 
2.9

 
20,138

 
2.9

 
22,486

 
3.5

Covered loans (3)
76,635

 
12.3

 
117,790

 
19.7

 
189,834

 
30.3

 
264,202

 
38.0

 
182,335

 
28.3

Total loans
623,206

 
100.0
%
 
597,942

 
100.0
%
 
626,801

 
100.0
%
 
694,561

 
100.0
%
 
644,122

 
100.0
%
Other items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred loan (fees)
(1,382
)
 
 
 
(1,124
)
 
 
 
(1,133
)
 
 
 
(1,050
)
 
 
 
(758
)
 
 
Allowance for loan losses-non-covered loans
(8,473
)
 
 
 
(8,189
)
 
 
 
(8,190
)
 
 
 
(9,370
)
 
 
 
(9,797
)
 
 
Allowance for loan losses-covered loans (4)
(998
)
 
 
 
(3,924
)
 
 
 
(10,341
)
 
 
 
(6,892
)
 
 
 
(15,554
)
 
 
Accretable discount (4)
(5,986
)
 
 
 
(4,851
)
 
 
 
(13,233
)
 
 
 
(22,221
)
 
 
 
(18,643
)
 
 
Loans receivable, net
$
606,367

 
 
 
$
579,854

 
 
 
$
593,904

 
 
 
$
655,028

 
 
 
$
599,370

 
 
__________________________________
(1)
Excludes loans held for sale of $2.1 million, $1.9 million, $2.7 million, $0.3 million and $2.1 million at September 30, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)
Net of undisbursed proceeds on loans-in-process.
(3)
Consists of loans and commitments acquired in the NCB, MCB, and FNB acquisitions that are covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC. Such amounts are presented net of nonaccretable discounts of $6.3 million, $10.8 million, $19.4 million, $69.1 million and $52.9 million at September 30, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(4)
See Note 5 - Loans Receivable in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Loan Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The following table summarizes the scheduled repayments of our loan portfolio at September 30, 2014. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.
 
 
One- to four- family residential real estate (1)
 
  Commercial real estate (2)
 
Commercial (3)
Amount
 
Weighted avg rate (7)
 
Amount
 
Weighted avg rate (7)
 
Amount
 
Weighted avg rate (7)
(dollars in thousands)
Due During the Years
Ending September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
$
16,990

 
4.56
%
 
$
65,099

 
5.10
%
 
$
4,560

 
4.05
%
2016
 
3,358

 
5.14

 
41,233

 
4.72

 
2,719

 
4.36

2017
 
3,600

 
5.66

 
29,116

 
4.70

 
1,307

 
4.43

2018 to 2019
 
5,906

 
4.68

 
44,932

 
4.54

 
3,934

 
4.58

2020 to 2024
 
18,870

 
4.37

 
74,065

 
4.17

 
7,183

 
3.31

2025 to 2029
 
48,110

 
3.55

 
62,571

 
4.59

 
1,542

 
4.33

2030 and beyond
 
66,654

 
4.38

 
44,840

 
4.44

 
7,028

 
4.84

Total
 
$
163,488

 
4.21

 
$
361,856

 
4.59

 
$
28,273

 
4.19



34

 
 
  Real estate construction (4)
 
Consumer and other loans (5)
 
  Total (6)
Amount
 
Weighted avg rate (7)
 
Amount
 
Weighted avg rate (7)
 
Amount
 
Weighted avg rate (7)
(dollars in thousands)
Due During the Years
Ending September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
$
50,762

 
4.93
%
 
$
1,803

 
5.80
%
 
$
139,214

 
4.95
%
2016
 
5,968

 
4.99

 
673

 
4.07

 
53,951

 
4.75

2017
 
3,390

 
2.66

 
938

 
4.49

 
38,351

 
4.59

2018 to 2019
 
—

 
—

 
1,287

 
4.16

 
56,059

 
4.55

2020 to 2024
 
614

 
4.51

 
274

 
6.09

 
101,006

 
4.16

2025 to 2029
 
581

 
4.50

 
85

 
4.85

 
112,889

 
4.14

2030 and beyond
 
2,170

 
4.27

 
47

 
7.75

 
120,739

 
4.43

Total
 
$
63,485

 
4.78

 
$
5,107

 
4.94

 
$
622,209

 
4.50

__________________________________
(1)
Includes $10.7 million of covered loans.
(2)
Includes $61.3 million of covered loans.
(3)
Includes $3.5 million of covered loans.
(4)
Presented net of undisbursed proceeds on loans-in-progress.
(5)
Includes $0.1 million of covered loans.
(6)
Excludes accretable discounts, allowance for loan losses on noncovered loans, and net deferred loan fees on both covered and noncovered loans.
(7)
Does not include any accretable discount associated with FDIC Covered Loans.
The following table sets forth the scheduled repayments of fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at September 30, 2014 that are contractually due after September 30, 2015. 
 
 
Due After September 30, 2015
 
 
Fixed
 
Adjustable
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
64,774

 
$
81,724

 
$
146,498

Commercial real estate
 
137,713

 
159,044

 
296,757

Commercial
 
11,377

 
12,336

 
23,713

Real estate construction
 
1,041

 
11,682

 
12,723

Consumer and other loans
 
3,224

 
80

 
3,304

Total loans
 
$
218,129

 
$
264,866

 
$
482,995

Investment and Mortgage Securities Portfolio. At September 30, 2014, our investment and mortgage securities portfolio totaled $188.7 million, compared to $215.1 million at September 30, 2013. The decrease was attributable to $15.4 million in securities that were called or matured, $9.7 million in net sales and $26.8 million in principal paydowns, partially offset by $23.9 million in securities purchased and a $1.6 million decrease in unrealized losses on available for sale securities during fiscal 2014. During 2012, we also had approximately $273,000 in other-than-temporary impairment charges on non-government agency collateralized mortgage obligations. There were no other-than-temporary impairment charges in 2014 or 2013.
We review our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis for indications of impairment. In addition to management’s intent and ability to hold the investments to maturity or recovery of carrying value, the review for impairment includes analyzing the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been lower than the cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer. Our review of mortgage securities includes loan geography, loan to value ratios, credit scores, types of loans, loan vintage, credit ratings, loss coverage from tranches less senior than our investment tranche and cash flow analysis. Our investments are evaluated using our best estimate of future cash flows. If, based on our estimate of cash flows, we determine that an adverse change has occurred, other-than-temporary impairment would be recognized for the credit loss. At September 30, 2014, we held one private-label security which had a cumulative $380,000 other-than-temporary impairment charge recorded in prior years.

35

The following table sets forth the composition of our investment and mortgage securities portfolio at the dates indicated. At September 30, 2014, all investment and mortgage securities were classified as available for sale.
 
 
At September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
 
(in thousands)
Other investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-free municipals
 
$
13,431

 
$
13,457

 
$
14,898

 
$
14,914

 
$
11,555

 
$
11,579

U.S. government sponsored entities
 
—

 
—

 
5,026

 
5,030

 
16,520

 
16,627

Total investment securities
 
13,431

 
13,457

 
19,924

 
19,944

 
28,075

 
28,206

Mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
 
119,445

 
118,278

 
125,657

 
123,557

 
84,837

 
86,585

Freddie Mac
 
44,037

 
44,026

 
53,419

 
53,165

 
45,178

 
46,244

Ginnie Mae
 
1,595

 
1,698

 
1,728

 
1,846

 
4,568

 
4,945

Total mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities
 
165,077

 
164,002

 
180,804

 
178,568

 
134,583

 
137,774

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
 
78

 
80

 
2,208

 
2,274

 
7,713

 
8,027

Freddie Mac
 
49

 
53

 
372

 
408

 
533

 
580

Ginnie Mae
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
500

 
503

Other (1)
 
11,251

 
11,151

 
14,598

 
13,924

 
17,667

 
14,289

Total collateralized mortgage obligations
 
11,378

 
11,284

 
17,178

 
16,606

 
26,413

 
23,399

Total mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
176,455

 
175,286

 
197,982

 
195,174

 
160,996

 
161,173

Total
 
$
189,886

 
$
188,743

 
$
217,906

 
$
215,118

 
$
189,071

 
$
189,379

__________________________________
(1)
Includes private-label mortgage securities. See Note 4 - Securities Available for Sale in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We analyze our non-agency collateralized mortgage securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least quarterly. We use a multi-step approach using Bloomberg analytics considering market price, ratings, ratings changes, and underlying mortgage performance including delinquencies, foreclosures, deal structure, underlying collateral losses, prepayments, loan-to-value ratios, credit scores, and loan structure and underwriting, among other factors. We apply the Bloomberg default model, and if the bond shows no losses we consider it not other-than-temporarily impaired. If a bond shows losses or a break in yield with the Bloomberg default model, we create a probable vector of loss severities and defaults and if it shows a loss we consider it other-than-temporarily impaired.
Cash flow analysis indicates that the yields on all of the private-label securities noted above are maintained. The unrealized losses may relate to general market liquidity and, in the securities with the larger unrealized losses, weakness in the underlying collateral, market concerns over foreclosure levels, and geographic concentration. We consider these unrealized losses to be temporary impairment losses primarily because cash flow analysis indicates that there are continued sufficient levels of credit enhancements and credit coverage levels of less senior tranches. As of September 30, 2014, the private-label securities were classified as available for sale and a cumulative $380,000 other-than-temporary impairment charge had been recorded in prior periods. Based on the analysis performed by management as of September 30, 2014, we deemed it probable that all contractual principal and interest payments other than the single security identified above as being other-than-temporarily impaired, will be collected and therefore there is no new other-than-temporary impairment. See Note 4 - Securities Available for Sale in our Financial Statements for further information.
Securities Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The composition and maturities of the securities portfolio at September 30, 2014 are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect scheduled amortization or the impact of prepayments or redemptions that may occur.

36

 
One year or less
 
Years two through five
 
Years six through ten
 
More than ten years
 
Total securities
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Avg Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Avg Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Avg Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Weighted Avg Yield
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
(dollars in thousands)
Other investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-free municipals
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
2,711

 
0.54
%
 
$
4,877

 
0.42
%
 
$
5,843

 
0.92
%
 
$
13,431

 
$
13,457

 
0.66
%
U.S. government sponsored entities
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total investment securities
—

 
—

 
2,711

 
0.54

 
4,877

 
0.42

 
5,843

 
0.92

 
13,431

 
13,457

 
0.66

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
—

 
—

 
27,166

 
1.48

 
37,568

 
1.40

 
54,711

 
2.14

 
119,445

 
118,278

 
1.76

Freddie Mac
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,101

 
1.74

 
34,936

 
2.26

 
44,037

 
44,026

 
2.15

Ginnie Mae
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,595

 
6.56

 
1,595

 
1,698

 
6.56

Total mortgage-backed securities
—

 
—

 
27,166

 
1.48

 
46,669

 
1.47

 
91,242

 
2.26

 
165,077

 
164,002

 
1.91

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
78

 
1.20

 
—

 
—

 
78

 
80

 
1.20

Freddie Mac
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
49

 
4.19

 
—

 
—

 
49

 
53

 
4.19

Other
—

 
—

 
525

 
4.79

 
—

 
—

 
10,726

 
3.50

 
11,251

 
11,151

 
3.56

Total collateralized mortgage obligations
—

 
—

 
525

 
4.79

 
127

 
2.36

 
10,726

 
3.50

 
11,378

 
11,284

 
3.55

Total
$
—

 
—
%
 
$
30,402

 
1.46
%
 
$
51,673

 
1.37
%
 
$
107,811

 
2.31
%
 
$
189,886

 
$
188,743

 
1.92
%
Bank Owned Life Insurance. We invest in bank owned life insurance to provide us with a funding source for our benefit plan obligations. Bank owned life insurance also generally provides us non-interest income that is non-taxable. The total cash surrender values of such policies at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $47.2 million and $39.8 million, respectively.
Deposits. Total deposits decreased $34.1 million, or 4.54%, to $717.2 million at September 30, 2014 from $751.3 million at September 30, 2013. The decrease was caused primarily by a $39.5 million decline in retail certificates of deposit from acquired institutions, a $7.1 million decline in money market accounts and a $5.4 million decline in wholesale time deposits, partially offset by a $17.7 million increase in transaction accounts. We reduced the rates paid on the certificates of deposit to better match our interest-bearing liabilities with loans. At September 30, 2014, all of our deposits were retail deposits while $745.9 million of deposits were retail deposits and $5.4 million were brokered and other wholesale deposits at September 30, 2013. Funds on deposit from internet services and brokered deposits are considered as wholesale deposits.
 
 
 
Deposit Balances
 
Deposit & Bankcard Fees
 
Transaction Accounts
 
Savings
 
Money Market
 
Total Core Deposits
 
Retail Certificates of Deposit
 
Wholesale Certificates of Deposit
 
Total Deposits
 
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
September 30, 2014
$
2,512

 
$
314,201

 
$
48,486

 
$
123,561

 
$
486,248

 
$
230,944

 
$
—

 
$
717,192

June 30, 2014
2,370

 
312,962

 
48,752

 
124,678

 
486,392

 
243,217

 
—

 
729,609

March 31, 2014
2,235

 
314,788

 
48,775

 
128,022

 
491,585

 
250,479

 
—

 
742,064

December 31, 2013
2,256

 
295,848

 
47,531

 
131,010

 
474,389

 
258,265

 
5,000

 
737,654

September 30, 2013
2,011

 
296,453

 
48,324

 
130,649

 
475,426

 
270,475

 
5,396

 
751,297

June 30, 2013
1,915

 
302,471

 
49,681

 
129,078

 
481,230

 
280,372

 
8,179

 
769,781

March 31, 2013
1,878

 
293,143

 
49,890

 
131,523

 
474,556

 
292,650

 
13,215

 
780,421

December 31, 2012
1,950

 
284,509

 
48,685

 
130,151

 
463,345

 
312,026

 
30,747

 
806,118

September 30, 2012
1,950

 
275,998

 
51,192

 
129,103

 
456,293

 
323,105

 
20,864

 
800,262

__________________________________
(1)
March 31, 2013 core deposits were reduced by $138.6 million of deposits held by the Bank for stock orders from the second-step conversion which closed April 8, 2013.

37

The following table sets forth the distribution of total deposit accounts, by account type, for the periods indicated.
 
 
For the Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average Rate
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Deposit type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings accounts
 
$
48,367

 
6.6
%
 
0.02
%
 
$
49,443

 
6.3
%
 
0.05
%
 
$
53,897

 
6.5
%
 
0.19
%
Certificates of deposit
 
252,374

 
34.6

 
1.05

 
308,616

 
39.4

 
1.14

 
384,700

 
46.3

 
1.42

Money market
 
126,578

 
17.3

 
0.22

 
131,890

 
16.8

 
0.24

 
125,860

 
15.2

 
0.37

Demand and NOW
 
303,123

 
41.5

 
0.10

 
293,972

 
37.5

 
0.13

 
266,149

 
32.0

 
0.21

Total deposits
 
$
730,442

 
100.0
%
 
0.45
%
 
$
783,921

 
100.0
%
 
0.54
%
 
$
830,606

 
100.0
%
 
0.79
%
The following table sets forth certificates of deposit classified by interest rate as of the dates indicated. 
 
 
At September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(in thousands)
Interest rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 2.00%
 
$
188,472

 
$
219,967

 
$
262,781

2.00% to 2.99%
 
18,168

 
24,187

 
45,598

3.00% to 3.99%
 
24,304

 
31,207

 
34,000

4.00% to 4.99%
 
—

 
510

 
1,466

5.00% to 5.99%
 
—

 
—

 
124

Total
 
$
230,944

 
$
275,871

 
$
343,969

The following table sets forth, by interest rate ranges, information concerning our certificates of deposit.
 
 
At September 30, 2014
 
 
Period to Maturity
 
 
Less than or equal to one year
 
More than one to two years
 
More than two to three years
 
More than three years
 
Total
 
Percent of total
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Interest rate range:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.49% and below
 
$
85,003

 
$
7,018

 
$
1,648

 
$
1,171

 
$
94,840

 
41.1
%
0.50% to 0.99%
 
33,486

 
16,826

 
2,039

 
2,687

 
55,038

 
23.8

1.00% to 1.99%
 
1,570

 
7,507

 
10,852

 
18,665

 
38,594

 
16.7

2.00% to 2.99%
 
14,764

 
3,404

 
—

 
—

 
18,168

 
7.9

3.00% to 3.99%
 
24,304

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
24,304

 
10.5

Total
 
$
159,127

 
$
34,755

 
$
14,539

 
$
22,523

 
$
230,944

 
100.0
%
As of September 30, 2014, the aggregate amount of outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $250,000 was approximately $23.6 million. As of September 30, 2014, the aggregate amount of outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was approximately $110.4 million. The following table sets forth the maturity of those certificates greater than or equal to $100,000 as of September 30, 2014. 

38

 
 
At September 30, 2014
 
 
     Retail (1)
 
  Wholesale (2)
 
 
(in thousands)
Three months or less
 
$
19,500

 
$
—

Over three months through six months
 
21,327

 
—

Over six months through one year
 
35,705

 
—

Over one year to three years
 
22,421

 
—

Over three years
 
11,468

 
—

Total
 
$
110,421

 
$
—

__________________________________
(1)
Retail certificates of deposit consist of deposits held directly by customers. The weighted average interest rate for all retail certificates of deposit at September 30, 2014, was 1.07%.
(2)
Wholesale certificates of deposit include brokered deposits and deposits from other financial institutions.
Borrowings. Our borrowings consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. From time to time, our borrowings also have included securities sold under agreements to repurchase. At September 30, 2014, borrowings totaled $55.0 million, a decrease of $5.0 million from September 30, 2013. The decrease was due to the payoff of maturing, high rate Federal Home Loan Bank advances in March 2014.
At September 30, 2014, we had available Federal Home Loan Bank advances of up to $310.7 million under existing lines of credit of which $55.0 million was advanced and $255.7 million was available. Based upon available investment and loan collateral except cash, additional advances of $168.9 million were available at September 30, 2014. The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on our Federal Home Loan Bank advances at the dates and for the years indicated.
 
 
At or For the Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year
 
$
55,000

 
$
60,000

 
$
81,000

Average balance during year
 
$
57,208

 
$
74,211

 
$
94,205

Maximum outstanding at any month end
 
$
60,000

 
$
80,000

 
$
110,000

Weighted average interest rate at end of year
 
4.29
%
 
4.24
%
 
4.05
%
Average interest rate during year
 
4.33
%
 
4.20
%
 
4.24
%
At September 30, 2014, approximately $65.8 million of credit was available to us at the Federal Reserve Bank based on loan collateral pledged. The credit at the Federal Reserve Bank was not used other than periodic tests to ensure the line was functional.
Stockholders’ Equity. At September 30, 2014, total stockholders’ equity totaled $225.0 million (or $12.32 per share), a $48.8 million decrease from September 30, 2013. The decline was primarily due to $53.2 million of shares repurchased during the year ended September 30, 2014 as well as $4.2 million in dividends paid to stockholders. The decrease was partially offset by $6.0 million of net income and a decrease in unrealized losses on securities available for sale of $1.1 million during fiscal 2014.

Average Balances and Yields
The following table sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the years indicated. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.


39

 
 
For the Years Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield/Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield/Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Average Yield/Cost
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
 
$
138,859

 
331

 
0.24
%
 
$
139,922

 
328

 
0.23
%
 
$
68,025

 
161

 
0.24
%
FHLB common stock and other equity securities
 
3,671

 
135

 
3.67

 
4,802

 
123

 
2.56

 
8,074

 
115

 
1.42

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations available for sale
 
181,836

 
3,613

 
1.99

 
176,801

 
3,195

 
1.81

 
154,674

 
3,368

 
2.18

Other investment securities available for sale (1)
 
18,273

 
72

 
0.40

 
25,274

 
175

 
0.69

 
27,343

 
262

 
0.96

Loans receivable (1)(2)(3)(4)
 
587,486

 
28,410

 
4.84

 
577,077

 
29,892

 
5.18

 
641,284

 
35,207

 
5.49

Accretion and amortization of loss share loans receivable (5)
 
 
 
3,087

 
0.52

 
 
 
8,923

 
1.52

 
 
 
8,988

 
1.36

Total interest-earning assets
 
930,125

 
35,648

 
3.83

 
923,876

 
42,636

 
4.61

 
899,400

 
48,101

 
5.35

Total noninterest-earning assets
 
130,908

 
 
 
 

 
150,891

 
 
 
 

 
174,736

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
1,061,033

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,074,767

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,074,136

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW accounts
 
$
175,265

 
$
190

 
0.11
%
 
$
157,579

 
$
203

 
0.13
%
 
$
144,386

 
$
232

 
0.16
%
Rewards checking
 
47,701

 
114

 
0.24

 
51,454

 
178

 
0.35

 
56,883

 
335

 
0.59

Savings accounts
 
48,367

 
10

 
0.02

 
49,443

 
23

 
0.05

 
53,897

 
104

 
0.19

Money market deposit accounts
 
126,578

 
281

 
0.22

 
131,890

 
313

 
0.24

 
125,860

 
469

 
0.37

Certificate of deposit accounts
 
252,374

 
2,660

 
1.05

 
308,616

 
3,526

 
1.14

 
384,700

 
5,454

 
1.42

Total interest-bearing deposits
 
650,285

 
3,255

 
0.50

 
698,982

 
4,243

 
0.61

 
765,726

 
6,594

 
0.86

Borrowed funds
 
57,211

 
2,475

 
4.33

 
74,211

 
3,118

 
4.20

 
94,213

 
3,995

 
4.24

Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
707,496

 
5,730

 
0.81

 
773,193

 
7,361

 
0.95

 
859,939

 
10,589

 
1.23

Noninterest-bearing deposits
 
80,157

 
 
 
 
 
84,939

 
 
 
 
 
64,880

 
 
 
 
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
 
12,104

 
 
 
 
 
6,982

 
 
 
 
 
10,248

 
 
 
 
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
 
92,261

 
 
 
 
 
91,921

 
 
 
 
 
75,128

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
 
799,757

 
 
 
 
 
865,114

 
 
 
 
 
935,067

 
 
 
 
Total stockholders' equity
 
261,276

 
 
 
 
 
209,653

 
 
 
 
 
139,069

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,061,033

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,074,767

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,074,136

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 

 
$
29,918

 
 

 
 

 
$
35,275

 
 

 
 
 
$
37,512

 
 
Net interest earning assets (6)
 
 

 
$
222,629

 
 

 
 

 
$
150,683

 
 

 
 
 
$
39,461

 
 
Net interest rate spread (7)
 
 

 
 

 
3.02
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.66
%
 
 
 
 
 
4.12
%
Net interest margin (8)
 
 

 
 

 
3.22
%
 
 

 
 

 
3.82
%
 
 
 
 
 
4.17
%
Net interest margin, excluding the effects of purchase accounting (9)
 
 
 
 
 
2.87
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.82
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.11
%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
 
 

 
 

 
131.47
%
 
 

 
 

 
119.49
%
 
 
 
 
 
104.59
%
 
__________________________________
(1)
Tax exempt or tax-advantaged securities and loans are shown at their contractual yields and are not shown at a tax equivalent yield.
(2)
Includes net loan fees deferred and accreted pursuant to applicable accounting requirements.

40

(3)
Interest income on loans is interest income as recorded in the income statement and, therefore, does not include interest income on nonaccrual loans.
(4)
Interest income on loans excludes discount accretion and amortization of the indemnification asset.
(5)
Accretion of accretable purchase discount on loans acquired in FDIC-assisted acquisitions and amortization of the overstatement of FDIC indemnification asset.
(6)
Net interest-earning assets represent total average interest-earning assets less total average interest-bearing liabilities.
(7)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(8)
Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(9)
Net interest margin, excluding the effects of purchase accounting represents net interest income excluding accretion and amortization of loss share loans receivable as a percentage of average net interest earning assets excluding loan accretable discounts in the amount of $4.9 million, $9.2 million and $17.9 million for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

41

Rate/Volume Analysis
The following tables present the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the fiscal years indicated. The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The combined column represents the net change in volume between the two periods multiplied by the net change in rate between the two periods. The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. 
 
