UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

OR

☐ Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from                 to                .

Commission file number: 0-14549

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware	63-0843362
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3291 U.S. Highway 280 Birmingham, Alabama	35243
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(205) 582-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of Each Class	Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $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 ☒

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒

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

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

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

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

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter: $64,098,368.

As of March 15, 2018, the registrant had outstanding 6,087,264 shares of common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 25, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

First US Bancshares, Inc.

Annual Report on Form 10-K

for the fiscal year ended

December 31, 2017

Table of Contents

Part	Item	Caption	Page No.
Forward-Looking Statements			1
PART I
	1	Business	2
	1A	Risk Factors	8
	1B	Unresolved Staff Comments	13
	2	Properties	13
	3	Legal Proceedings	13
	4	Mine Safety Disclosures	13
PART II
	5	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	14
	6	Selected Financial Data	15
	7	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
	7A	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	37
	8	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	38
	9	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	85
	9A	Controls and Procedures	85
	9B	Other Information	85
PART III
	10	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance*	86
	11	Executive Compensation*	86
	12	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters*	86
	13	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence*	87
	14	Principal Accountant Fees and Services*	87
PART IV
	15	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	87
Signatures			91

* Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 25, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments. The words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe” and similar expressions are indicative of forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting management’s best judgment based on current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Such factors could include those identified from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and other public announcements, including the factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Specifically, with respect to statements relating to loan demand, growth and earnings potential, expansion and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses for the Company, these factors include, but are not limited to, the rate of growth (or lack thereof) in the economy generally and in our service areas, market conditions and investment returns, the availability of quality loans in our service areas, the relative strength and weakness in the consumer and commercial credit sectors and in the real estate markets, collateral values and cybersecurity threats. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to revise forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the dates on which the forward-looking statements are made, except as required by law.

In addition, our business is subject to a number of general and market risks that would affect any forward-looking statements, including the risks discussed under Item 1A herein entitled “Risk Factors.”

1

PART I

Item 1. Business.

First US Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Bancshares”), is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). Bancshares operates one banking subsidiary, First US Bank, an Alabama banking corporation (the “Bank”). Prior to its name change on October 11, 2016, Bancshares was known as United Security Bancshares, Inc.

The Bank conducts a general commercial banking business and offers banking services such as demand, savings, individual retirement account and time deposits, personal and commercial loans, safe deposit box services and remote deposit capture. The Bank operates and serves its customers through sixteen full-service banking offices located in Birmingham, Bucksville, Butler, Calera, Centreville, Columbiana, Gilbertown, Grove Hill, Harpersville, Jackson, Thomasville, Tuscaloosa and Woodstock, Alabama, as well as a loan production office in Mountain Brook, a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. In August 2017, the Bank opened its newly constructed office complex, known as Pump House Plaza, along U.S. Highway 280 in the Birmingham, Alabama metro area. In September 2017, the Bank relocated its headquarters to the Pump House Plaza location, which now houses a full-service retail office of the Bank and offices for the Bank’s commercial lending and executive leadership teams. The Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries: Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. (“ALC”) and FUSB Reinsurance, Inc. (“FUSB Reinsurance”). As used herein, unless the context suggests otherwise, references to the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Bancshares, as well as the Bank, ALC and FUSB Reinsurance, collectively.

ALC, an Alabama corporation, is a finance company with approximately 19,900 consumer and real estate loans outstanding. In addition to its headquarters located in Mobile, Alabama, ALC operates and serves its customers through twenty-one offices in Alabama and southeast Mississippi. ALC’s business is generated through referrals from retail businesses, banks and customer mailings. ALC serves customers with a broad range of consumer loan needs. ALC’s lending guidelines are based on an established company policy that is reviewed regularly by its Loan Committee. The lending guidelines include a consideration of collateral (age, type and loan-to-value) and loan term, as well as the borrower’s budget (debt-to-income ratio), employment and residence history, credit score, credit history and experience with ALC. ALC’s average loan size is approximately $4,770, with an average term of 24 to 36 months. ALC currently has total loans of approximately $95.0 million, which carry an average yield of 19.4%. Interest rates charged vary depending on a consideration of certain factors, such as credit score and collateral. Approximately 10.8% of ALC’s current loan portfolio is secured by real estate and single family residence loans, with the remaining portion of the portfolio secured by various other types of collateral, depending on the type of loan being secured. ALC suspended making new real estate loans in May 2012 as a result of weakness in the real estate market at that time.

FUSB Reinsurance underwrites credit life and credit accident and health insurance policies sold to the Bank’s and ALC’s consumer loan customers. FUSB Reinsurance is responsible for the first level of risk on these policies up to a specified maximum amount, and a primary third-party insurer retains the remaining risk. A third-party insurer and/or a third-party administrator are responsible for performing most of the administrative functions of FUSB Reinsurance on a contract basis.

Employees

Bancshares has no employees, other than the executive officers discussed in the information incorporated by reference in Part III, Item 10 of this report. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank had 159 full-time equivalent employees, and ALC had 90 full-time equivalent employees. FUSB Reinsurance has no employees. None of our employees are party to a collective bargaining agreement. Management believes that the Company’s employee relations are good.

Competition

We face strong competition in making loans, acquiring deposits and attracting customers for investment services. Competition among financial institutions is based on interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans, other credit and service charges relating to loans, the quality and scope of the services rendered, the convenience of banking facilities and, in the case of loans to commercial borrowers, relative lending limits. We compete with numerous other financial services providers, including commercial banks, online banks, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, investment banking companies, brokerage firms and other financial intermediaries operating in Alabama and elsewhere. Many of these competitors, some of which are affiliated with large bank holding companies, have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we do. In addition, many of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive federal regulations that govern bank holding companies and federally insured banks.

The financial services industry is likely to become more competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide financial services. These technological advances may diminish the importance of depository institutions and other financial intermediaries.

2

Supervision and Regulation

General

We are extensively regulated under both federal and state law. These laws restrict permissible activities and investments and require compliance with various consumer protection provisions applicable to lending, deposit, brokerage and fiduciary activities. They also impose capital adequacy requirements and condition Bancshares’ ability to repurchase stock or to receive dividends from the Bank. Bancshares is subject to comprehensive examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”), and the Bank and its subsidiaries are subject to comprehensive examination and supervision by the Alabama State Banking Department (the “ASBD”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). These regulatory agencies generally have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on our operations. This supervisory framework could materially impact the conduct and profitability of our activities.

To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of such provisions. Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the banking industry are frequently raised at both the state and federal level. The likelihood and timing of any changes in these laws and regulations, as well as the impact that such changes may have on us, are difficult to ascertain. A change in applicable laws and regulations, or in the manner in which such laws or regulations are interpreted by regulatory agencies or courts, may have a material effect on our business, operations and earnings.

Regulation of Bancshares

Bancshares is registered as a bank holding company and is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve. The BHCA requires a bank holding company to secure the approval of the Federal Reserve before it owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more than five percent (5%) of the voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any bank or thrift, or merges or consolidates with another bank or thrift holding company. Further, under the BHCA, the activities of a bank holding company and any nonbank subsidiary are limited to: (1) those activities that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto and (2) investments in companies not engaged in activities closely related to banking, subject to quantitative limitations on the value of such investments. Prior approval of the Federal Reserve may be required before engaging in certain activities. In making such determinations, the Federal Reserve is required to weigh the expected benefits to the public, such as greater convenience, increased competition and gains in efficiency, against the possible adverse effects, such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest and unsound banking practices.

There are a number of restrictions imposed on us by law and regulatory policy that are designed to minimize potential losses to the depositors of the Bank and the Deposit Insurance Fund maintained by the FDIC (as discussed in more detail below) if the Bank should become insolvent. For example, the Federal Reserve requires bank holding companies to serve as a source of financial strength to their subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances in which they might not otherwise do so. The Federal Reserve also has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or to relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary upon the Federal Reserve’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness and stability of any bank subsidiary of the bank holding company.

Any capital loan by Bancshares to the Bank is subordinate in right of payment to deposits and certain other indebtedness of the Bank. In addition, in the event of Bancshares’ bankruptcy, any commitment by Bancshares to a federal banking regulatory agency to maintain the capital of the Bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that, in the event of the “liquidation or other resolution” of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution (including the claims of the FDIC as a subrogee of insured depositors) and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution. If an insured depository institution fails, then insured and uninsured depositors, along with the FDIC, will have priority of payment over unsecured, non-deposit creditors, including the institution’s holding company, with respect to any extensions of credit that they have made to such insured depository institution.

Regulation of the Bank

The operations and investments of the Bank are limited by federal and state statutes and regulations. The Bank is subject to supervision and regulation by the ASBD and the FDIC and to various requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain reserves against deposits, restrictions on the types, amount and terms and conditions of loans that it may originate, and limits on the types of other activities in which the Bank may engage and the investments that it may make.

The Bank is subject to federal laws that limit the amount of transactions between the Bank and its nonbank affiliates, including Bancshares, but excluding operating subsidiaries, such as ALC. Under these provisions, transactions by the Bank with nonbank affiliates (such as loans or investments) are generally limited to 10% of the Bank’s capital and surplus for all covered transactions with any one affiliate and 20% of capital and surplus for all covered transactions with all affiliates. Any extensions of credit to affiliates, with limited exceptions, must be secured by eligible collateral in specified amounts. The Bank is also prohibited from purchasing any “low quality” assets from an affiliate. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) imposed additional requirements on transactions with affiliates, including an expansion of the definition of “covered transactions” and an increase in the length of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained.

Securities and Exchange Commission

Bancshares is under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for matters relating to the offer and sale of its securities and is subject to the SEC’s rules and regulations related to periodic reporting, reporting to shareholders, proxy solicitations and insider trading regulations.

3

Monetary Policy

Our earnings are and will be affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have a substantial effect on the operating results of commercial banks, including the Bank. The Federal Reserve has a significant impact on the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its open market operations in United States government securities and through its regulation of, among other things, the discount rate on borrowings of member banks and the reserve requirements against member banks’ deposits. It is not possible to predict the nature and impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

Deposit Insurance

The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund maintained by the FDIC. As a result, the Bank is required to pay periodic assessments to maintain insurance coverage for its deposits. Under the FDIC’s assessment system for banks with less than $10 billion in assets, the assessment rate is determined based on a number of factors, including the Bank’s CAMELS (supervisory) rating, leverage ratio, net income, non-performing loan ratios, OREO ratios, core deposit ratios, one-year organic asset growth and a loan mix index.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance assessments would likely have an adverse effect on our operating expense, results of operations, and cash flows. Management cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future. Furthermore, deposit insurance may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the 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.

Dividend Restrictions

Under Delaware law, dividends may be paid only out of the amount calculated as the present fair value of the total assets of the corporation, minus the present fair value of the total liabilities of the corporation, minus the capital of the corporation. In the event that there is no such amount, dividends may be paid out of the net profits of the corporation for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the immediately preceding fiscal year. Dividends may not be paid, however, out of net profits of the corporation if the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference on the distribution of assets is impaired. Further, the Federal Reserve permits bank holding companies to pay dividends only out of current earnings and only if future retained earnings would be consistent with the company’s capital, asset quality and financial condition.

Since it has no significant independent sources of income, Bancshares’ ability to pay dividends depends on its ability to receive dividends from the Bank. Under Alabama law, the Bank may not pay a dividend in excess of 90% of its net earnings unless its surplus is equal to at least 20% of capital. The Bank is also required by Alabama law to seek the approval of the Superintendent of the ASBD prior to the payment of dividends if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year will exceed the total of (1) the Bank’s net earnings for that year, plus (2) its retained net earnings for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus. Alabama law defines net earnings as the remainder of all earnings from current operations plus actual recoveries on loans and investments and other assets, after deducting from the total thereof all current operating expenses, actual losses, accrued dividends on preferred stock, if any, and all federal, state and local taxes. The Bank must be able to satisfy the conditions described above in order to declare or pay a dividend to Bancshares without obtaining the prior approval of the Superintendent of the ASBD. In addition, the FDIC prohibits the payment of cash dividends if (1) as a result of such payment, the bank would be undercapitalized or (2) the bank is in default with respect to any assessment due to the FDIC, including a deposit insurance assessment. These restrictions could materially influence the Bank’s, and therefore Bancshares’, ability to pay dividends.

Capital Adequacy

In July 2013, the federal banking regulatory agencies adopted regulations to implement the framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision for strengthening international capital and liquidity, known as “Basel III” (the “Basel III Rule”). The Basel III Rule provides risk-based capital guidelines designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks, to account for off-balance sheet exposures and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets. Under these guidelines, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate risk-weights. The net amount of assets remaining after applying the risk-weights to the gross asset values represents the institution’s total risk-weighted assets. An institution’s total risk-weighted assets are used to calculate its regulatory capital ratios. The Basel III Rule establishes minimum capital and leverage ratios that supervised financial institutions are required to maintain, while also providing countercyclical capital requirements so that the required amount of capital increases in times of economic expansion and decreases in times of economic contraction, consistent with safety and soundness. Under the Basel III Rule, banks must maintain a specified capital conservation buffer above each of the required minimum capital levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases and paying certain discretionary bonuses.

4

Prompt Corrective Action

In addition to the required minimum capital levels described above, federal law establishes a system of “prompt corrective actions” that federal banking agencies are required to take, and certain actions that they have discretion to take, based on the capital category into which a federally regulated depository institution falls. Regulations set forth detailed procedures and criteria for implementing prompt corrective action in the case of any institution that is not adequately capitalized. Each institution is assigned to one of five categories based on its capital ratios: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Institutions categorized as “undercapitalized” or worse become subject to increasing levels of regulatory oversight and restrictions, which may include, among other things, limitations on growth and activities and payment of dividends.

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank was “well-capitalized” under the prompt corrective action rules. This classification is primarily for the purpose of applying the federal prompt corrective action provisions and is not intended to be, and should not be, interpreted as a representation of our overall financial condition or prospects.

Community Reinvestment Act

The Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”) requires the federal banking regulatory agencies to assess all financial institutions that they regulate to determine whether these institutions are meeting the credit needs of the communities that they serve, including their assessment area(s) (as established for these purposes in accordance with applicable regulations based principally on the location of the institution’s branch offices). Under the CRA, institutions are assigned a rating of “outstanding,” “satisfactory,” “needs to improve” or “unsatisfactory.” An institution’s record in meeting the requirements of the CRA is made publicly available and is taken into consideration in connection with any applications that it files with federal regulators to engage in certain activities, including approval of branches or other deposit facilities, mergers and acquisitions, office relocations or expansions into non-banking activities. The Bank received a “satisfactory” rating in its most recent CRA evaluation.

Anti-Money Laundering Laws

Under various federal laws, including the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act (also known as the “Bank Secrecy Act”), as amended by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships, as well as enhanced due diligence and “know your customer” standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. These laws also mandate that financial institutions establish anti-money laundering programs meeting certain standards and require the federal banking regulators to consider the effectiveness of a financial institution’s anti-money laundering activities when reviewing bank mergers and bank holding company acquisitions.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) comprehensively revised the laws affecting corporate governance, auditing, executive compensation and corporate reporting for entities with equity or debt securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Among other things, Sarbanes-Oxley and its implementing regulations established new membership requirements and additional responsibilities for audit committees, imposed restrictions on the relationships between public companies and their outside auditors (including restrictions on the types of non-audit services that auditors may provide), imposed additional responsibilities for public companies’ external financial statements on the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, and expanded the disclosure requirements for corporate insiders. The requirements are intended to allow stockholders to more easily and efficiently monitor the performance of companies and directors. We and our Board of Directors have, as appropriate, adopted or modified our policies and practices in order to comply with these regulatory requirements and to enhance our corporate governance practices.

As required by Sarbanes-Oxley, we have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our Board, executives and employees. This Code of Business Conduct can be found on our website at http://www.firstusbank.com under the tabs “About – Investor Relations – FUSB Policies.”