 
Year Ended September 30, 2014
Compared to the Year Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Increase/(Decrease) Due to
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Combined
 
Net
 
 
(in thousands)
Interest Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
 
$
(2
)
 
$
6

 
$
(1
)
 
$
3

FHLB common stock and other equity securities
 
(29
)
 
53

 
(12
)
 
12

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations available for sale
 
91

 
318

 
9

 
418

Other investment securities available for sale
 
(48
)
 
(75
)
 
20

 
(103
)
Loans receivable
 
700

 
(7,876
)
 
(142
)
 
(7,318
)
Total interest-earning assets
 
712

 
(7,574
)
 
(126
)
 
(6,988
)
Interest Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW accounts
 
25

 
(96
)
 
(6
)
 
(77
)
Savings accounts
 
(1
)
 
(13
)
 
1

 
(13
)
Money market deposit accounts
 
(13
)
 
(20
)
 
1

 
(32
)
Certificate of deposit accounts
 
(641
)
 
(273
)
 
48

 
(866
)
Total interest-bearing deposits
 
(630
)
 
(402
)
 
44

 
(988
)
Borrowed funds
 
(714
)
 
92

 
(21
)
 
(643
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
(1,344
)
 
(310
)
 
23

 
(1,631
)
Net change in net interest income
 
$
2,056

 
$
(7,264
)
 
$
(149
)
 
$
(5,357
)
 
 
Year Ended September 30, 2013
Compared to the Year Ended September 30, 2012
 
 
Increase/(Decrease) Due to
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Combined
 
Net
 
 
(in thousands)
Interest Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
 
$
170

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
167

FHLB common stock and other equity securities
 
(47
)
 
92

 
(37
)
 
8

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations available for sale
 
482

 
(573
)
 
(82
)
 
(173
)
Other investment securities available for sale
 
(20
)
 
(72
)
 
5

 
(87
)
Loans receivable
 
(4,425
)
 
(1,061
)
 
106

 
(5,380
)
Total interest-earning assets
 
(3,840
)
 
(1,615
)
 
(10
)
 
(5,465
)
Interest Expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW accounts
 
22

 
(200
)
 
(8
)
 
(186
)
Savings accounts
 
(9
)
 
(78
)
 
6

 
(81
)
Money market deposit accounts
 
22

 
(170
)
 
(8
)
 
(156
)
Certificate of deposit accounts
 
(1,079
)
 
(1,058
)
 
209

 
(1,928
)
Total interest-bearing deposits
 
(1,044
)
 
(1,506
)
 
199

 
(2,351
)
Borrowed funds
 
(848
)
 
(38
)
 
9

 
(877
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
(1,892
)
 
(1,544
)
 
208

 
(3,228
)
Net change in net interest income
 
$
(1,948
)
 
$
(71
)
 
$
(218
)
 
$
(2,237
)

42

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
General. Net income decreased $301,000, or 4.8%, to $6.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $6.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net income for fiscal 2014 resulted primarily from a decrease in discount accretion and amortization of the FDIC loss share receivable, partially offset by an increase to noninterest income and decreases to both interest expense and provision for loan losses. Net interest income after provision for loan losses decreased $3.2 million, or 9.3%, to $30.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $33.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, primarily attributable to a $5.8 million decrease in discount accretion and amortization of the FDIC loss share receivable as well as a compression of loan and investment yields which caused a decrease in interest rate spread and net interest margin in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Our provision for loan losses decreased $2.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year due to an overall improvement in the non-covered loan portfolio as well as improved credit quality and the resolution of problem assets on our covered loan portfolio. For the year ended September 30, 2014, our net interest margin decreased to 3.22% from 3.82% for the year ended September 30, 2013 due to lower interest rates related to interest-earning assets. Net interest margin, excluding accretion and amortization of loss share receivable, was 2.87% for the year ended September 30, 2014, compared with 2.82% for the year ended September 30, 2013. Noninterest income increased $2.6 million, or 22.52%, to $14.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $11.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, due primarily to an increase in bankcard and deposit fees as well as a one-time true-up receipt from the completion and renegotiation of a processing contract. Noninterest expense decreased slightly to $36.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $36.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. Noninterest expense experienced decreases in the net cost of real estate owned and other expenses, nearly offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits and federal deposit insurance premiums and other regulatory fees.
Interest Income. Total interest income decreased $7.0 million, or 16.4%, to $35.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $42.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to a decrease in interest income on loans. Interest on loans decreased $3.8 million, or 9.8%, to $35.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 as a result of a lower average yield on loans. The average yield on loans declined to 5.36% for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to 6.73% for the year ended September 30, 2013. The lower average yield on loans for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily attributable to a decrease in purchase discount accretion and the improvement in estimated cash flows related to covered loans resulting in amortization of the indemnification asset of $3.5 million, as well as continued low interest rates and the repayment of higher yielding loans. Our loans acquired through FDIC acquisitions carry higher yields than our legacy loan portfolio due to accretion. As our accretion income continues to decline in future periods, our net interest margin will likely also decline. The average balance of loans receivable increased $10.4 million to $587.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $577.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. We were able to increase the average balance of loans not covered by loss share agreements more than the decrease in the average balance of loans covered by loss share agreements due to loan repayments and charge-offs. We had $3.1 million of net discount accretion and amortization included in interest income for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $8.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2014, there was currently projected to be $2.9 million in amortization and $6.0 million of discount remaining to accrete into interest income over the remaining life of all acquired loans with the accretion heavily weighted towards early quarters based on current cash flow projections.
The table below shows discount accretion and amortization included in income over the past six years and the remaining discount to be recognized:
 
Loan Accretion (Amortization) Income
 
2009
 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
 
Remaining (1)
 
(in thousands)
NCB
$
1,698

 
$
4,519

 
$
2,272

 
$
751

 
$
844

 
$
239

 
 
$
68

MCB
—

 
3,242

 
5,742

 
3,740

 
3,086

 
3,110

 
 
3,060

FNB
—

 
—

 
252

 
4,497

 
4,993

 
3,245

 
 
2,858

Total
1,698

 
7,761

 
8,266

 
8,988

 
8,923

 
6,594

 
 
5,986

Amortization (2)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,507
)
 
 
(2,940
)
Net
$
1,698

 
$
7,761

 
$
8,266

 
$
8,988

 
$
8,923

 
$
3,087

 
 
$
3,046

__________________________________
(1)
Based on revised estimated cash flows related to covered loans, as of September 30, 2014, it was determined that approximately $2.9 million of the FDIC indemnification asset will be amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the acquired loan pools or the agreements with the FDIC, whichever is shorter. $3.5 million was amortized as an offset to loan interest income in the year ended September 30, 2014.
(2)
Amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset due to improved estimated cash flows related to covered loans.

43

Interest on mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations increased $418,000 to $3.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $3.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, reflecting an 18 basis point increase in average yield to 1.99% and a $5.0 million increase in the average balance of such securities to $181.8 million.
Interest income on Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta common stock increased slightly to $135,000 for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $123,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013 as the FHLB dividend rate increased.
Interest on other investment securities, which consisted of agency and municipal securities decreased $103,000 to $72,000 for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $175,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013 as investment securities average balances declined by $7.0 million to $18.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, and the average yield of such securities decreased 29 basis points to 0.40%, for the year ended September 30, 2014, as interest rates remained low.
Interest on interest earning deposits increased slightly to $331,000 for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $328,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013 as the average yield went up one basis point.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense decreased $1.6 million, or 22.2%, to $5.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $7.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. Interest expense decreased due to a 14 basis point, or 14.7%, decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 0.81% for the year ended September 30, 2014 from 0.95% for the year ended September 30, 2013, reflecting continued low market interest rates. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $65.7 million, or 8.5%, to $707.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $773.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 as FHLB advances matured and were repaid and higher costing certificates of deposit acquired in FDIC acquisitions were reduced.
Interest expense on deposits decreased $1.0 million, or 23.3%, to $3.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $4.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was due to an 11 basis point decrease in the average cost of deposits to 0.50% for fiscal year 2014, compared to 0.61% for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in the average cost of deposits was largely due to lower market interest rates, an increase in the mix of lower costing demand deposits relative to higher costing certificates of deposit and the repricing downward of higher costing certificates of deposit. The average cost of NOW accounts decreased from 0.13% for the year ended September 30, 2013 to 0.11%, for the year ended September 30, 2014 as the average balance of such deposits increased $17.7 million, or 11.2%, for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared with the year ended September 30, 2013. The average cost on rewards checking decreased 11 basis points to 0.24% for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to 0.35% for the year ended September 30, 2013. Rewards checking is a premium rate demand account based on average balance, electronic transaction activity, and other criteria. The average cost of savings accounts decreased three basis points to 0.02% for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to 0.05% for the year ended September 30, 2013. The average cost of money market accounts decreased two basis points to 0.22% for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to 0.24% for the year ended September 30, 2013. Interest expense on certificates of deposit decreased $866,000 to $2.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, from $3.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, reflecting the $56.2 million, or 18.2%, decrease in the average balance of such deposits and a nine basis point decrease in average certificate of deposit cost.
Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased $644,000 to $2.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $3.1 million for fiscal 2013, due to a decrease of $17.0 million, or 22.9%, in the average balance of advances. There was, however, a 13 basis point increase in the average cost of advances for fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 due to lower costing advances maturing in March 2014 and September 2013, leaving us with higher rate advances at September 30, 2014.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased $5.4 million, or 15.2%, to $29.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2014, compared to $35.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest income of $7.0 million, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense of $1.6 million. Interest income decreased primarily due to lower average yields on loans and the impact of accretion income and FDIC loss share receivable amortization on acquired covered loans but was partially offset by increases in the average balances of loans receivable and mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations available for sale for the year ended September 30, 2014. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 78 basis points during the year ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year.
Our net interest margin decreased 60 basis points to 3.22% for fiscal 2014 from 3.82% for fiscal 2013, while our net interest rate spread decreased 64 basis points to 3.02% for fiscal 2014 from 3.66% for fiscal 2013. Lower average yields on loans, due primarily to reduced accretion on acquired loans, was primarily responsible for the reduced net interest margin but was partially offset by lower average balances of certificates of deposit and FHLB advances and lower rates paid on the certificates of deposit. Net interest margin excluding the effects of purchase accounting was 2.87% for fiscal 2014 compared to 2.82% for fiscal 2013.

44

The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to decreases of $56.2 million and $17.0 million in the average balances of certificates of deposits and FHLB advances, respectively, combined with an 11 basis point decline in the average cost of total interest bearing deposits to 0.50% for the year ended September 30, 2014 from 0.61% for the year ended September 30, 2013.
Provision for Non-Covered Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses for the year ended September 30, 2014 was $300,000 for non-covered loans, compared to $1.4 million for non-covered loans for year ended September 30, 2013. The Company did not make a provision in the final three quarters of fiscal 2014 due to the trend of declining levels of net charge-offs, along with an overall improvement in the asset quality of the non-covered loan portfolio. Net charge-offs on non-covered loans decreased to $416,000 for the year ended September 30, 2014, from $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans was $8.5 million, or 1.55% of total non-covered loans receivable at September 30, 2014 compared to $8.2 million, or 1.70% of total non-covered loans receivable, at September 30, 2013. Our non-covered nonperforming loans increased to $4.2 million at September 30, 2014 from $2.9 million at September 30, 2013. As a result, our allowance as a percent of nonperforming non-covered loans decreased to 199.6% at September 30, 2014 compared to 280.3% at September 30, 2013.
Provision for Covered Loan Losses. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the reversal of provision for covered loan losses was $1.0 million compared to a provision expense of $89,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013. The reversal of provision for covered loans for the year ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the release of allowance reserves due to improved credit quality and resolution of problem assets. If future losses occur due to declines in the market during the periods covered by loss share agreements, the losses on loans acquired from both NCB and MCB will be reimbursed at 95% and FNB at 80% based on the terms of the FDIC loss sharing agreements. At September 30, 2014 covered loans totaled $69.6 million and is net of $13.3 million in related nonaccretable and accretable discounts and allowances, compared with $109.0 million, net of $19.6 million in related nonaccretable and accretable discounts and allowances, at September 30, 2013.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $2.6 million, or 22.5%, to $14.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 from $11.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $1.1 million in bankcard fees and a one-time true-up receipt from the completion and renegotiation of a processing contract of approximately $1.1 million in the year ended September 30, 2014. As the use of bankcards increase due to the continued transition from paper to electronic transactions, we have experienced significant growth in third-party processing fees associated with this increased usage.
The increase in noninterest income was partially offset by decreases in gains on the sale of loans and servicing released fees and FDIC receivable accretion during the year ended September 30, 2014. Gains on the sale of loans and servicing released fees decreased $231,000 as a result of lower mortgage loan production due to lower loan refinances in this fiscal year. Discount accretion on FDIC-assisted transactions declined $208,000 for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared to the prior year, due to a decline in covered loans during the year as well as impairments of $522,000 recorded on the FDIC indemnification asset during the year ended September 30, 2014 due to an assessment of the collectability of previous loss estimates which established the covered portion of the allowance for loan losses. Additionally, a $248,000 write down of fixed assets associated with a branch that was closed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 was recorded in the year ended September 30, 2014.
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
September 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
(in thousands)
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
$
1,552

 
$
1,464

 
$
1,372

 
$
1,428

 
$
1,364

 
$
1,277

 
$
1,286

 
$
1,389

Bankcard fees
 
960

 
906

 
863

 
828

 
647

 
638

 
592

 
561

Gain on the sale of loans
 
366

 
298

 
266

 
172

 
192

 
407

 
385

 
350

Brokerage commissions
 
138

 
124

 
184

 
145

 
120

 
153

 
175

 
141

Bank owned life insurance
 
327

 
278

 
339

 
308

 
300

 
211

 
228

 
255

Gain on sale of investments, net
 
—

 
201

 
—

 
—

 
30

 
—

 
—

 
220

FDIC receivable accretion (net impairment)
 
(236
)
 
68

 
83

 
(90
)
 
(186
)
 
(115
)
 
186

 
148

Other income
 
601

 
(103
)
 
110

 
1,325

 
335

 
91

 
125

 
147

Total noninterest income
 
$
3,708

 
$
3,236

 
$
3,217

 
$
4,116

 
$
2,802

 
$
2,662

 
$
2,977

 
$
3,211

Noninterest Expense. Total noninterest expense decreased slightly to $36.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2014 compared with $36.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was due in part to a decrease in the net cost of real estate owned of $583,000 due to a $1.2 million decrease in provisions recorded for valuation allowances in the year ended

45

September 30, 2014, as compared to the year ended September 30, 2013, and a decrease in other noninterest expense of $798,000 largely related to a write-down of an asset available for sale recorded in fiscal 2013.
These decreases were nearly offset by increases in salaries and employee benefits of $1.3 million due to stock awards being granted during the year ended September 30, 2014, and federal insurance premiums and other regulatory fees of $302,000.
 
 
For the Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
June 30, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
September 30, 2013
 
June 30, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
(in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
5,241

 
$
4,969

 
$
4,852

 
$
4,701

 
$
4,956

 
$
4,460

 
$
4,367

 
$
4,676

Occupancy
 
1,847

 
1,863

 
1,874

 
1,892

 
1,979

 
1,845

 
1,718

 
1,761

Legal and professional
 
372

 
369

 
387

 
554

 
647

 
459

 
493

 
323

Marketing
 
470

 
340

 
337

 
300

 
367

 
336

 
323

 
268

Furniture and equipment
 
177

 
226

 
158

 
166

 
213

 
203

 
210

 
202

Postage, office supplies, and printing
 
219

 
240

 
181

 
226

 
275

 
283

 
277

 
247

Core deposit intangible amortization expense
 
80

 
94

 
100

 
106

 
112

 
116

 
121

 
128

Federal insurance premiums and other regulatory fees
 
190

 
199

 
251

 
251

 
233

 
254

 
(142
)
 
245

Net cost (benefit) of operations of other real estate owned
 
60

 
88

 
(2
)
 
289

 
40

 
(22
)
 
1,192

 
(192
)
Other
 
738

 
647

 
442

 
715

 
647

 
830

 
1,198

 
667

Total noninterest expense
 
$
9,394

 
$
9,035

 
$
8,580

 
$
9,200

 
$
9,469

 
$
8,764

 
$
9,757

 
$
8,325

Income Taxes. Income taxes decreased to $2.7 million for year ended September 30, 2014 from $2.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 due to a decrease in our income before provision for income taxes of $428,000. Our effective tax rate was 31.53% in the year ended September 30, 2014 and 31.44% in the year ended September 30, 2013.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012
General. Net income increased $1.3 million, or 25.7%, to $6.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $5.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Net interest income after provision for loan losses increased $0.8 million, or 2.3%, to $33.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $33.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, reflecting decreased provision for loan losses but partially offset by the compression of loan and investment yields causing decreased interest rate spreads and net interest margins. Our provision for loan losses decreased $3.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 as compared to the prior year due to a decrease in net charge-offs during 2013. For the year ended September 30, 2013, our net interest margin declined to 3.82% from 4.17% for the year ended September 30, 2012, due to lower interest rates related to interest-earning assets and an increase in lower yielding cash and cash equivalents from our conversion and stock offering completed on April 8, 2013. Net interest margin without accretion for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, was 2.82% and 3.11%, respectively. Noninterest income decreased $1.3 million, or 9.8%, to $11.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $12.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to a decrease in the FDIC receivable. Noninterest expense decreased $4.0 million to $36.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $40.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, due primarily to decreases in net cost of REO, salaries and employee benefits expense and marketing expense.
Interest Income. Total interest income decreased $5.5 million, or 11.4%, to $42.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $48.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2012 due primarily to a decrease in loan receivable income. Interest on loans decreased $5.4 million, or 12.2%, to $38.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 as a result of the $64.2 million, or 10.0%, decrease in the average balance of loans receivable to $577.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2013. Our average yields on covered loans are higher than the average yields on non-covered loans. The decreased volume of loans during the year ended September 30, 2013 was primarily in the covered loan portfolio. The average yield on loans declined slightly to 6.73% for fiscal 2013 compared to 6.89% for fiscal 2012. As our percentage of covered loans to total loans declines and discount accretion runs off in future periods, our net interest margin will likely continue to decline.
Interest on mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations decreased $0.2 million to $3.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $3.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, reflecting a 37 basis point decrease

46

in average yield to 1.81%, partially offset by a $22.1 million, or 14.3%, increase in the average balance of such securities to $176.8 million.
Interest income on Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta common stock increased slightly to $123,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $115,000 for the year ended September 30, 2012 as the FHLB dividend rate increased.
Interest on other investment securities, which consisted of agency and municipal securities decreased $87,000 to $175,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $262,000 for the year ended September 30, 2012 as investment securities average balances decreased by $2.1 million to $25.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, and the average yield of such securities decreased 27 basis points to 0.69%, for the year ended September 30, 2013, as interest rates remain low.
Interest on interest earning deposits increased $167,000 to $328,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $161,000 for the year ended September 30, 2012 as the average balance of interest earning deposit increased $71.9 million as a result of the investment of proceeds from our conversion and stock offering completed on April 8, 2013.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense decreased $3.2 million, or 30.5%, to $7.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to $10.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, primarily as a result of lower interest expenses on certificates of deposit and borrowings. Components of interest expense changed with an increase in lower costing demand deposits resulting in a 28 basis point, or 22.8%, decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 0.95% for fiscal 2013 from 1.23% for fiscal 2012, reflecting low market interest rates. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased $86.7 million, or 10.1%, to $773.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to $859.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, as higher costing FHLB advances matured and were repaid during the current year and through a reduction of higher cost certificates of deposit primarily acquired in FDIC acquisitions.
Interest expense on deposits decreased $2.4 million, or 35.7%, to $4.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to $6.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. The decrease was due to a 25 basis point decrease in the average cost of deposits to 0.61% for fiscal year 2013, compared to 0.86% for the year ended September 30, 2012. The decrease in the average cost of deposits was largely due to lower market interest rates, an increase in the mix of lower costing demand deposits relative to higher costing certificates of deposit and the repricing downward of higher costing certificates of deposit. The average cost of NOW accounts decreased from 0.16% for the year ended September 30, 2012 to 0.13%, for the year ended September 30, 2013. The average cost on rewards checking decreased 24 basis points to 0.35% for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to 0.59% for the year ended September 30, 2012. Rewards checking is a premium rate demand account based on average balance, electronic transaction activity, and other criteria. The average cost of savings accounts decreased 14 basis points to 0.05% for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to 0.19% for the year ended September 30, 2012, due to a decrease of $4.5 million, or 8.3%, in the average balance of savings accounts. The average cost of money market accounts decreased 13 basis points to 0.24% for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to 0.37% for the year ended September 30, 2012. Interest expense on certificates of deposit decreased $2.0 million to $3.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, from $5.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, reflecting the $76.1 million, or 19.8%, decrease in the average balance of such deposits and a 28 basis point decrease in average certificate of deposit cost. Interest expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased $876,000 to $3.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 compared to $4.0 million for fiscal 2012, due to a decrease of $20.0 million, or 21.2%, in the average balance of advances. There was a 4 basis point decrease in the average cost of advances for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased $2.2 million, or 6.0%, to $35.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, compared to $37.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in interest income of $5.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense of $3.2 million. Interest income decreased primarily due to the decrease in the average balance of loans receivable of $64.2 million partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest-earning deposits of $71.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2013.
Our net interest margin decreased 35 basis points to 3.82% for fiscal 2013 from 4.17% for fiscal 2012, while our net interest rate spread decreased 46 basis points to 3.66% for fiscal 2013 from 4.12% for fiscal 2012. Lower average balances on loans outstanding, partially offset by lower rates paid on certificates of deposits contributed to reduced net interest margin. The net interest margin without accretion for the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, was 2.82% and 3.11%, respectively.
The decrease in interest expense was due to a 25 basis point decline in the average cost of total interest bearing deposits to 0.61% for the year ended September 30, 2013 from 0.86% for the year ended September 30, 2012, and a decrease of $20.0 million in the average balance of borrowed funds for the year ended September 30, 2013.
Provision for Non-Covered Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses for the year ended September 30, 2013 was $1.4 million for non-covered loans, compared to $3.3 million for non-covered loans for year ended September 30, 2012. Net charge-offs on non-covered loans decreased to $1.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, from $4.5 million for the year ended

47

September 30, 2012. The allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans was $8.2 million, or 1.70% of total non-covered loans receivable at September 30, 2013 compared to $8.2 million, or 1.87% of total non-covered loans receivable, at September 30, 2012. Our nonperforming loans declined to $2.9 million at September 30, 2013 from $3.4 million at September 30, 2012. As a result, our allowance as a percent of nonperforming non-covered loans increased to 280.3% at September 30, 2013 compared to 237.7% at September 30, 2012. In addition, our two-year historical loss experience in all but one loan category, which is a determining factor in our required provision, improved at September 30, 2013 as compared to September 30, 2012.
Provision for Covered Loan Losses. Provision for covered loan losses for the year ended September 30, 2013 decreased $1.1 million to $89,000 from $1.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. If there are future losses due to declines in the market, the losses on loans acquired from both NCB and MCB will be reimbursed at 95% and FNB at 80%. The FNB agreement provides that all losses are reimbursed at 80%. At September 30, 2013 there were $128.6 million in covered loans, with $14.8 million in related nonaccretable differences and allowances.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income decreased $1.3 million, or 9.8%, to $11.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $12.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. Discount accretion on FDIC-assisted transactions declined $1.4 million to $33,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $1.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2012, due to a decline in covered loans during that same period as well as impairments of $642,000 recorded on the FDIC indemnification asset during the year ended September 30, 2013 due to an assessment of the collectability of previous loss estimates which established the covered portion of the allowance for loan losses. Net gains on the sale of securities declined $690,000 to $250,000 for the year ended September 30, 2013, from $940,000 for the year ended September 30, 2012. The fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, included charges of $273,000 for other-than-temporary impairment of non-agency collateralized mortgage-backed securities, of which there were none in the year ended September 30, 2013. The declines in noninterest income were partially offset by an increase of $743,000, or 10.6%, in fees on deposits due primarily to increases in network exchange fees and slight increases in NSF and other deposit service charges. Gains on loans and servicing release fees increased $373,000 as a result of higher mortgage loan production.
Noninterest Expense. Total noninterest expense decreased $4.0 million, or 9.9%, to $36.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2013, compared to $40.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower costs associated with other real estate owned operations and salaries and employee benefits expense in the year ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in compensation costs was primarily due to higher personnel and occupancy costs associated with the acquisition of FNB assets incurred in the year ended September 30, 2012. During the year ended September 30, 2013, net cost of operations of other real estate owned properties decreased $1.1 million or 52.6% to $1.0 million partially as a result of the recognition of a $450,000 deferred gain on a property previously sold and gains recognized on other properties. Occupancy expense declined $497,000 or 6.4% and salaries and employee benefits decreased $874,000 or 4.5% primarily due to costs related to the FNB acquisition in the prior year referenced above. Marketing expenses decreased $581,000 or 31.0% due to higher costs relating to our entry into the FNB marketplace during the year ended September 30, 2012. The $761,000 decline in FDIC insurance premiums and other regulatory fees was a result of lower regulatory fees as well as the early recognition in the previous year of the FDIC prepaid assessment.
Income Taxes. Income taxes increased to $2.9 million for the year ended September 30, 2013 from $639,000 for the year ended September 30, 2012. Our effective tax rate was 31.4% in fiscal year 2013 and 11.4% in fiscal year 2012. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2013 was due to a $1.0 million tax reserve that was reversed in June 2012 as our uncertain tax position was resolved with the closing of the tax year. Excluding the uncertain tax position resolution our effective tax rate for 2012 would have been 29.2%.

Asset Quality
Delinquent Loans and Foreclosed Assets. Our policies require that management continuously monitor the status of the loan portfolio and report to the Loan Committee of the Board of Directors on a monthly basis. These reports include information on delinquent loans and foreclosed real estate, and our actions and plans to cure the delinquent status of the loans and to dispose of the foreclosed property. The Loan Committee consists of two inside and three outside directors. One position on the committee, the chairman, is permanent, and the other two positions alternate between four outside directors.
We generally stop accruing interest income when we consider the timely collectability of interest or principal to be doubtful. We generally stop accruing for loans that are 90 days or more past due unless the loan is well secured and we determine that the ultimate collection of all principal and interest is not in doubt. When we designate loans as nonaccrual, we reverse all outstanding interest that we had previously credited. These loans remain on nonaccrual status until a regular pattern of timely payments is established.

48

Impaired loans are individually assessed to determine whether the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the collateral or the present value of the expected cash flows to be received. Smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment.
Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until it is sold. When real estate is acquired through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, it is recorded at the lower of the related loan balance or its fair value as determined by an appraisal, less estimated costs of disposal. If the value of the property is less than the loan, less any related specific loan loss reserve allocations, the difference is charged against the allowance for loan losses. Any subsequent write-down of real estate owned or loss at the time of disposition is charged against earnings.
Management has taken several steps to resolve the nonperforming and classified assets acquired in the NCB, MCB, and FNB transactions, including the following:
•
Established a special assets department with experienced leadership that continues to actively manage the nonperforming and classified assets acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions.
•
Senior management reviews and updates resolution strategy quarterly, updates appraisals periodically, has appraisal reviews and validates expected cash flow through any other sources available.
•
Through September 30, 2014, we had received $226.8 million from the FDIC for reimbursements associated with the FDIC loss-sharing agreements. We have a remaining indemnification asset of $10.5 million as of September 30, 2014 of which $2.9 million is related to the MCB acquisition for which the loss share reimbursement period ends in March 2015.
As of September 30, 2014 our nonperforming assets not covered by loss sharing totaled $6.0 million, or 0.65% of total assets not covered by loss sharing. Real estate owned covered by loss sharing totaled $5.6 million. Loans covered by loss sharing were performing as anticipated due to the discount accretion and therefore are considered performing, however, $7.5 million of these covered loans are contractually delinquent.
We are also continuing to review the MCB and FNB loan portfolios, along with the NCB single-family loan portfolio, with the objective of aggressively classifying all loans appropriately so that resolution plans can be established and delinquent assets can be returned to performing status.

49

Non-Performing Assets. The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-covered non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
 
 
At September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
982

 
$
1,508

 
$
2,038

 
$
5,793

 
$
5,946

Commercial real estate
 
2,370

 
1,121

 
772

 
5,340

 
5,253

Commercial
 
156

 
161

 
192

 
438

 
246

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
26

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
—

 
84

 
42

 
97

 
209

Total nonaccrual loans
 
3,508

 
2,874

 
3,044

 
11,694

 
11,654

Loans delinquent 90 days or greater and still accruing: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
517

 
47

 
402

 
—

 
—

Commercial real estate
 
215

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
140

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total loans delinquent 90 days or greater and still accruing
 
736

 
47

 
402

 
—

 
140

Total nonperforming loans
 
$
4,244

 
$
2,921

 
$
3,446

 
$
11,694

 
$
11,794

Other real estate owned: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
586

 
1,175

 
735

 
581

 
1,855

Commercial real estate
 
862

 
440

 
1,233

 
3,170

 
7,786

Commercial
 
310

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
139

 
342

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total real estate owned
 
1,758

 
1,615

 
2,107

 
4,093

 
9,641

Total nonperforming assets
 
$
6,002

 
$
4,536

 
$
5,553

 
$
15,787

 
$
21,435

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total non-covered loans
 
0.77
%
 
0.61
%
 
0.79
%
 
2.72
%
 
2.55
%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total non-covered assets
 
0.65
%
 
0.49
%
 
0.69
%
 
1.99
%
 
2.33
%
__________________________________
(1)
Included in nonaccrual loans are $1.7 million, $0.4 million, $0.5 million, $1.4 million and $1.9 million of non-accruing troubled debt restructured loans at September 30, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)
Acquired NCB FAS ASC 310-30 loans that are no longer covered under the non-single family loss sharing agreement with the FDIC in the amount of $1.0 million are not included in this table as of September 30, 2014. Due to the recognition of accretion income related to these loans, FAS ASC 310-30 loans that are greater than 90 days delinquent or designated nonaccrual status are regarded as accruing loans.
(3)
Other real estate owned in the amount of $363,400 that is no longer covered under the non-single family loss sharing agreement with the FDIC that expired in fiscal 2014 is now included in this table.
Non-performing assets not covered by loss share increased $1.5 million during the year ended September 30, 2014 due to an increase of $634,000 in non-covered nonaccrual loans, an increase of $689,000 in non-covered loans that are 90 days or greater delinquent and still accruing, and an increase of $143,000 in non-covered real estate owned. These increases were primarily attributable to acquired loans that are no longer covered due to the expiration of the NCB commercial loss sharing agreement with the FDIC. We have 31 non-covered loans that remain non-performing at September 30, 2014, and the largest non-performing non-covered loan had a balance of $1.5 million at September 30, 2014 and was secured by commercial real estate.

50

For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, interest income recognized on non-accruing non-covered loans was approximately $405,000 and $664,000, respectively. Additional gross interest income that would have been recorded had our non-accruing non-covered loans been current in accordance with their original terms was approximately $260,000 and $223,000, respectively, for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Troubled Debt Restructurings. Loans are classified as restructured when certain modifications are made to the loan terms and concessions are granted to the borrowers due to financial difficulty experienced by those borrowers. We only restructure loans for borrowers in financial difficulty that have presented a viable business plan to fully pay off all obligations, including outstanding debt, interest, and fees, either by generating additional income from the business or through liquidation of assets. Generally, these loans are restructured to provide the borrower additional time to execute upon their plans. The concessions granted on troubled debt restructurings generally include terms to reduce the interest rate or extend the term of the debt obligation.
Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings. At September 30, 2014, we had $1.7 million in nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings. Loans on accruing status at the date of concession are initially classified as accruing troubled debt restructurings if the loan is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is expected in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the concession date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. Troubled debt restructurings are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months). At September 30, 2014, we had $6.2 million in accruing troubled debt restructurings. As of September 30, 2014, no loans that were modified as troubled debt restructurings within the previous twelve months defaulted after their restructure. The tables below show the number and amount of non-covered non-accruing troubled debt restructurings at September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
Non-Accruing Troubled Debt Restructurings
at September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
1-4 family residential real estate
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
—

Commercial real estate
 
2

 
1,673

 
3

 
439

 
3

 
502

Commercial
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
19

Consumer and other loans
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total non-accruing troubled debt restructurings
 
2

 
$
1,673

 
3

 
$
439

 
4

 
$
521


51

Delinquent Loans, Excluding Nonaccrual Loans. The following tables set forth certain information with respect to our loan portfolio delinquencies as to contractual payments, excluding nonaccrual loans (refer to preceding page for disclosure of nonaccrual loans), at the dates indicated.
 
 
Loans Delinquent and Still Accruing For
 
Total
 
 
30-89 Days
 
  90 Days and Over (1)
 
 
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
At September 30, 2014
 
(dollars in thousands)
Non-covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
26

 
$
1,764

 
6

 
$
517

 
32

 
$
2,281

Commercial real estate
 
4

 
254

 
3

 
1,218

 
7

 
1,472

Commercial
 
2

 
33

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
33

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
6

 
31

 
1

 
4

 
7

 
35

Total non-covered loans
 
38

 
$
2,082

 
10

 
$
1,739

 
48

 
$
3,821

Covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
4

 
$
293

 
1

 
$
111

 
5

 
$
404

Commercial real estate
 
5

 
561

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
561

Commercial
 
1

 
300

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
300

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total covered loans
 
10

 
$
1,154

 
1

 
$
111

 
11

 
$
1,265

Total loans
 
48

 
$
3,236

 
11

 
$
1,850

 
59

 
$
5,086

__________________________________
(1)
Previously covered loans in the amount of $1.0 million are now reflected in the Greater than 90 Days Accruing column in the non-covered loans. These loans which are accounted for under ASC 310-30 are reported as accruing loans because of accretable discounts established at the time of acquisition.
 
 
Loans Delinquent and Still Accruing For
 
Total
 
 
30-89 Days
 
90 Days and Over
 
 
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
At September 30, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Non-covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
13

 
$
836

 
2

 
$
47

 
15

 
$
883

Commercial real estate
 
5

 
505

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
505

Commercial
 
4

 
113

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
113

Real estate construction
 
1

 
37

 
—

 
—

 
1

 
37

Consumer and other loans
 
9

 
114

 
—

 
—

 
9

 
114

Total non-covered loans
 
32

 
$
1,605

 
2

 
$
47

 
34

 
$
1,652

Covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
3

 
$
184

 
—

 
$
—

 
3

 
$
184

Commercial real estate
 
14

 
1,805

 
1

 
135

 
15

 
1,940

Commercial
 
3

 
314

 
—

 
—

 
3

 
314

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total covered loans
 
20

 
$
2,303

 
1

 
$
135

 
21

 
$
2,438

Total loans
 
52

 
$
3,908

 
3

 
$
182

 
55

 
$
4,090


52

 
 
Loans Delinquent and Still Accruing For
 
Total
 
 
30-89 Days
 
90 Days and Over
 
 
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
At September 30, 2012
 
(dollars in thousands)
Non-covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
24

 
$
1,252

 
2

 
$
402

 
26

 
$
1,654

Commercial real estate
 
4

 
1,276

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
1,276

Commercial
 
5

 
126

 
—

 
—

 
5

 
126

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
11

 
124

 
—

 
 
 
11

 
124

Total non-covered loans
 
44

 
$
2,778

 
2

 
$
402

 
46

 
$
3,180

Covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
8

 
$
506

 
—

 
$
—

 
8

 
$
506

Commercial real estate
 
9

 
2,114

 
—

 
—

 
9

 
2,114

Commercial
 
8

 
708

 
—

 
—

 
8

 
708

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
2

 
11

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
11

Total covered loans
 
27

 
$
3,339

 
—

 
$
—

 
27

 
$
3,339

Total loans
 
71

 
$
6,117

 
2

 
$
402

 
73

 
$
6,519

Classification of Assets. Our policies, consistent with regulatory guidelines, provide for the classification of loans considered to be of lesser quality as “substandard,” “doubtful,” or “loss” assets. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that we will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” so that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets that do not expose the savings institution to risk sufficient to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but which possess some weaknesses, are required to be designated “special mention.”
Nonperforming Non-covered Loans
At September 30,
 
Balance
 
 
(in thousands)
2014
 
$
4,244

2013
 
2,921

2012
 
3,446

2011
 
11,694

2010
 
11,794

We regularly review our asset portfolio to determine whether any assets require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. We regularly monitor the value of underlying collateral on classified and nonperforming loans. This monitoring involves physical site inspection, consultation with real estate professionals, our knowledge of our markets, and assessing appraisal trends.
Potential problem loans are non-covered loans as to which management has serious doubts about the ability of the borrowers to comply with present repayment terms. Management classifies potential problem loans as either special mention or substandard. Potential problem loans aggregated $29.7 million and $35.4 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with $3.4 million and $6.0 million classified special mention and $26.3 million and $29.4 million classified substandard at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following table sets forth the aggregate amount of our classified assets at the dates indicated. Classified assets as of September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 have been divided into those assets that were acquired in connection with the NCB, MCB

53

and FNB transactions and are still covered under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, and those assets that are not still covered by the loss sharing agreements.
 
 
At September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Non-covered
 
 Covered (2)
 
Non-covered
 
 Covered (2)
 
Non-covered
 
 Covered (2)
 
 
(in thousands)
Substandard assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
$
26,260

 
$
3,972

 
$
29,435

 
$
5,378

 
$
31,790

 
$
9,916

Other real estate owned
 
1,758

 
980

 
1,615

 
1,895

 
2,107

 
1,909

Repossessed assets
 
51

 
—

 
—

 
8

 
—

 
5

Securities (1)
 
—

 
—

 
6,605

 
—

 
5,574

 
—

Doubtful loans
 
—

 
—

 
1

 
113

 
—

 
326

Loss assets
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total classified assets
 
$
28,069

 
$
4,952

 
$
37,656

 
$
7,394

 
$
39,471

 
$
12,156

__________________________________
(1)
Substandard securities represent certain non-investment grade investments.
(2)
Covered assets represent only the portion of the asset that is not covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements. The remaining portion of the covered assets is not shown because they are covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements, and therefore cannot be considered classified assets.
Our largest substandard loan relationship at September 30, 2014 was an $8.1 million loan relationship. As of September 30, 2014, all loans in the relationship are current and interest and taxes due have been paid. The loan relationship is collateralized by income producing properties in Alabama. We believe we are adequately collateralized, even at lower current real estate values.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses represents a reserve for probable loan losses in the loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated periodically based on a review of all significant loans with particular emphasis on impaired, non-accruing, past due and other loans that management believes require special attention. The determination of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy.
Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made periodically to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level based on management’s analysis of loss inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the provision for loan losses is determined by an evaluation of the level of loans outstanding, loss risk as determined based on a loan grading system, the level of non-performing loans, historical loss experience, delinquency trends, the amount of losses charged to the allowance in a given period, and an assessment of economic conditions. Management believes the current allowance for loan losses is adequate based on its analysis of the losses in the portfolio.
Our allowance for loan loss methodology is a loan classification-based system. Our allowance for loan losses is segmented into the following four major categories: (1) specific reserves; (2) general allowances for Classified/Watch loans; (3) general allowances for loans with satisfactory ratings; and (4) an unallocated amount. We base the required reserve on a percentage of the loan balance for each type of loan and classification level. Loans may be classified manually and are automatically classified if they are not previously classified when they reach certain levels of delinquency. Unclassified loans are reserved at different percentages based on our loan loss history for the last two years. Reserve percentages are also adjusted based upon our estimate of the effect that the current economic environment will have on each type of loan.
We have no loans for which there is known information about possible credit problems of borrowers that causes management to have serious doubts about their ability to comply with present loan repayment terms that are not currently disclosed as non-accrual, past due, classified, underperforming, restructured or potential problem.
We incorporate certain refinements and improvements to the allowance for loan losses methodology from time to time. During the year ended September 30, 2014, we made certain refinements in our allowance methodology. We increased the look back period of historical losses from 24 months to 84 months as net charge-offs were not reflective of a full credit cycle for the two year period ended September 30, 2014 as compared with the seven year period ended September 30, 2014. In addition, some qualitative factors were removed and the loss allocation for qualitative risk factors was decreased. The change in the historical look back period more closely aligns the quantitative aspect of the allowance methodology with the risks inherent in a full credit cycle. The adjustments in our methodology were not material to the overall allowance or provision for the year ended September 30, 2014.

54

As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, allowances of approximately $100,000 and $3.5 million, respectively, had been established for loan losses on covered loans acquired in the NCB transaction. In addition $900,000 and $400,000 in allowances had been established for expected losses incurred on FNB loans as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The nonaccretable discounts for covered loans amounted to $6.3 million and $10.8 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
No allowance was established for loans acquired in the MCB or FNB acquisition at the time of acquisition as accounting standards prohibit carrying over an allowance for loan losses for loans purchased in those acquisitions. These loans were recorded at fair value through establishing nonaccretable discounts. If credit deterioration is observed subsequent to the acquisition dates, such deterioration will be accounted for pursuant to our revised estimates of expected cash flows on covered loans and a provision for loan losses will be charged to earnings for our loss share with an increase to the FDIC receivable for the FDIC indemnification amount. Amounts expected to be recovered from the FDIC under loss sharing agreements are separately disclosed as the FDIC receivable.
The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the years indicated. Loans covered by the loss sharing agreement with the FDIC are excluded from the table.
 
 
At or For the Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
8,189

 
$
8,190

 
$
9,370

 
$
9,797

 
$
9,332

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
(324
)
 
(224
)
 
(1,181
)
 
(600
)
 
(486
)
Commercial real estate
 
(365
)
 
(1,122
)
 
(2,825
)
 
(957
)
 
(3,084
)
Commercial
 
(39
)
 
(165
)
 
(408
)
 
(517
)
 
(524
)
Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
(29
)
 
(22
)
 
(1,281
)
Consumer and other loans
 
(13
)
 
(90
)
 
(88
)
 
(152
)
 
(32
)
Total charge-offs (1)
 
(741
)
 
(1,601
)
 
(4,531
)
 
(2,248
)
 
(5,407
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
155

 
59

 
4

 
63

 
40

Commercial real estate
 
101

 
93

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial
 
67

 
39

 
42

 
37

 
—

Real estate construction
 
—

 
7

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
2

 
2

 
5

 
21

 
32

Total recoveries
 
325

 
200

 
51

 
121

 
72

Net charge-offs
 
(416
)
 
(1,401
)
 
(4,480
)
 
(2,127
)
 
(5,335
)
Transfer of allowance on previously covered loans
 
400

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Provision for loan losses
 
300

 
1,400

 
3,300

 
1,700

 
5,800

Balance at end of year
 
$
8,473

 
$
8,189

 
$
8,190

 
$
9,370

 
$
9,797

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average non-covered loans receivable
 
0.08
%
 
0.32
%
 
0.86
%
 
0.48
%
 
0.90
%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-covered non-performing loans
 
199.64
%
 
280.32
%
 
237.69
%
 
80.13
%
 
84.06
%
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-covered loans receivable (2)
 
1.55
%
 
1.70
%
 
1.87
%
 
2.19
%
 
2.12
%
__________________________________
(1)
CharterBank’s primary regulator changed from the Office of Thrift Supervision to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency during the latter part of the 2011 fiscal year. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s policy is for the immediate charge-off of specific allowances on impaired loans, which increased our charge-offs by $1.2 million in 2012.
(2)
Does not include loans held for sale or deferred fees.

55

The following table sets forth activity in our covered allowance for loan losses for the years indicated.
 
 
At or For the Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
3,924

 
$
10,341

 
$
6,893

 
$
15,554

 
$
23,832

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
(59
)
 
(55
)
 
(113
)
 
(307
)
 
—

Commercial real estate
 
(399
)
 
(4,022
)
 
(4,643
)
 
(11,457
)
 
(10,787
)
Commercial
 
(27
)
 
(3,076
)
 
(1,633
)
 
(2,874
)
 
—

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
(2
)
 
(338
)
 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
(39
)
 
(244
)
 
(309
)
 
(1,128
)
 
—

Total charge-offs
 
(524
)
 
(7,397
)
 
(6,700
)
 
(16,104
)
 
(10,787
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
5

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial real estate
 
306

 
40

 
171

 
43

 
406

Commercial
 
244

 
107

 
571

 
1,400

 
—

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other loans
 
6

 
1

 
2

 
—

 
—

Total recoveries
 
561

 
148

 
744

 
1,443

 
406

Net (charge-offs) recoveries
 
37

 
(7,249
)
 
(5,956
)
 
(14,661
)
 
(10,381
)
Transfer of allowance on previously covered loans
 
(400
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Provision for loan losses
 
(2,563
)
 
832

 
9,404

 
6,000

 
2,103

Balance at end of year
 
$
998

 
$
3,924

 
$
10,341

 
$
6,893

 
$
15,554

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans allocated by loan category and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. Loans covered by the loss sharing agreement with the FDIC are excluded from the table. An unallocated allowance is generally maintained in a range of 4% to 12.0% of the total allowance in recognition of the imprecision of the estimates. In times of greater economic downturn and uncertainty, the higher end of this range is provided. Lower allocations in the real estate construction portfolio in the last two years reflected decreased nonperforming loans, decreased charge-offs in the recent two year period, and improved credit quality of those loans. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.
 
 
At September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
812

 
28.0
%
 
$
862

 
25.9
%
 
$
880

 
24.1
%
Commercial real estate
 
5,970

 
55.0

 
5,446

 
56.2

 
5,480

 
57.6

Commercial
 
401

 
4.5

 
456

 
5.0

 
711

 
3.8

Real estate construction
 
493

 
11.6

 
387

 
9.3

 
287

 
10.4

Consumer and other loans
 
14

 
0.9

 
125

 
3.6

 
80

 
4.1

Total allocated allowance
 
7,690

 
100.0
%
 
7,276

 
100.0
%
 
7,438

 
100.0
%
Unallocated
 
783

 
 
 
913

 
 
 
752

 
 
Total
 
$
8,473

 
 
 
$
8,189

 
 
 
$
8,190

 
 

56

 
 
At September 30,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
633

 
23.0
%
 
$
1,023

 
23.0
%
Commercial real estate
 
5,972

 
58.5

 
6,103

 
58.0

Commercial
 
822

 
4.1

 
624

 
4.2

Real estate construction
 
1,066

 
9.7

 
1,236

 
9.9

Consumer and other loans
 
48

 
4.7

 
79

 
4.9

Total allocated allowance
 
8,541

 
100.0
%
 
9,065

 
100.0
%
Unallocated
 
829

 
 
 
732

 
 
Total
 
$
9,370

 
 
 
$
9,797

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future short-term financial obligations. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, loan payments and prepayments, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations repayments and maturities and sales of loans and other securities. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring our liquidity targets and strategies in order to ensure that sufficient liquidity exists for meeting the borrowing needs of our customers as well as unanticipated contingencies. At September 30, 2014 and 2013, we had access to immediately available funds of approximately $334.1 million and $397.1 million, respectively, including overnight funds, FHLB borrowing capacity and a Federal Reserve line of credit.
We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of expected loan demand, expected deposit flows, yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities, and the objectives of our asset/liability management program. Excess liquid assets are invested generally in interest-earning deposits and short- and intermediate-term securities.
Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The levels of these assets are subject to our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At September 30, 2014, cash and cash equivalents totaled $99.5 million. Securities classified as available-for-sale, which provide additional sources of liquidity, totaled $188.7 million at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, we had $55.0 million in advances from the FHLB outstanding. However, based on available collateral other than cash, $168.9 million in additional advances would be available as of September 30, 2014.
Our cash flows are derived from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
At September 30, 2014, we had $1.8 million of new loan commitments outstanding, and $115.3 million of unfunded construction and development loans. In addition to commitments to originate loans, we had $24.9 million of unused lines of credit to borrowers. Certificates of deposit due within one year of September 30, 2014 totaled $159.1 million, or 22.2% of total deposits. If these deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on or before September 30, 2015. We believe, however, based on past experience, that a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.
Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities. During the year ended September 30, 2014, we originated $365.5 million of loans and purchased $23.9 million of securities.
Financing activities consist primarily of additions to deposit accounts and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. We experienced a net decrease in total deposits of $34.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2014. This decrease represented reductions in our time deposits, partially offset by an increase in transaction accounts. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors and other factors.

57

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides an additional source of funds. Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances decreased by $5.0 million to $55.0 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. Federal Home Loan Bank advances have been used primarily to fund loan demand and to purchase securities. Our current asset/liability management strategy has been to pay off Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances as cash is available and the advances mature.
Cash receipts arising from payments on covered loans and loss-sharing collections from the FDIC are providing and are expected to continue to provide positive net cash flows in periods following the wholesale funding outflows.
CharterBank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. At September 30, 2014, CharterBank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. CharterBank is considered “well-capitalized” under regulatory guidelines. See Part I, Item 1 Business “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Banking Regulation—Capital Requirements” and Note 16 - Regulatory Matters in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
The table of regulatory compliance with capital requirements for CharterBank is presented below.
 
 
Actual
 
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
186,154

 
27.9
%
 
$
53,368

 
8.0
%
 
$
66,710

 
10.0
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
177,801

 
26.7

 
26,684

 
4.0

 
40,026

 
6.0

Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
 
177,801

 
17.7

 
40,255

 
4.0

 
50,318

 
5.0

September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
209,930

 
33.8
%
 
$
49,648

 
8.0
%
 
$
62,060

 
10.0
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
202,119

 
32.6

 
24,824

 
4.0

 
37,236

 
6.0

Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
 
202,119

 
18.6

 
43,572

 
4.0

 
54,465

 
5.0

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Commitments. As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by us. We consider commitments to extend credit in determining our allowance for loan losses.
Contractual Obligations. The following table summarizes our significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations and other funding needs by payment date at September 30, 2014. The payment amounts represent those amounts due to the recipient and do not include any unamortized premiums or discounts or other similar carrying amount adjustments. Fixed rates on loans ranged from 3.88% to 4.27% as of September 30, 2014.

58

 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
One year or less
 
Years two and three
 
Years four and five
 
More than five years
 
Total
 
 
(in thousands)
Contractual obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan commitments to originate mortgage loans
 
$
1,755

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,755

Loan commitments to fund construction loans in process
 
60,152

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
60,152

Available unadvanced lines of credit on commercial loans
 
15,273

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15,273

Loan commitments to fund commercial real estate loans in process
 
55,176

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
55,176

Available home equity and unadvanced lines of credit
 
9,585

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,585

Letters of credit
 
1,228

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,228

Lease agreements
 
692

 
858

 
145

 
—

 
1,695

Certificates of deposit
 
159,127

 
49,294

 
22,523

 
—

 
230,944

FHLB advances
 
5,000

 
25,000

 
25,000

 
—

 
55,000

Total
 
$
307,988

 
$
75,152

 
$
47,668

 
$
—

 
$
430,808

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related notes of Charter Financial have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration of changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than the effects of inflation.

ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Management of Market Risk
As a financial institution, we face risk from interest rate volatility. Fluctuations in interest rates affect both our level of income and expense on a large portion of our assets and liabilities. Fluctuations in interest rates also affect the market value of all interest-earning assets.
The primary goal of our interest rate risk management strategy is to maximize net interest income while maintaining an acceptable interest rate risk profile. We seek to coordinate asset and liability decisions so that, under changing interest rate scenarios, portfolio equity and net interest income remain within an acceptable range.
We have emphasized commercial real estate lending, and to a lesser extent, one- to four-family residential lending. Our sources of funds include retail deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and wholesale deposits. We employ several strategies to manage the interest rate risk inherent in our mix of assets and liabilities, including:
•
selling fixed rate mortgages we originate to the secondary market, generally on a servicing released basis;
•
maintaining the diversity of our existing loan portfolio by originating commercial real estate and consumer loans, which typically have adjustable rates and shorter terms than residential mortgages;
•
emphasizing investments with adjustable interest rates;
•
maintaining fixed rate borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta; and
•
increasing retail transaction deposit accounts, which typically have long durations.
Changes in market interest rates have a significant impact on the repayment and prepayment of loans. Prepayment rates also vary due to a number of other factors, including the regional economy in the area where the loans were originated, seasonal factors, demographic changes, the assumability of the loans, related refinancing opportunities and competition. We monitor interest rate

59

sensitivity so that we can attempt to adjust our asset and liability mix in a timely manner and thereby minimize the negative effects of changing rates.
Extension risk, or lower prepayments causing loans to have longer average lives, is our primary exposure to higher interest rates. Faster prepayment of loans and investing the funds from prepayments in mortgage loans and securities at lower interest rates which results in a lower net interest income and is our primary exposure to declining market interest rates.
Interest Risk Measurement.
We compute the amounts by which the difference between the present value of an institution's assets and liabilities (the institution's net portfolio value or “NPV”) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. Our simulation model uses a discounted cash flow analysis to measure the interest rate sensitivity of NPV. Depending on current market interest rates we historically have estimated the economic value of these assets and liabilities under the assumption that interest rates experience an instantaneous and sustained increase of 100, 200, or 300 basis points, or a decrease of 100 and 200 basis points. A basis point equals one-hundredth of one percent, and 100 basis points equals one percent. An increase in interest rates from 3% to 4% would mean, for example, a 100 basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below. Given the current relatively low level of market interest rates, a NPV calculation for an interest rate decrease of greater than 100 basis points has not been prepared.
The table below sets forth, as of September 30, 2014, our calculation of the estimated changes in CharterBank’s net portfolio value that would result from the designated instantaneous parallel shift in the interest rate yield curve.
Change in Interest
Rates (bp) (1)
 
Estimated NPV (2)
 
Estimated Increase (Decrease) in NPV
 
Percentage Change
in NPV
 
NPV Ratio as a Percent of Present Value of Assets (3)(4)
 
Increase (Decrease) in NPV Ratio as a
Percent or Present Value of Assets (3)(4)
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
300
 
$
213,259

 
$
(3,643
)
 
(1.7)%
 
21.1%
 
(0.4)%
200
 
$
215,027

 
$
(1,875
)
 
(0.9)%
 
21.3%
 
(0.2)%
100
 
$
216,289

 
$
(614
)
 
(0.3)%
 
21.4%
 
(0.1)%
—
 
$
216,902

 
$
—

 
—%
 
21.5%
 
—%
(100)
 
$
212,280

 
$
(4,622
)
 
(2.1)%
 
21.0%
 
(0.5)%
__________________________________
(1)
Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
(2)
NPV is the difference between the present value of an institution’s assets and liabilities.
(3)
Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
(4)
NPV Ratio represents NPV divided by the present value of assets.
The table above indicates that at September 30, 2014, in the event of a 200 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 0.9% decrease in net portfolio value. In the event of a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would experience a 2.1% decrease in net portfolio value. Additionally, our internal policy states that our minimum NPV of estimated present value of assets and liabilities shall range from a low of 5.5% for a 300 basis point change in rates to 7.5% for no change in interest rates. As of September 30, 2014, we were in compliance with our Board approved policy limits.
The effects of interest rates on net portfolio value and net interest income are not predictable. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, prepayments, and deposit run-offs, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Certain shortcomings are inherent in these computations. Although some assets and liabilities may have similar maturity or periods of repricing, they may react at different times and in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Rates on other types of assets and liabilities may lag behind changes in market interest rates. Assets, such as adjustable rate mortgages, generally have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. After a change in interest rates, prepayments and early withdrawal levels could deviate significantly from those assumed in making the calculations set forth above. Additionally, increased credit risk may result if our borrowers are unable to meet their repayment obligations as interest rates increase.