Privacy of Customer Information

The Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (also known as the “Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act” or the “GLBA”) and the implementing regulations issued by federal banking regulatory agencies require financial institutions to adopt policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about their customers to non-affiliated third parties. In general, financial institutions are required to explain to customers their policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic personal information, and, unless otherwise required or permitted by law, financial institutions are prohibited from disclosing such information except as provided in their policies and procedures. Specifically, the GLBA established certain information security guidelines that require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its board of directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, to protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

5

Regulation of Lending Practices

Our lending practices are subject to a number of federal and state laws, as supplemented by the rules and regulations of the various agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these laws. These include, among others, the following:

● Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;

● Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the communities that it serves;

● Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other specified factors in extending credit;

● Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies, certain identity theft protections and certain credit and other disclosures;

● Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies;

● Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, requiring certain disclosures concerning loan closing costs and escrows, and governing transfers of loan servicing and the amounts of escrows in connection with loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties; and

● Rules and regulations established by the National Flood Insurance Program.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), an independent bureau with broad authority to regulate the consumer finance industry, including regulated financial institutions, non-banks and others involved in extending credit to consumers. The CFPB has authority through rulemaking, orders, policy statements, guidance and enforcement actions to administer and enforce federal consumer financial laws. Although the CFPB has the power to interpret, administer and enforce federal consumer financial laws, the Dodd-Frank Act provides that the federal banking regulatory agencies continue to have examination and enforcement powers over the financial institutions that they supervise relating to the matters within the jurisdiction of the CFPB if the supervised institutions have less than $10 billion in assets. The CFPB has adopted a number of rules that impact our lending practices, including, among other things, (1) requiring financial institutions to make a “reasonable and good faith determination” that a consumer has a “reasonable ability” to repay a residential mortgage loan before making such a loan, (2) requiring sponsors of asset-backed securities to retain at least 5% of the credit risk of the assets underlying the securities (and generally prohibiting sponsors from transferring or hedging that credit risk), and (3) imposing a number of new and enhanced requirements on the mortgage servicing industry, including rules regarding communications with borrowers, maintenance of customer account records, procedures for responding to written borrower requests and complaints of errors, servicing delinquent loans, and conducting foreclosure proceedings, among other measures.

Regulation of Deposit Operations

Our deposit operations are subject to federal laws applicable to depository accounts, including, among others, the following:

● Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain the confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

● Truth-In-Savings Act, requiring certain disclosures for consumer deposit accounts;

● Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services; and

● Rules and regulations of the various agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these laws.

6

Federal Home Loan Bank Membership

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLBA”). Each member of the FHLBA is required to maintain a minimum investment in the Class B stock of the FHLBA. The Board of Directors of the FHLBA can increase the minimum investment requirements if it concludes that additional capital is required to allow it to meet its own regulatory capital requirements. Any increase in the minimum investment requirements outside of specified ranges requires the approval of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Because the extent of any obligation to increase the level of investment in the FHLBA depends entirely on the occurrence of a future event, we are unable to determine the extent of future required potential payments to the FHLBA at this time. Additionally, in the event that a member financial institution fails, the right of the FHLBA to seek repayment of funds loaned to that institution will take priority over the rights of all other creditors.

Future Legislation and Regulation

We are heavily regulated by regulatory agencies at the federal and state levels. Since the 2008 financial crisis, regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry, leading in many cases to greater uncertainty and compliance costs for regulated entities. For example, the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have required us to make material expenditures, particularly in the form of personnel training costs and additional compliance expenses. Recently, however, we have seen an effort at the federal level to provide some relief from the regulatory burdens placed on banks as a result of Dodd-Frank Act. A number of bills have been introduced in early 2018 in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate that would scale back the regulatory burdens placed on banks in recent years. It is impossible to know at this time what practical impact these bills will have on our business, if enacted. In addition to the legislative changes, there have been leadership changes at all of the federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, the CFPB and the Federal Reserve. These legislative proposals and the changes in the key regulators who implement the banking laws are likely to impact our business; however, we cannot predict the actual effect that these proposals would have on our business, consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Website Information

The Bank’s website address is http://www.firstusbank.com. Bancshares does not maintain a separate website. Bancshares makes available free of charge on or through the Bank’s website, under the tabs “About – Investor Relations,” its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the SEC. These reports are also available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Bancshares will provide paper copies of these reports to shareholders free of charge upon written request. Bancshares is not including the information contained on or available through the Bank’s website as a part of, or incorporating such information into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

7

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Making or continuing an investment in our common stock involves certain risks that you should carefully consider. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks that may have a material adverse effect on us. Additional risks and uncertainties also could adversely affect our business and results of operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected, the market price of your common stock could decline and you could lose all or a part of your investment. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf.

If loan losses are greater than anticipated, our earnings may be adversely affected.

As a lender, we are exposed to the risk that customers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans may not be sufficient to assure repayment. Credit losses are inherent in the business of making loans and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Our credit risk with respect to our real estate and construction loan portfolio relates principally to the creditworthiness of individuals and the value of the real estate serving as security for the repayment of loans, and the credit risk with respect to our commercial and consumer loan portfolio relates principally to the general creditworthiness of businesses and individuals within the local markets in which we operate. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for potential loan losses based on a number of factors. We believe that our allowance for loan losses is adequate. However, if estimates, assumptions or judgments used in calculating this allowance are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover our actual loan losses. Deterioration of economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, inaccurate management assumptions, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may result in higher levels of nonperforming assets and charge-offs and loan losses in excess of our current allowance for loan losses, requiring us to make material additions to our allowance for loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations. The actual amount of future provisions for loan losses cannot be determined at this time and may vary from the amounts of past provisions. In addition, banking regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further charge-offs if the regulators’ judgments are different than those of our management. Material additions to the allowance could materially decrease our net income.

We may be required to increase our allowance for loan losses as a result of a recent change to an accounting standard.

The measure of our allowance for loan losses depends in part on the adoption and interpretation of accounting standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, recently issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This ASU provides a new credit impairment model, the Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL model, which will apply to us in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, though we may choose, or may be encouraged by our regulators, to adopt CECL in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. CECL will require financial institutions to estimate and develop a provision for credit losses at origination for the lifetime of the loan, as opposed to reserving for incurred or probable losses up to the balance sheet date. Under the CECL model, credit deterioration would be reflected in the income statement in the period of origination or acquisition of the loan, with changes in expected credit losses due to further credit deterioration or improvement reflected in the periods in which the expectation changes. Accordingly, implementation of the CECL model will change our current method of providing allowances for loan losses, which would likely require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. Moreover, the CECL model likely would create more volatility in our level of allowance for loan losses. A material increase in our level of allowance for loan losses could adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Our business and operations may be materially adversely affected by weak economic conditions.

Our business and operations, which primarily consist of banking activities, including lending money to customers in the form of loans and borrowing money from customers in the form of deposits, are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the United States generally, and in our region in particular. The economic conditions in our local markets may be different from the economic conditions in the United States as a whole. If economic conditions in the United States or any of our markets weaken, our growth and profitability from our operations could be constrained. The current economic environment is characterized by interest rates near historically low levels, which impacts our ability to attract deposits and to generate attractive earnings through our loan and investment portfolios. All of these factors can individually or in the aggregate be detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable. Unfavorable market conditions can result in a deterioration in the credit quality of our borrowers and the demand for our products and services, an increase in the number of delinquencies, defaults and charge-offs, additional provisions for loan losses, a decline in the value of our collateral, and an overall material adverse effect on the quality of our loan portfolio.

The banking industry is highly competitive, which could result in loss of market share and adversely affect our business.

We encounter strong competition in making loans, acquiring deposits and attracting customers for investment services. We compete with commercial banks, online banks, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, investment banking companies, brokerage firms and other financial intermediaries operating in Alabama and elsewhere in various segments of the financial services market. Many of these competitors, some of which are affiliated with large bank holding companies, have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we do. In addition, many of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive federal regulations that govern bank holding companies and federally insured banks, and, as a result, may be able to offer certain products and services at a lower cost than the we are able to offer, which could adversely affect our business.

8

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, and the costs of complying with such regulation could have an adverse impact on our operations.

The financial services industry is extensively regulated and supervised under both federal and state law. We are subject to the supervision and regulation of the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the ASBD. These regulations are intended primarily to protect depositors, the public and the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund, rather than shareholders. Additionally, we are subject to supervision, regulation and examination by other regulatory authorities, such as the SEC and state securities and insurance regulators. If, as a result of an examination, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC or the ASBD were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, they may take a number of different remedial actions as they deem appropriate. These actions include the power to require us to remediate any such adverse examination findings. We are also subject to changes in federal and state laws, as well as regulations and governmental policies, income tax laws and accounting principles. Regulations affecting banks and other financial institutions are undergoing continuous change, and the ultimate effect of such changes cannot be predicted. Regulations and laws may be modified at any time, and new legislation may be enacted that could affect us. We cannot assure you that any changes in regulations or new laws will not adversely affect our performance or consolidated results of operations. Our regulatory framework is discussed in greater detail under “Item 1. Business – Supervision and Regulation.”

We are subject to laws regarding the privacy, information security and protection of personal information, and any violation of these laws or unauthorized disclosure of such information could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

Our business requires the collection and retention of large volumes of customer data, including personally identifiable information in various information systems that we maintain and in those maintained by third parties with whom we contract to provide data services. We also maintain important internal data, such as personally identifiable information about our employees and information relating to our operations. We are subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations governing the privacy and protection of personal information of individuals (including customers, employees, suppliers and other third parties). For example, our business is subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which, among other things: (1) imposes certain limitations on our ability to share nonpublic personal information about our customers with nonaffiliated third parties; (2) requires us to provide certain disclosures to customers about our information collection, sharing and security practices and to afford customers the right to “opt out” of any information sharing by us with nonaffiliated third parties (with certain exceptions); and (3) requires us to develop, implement and maintain a written comprehensive information security program containing appropriate safeguards based on our size and complexity, the nature and scope of our activities, and the sensitivity of customer information we process, as well as plans for responding to data security breaches. Various state and federal banking regulators and state legislatures have also enacted data security breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in the event of a security breach. Ensuring that our collection, use, transfer and storage of personal information complies with all applicable laws and regulations can increase our costs. Furthermore, we may not be able to ensure that all of our clients, suppliers, counterparties and other third parties have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of the information that they exchange with us, particularly where such information is transmitted by electronic means. If personal, confidential or proprietary information of customers or others were to be mishandled or misused (in situations where, for example, such information was erroneously provided to unauthorized persons, or where such information was intercepted or otherwise compromised by third parties), we could be exposed to litigation or regulatory sanctions under applicable laws and regulations. Concerns about the effectiveness of our measures to safeguard personal information could cause us to lose customers or potential customers for our products and services and thereby reduce our revenues. Accordingly, any failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws and regulations may subject us to inquiries, examinations and investigations that could result in requirements to modify or cease certain operations or practices or in significant liabilities, fines or penalties, and could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our consolidated operations and financial condition.

Our FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments may increase and thereby adversely affect our financial results.

The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC up to legal limits, and, accordingly, the Bank is subject to periodic insurance assessments by the FDIC. The Bank’s regular assessments are determined by its risk classification, which is based on its regulatory capital levels and the level of supervisory concern that it poses. Numerous bank failures during the financial crisis and increases in the statutory deposit insurance limits increased resolution costs to the FDIC and put significant pressure on the Deposit Insurance Fund. The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments, and any significant increase in insurance assessments would likely have an adverse effect on us and thereby negatively impact our consolidated results of operations.

We may not be able to maintain consistent growth, earnings or profitability.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to grow and to remain profitable in future periods, or, if profitable, that our overall earnings will remain consistent with our prior results of operations, or increase in the future. Our growth in recent years has been driven primarily by a strong commercial loan market and real estate loan market in certain of our markets. A downturn in economic conditions in our markets, heightened competition from other financial services providers, an inability to retain or grow our core deposit base, regulatory and legislative considerations, and failure to attract and retain high-performing talent, among other factors, could limit our ability to grow our assets or increase our profitability to the same extent as in recent periods. Sustainable growth requires that we manage our risks by following prudent loan underwriting standards, balancing loan and deposit growth without materially increasing interest rate risk or compressing our net interest margin, maintaining adequate capital, hiring and retaining qualified employees and successfully implementing our strategic initiatives. A failure to sustain our recent rate of growth or adequately manage the factors that have contributed to our growth or successfully enter new markets could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and profitability and, therefore on our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

9

Rapid and significant changes in market interest rates may adversely affect our performance.

Most of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and are therefore subject to significant risks from changes in interest rates. Our profitability depends to a large extent on net interest income, and changes in interest rates can impact our net interest income as well as the valuation of our assets and liabilities. Our consolidated results of operations are affected by changes in interest rates and our ability to manage interest rate risks. Changes in market interest rates, changes in the relationships between short-term and long-term market interest rates and changes in the relationships between different interest rate indices can affect the interest rates charged on interest-earning assets differently than the interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. These differences could result in an increase in interest expense relative to interest income or a decrease in our interest rate spread. For a more detailed discussion of these risks and our management strategies for these risks, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our net interest margin depends on many factors that are partly or completely out of our control, including competition, federal economic monetary and fiscal policies and general economic conditions. Despite the implementation of strategies to manage interest rate risks, changes in interest rates may have a material adverse impact on our profitability.

The performance of our investment portfolio is subject to fluctuations due to changes in interest rates and market conditions.

Changes in interest rates can negatively affect the performance of most of our investments. Interest rate volatility can reduce gains or create losses in our investment portfolios. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Fluctuations in interest rates affect returns on, and the market value of, investment securities. The fair market value of the securities in our portfolio and the investment income from these securities also fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. In addition, actual net investment income and/or cash flows from investments that carry prepayment risk, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, may differ from those anticipated at the time of investment as a result of interest rate fluctuations. The potential effect of these factors is heightened due to the current conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.

Changes in the policies of monetary authorities and other government action could adversely affect our profitability.

Our consolidated results of operations are affected by credit policies of monetary authorities, particularly the Federal Reserve. The instruments of monetary policy employed by the Federal Reserve include open market operations in United States government securities, changes in the discount rate or the federal funds rate on bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, we cannot predict future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or our business and earnings. Furthermore, the actions of the United States government and other governments in responding to such conditions may result in currency fluctuations, exchange controls, market disruption and other adverse effects.

Our profitability and liquidity may be affected by changes in economic conditions in the areas in which our operations and loans are concentrated.

Our success depends to a certain extent on the general economic conditions of the geographic markets that we serve in Alabama and Mississippi. Local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on our commercial, real estate and construction loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans. Adverse changes in the economic conditions of the southeastern United States in general or any one or more of these local markets could negatively impact the financial results of our banking operations and have a negative effect on our profitability. For example, significant unemployment in the timber industry could cause widespread economic distress in many of the areas that we serve. Similar trends in other industries or sectors that we serve could have a significant negative effect on our profitability.

We cannot guarantee that we will pay dividends in the future.

Dividends from the Bank are Bancshares’ primary source of funds for the payment of dividends to its shareholders, and there are various legal and regulatory limits regarding the extent to which the Bank may pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to Bancshares. The ability of both the Bank and Bancshares to pay dividends will continue to be subject to and limited by the results of operations of the Bank and by certain legal and regulatory restrictions. Further, any lenders making loans to Bancshares or the Bank may impose financial covenants that may be more restrictive than the legal and regulatory requirements with respect to the payment of dividends. There can be no assurance as to whether or when Bancshares may pay dividends to its shareholders.

Extreme weather could cause a disruption in our operations, which could have an adverse impact on our profitability.

Some of our operations are located in areas near the Gulf of Mexico, a region that is susceptible to hurricanes and other forms of extreme weather. Such weather events could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our overall results of operations. Further, a hurricane, tornado or other extreme weather event in any of our market areas could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to timely repay their loans and may adversely impact the value of collateral that we hold.

10

Technological changes in the banking and financial services industries may negatively impact our results of operations and our ability to compete.