60

ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

61


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Charter Financial Corporation
We have audited Charter Financial Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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.
In our opinion, Charter Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of Charter Financial Corporation and subsidiary as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014, and our report dated December 12, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Atlanta, GA
December 12, 2014

62


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Charter Financial Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Charter Financial Corporation and subsidiary as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Charter Financial Corporation and subsidiary as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal controls over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated December 12, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Atlanta, GA
December 12, 2014


63

CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions
 
$
10,996,959

 
$
10,069,875

Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
 
88,465,994

 
151,382,606

Cash and cash equivalents
 
99,462,953

 
161,452,481

Loans held for sale, fair value of $2,090,469 and $1,883,244
 
2,054,722

 
1,857,393

Securities available for sale
 
188,743,273

 
215,118,407

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
3,442,900

 
3,940,300

Loans receivable:
 
 
 
 
Not covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements
 
546,570,720

 
480,152,265

Covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements
 
70,631,743

 
112,915,868

Allowance for loan losses (covered loans)
 
(997,524
)
 
(3,924,278
)
Unamortized loan origination fees, net (non-covered loans)
 
(1,364,853
)
 
(1,100,666
)
Allowance for loan losses (non-covered loans)
 
(8,473,373
)
 
(8,188,896
)
Loans receivable, net
 
606,366,713

 
579,854,293

Other real estate owned:
 
 
 
 
Not covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements
 
1,757,864

 
1,615,036

Covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements
 
5,557,927

 
14,068,846

Accrued interest and dividends receivable
 
2,459,347

 
2,728,902

Premises and equipment, net
 
20,571,541

 
21,750,756

Goodwill
 
4,325,282

 
4,325,282

Other intangible assets, net of amortization
 
423,676

 
803,886

Cash surrender value of life insurance
 
47,178,128

 
39,825,881

FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreements
 
10,531,809

 
29,941,862

Deferred income taxes
 
8,231,002

 
11,350,745

Other assets
 
9,254,001

 
771,779

Total assets
 
$
1,010,361,138

 
$
1,089,405,849

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
$
717,192,200

 
$
751,296,668

FHLB advances
 
55,000,000

 
60,000,000

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
 
1,312,283

 
1,054,251

Other liabilities
 
11,901,786

 
3,277,094

Total liabilities
 
785,406,269

 
815,628,013

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 18,261,388 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and 22,752,214 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013
 
182,614

 
227,522

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013
 
—

 
—

Additional paid-in capital
 
119,586,164

 
171,729,570

Unearned compensation – ESOP
 
(5,984,317
)
 
(6,480,949
)
Retained earnings
 
111,924,543

 
110,141,286

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(754,135
)
 
(1,839,593
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
224,954,869

 
273,777,836

 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
1,010,361,138

 
$
1,089,405,849




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

64

CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans receivable
 
$
35,003,936

 
$
38,815,683

 
$
44,194,909

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
3,612,636

 
3,194,733

 
3,368,183

Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
134,795

 
122,893

 
114,580

Other investment securities available for sale
 
72,336

 
175,150

 
261,600

Interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions
 
331,045

 
328,010

 
161,766

Amortization of FDIC loss share receivable
 
(3,507,017
)
 
—

 
—

Total interest income
 
35,647,731

 
42,636,469

 
48,101,038

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
3,255,032

 
4,242,848

 
6,594,261

Borrowings
 
2,474,733

 
3,118,271

 
3,994,754

Total interest expense
 
5,729,765

 
7,361,119

 
10,589,015

Net interest income
 
29,917,966

 
35,275,350

 
37,512,023

Provision for loan losses, not covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements
 
300,000

 
1,400,000

 
3,300,000

Provision for covered loan losses
 
(1,012,560
)
 
89,444

 
1,201,596

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
30,630,526

 
33,785,906

 
33,010,427

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
5,815,479

 
5,316,448

 
5,066,409

Bankcard fees
 
3,556,754

 
2,437,968

 
1,945,275

Gain on securities available for sale
 
200,704

 
249,517

 
939,766

Total impairment losses on securities
 
—

 
—

 
(2,573,625
)
Portion of losses recognized in other comprehensive income
 
—

 
—

 
2,300,366

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
 
—

 
—

 
(273,259
)
Loss on sale of other assets held for sale
 
—

 
—

 
(146,299
)
Bank owned life insurance
 
1,252,246

 
993,961

 
1,057,397

Gain on sale of loans and loan servicing release fees
 
1,103,586

 
1,334,330

 
961,605

Brokerage commissions
 
590,255

 
588,493

 
557,821

FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreements (impairment) accretion
 
(174,291
)
 
33,235

 
1,461,779

Other
 
1,932,277

 
698,922

 
1,341,718

Total noninterest income
 
14,277,010

 
11,652,874

 
12,912,212

Noninterest expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
19,763,210

 
18,458,664

 
19,332,621

Occupancy
 
7,476,771

 
7,302,944

 
7,799,670

Legal and professional
 
1,681,667

 
1,922,817

 
1,627,769

Marketing
 
1,445,963

 
1,294,251

 
1,875,591

Federal insurance premiums and other regulatory fees
 
891,615

 
589,999

 
1,351,185

Net cost of operations of real estate owned
 
434,433

 
1,016,960

 
2,144,882

Furniture and equipment
 
727,627

 
828,652

 
919,525

Postage, office supplies and printing
 
865,853

 
1,082,231

 
1,025,597

Core deposit intangible amortization expense
 
380,210

 
476,423

 
547,153

Other
 
2,542,841

 
3,340,922

 
3,680,904

Total noninterest expenses
 
36,210,190

 
36,313,863

 
40,304,897

Income before income taxes
 
8,697,346

 
9,124,917

 
5,617,742

Income tax expense
 
2,742,213

 
2,868,500

 
639,050

Net income
 
$
5,955,133

 
$
6,256,417

 
$
4,978,692

Basic net income per share
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.26

Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.26

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
 
20,591,302

 
20,629,531

 
19,501,312

Weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding
 
21,101,388

 
20,792,089

 
19,537,348




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

65

CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net income
 
$
5,955,133

 
$
6,256,417

 
$
4,978,692

Less reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income, net of taxes of $(77,471), $(96,313) and $(362,749), respectively
 
(123,233
)
 
(153,204
)
 
(577,017
)
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment and mortgage securities available for sale arising during the period, net of taxes of $759,860, $(1,188,031) and $1,624,516, respectively
 
1,208,691

 
(1,889,769
)
 
2,584,074

Noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings, net of taxes of $0, $0 and $105,478, respectively
 
—

 
—

 
167,781

Comprehensive income
 
$
7,040,591

 
$
4,213,444

 
$
7,153,530


























See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

66

CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of shares
 
Amount
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Treasury stock
 
Unearned compensation ESOP
 
Retained earnings
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
Total stockholders’ equity
Balance at September 30, 2011
19,859,219

 
$
198,592

 
$
73,083,363

 
$
(36,127,940
)
 
$
(3,729,390
)
 
$
107,962,533

 
$
(1,971,458
)
 
$
139,415,700

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,978,692

 
—

 
4,978,692

Change in unrealized loss on securities
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,174,838

 
2,174,838

Dividends paid, $0.08 per share
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,372,227
)
 
—

 
(1,372,227
)
Allocation of ESOP common stock
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
158,269

 
—

 
—

 
158,269

Effect of restricted stock awards
—

 
—

 
306,366

 
353,267

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
659,633

Stock option expense
—

 
—

 
93,876

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
93,876

Repurchase of shares
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,588,013
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,588,013
)
Balance at September 30, 2012
19,859,219

 
$
198,592

 
$
73,483,605

 
$
(39,362,686
)
 
$
(3,571,121
)
 
$
111,568,998

 
$
203,380

 
$
142,520,768

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,256,417

 
—

 
6,256,417

Dividends paid, $0.35 per share
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7,684,129
)
 
—

 
(7,684,129
)
Elimination of First Charter, MHC entity
—

 
—

 
229,564

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
229,564

Change in unrealized loss on securities
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,042,973
)
 
(2,042,973
)
Allocation of ESOP common stock
—

 
—

 
31,592

 
—

 
179,282

 
—

 
—

 
210,874

Interest capitalization into ESOP loan
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(50,279
)
 
—

 
—

 
(50,279
)
Effect of restricted stock awards
—

 
—

 
(700,380
)
 
753,422

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
53,042

Stock option expense
—

 
—

 
69,581

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
69,581

Issuance of common stock in offering
2,892,995

 
28,930

 
98,615,608

 
39,772,779

 
(3,038,831
)
 
—

 
—

 
135,378,486

Repurchase of shares and conversion expenses
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,163,515
)
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
(1,163,515
)
Balance at September 30, 2013
22,752,214

 
$
227,522

 
$
171,729,570

 
$
—

 
$
(6,480,949
)
 
$
110,141,286

 
$
(1,839,593
)
 
$
273,777,836

Net income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,955,133

 
—

 
5,955,133

Dividends paid, $0.20 per share
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4,171,876
)
 
—

 
(4,171,876
)
Change in unrealized loss on securities
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,085,458

 
1,085,458

Allocation of ESOP common stock
—

 
—

 
96,225

 
—

 
496,632

 
—

 
—

 
592,857

Effect of restricted stock awards
—

 
—

 
662,747

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
662,747

Stock option expense
—

 
—

 
291,512

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
291,512

Issuance of common stock, restricted stock
360,751

 
3,608

 
(3,608
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Repurchase of shares
(4,851,577
)
 
(48,516
)
 
(53,190,282
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(53,238,798
)
Balance at September 30, 2014
18,261,388

 
$
182,614

 
$
119,586,164

 
$
—

 
$
(5,984,317
)
 
$
111,924,543

 
$
(754,135
)
 
$
224,954,869





See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

67

CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
5,955,133

 
$
6,256,417

 
$
4,978,692

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

 
 
Provision for loan losses, not covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements
 
300,000

 
1,400,000

 
3,300,000

Provision for covered loan losses
 
(1,012,560
)
 
89,444

 
1,201,596

Provision for FDIC receivable impairment
 
521,637

 
642,461

 
—

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,395,958

 
1,571,998

 
1,782,588

Deferred income tax benefit
 
2,560,568

 
(3,615,234
)
 
(2,738,714
)
Accretion and amortization of premiums and discounts, net
 
2,010,148

 
2,853,471

 
2,974,208

Accretion of fair value discounts related to covered loans
 
(6,593,660
)
 
(8,922,874
)
 
(8,987,715
)
Accretion of fair value discounts related to FDIC receivable
 
(347,347
)
 
(675,696
)
 
(1,461,779
)
Amortization of FDIC loss share receivable
 
3,507,017

 
—

 
 
Gain on sale of loans and loan servicing release fees
 
(1,103,586
)
 
(1,334,330
)
 
(961,605
)
Proceeds from sale of loans
 
43,420,429

 
50,753,062

 
40,057,748

Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
 
(42,514,172
)
 
(48,584,616
)
 
(41,496,284
)
Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and other investments
 
(200,704
)
 
(249,517
)
 
(939,766
)
Other-than-temporary impairment-securities
 
—

 
—

 
273,259

Write down of real estate owned
 
523,104

 
1,683,342

 
1,298,041

(Gain) loss on sale of real estate owned
 
(298,170
)
 
(581,662
)
 
24,074

Loss on sale and writedowns of other assets held for sale
 
—

 
—

 
588,299

Restricted stock award expense
 
662,747

 
53,042

 
108,845

Stock option expense
 
291,512

 
69,581

 
93,876

Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
 
(1,252,246
)
 
(993,961
)
 
(1,057,397
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease in accrued interest and dividends receivable
 
269,555

 
512,418

 
449,113

Decrease (increase) in other assets
 
(647,711
)
 
(6,960,193
)
 
1,741,670

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
1,383,037

 
3,485,939

 
(2,242,543
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
8,830,689

 
(2,546,908
)
 
(1,013,794
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
 
9,906,708

 
21,057,155

 
41,638,363

Principal collections on securities available for sale
 
24,782,146

 
45,166,950

 
57,210,142

Purchase of securities available for sale
 
(23,863,931
)
 
(111,194,047
)
 
(135,293,105
)
Proceeds from maturities or calls of securities available for sale
 
15,385,400

 
13,531,500

 
6,789,350

Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock
 
497,400

 
1,377,900

 
5,317,700

Purchase of FHLB stock
 
—

 
—

 
(45,000
)
Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable
 
(25,733,580
)
 
4,170,927

 
40,430,538

Net decrease in FDIC receivable
 
15,710,013

 
7,960,683

 
70,878,537

Principal Reductions of REO
 
180,089

 
—

 
—

Proceeds from sale of real estate owned
 
14,509,181

 
21,802,548

 
20,364,484

Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
 
547,030

 
—

 
148,418

Purchase of bank owned life insurance
 
(6,100,000
)
 
(5,000,000
)
 
—

Purchases of premises and equipment
 
(383,563
)
 
(393,834
)
 
(2,755,197
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
25,436,893

 
(1,520,218
)
 
104,684,230

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Purchase of treasury stock and conversion expense
 
—

 
(1,163,515
)
 
(3,588,013
)
First Charter elimination
 
—

 
(277,307
)
 
—

Repurchase of shares
 
(53,238,798
)
 
—

 
—

Issuance of common stock in offering
 
—

 
135,378,486

 
—

Dividends paid
 
(4,171,876
)
 
(7,684,129
)
 
(1,372,227
)
Decrease in deposits
 
(34,104,468
)
 
(48,964,878
)
 
(110,832,260
)

68

CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
—

 
—

 
1,000,000

Principal payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
(5,000,000
)
 
(21,000,000
)
 
(30,000,000
)
Net increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
 
258,032

 
402,730

 
188,638

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(96,257,110
)
 
56,691,387

 
(144,603,862
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(61,989,528
)
 
52,624,261

 
(40,933,426
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
161,452,481

 
108,828,220

 
149,761,646

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
99,462,953

 
$
161,452,481

 
$
108,828,220

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
 
$
5,747,739

 
$
7,160,946

 
$
10,973,958

Income taxes paid
 
$
(81,290
)
 
$
10,060,110

 
$
2,529,000

Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate acquired through foreclosure of collateral on loans receivable
 
$
6,527,381

 
$
18,927,608

 
$
25,180,220

Premises and equipment acquired through foreclosure of collateral on loans receivable
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
474,000

Write down of real estate owned reimbursed by the FDIC
 
$
1,330,943

 
$
6,948,020

 
$
7,774,500

Gain on real estate sold payable to the FDIC
 
$
1,349,676

 
$
4,214,243

 
$
—

Provision for covered loan losses reimbursed by the FDIC
 
$
(1,549,967
)
 
$
743,443

 
$
8,202,159

Effect of restricted stock awards
 
$
662,747

 
$
53,042

 
$
659,633

Issuance of common stock under stock benefit plan
 
$
592,857

 
$
210,874

 
$
158,269

Interest capitalization into ESOP loan
 
$
—

 
$
(50,279
)
 
$
—

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net
 
$
1,085,458

 
$
(2,042,973
)
 
$
2,174,838





























See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

69

CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
On April 8, 2013, Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation (“Charter Financial” or the “Company”), completed its conversion and reorganization pursuant to which First Charter, MHC, our federally chartered mutual holding company, was converted to the stock holding company form of organization. Charter Financial sold 14,289,429 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share, for gross offering proceeds of $142.9 million in its stock offering. CharterBank (the “Bank”), as of April 8, 2013, was 100% owned by Charter Financial and Charter Financial was 100% owned by public stockholders. Concurrent with the completion of the offering, shares of common stock of Charter Financial Corporation, the former federally chartered corporation (“Charter Federal”), were converted into the right to receive 1.2471 shares of Charter Financial’s common stock for each share of Charter Federal common stock that was owned immediately prior to completion of the transaction. Cash in lieu of fractional shares was paid based on the offering price of $10.00 per share. As a result of the offering and the exchange on April 8, 2013, Charter Financial had 22,752,214 shares outstanding. Also, as of April 8, 2013, Charter Federal and First Charter, MHC ceased to exist. As part of the elimination, the net asset position of First Charter, MHC, in the amount of $229,564, was assumed by Charter Financial. Any reference to the Company following April 8, 2013 refers to Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation. In regards to weighted average shares outstanding, share and per share amounts held by the public prior to April 8, 2013, have been restated to reflect the completion of the second-step conversion at a conversion ratio of 1.2471 unless noted otherwise.
Charter Financial Corporation, the federally chartered corporation, was established in October 2001 to be the holding company for the Bank in connection with the Bank’s reorganization from a federal mutual savings and loan association into the two-tiered mutual holding company structure. Charter Federal's business activity was the ownership of the outstanding capital stock of CharterBank.
The consolidated financial statements of Charter Financial Corporation and subsidiary include the financial statements of Charter Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, CharterBank. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The term “Company” will apply as applicable to Charter Financial and Charter Federal depending on the context.
The Company primarily provides real estate loans and a full range of deposit products to individual and small business consumers through its branch offices in west-central Georgia, east-central Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. In addition, the Company operates a cashless branch in Norcross, Georgia. The Company primarily competes with other financial institutions in its market area. The Company’s primary lending market has been the states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. The Company operates and manages as a one-bank holding company and, as such, has no reportable segments.
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to prevailing practices within the financial institutions industry. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies that the Company follows in presenting its consolidated financial statements.
(a)
Basis of Presentation
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenue and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the estimates used for fair value acquisition accounting and the FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreements, and the assessment for other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the value of real estate owned, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties. In connection with the assessment for other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations, management obtains fair value estimates by independent quotations, assesses current credit ratings and related trends, reviews relevant delinquency and default information, assesses expected cash flows and coverage ratios, assesses the relative strength of credit support from less senior tranches of the securities, reviews average credit score data of underlying mortgages, and assesses other current data. The severity and duration of an impairment and the likelihood of potential recovery of an impairment is considered along with the intent and ability to hold any impaired security to maturity or recovery of carrying value.

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A substantial portion of the Company’s loans is secured by real estate located in its market area. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in the real estate market conditions of this market area.
Certain reclassifications of 2012 and 2013 balances have been made to conform to classifications used in 2014. These reclassifications did not change net income or total stockholders equity.
(b)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, as presented in the consolidated financial statements, include amounts due from other depository institutions and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions. Generally, interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions are for one-day periods.
(c)
Investments, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Collateralized Mortgage-Backed Securities, Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
Investments, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations available for sale are reported at fair value, as determined by pricing services. The pricing service valuations are reviewed by management for reasonableness. Investment in stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) is required of every federally insured financial institution, which utilizes its services. The investment in FHLB stock is carried at cost and such stock is evaluated for any potential impairment.
Purchase premiums and discounts on investment securities are amortized and accreted to interest income using a level yield method over the period to maturity of the related securities. Purchase premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations are amortized and accreted to interest income using the interest method over the remaining lives of the securities, taking into consideration assumed prepayment patterns.
Gains and losses on sales of investments, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations are recognized on the trade date, based on the net proceeds received and the adjusted carrying amount of the specific security sold.
A decline in the market value of any available for sale security below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary results in a charge to earnings and the establishment of a new cost basis for that security.
(d)
Loans and Interest Income
Loans are reported at the principal amounts outstanding, net of unearned income, deferred loan fees/origination costs, and the allowance for loan losses.
Interest income is recognized using the simple interest method on the balance of the principal amount outstanding. Unearned income, primarily arising from deferred loan fees, net of certain origination costs, and deferred gains on the sale of the guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, is amortized over the expected lives of the underlying loans using the interest method.
Generally, the accrual of interest income is discontinued on loans when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal. Interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income when such loans are placed on nonaccrual status. Interest on nonaccrual loans, which is ultimately collected, is credited to income in the period received.
Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The Company considers a loan impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note agreement. Large pools of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and installment loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment by the Company. Impairment losses are included in the allowance for loan losses through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Cash receipts on impaired loans for which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are recorded as income when received unless full recovery of principal is in doubt whereby cash received is recorded as principal reduction.
Gains or losses on the sale of mortgage loans are recognized at settlement dates and are computed as the difference between the sales proceeds received and the net book value of the mortgage loans sold.

71

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market, with market determined on the basis of open commitments for committed loans. For uncommitted loans, market is determined on the basis of current delivery prices in the secondary mortgage market.
Acquired loans are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition. The fair values of loans with evidence of credit deterioration (impaired loans) are recorded net of a nonaccretable difference and, if appropriate, an accretable yield. The difference between contractually required principal and interest payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is the nonaccretable difference, which is included in the carrying amount of acquired loans. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan losses. Subsequent significant increases in cash flows result in a reversal of the provision for loan losses to the extent of prior provisions, or a reclassification of the difference from nonaccretable to accretable with a positive impact on the accretion of interest income in future periods. Any excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loan when there is reasonable expectation about the amount and timing of such cash flows. The expected cash flows method of income recognition is also used for other acquired loans in the NCB and MCB acquisitions where the loans were acquired at a discount attributable, at least in part, to credit quality.
Performing loans acquired in the FNB acquisition are accounted for using the contractual cash flows method of recognizing discount accretion based on the acquired loans’ contractual cash flows. Purchased performing loans are recorded at fair value. Credit losses on acquired performing loans are estimated based on analysis of the performing portfolio. Such estimated credit losses are recorded as an acquisition fair value adjustment and are accreted as an adjustment to yield over the estimated lives of the loans. Effective October 1, 2009, as a result of the adoption of new accounting guidance, there is no allowance for loan losses established at the acquisition date for purchased performing loans. A provision for loan losses is recorded for any further deterioration in these loans subsequent to the acquisition.
Loans covered under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC (“Covered Loans”) are reported in loans exclusive of the expected reimbursement from the FDIC as it is not contractually embedded in the loans and loss sharing is not transferable with the loans should a decision be made to dispose of them. Covered loans are initially recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and are continually reviewed for collectability based on the expectation of cash flows on these loans. Prospective losses incurred on Covered loans are eligible for partial reimbursement by the FDIC under loss sharing agreements. Subsequent decreases in the amount expected to be collected result in a provision for credit losses, an increase in the allowance for loan and lease losses, and a proportional adjustment to the FDIC receivable for the estimated amount to be reimbursed. Subsequent significant increases in the amount expected to be collected result in the reversal of any previously recorded provision for credit losses and related allowance for loan and lease losses and adjustments to the FDIC receivable. Decreases in credit losses expected to occur within the loss share term reduce the amount collectible from the FDIC and increase the amount collectible from customers in the form of prospective accretion on loans. Increases in the portion of indemnification asset collectible from customers are amortized to income. Periodic amortization represents the amount that is expected to result in symmetrical recognition of pool-level accretion and amortization over the shorter of 1) the life of the loan or 2) the life of the shared loss agreement. Interest is accrued daily on the outstanding principal balances of non-impaired loans. Accretable discounts related to certain fair value adjustments are accreted into income over the estimated lives of the loans on a level yield basis.
Covered loans which are more than 90 days past due with respect to contractual interest or principal, unless they are well secured and in the process of collection, and other covered loans on which full recovery of principal or interest is in doubt, are placed on nonaccrual status as to contractual interest.
In accordance with the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, certain expenses relating to covered assets of external parties such as legal, property taxes, insurance, and the like may be partially reimbursed by the FDIC. Such qualifying future expenditures on covered assets will result in an increase to the FDIC receivable.
(e)
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is adjusted through provisions for loan losses charged or credited to operations. Loans are charged off against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collection of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance. The allowance is determined through consideration of such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, overall portfolio quality, delinquency trends, adequacy of collateral, loan concentrations, specific problem loans, and economic conditions that may affect the borrowers’ ability to pay.
To the best of management’s ability, all known and inherent losses that are both probable and reasonable to estimate have been recorded. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to

72

the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to adjust the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
(f)
Real Estate Owned
Real estate acquired through foreclosure, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, is reported on an individual asset basis at the lower of cost or fair value, less disposal costs. Fair value is determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources. While initial fair value is determined by independent third parties, management may subsequently reassess these valuations and apply additional discounts if necessary. When properties are acquired through foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance at the time of foreclosure over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is recognized and charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent write-downs are charged to a separate allowance for losses pertaining to real estate owned, established through provisions for estimated losses on real estate owned charged to operations. Based upon management’s evaluation of the real estate acquired through foreclosure, additional expense is recorded when necessary in an amount sufficient to reflect any estimated declines in fair value. Gains and losses recognized on the disposition of the properties are recorded in noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Other real estate acquired through foreclosure covered under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC is reported exclusive of expected reimbursement cash flows from the FDIC. Subsequent decreases to the estimated recoverable value of covered other real estate result in a reduction of covered other real estate, and a charge to other expense, and an increase in the FDIC receivable for the estimated amount to be reimbursed, with a corresponding amount recorded in noninterest expense.
Costs of improvements to real estate are capitalized, while costs associated with holding the real estate are charged to operations.
(g)
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, which is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of the assets range from 20 to 39 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
(h)
Receivable from FDIC for Loss Sharing Agreements
Under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, the Bank recorded a receivable from the FDIC equal to the reimbursable portion of the estimated losses in the covered loans and other real estate acquired. The receivable is measured separately from the covered assets acquired as it is not contractually embedded in the loans and not transferable with the loans should a decision be made to dispose of them. The receivable was recorded at the present value of the estimated cash flows using discount rates of approximately four percent for NCB, one and a half percent for MCB, and two percent for FNB at the date of the respective acquisition and will be reviewed and updated prospectively as loss estimates related to covered loans and other real estate acquired through foreclosure change. These cash flows were discounted to reflect the uncertainty of the timing and receipt of the loss share reimbursements from the FDIC. Certain adjustments to the receivable are recorded over the lesser of the remaining life of applicable covered loans or the term of loss sharing. The Bank may also record adjustments/impairment to the receivable based on a collectablility analysis as it nears the end of the various loss sharing agreements with the FDIC. Most third party expenses on real estate and covered loans are covered under the loss sharing agreements and the cash flows from the reimbursable portion are included in the estimate of cash flows.