The banking and financial services industries are undergoing rapid changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to enhancing the level of service provided to customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. To remain competitive, financial institutions must continuously evaluate changing customer preferences with respect to emerging technologies and develop plans to address such changes in the most cost-effective manner possible. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to use technology to offer products and services that provide convenience to customers and create additional efficiencies in operations, and our failure to do so could negatively impact our business. Additionally, our competitors may have greater resources to invest in technological improvements than we do, and we may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services, which could reduce our ability to effectively compete.

Our information systems may experience a failure or interruption.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure or interruption in the operation of these systems could impair or prevent the effective operation of our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, lending or other functions. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of a failure or interruption in the operation of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures or interruptions will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures or interruptions impacting our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, and expose us to additional regulatory scrutiny, civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We use information technology in our operations and offer online banking services to our customers, and unauthorized access to our customers’ confidential or proprietary information as a result of a cyber-attack or otherwise could expose us to reputational harm and litigation and adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers.

Information security risks for financial institutions have generally increased in recent years, in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists and other external parties. We are under continuous threat of loss due to hacking and cyber-attacks, especially as we continue to expand customer capabilities to utilize the internet and other remote channels to transact business. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of the evolving nature and complexity of these threats from cybercriminals and hackers, our plans to continue to provide internet banking channels, and our plans to develop additional remote connectivity solutions to serve our customers. Therefore, the secure processing, transmission and storage of information in connection with our online banking services are critical elements of our operations. However, our network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses and other malware, phishing schemes or other security failures. In addition, our customers may use personal smartphones, tablet PCs or other mobile devices that are beyond our control systems in order to access our products and services. Our technologies, systems and networks, and our customers’ devices, may become the target of cyber-attacks, electronic fraud or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, use, loss or destruction of our or our customers’ confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers’ or other third parties’ business operations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against these threats or to alleviate or investigate problems caused by such threats. To the extent that our activities or the activities of our customers involve the processing, storage or transmission of confidential customer information, any breaches or unauthorized access to such information could present significant regulatory costs and expose us to litigation and other possible liabilities. Any inability to prevent these types of security threats could also cause existing customers to lose confidence in our systems and could adversely affect our reputation and ability to generate deposits. While we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches to date, we may suffer such losses in the future. The occurrence of any cyber-attack or information security breach could result in potential legal liability, reputational harm, damage to our competitive position and the disruption of our operations, all of which could adversely affect our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We depend on outside third parties for the processing and handling of our records and data, which exposes us to additional risk for cybersecurity breaches and regulatory action.

We rely on software and internet-based platforms developed by third-party vendors to process various transactions. In some cases, we have contracted with third parties to run their proprietary software on our behalf. These systems include, but are not limited to, general ledger, payroll, employee benefits, loan and deposit processing and securities portfolio accounting. If these third-party service providers experience difficulties, are subject to cybersecurity breaches or terminate their services, and we are unable to replace them with other service providers on a timely basis, our operations could be interrupted. If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. While we perform a review of controls instituted by the applicable vendors over these programs in accordance with industry standards and perform our own testing of user controls, we must rely on the continued maintenance of controls by these third-party vendors, including safeguards over the security of customer data. In addition, we maintain, or contract with third parties to maintain, daily backups of key processing outputs in the event of a failure on the part of any of these systems. Nonetheless, we may incur a temporary disruption in our ability to conduct business or process transactions, or damage to our reputation, if the third-party vendor fails to adequately maintain internal controls or institute necessary changes to systems. Such a disruption or breach of security could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, federal regulators have issued guidance outlining their expectations for third-party service provider oversight and monitoring by financial institutions. Any failure to adequately oversee the actions of our third-party service providers could result in regulatory actions against us, which could adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

11

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action under the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.

The Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, the USA PATRIOT Act and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and to file reports such as suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports. We are required to comply with these and other anti-money laundering requirements. Our federal and state banking regulators, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and other government agencies are authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of anti-money laundering requirements. We are also subject to increased scrutiny with respect to our compliance with the regulations issued and enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. If our program is deemed deficient, we could be subject to liability, including fines, civil money penalties and other regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our business operations and our ability to pay dividends, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion, and restrictions on entering new business lines. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have significant reputational consequences for us. Any of these circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

The internal controls that we have implemented to mitigate risks inherent to the business of banking might fail or be circumvented.

Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls and procedures that are designed to manage the various risks in our business, including credit risk, operational risk, financial risk, compliance risk and interest rate risk. No system of controls, however well-designed and operated, can provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. If such a system fails or is circumvented, there could be a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Securities issued by us, including our common stock, are not insured.

Securities issued by us, including our common stock, are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank and are not insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund maintained by the FDIC or by any other governmental agency or instrumentality, or any private insurer, and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Future issuances of additional securities by us could result in dilution of your ownership.

We may decide from time to time to issue additional securities in order to raise capital, support growth or fund acquisitions. Further, we may issue stock options or other stock grants to retain and motivate employees. Such issuances of securities by us would dilute the respective ownership interests of our shareholders.

Our common stock price could be volatile, which could result in losses for individual shareholders.

The market price of our common stock may be subject to significant fluctuations in response to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

● general economic, business and political conditions;

● changing market conditions in the broader stock market in general, or in the financial services industry in particular;

● monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations and other activities of the government, agencies and similar organizations;

● actual or anticipated variations in our operating results, financial condition or asset quality;

● our failure to meet analyst predictions and projections;

● collectability of loans;

● cost and other effects of legal and administrative cases and proceedings, claims, settlements and judgments;

● additions or departures of key personnel;

● trades of large blocks of our stock;

● announcements of innovations or new services by us or our competitors;

● future sales of our common stock or other securities; and

● other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control.

Due to these factors, you may not be able to sell your stock at or above the price you paid for it, which could result in substantial losses.

12

Bancshares’ liquidity is subject to various regulatory restrictions applicable to its subsidiaries.

There are various regulatory restrictions on the ability of Bancshares’ subsidiaries to pay dividends or to make other payments to Bancshares. In addition, Bancshares’ right to participate in any distribution of assets of any of its subsidiaries upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or otherwise will be subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that any of Bancshares’ claims as a creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized.

Our performance and results of operations depend in part on the soundness of other financial institutions.

Our ability to engage in routine investment and banking transactions, as well as the quality and value of our investments in equity securities and obligations of other financial institutions, could be adversely affected by the actions, financial condition and profitability of such other financial institutions with which we transact, including, without limitation, the FHLBA and our correspondent banks. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of shared credits, trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial institutions, or the financial services industry generally, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses of depositor, creditor or counterparty confidence in certain institutions, and could lead to losses or defaults by other institutions. Any defaults by, or failures of, the institutions with whom we transact could adversely affect our debt and equity holdings in such other institutions, our participation interests in loans originated by other institutions, and our business, including our liquidity, consolidated financial condition and earnings.

Liquidity risks could affect our operations and jeopardize our financial condition.

Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the repayment or sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our funding sources include federal funds, purchased securities sold under repurchase agreements, core and non-core deposits, and short- and long-term debt. We maintain a portfolio of securities that can be used as a source of liquidity. Other sources of liquidity are available should they be needed, such as through our acquisition of additional non-core deposits. Bancshares may be able, depending on market conditions, to issue and sell debt securities and preferred or common equity securities in public or private transactions. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities or on acceptable terms could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as further disruption in the financial markets, negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry, deterioration within the credit markets, or the financial condition, liquidity or profitability of the financial institutions with which we transact.

We depend on the services of our management team and board of directors, and the unexpected loss of key officers or directors may adversely affect our operations.

A departure of any of our executive officers, other key personnel or directors could adversely affect our operations. The community involvement of our executive officers and directors and our directors’ diverse and extensive business relationships are important to our success. A material change in the composition of our management team or board of directors could cause our business to suffer.

We may not realize the full expected benefit of our significant deferred income tax assets.

At December 31, 2017, we had gross deferred tax assets of $6.0 million. Our ability to realize our deferred tax assets is based on the extent to which we generate future taxable income and on prevailing corporate income tax rates, and we cannot provide any assurance as to when and to what extent we will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, whether in whole or in any part. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) was enacted into law. While we believe that the full impact of Tax Reform on our business may not be fully known for some time, its reduction of the federal corporate income tax rate to 21% required us to record a one-time, non-cash charge of approximately $2.5 million to our provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2017. The charge is solely due to the accounting re-measurement of our deferred tax assets based on the lower income tax rate. While we believe that Tax Reform will not impact the ability of our deferred tax assets, as re-measured, to reduce the amount of cash to be paid in federal income taxes in 2018 and beyond, any future lowering of corporate income tax rates and/or adjustment in the treatment of deferred tax assets could impact the realization as well as the value of our deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets, and these impacts could be material and adverse. Further, we have filed our tax returns based on certain filing positions that we believe are appropriate. Should the applicable taxing authorities disagree with these positions, we may owe additional taxes.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

The Bank owns all of its offices, including its executive offices, without encumbrances. ALC owns a commercial building in Jackson, Alabama, which houses its Jackson branch office, and leases additional office space throughout Alabama and southeast Mississippi. Bancshares does not separately own any property, and to the extent that its activities require the use of physical office facilities, such activities are conducted at the offices of the Bank. We believe that our properties are sufficient for our operations at the current time.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings. 

We are party to certain ordinary course litigation, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in all such litigation. In the opinion of management, based on a review and consultation with our legal counsel, the outcome of such ordinary course litigation should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Bancshares’ common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FUSB.” Prior to our name change on October 11, 2016, our common stock was listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “USBI.” As of March 12, 2018, there were 738 record holders of Bancshares’ common stock (excluding any participants in any clearing agency and “street name” holders).

The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices per share for Bancshares’ common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and the cash dividends declared per share in each such quarter.

					Dividends
					Declared
	High		Low		Per Share
2017
Fourth Quarter	$	14.38	$	11.00	$	0.02
Third Quarter		12.14		10.87		0.02
Second Quarter		12.92		10.38		0.02
First Quarter		15.14		10.86		0.02
2016
Fourth Quarter	$	11.84	$	9.51	$	0.02
Third Quarter		10.89		8.65		0.02
Second Quarter		10.28		7.92		0.02
First Quarter		8.99		7.90		0.02

The last reported sales price of Bancshares’ common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market on March 12, 2018, was $11.80.

Dividends are paid at the discretion of Bancshares’ Board of Directors, based on our consolidated operating performance and financial position, including earnings, capital and liquidity. Dividends from the Bank are Bancshares’ primary source of funds for the payment of dividends to its shareholders, and there are various legal and regulatory limits regarding the extent to which the Bank may pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to Bancshares. In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies have the authority to prevent Bancshares from paying a dividend to its shareholders. We can make no assurances that we will be able or permitted to pay dividends in the future.

As noted in the table below, there were no purchases made by or on behalf of Bancshares or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act, of shares of Bancshares’ common stock during the fourth quarter of 2017.

	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased			Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs(1)		Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs(1)
October 1-31, 2017		—		$	—		—		242,303
November 1-30, 2017		—		$	—		—		242,303
December 1-31, 2017		—		$	—		—		242,303
Total		—	(2)	$	—		—		242,303

(1) On December 20, 2017, the Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program previously approved by the Board on January 19, 2006. Under the repurchase program, Bancshares is authorized to repurchase up to 642,785 shares of common stock before December 31, 2018, of which 242,303 shares remain available.

(2) No shares were purchased in open-market transactions by an independent trustee for Bancshares’ 401(k) Plan during the fourth quarter of 2017.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in Thousands, except Per Share Amounts)
Results of Operations:
Interest income	$	31,100		$	30,155		$	29,897		$	31,361		$	33,636
Interest expense		2,706			2,271			2,289			2,553			2,905
Net interest income		28,394			27,884			27,608			28,808			30,731
Provision (reduction in reserve) for loan losses		1,987			3,197			216			(74	)		(642	)
Non-interest income		4,666			5,201			4,531			5,091			4,865
Non-interest expense		28,449			28,495			28,377			28,595			30,802
Income before income taxes		2,624			1,393			3,546			5,378			5,436
Income taxes(1)		3,035			169			951			1,829			1,509
Net income (loss)(1)	$	(411	)	$	1,224		$	2,595		$	3,549		$	3,927
Per Share Data:
Basic net income (loss) per share(1)	$	(0.07	)	$	0.20		$	0.42		$	0.58		$	0.65
Diluted net income (loss) per share(1)	$	(0.06	)	$	0.19		$	0.41		$	0.57		$	0.65
Dividends declared	$	0.08		$	0.08		$	0.08		$	0.03		$	—
Common stock price - High	$	15.14		$	11.84		$	9.74		$	8.99		$	10.40
Common stock price - Low	$	10.38		$	7.90		$	7.75		$	7.40		$	5.10
Period end price per share	$	12.80		$	11.11		$	8.92		$	8.84		$	7.29
Period end shares outstanding (in thousands)		6,082			6,043			6,039			6,034			6,028
Period-End Balance Sheet:
Total assets	$	625,581		$	606,892		$	575,782		$	572,609		$	569,801
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		346,121			322,772			255,432			259,516			300,927
Allowance for loan losses		4,774			4,856			3,781			6,168			9,396
Investment securities, net		180,150			207,814			231,202			234,086			170,804
Total deposits		517,079			497,556			479,258			483,659			484,279
Short-term borrowings		15,594			10,119			7,354			436			1,231
Long-term debt		10,000			15,000			5,000			5,000			5,000
Total shareholders’ equity		76,208			76,241			77,030			75,162			70,095
Book value		12.53			12.62			12.76			12.46			11.63
Performance Ratios:
Loans to deposits		66.9	%		64.9	%		53.3	%		53.7	%		62.1	%
Net yield on interest earning assets		5.08	%		5.16	%		5.36	%		5.53	%		5.95	%
Return on average assets(1)		(0.07	)%		0.21	%		0.46	%		0.63	%		0.70	%
Return on average equity(1)		(0.52	)%		1.56	%		3.41	%		4.88	%		5.68	%
Asset Quality:
Allowance for loan losses as % of loans		1.36	%		1.48	%		1.46	%		2.32	%		3.03	%
Nonperforming assets as % of loans and other real estate		1.67	%		2.19	%		3.45	%		5.23	%		6.74	%
Nonperforming assets as % of total assets		0.95	%		1.20	%		1.59	%		2.50	%		3.78	%
Net charge-offs as a % of average loans		0.62	%		0.72	%		1.07	%		1.55	%		2.77	%
Capital Adequacy:
CET 1 risk-based capital ratio		18.41	%		19.01	%		22.19	%		n/a			n/a
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio		18.41	%		19.01	%		22.19	%		21.51	%		18.07	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		19.60	%		20.26	%		23.35	%		22.78	%		19.34	%
Tier 1 leverage ratio		11.89	%		12.27	%		13.02	%		11.85	%		10.97	%

⁽¹⁾ For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a one-time, non-cash charge of $2.5 million that resulted from re-valuation of the Company’s deferred tax assets upon the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”). The adjusted net income and related per share data and key ratios presented in the table below provide comparative selected financial data excluding the impact of Tax Reform. The table below is not prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The Company’s management believes that this non-GAAP presentation is useful in demonstrating the one-time impact of the deferred tax asset adjustment on the Company’s results for the periods presented, but cautions readers that non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP.