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(i)
Mortgage Banking Activities
As a part of normal business operations, the Company originates residential mortgage loans that have been pre-approved by secondary investors. The terms of the loans are set by the secondary investors, and the purchase price that the investor will pay for the loan is agreed to prior to the commitment of the loan by the Company. Generally within three weeks after funding, the loans are transferred to the investor in accordance with the agreed-upon terms. The Company records gains from the sale of these loans on the settlement date of the sale equal to the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying amount of the loan. The gain generally represents the portion of the proceeds attributed to servicing release premiums received from the investors and the realization of origination fees received from borrowers which were deferred as part of the carrying amount of the loan. Between the initial funding of the loans by the Company and the subsequent reimbursement by the investors, the Company carries the loans on its balance sheet at the lower of cost or market. The fair value of the underlying commitment is not material to the consolidated financial statements.
Fees for servicing loans for investors are based on the outstanding principal balance of the loans serviced and are recognized as income when earned.
(j)
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. 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. In assessing the reliability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies by jurisdiction and entity in making this assessment. The Company allocates income taxes to the members of the consolidated tax return group based on their proportion of taxable income.
(k)
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income for the Company consists of net income for the period, unrealized holding gains and losses on investments, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations classified as available for sale, net of income taxes, and certain reclassification adjustments. For the periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 there were no items reclassified out of other comprehensive income with the exception of realized gains and other-than-temporary impairment on securities held for sale. Items reclassified out of comprehensive income are included within non-interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented.
(l)
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include costs in excess of net assets acquired and core deposit intangibles recorded in connection with the acquisitions of EBA Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiary, Eagle Bank of Alabama (collectively “EBA”), and core deposits of McIntosh Commercial Bank and The First National Bank of Florida. The core deposit intangible is being amortized over thirteen, five and six years, respectively.
The Company tests its goodwill for impairment annually unless interim events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment loss has occurred. Impairment is defined as the amount by which the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the goodwill’s carrying value. Impairment losses, if incurred, would be charged to operating expense. For the purposes of evaluating goodwill, the Company has determined that it operates only one reporting unit. The Company performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than the carrying amount at September 30, 2014.
(m)
Acquisitions
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (US GAAP) requires that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations and that an acquirer be identified for each business combination. Under US GAAP, the acquirer is the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination, and the acquisition date is the date the acquirer achieves control. US GAAP requires that the acquirer recognize the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date.

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The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary acquired certain assets and liabilities of Neighborhood Community Bank (“NCB”) headquartered in Newnan, Georgia on June 26, 2009, McIntosh Commercial Bank (“MCB”) headquartered in Carrollton, Georgia on March 26, 2010 and The First National Bank of Florida (“FNB”) headquartered in Milton, Florida on September 9, 2011. The acquisitions were completed with the assistance of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which had been appointed Receiver of the entities by their respective state banking authorities immediately prior to the Bank’s acquisition. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities of these three acquisitions were measured at estimated fair value. Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgment in accounting for the acquisition of NCB, MCB and FNB. Management judgmentally assigned risk ratings to loans based on appraisals and estimated collateral values, expected cash flows, prepayment speeds and estimated loss factors to measure fair values for loans. Other real estate acquired through foreclosure was valued based upon pending sales contracts and appraised values, adjusted for current market conditions. Management used quoted or current market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities, short-term borrowings and long-term obligations that were assumed from NCB, MCB and FNB. The carrying value of certain long-term assets acquired in the acquisition of NCB, primarily the estimated value of core deposits of approximately $1.1 million, were reduced to zero by the excess of fair value of net assets acquired over liabilities assumed in the acquisition.
(n)
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes the estimated fair value of such equity instruments as expense as services are performed. The Company recognizes the total cost of the Company’s share based awards equal to the grant date fair value as expense on a straight line basis over the service periods of the awards.
(o)
Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed on the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by weighted average shares outstanding plus potential common shares resulting from dilutive stock options and restricted shares, determined using the treasury stock method.
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
5,955,133

 
$
6,256,417

 
$
4,978,692

Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
20,591,302

 
20,629,531

 
19,501,312

Equivalent shares issuable upon vesting of restricted stock awards and dilutive shares
 
510,086

 
162,558

 
36,036

Diluted shares
 
21,101,388

 
20,792,089

 
19,537,348

Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.29

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.26

Diluted
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.26

__________________________________
(1)
Share and share amounts held by the public prior to April 8, 2013 have been restated to reflect the completion of the second-step conversion on April 8, 2013 using a conversion ratio of 1.2471.
(p)
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock was accounted for at cost. Prior to the completion of the second-step conversion on April 8, 2013, the Company included in treasury stock unvested shares of the Company's recognition and retention plan. The Company no longer recognizes these unvested shares as treasury stock and subsequent to the second-step conversion, has no treasury stock at September 30, 2014.
(q)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
The Company has an internally-leveraged ESOP trust that covers substantially all of its employees. The Company’s common stock not yet allocated to participants is reflected as unearned compensation in stockholders’ equity. The Company records compensation expense associated with the ESOP based on the average market price (fair value) of the total Company shares committed to be released, and subsequently allocated to participants, during the year. The Company further records as compensation expense any dividends declared on unallocated Company shares in the ESOP trust. Earnings per share computations include any allocated shares in the ESOP trust.

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(r)
Bank Owned Life Insurance
The Company owns life insurance policies to provide for the payment of death benefits related to existing deferred compensation and supplemental income plans maintained for the benefit of certain executives and directors of the Company. The total cash surrender value amounts of such policies at September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $47,178,128 and $39,825,881, respectively. The Company recorded, as income, increases to the cash surrender value of $1,252,246, $993,961, and $1,057,397, for the three years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
(s)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)2014-14, Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure (“ASU 2014-14”). This standard provides guidance on how holders of certain government-guaranteed loans (e.g., mortgage loans guaranteed by the FHA or VA) should present such loans upon foreclosure. Specifically, the ASU provides that, upon foreclosure, government-guaranteed loans within the scope of the standard should be derecognized and re-recognized as a separate other receivable (i.e., a receivable from the government entity guaranteeing the loan). The standard does not require any new disclosures about such loans. ASU 2014-14 is effective for the Company for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s balance sheet or results of operations.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity may apply the standards (1) prospectively to all share-based payment awards that are granted or modified on or after the effective date, or (2) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Earlier application is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
Additionally, in June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. This standard amends the guidance in ASC 860 on accounting for certain repurchase agreements (“repos”). The standard (1) requires entities to account for repurchase-to-maturity transactions as secured borrowings, (2) eliminates accounting guidance on linked repurchase financing transactions, and (3) expands disclosure requirements related to certain transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales and certain transfers (specifically, repos, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions) that are accounted for as secured borrowings. This standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s balance sheet or results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers. This standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its balance sheet and results of operations.
In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The objective of this guidance is to clarify when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU No. 2014-04 states that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (1) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (2) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. Additionally, ASU No. 2014-04 requires interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction.

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ASU No. 2014-04 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued an update to the accounting standards to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in this update require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This update was effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this update increased disclosures in the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 2: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets include cost in excess of net assets acquired and core deposit intangibles recorded in connection with certain acquisitions. Management tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. The core deposit intangibles are being amortized over the average remaining life of the acquired customer deposits, ranging from five to thirteen years. The Company recorded amortization expense related to the core deposit intangible of $380,210, $476,423, and $547,153 for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
At September 30, 2014 and 2013, intangible assets are summarized as follows:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
$
4,325,282

 
$
4,325,282

 
 
 
 
 
Core deposit intangible
 
$
3,369,449

 
$
3,369,449

Less accumulated amortization
 
2,945,773

 
2,565,563

Other intangible assets, net of amortization
 
$
423,676

 
$
803,886

Amortization expense for the core deposit intangible for the next five years as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:
Year Ending September 30,
 
 
2015
 
$
266,181

2016
 
132,887

2017
 
24,608

2018
 
—

2019
 
—

 
 
$
423,676


Note 3: Federally Assisted Acquisitions
The First National Bank of Florida
On September 9, 2011, the Bank purchased substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all the liabilities of The First National Bank of Florida (“FNB”) from the FDIC, as Receiver of FNB. FNB operated eight commercial banking branches and was headquartered in Milton, Florida. The FDIC took FNB under receivership upon its closure by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The Bank’s bid to purchase FNB included the purchase of substantially all FNB’s assets at a discount of $28,000,000 in exchange for assuming all FNB deposits and certain other liabilities. No cash, deposit premium or other consideration was paid by the Bank. The Bank and the FDIC entered into loss sharing agreements regarding future losses incurred on loans and other real estate acquired through foreclosure existing at the acquisition date. Under the terms of the loss sharing agreements, the FDIC will reimburse the Bank for 80 percent of net losses on covered assets. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is five years in respect to losses and eight years in respect to loss recoveries. As a result of the loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, the Bank recorded a receivable of $51,555,999 at the

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time of acquisition. As of September 30, 2014, the Bank has submitted $57,361,802 in net cumulative losses to the FDIC under the loss-sharing agreements of which $45,889,442 is reimbursable.
The loss share agreements include a true-up payment in the event FNB’s losses do not reach the FDIC’s total intrinsic loss estimate, as defined in the loss sharing agreement, of $59,483,125. On September 9, 2021, the true-up measurement date, CharterBank is required to make a true-up payment to the FDIC equal to 50 percent of the excess, if any, of the following calculation: A-(B+C+D), where (A) equals 20 percent of the Total Intrinsic Loss Estimate, or $11,896,625; (B) equals 20 percent of the Net Loss Amount; (C) equals 25 percent of the asset (discount) bid, or ($7,000,000); and (D) equals 3.5 percent of total Shared Loss Assets at Bank Closing or $7,380,467. Current loss estimates indicate that no true-up payment will be paid to the FDIC. The FDIC-assisted acquisitions of Neighborhood Community Bank (NCB”) and McIntosh Commercial Bank (“MCB”) are not subject to true-up payments.

Note 4: Securities Available for Sale
Securities available for sale are summarized as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross unrealized gains
 
Gross unrealized losses
 
Estimated fair value
Other investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-free municipals
 
$
13,430,732

 
$
26,471

 
$
—

 
$
13,457,203

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC certificates
 
44,036,704

 
359,644

 
(370,420
)
 
44,025,928

FNMA certificates
 
119,445,041

 
499,772

 
(1,666,436
)
 
118,278,377

GNMA certificates
 
1,595,029

 
102,815

 
—

 
1,697,844

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC
 
49,425

 
4,071

 
—

 
53,496

FNMA
 
78,152

 
2,004

 
—

 
80,156

Private-label mortgage securities: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
1,485,804

 
8,941

 
(47,887
)
 
1,446,858

Split rating (2)
 
1,090,524

 
3,583

 
—

 
1,094,107

Non-investment grade
 
8,674,491

 
45,243

 
(110,430
)
 
8,609,304

Total
 
$
189,885,902

 
$
1,052,544

 
$
(2,195,173
)
 
$
188,743,273

__________________________________
(1)
Credit ratings are current as of September 30, 2014.
(2)
Bonds with split ratings represent securities with both investment and non-investment grades.

78

 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
unrealized
gains
 
Gross
unrealized
losses
 
Estimated
fair value
Other investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-free municipals
 
$
14,897,685

 
$
16,733

 
$
(826
)
 
$
14,913,592

U.S. government sponsored entities
 
5,025,898

 
4,145

 
—

 
5,030,043

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC certificates
 
53,419,411

 
330,921

 
(584,915
)
 
53,165,417

FNMA certificates
 
118,466,995

 
526,825

 
(2,692,511
)
 
116,301,309

GNMA certificates
 
1,727,789

 
117,828

 
—

 
1,845,617

Collateralized mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FNMA
 
7,189,766

 
66,719

 
—

 
7,256,485

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC
 
372,444

 
35,410

 
—

 
407,854

FNMA
 
2,207,643

 
66,727

 
—

 
2,274,370

Private-label mortgage securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
2,010,627

 
29,388

 
(90,020
)
 
1,949,995

Split rating (1)
 
1,292,942

 
—

 
(54,434
)
 
1,238,508

Non investment grade
 
11,294,468

 
—

 
(559,251
)
 
10,735,217

Total
 
$
217,905,668

 
$
1,194,696

 
$
(3,981,957
)
 
$
215,118,407

__________________________________
(1)
Bonds with split ratings represent securities with both investment and non-investment grades.
Proceeds from called or matured securities available for sale during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $15.4 million, $13.5 million, and $6.8 million, respectively. Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $9.9 million, $21.1 million, and $41.6 million, respectively. Gross realized gains on the sale of these securities were $202,053, $252,483, and $950,511, for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively and gross realized losses were $1,349, $2,966 and $10,745, for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale as of September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
 
Amortized
cost
 
Estimated
fair value
Due within one year
 
$
—

 
$
—

Due from one year to five years
 
2,711,484

 
2,716,291

Due after five years
 
10,719,248

 
10,740,912

Mortgage-backed securities
 
176,455,170

 
175,286,070

Total
 
$
189,885,902

 
$
188,743,273

The Company’s investment in FHLB stock was $3.4 million and $3.9 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The investment in FHLB stock is carried at cost because it is considered a restricted stock investment with no readily determinable market value. As of September 30, 2014, the investment in FHLB stock represented approximately 0.34% of total assets and the amortized cost and fair value of this investment are equal. In determining the carrying amount of the FHLB stock, the Company evaluated the ultimate recoverability of the par value. The Company has reviewed the assessments by rating agencies, which have concluded that debt ratings are likely to remain unchanged and the FHLB has the ability to absorb economic losses, given the expectation that the various FHLB Banks have a very high degree of government support.
Furthermore, the Company currently has sufficient liquidity or has access to other sources of liquidity to meet all operational needs in the foreseeable future, and would not have the need to dispose of this stock below the recorded amount. For the reasons

79

above, the Company concluded that the investment in FHLB stock is not other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2014 and ultimate recoverability of the par value of this investment is probable.
Securities available for sale with an aggregate carrying amount of $101.7 million and $149.2 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were pledged to secure FHLB advances.
Securities available for sale in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months at September 30, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
FNMA certificates
 
$
6,164,452

 
$
(2,285
)
 
$
6,162,167

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private-label mortgage securities
 
1,900,526

 
(59,509
)
 
1,841,017

Total
 
$
8,064,978

 
$
(61,794
)
 
$
8,003,184

 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Other investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-free municipals
 
$
722,803

 
$
(51
)
 
$
722,752

Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC certificates
 
21,328,101

 
(584,915
)
 
20,743,186

FNMA certificates
 
92,575,581

 
(2,692,511
)
 
89,883,070

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private-label mortgage securities
 
3,764,878

 
(147,843
)
 
3,617,035

Total
 
$
118,391,363

 
$
(3,425,320
)
 
$
114,966,043

Securities available for sale that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC certificates
 
$
18,849,864

 
$
(370,420
)
 
$
18,479,444

FNMA certificates
 
77,274,838

 
(1,664,152
)
 
75,610,686

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private-label mortgage securities
 
4,188,449

 
(98,807
)
 
4,089,642

Total
 
100,313,151

 
(2,133,379
)
 
98,179,772


80

 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
Other investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-free municipals
 
$
253,404

 
$
(775
)
 
$
252,629

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private-label mortgage securities
 
9,971,596

 
(555,862
)
 
9,415,734

Total
 
$
10,225,000

 
$
(556,637
)
 
$
9,668,363

At September 30, 2014, the Company had approximately $158,000 of gross unrealized losses on private-label mortgage securities with aggregate amortized cost of approximately $6.1 million. During the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairment charges. Other than previously stated, the Company is projecting that it will receive essentially all contractual cash flows so there is no break in yield or additional other-than-temporary impairment. The remaining decline in fair value of the mortgage securities resulted from illiquidity and other concerns in the market place. The increase in the fair value of the remaining mortgage securities primarily resulted from increased liquidity and an overall improvement in the market for these securities.
Regularly, the Company performs an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is impaired other-than-temporarily. The assessment considers many factors including the severity and duration of the impairment, the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for recovery in value, recent events specific to the industry, and current characteristics of each security such as delinquency and foreclosure levels, credit enhancements, and projected losses and loss coverage ratios. It is possible that the underlying collateral of these securities will perform worse than current expectations, which may lead to adverse changes in cash flows on these securities and potential future other-than-temporary impairment losses. Events that may trigger material declines in fair values for these securities in the future include but are not limited to, deterioration of credit metrics, significantly higher levels of default and severity of loss on the underlying collateral, deteriorating credit enhancement and loss coverage ratios, or further illiquidity. All of these securities were evaluated for other-than-temporary impairment based on an analysis of the factors and characteristics of each security as previously enumerated. The Company considers these unrealized losses to be temporary impairment losses primarily because of continued sufficient levels of credit enhancements and credit coverage levels of less senior tranches to tranches held by the Company.
The following table summarizes the changes in the amount of credit losses on the Company’s investment securities recognized in earnings for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Beginning balance of credit losses previously recognized in earnings
 
$
380,446

 
$
380,446

 
$
4,822,916

Amount related to credit losses for securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized in earnings
 
—

 
—

 
—

Amount related to credit losses for securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized in earnings
 
—

 
—

 
273,259

Reduction due to credit impaired securities sold or fully settled
 
—

 
—

 
(4,715,729
)
Ending balance of cumulative credit losses recognized in earnings
 
$
380,446

 
$
380,446

 
$
380,446

The following table shows issuer-specific information, including current par value, book value, fair value, credit rating and unrealized gain (loss) for the Company’s portfolio of private-label mortgage obligations as of September 30, 2014.

81

Cusip
 
Description
 
    Credit Rating (1)
 
Cumulative Net
Impairment Losses
Recognized in Earnings
 
Current Par Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Market Value
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 
 
 
 
Moody
 
S&P
 
Fitch
 
(dollars in thousands)
Investment Grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36228FQF6
 
GSR 2003-4F 1A2
 
n/a
 
AA+
 
BBB
 
$
—

 
$
197

 
$
197

 
$
201

 
$
4

55265KL80
 
MASTR 2003-8 4A1
 
n/a
 
A+
 
AAA
 
—

 
330

 
328

 
333

 
5

86359BVF5
 
SARM 2004-6 3A3
 
n/a
 
A+
 
n/a
 
—

 
961

 
961

 
913

 
(48
)
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—

 
1,488

 
1,486

 
1,447

 
(39
)
Split Rating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17307GDL9
 
CMLTI 2004-HYB1 A31
 
Ba3
 
n/a
 
BBB
 
—

 
1,091

 
1,091

 
1,094

 
3

 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
—

 
1,091

 
1,091

 
1,094

 
3

Non Investment Grade
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
576433UQ7
 
MARM 2004-13 B1
 
NR
 
CCC
 
n/a
 
380

 
3,608

 
3,227

 
3,177

 
(50
)
576433VN3
 
MARM 2004-15 4A1
 
B3
 
n/a
 
CCC
 
—

 
1,901

 
1,901

 
1,841

 
(60
)
576433QD1
 
MARM 2004-7 5A1
 
Ba3
 
BB
 
n/a
 
—

 
3,546

 
3,546

 
3,591

 
45

 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
380

 
9,055

 
8,674

 
8,609

 
(65
)
 
 
Grand Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
380

 
$
11,634

 
$
11,251

 
$
11,150

 
$
(101
)
__________________________________
(1)
Credit ratings are current as of September 30, 2014.
The underlying credit and cash flow characteristics of the private-label securities improved during the year ended September 30, 2014. There were no credit rating changes in the three non-investment grade securities during the year ended September 30, 2014.
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are shown in the table below. All amounts are net of tax. The line items affected in the consolidated statements of income by the reclassified amounts were gain on securities available for sale and net impairment losses recognized in earnings.
 
Unrealized Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
(1,839,593
)
 
$
203,380

 
$
(1,971,458
)
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain before reclassifications
1,208,691

 
(1,889,769
)
 
2,584,074

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/gain to gain on securities available for sale
(123,233
)
 
(153,204
)
 
(577,017
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/gain to net impairment losses recognized in earnings
—

 
—

 
167,781

Net current-period other comprehensive income/(loss)
1,085,458

 
(2,042,973
)
 
2,174,838

Ending balance
$
(754,135
)
 
$
(1,839,593
)
 
$
203,380



82

Note 5: Loans Receivable
Loans not covered by loss share agreements are summarized as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
Loans not covered by loss sharing agreements:
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
152,810,501

 
$
124,571,147

Commercial real estate
 
300,556,023

 
269,609,005

Commercial
 
24,759,682

 
23,773,942

Real estate construction
 
63,485,411

 
44,653,355

Consumer and other
 
4,959,103

 
17,544,816

Loans receivable, net of undisbursed proceeds of loans in process
 
546,570,720

 
480,152,265

Less:
 
 

 
 
Unamortized loan origination fees, net
 
1,364,853

 
1,100,666

Allowance for loan losses
 
8,473,373

 
8,188,896

Total loans not covered, net
 
$
536,732,494

 
$
470,862,703

The carrying amount of covered loans at September 30, 2014 and 2013 consisted of impaired loans at acquisition date and all other acquired loans and are presented in the following tables.
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Impaired Loans at Acquisition
 
All Other Acquired Loans
 
Total Covered Loans
Loans covered by loss sharing agreements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
4,841,705

 
$
6,800,846

 
$
11,642,551

Commercial real estate
 
33,053,228

 
34,354,816

 
67,408,044

Commercial
 
1,871,879

 
1,800,989

 
3,672,868

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other
 
1,418

 
177,228

 
178,646

Loans receivable, gross
 
39,768,230

 
43,133,879

 
82,902,109

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccretable difference
 
5,993,661

 
273,024

 
6,266,685

Allowance for covered loan losses
 
—

 
997,524

 
997,524

Accretable discount
 
3,073,198

 
2,770,499

 
5,843,697

Discount on acquired performing loans
 
—

 
142,731

 
142,731

Unamortized loan origination fees, net
 
—

 
17,253

 
17,253

Total loans covered, net
 
$
30,701,371

 
$
38,932,848

 
$
69,634,219



83

 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
Impaired Loans at Acquisition
 
All Other Acquired Loans
 
Total Covered Loans
Loans covered by loss sharing agreements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
4,316,008

 
$
6,285,647

 
$
10,601,655

Commercial real estate
 
46,170,021

 
61,572,581

 
107,742,602

Commercial
 
2,844,456

 
4,039,892

 
6,884,348

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other
 
500,382

 
2,894,282

 
3,394,664

Loans receivable, gross
 
53,830,867

 
74,792,402

 
128,623,269

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccretable difference
 
7,757,070

 
3,076,192

 
10,833,262

Allowance for covered loan losses
 
705,446

 
3,218,832

 
3,924,278

Accretable discount
 
3,508,430

 
1,164,941

 
4,673,371

Discount on acquired performing loans
 
—

 
177,858

 
177,858

Unamortized loan origination fees, net
 
—

 
22,910

 
22,910

Total loans covered, net
 
$
41,859,921

 
$
67,131,669

 
$
108,991,590

The following table documents changes in the accretable discount on acquired credit impaired loans during the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
Impaired Loans at Acquisition
 
All Other Acquired Loans
 
Total Covered Loans
Balance, September 30, 2012
 
$
9,869,297

 
$
3,055,050

 
$
12,924,347

Loan accretion
 
(6,834,946
)
 
(1,957,057
)
 
(8,792,003
)
Transfer from nonaccretable difference
 
474,079

 
66,948

 
541,027

Balance, September 30, 2013
 
3,508,430

 
1,164,941

 
4,673,371

Loan accretion
 
(3,979,390
)
 
(2,579,144
)
 
(6,558,534
)
Transfer from nonaccretable difference
 
3,544,158

 
4,184,702

 
7,728,860

Balance, September 30, 2014
 
$
3,073,198

 
$
2,770,499

 
$
5,843,697

The following is a summary of transactions during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 in the allowance for loan losses on loans covered by loss sharing:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
3,924,278

 
$
10,340,815

 
$
6,892,425

Loans charged off, gross
 
(524,785
)
 
(7,396,953
)
 
(6,700,215
)
Recoveries on loans previously charged off
 
560,558

 
147,529

 
744,850

(Benefit) provision for loan losses (reversed) charged to FDIC receivable
 
(1,549,967
)
 
743,443

 
8,202,159

Transfer of allowance on acquired NCB non-single family loans
 
(400,000
)
 
—

 
—

(Benefit) provision for loan losses (reversed) charged to operations
 
(1,012,560
)
 
89,444

 
1,201,596

Balance, end of period
 
$
997,524

 
$
3,924,278

 
$
10,340,815

The following table documents changes in the carrying value of the FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreements relating to covered loans and other real estate owned during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

84

 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
29,941,862

 
$
35,135,533

 
$
96,777,791

Payments received from FDIC
 
(10,954,707
)
 
(480,550
)
 
(80,528,485
)
Accretion of fair value adjustment
 
347,347

 
675,696

 
1,461,779

Impairment
 
(521,637
)
 
(642,461
)
 
—

Amortization
 
(3,507,017
)
 
—

 
—

Recovery of previous loss reimbursements
 
(6,762,304
)
 
(12,847,769
)
 
(3,252,736
)
Reduction in previous loss estimates
 
(1,549,967
)
 
(3,426,783
)
 
—

Provision for estimated losses on covered assets recognized in noninterest expense
 