15

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND RELATED PER SHARE DATA AND KEY RATIOS

(non-U.S. GAAP presentation to show impact of Tax Reform)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
	(Dollars in Thousands, except Per Share Amounts)
As Reported:
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	2,624		$	1,393		$	3,546		$	5,378		$	5,436
Provision (benefit from) for income taxes		3,035			169			951			1,829			1,509
Net income (loss)	$	(411	)	$	1,224		$	2,595		$	3,549		$	3,927
Impact of Tax Reform:
Provision (benefit from) for income taxes		(2,471	)		—			—			—			—
Adjusted Net income (loss)	$	2,060		$	1,224		$	2,595		$	3,549		$	3,927
Per Share Data:
Reported Basic net income (loss) per share	$	(0.07	)	$	0.20		$	0.42		$	0.58		$	0.65
Impact of Tax Reform		(0.40	)		—			—			—			—
Adjusted Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.33		$	0.20		$	0.42		$	0.58		$	0.65
Reported Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	(0.06	)	$	0.19		$	0.41		$	0.57		$	0.65
Impact of Tax Reform		(0.38	)		—			—			—			—
Adjusted Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.32		$	0.19		$	0.41		$	0.57		$	0.65
Key Ratios:
Reported Return on average assets		(0.07	)%		0.21	%		0.46	%		0.63	%		0.70	%
Impact of Tax Reform		(0.40	)%		—			—			—			—
Adjusted Return on average assets		0.33	%		0.21	%		0.46	%		0.63	%		0.70	%
Reported Return on average equity		(0.52	)%		1.56	%		3.41	%		4.88	%		5.68	%
Impact of Tax Reform		(3.15	)%		—			—			—			—
Adjusted Return on average equity		2.63	%		1.56	%		3.41	%		4.88	%		5.68	%

16

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). In addition, the Company, through its senior management, from time to time makes forward-looking statements concerning its expected future operations and performance and other developments. The words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “continues” and similar expressions are indicative of forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the Company’s best judgment based on current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and various factors could cause results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Such factors could include those identified from time to time in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and other public announcements, including the risk factors described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Specifically, with respect to statements relating to loan demand, growth and earnings potential, expansion and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses for the Company, these factors include, but are not limited to, the rate of growth (or lack thereof) in the economy generally and in the Bank’s and ALC’s service areas, market conditions and investment returns, the availability of quality loans in the Bank’s and ALC’s service areas, the relative strength and weakness in the consumer and commercial credit sectors and in the real estate markets, collateral values and cybersecurity threats. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the dates on which the forward-looking statements are made, except as required by law.

In addition, the Company’s business is subject to a number of general and market risks that would affect any forward-looking statements, including the risks discussed under Item 1A herein entitled “Risk Factors.”

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

First US Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Bancshares”), is a bank holding company with its principal offices in Birmingham, Alabama. Bancshares operates one commercial banking subsidiary, First US Bank (the “Bank”). As of December 31, 2017, the Bank operated and served its customers through 16 banking offices located in Birmingham, Bucksville, Butler, Calera, Centreville, Columbiana, Gilbertown, Grove Hill, Harpersville, Jackson, Thomasville, Tuscaloosa and Woodstock, Alabama, as well as a loan production office in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

The Bank owns all of the stock of Acceptance Loan Company, Inc., an Alabama corporation (“ALC”). ALC is a finance company organized for the purpose of making and purchasing consumer loans. ALC’s principal office is located in Mobile, Alabama. The Bank is the funding source for ALC. As of December 31, 2017, in addition to its principal office, ALC operated 21 offices located in Alabama and southeast Mississippi.

The Bank provides a wide range of commercial banking services to small- and medium-sized businesses, property managers, business executives, professionals and other individuals, while ALC’s business is focused on consumer lending.

FUSB Reinsurance, Inc., an Arizona corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank (“FUSB Reinsurance”), reinsures or “underwrites” credit life and credit accident and health insurance policies sold to the Bank’s and ALC’s consumer loan customers. FUSB Reinsurance is responsible for the first level of risk on these policies up to a specified maximum amount, and a third-party insurer retains the remaining risk. The third-party insurer is also responsible for performing most of the administrative functions of FUSB Reinsurance on a contract basis.

Delivery of the best possible financial services to customers remains an overall operational focus of Bancshares and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). We recognize that attention to detail and responsiveness to customers’ desires are critical to customer satisfaction. The Company continues to upgrade technology, both in its financial services and in the training of its 249 full-time equivalent employees, to ensure customer satisfaction and convenience.

The following discussion and financial information are presented to aid in an understanding of the current consolidated financial position, changes in financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the Company and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included herein. The emphasis of the discussion is on the years 2017 and 2016. All yields and ratios presented and discussed herein are recorded and presented on the accrual basis and not on the tax-equivalent basis, unless otherwise indicated.

17

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make subjective judgments associated with estimates. These estimates are necessary to comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and general banking practices. The estimates include accounting for the allowance for loan losses, other real estate owned, valuation of deferred tax assets and fair value measurements.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company maintains the allowance for loan losses at a level deemed adequate by management to absorb probable losses from loans in the portfolio at the balance sheet date. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management considers numerous factors, including, but not limited to, management’s estimate of: (a) loan loss experience, (b) the financial condition and liquidity of certain loan customers and (c) collateral values of property securing certain loans. Because these factors and others involve the use of management’s estimation and judgment, the allowance for loan losses is inherently subject to adjustment at future dates. Unfavorable changes in the factors used by management to determine the adequacy of the allowance, including increased loan delinquencies and subsequent charge-offs, or the availability of new information, could require additional provisions in excess of normal provisions to the allowance for loan losses in future periods. There can be no assurance that loan losses in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additions to the allowances will not be required.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) consists of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans and is reported at the lower of the loan's carrying amount or the fair value of the property, less estimated costs to sell. Estimates of fair value are generally based on third-party appraisals of the property and are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The appraisals are sometimes discounted based on management's knowledge of the property and/or changes in market conditions from the date of the most recent appraisal. Such discounts are typically unobservable inputs for determining fair value.

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation

Income tax expense and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. Deferred tax assets may also arise from the carryforward of operating loss or tax credit carryforwards as allowed by applicable federal or state tax jurisdictions. In evaluating the ability to recover deferred tax assets in the tax jurisdictions from which they arise, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including the Company’s historical earnings and, in particular, the results of recent operations, expected reversals of temporary differences, the ability to utilize tax planning strategies, and the expiration dates of any operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recognized for a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The assumptions about the amount of future taxable income require the use of significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates that management uses in the underlying business. At this time, management considers it to be more likely than not that the Company will have sufficient taxable income in the future to allow all deferred tax assets to be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance was not established for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Fair Value Measurements

Portions of the Company’s assets and liabilities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded either in earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). These include securities available-for-sale, impaired loans and derivatives. Additionally, other real estate and certain other assets acquired in foreclosure are reported at the lower of the recorded investment or fair value of the property, less estimated cost to sell. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date. While management uses judgment when determining the price at which willing market participants would transact when there has been a significant decrease in the volume or level of activity for the asset or liability in relation to “normal” market activity, management’s objective is to determine the point within the range of fair value estimates that is most representative of a sale to a third party under current market conditions. The value to the Company if the asset or liability were held to maturity is not included in the fair value estimates.

A fair value measure should reflect the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including the assumptions about the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset and the risk of nonperformance. Fair value is measured based on a variety of inputs that the Company utilizes. Fair value may be based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets (Level 1 valuations). If market prices are not available, we may use quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market (Level 2 valuations). Where observable market data is not available, the valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market, but that are observable based on Company-specific data (Level 3 valuations). These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates for assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

Other Significant Accounting Policies

Other significant accounting policies, not involving the same level of measurable uncertainties as those discussed above, are nevertheless important to an understanding of the consolidated financial statements. Policies related to revenue recognition, investment securities and long-lived assets require difficult judgments on complex matters that are often subject to multiple and recent changes in the authoritative guidance. Certain of these matters are among topics currently under re-examination by accounting standard setters and regulators. Specific conclusions have not been reached by these standard setters, and outcomes cannot be predicted with confidence. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, which discusses accounting policies that we have selected from acceptable alternatives.

18

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

The composition of the Company’s earnings continued to improve in 2017 compared to the previous year. Income before income taxes totaled $2.6 million in 2017, compared to $1.4 million in 2016. The 2017 results were positively impacted by increased net interest income as a result of growth in net loans, as well as a decrease in the provision for loan losses, compared to 2016. The improved results in net interest income were partially offset by reductions in non-interest income, primarily resulting from reduced gains on sale of investment securities. Non-interest expense was flat comparing 2017 to 2016.

At the end of 2017, the Company adjusted its deferred tax assets and liabilities in accordance with the new federal corporate tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”). The deferred tax asset adjustments resulted in a one-time, non-cash charge of $2.5 million, which was included in the Company’s provision for income taxes in 2017. As a result of this charge to the provision for income taxes, the Company recorded a net loss of $0.4 million, or $(0.06) per diluted share, in 2017, compared to net income of $1.2 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in 2016.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company's net loans totaled $346.1 million, an increase of $23.3 million, or 7.2%, compared to December 31, 2016. Of the total loan growth in 2017, $17.4 million was attributable to the Bank’s commercial lending efforts, while $5.9 million was attributable to consumer lending at ALC. The Bank’s commercial lending strategy over the past 24 to 36 months has been focused on the larger metropolitan service territories of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and the majority of the Bank’s loan growth has been concentrated in those areas.  ALC’s loan growth in 2017 was attributable to continued expansion of indirect lending through point-of-sale retail opportunities. This growth has led to overall improvement of the credit quality of ALC’s portfolio in recent years, resulting in reduced credit losses, along with a reduction in yield.

Pre-provision net interest income totaled $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $27.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $0.5 million. The increase resulted from an increase in total interest income of $0.9 million, partially offset by an increase of $0.4 million in total interest expense.  The increased interest income was driven by loan growth, partially offset by a modest reduction in yield. Average loans for the Company totaled $331.7 million and $293.0 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, while yield decreased to 5.57% in 2017, compared to 5.59% in 2016. The increase in interest expense resulted from increases in interest-bearing deposits, as well as increases in interest rates charged on deposits and borrowings commensurate with the overall interest rate environment in 2017. Average interest-bearing deposits increased by $18.9 million in 2017 compared to 2016. The aggregate interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities increased to 0.60% in 2017, compared to 0.53% in 2016.   Net yield on interest-earning assets totaled 5.08% in 2017, compared to 5.16% in 2016.

As a result of the credit management efforts at both the Bank and ALC, the Company’s loan loss experience and asset quality continued to improve in 2017. For the Company, net charge-offs were 0.62% of average loans in 2017, compared to 0.72% in 2016. For both years, the Bank was in a net recovery position of $0.2 million, or (0.07%) and (0.09%) of average loans in 2017 and 2016, respectively. ALC recorded net charge-offs of $2.2 million, or 2.49% of average loans, in 2017, compared to $2.3 million, or 2.69% of average loans, in 2016. Non-performing assets, including loans in non-accrual status and other real estate owned (OREO), decreased by 18.3% to $5.9 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $7.3 million as of December 31, 2016. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets totaled 0.96% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 1.20% as of December 31, 2016. As a percentage of shareholders’ equity, non-performing assets improved to 7.9% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 9.5% as of December 31, 2016.

The Company recorded provision for loan losses of $2.0 million in 2017, compared to $3.2 million in 2016. The provision for loan losses reflects the expense required to establish the allowance for loan losses at a level that in management’s judgment is adequate to absorb losses in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The Company’s allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans decreased to 1.36% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 1.48% as of December 31, 2016. The decrease resulted from the continued overall improvement in loss experience at ALC, as well as the resolution of certain loan relationships at the Bank that were previously considered impaired. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans at the Bank decreased to 0.95% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 1.01% as of December 31, 2016. At ALC, the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans totaled 2.48% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 2.78% as of December 31, 2016.

Non-interest income for the Company totaled $4.7 million in 2017, compared to $5.2 million in 2016. The decrease resulted primarily from reductions in gains on sale and prepayment of investment securities at the Bank, and to a lesser extent, reductions in certain ancillary revenues at the Bank and ALC. These reductions were offset in part by increased revenues from service charges and other fees on deposit accounts at the Bank and credit insurance commissions and fees on policies sold at ALC.

Non-interest expense for the Company totaled $28.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $28.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Although non-interest expense remained relatively flat in 2017 compared to 2016, management continued efforts to expend resources in areas that it believes will be beneficial to the Company in the future.

19

Balance Sheet Management

Loan growth at the Bank and ALC was funded through available cash balances, growth in deposits and cash flows generated from the investment securities portfolio. Investment securities, combined with federal funds sold, totaled $195.2 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $207.8 million as of December 31, 2016, a decrease of $12.6 million. The decrease resulted from maturity of securities, as well as the sale of securities from the Bank’s available-for-sale portfolio. The cash generated from the reduction of the portfolio was primarily redeployed in the loan portfolio. All sales of securities in 2017 resulted in net realized gains. Investment securities and federal funds sold serve to both enhance interest income and provide an additional source of liquidity available to fund loan growth and capital expenditures. Management has structured the investment portfolio to provide cash flows through interest earned and the maturity or payoff of securities in the portfolio on a monthly basis. In the current environment, we expect that cash flows from the investment portfolio will continue to serve as a significant source of liquidity available for the funding of future loan growth.

Total deposits increased $19.5 million, or 3.8%, comparing December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2016. Deposit growth provided additional funding sources for loan growth during 2017. Deposits generated through the Bank’s branch system are considered the Company’s primary funding source to meet short- and long-term liquidity needs. In addition to deposits, significant external sources of liquidity are available to the Company, including access to funding through federal funds lines, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and brokered deposits.

A significant portion of deposit growth in 2017 was generated at the Bank’s new retail banking office in Birmingham, Alabama, which opened during the third quarter of 2017. The new office is part of an office complex that also houses the Bank’s Birmingham-based commercial lending team and members of executive management that are based in Birmingham. At the end of the third quarter of 2017, the Company and the Bank relocated their headquarters to the office complex. The construction of the office complex resulted in increases to premises and equipment of $8.1 million during 2017.

Shareholders’ equity was $76.2 million, or $12.53 per common share, as of December 31, 2017, compared to $76.2 million, or $12.62 per common share, as of December 31, 2016.

Progress on Strategic Initiatives

Management focused on various strategic initiatives during 2017, including those summarized below.

● Expansion of Metropolitan Presence – During 2017, the Bank continued efforts to expand into contiguous metropolitan markets with the completion of an office complex along U.S. Highway 280 in Birmingham, Alabama that houses a retail banking office and the Bank’s Birmingham-based commercial lending team. In addition, at the end of the third quarter of 2017, the headquarters of both the Company and the Bank were relocated to the office complex. Management believes that the establishment of a strong presence in the Birmingham metropolitan area will serve as a significant enhancement of the Company’s profile and ability to grow both quality assets and core deposits over the long-term.

● Quality Loan Growth – Management’s primary focus over the past two years has been growth of the loan portfolio, and in particular, the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio. As a result of this focus, the Company’s net loans increased by $90.7 million over the two-year period between December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2017. Approximately $80.9 million of this growth was attributable to the Bank’s commercial lending portfolio, while approximately $9.7 million was attributable to ALC’s consumer-oriented portfolio. Management believes that continued growth of the loan portfolio within established credit standards is critical to improving the Company’s earnings position over time. The Company’s balance sheet remains poised for additional growth. Loans as a percentage of deposits totaled 66.9% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 64.9% as of December 31, 2016, and 53.3% as of December 31, 2015.

● Deposit Growth – Management views continued growth in core deposits as an important strategic imperative to fund loan growth over the longer term. As discussed above, the primary driver of deposit growth in 2017 was the Bank’s new Birmingham office that became operational in 2017. Furthermore, the Bank continues to enhance its deposit offerings, including demand deposit accounts structured under a suite of products known as “First Link Checking,” as well as cash management products for commercial banking clients.

● Technological Advancement and Cybersecurity – The Company continued strategic efforts in 2017 to enhance its technological platforms to improve customer service offerings and to mitigate risks associated with cybersecurity. The Company also continued efforts to upgrade its computer and telephone network systems. These efforts are expected to further enhance risk mitigation and efficiency at both the Bank and ALC.

● Credit Quality – While the Bank and ALC both experienced loan growth in 2017, management at both entities remains vigilant with respect to the credit quality of the loan portfolio. At the Bank, this includes continued adherence to previously established credit policies and procedures, and at ALC, this includes continued focus on indirect retail lending opportunities, which generally provide loans of higher credit quality than traditional consumer lending.