1,426,762

 
7,691,463

 
15,976,659

External expenses qualifying under loss sharing agreements
 
2,111,470

 
3,836,733

 
4,700,525

Balance, end of period
 
$
10,531,809

 
$
29,941,862

 
$
35,135,533

Loan Origination and Risk Management. The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.
Commercial real estate loans are generally made by the Company to Georgia, Alabama or Florida panhandle entities and are secured by properties in these states. Commercial real estate lending involves additional risks compared to one- to four-family residential lending. Repayment of commercial real estate loans often depends on the successful operations and income stream of the borrowers, and commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to residential real estate loans. The Company’s underwriting criteria for commercial real estate loans include maximum loan-to-value ratios, debt coverage ratios, secondary sources of repayment, guarantor requirements, net worth requirements and quality of cash flow. As part of the loan approval and underwriting of commercial real estate loans, management undertakes a cash flow analysis, and generally requires a debt-service coverage ratio of at least 1.15 times. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans. At September 30, 2014, approximately 23.8% of the outstanding principal balance of the Company’s commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties.
The Company makes construction and land development loans primarily for the construction of one- to four-family residences but also for multi-family and nonresidential real estate projects on a select basis. The Company offers construction loans to builders including both speculative (unsold) and pre-sold loans to pre-approved local builders. The number of speculative loans that management will extend to a builder at one time depends upon the financial strength and credit history of the builder. The Company’s construction loan program is expected to remain a modest portion of the loan volume and management generally limits the number of outstanding loans on unsold homes under construction within a specific area.
The Company also originates first and second mortgage loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties within Georgia, Alabama and the Florida panhandle. Management currently originates mortgages at all branch locations, but utilizes a centralized processing location to reduce the underwriting risk. The Company originates both fixed rate and adjustable rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Fixed rate 30 year conforming loans are generally originated for resale into the secondary market on a servicing-released basis and loans that are non-conforming due to property exceptions and that have adjustable rates are generally retained in the Company’s portfolio. The non-conforming loans originated are not considered to be subprime loans and the amount of subprime and low documentation loans held by the Company is not material.
The Company originates consumer loans that consist of loans on deposits, second mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, auto loans and various other installment loans. The Company primarily offers consumer loans (excluding second mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit) as an accommodation to customers. Consumer loans tend to have a higher credit risk than residential mortgage loans because they may be secured by rapidly depreciable assets, or may be unsecured. The Company’s consumer lending generally follows accepted industry standards for non subprime lending, including credit scores and debt to income ratios. The Company also offers home equity lines of credit as a complement to one- to four-family residential mortgage lending. The underwriting standards applicable to home equity credit lines are similar to those for one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, except for slightly more stringent credit-to-income and credit score requirements. Home equity loans are generally limited to 80% of the value of the underlying property unless the loan is covered by private mortgage insurance or a loss sharing

85

agreement. At September 30, 2014, the Company had $11.8 million of home equity lines of credit and second mortgage loans not covered by FDIC loss sharing agreements (“loss sharing”).
The Company’s commercial business loans are generally limited to terms of five years or less. Management typically collateralizes these loans with a lien on commercial real estate or, much less frequently, with a lien on business assets and equipment. Management also generally requires the personal guarantee of the business owner. Interest rates on commercial business loans are generally higher than interest rates on residential or commercial real estate loans due to the risk inherent in this type of loan. Commercial business loans are generally considered to have more risk than residential mortgage loans or commercial real estate loans because the collateral may be in the form of intangible assets and/or readily depreciable inventory. Commercial business loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers, with the repayment of such loans typically dependent on the successful operation and income stream of the borrower. Such risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. In addition, commercial business lending generally requires substantially greater supervision efforts by management compared to residential mortgage or commercial real estate lending.
The Company maintains an internal loan review function that reviews and validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are presented to management. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures. The Company further engages an independent, external loan reviewer on an annual basis.
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans. Nonaccrual loans not covered by loss sharing, segregated by class of loans were as follows:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
      2014 (1)
 
2013
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
982,087

 
$
1,507,760

Commercial real estate
 
2,369,520

 
1,120,938

Commercial
 
156,474

 
161,036

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

Consumer and other
 
—

 
84,208

Total
 
$
3,508,081

 
$
2,873,942

______________________________
(1)
Acquired Neighborhood Community Bank FAS ASC 310-30 loans that are no longer covered under the commercial loss sharing agreement with the FDIC in the amount of $1,292,296 are excluded from this table. Due to the recognition of accretion income established at the time of acquisition, the FAS ASC 310-30 loans that are greater than 90 days delinquent or designated nonaccrual status are regarded as accruing loans for reporting purposes.
An age analysis of past due loans not covered by loss sharing, segregated by class of loans at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
September 30, 2014
 
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
 
Total Past Due
 
Current
 
Total Loans
 
Loans > 90 Days Accruing (1)
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
1,927,860

 
$
545,179

 
$
2,473,039

 
$
150,337,462

 
$
152,810,501

 
$
516,659

Commercial real estate
 
254,423

 
1,943,161

 
2,197,584

 
298,358,439

 
300,556,023

 
1,218,188

Commercial
 
62,479

 
1,000

 
63,479

 
24,696,203

 
24,759,682

 
—

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
63,485,411

 
63,485,411

 
—

Consumer and other
 
31,306

 
4,354

 
35,660

 
4,923,443

 
4,959,103

 
4,354

Total
 
$
2,276,068

 
$
2,493,694

 
$
4,769,762

 
$
541,800,958

 
$
546,570,720

 
$
1,739,201

______________________________
(1)
Previously covered loans in the amount of $1,003,007 are now reflected in the Greater than 90 Days Accruing column. These loans which are accounted for under ASC 310-30 are reported as accruing loans because of accretable discounts established at the time of acquisition.

86

September 30, 2013
 
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
 
Total Past Due
 
Current
 
Total Loans
 
Loans > 90 Days Accruing
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
1,116,477

 
$
47,283

 
$
1,163,760

 
$
123,407,387

 
$
124,571,147

 
$
47,283

Commercial real estate
 
524,803

 
836,510

 
1,361,313

 
268,247,692

 
269,609,005

 
—

Commercial
 
113,019

 
—

 
113,019

 
23,660,923

 
23,773,942

 
—

Real estate construction
 
37,312

 
—

 
37,312

 
44,616,043

 
44,653,355

 
—

Consumer and other
 
144,990

 
—

 
144,990

 
17,399,826

 
17,544,816

 
—

Total
 
$
1,936,601

 
$
883,793

 
$
2,820,394

 
$
477,331,871

 
$
480,152,265

 
$
47,283

An age analysis of past due loans covered by loss sharing, segregated by class of loans at September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
September 30, 2014
 
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
 
Total Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
     Loans (1)
 
Loans > 90 Days
Accruing (2)
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
414,699

 
$
814,238

 
$
1,228,937

 
$
9,448,399

 
$
10,677,336

 
$
814,238

Commercial real estate
 
1,399,520

 
3,949,083

 
5,348,603

 
55,950,984

 
61,299,587

 
3,949,083

Commercial
 
387,641

 
551,721

 
939,362

 
2,573,517

 
3,512,879

 
551,721

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
148,098

 
148,098

 
—

Total
 
$
2,201,860

 
$
5,315,042

 
$
7,516,902

 
$
68,120,998

 
$
75,637,900

 
$
5,315,042

______________________________
(1)
Covered loan balances are net of nonaccretable differences and allowance for covered loan losses and have not been reduced by $5,986,428 of accretable discounts.
(2)
Covered loans contractually past due greater than ninety days are reported as accruing loans because of accretable discounts established at the time of acquisition.
September 30, 2013
 
 
30-89 Days Past Due
 
Greater than 90 Days Past Due
 
Total Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
     Loans (1)
 
Loans > 90 Days and
Accruing (2)
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
414,577

 
$
937,974

 
$
1,352,551

 
$
7,991,686

 
$
9,344,237

 
$
937,974

Commercial real estate
 
2,948,186

 
6,926,620

 
9,874,806

 
87,261,044

 
97,135,850

 
6,926,620

Commercial
 
534,363

 
611,305

 
1,145,668

 
3,950,836

 
5,096,504

 
611,305

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Consumer and other
 
2,901

 
97,747

 
100,648

 
2,188,490

 
2,289,138

 
97,747

Total
 
$
3,900,027

 
$
8,573,646

 
$
12,473,673

 
$
101,392,056

 
$
113,865,729

 
$
8,573,646

______________________________
(1)
Covered loan balances are net of nonaccretable differences and allowance for covered loan losses and have not been reduced by $4,851,229 of accretable discounts.
(2)
Covered loans contractually past due greater than ninety days are reported as accruing loans because of accretable discounts established at the time of acquisition. 
Impaired Loans. The Company evaluates “impaired” loans, which includes nonperforming loans and accruing troubled debt restructured loans, having risk characteristics that are unique to an individual borrower on a loan-by-loan basis with balances above a specified level. For smaller loans, the allowance is calculated based on the credit grade utilizing historical loss experience and other qualitative factors.

87

Impaired loans not covered by loss sharing, segregated by class of loans were as follows:
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2014
 
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Investment in Impaired Loans
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
1,550,777

 
$
2,077,942

 
$
—

 
$
1,737,505

 
$
31,656

Commercial real estate
 
8,687,088

 
10,510,893

 
—

 
9,196,747

 
373,711

Commercial
 
156,474

 
205,625

 
—

 
188,458

 
—

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total:
 
$
10,394,339

 
$
12,794,460

 
$
—

 
$
11,122,710

 
$
405,367

There were no recorded allowances for impaired loans not covered by loss sharing at September 30, 2014. The recorded investment in accruing troubled debt restructured loans at September 30, 2014 totaled $6,154,420 and is included in the impaired loan table above.
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended
September 30, 2013
 
 
Recorded Investment
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Related Allowance
 
Average Investment in Impaired Loans
 
Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
$
1,614,765

 
$
1,931,968

 
$
—

 
$
1,699,236

 
$
5,901

Commercial real estate
 
11,863,525

 
14,090,218

 
—

 
13,561,174

 
583,465

Commercial
 
1,661,036

 
1,681,641

 
—

 
2,299,878

 
74,935

Real estate construction
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total:
 
$
15,139,326

 
$
17,703,827

 
$
—

 
$
17,560,288

 
$
664,301

There were no recorded allowances for impaired loans not covered by loss sharing at September 30, 2013. The recorded investment in accruing troubled debt restructured loans at September 30, 2013 totaled $12,302,311 and is included in the impaired loan table above.
Credit Quality Indicators. As part of the ongoing monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio for both loans covered and not covered by loss sharing agreements, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including the level of classified loans, net charge-offs, non-performing loans (see details above) and the general economic conditions in its market areas.
The Company utilizes a risk grading to assign a risk grade to each of its loans. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 8. The risk grade for each individual loan is determined by the loan officer and other approving officers at the time of loan origination and is changed from time to time to reflect an ongoing assessment of loan risk. Risk grades are reviewed on specific loans monthly for all delinquent loans as a part of monthly meetings held by the Loan Committee, quarterly for all nonaccrual and special reserve loans, and annually as part of the Company’s internal loan review process. In addition, individual loan risk grades are reviewed in connection with all renewals, extensions and modifications. Risk grades for covered loans are determined by officers within the Special Assets Division based on an ongoing assessment of loan risk. Such risk grades are updated in a manner consistent with non-covered loans, except the grading of such loans are assessed quarterly, as applicable, relating to revised estimates of expected cash flows. A description of the general characteristics of the 8 risk grade factors is as follows:
Grade 1: Virtual Absence of Credit Risk – Loans graded 1 are substantially risk-free. They are characterized by loans to borrowers with unquestionable financial strength and a long history of solid earnings performance or loans collateralized by cash or equivalent liquidity may be included here. Loans secured, within margin, by readily marketable collateral may also be graded 1 provided the relationship meets all other characteristics of the grade.

88

Grade 2: Minimal Credit Risk – Loans graded 2 are above average quality and will carry all credit attributes of a Grade 3 loan as well as unquestionably strong balance sheets and exhibit secondary repayment sources which would allow for repayment of the debt within a reasonable period of time.
Grade 3: Average Credit Risk - 1 – Loans graded 3 are of average credit quality, are properly structured and documented. Financial data is current and documents adequate revenue, cash flow, and satisfactory payment history to indicate that financial condition is satisfactory. Grade 3 loans have properly margined collateral. Repayment terms are realistic, clearly defined and based upon a primary, identifiable source of repayment. Grade 3 loans meet bank product guidelines.
Grade 4: Acceptable Credit Risk - 2 – Loans Graded 4 loans will be performing credits and will not necessarily represent weakness. Loans most commonly graded 4 will likely include loans with parameter(s) that fall outside of a product guideline.
Grade 5: Special Mention – A special mention asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.
Grade 6: Substandard – A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Grade 7: Doubtful – An asset classified doubtful has all the weaknesses inherent in one classified 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.
Grade 8: Loss – Assets classified loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may be effected in the future.
The following table presents the risk grades of the loan portfolio not covered by loss sharing, segregated by class of loans:
September 30, 2014 
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
Commercial real estate
 
Commercial
 
Real estate construction
 
Consumer and other
 
Total
Pass (1-4)
 
$
151,661,479

 
$
273,587,373

 
$
23,205,880

 
$
63,485,411

 
$
4,954,661

 
$
516,894,804

Special Mention (5)
 
—

 
3,325,324

 
91,000

 
—

 
—

 
3,416,324

Substandard (6)
 
1,149,022

 
23,643,326

 
1,462,802

 
—

 
4,442

 
26,259,592

Doubtful (7)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Loss (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total not covered loans
 
$
152,810,501

 
$
300,556,023

 
$
24,759,682

 
$
63,485,411

 
$
4,959,103

 
$
546,570,720


September 30, 2013
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
Commercial real estate
 
Commercial
 
Real estate construction
 
Consumer and other
 
Total
Pass (1-4)
 
$
117,274,336

 
$
245,346,763

 
$
20,708,908

 
$
44,628,569

 
$
16,756,882

 
$
444,715,458

Special Mention (5)
 
2,438,309

 
2,094,817

 
996,970

 
—

 
471,186

 
6,001,282

Substandard (6)
 
4,858,502

 
22,167,425

 
2,068,064

 
24,786

 
315,848

 
29,434,625

Doubtful (7)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
900

 
900

Loss (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total not covered loans
 
$
124,571,147

 
$
269,609,005

 
$
23,773,942

 
$
44,653,355

 
$
17,544,816

 
$
480,152,265

The following tables present the risk grades, ignoring grade enhancement provided by the FDIC loss sharing, of the loan portfolio covered by loss sharing agreements, segregated by class of loans at September 30, 2014 and 2013. Numerical risk ratings

89

5-8 constitute classified assets for regulatory reporting; however, regulatory authorities consider the FDIC loss sharing percentage of either 80% or 95%, as applicable, as a reduction of the regulatory classified balance for covered loans.
September 30, 2014
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
Commercial real estate
 
Commercial
 
Real estate construction
 
Consumer and other
 
Total
Numerical risk rating (1-4)
 
$
7,392,585

 
$
34,017,713

 
$
1,982,382

 
$
—

 
$
74,392

 
$
43,467,072

Numerical risk rating (5)
 
693,038

 
8,411,973

 
448,957

 
—

 
—

 
9,553,968

Numerical risk rating (6)
 
2,591,713

 
18,869,901

 
1,081,540

 
—

 
73,706

 
22,616,860

Numerical risk rating (7)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Numerical risk rating (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total covered loans (1)
 
$
10,677,336

 
$
61,299,587

 
$
3,512,879

 
$
—

 
$
148,098

 
$
75,637,900

______________________________
(1)
Covered loan balances are net of nonaccretable differences and allowances for covered loan losses and have not been reduced by $5,986,428 of accretable discounts. 
September 30, 2013
 
 
1-4 family residential real estate
 
Commercial real estate
 
Commercial
 
Real estate construction
 
Consumer and other
 
Total
Numerical risk rating (1-4)
 
$
5,318,294

 
$
45,762,355

 
$
2,988,721

 
$
—

 
$
1,658,075

 
$
55,727,445

Numerical risk rating (5)
 
1,094,186

 
20,231,874

 
454,554

 
—

 
440,058

 
22,220,672

Numerical risk rating (6)
 
2,925,433

 
29,491,113

 
1,058,143

 
—

 
190,171

 
33,664,860

Numerical risk rating (7)
 
6,324

 
1,650,508

 
595,086

 
—

 
834

 
2,252,752

Numerical risk rating (8)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total covered loans (1)
 
$
9,344,237

 
$
97,135,850

 
$
5,096,504

 
$
—

 
$
2,289,138

 
$
113,865,729

______________________________
(1)
Covered loan balances are net of nonaccretable differences and allowances for covered loan losses and have not been reduced by $4,851,229 of accretable discounts.
With respect to classified assets covered by loss sharing agreements, numerical risk ratings 5-8, for regulatory reporting purposes are done under FDIC guidance reporting the bank’s non-reimbursable amount of the book balance of the loan as classified. The remaining reimbursable portion is classified as pass, numerical risk ratings 1-4.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense and is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb losses on existing loans that become uncollectible, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, historical loss rates, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, and current economic conditions and trends that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance.
Management’s allowance for loan losses methodology is a loan classification-based system. Management bases the required reserve on a percentage of the loan balance for each type of loan and classification level. Loans may be classified manually and are automatically classified if they are not previously classified when they reach certain levels of delinquency. Unclassified loans are reserved at different percentages based on the loan loss history of the last seven years. Reserve percentages are also adjusted based upon our estimate of the effect that the current economic environment will have on each type of loan.
Management segments its allowance for loan losses into the following four major categories: (1) specific reserves; (2) general allowances for Classified/Watch loans; (3) general allowances for loans with satisfactory ratings; and (4) an unallocated amount. Risk ratings are initially assigned in accordance with CharterBank’s loan and collection policy. An organizationally independent department reviews risk grade assignments on an ongoing basis. Management reviews current information and events regarding a borrowers’ financial condition and strengths, cash flows available for debt repayment, the related collateral supporting the loan and the effects of known and expected economic conditions. When the evaluation reflects a greater than normal risk associated with the individual loan, management classifies the loan accordingly. If the loan is determined to be impaired, management allocates

90

a portion of the allowance for loan losses for that loan based on the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is considered collateral-dependent, as the measure for the amount of the impairment. Impaired and Classified/Watch loans are aggressively monitored.
The allowances for loans by credit grade are further subdivided by loan type. Charter Financial has developed specific quantitative allowance factors to apply to each loan which considers loan charge-off experience over the most recent seven years by loan type. In addition, loss estimates are applied for certain qualitative allowance factors that are subjective in nature and require considerable judgment on the part of management. Such qualitative factors include economic and business conditions, the volume of past due loans, changes in the value of collateral of collateral-dependent loans, and other economic uncertainties. An unallocated component of the allowance is also established for potential losses that exist in the remainder of the portfolio, but have yet to be identified.
The Company incorporates certain refinements and improvements to its allowance for loan losses methodology from time to time. During the year ended September 30, 2014, the Company made certain refinements in its allowance methodology. The Company increased the look back period of historical losses from 24 months to 84 months as net charge-offs were not reflective of a full credit cycle for the two year period ended September 30, 2014 as compared with the seven year period ended September 30, 2014. In addition, some qualitative factors were removed and the loss allocation for qualitative risk factors was decreased. The change in the historical look back period more closely aligns the quantitative aspect of the companies allowance methodology with the risks inherent in a full credit cycle. The adjustments in our methodology were not material to the overall allowance or provision for the year ended September 30, 2014.
An unallocated allowance is generally maintained in a range of 4% to 12% of the total allowance in recognition of the imprecision of the estimates and other factors. In times of greater economic downturn and uncertainty, the higher end of this range is provided.
Through the FDIC-assisted acquisitions of the loans of NCB, MCB and FNB, management established nonaccretable discounts for the acquired impaired loans and also for all other loans of MCB. These nonaccretable discounts were based on estimates of future cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition dates, management continues to assess the experience of actual cash flows compared to estimates. When management determines that nonaccretable discounts are insufficient to cover expected losses in the applicable covered loan portfolios, the allowance for covered loans is increased with a corresponding provision for covered loan losses as a charge to earnings and an increase in the applicable FDIC receivable based on loss sharing indemnification.
The Company maintained its allowance for loan losses for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 in response to continued weak economic conditions, net charge-offs, financial indicators for borrowers in the real estate sectors, continuing low collateral values of commercial and residential real estate, and nonaccrual and impaired loans. The following table details the allowance for loan losses on loans not covered by loss sharing by portfolio segment as of September 30, 2014 and 2013. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude availability to absorb losses in other categories.

91

The following tables are a summary of transactions in the allowance for loan losses on loans not covered by loss sharing by portfolio segment: 
 
Year ended September 30, 2014
 
1-4 family real estate
 
Commercial real estate
 
Commercial
 
Real estate construction
 
Consumer and other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
862,043

 
$
5,446,357

 
$
455,833

 
$
387,302

 
$
124,717

 
$
912,644

 
$
8,188,896

Charge-offs
(323,802
)
 
(365,034
)
 
(38,636
)
 
—

 
(13,478
)
 
—

 
(740,950
)
Recoveries
155,400

 
101,048

 
66,866

 
—

 
2,113

 
—

 
325,427

Provision
116,893

 
392,657

 
(86,650
)
 
105,601

 
(99,505
)
 
(128,996
)
 
300,000

Transfer of allowance on previously covered NCB non-single family loans
1,596

 
394,791

 
3,470

 
—

 
143

 
—

 
400,000

Balance at end of period
$
812,130

 
$
5,969,819

 
$
400,883

 
$
492,903

 
$
13,990

 
$
783,648

 
$
8,473,373

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
$
—

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
152,810,501

 
$
300,556,023

 
$
24,759,682

 
$
63,485,411

 
$
4,959,103

 
 
 
$
546,570,720

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,550,777

 
$
8,687,088

 
$
156,474

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
$
10,394,339

 
Year ended September 30, 2013
 
1-4 family real estate
 
Commercial real estate
 
Commercial
 
Real estate construction
 
Consumer and other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
879,854

 
$
5,480,132

 
$
711,594

 
$
287,129

 
$
79,627

 
$
751,559

 
$
8,189,895

Charge-offs
(224,676
)
 
(1,121,815
)
 
(164,923
)
 
—

 
(89,957
)
 
—

 
(1,601,371
)
Recoveries
58,784

 
92,769

 
39,600

 
6,875

 
2,344

 
—

 
200,372

Provision
148,081

 
995,271

 
(130,438
)
 
93,298

 
132,703

 
161,085

 
1,400,000

Balance at end of period
$
862,043

 
$
5,446,357

 
$
455,833

 
$
387,302

 
$
124,717

 
$
912,644

 
$
8,188,896

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
$
—

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
124,571,147

 
$
269,609,005

 
$
23,773,942

 
$
44,653,355

 
$
17,544,816

 
 
 
$
480,152,265

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,614,765

 
$
11,863,525

 
$
1,661,036

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
$
15,139,326



92

 
Year Ended September 30, 2012
 
1-4 family real estate
 
Commercial real estate
 
Commercial
 
Real estate construction
 
Consumer and other
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Allowance for loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$
633,364

 
$
5,972,310

 
$
821,830

 
$
1,065,512

 
$
48,276

 
$
828,545

 
$
9,369,837

Charge-offs
(1,180,899
)
 
(2,824,917
)
 
(408,314
)
 
(28,919
)
 
(87,735
)
 
—

 
(4,530,784
)
Recoveries
3,881

 
359

 
41,473

 
—

 
5,129

 
—

 
50,842

Provision
1,423,508

 
2,332,380

 
256,605

 
(749,464
)
 
113,957

 
(76,986
)
 
3,300,000

Balance at end of period
$
879,854

 
$
5,480,132

 
$
711,594

 
$
287,129

 
$
79,627

 
$
751,559

 
$
8,189,895

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
$
—

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ending balance
$
105,514,544

 
$
251,379,010

 
$
16,596,833

 
$
45,369,190

 
$
18,107,198

 
 
 
$
436,966,775

Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
$
2,500,824

 
$
12,469,240

 
$
2,847,862

 
$
5,925

 
$
—

 
 
 
$
17,823,851

The Company also serviced mortgage loans primarily for others with aggregate principal balances of $14,264,243, $8,116,349, and $10,858,784 at September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Also, for further information, see Note 11 - Borrowings for loans pledged as collateral.
Loans to certain executive officers, directors, and their associates totaled $414,195 and $683,995 at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Management believes that such loans were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal credit risk nor present other unfavorable features.
The following is a summary of activity with respect to such aggregate loans to these individuals and their associates and affiliated companies:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
 
$
683,995

 
$
802,957

Additions to new officer loans
 
—

 
—

Repayments
 
(269,800
)
 
(118,962
)
Ending balance
 
$
414,195

 
$
683,995

For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the following tables present a breakdown of the types of concessions determined to be troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) during the period by loan class:
 
Accruing Loans
 
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Year Ended September 30, 2014
 
Year Ended September 30, 2014
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Payment structure modification:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
6
 
$
1,503,789

 
$
1,503,789

 
—
 
$
—

 
$
—

Total
6
 
$
1,503,789

 
$
1,503,789

 
—
 
$
—

 
$
—


93

 
Accruing Loans
 
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Year Ended September 30, 2013
 
Year Ended September 30, 2013
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Payment structure modification:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
1
 
$
315,308

 
$
251,970

 
1
 
$
80,462

 
$
41,080

Total
1
 
$
315,308

 
$
251,970

 
1
 
$
80,462

 
$
41,080

Loans are classified as restructured by the Company when certain modifications are made to the loan terms and concessions are granted to the borrowers due to financial difficulty experienced by those borrowers. The Company only restructures loans for borrowers in financial difficulty that have presented a viable business plan to fully pay off all obligations, including outstanding debt, interest, and fees, either by generating additional income from the business or through liquidation of assets. Generally, these loans are restructured to provide the borrower additional time to execute upon their plans. The concessions granted on TDRs generally include terms to reduce the interest rate or extend the term of the debt obligation.
Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual TDRs. Loans on accruing status at the date of concession are initially classified as accruing TDRs if the loan is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is expected in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the concession date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. TDRs are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months).
At September 30, 2014, restructured loans with a modified balance of $6,154,420 were accruing and $1,673,375 were non-accruing. At September 30, 2013, restructured loans with a modified balance of $12,302,311 were accruing and $438,789 were non-accruing.
As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, there were no loans that defaulted within twelve months after their restructure.

Note 6: Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Previously, the Bank entered into interest rate swap contracts in connection with its hedging of specific loans. As of June 30, 2013, the Bank had entered into interest rate swaps totaling approximately $4.4 million using a receive-variable swap to mitigate the exposure to changes in the fair value attributable to the benchmark interest rate (fixed rate) and the hedged items (loans receivable) from the effective date of the hedged instruments. During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company closed out its interest rate contract with an unwind date of August 26, 2013. A gain position of $189,054 was realized on the termination of this contract which will be accreted into income as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of the loans.