● Mortgage Division – In 2017, the Bank began originating loans into the secondary market through a mortgage division. Management believes that the ability to serve our customer base in the future through a full array of secondary market mortgage services will allow the Bank to provide a wider range of product offerings in its existing service territories. Additionally, this unit will provide an opportunity to originate loans for the Bank's portfolio that reflect our credit criteria and fit strategically into our earning asset mix.

● Market/Interest Rate Risk Management – We continue to manage interest rate risk and evaluate lending, funding, pricing and hedging strategies through financial simulation models and tools utilized by the Company’s Asset/Liability Committee. As part of this evaluation, management considers the current and prospective mix of fixed and variable rate lending arrangements at the Bank and ALC. Approximately 59.4% of the Bank’s new loan growth during 2017 was in fixed rate lending arrangements, while approximately 40.6% was at variable rates. As of December 31, 2017, fixed rate loans at the Bank totaled $241.9 million, while variable rate loans totaled $98.0 million. All loans at ALC as of December 31, 2017 were considered fixed rate loans; however, average terms of loans at ALC are relatively short, with average terms of new loans at 24 to 36 months.

20

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest income	$	31,100		$	30,155
Interest expense		2,706			2,271
Net interest income		28,394			27,884
Provision for loan losses		1,987			3,197
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		26,407			24,687
Non-interest income		4,666			5,201
Non-interest expense		28,449			28,495
Income before income taxes		2,624			1,393
Provision for income taxes		3,035			169
Net income	$	(411	)	$	1,224

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is calculated as the difference between interest and fee income generated from earning assets and the interest expense paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Fluctuations in interest rates, as well as volume and mix changes in earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, can materially impact net interest income. The Company’s earning assets consist of loans at both the Bank and ALC, as well as taxable and nontaxable investments and federal funds sold by the Bank. Interest-bearing liabilities consist of interest-bearing demand deposits and savings and time deposits, as well as short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Net interest income for the Company increased $0.5 million, or 1.8%, in 2017 compared to 2016.

21

The following table shows the average balances of each principal category of assets, liabilities and shareholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Additionally, the table provides an analysis of interest revenue or expense associated with each category, along with the accompanying yield or rate percentage. Net yield is calculated for each period presented as net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017							2016
	Average Balance		Interest		Annualized Yield/ Rate %			Average Balance		Interest		Annualized Yield/ Rate %
	(Dollars in Thousands)
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets:
Loans – Bank (Note A)	$	241,940	$	10,130		4.19	%	$	206,858	$	8,866		4.29	%
Loans – ALC (Note A)		89,794		16,866		18.78	%		86,137		17,071		19.82	%
Taxable investment securities		191,390		3,487		1.82	%		211,026		3,619		1.71	%
Non-taxable investment securities		8,355		304		3.64	%		13,449		483		3.59	%
Federal funds sold		1,274		20		1.57	%		3,210		18		0.56	%
Interest-bearing deposits in banks		25,669		293		1.14	%		19,202		98		0.51	%
Total interest-earning assets		558,422		31,100		5.57	%		539,882		30,155		5.59	%
Non-interest-earning assets:
Other assets		56,876							49,666
Total	$	615,298						$	589,548
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits	$	163,301	$	633		0.39	%	$	150,472	$	547		0.36	%
Savings deposits		81,420		199		0.24	%		77,435		145		0.19	%
Time deposits		183,477		1,575		0.86	%		181,415		1,402		0.77	%
Borrowings		23,082		299		1.30	%		17,519		177		1.01	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		451,280		2,706		0.60	%		426,841		2,271		0.53	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		78,609							76,781
Other liabilities		7,141							7,645
Shareholders’ equity		78,268							78,281
Total	$	615,298						$	589,548
Net interest income (Note B)			$	28,394						$	27,884
Net yield on interest-earning assets						5.08	%						5.16	%

Note A	—	For the purpose of these computations, non-accruing loans are included in the average loan amounts outstanding. At the Bank, these loans averaged $0.5 million and $1.1 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively. At ALC, these loans averaged $1.7 million for both of the respective periods presented.
Note B	—	Loan fees are included in the interest amounts presented. At the Bank, loan fees totaled $0.4 million and $0.3 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively. At ALC, loan fees totaled $2.2 million and $2.8 million for the respective periods presented.

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The following table summarizes the impact of variances in volume and rate of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on components of net interest income.

	2017 Compared to 2016 Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In:									2016 Compared to 2015 Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In:
	Volume			Average Rate			Net			Volume			Average Rate			Net
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest earned on:
Loans – Bank	$	1,504		$	(240	)	$	1,264		$	1,964		$	(1,963	)	$	1
Loans – ALC		725			(930	)		(205	)		1,495			(736	)		759
Taxable investments		(337	)		205			(132	)		(269	)		(126	)		(395	)
Non-taxable investments		(183	)		4			(179	)		(98	)		(8	)		(106	)
Federal funds		(11	)		13			2			—			18			18
Interest bearing deposits in banks		33			162			195			(26	)		7			(19)
Total interest-earning assets		1,731			(786	)		945			3,066			(2,808	)		258
Interest expense on:
Demand deposits		47			39			86			17			(64	)		(47	)
Savings deposits		7			47			54			7			2			9
Time deposits		16			157			173			(23	)		(108	)		(131	)
Other borrowings		56			66			122			65			86			151
Total interest-bearing liabilities		126			309			435			66			(84	)		(18	)
Increase (decrease) in net interest income	$	1,605		$	(1,095	)	$	510		$	3,000		$	(2,724	)	$	276

Interest income earned on loans at the Bank increased comparing 2017 to 2016 as a result of growth in average loan volume. The increase in interest income at the Bank was partially offset by a modest reduction in yield, which was a result of the competitive environment. At ALC, despite continued growth in loan volume, interest income decreased comparing 2017 to 2016 as a result of reductions in yield. The decrease in yield at ALC was due to continued focus on credit quality improvement. These activities have been ongoing for the past several years and have resulted in significant improvement in the credit quality of ALC’s portfolio, with a corresponding decrease in yield commensurate with reduced risk. The loan volume increases were partially offset by decreases in the average balances of taxable and non-taxable investments and federal funds sold. The shift in the mix of earning assets is consistent with management’s ongoing strategy to utilize cash flows from the maturity and paydown of investment securities to fund loan growth as opportunities permit. The investment portfolio has been structured to provide monthly cash flows through the maturity and paydown of securities in a manner that management believes can continue to fund a substantial portion of loan growth over time.

Interest expense increased comparing 2017 to 2016 due to increases in the volume of interest-bearing liabilities, as well as increases in rates commensurate with the interest rate environment experienced during the year ended December 31, 2017.

We expect that continued growth in net loan volume at both the Bank and ALC with loans of sufficient credit quality will enhance net interest income, particularly as resources are shifted from lower-earning investment securities to higher-earning loan balances. However, the competitive environment is significant relative to the generation of loans of high credit quality. At both the Bank and ALC, management is continuing to focus efforts on new loan origination within the parameters of established credit policy, while also maintaining vigilance in the deployment of strategies to effectively manage risks associated with interest rate fluctuations. Net interest income could experience downward pressure as a result of increased competition for quality loan opportunities, lower reinvestment yields and fewer opportunities to reduce future funding costs.

Provision (Reduction in Reserve) for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses is an expense used to establish the allowance for loan losses. Actual loan losses, net of recoveries, are charged directly to the allowance for loan losses. The expense recorded for each reporting period is a reflection of actual net losses experienced during the period and management’s judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The following table presents the provision (reduction in reserve) for loan losses for the Bank and ALC for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

23

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Bank	$	(130	)	$	886
ALC		2,117			2,311
Net provision for loan losses	$	1,987		$	3,197

At the Bank, during the year ended December 31, 2017, recoveries of previously charged-off loans exceeded current period charge-offs.  In addition, during 2017, the Bank resolved a previously impaired loan relationship through the collection of contractual amounts due.  The resolution of the impairment, combined with continued net recoveries, enabled the Bank to reduce the allowance for loan losses by $0.1 million during the year.  The Bank’s allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans totaled 0.95% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 1.01% as of December 31, 2016.

At ALC, the provision for loan losses decreased during the year ended December 31, 2017, based primarily on improvements in charge-off experience during the period.  ALC’s allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans totaled 2.48% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 2.78% as of December 31, 2016.

For the Company, the allowance for loan losses totaled 1.36% as of December 31, 2017, compared to 1.48% as of December 31, 2016.  Based on our evaluation of the loan portfolio, we believe that the allowance for loan losses at both the Bank and ALC is adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017. While we believe that the methodologies and calculations that have been used in the determination of the allowance are adequate, our conclusions are based on estimates and judgments and are, therefore, approximate and imprecise. Factors beyond our control, such as changes in economic conditions impacting the national economy or the local service areas in which the Bank and ALC operate, may negatively and materially affect asset quality and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, as well as the resulting provision for loan losses.  In general, we expect the provision for loan losses to increase commensurate with growth in loan volume at both the Bank and ALC; however, we would also expect such increases to be partially offset should credit quality of the portfolio continue to improve.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income represents fees and income derived from sources other than interest-earning assets. The following table presents the major components of non-interest income. Expanded discussion of certain significant non-interest income items and fluctuations is provided below the table.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		$ Change			% Change
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Service charges and other fees on deposit accounts	$	1,880	$	1,773	$	107			6.0	%
Credit insurance commissions and fees		715		681		34			5.0	%
Bank-owned life insurance		424		422		2			0.5	%
Net gain on sale and prepayment of investment securities		229		659		(430	)		(65.3	)%
Other income		1,418		1,666		(248	)		(14.9	)%
Total non-interest income	$	4,666	$	5,201	$	(535	)		(10.3	)%

Service Charges and Other Fees on Deposit Accounts

Service charges and other fees are generated on deposit accounts held at the Bank. The increase in this category of non-interest income during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 resulted primarily from increased fees generated from service charges on deposit accounts.  Periodically, management evaluates the fee structure on the Bank’s deposit accounts in order to ensure that fees charged are competitive in the current environment and compliant with regulatory guidance. In addition, management continues to evaluate opportunities for deposit growth through further penetration in existing service territories.  We expect that income from these sources will grow over time as deposit levels grow.  However, there is significant competition among financial institutions for deposits.

Credit Insurance Commissions and Fees

Credit insurance commissions and fees are generated from credit life and credit accident and health insurance policies offered primarily at ALC to consumer loan customers through FUSB Reinsurance. The increase in non-interest income in this category during the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 resulted primarily from a focus by ALC management on product lines that facilitate the generation of these types of sales. Although revenues in this category increased in 2017 compared to 2016, such revenues are generally dependent on the mix of product lines offered at ALC and the specific needs of borrowers. Management continues to seek opportunities to grow revenues in this category when opportunities arise based on customer needs and in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

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Bank-owned Life Insurance

The Bank utilizes bank-owned life insurance as a tool to offset the cost of certain retirement benefit programs. The income derived from bank-owned life insurance represents the increase in the cash surrender value of the policies (which is generally non-taxable) over the periods presented. The cash surrender value of the policies totaled $14.9 million and $14.6 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The insurance policies are adjustable-rate assets with minimum guaranteed rates of interest between 2% and 4%. Accordingly, management does not expect significant fluctuation in the income derived from these assets.

Net Gain on Sale and Prepayment of Investment Securities

The investment securities portfolio is used by management to provide liquidity, to generate interest income and for use as collateral for public deposits and wholesale funding. Management reviews the securities in the investment portfolio periodically and, from time to time, may determine that it is appropriate to sell securities that are designated as securities available-for-sale. When this occurs, a gain or loss is recorded as the difference between the fair value of the security on the date of sale and the security's carrying value.  In addition, a gain may be recognized for prepayment penalties earned by the Company when a security is called by the debtor prior to its maturity date.  Because determinations of whether to sell investment securities are made by management based on specific facts and circumstances at a given point in time, no assessment can be made as to the level of gains or losses that could be incurred from sales of investment securities or prepayment penalties in the future.

Other Income

Other non-interest income includes fee income generated by the Bank for ancillary services, such as letters of credit, ATMs, debit and credit cards, wire transfers and real estate rental. In addition, other non-interest income is generated at ALC for ancillary services, including ALC’s auto club membership program, which provides members with emergency roadside assistance, lock and key services and reimbursement for emergency travel expenses. The decrease in other non-interest income in 2017 compared to 2016 resulted primarily from reductions in ACH fees and services at the Bank and in ALC’s auto club membership revenue.  In addition, other income was reduced as a result of collection of settlement amounts associated with a nonaccrual asset in 2016 that was not repeated in 2017. Given the nature of the types of revenues categorized as other income, there is uncertainty as to the level of revenue that will be derived from these sources in the future.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense represents expenses incurred from sources other than interest-bearing liabilities. The following table presents the major components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated. Expanded discussion of certain significant non-interest expense items and fluctuations is provided below the table.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		$ Change			% Change
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits	$	17,374	$	16,663	$	711			4.3	%
Net occupancy and equipment expense		3,164		3,150		14			0.4	%
Computer services		1,384		1,383		1			0.1	%
Insurance expense and assessments		644		1,032		(388	)		(37.6	)%
Fees for professional services		813		948		(135	)		(14.2	)%
Postage, stationery and supplies		674		725		(51	)		(7.0	)%
Telephone/data communication		830		691		139			20.1	%
Other real estate/foreclosure expense, net		538		719		(181	)		(25.2	)%
Other		3,028		3,184		(156	)		(4.9	)%
Total non-interest expense	$	28,449	$	28,495	$	(46	)		(0.2	)%

Salaries and Employee Benefits

Salaries and employee benefits expense, the largest category of non-interest expense, totaled $11.6 million and $10.8 million at the Bank and $5.8 million and $5.9 million at ALC in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The expense amounts for the Bank are inclusive of salaries and benefits paid to certain members of management and employees for work performed on behalf of Bancshares, as well as current and deferred fees paid to members of the Bank’s and Bancshares’ Boards of Directors. Management remains committed to providing salaries and benefits packages to employees at competitive levels in order to ensure that we continue to provide quality service to our customers. Accordingly, we expect salaries and employee benefits expense to generally increase commensurate with our growth and trends in the employment market over time.

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Net Occupancy and Equipment Expense

This category of non-interest expense includes expenses associated with depreciation of buildings, equipment and furniture and fixtures, rent of office space, utilities expense and maintenance and repair costs. The majority of the Bank's office space is owned, while the majority of ALC's office space is leased. Net occupancy and equipment expense remained relatively flat comparing 2017 to 2016; however, these expenses are expected to increase over time due to inflationary adjustments in the cost of repairs and maintenance, as well as additional depreciation associated with capital expenditures. During 2017, the Company recorded approximately $8.9 million in capital additions to premises and equipment. The majority of these expenditures were associated with the construction of an office complex in Birmingham, Alabama. The office complex was placed into service during the third quarter of 2017, and the headquarters of both the Company and the Bank were relocated to that location at the end of the third quarter. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 29% of the usable square footage of the office complex was utilized by the Company, with the remainder available to be leased to commercial tenants. Annual depreciation associated with the office complex is expected to total approximately $0.4 million, with additional expenses incurred in connection with building operations, the level of which will depend on the extent to which the office space in the complex is leased. Upon full lease-up, management expects that the majority of depreciation expense, as well as additional operating costs associated with the complex, will be recovered through lease revenue; however, no assurance can be given regarding the office complex being fully leased by third-party tenants or the timing of such third-party leases.

Computer Services

Computer services expenses were primarily associated with core processing at the Bank and ALC. Due to the differing nature of their businesses, the Bank and ALC utilize different core processors. Although expenses in this category remained relatively flat in 2017 compared to 2016, in recent years, expenditures have generally increased in this category associated with efforts to enhance the Bank’s technology platform, including increased protections against data security risk and enhanced disaster recovery planning. Given the rapid pace of technological change, increases in this category of expense are generally expected to occur at a more rapid pace than other expense categories.