Note 7: Accrued Interest and Dividends Receivable
At September 30, 2014 and 2013, accrued interest and dividends receivable are summarized as follows:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Loans receivable
 
$
1,921,304

 
$
2,086,658

Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
383,382

 
453,319

Other investment securities
 
154,661

 
188,925

Total
 
$
2,459,347

 
$
2,728,902



94

Note 8: Real Estate Owned
The following is a summary of transactions in other real estate owned:
Non-covered real estate owned
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance, beginning of period
$
1,615,036

 
$
2,106,757

 
$
4,093,214

Real estate acquired through foreclosure of loans receivable
2,121,865

 
1,540,046

 
2,577,269

Proceeds from real estate sold
(2,161,103
)
 
(1,542,186
)
 
(3,453,111
)
Write down of real estate owned
(268,696
)
 
(611,054
)
 
(612,541
)
Gain (loss) on sale of real estate owned
80,762

 
121,473

 
(24,074
)
Transfer of previously covered NCB non-single family OREO
420,000

 
—

 
—

Principal reductions
(50,000
)
 
—

 
—

Real estate transferred to premises and equipment
—

 
—

 
(474,000
)
Balance, end of year
$
1,757,864

 
$
1,615,036

 
$
2,106,757

Covered real estate owned
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance, beginning of period
$
14,068,846

 
$
21,903,204

 
$
24,671,626

Real estate acquired through foreclosure of loans receivable
4,405,516

 
15,771,880

 
22,602,951

Proceeds from real estate sold
(12,348,078
)
 
(20,260,362
)
 
(16,911,373
)
Gain on real estate sold recognized in noninterest expense
217,408

 
460,189

 
—

Gain on real estate sold payable to the FDIC
1,349,676

 
4,214,243

 
—

Provision for losses on real estate owned recognized in noninterest expense
(254,408
)
 
(1,072,288
)
 
(685,500
)
Increase of FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreements
(1,330,943
)
 
(6,948,020
)
 
(7,774,500
)
Principal reductions
(130,090
)
 
—

 
—

Transfer of previously covered NCB non-single family OREO
(420,000
)
 
—

 
—

Balance, end of period
$
5,557,927

 
$
14,068,846

 
$
21,903,204


Note 9: Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment at September 30, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Land
 
$
5,695,620

 
$
5,764,540

Buildings and improvements
 
17,827,322

 
18,233,675

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
 
6,552,436

 
6,344,116

Construction in progress
 
18,398

 
—

 
 
30,093,776

 
30,342,331

Less accumulated depreciation
 
9,522,235

 
8,591,575

 
 
$
20,571,541

 
$
21,750,756

Depreciation expense for premises and equipment for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $1,015,748, $1,095,575, and $1,235,436, respectively. During the year ended September 30, 2014, the Company transferred select assets with a value of $295,134 and accumulated depreciation of $19,250 from premises and equipment to assets available for sale. These assets were subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.


95

Note 10: Deposits
At September 30, 2014 and 2013, deposits are summarized as follows: 
 
September 30, 2014
 
September 30, 2013
 
Amount
 
Range of interest rates
 
Weighted average interest rates
 
Amount
 
Range of interest rates
 
Weighted average interest rates
Demand, NOW, and money market accounts
$
437,761,938

 
0.00
-
1.49%
 
0.13%
 
$
427,102,317

 
0.00
-
1.49%
 
0.15%
Savings deposits
48,485,932

 
0.02
-
0.02%
 
0.02%
 
48,323,722

 
0.04
-
0.04%
 
0.04%
Time deposits by original term:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits $100,000 and over
110,420,672

 
0.05
-
3.63%
 
1.30%
 
138,519,823

 
0.00
-
4.35%
 
1.33%
Other time deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12 months or less
82,595,338

 
0.03
-
3.70%
 
0.80%
 
89,763,175

 
0.03
-
4.35%
 
0.45%
13-36 months
26,873,267

 
0.15
-
2.58%
 
0.98%
 
36,838,249

 
0.20
-
3.70%
 
1.78%
37 months or more
11,055,053

 
0.40
-
1.46%
 
1.09%
 
10,749,382

 
0.15
-
1.63%
 
1.15%
Total deposits
717,192,200

 
 
 
 
 
0.43%
 
751,296,668

 
 
 
 
 
0.47%
Accrued interest payable
20,886

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31,287

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
717,213,086

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
751,327,955

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payable is included in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Historically, the Company accepted out of market time deposits from various credit unions and/or brokers as a source of funds. The balance of the broker deposits was $5.0 million at September 30, 2013, and the balance of the credit union deposits was $399,391 at September 30, 2013. The Company had no broker deposits or credit union deposits at September 30, 2014.

At September 30, 2014, scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:
2015
$
159,127,117

2016
34,754,752

2017
14,539,132

2018
10,089,456

2019 and thereafter
12,433,873

Total
$
230,944,330

Interest expense on deposits for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is summarized as follows:
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Demand, NOW, and money market accounts
 
$
584,810

 
$
693,756

 
$
1,035,681

Savings deposits
 
10,446

 
23,300

 
104,043

Time deposits
 
2,659,776

 
3,525,792

 
5,454,537

Total interest expense on deposits
 
$
3,255,032

 
$
4,242,848

 
$
6,594,261

Deposits of certain officers, directors, and their associates totaled $2.4 million and $2.9 million at September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Management believes that such deposits have substantially the same terms as those for comparable transactions with other unrelated parties.


96

Note 11: Borrowings
At September 30, 2014 and 2013, borrowings are summarized as follows:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
$
55,000,000

 
$
60,000,000

Total borrowings
 
$
55,000,000

 
$
60,000,000

FHLB advances at September 30, 2014 and 2013 are summarized by year of maturity in the table below:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
Amount
 
Range of interest rates
 
Weighted average interest rates
 
Amount
 
Range of interest rates
 
Weighted average interest rates
Less than one year
 
$
5,000,000

 
 
3.99
%
 
 
 
3.99
%
 
 
$
5,000,000

 
 
3.80
%
 
 
 
3.80
%
 
One to two years
 
25,000,000

 
 
4.33

 
 
 
4.33

 
 
5,000,000

 
 
3.99

 
 
 
3.99

 
Two to three years
 
—

 
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
 
25,000,000

 
 
4.33

 
 
 
4.33

 
Three to four years
 
—

 
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
 
—

 
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
Four to five years
 
25,000,000

 
 
4.30

 
 
 
4.30

 
 
25,000,000

 
 
4.30

 
 
 
4.30

 
Thereafter
 
—

 
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
 
—

 
 
—

 
 
 
—

 
Total
 
$
55,000,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
4.29
%
 
 
$
60,000,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
4.24
%
 
During 2014, the Company paid off $5.0 million of FHLB advances that matured in March 2014. Additionally, during 2013, the Company paid off $20.0 million of FHLB advances with $10.0 million maturing in March 2013 and another $10.0 million maturing in September 2013.
At September 30, 2014, the Company pledged, under a blanket floating collateral lien with the FHLB, all stock of the FHLB, certain qualifying first mortgage loans with unpaid principal balances totaling $97.8 million certain commercial real estate loans with unpaid principal balances totaling $53.8 million, and certain available for sale securities, with an aggregate carrying amount of $101.7 million.
All of the FHLB advances were fixed rates at September 30, 2014. The Company’s FHLB advances include $25.0 million of advances that are callable by the FHLB under certain circumstances. The advances from the FHLB are subject to prepayment penalties.
At September 30, 2014, the Company had available line of credit commitments with the FHLB totaling $310.7 million, of which $55.0 million was advanced and $255.7 million was available at September 30, 2014 based on total assets; however, based on actual collateral available, $168.9 million was available. At September 30, 2014, the Company had an available line of credit based on the collateral available of $65.8 million with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Interest expense on borrowings for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, is summarized as follows:
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Federal Home Loan Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank advances
 
$
2,474,733

 
$
3,118,271

 
$
3,994,754

Total
 
$
2,474,733

 
$
3,118,271

 
$
3,994,754



97

Note 12: Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing operations for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 consists of:
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Federal
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
$
103,108

 
$
6,045,389

 
$
3,057,729

Deferred
 
2,372,006

 
(3,270,355
)
 
(2,247,339
)
Total federal tax expense
 
2,475,114

 
2,775,034

 
810,390

State
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
78,537

 
438,345

 
320,035

Deferred
 
188,562

 
(344,879
)
 
(491,375
)
Total state tax expense (benefit)
 
267,099

 
93,466

 
(171,340
)
 
 
$
2,742,213

 
$
2,868,500

 
$
639,050

The difference between the actual total provision for federal and state income taxes and federal income taxes computed at the statutory rate of 35% for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is summarized as follows:
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Computed “expected” tax expense
 
$
3,044,071

 
$
3,193,721

 
$
1,966,210

Increase (decrease) in tax expense resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect
 
173,614

 
60,753

 
(111,371
)
Tax-exempt income
 
(493,552
)
 
(367,327
)
 
(437,006
)
Market value appreciation (depreciation) of ESOP shares
 
49,005

 
33,952

 
(2,816
)
Management retirement plan
 
(7,053
)
 
(12,884
)
 
51,224

Release of uncertain tax position reserve
 
—

 
—

 
(1,010,000
)
Other, net
 
(23,872
)
 
(39,715
)
 
182,809

Income tax expense
 
$
2,742,213

 
$
2,868,500

 
$
639,050

The effective tax rate for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was 31.53%, 31.44%, and 11.38%, respectively.
In assessing the reliability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies by jurisdiction and entity in making this assessment.
Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the temporary differences resulting in the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will realize the benefit of these deductible differences at September 30, 2014.
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 are presented below:

98

 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
3,296,142

 
$
3,184,149

Deferred compensation
 
1,688,178

 
1,463,689

Stock compensation expense
 
892,415

 
818,224

Real estate acquired through foreclosure
 
121,146

 
43,135

State credits
 
269,441

 
31,188

Investment securities market adjustment for tax reporting
 
45,608

 
72,495

FDIC transactions
 
2,022,495

 
5,367,806

Other-than-temporary impairment
 
1,195,528

 
1,195,029

Net unrealized holding losses on securities available for sale
 
388,494

 
947,669

Other
 
1,526,235

 
1,410,693

Total gross deferred tax assets
 
11,445,682

 
14,534,077

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Deferred loans cost, net
 
714,079

 
576,084

Depreciation
 
2,339,530

 
2,448,577

Net unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale
 
—

 
—

Other
 
161,071

 
158,671

Total gross deferred tax liabilities
 
3,214,680

 
3,183,332

 
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax assets
 
$
8,231,002

 
$
11,350,745

The Company adopted the accounting standard relating to accounting for uncertainty in income taxes during 2009. The Company classifies interest and penalties related to income tax assessments, if any, in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. An audit by the Internal Revenue Service of First Charter, MHC, Charter Federal and CharterBank’s federal income taxes for 2009 to 2011 was completed in fiscal 2013. Tax years 2012 and 2013 are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. Tax years 2011 through 2013 are subject to examination by state taxing authorities in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. The Company had no material uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2014 and 2013.
There was no unrecognized tax benefit as of September 30, 2014, 2013 or 2012. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is as follows:
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Balance at beginning of the year
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,010,000

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 
—

 
—

 
—

Increase (decrease) based on tax positions related to prior years
 
—

 
—

 
—

Reductions as a result of statutes of limitations expiring
 
—

 
—

 
(1,010,000
)
Balance at end of the year
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—



99

Note 13: Employee Benefits
The Company has a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the Plan) which covers substantially all of its employees. The Company has no match of employee contributions to the Plan.
The Company has a short-term incentive plan which covers substantially all employees. For the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company expensed $1,793,522, $1,505,329, and $1,860,695, respectively, related to the incentive plans which is recorded in salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company has a 2002 stock option plan which allows for stock option awards of the Company’s common stock to eligible directors and key employees of the Company. The option price is determined by a committee of the board of directors at the time of the grant and may not be less than 100% of the market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. For options granted under the 2002 stock option plan, when granted, the options vest over periods up to 4 or 5 years from grant date or upon death, disability, or qualified retirement. All options must be exercised within a 10-year period from grant date. The Company may grant either incentive stock options, which qualify for special federal income tax treatment, or nonqualified stock options, which do not receive such tax treatment. The Company’s stockholders have authorized 882,876 shares for the plan of which 72,154 have been issued or retired upon the exercise of the option granted under the plan, 656,059 are granted and outstanding and no shares were available to be granted at September 30, 2014 within this plan. All share and share amounts related to employee benefits have been updated to reflect the completion of the second-step conversion on April 8, 2013 at a conversion ratio of 1.2471.
In addition to the plan above, on December 19, 2013, the Company's stockholders approved the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan which allows for stock option awards of the Company’s common stock to eligible directors and key employees of the Company. The option price is determined by a committee of the board of directors at the time of the grant and may not be less than 100% of the market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. When granted, the options vest over periods no less than 5 years from grant date or upon death or disability. All options must be exercised within a 10-year period from grant date. The Company may grant either incentive stock options, which qualify for special federal income tax treatment, or nonqualified stock options, which do not receive such tax treatment. The Company’s stockholders have authorized 1,428,943 shares for the plan of which 971,680 were granted and outstanding during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, with the remaining 457,263 shares available to be granted at September 30, 2014.
The fair value of the 971,680 options granted during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton model with the following assumptions:
 
 
971,680 Options
 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.71
%
Dividend yield
 
1.85
%
Expected life at date of grant (months)
 
66 months

Volatility
 
20.75
%
Weighted average grant-date fair value
 
$
1.86


100

The following table summarizes activity for shares under option and weighted average exercise price per share:
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted average exercise price/share
 
Weighted average remaining life (years)
Options outstanding – September 30, 2011
 
704,955

 
$
8.63

 
8

Options exercised
 
—

 
—

 
—

Options forfeited
 
(28,996
)
 
12.12

 
7

Options granted in 2012
 
21,201

 
7.44

 
9

Options outstanding – September 30, 2012
 
697,160

 
8.45

 
8

Options exercisable at end of year – September 30, 2012
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options outstanding – September 30, 2012
 
697,160

 
$
8.45

 
8

Options exercised
 
—

 
—

 
—

Options forfeited
 
(37,101
)
 
8.55

 
6

Options granted in 2013
 
—

 
—

 
—

Options outstanding – September 30, 2013
 
660,059

 
8.44

 
6

Options exercisable at end of year – September 30, 2013
 
1,995

 
$
8.18

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options outstanding – September 30, 2013
 
660,059

 
$
8.44

 
6

Options exercised
 
(659
)
 
8.82

 
5

Options forfeited
 
(3,341
)
 
8.82

 
5

Options granted in 2014
 
971,680

 
10.89

 
9

Options outstanding – September 30, 2014
 
1,627,739

 
9.90

 
8

Options exercisable at end of year – September 30, 2014
 
395,540

 
$
8.82

 
4

The stock price at September 30, 2014 was higher than the exercise prices of all options outstanding and exercisable. Total options outstanding at September 30, 2014 had an intrinsic value of $1,481,256 with the stock price higher than all options except for the 971,680 shares granted in this fiscal year. The total intrinsic value of the 395,540 shares exercisable at September 30, 2014 was $744,713.
For the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, 393,545, 1,995, and 0 stock options vested, respectively.
For the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 stock option expense of $291,512, $69,581, and $93,877, respectively, was recorded. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $1.9 million of unrecognized stock option expense which will be recognized over the next four years.
The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding at September 30, 2014:
 
Number of options outstanding at September 30, 2014
 
 
 
Remaining contractual life in years
 
 
 
Exercise price per share
 
 
 
393,545

 
 
 
 
4
 
 
 
$
8.82

 
 
 
174,594

 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
$
8.18

 
 
 
66,720

 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
$
7.22

 
 
 
16,212

 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
$
7.34

 
 
 
4,988

 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
$
7.79

 
 
 
971,680

 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
$
10.89

 
 
 
1,627,739

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In June 2012 the Company adopted a supplemental retirement plan for three executives. The benefit restoration plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan that were previously in place have been frozen. The plan targets 50%, 30% and 10% of salary as a retirement benefit at normal retirement age as a combined payout from all three plans. The Benefit Restoration Plan and prior

101

Supplemental Retirement Plan provided benefits for 15 years. The new Supplemental Retirement Plan provides benefits for life but at the same level of payment as for the first 15 years. It does not increase to restore the benefit to the targeted level when the benefits under the other plans cease. In the stock conversion and reorganization completed on April 8, 2013, the Company assumed the liability of a supplemental retirement plan, which was previously held at the mutual holding company above Charter Financial Corporation, for the former Chairman of the Board with a balance of $958,576 at September 30, 2014. The combined accrued liability for the four plans at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was $2,606,816 and $2,685,992, respectively. The expense for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $214,873, $178,031, and $123,288, respectively.
The Company has a Charter Financial Corporation 2001 Recognition and Retention Plan and has granted 14,965 shares of restricted stock to key employees and directors, of which 5,610 shares vested during the year ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, 9,355 shares remain in the trust and have not yet vested.
In addition to the above, the Company implemented the Charter Financial Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan as described above, which has 571,577 shares authorized, and during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 the Company granted 360,092 shares of restricted stock to key employees and directors. The remaining 211,485 shares are available to be granted at September 30, 2014.
 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Shares granted
 
360,092

 
—

 
—

Fair value per share at grant date
 
$
10.89

 
$
—

 
$
—

Aggregate value at grant date
 
$
3,921,402

 
$
—

 
$
—

Vesting for current year grants (months)
 
60

 
—

 
—

Expensed for year
 
$
701,469

 
$
59,470

 
$
108,845

 
 
Shares
 
Weighted average grant date fair 
value per award
Fiscal 2012 activity
 

 
 
Unvested restricted stock awards – September 30, 2011
 
43,752

 
$
16.71

Granted
 
—

 
—

Vested
 
13,958

 
25.78

Cancelled or expired
 
—

 
—

Unvested restricted stock awards – September 30, 2012
 
29,794

 
$
12.45

Fiscal 2013 activity
 
 
 
 
Granted
 
—

 
$
—

Vested
 
14,829

 
16.77

Cancelled or expired
 
—

 
—

Unvested restricted stock awards – September 30, 2013
 
14,965

 
$
8.18

Fiscal 2014 activity
 
 
 
 
Granted
 
360,092

 
$
10.89

Vested
 
5,610

 
8.18

Cancelled or expired
 
—

 
—

Unvested restricted stock awards – September 30, 2014
 
369,447

 
$
10.82

Grants between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2013 will be expensed to the earlier of scheduled vesting or substantive vesting which is when the recipient becomes qualified for retirement at age 65. Grants subsequent to December 1, 2013 will be expensed to the scheduled vesting.
The Company has implemented the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which covers substantially all of its employees. During the initial stock offering of the Company, the ESOP trust borrowed $3,171,580 from the Company to purchase 317,158 shares for allocation under the ESOP. In the incremental stock offering in fiscal 2010 the ESOP purchased an additional 300,000 shares using an additional loan from the Company in the amount of $2,334,000. The ESOP loan amount at April 8, 2013, before the stock conversion was $2,857,780. The conversion proceeds included an allocation to the ESOP Plan that brought the loan amount to $6,480,949 after the stock conversion. The loan to the ESOP is reflected as unearned compensation in stockholders’

102

equity. As the Company receives principal payments on the loan, shares are released for allocation to participants in the ESOP and unearned compensation is reduced. Shares are freed for allocation to participants in the ESOP based on the principal and interest allocation method. Vesting in the shares of the ESOP occurs after three years of service. Participants in the ESOP may receive a distribution equal to the value of their account upon retirement, death, disability, termination of employment, or termination of the ESOP. The Company records compensation expense associated with the ESOP based on the average market price of the total shares committed to be released during the year as well as the dividends declared on the unallocated shares. The Company expensed $537,675, $495,905, and $311,866, related to the ESOP during the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, which is included in salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income. The Company allocated 50,000 shares and 21,006 shares, to participants in the plan during the years ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and estimate releasing approximately 50,000 shares for the year ending September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, there were 729,190 unallocated shares with a market value of $7,802,333 in the ESOP.
 
Note 14: Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company is a party to 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 and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the financial statements. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.
Standby letters of credit are commitments guaranteeing performance of a customer to a third party. In order to minimize its exposure, the Company's formalized credit practices govern the issuance of standby letters of credit.
The Company’s exposure to credit loss, in the event of nonperformance by the customer for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for recorded loans.
The Company sells loans on a best efforts basis and had loans as reported in the statement of condition as loans held for sale in the process of being sold.
Commitments to sell fixed rate loans are contracted on a best efforts basis and the value of the funded commitments approximates the commitment to sell the loans.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies, but consists primarily of real estate.
A summary of the Company’s financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk at September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
141,941,564

 
$
82,671,075

Standby letters of credit
 
1,227,553

 
1,180,859

Total
 
$
143,169,117

 
$
83,851,934

The carrying amount of commitments to extend credit approximates fair value. The carrying amount of the off-balance sheet financial instruments is based on fees charged to enter into such agreements.
Future minimum lease commitments under all noncancellable operating leases with terms of one year or more are as follows:

103

 
September 30,
 
2014
2015
$
691,898

2016
728,415

2017
130,080

2018
107,195

2019
37,200

Thereafter
—

 
$
1,694,788

Rent expense for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $734,940, $706,616 and $1,039,369, respectively, which were included in occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of income.
The Company and subsidiary have been named as defendants in various legal actions arising from their normal business activities in which damages in various amounts are claimed. Although the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to such matters cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, any such liability will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 15: Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurement
Accounting standards define fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accounting standards also establish a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The applicable standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date. Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The Company evaluates fair value measurement inputs on an ongoing basis in order to determine if there is a change of sufficient significance to warrant a transfer between levels. For example, changes in market activity or the addition of new unobservable inputs could, in the Company’s judgment, cause a transfer to either a higher or lower level. For the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, there were no transfers between levels.
At September 30, 2014, the Company held, as part of its investment portfolio, available for sale securities reported at fair value consisting of municipal securities, U.S government sponsored entities, mortgage-backed securities, and collateralized mortgage obligations. The fair value of the majority of these securities is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including matrix pricing and broker-quote based applications. Inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, prepayment speeds and other relevant items. These are inputs used by a third-party pricing service used by the Company. All of the Company’s available for sale securities fall into Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. To validate the appropriateness of the valuations provided by the third party, the Company regularly updates its understanding of the inputs used and compares valuations to an additional third party source.
Previously, the Company has used interest-rate swaps to provide long-term fixed rate funding to its customers. The majority of these derivatives were exchange-traded or traded within highly active dealer markets. In order to determine the fair value of these instruments, the Company utilized the exchange price or dealer market price for the particular derivative contract. Therefore, these derivative contracts were classified as Level 2. The Company utilized an independent third party valuation company to validate the dealer prices. In cases where significant credit valuation adjustments were incorporated into the estimation of fair value, reported amounts were considered as Level 3 inputs. The Company also utilized this approach to estimate its own credit risk on derivative liability positions. To date, the Company has not realized any losses due to a counterparty’s inability to pay any net uncollateralized position. As of September 30, 2013, the Company exited its interest rate swap contracts (see Note 6 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional detail).
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – The carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

104

INVESTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND FHLB STOCK – The fair value of investments and mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations available for sale is estimated based on bid quotations received from securities dealers. The FHLB stock is considered a restricted stock and is carried at cost which approximates its fair value.
LOANS RECEIVABLE – Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type. The fair value of performing loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the Company’s historical experience with repayments for each loan classification, modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of the current economic and lending conditions.
Fair value for significant nonperforming loans is based on recent external appraisals. If appraisals are not available, estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk associated with the estimated cash flows. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows, and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market information and specific borrower information. In prior periods, including at September 30, 2013, the Company affected estimated fair value by a liquidation discount of 5.5%. Due to the continued stabilization of the whole loan market, this liquidation discount was discontinued during the year ended September 30, 2014.
LOANS HELD FOR SALE – Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value. The fair values of loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors within the secondary market for loans with similar characteristics.
CASH SURRENDER VALUE OF LIFE INSURANCE – The Company’s cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance approximates its fair value.
FDIC RECEIVABLE FOR LOSS SHARING AGREEMENTS – Fair value is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using current discount rates, for instruments with similar risk and cash flow volatility.
ASSETS HELD FOR SALE – The fair value of assets held for sale by the Company is generally based on the most recent appraisals of the asset or other market information as it becomes available to management.
DEPOSITS – The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW accounts, and money market and checking accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.
BORROWINGS – The fair value of the Company’s Federal Home Loan Bank advances is estimated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximates the carrying amount because of the short maturity of these borrowings. The discount rate is estimated using rates quoted for the same or similar issues or the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES – The Company has used interest-rate swaps to provide long-term fixed rate funding to its customers. The majority of these derivatives were exchange-traded or traded within highly active dealer markets. In order to determine the fair value of these instruments, the Company utilized the exchange price or dealer market price for the particular derivative contract. Therefore, these derivative contracts were classified as Level 2. The Company utilized an independent third party valuation company to validate the dealer prices. In cases where significant credit valuation adjustments were incorporated into the estimation of fair value, reported amounts were classified as Level 3.
ACCRUED INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS RECEIVABLE AND PAYABLE – The carrying amount of accrued interest and dividends receivable on loans and investments and payable on borrowings and deposits approximate their fair values.
COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT AND STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT – The value of these unrecognized financial instruments is estimated based on the fee income associated with the commitments which, in the absence of credit exposure, is considered to approximate their settlement value. Since no significant credit exposure existed, and because such fee income is not material to the Company’s financial statements at September 30, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of these commitments is not presented.
Many of the Company’s assets and liabilities are short-term financial instruments whose carrying amounts reported in the Statement of Condition approximate fair value. These items include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, federal funds sold, other short-term borrowings and accrued interest receivable and payable balances. The estimated fair value of the Company’s remaining on-balance sheet financial instruments as of September 30, 2014 and 2013 are summarized below.