Insurance Expense and Assessments

This category of non-interest expense includes the cost of corporate insurance maintained by the Company, as well as FDIC insurance and state banking assessments. The Bank pays assessments to the FDIC based on a prescribed regulatory calculation that factors in average total assets and the Company’s supervisory ratings, as determined by regulatory examinations. The decrease in this expense category in 2017 compared to 2016 resulted primarily from reductions in FDIC assessments. Over time, management expects this category of expenses to increase based on growth in the Company’s balance sheet and expansion of the Company’s activities.

Fees for Professional Services

Fees for professional services include fees associated with legal, accounting and auditing, compliance and other consulting services. The decrease in these expenses in 2017 compared to 2016 resulted primarily from a decrease in professional fees associated with collections and other legal matters, which have decreased over time as a result of the increased credit quality in the Bank’s loan portfolio.  Although we do not anticipate significant fluctuations in this category of expense, we do expect inflationary increases over time, as well as increases associated with regulatory oversight and reporting requirements commensurate with the Company’s growth and development.

Postage, Stationery and Supplies

The decrease in expense in this category comparing 2017 to 2016 resulted from continued efforts by management at the Bank and ALC to manage controllable expenses. We will continue efforts to control these expenses in a prudent manner; however, expense in this category is generally expected to increase over time due to inflationary growth, as well as expanded penetration by the Bank into metropolitan service territories.

Telephone / Data Communications

The increase in this expense category for 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily associated with management’s efforts to enhance network and telephone capabilities. During 2016, the Company began efforts to upgrade its computer and telephone network systems, and these efforts continued in 2017. The upgrades are expected to create long-term benefits in improved efficiency and technical capabilities that will benefit both the Bank and ALC. In the short-term, however, we expect increases in this category of expenses as the Company continues upgrades.

Other Real Estate / Foreclosure Expense

Other real estate / foreclosure expense, net includes both the cost of carrying OREO and write-downs of OREO. Cost of carrying OREO includes property taxes, attorneys’ fees, maintenance costs, security costs and the cost of obtaining independent property appraisals. Write-downs include impairments recorded on existing OREO properties in order to carry the property at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated cost to sell. Both OREO carrying costs and write-downs decreased in 2017 compared to 2016 as a result of continued reduction in the level of OREO at both the Bank and ALC. OREO totaled $3.5 million and $0.3 million at the Bank and ALC, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, compared to $4.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2016, an overall decrease of $1.1 million for the Company.

Although management continued to reduce OREO levels in 2017, there is inherent uncertainty with respect to economic conditions and real estate values in certain of the service areas in which both the Bank and ALC operate. In addition, as the level of OREO is reduced, it becomes more difficult to work out remaining OREO at the same pace as experienced when OREO volumes were higher. Accordingly, continued reduction of carrying costs cannot be expected with any level of certainty. Furthermore, if the national or local economy weakens, or if real estate values decline in the Company’s primary service areas, additional write-downs of existing OREO could be required. Additionally, the pace of migration of properties into OREO could increase, resulting in the potential for increased levels of both write-downs and carrying costs.

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Other

This category encompasses a variety of expenses, including business development, security services, sales and other taxes, employee training, expenses associated with fixed asset write-downs and other miscellaneous expenses. Comparing 2017 to 2016, expenses in this category decreased due to reductions in a number of areas, including collection fees, debit card fraud, impairment on closed branch assets and reserves for accident and health policies sold through FUSB Reinsurance. Certain of these reductions are expected to be offset in future periods; however, management continues to maintain vigilance in efforts to reduce these costs where opportunities to do so exist.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $3.0 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 2017 provision included a one-time, non-cash charge of $2.5 million associated with the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of Tax Reform. The Company’s resulting 2017 effective tax rate was 115.7%. Of that percentage, 21.5% was associated with the Company's 2017 operations, while 94.2% related to the deferred tax re-valuations resulting from Tax Reform. The Company’s 2016 effective tax rate was 12.1%.

Beginning January 1, 2018, the Company’s federal statutory income tax rate was set at 21%, reduced from the 34% statutory rate previously applied. In general, it is expected that the Company’s effective tax rate will be reduced from previous levels (computed absent the impact of Tax Reform) in the near term; however, the effective tax rate may fluctuate based on recurring items, such as changes in tax-exempt interest earned from bank-qualified municipal bonds and loans and the cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance. Management makes decisions about whether to invest in tax-exempt instruments on a case-by-case basis after considering a number of factors, including investment return, credit quality and consistency of such investments with the Company’s overall strategy. The Company’s effective tax rate is expected to fluctuate commensurate with the level of these investments as compared to total pre-tax income.

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BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Investment Securities

The investment securities portfolio is used by management to provide liquidity, to generate interest income and for use as collateral for public deposits and wholesale funding. Risk and return can be adjusted by altering the duration, composition and/or balance of the portfolio. The expected average life of securities in the investment portfolio was 2.8 years and 3.1 years as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Available-for-sale securities are recorded at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains or losses recognized, net of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. As of December 31, 2017, available-for-sale securities totaled $153.9 million, or 85.4% of the total investment portfolio, compared to $181.9 million, or 87.5% of the total investment portfolio, as of December 31, 2016. Available-for-sale securities consisted of residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies, obligations of state and political subdivisions and corporate notes.

Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost and represent securities that the Company both intends and has the ability to hold to maturity. As of December 31, 2017, held-to-maturity securities totaled $26.3 million, or 14.6% of the total investment portfolio, compared to $25.9 million, or 12.5% of the total investment portfolio, as of December 31, 2016. Held-to-maturity securities consisted of commercial mortgage-backed securities, obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies and obligations of states and political subdivisions.

Due to growth in loan demand, management re-deployed certain investment assets to the loan portfolio. As a result, the investment securities portfolio (including both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities) decreased to $180.2 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $207.8 million as of December 31, 2016. In addition, the Company realized gains on the sale of securities totaling $0.2 million as of December 31, 2017. All sales were made from the available-for-sale portfolio in response to market conditions that, in management’s view, were favorable for sale. No losses were realized from the sale of securities.

Management has structured the investment portfolio to provide cash flows on a monthly basis through interest earned and the maturity or payoff of securities in the portfolio. In the current environment, it is expected that cash flows from the investment portfolio will continue to serve as a significant source of liquidity available for the funding of future loan growth. In addition, purchase and sale transactions affecting the investment portfolio are directed by asset and liability management activities, with consideration given to the expected pace of loan growth. In general, it is expected that the investment portfolio will continue to decrease over time as loan volume increases. However, no assurance can be given as to the level or pace of loan growth that will ultimately materialize, and accordingly, there is uncertainty as to the ultimate level of increases or decreases in the investment portfolio. See Note 3, “Investment Securities,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional detail related to the investment portfolio.

Investment Securities Maturity Schedule

The following tables summarize the carrying values and weighted average yield of the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities portfolios as of December 31, 2017 according to contractual maturity. Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost.

	Available-for-Sale
	Stated Maturity as of December 31, 2017
	Within One Year					After One But Within Five Years					After Five But Within Ten Years					After Ten Years
	Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	—		0.00	%	$	—		0.00	%	$	—		0.00	%	$	—		0.00	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		203		6.49			536		5.10			1,855		5.25			2,337		6.30
U.S. Treasury securities		80		1.38			—		0.00			—		0.00			—		0.00
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential		99		3.61			19,611		1.77			45,975		1.92			17,101		1.97
Commercial		—		0.00			403		1.11			12,727		1.78			52,944		1.87
Total	$	382		4.68	%	$	20,550		1.84	%	$	60,557		1.99	%	$	72,382		2.04	%
Total securities with stated maturity																$	153,871		2.00	%

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	Held-to-Maturity
	Stated Maturity as of December 31, 2017
	Within One Year					After One But Within Five Years					After Five But Within Ten Years					After Ten Years
	Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Investment securities held-to-maturity:
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	—		0.00	%	$	1,201		2.17	%	$	3,398		1.58	%	$	4,727		1.95	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		0.00			414		3.00			900		1.98			574		3.05
Mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial		—		0.00			371		1.13			—		0.00			14,694		2.06
Total	$	—		0.00	%	$	1,986		1.94	%	$	4,298		1.67	%	$	19,995		2.07	%
Total securities with stated maturity																$	26,279		2.01	%

Condensed Portfolio Maturity Schedule

Maturity Summary as of December 31, 2017	Dollar Amount		Portfolio Percentage
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Maturing in three months or less	$	80		0.0	%
Maturing after three months to one year		302		0.2
Maturing after one year to three years		1,585		0.9
Maturing after three years to five years		20,951		11.6
Maturing after five years to fifteen years		124,855		69.3
Maturing in more than fifteen years		32,377		18.0
Total	$	180,150		100.0	%

Condensed Portfolio Repricing Schedule

Repricing Summary as of December 31, 2017	Dollar Amount		Portfolio Percentage
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Repricing in thirty days or less	$	7,841		4.3	%
Repricing in thirty-one days to one year		2,182		1.2
Repricing after one year to three years		2,789		1.6
Repricing after three years to five years		24,125		13.4
Repricing after five years to fifteen years		122,624		68.1
Repricing in more than fifteen years		20,589		11.4
Total	$	180,150		100.0	%

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Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

The tables below summarize loan balances by portfolio segment for both the Bank and ALC at the end of each of the most recent five quarters as of December 31, 2017.

	Bank
	2017								2016
	December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	26,143	$	20,213	$	12,424	$	25,853	$	23,772
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		34,272		35,125		32,227		32,535		32,955
Secured by multi-family residential properties		16,579		16,498		16,702		16,464		16,627
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		105,133		107,679		113,037		97,294		102,112
Other		190		223		226		230		234
Commercial and industrial loans		69,969		66,320		65,087		57,253		57,963
Consumer loans		5,217		5,431		5,671		6,057		6,206
Total loans	$	257,503	$	251,489	$	245,374	$	235,686	$	239,869
Less unearned interest, fees and deferred cost		374		367		371		249		218
Allowance for loan losses		2,447		2,422		2,526		2,521		2,409
Net loans	$	254,682	$	248,700	$	242,477	$	232,916	$	237,242

	ALC
	2017								2016
	December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		10,801		11,490		12,229		12,993		13,724
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial loans		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer loans:
Consumer		34,083		35,650		31,920		32,892		36,413
Indirect sales		55,071		50,553		52,134		47,196		44,775
Total loans	$	99,955	$	97,693	$	96,283	$	93,081	$	94,912
Less unearned interest, fees and deferred cost		6,189		5,981		5,855		5,962		6,935
Allowance for loan losses		2,327		2,386		2,379		2,358		2,447
Net loans	$	91,439	$	89,326	$	88,049	$	84,761	$	85,530

30

The tables below summarize changes in the allowance for loan losses at the end of each of the most recent five quarters as of December 31, 2017 at both the Bank and ALC.

	Bank
	2017												2016
	Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,422		$	2,526		$	2,521		$	2,409		$	1,216
Charge-offs:
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other loan loans		—			—			—			—			—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		—			—			—			—			(56	)
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—			—			—			—			—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—			—			—			—			—
Other		—			—			—			—			—
Commercial and industrial loans		—			—			(16	)		—			(1	)
Consumer loans		—			(1	)		(60	)		(2	)		(13	)
Other loans		—			—			—			—			—
Total charge-offs		—			(1	)		(76	)		(2	)		(70	)
Recoveries		25			27			81			114			28
Net recoveries (charge-offs)		25			26			5			112			(42	)
Provision (reduction in reserve) for loan losses		—			(130	)		—			—			1,235
Ending balance	$	2,447		$	2,422		$	2,526		$	2,521		$	2,409
as a percentage of loans		0.95	%		0.96	%		1.03	%		1.07	%		1.01	%

	ALC
	2017												2016
	Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter			Fourth Quarter
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,386		$	2,379		$	2,358		$	2,447		$	2,452
Charge-offs:
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other loan loans		—			—			—			—			—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		(1	)		(10	)		(4	)		(13	)		(7	)
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—			—			—			—			—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—			—			—			—			—
Other		—			—			—			—			—
Commercial and industrial loans		—			—			—			—			—
Consumer loans:
Consumer		(576	)		(494	)		(569	)		(658	)		(398	)
Indirect sales		(142	)		(150	)		(160	)		(135	)		(354	)
Other loans		—			—			—			—			—
Total charge-offs		(719	)		(654	)		(733	)		(806	)		(759	)
Recoveries		137			158			178			202			176
Net recoveries (charge-offs)		(582	)		(496	)		(555	)		(604	)		(583	)
Provision (reduction in reserve) for loan losses		523			503			576			515			578
Ending balance	$	2,327		$	2,386		$	2,379		$	2,358		$	2,447
as a percentage of loans		2.48	%		2.60	%		2.63	%		2.71	%		2.78	%

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets at the end of the five most recent quarters as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:

	Consolidated
	2017												2016
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Non-accrual loans	$	2,148		$	1,956		$	1,847		$	2,205		$	2,417
Other real estate owned		3,792			3,819			4,351			4,587			4,858
Total	$	5,940		$	5,775		$	6,198		$	6,792		$	7,275
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans and other real estate		1.67	%		1.67	%		1.82	%		2.08	%		2.19	%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets		0.95	%		0.94	%		1.01	%		1.10	%		1.20	%

31

	Bank
	2017												2016
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
Non-accrual loans	$	315		$	332		$	343		$	609		$	603
Other real estate owned		3,527			3,527			3,951			4,161			4,353
Total	$	3,842		$	3,859		$	4,294		$	4,770		$	4,956
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans and other real estate		1.47	%		1.52	%		1.72	%		1.99	%		2.03	%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets		0.61	%		0.63	%		0.69	%		0.77	%		0.81	%

	ALC
	2017												2016
	December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,
Non-accrual loans	$	1,833		$	1,624		$	1,504		$	1,596		$	1,814
Other real estate owned		265			292			400			426			505
Total	$	2,098		$	1,916		$	1,904		$	2,022		$	2,319
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of loans and other real estate		2.23	%		2.08	%		2.10	%		2.31	%		2.62	%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets		2.22	%		2.06	%		2.08	%		2.29	%		2.59	%

Loans are considered restructured loans if concessions have been granted to borrowers that are experiencing financial difficulty. The concessions granted generally involve the modification of the terms of the loan, such as changes in payment schedule or interest rate, that generally would not otherwise be considered. Restructured loans can involve loans remaining on non-accrual, moving to non-accrual or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. Non-accrual restructured loans are included and treated with all other non-accrual loans. In addition, all accruing restructured loans are reported as troubled debt restructurings. Generally, restructured loans remain on non-accrual until the customer has attained a sustained period of repayment performance under the modified loan terms (generally a minimum of six months). However, performance prior to the restructuring or significant events that coincide with the restructuring are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and whether the loan should be returned to accrual or maintained on non-accrual status. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, then the loan remains on non-accrual. The Company had $0.1 million of non-accruing loans that were restructured and remained on non-accrual status as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had no restructured loans that were restored to accrual status based on a sustained period of repayment performance. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had $0.3 million in restructured loans that were restored to accrual status based on a sustained period of repayment performance.

Summarized below is information concerning income on those loans with deferred interest or principal payments resulting from deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower.

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Total loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis	$	2,148	$	2,417
Interest income that would have been recorded under original terms		19		35
Interest income reported and recorded during the year		3		4

32

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses

While no portion of the allowance is in any way restricted to any individual loan or group of loans and the entire allowance is available to absorb losses from any and all loans, the following table shows an allocation of the allowance for loan losses as of the end of the two years indicated.

	2017					2016
	Allocation Allowance		Percent of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans			Allocation Allowance		Percent of Loans In Each Category To Total Loans
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	203		7.3	%	$	535		7.1	%
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		290		12.6			411		13.9
Secured by multi-family residential properties		116		4.6			88		5.0
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		777		29.4			905		30.5
Other		2		0.1			—		0.1
Commercial and industrial loans		1,049		19.6			527		17.3
Consumer loans:
Consumer		1,715		11.0			1,767		12.7
Indirect sales		622		15.4			623		13.4
Total	$	4,774		100.0	%	$	4,856		100.0	%

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

The following table summarizes the Company’s loan loss experience for each of the two years indicated.

	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance of allowance for loan loss at beginning of period	$	4,856		$	3,781
Charge-offs:
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other land loans		—			—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		(28	)		(122	)
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—			—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—			(40	)
Commercial and industrial loans		(16	)		(2	)
Consumer loans:
Consumer		(2,360	)		(2,260	)
Indirect sales		(587	)		(753	)
		(2,991	)		(3,177	)
Recoveries:
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other land loans		—			200
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		135			62
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—			—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		69			—
Commercial and industrial loans		19			73
Consumer loans:
Consumer		601			501
Indirect sales		98			220
		922			1,056
Net charge-offs		(2,069	)		(2,121	)
Provision for loan losses		1,987			3,196
Balance of allowance for loan loss at end of period	$	4,774		$	4,856
Ratio of net charge-offs during period to average loans outstanding		0.62	%		0.72	%

Net charge-offs improved for the Company to 0.62% of average loans outstanding in 2017, compared to 0.72% of average loans outstanding in 2016. The improvement resulted primarily from the continued shift in the mix of loans at ALC to higher balances in indirect lending. Compared to ALC’s traditional consumer lending portfolio, indirect lending has historically experienced significantly lower credit losses. In 2017, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans totaled 5.71% in ALC’s consumer lending portfolio, compared to 1.03% in the indirect lending portfolio. In 2016, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans totaled 5.38% and 1.39% in ALC’s consumer and indirect lending portfolios, respectively. Credit loss experience in ALC’s real estate portfolio, which has been discontinued and is in run-off mode, also continued to improve in 2017. This portfolio experienced net recoveries as a percentage of average loans in 2017 of (0.03%), compared to net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans of 0.11% in 2016. The Bank’s portfolio, which is primarily comprised of commercial loans, experienced net recoveries in both 2017 and 2016 with net recoveries as a percentage of average loans of (0.07%) in 2017 and (0.09%) in 2016.

33

Deposits

Total deposits increased by 3.9% to $517.1 million as of December 31, 2017, from $497.6 million as of December 31, 2016. Core deposits, which exclude time deposits of $250 thousand or more, provide for a relatively stable funding source that supports earning assets. Core deposits totaled $489.0 million, or 94.6% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2017, compared to $461.8 million, or 92.8% of total deposits, as of December 31, 2016.

Deposits, in particular core deposits, have historically been the Company’s primary source of funding and have enabled the Company to successfully meet both short-term and long-term liquidity needs. Management anticipates that such deposits will continue to be one of the Company’s primary sources of funding in the future, and we will continue to monitor deposit levels closely to help ensure an adequate level of funding for the Company’s activities. However, various economic and competitive factors could affect this funding source in the future, including increased competition from other financial institutions in deposit gathering, national and local economic conditions, and interest rate policies adopted by the Federal Reserve and other central banks.

Average Daily Amount of Deposits and Rates

The average daily amount of deposits and rates paid on such deposits are summarized for the periods indicated in the following table.

	2017					2016
	Amount		Rate			Amount		Rate
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Non-interest-bearing demand deposit accounts	$	78,609		—		$	76,781		—
Interest-bearing demand deposit accounts		163,301		0.39	%		150,473		0.36	%
Savings deposits		81,420		0.24			77,435		0.19
Time deposits		183,477		0.86			181,414		0.77
Total	$	506,807		0.56	%	$	486,103		0.51	%

Maturities of time certificates of deposit of $250 thousand or more outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:

Maturities	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Three months or less	$	7,334	$	6,439
Over three through six months		3,540		6,929
Over six through twelve months		10,942		16,627
Over twelve months		6,268		5,762
Total	$	28,084	$	35,757

Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

Other interest-bearing liabilities consist of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB advances. This category continues to be utilized as an alternative source of funds. As of December 31, 2017, these borrowings represented 5.11% of average interest-bearing liabilities, compared to 4.10% as of December 31, 2016.

	Short- Term Borrowings (Maturity Less Than One Year)			Long- Term Borrowings (Maturity One Year or Greater)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Other interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at year-end:
2017	$	15,594		$	10,000
2016		10,119			15,000
Weighted average interest rate at year-end:
2017		1.27	%		1.32	%
2016		0.70	%		0.81	%
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end:
2017	$	20,710		$	15,000
2016		10,607			15,000
Average amount outstanding during the year:
2017	$	11,630		$	11,452
2016		5,115			12,404
Weighted average interest rate during the year:
2017		1.04	%		1.55	%
2016		0.70	%		1.17	%

34

Shareholders’ Equity

The Company places great emphasis on maintaining its strong capital base. As of December 31, 2017, shareholders’ equity totaled $76.2 million, or 12.2% of total assets, compared to $76.2 million, or 12.6% of total assets, as of December 31, 2016. Management believes that this level of equity is an indicator of the financial soundness of the Company and the Company’s ability to sustain future growth and profitability. 

Bancshares’ Board of Directors evaluates dividend payments based on the Company’s level of earnings and our desire to maintain a strong capital base, as well as regulatory requirements relating to the payment of dividends. During each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Bancshares declared dividends of $0.08 per common share, or approximately $0.1 million in aggregate amount.

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company retained approximately $20.4 million and $20.8 million in treasury stock, respectively. The Company initiated a share repurchase program in January 2006, under which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 642,785 shares of Bancshares’ common stock before December 31, 2007. In December 2007, and in each year since, the Board of Directors has extended the expiration date of the share repurchase program for an additional year. Currently, the share repurchase program is set to expire on December 31, 2018. There are 242,303 shares available for repurchase under this program, at management’s discretion. No shares were purchased under this program for the years ended 2017 or 2016.

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, a total of 103,620 and 114,547 shares of common stock, respectively, were deferred in connection with Bancshares’ Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. The plan permits non-employee directors to invest their directors’ fees and to receive the adjusted value of the deferred amounts in cash or shares of common stock. All deferred fees, whether in the form of cash or shares of common stock, are reflected as compensation expense in the period earned. The Company classifies all deferred directors’ fees allocated to be paid in shares of common stock as equity surplus. The Company uses shares of treasury stock to satisfy these obligations when due.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The asset portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity primarily from two sources: (1) principal payments and maturities of loans and (2) maturities and principal payments from the investment portfolio. Other short-term investments, such as federal funds sold, may also provide additional sources of liquidity. Loans maturing or repricing in one year or less amounted to $117.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and $127.3 million as of December 31, 2016. Investment securities forecasted to mature or reprice in one year or less were estimated to be $9.7 million and $15.2 million of the investment portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Although a substantial portion of securities in the investment portfolio have legal final maturities exceeding 10 years, a substantial percentage of the portfolio provides monthly principal and interest payments and consists of securities that are readily marketable and easily convertible into cash on short notice. As of December 31, 2017, the investment securities portfolio had an estimated average life of 2.75 years, and approximately 86.3% of the portfolio (including both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investments) was expected to be repaid within five years. However, management does not rely solely upon the investment portfolio to generate cash flows to fund loans, capital expenditures, dividends, debt repayment and other cash requirements. These activities are also funded by cash flows from loan payments, as well as increases in deposits and short-term borrowings.

The liability portion of the balance sheet provides liquidity through interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposit accounts, which represent the Company’s primary sources of funds. In addition, federal funds purchased, FHLB advances, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and short-term and long-term borrowings are additional sources of available liquidity.  Liquidity management involves the continual monitoring of the sources and uses of funds to maintain an acceptable cash position. Long-term liquidity management focuses on considerations related to the total balance sheet structure.  The Bank manages the pricing of its deposits to maintain a desired deposit balance. In addition, the Bank invests in short-term interest-earning assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements.

As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $25.0 million in outstanding borrowings under FHLB advances.  The Company had up to $159.3 million and $155.0 million in remaining unused credit from the FHLB (subject to available collateral) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  In addition, the Company had $18.8 million in unused established federal funds lines as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Management believes that the Company has adequate sources of liquidity to more than cover its contractual obligations and commitments over the next twelve months. Management is not aware of any condition that currently exists that would have an adverse effect on the liquidity, capital resources or operation of the Company.

35

Regulatory Capital

Since January 1, 2015, the Bank has been subject to certain capital requirements as described in the section captioned “Capital Adequacy” included in Part I, Item I of this report.  Under these requirements, the Bank is subject to minimum risk-based capital and leverage capital requirements, which are administered by the federal banking regulatory agencies.   These capital requirements, as defined by federal regulations, involve quantitative and qualitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet instruments.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of Bancshares and the Bank, and could impact Bancshares’ ability to pay dividends.  As of December 31, 2017, the Bank exceeded all applicable minimum capital standards.  In addition, the Bank met applicable regulatory guidelines to be considered well-capitalized as of December 31, 2017.  No significant conditions or events have occurred since December 31, 2017 that management believes would affect the Bank’s classification as “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes.

It is expected that as the Company experiences growth in loan volume, the risk-based capital ratios will decline as earning assets are shifted to loans from the Bank’s securities investment portfolio, which generally carries a lower risk profile than loans for purposes of risk-based calculations. Refer to the section captioned “Regulatory Capital” included in Note 15, “Shareholders’ Equity,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an illustration of the Bank’s actual regulatory capital amounts and ratios under regulatory capital standards in effect at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Asset/Liability Management

Market risk reflects the potential risk of loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates and market prices.  The Company has risk management policies and procedures in place to monitor and limit exposure to market risk.  The Company’s primary market risk is interest rate risk created by core banking activities.  Interest rate risk is the potential variability of the Company’s income that results from changes in various market interest rates.  The Bank’s Asset/Liability Committee routinely reassesses the Company’s strategies to manage interest rate risk in accordance with policies established by the Company’s Board of Directors.  A key objective of the asset/liability management program is to quantify, monitor and manage interest rate risk and to assist management in maintaining stability in net interest margin under varying interest rate environments.

As part of interest rate risk management, the Company may use derivative instruments in accordance with policies established by the Board of Directors.  The Asset/Liability Committee, in its oversight role, approves the use of derivatives, which include interest rate swaps, caps and floors. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had entered into interest rate swaps to mitigate risks associated with rising interest rates. See Note 16, “Derivative Financial Instruments,” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these derivative instruments.

Contractual Obligations

The Company has contractual obligations to make future payments under debt and lease agreements. Long-term debt is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets, whereas operating lease obligations for office space and equipment are not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has not entered into any unconditional purchase obligations or other long-term obligations, other than as included below. These types of obligations are more fully discussed in Note 10, “Long-Term Debt,” and Note 19, “Operating Leases,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Many of the Bank’s lending relationships, including those with commercial and consumer customers, contain both funded and unfunded elements. The unfunded component of these commitments is not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets. These commitments are more fully discussed in Note 20, “Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

36

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017.

	Payment Due by Period
	Total		Less than One Year		One to Three Years		Three to Five Years		More than Five Years
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Time deposits	$	183,530	$	121,390	$	39,071	$	23,069	$	—
Long-term debt		10,000		10,000		—		—		—
Commitments to extend credit		55,801		48,485		—		—		7,316
Operating leases		1,952		483		763		405		300
Standby letters of credit		180		180		—		—		—
Total	$	251,463	$	180,538	$	39,834	$	23,474	$	7,616

Off-Balance Sheet Obligations

The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on its consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources other than as described under the captions “Derivative Financial Instruments,” included in Note 16, “Operating Leases,” included in Note 19, and “Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies,” included in Note 20 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market/Interest Rate Risk Management

The primary purpose of managing interest rate risk is to invest capital effectively and preserve the value created by our core banking business.  This is accomplished through the development and implementation of lending, funding, pricing and hedging strategies designed to maximize net interest income performance under varying interest rate environments, subject to liquidity and interest rate risk guidelines. Effective interest rate sensitivity management ensures that both assets and liabilities respond to changes in interest rates within an acceptable timeframe, thereby minimizing the effect of such interest rate movements on short- and long-term net interest margin and net interest income.

Financial simulation models are the primary tools used by the Asset/Liability Committee of the Bank’s board of directors to measure interest rate exposure.  Using a wide range of scenarios, management is provided with extensive information on the potential impact on net interest income caused by changes in interest rates.  In these simulations, assumptions are made about the direction and volatility of interest rates, the slope of the yield curve and the changing composition of the Company’s balance sheet resulting from both strategic plans and customer behavior.  Simulation models also incorporate management’s assumptions regarding such factors as loan and deposit growth, pricing, prepayment speeds and spreads between interest rates.

Assessing Short-Term Interest Rate Risk – Net Interest Margin Simulation

On a monthly basis, management simulates how changes in short- and long-term interest rates will impact future profitability, as reflected by changes in the Bank’s net interest margin and interest income. The tables below depict how, as of December 31, 2017, pre-tax net interest margins and pre-tax net income are forecasted to change over timeframes of six months, one year, two years and five years under the three listed interest rate scenarios. The interest rate scenarios contemplate immediate and parallel shifts in short- and long-term interest rates.

37

Average Change in Net Interest Margin from Level Interest Rate Forecast (basis points, pre-tax):

	6 Months			1 Year			2 Years			5 Years
+1%		10			9			10			19
+2%		9			6			9			28
-1%		(17	)		(18	)		(21	)		(32	)

Cumulative Change in Net Interest Income from Level Interest Rate Forecast (dollars in thousands, pre-tax):

	6 Months			1 Year			2 Years			5 Years
+1%	$	308		$	541		$	1,289		$	6,143
+2%		275			393			1,181			9,008
-1%		(548	)		(1,138	)		(2,706	)		(10,019	)

Assessing Long-Term Interest Rate Risk – Market Value of Equity and Estimating Modified Durations for Assets and Liabilities

On a monthly basis, management calculates how changes in interest rates would impact the market value of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The process is similar to assessing short-term risk but emphasizes and is measured over a longer period, approximately five to seven years, which allows for a more comprehensive assessment of longer-term repricing and cash flow imbalances that may not be captured by short-term net interest margin simulations. The results of these calculations are representative of long-term interest rate risk in terms of changes in the present value of the Company’s assets and liabilities.

The table below is a summary of estimated market value changes in the Company’s assets, liabilities and equity as of December 31, 2017 for the three listed scenarios.

	+1%			+2%				-1%
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Change in market value of assets	$	(10,858	)	$	(21,838	)	$	9,445
Change in market value of liabilities		11,079			18,006			(13,459	)
Change in off balance sheet items		913			1,783			(958	)
Net change in market value of equity		1,134			(2,049	)		(4,972	)
Beginning market value of equity		104,800			104,800			104,800
Resulting market value of equity	$	105,934		$	102,751		$	99,828

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our 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. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

● pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of assets;

● provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of our management and directors; and

● provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

38

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.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on its assessment and those criteria, management has concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us, as a smaller reporting company, to provide only management’s report on internal control over financial reporting.

39

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

First US Bancshares, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First US Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since December 31, 2008.