105

 
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Total Estimated Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
99,462,953

 
$
99,462,953

 
$
99,462,953

 
$
—

 
$
—

Investments available for sale
188,743,273

 
188,743,273

 
—

 
188,743,273

 
—

FHLB stock
3,442,900

 
3,442,900

 
—

 
3,442,900

 
—

Loans receivable, net
606,366,713

 
607,754,670

 
—

 
—

 
607,754,670

Loans held for sale
2,054,722

 
2,090,469

 
—

 
2,090,469

 
—

Cash surrender value of life insurance
47,178,128

 
47,178,128

 
—

 
47,178,128

 
—

FDIC receivable for loss sharing arrangements
10,531,809

 
7,658,896

 
—

 
—

 
7,658,896

Assets held for sale
1,744,584

 
1,744,584

 
—

 
—

 
1,744,584

Accrued interest and dividends receivable
2,459,347

 
2,459,347

 
—

 
538,043

 
1,921,304

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
717,192,200

 
$
718,935,248

 
$
—

 
$
718,935,248

 
$
—

FHLB advances
55,000,000

 
59,391,540

 
—

 
59,391,540

 
—

Accrued interest payable
182,198

 
182,198

 
—

 
182,198

 
—

 
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Total Estimated Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
161,452,481

 
$
161,452,481

 
$
161,452,481

 
$
—

 
$
—

Investments available for sale
215,118,407

 
215,118,407

 
—

 
215,118,407

 
—

FHLB stock
3,940,300

 
3,940,300

 
—

 
3,940,300

 
—

Loans receivable, net
579,854,293

 
549,751,987

 
—

 
—

 
549,751,987

Loans held for sale
1,857,393

 
1,883,244

 
—

 
1,883,244

 
—

Cash surrender value of life insurance
39,825,881

 
39,825,881

 
—

 
39,825,881

 
—

FDIC receivable for loss sharing arrangements
29,941,862

 
29,369,037

 
—

 
—

 
29,369,037

Assets held for sale
1,744,584

 
1,744,584

 
—

 
—

 
1,744,584

Accrued interest and dividends receivable
2,728,902

 
2,728,902

 
—

 
642,244

 
2,086,658

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
751,296,668

 
$
724,702,400

 
$
—

 
$
724,702,400

 
$
—

FHLB advances
60,000,000

 
66,297,123

 
—

 
66,297,123

 
—

Accrued interest payable
200,173

 
200,173

 
—

 
200,173

 
—

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time

106

the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance-sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include deferred tax liabilities and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.
The Company also holds assets available for sale reported at fair value consisting of three former branches, a parcel of land adjacent to a current branch and a parcel of land initially acquired as a proposed branch site that are included in other assets. The fair value of these assets is determined using current appraisals adjusted at management's discretion to reflect any decline in the fair value of the properties since the time the appraisal was performed. Appraisal values are reviewed and monitored internally and fair value is reassessed at least quarterly or more frequently when circumstances occur that indicate a change in fair value. All of the Company's assets held for sale fall into level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis:
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below.
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Estimated fair value
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1 inputs)
 
Quoted prices for similar assets
(Level 2 inputs)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3 inputs)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax free municipals
 
$
13,457,203

 
$
—

 
$
13,457,203

 
$
—

Mortgage–backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC certificates
 
44,025,928

 
—

 
44,025,928

 
—

FNMA certificates
 
118,278,377

 
—

 
118,278,377

 
—

GNMA certificates
 
1,697,844

 
—

 
1,697,844

 
—

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC
 
53,496

 
—

 
53,496

 
—

FNMA
 
80,156

 
—

 
80,156

 
—

Private-label mortgage securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
1,446,858

 
—

 
1,446,858

 
—

Split rating (1)
 
1,094,107

 
—

 
1,094,107

 
—

Non-investment grade
 
8,609,304

 
—

 
8,609,304

 
—

Total investment securities available for sale
 
188,743,273

 
—

 
188,743,273

 
—

Assets held for sale
 
1,744,584

 
—

 
—

 
1,744,584

Total recurring assets at fair value
 
$
190,487,857

 
$
—

 
$
188,743,273

 
$
1,744,584

__________________________________
(1)
Bonds with split ratings represent securities with both investment and non-investment grades.


107

 
 
September 30, 2013
 
 
Estimated fair value
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
(Level 1 inputs)
 
Quoted prices for similar assets
(Level 2 inputs)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3 inputs)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax free municipals
 
$
14,913,592

 
$
—

 
$
14,913,592

 
$
—

U.S. government sponsored entities
 
5,030,043

 
—

 
5,030,043

 
—

Mortgage–backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC certificates
 
53,165,417

 
—

 
53,165,417

 
—

FNMA certificates
 
116,301,309

 
—

 
116,301,309

 
—

GNMA certificates
 
1,845,617

 
—

 
1,845,617

 
—

Collateralized mortgage-backed securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FNMA
 
7,256,485

 
—

 
7,256,485

 
—

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLMC
 
407,854

 
—

 
407,854

 
—

FNMA
 
2,274,370

 
—

 
2,274,370

 
—

Private-label mortgage securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment grade
 
1,949,995

 
—

 
1,949,995

 
—

Split rating (1)
 
1,238,508

 
—

 
1,238,508

 
—

Non-investment grade
 
10,735,217

 
—

 
10,735,217

 
—

Total investment securities available for sale
 
215,118,407

 
—

 
215,118,407

 
—

Assets held for sale
 
1,744,584

 
—

 
—

 
1,744,584

Total recurring assets at fair value
 
$
216,862,991

 
$
—

 
$
215,118,407

 
$
1,744,584

__________________________________
(1)
Bonds with split ratings represent securities with both investment and non-investment grades.
When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement. However, since Level 3 financial instruments typically include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 components, observable components (that is, components that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources), the losses below include changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of Level 3 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Fair value, beginning balance
$
1,744,584

 
$
1,054,280

Valuation loss recognized in noninterest expense
—

 
(467,841
)
Transfers in and/or out of level 3
—

 
1,158,145

Fair value, ending balance
$
1,744,584

 
$
1,744,584


108

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below.
 
Fair value measurements using:
 
 
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
 
Quoted prices for similar assets
 
Significant unobservable inputs
 
Fair value
 
(Level 1 inputs)
 
(Level 2 inputs)
 
(Level 3 inputs)
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not covered under loss share
$
3,174,410

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
3,174,410

Other real estate owned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not covered under loss share
1,757,864

 
—

 
—

 
1,757,864

Covered under loss share
5,557,927

 
—

 
—

 
5,557,927

September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not covered under loss share
$
3,338,298

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
3,338,298

Other real estate owned:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not covered under loss share
1,615,036

 
—

 
—

 
1,615,036

Covered under loss share
14,068,846

 
—

 
—

 
14,068,846

Loans considered impaired are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustments to reflect write-downs that are based on the market price or current appraised value of the collateral, adjusted to reflect local market conditions or other economic factors. After evaluating the underlying collateral, the fair value of the impaired loans is determined by allocating specific reserves from the allowance for loan and lease losses to the loans. Thus, the fair value reflects the loan balance as adjusted by partial chargedowns less the specifically allocated reserve. Certain collateral-dependent impaired loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral. Impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is typically derived from appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets and similar locations. Each appraisal is updated on an annual basis, either through a new appraisal or through the Company’s comprehensive internal review process. Appraised values are reviewed and monitored internally and fair value is re-assessed at least quarterly or more frequently when circumstances occur that indicate a change in fair value. The fair value of impaired loans that are not collateral dependent is measured using a discounted cash flow analysis considered to be a Level 3 input.
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) is initially accounted for at fair value, less estimated costs to dispose of the property. Any excess of the recorded investment over fair value, less costs to dispose, is charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses at the time of foreclosure. A provision is charged to earnings for subsequent losses on other real estate owned when market conditions indicate such losses have occurred. The ability of the Company to recover the carrying value of other real estate owned is based upon future sales of the real estate. The ability to effect such sales is subject to market conditions and other factors beyond our control, and future declines in the value of the real estate would result in a charge to earnings.
The recognition of sales and sales gains is dependent upon whether the nature and terms of the sales, including possible future involvement of the Company, if any, meet certain defined requirements. If those requirements are not met, sale and gain recognition is deferred. OREO represents real property taken by the Company either through foreclosure or through a deed in lieu thereof from the borrower. The fair value of OREO is based on property appraisals adjusted at management’s discretion to reflect a further decline in the fair value of properties since the time the appraisal analysis was performed. It has been the Company’s experience that appraisals may become outdated due to the volatile real-estate environment. Appraised values are reviewed and monitored internally and fair value is re-assessed at least quarterly or more frequently when circumstances occur that indicate a change in fair value. Therefore, the inputs used to determine the fair value of OREO and repossessed assets fall within Level 3. The Company may include within OREO other repossessed assets received as partial satisfaction of a loan. These assets are not material and do not typically have readily determinable market values and are considered Level 3 inputs.
The following table provides information describing the valuation processes used to determine recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

109

 
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
General Range (Discount)
 
Average Discount
Impaired Loans
$
3,174,410

 
Property appraisals
 
Management discount for property type and recent market volatility
 
16%
 
—
 
41%
 
28%
OREO
$
7,315,791

 
Property appraisals
 
Management discount for property type and recent market volatility
 
29%
 
—
 
38%
 
36%
Assets Held for Sale
$
1,744,584

 
Valuation analysis
 
Management discount for property type and recent market volatility
 
—%
 
—
 
50%
 
34%
Accounting standards require disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the Statement of Condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Also, the fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to Management as of September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Note 16: Regulatory Matters
The Bank is required to maintain noninterest-bearing cash reserve balances. The aggregate average cash reserve balances maintained at September 30, 2014 and 2013 to satisfy the regulatory requirement were $2.5 million and $10.5 million, respectively.
Under OCC regulations, the Bank is required to measure its interest rate risk and maintain the interest rate risk within limits the Bank establishes. Based on its asset/liability structure at September 30, 2014, the Bank’s earnings may be negatively impacted if interest rates increase significantly.
The Bank is required to meet certain core, tangible, and risk-based regulatory capital ratios. The regulations require institutions to have a minimum regulatory tangible capital ratio equal to 1.5% of total assets, a minimum 3% core capital ratio, and 8% risk-based capital ratio.
The prompt corrective action regulations define specific capital categories based on an institution’s capital ratios. The capital categories, in declining order, are “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized.” Institutions categorized as “undercapitalized” or worse are subject to certain restrictions, including the requirement to file a capital plan with its primary federal regulator, prohibitions on the payment of dividends and management fees, restrictions on executive compensation, and increased supervisory monitoring, among other things. Other restrictions may be imposed on the institution either by its primary federal regulator or by the FDIC, including requirements to raise additional capital, sell assets, or sell the entire institution. Once an institution becomes “critically undercapitalized,” it must generally be placed in receivership or conservatorship within 90 days.
To be considered “adequately capitalized,” an institution must generally have a leverage ratio of at least 4%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 4%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%. An institution is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a tangible equity ratio of 2% or less.
As of September 30, 2014, the most recent notification from the OCC categorized CharterBank as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well-capitalized, CharterBank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and core/leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. Management is not aware of the existence of any conditions or events occurring subsequent to September 30, 2014 which would affect CharterBank’s well-capitalized classification.

110

The table of regulatory compliance with minimum capital requirements for CharterBank is presented below at September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
Actual
 
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
186,154

 
27.9
%
 
$
53,368

 
8.0
%
 
$
66,710

 
10.0
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
177,801

 
26.7

 
26,684

 
4.0

 
40,026

 
6.0

Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
177,801

 
17.7

 
40,255

 
4.0

 
50,318

 
5.0

September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
$
209,930

 
33.8
%
 
$
49,648

 
8.0
%
 
$
62,060

 
10.0
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
202,119

 
32.6

 
24,824

 
4.0

 
37,236

 
6.0

Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)
202,119

 
18.6

 
43,572

 
4.0

 
54,465

 
5.0

The OCC imposes various restrictions or requirements on CharterBank’s ability to make capital distributions, including cash dividends. A savings bank that is the subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company must file a notice with the OCC at least 30 days before making a capital distribution. CharterBank must file an application for prior approval if the total amount of its capital distributions, including the proposed distribution, for the applicable calendar year would exceed an amount equal to CharterBank’s net income for that year plus CharterBank’s retained net income for the previous two years. The OCC may disapprove a notice or application if: (a) CharterBank would be undercapitalized following the distribution; (b) the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or (c) the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation, or agreement.
Prior to the Company's completion of its conversion and reorganization on April 8, 2013, the Company’s ability to pay dividends and the amount of such dividends was affected by the election of First Charter, MHC, the Company’s mutual holding company, to waive the receipt of dividends declared by Charter Federal. First Charter, MHC had historically waived its right to receive most dividends on its shares of Charter Federal common stock, which meant that Charter Federal had more cash resources to pay dividends to its public stockholders than if First Charter, MHC had accepted such dividends. First Charter, MHC received a waiver in early 2011 from the Office of Thrift Supervision that provided permission to First Charter, MHC to waive dividends in calendar 2011 including the dividend that was paid on December 29, 2011. First Charter, MHC also received a waiver in 2012 from the Federal Reserve that provided permission to First Charter, MHC to waive dividends that were paid on May 25, 2012. First Charter, MHC waived dividends of $422,896, during the year ended September 30, 2012.
The OCC has guidelines that limit the Bank’s investment in BOLI to 25% of the Bank’s regulatory capital. The Bank subsidiary had 25.3% of its regulatory capital invested in BOLI at September 30, 2014. Although the Company slightly exceeded the recommended limit of regulatory capital invested in BOLI, no undue concentration of risk was assumed during the period.

Note 17: Related Parties
During the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013, and 2012 the Company paid approximately $33,517, $37,820 and $148,449, respectively, in insurance premiums to a broker in which a board member is one of the principals of the company.
See Note 5 - Loans Receivable and Note 10 - Deposits for disclosures of loan and deposit relationships of related parties. Management believes transactions entered into with related parties are in the ordinary course of business and on terms similar to transactions with unaffiliated parties.


111

Note 18: Condensed Financial Statements of Charter Financial Corporation (Parent Only)
The following represents Parent Company only condensed financial information of Charter Financial Corporation:
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Assets
Cash
 
$
42,228,157

 
$
65,763,818

Investment in subsidiary
 
181,795,594

 
204,604,151

Deferred tax asset
 
1,936,887

 
5,495,885

Other assets
 
759,355

 
22,319

Total assets
 
$
226,719,993

 
$
275,886,173

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses
 
$
1,765,124

 
$
2,108,337

Total liabilities
 
1,765,124

 
2,108,337

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 18,261,388 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2014 and 22,752,214 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013
 
182,614

 
227,522

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013
 
—

 
—

Additional paid-in capital
 
119,586,164

 
171,729,570

Unearned compensation – ESOP
 
(5,984,317
)
 
(6,480,949
)
Retained earnings
 
111,924,543

 
110,141,286

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(754,135
)
 
(1,839,593
)
Total stockholders’ equity
 
224,954,869

 
273,777,836

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
226,719,993

 
$
275,886,173


 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
122,690

 
$
91,260

 
$
13,976

Loss on other investment
 
—

 
—

 
—

Other income
 
1

 
—

 
—

Total operating income
 
122,691

 
91,260

 
13,976

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
 
1,361,254

 
443,064

 
312,915

Occupancy
 
23,361

 
33,048

 
38,648

Legal and professional
 
324,469

 
279,268

 
375,298

Marketing
 
236,551

 
112,146

 
98,597

Other
 
283,704

 
210,318

 
173,305

Total operating expenses
 
2,229,339

 
1,077,844

 
998,763

Loss before income taxes
 
(2,106,648
)
 
(986,584
)
 
(984,787
)
Income tax benefit
 
(705,795
)
 
(335,867
)
 
(333,631
)
Loss before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary
 
(1,400,853
)
 
(650,717
)
 
(651,156
)
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary
 
7,355,986

 
6,907,134

 
5,629,848

Net income
 
$
5,955,133

 
$
6,256,417

 
$
4,978,692


112

 
 
Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
5,955,133

 
$
6,256,417

 
$
4,978,692

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
 
3,558,998

 
(919,375
)
 
(1,198,631
)
Restricted stock award expense
 
701,468

 
59,470

 
108,845

Stock based compensation expense
 
291,512

 
69,581

 
93,876

Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary
 
(7,355,986
)
 
(6,907,134
)
 
(5,629,848
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
 
(737,035
)
 
11,144

 
107,958

Increase in accrued expenses
 
213,636

 
1,673,657

 
294,062

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
2,627,726

 
243,760

 
(1,245,046
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital distribution (infusion) with Bank subsidiary
 
31,250,000

 
(69,000,000
)
 
6,000,000

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
31,250,000

 
(69,000,000
)
 
6,000,000

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase of treasury stock awards
 
(53,238,798
)
 
(1,163,515
)
 
(3,588,013
)
Dividends on restricted stock awards
 
36,009

 
25

 
(80
)
First Charter elimination
 
—

 
229,564

 
—

Stock issuance
 
—

 
135,378,486

 
—

Dividends paid
 
(4,210,598
)
 
(7,690,558
)
 
(1,368,870
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
 
(57,413,387
)
 
126,754,002

 
(4,956,963
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash
 
(23,535,661
)
 
57,997,762

 
(202,009
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
65,763,818

 
7,766,056

 
7,968,065

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
42,228,157

 
$
65,763,818

 
$
7,766,056

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
 
$
—

 
$
105,110

 
$
5,000

Issuance of ESOP common stock
 
592,857

 
160,596

 
158,269

Effect of restricted stock awards
 
662,747

 
53,042

 
659,633

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale, net
 
1,085,458

 
(2,042,973
)
 
2,174,838


Note 19: Common Stock Offering
Plan of conversion and reorganization. On April 8, 2013, Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, completed its conversion and reorganization pursuant to which First Charter, MHC was converted to the stock holding company form of organization. Charter Financial sold 14,289,429 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share, for gross offering proceeds of $142.9 million in its stock offering. The Bank, as of April 8, 2013, was 100% owned by Charter Financial and Charter Financial was 100% owned by public stockholders. Concurrent with the completion of the offering, shares of common stock of Charter Federal were converted into the right to receive 1.2471 shares of Charter Financial’s common stock for each share of Charter Federal common stock that was owned immediately prior to completion of the transaction. Cash in lieu of fractional shares was paid based on the offering price of $10.00 per share. As a result of the offering and the exchange on April 8, 2013, Charter Financial had 22,752,214 shares outstanding. Also, as of April 8, 2013, Charter Federal and First Charter, MHC ceased to exist. As part of the elimination, the net asset position of First Charter, MHC, in the amount of $229,564, was assumed by Charter Financial. Costs related to the offering were approximately $5.6 million and net proceeds of the offering were approximately $137.3 million.
In accordance with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regulations, at the time of the reorganization, the Company substantially restricted retained earnings by establishing a liquidation account. The liquidation account will be maintained for the benefit of eligible account holders who continue to maintain their accounts at the Bank after conversion. The Bank will establish a parallel liquidation account to support the Company's liquidation account in the event the Company does not have sufficient assets to fund its obligations under its liquidation account. The liquidation accounts will be reduced annually to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases will not restore an eligible account holder's interest in the liquidation accounts. In the event of a complete liquidation of the Bank or the Company, each account

113

holder will be entitled to receive a distribution in an amount proportionate to the adjusted qualifying account balances then held. The Bank may not pay dividends if those dividends would reduce equity capital below the required liquidation account amount.


114

ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Our President and Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and other members of our senior management team have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)), as of September 30, 2014. Based on such evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, were adequate and effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosures.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
The Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The internal control process has been designed under our supervision to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, utilizing the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014 is effective.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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. 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.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, has issued an attestation report on Management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, is included in this Report on Form 10-K.
Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15 that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.


115

PART III
 
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information relating to the directors and officers of Charter Financial, information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and information regarding the audit committee and audit committee financial expert is incorporated herein by reference to Charter Financial’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).
Charter Financial has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Ethics is posted on Charter Financial’s Internet Web site at www.charterbank.net.
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information regarding executive compensation, compensation committee interlocks and insider participation is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS
(a)Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.
(b)Security Ownership of Management
Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.
(c)Changes in Control
Management of Charter Financial knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person or securities of Charter Financial, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.
(d)Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information as of September 30, 2014 about Company common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options under the Charter Financial Corporation 2001 Stock Option Plan and the Charter Financial Corporation 2013 Equity Incentive Plan which were both approved by Charter Financial’s stockholders. 
Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon the 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 the first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
1,627,739

 
$
9.90

 
457,263

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 
—

 
—

 
—

Total
 
1,627,739

 
$
9.90

 
457,263


ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information relating to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.


116

ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information relating to the principal accounting fees and expenses is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

117

PART IV
 
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(1)
The financial statements required in response to this item are incorporated by reference from Item 8 of this report.
(2)
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
(3)
Exhibits
2.1
  
Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated as of June 26, 2009 among the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Neighborhood Community Bank, Newnan, Georgia, CharterBank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation acting in its corporate capacity (1)
 
 
2.2
  
Purchase and Assumption Agreement dated as of March 26, 2010 among the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of McIntosh Commercial Bank, Carrollton, Georgia, CharterBank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation acting in its corporate capacity (2)
 
 
2.3
  
Purchase and Assumption Agreement Whole Bank All Deposits, among the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, receiver of The First National Bank of Florida, Milton, Florida, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and CharterBank, dated as of September 9, 2011 (3)
 
 
3.1
  
Articles of Incorporation of Charter Financial Corporation (4)
 
 
3.2
  
Bylaws of Charter Financial Corporation (5)
 
 
4.1
  
Specimen Stock Certificate of Charter Financial Corporation (6)
 
 
10.1
  
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Charter Financial Corporation and Robert L. Johnson, dated December 5, 2014 (7)
 
 
10.2
  
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Charter Financial Corporation and certain officers and directors (8)
 
 
10.3
  
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement with Curtis R. Kollar, dated December 23, 2009 (9)
 
 
10.4
  
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement with William C. Gladden, dated December 23, 2009 (10)
 
 
10.5
  
Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement with Lee Washam, dated December 23, 2009 (11)
 
 
10.6
  
Salary Continuation Agreement with Robert L. Johnson, dated January 1, 2009 (12)
 
 
10.7
  
Amendment to Freeze Benefit Accruals under the Salary Continuation Plan with Robert L. Johnson, dated September 25, 2012 (13)
 
 
10.8
  
Salary Continuation Agreement with Curtis R. Kollar, dated January 1, 2009 (14)
 
 
10.9
  
Amendment to Freeze Benefit Accruals under the Salary Continuation Plan with Curtis R. Kollar, dated September 25, 2012 (15)
 
 
10.10
  
Salary Continuation Agreement with Lee Washam, dated January 1, 2009 (16)
 
 
10.11
  
Amendment to Freeze Benefit Accruals under the Salary Continuation Plan with Lee Washam, dated September 25, 2012 (17)
 
 
10.12
  
Amended and Restated Benefit Restoration Plan, dated December 23, 2005 (18)
 
 
10.13
  
Amendment to Amended and Restated Benefit Restoration Plan, dated January 27, 2009 (19)

118

 
 
10.14
  
2001 Stock Option Plan, dated April 24, 2002 (20)
 
 
10.15
  
2001 Recognition and Retention Plan, dated April 24, 2002 (21)
 
 
10.16
  
Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Plan, dated April 1, 2006, benefiting Robert L. Johnson, Curtis R. Kollar, Lee Washam and William C. Gladden (22)
 
 
10.17
  
Split Dollar Agreement with Robert L. Johnson, dated June 18, 2010 (23)
 
 
10.18
  
Amendment to Split Dollar Agreement with Robert L. Johnson, dated September 25, 2012 (24)
 
 
10.19
  
Split Dollar Agreement with Curtis R. Kollar, dated June 18, 2010 (25)
 
 
10.20
  
Amendment to Split Dollar Agreement with Curtis R. Kollar, dated September 25, 2012 (26)
 
 
10.21
  
Split Dollar Agreement with Lee Washam, dated June 18, 2010 (27)
 
 
 
10.22
  
Amendment to Split Dollar Agreement with Lee Washam, dated September 25, 2012 (28)
 
 
10.23
  
Endorsement Split-Dollar Agreement with David Z. Cauble, dated June 1, 2006 (29)
 
 
10.24
  
Endorsement Split-Dollar Agreement with Jane W. Darden, dated June 1, 2006 (30)
 
 
10.25
  
Endorsement Split-Dollar Agreement with Thomas M. Lane, dated June 1, 2006 (31)
 
 
10.26
  
Endorsement Split-Dollar Agreement with David L. Strobel, dated June 1, 2006 (32)
 
 
10.27
  
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement for Robert L. Johnson, dated September 25, 2012 (33)
 
 
10.28
  
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement for Curt Kollar, dated September 25, 2012 (34)
 
 
10.29
  
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement for Lee Washam, dated September 25, 2012 (35)
 
 
10.30
  
Projected Benefit Schedule for Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreements (36)
 
 
 
10.31
 
2013 Equity Incentive Plan, dated December 11, 2013 (37)
 
 
 
21.0
  
List of Subsidiaries (38)
 
 
23.0
  
Consent of Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
 
 
31.1
  
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
 
31.2
  
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
 
32.1
  
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101
  
The following financial statements of Charter Financial Corporation at September 30, 2014 and 2013 and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

119

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(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2011.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.0 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation (File No. 001-35870), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 11, 2014.
(8)
Filed herewith.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(15)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(16)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(17)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(18)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(19)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(20)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.

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(21)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(22)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 and 10.16 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(23)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(24)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2012.
(25)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(26)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2012.
(27)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.
(28)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2012.
(29)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(30)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(31)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(32)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-167634) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010.
(33)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2012.
(34)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2012.
(35)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2012.
(36)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Charter Financial Corporation, a Federal corporation (File No. 001-34889), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2012.
(37)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the proxy statement for the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation (file no. 001-35870) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2013.                                     
(38)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-185482) of Charter Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2012.



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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, on December 12, 2014. 
 
CHARTER FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Robert L. Johnson
 
 
 
Robert L. Johnson
 
 
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities with Charter Financial Corporation indicated on December 12, 2014.
 
/s/ Robert L. Johnson
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Robert L. Johnson
 
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Curtis R. Kollar
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Curtis R. Kollar
 
(principal accounting and financial officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David Z. Cauble, III
 
Director
 
David Z. Cauble, III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jane W. Darden
 
Director
 
Jane W. Darden
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Edward Smith
 
Director
 
Edward Smith
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Curti M. Johnson
 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Director
 
Curti M. Johnson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Thomas M. Lane
 
Director
 
Thomas M. Lane
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David L. Strobel
 
Director
 
David L. Strobel
 
 

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