Enterprise, Alabama

March 15, 2018

40

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	7,577	$	7,018
Interest-bearing deposits in banks		19,547		16,512
Total cash and cash equivalents		27,124		23,530
Federal funds sold		15,000		—
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value		153,871		181,910
Investment securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost		26,279		25,904
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		1,609		1,581
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $4,774 and $4,856, respectively		346,121		322,772
Premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $20,304 and $19,490, respectively		26,433		18,340
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance		14,923		14,603
Accrued interest receivable		2,057		1,987
Other real estate owned		3,792		4,858
Other assets		8,372		11,407
Total assets	$	625,581	$	606,892
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing	$	81,831	$	75,995
Interest-bearing		435,248		421,561
Total deposits		517,079		497,556
Accrued interest expense		381		241
Other liabilities		6,319		7,735
Short-term borrowings		15,594		10,119
Long-term debt		10,000		15,000
Total liabilities		549,373		530,651
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 7,345,946 and 7,329,060 shares issued, respectively; 6,081,744 and 6,043,102 shares outstanding, respectively		73		73
Surplus		10,755		10,786
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(868)		(1,277	)
Retained earnings		86,673		87,434
Less treasury stock: 1,264,202 and 1,285,958 shares at cost, respectively		(20,414)		(20,764	)
Noncontrolling interest		(11)		(11	)
Total shareholders’ equity		76,208		76,241
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	625,581	$	606,892

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

41

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans	$	26,996	$	25,937
Interest on investment securities:
Taxable		3,410		3,542
Tax-exempt		304		483
Other interest and dividends		390		193
Total interest income		31,100		30,155
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits		2,407		2,094
Interest on short-term borrowings		122		32
Interest on long-term debt		177		145
Total interest expense		2,706		2,271
Net interest income		28,394		27,884
Provision for loan losses		1,987		3,197
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		26,407		24,687
Non-interest income:
Service and other charges on deposit accounts		1,880		1,773
Credit insurance income		715		681
Net gain on sales and prepayments of investment securities		229		659
Other income, net		1,842		2,088
Total non-interest income		4,666		5,201
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		17,374		16,663
Net occupancy and equipment		3,164		3,150
Other real estate/foreclosure expense, net		538		719
Other expense		7,373		7,963
Total non-interest expense		28,449		28,495
Income before income taxes		2,624		1,393
Provision for income taxes		3,035		169
Net income (loss)	$	(411)	$	1,224
Basic net income per share	$	(0.07)	$	0.20
Diluted net income per share	$	(0.06)	$	0.19
Dividends per share	$	0.08	$	0.08

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

42

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

	Common Stock		Surplus			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock, at Cost			Non- Controlling Interest			Total Shareholders’ Equity
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2015	$	73	$	10,558		$	536		$	86,693		$	(20,817	)	$	(13	)	$	77,030
Net income (loss)		—		—			—			1,224			—			—			1,224
Net change in fair value of securities available-for-sale, net of tax		—		—			(2,031	)		—			—			—			(2,031	)
Net change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax		—		—			218			—			—			—			218
Dividends declared: $.08 per share		—		—			—			(483	)		—			—			(483	)
Impact of stock-based compensation plans, net		—		228			—			—			—			—			228
Treasury stock reissued (4,548 shares)		—		—			—			—			53			—			53
Change in noncontrolling interest, net		—		—			—			—			—			2			2
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	73	$	10,786		$	(1,277	)	$	87,434		$	(20,764	)	$	(11	)	$	76,241
Net income (loss)		—		—			—			(411	)		—			—			(411	)
Net change in fair value of securities available-for-sale, net of tax		—		—			484			—			—			—			484
Net change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax		—		—			61			—			—			—			61
Dividends declared: $.08 per share		—		—			—			(486	)		—			—			(486	)
Impact of stock-based compensation plans, net		—		(31	)		—			—			—			—			(31	)
Treasury stock reissued (21,756 shares)		—		—			—			—			350			—			350
Reclassification of certain tax effects		—		—			(136	)		136			—			—			—
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	73	$	10,755		$	(868	)	$	86,673		$	(20,414	)	$	(11	)	$	76,208

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

43

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Dollars in Thousands)

	Years Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Net income	$	(411	)	$	1,224
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax expense (benefit) of $366 and $(946), respectively		629			(1,622	)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains on securities available-for-sale realized in net income, net of tax expense of $84 and $239, respectively		(145	)		(409	)
Change in unrealized holding gains on effective cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax expense of $36 and $127, respectively		61			218
Other comprehensive income (loss)		545			(1,813	)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$	134		$	(589	)

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

44

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in Thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(411	)	$	1,224
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		1,133			966
Provision for loan losses		1,987			3,197
Deferred income tax provision		2,825			121
Net gain on sale and prepayment of investment securities		(229	)		(659	)
Stock-based compensation expense		366			281
Net amortization of securities		1,099			1,518
Net loss on premises and equipment, repossessed assets and other real estate		595			841
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accrued interest receivable		(70	)		(154	)
Decrease (increase) in other assets		(444	)		10
Increase in accrued interest expense		140			61
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities		(239	)		775
Net cash provided by operating activities		6,752			8,181
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net increase in federal funds sold		(15,000	)		—
Purchases of investment securities, available-for-sale		(25,360	)		(67,762	)
Purchases of investment securities, held-to-maturity		(4,696	)		(16,848	)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities, available-for-sale		1,749			30,439
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of investment securities, available-for-sale		51,681			50,338
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of investment securities, held-to-maturity		4,186			23,146
Net increase in Federal Home Loan Bank stock		(28	)		(556	)
Proceeds from the sale of premises and equipment and other real estate		1,347			1,657
Net change in loan portfolio		(26,109	)		(71,826	)
Purchases of premises and equipment		(10,393	)		(7,891	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(22,623	)		(59,303	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in customer deposits		19,523			18,298
Net increase in short-term borrowings		5,475			2,765
Proceeds from long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances		—			10,000
Repayment of long-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(5,000	)		—
Net share-based compensation transactions		(47	)		—
Dividends paid		(486	)		(483	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		19,465			30,580
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		3,594			(20,542	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		23,530			44,072
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	27,124		$	23,530

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

45

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

First US Bancshares, Inc. (“Bancshares”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First US Bank (the “Bank”), provide commercial banking services to customers through sixteen banking offices located in Birmingham, Bucksville, Butler, Calera, Centreville, Columbiana, Gilbertown, Grove Hill, Harpersville, Jackson, Thomasville, Tuscaloosa and Woodstock, Alabama, as well as a loan production office located in Mountain Brook, Alabama.  

The Bank owns all of the stock of Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. (“ALC”), an Alabama corporation. ALC is a finance company organized for the purpose of making consumer loans and purchasing consumer loans from vendors. ALC has offices located within the communities served by the Bank, as well as offices outside of the Bank’s market area in Alabama and southeast Mississippi. The Bank also owns all of the stock of FUSB Reinsurance, Inc. (“FUSB Reinsurance”), an Arizona corporation. FUSB Reinsurance is an insurance company that underwrites credit life and accidental death insurance related to loans written by the Bank and ALC.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bancshares, the Bank and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) and one variable interest entity (“VIE”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates an entity if the Company has a controlling financial interest in the entity. VIEs are consolidated if the Company has the power to direct the significant economic activities of the VIE that impact financial performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant (i.e., the Company is the primary beneficiary). The assessment of whether or not the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE is performed on an ongoing basis. See Note 7, “Investment in Limited Partnership,” for further discussion of the consolidated VIE.

Use of Estimates

The accounting principles and reporting policies of the Company, and the methods of applying these principles, conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and with general practices within the financial services industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheets and revenues and expenses for the period included in the consolidated statements of operations and of cash flows. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the accounting for the allowance for loan losses, the value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) and certain collateral-dependent loans, and deferred tax asset valuation. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and OREO, management generally obtains independent appraisals for significant properties, evaluates the overall portfolio characteristics and delinquencies and monitors economic conditions.

A substantial portion of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate in its primary market areas. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio and the recovery of a portion of the carrying amount of foreclosed real estate are susceptible to changes in economic conditions in the Company’s primary market areas.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, instruments with an original maturity of less than 90 days from issuance and amounts due from banks.

46

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash transactions related to cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	2,566	$	2,210
Income taxes		127		105
Non-cash transactions:
Assets acquired in settlement of loans		773		1,289
Reissuance of treasury stock as compensation		350		53

Revenue Recognition

The main source of revenue for the Company is interest revenue, which is recognized on an accrual basis and calculated through the use of non-discretionary formulas based on written contracts, such as loan agreements or securities contracts. Loan origination fees are amortized into interest income over the term of the loan. Other types of non-interest revenue, such as service charges on deposits, are accrued and recognized into income as services are provided and the amount of fees earned is reasonably determinable.

Reinsurance Activities

The Company assumes insurance risk related to credit life and credit accident and health insurance written by a non-affiliated insurance company for its customers that choose such coverage through a quota share reinsurance agreement. Assumed premiums on credit life insurance are deferred and earned over the period of insurance coverage using either a pro rata method or the effective yield method, depending on whether the amount of insurance coverage generally remains level or declines. Assumed premiums for accident and health policies are earned on an average of the pro rata and the effective yield methods.

Other liabilities include reserves for incurred but unpaid credit insurance claims for policies assumed under the quota share reinsurance agreement. These insurance liabilities are based on acceptable actuarial methods. Such liabilities are necessarily based on estimates, and, while management believes that the amount is adequate, the ultimate liability may be in excess of or less than the amounts provided. The methods for making such estimates and for establishing the resulting liabilities are continually reviewed, and any adjustments are reflected in earnings currently.

Investment Securities

Securities may be held in one of three portfolios: trading account securities, securities held-to-maturity or securities available-for-sale. Trading account securities are carried at estimated fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in operations. The Company held no trading account securities as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. Investment securities held-to-maturity are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. With regard to investment securities held-to-maturity, management has the intent and the Bank has the ability to hold such securities until maturity. Investment securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses excluded from operations and reflected, net of tax, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Investment securities available-for-sale are so classified because management may decide to sell certain securities prior to maturity for liquidity, tax planning or other valid business purposes. When the fair value of a security falls below carrying value, an evaluation must be made to determine whether the unrealized loss is a temporary or other-than-temporary impairment. Impaired securities that are not deemed to be temporarily impaired are written down by a charge to operations to the extent that the impairment is related to credit losses. The amount of impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss. The Company uses a systematic methodology to evaluate potential impairment of its investments that considers, among other things, the magnitude and duration of the decline in fair value, the financial health and business outlook of the issuer and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until such time as the security recovers its fair value.

Interest earned on investment securities available-for-sale is included in interest income. Amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities is determined by the interest method and included in interest income. Gains and losses on the sale of investment securities available-for-sale, computed principally on the specific identification method, are shown separately in non-interest income.

47

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

As part of the Company’s overall interest rate risk management, the Company may use derivative instruments, which can include interest rate swaps, caps and floors. Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, requires all derivative instruments to be carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. ASC Topic 815 provides special accounting provisions for derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting. To be eligible, the Company must specifically identify a derivative as a hedging instrument and identify the risk being hedged. The derivative instrument must be shown to meet specific requirements under ASC Topic 815.

Loans and Interest Income

Loans are reported at principal amounts outstanding, adjusted for unearned income, net deferred loan origination fees and costs, purchase premiums and discounts, write-downs and the allowance for loan losses. Loan origination fees, net of certain deferred origination costs, and purchase premiums and discounts are recognized as an adjustment to the yield of the related loans, on an effective yield basis.

Interest on all loans is accrued and credited to income based on the principal amount outstanding.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication that the borrower may be unable to make payments as they become due. Upon such discontinuance, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against current income unless the collateral for the loan is sufficient to cover the accrued interest. Interest received on non-accrual loans generally is either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. The policy for interest recognition on impaired loans is consistent with the non-accrual interest recognition policy. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current and the borrower has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is determined based on various components for individually impaired loans and for homogeneous pools of loans. The allowance for loan losses is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense, and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries by portfolio segment. The methodology for determining charge-offs is consistently applied to each segment. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, and changes in its risk profile, credit concentrations, historical trends and economic conditions. This evaluation also considers the balance of impaired loans. Losses on individually identified impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at each loan’s original effective market interest rate. As a practical expedient, impairment may be measured based on the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the impairment is recorded through the provision added to the allowance for loan losses. One-to-four family residential mortgages and consumer installment loans are subjected to a collective evaluation for impairment, considering delinquency and repossession statistics, loss experience and other factors. Though management believes the allowance for loan losses to be adequate, ultimate losses may vary from estimates. However, estimates are reviewed periodically, and, as adjustments become necessary, they are reported in earnings during periods in which they become known.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, and amortization is computed principally by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the expected lease terms for leasehold improvements, whichever is shorter. Useful lives for all premises and equipment range from three to forty years.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

Other real estate consists of properties acquired through a foreclosure proceeding or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. These properties are carried at the lower of cost or fair value based on appraised value, less estimated selling costs. Losses arising from the acquisition of properties are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses realized upon the sale of OREO and additional losses related to subsequent valuation adjustments are determined on a specific property basis and are included as a component of non-interest expense along with carrying costs.

48

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes on the accrual basis through the use of the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the basis of existing assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recorded for any tax attributes, such as tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards. The net balance of deferred tax assets and liabilities is reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See “Income Taxes” included in Note 11 for a discussion of the impact of recent federal tax legislation.

The Company evaluates the realization of deferred tax assets based on all positive and negative evidence available at the balance sheet date. Realization of deferred tax assets is based on the Company’s judgments about relevant factors affecting realization, including taxable income within any applicable carryback periods, future projected taxable income, reversal of taxable temporary differences and other tax planning strategies to maximize realization of deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance is recorded for any deferred tax assets that are not “more likely than not” to be realized.

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit for which there is a greater than 50% likelihood that such amount would be realized upon examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The Company recognizes interest expense, interest income and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within current income tax expense.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock purchases and sales are accounted for using the cost method.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs for promoting the Company are minimal and expensed as incurred.

Segment Reporting

Management has identified two reportable operating segments of Bancshares: the Bank and ALC. The reportable segments were determined based on the internal management reporting system and comprise Bancshares’ and the Bank’s significant subsidiaries. Segment results include certain overhead allocations and intercompany transactions that were recorded at current market prices. All intercompany transactions were eliminated in the determination of consolidated balances.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.

Net Income Per Share and Comprehensive Income

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Included in basic shares are certain shares that have been accrued as of the balance sheet date as deferred compensation for members of Bancshares’ Board of Directors. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, adjusted for the effect of potentially dilutive stock awards outstanding during the period. The dilutive shares consist of nonqualified stock option grants issued to employees and members of Bancshares’ Board of Directors pursuant to Bancshares’2013 Incentive Plan (the “2013 Incentive Plan”) previously approved by Bancshares’ shareholders. The following table reflects weighted average shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016
Basic shares		6,173,450		6,149,192
Dilutive shares		318,001		272,550
Diluted shares		6,491,451		6,421,742

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Net income	$	(411)	$	1,224
Basic net income per share	$	(0.07)	$	0.20
Diluted net income per share	$	(0.06)	$	0.19

49

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

On February 12, 2018, the Company granted awards of nonqualified stock options to purchase a total of 62,150 shares of common stock and restricted stock awards with respect to 5,520 shares of common stock to certain management employees and members of the Board of Directors. The shares underlying these awards are dilutive; however, since they were granted subsequent to December 31, 2017, they are not included in dilutive shares in the table above.

Comprehensive income consists of net income, as well as unrealized holding gains and losses that arise during the period associated with the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio and the effective portion of cash flow hedge derivatives.  In the calculation of comprehensive income, reclassification adjustments are made for gains or losses realized in the statement of operations associated with the sale of available-for-sale securities or changes in the fair value of cash flow derivatives.

Accounting Policies Recently Adopted and Pending Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-02, “Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220).” Issued in February 2018, ASU 2018-02 allows reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. As permitted by the ASU, the Company early adopted the amendments in the ASU as of December 31, 2017. As a result of the early adoption, deferred taxes within accumulated other comprehensive income of $136 thousand were reclassified to retained earnings.

ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” Issued in June 2016, ASU 2016-13 removes the thresholds that companies apply to measure credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost, such as loans, receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities. Under current U.S. GAAP, companies generally recognize credit losses when it is probable that the loss has been incurred. The revised guidance will remove all current recognition thresholds and will require companies to recognize an allowance for lifetime expected credit losses. Credit losses will be immediately recognized through net income; the amount recognized will be based on the current estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected over the financial asset’s contractual term. ASU 2016-13 also amends the credit loss measurement guidance for available-for-sale debt securities. For public business entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and for interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Institutions will be required to apply the changes through a cumulative-effect adjustment to their retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Management is currently evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company expects the allowance for credit losses to increase upon adoption, with a corresponding adjustment to retained earnings.

ASU 2016-09, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718)-Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” Issued in March 2016, ASU 2016-09 seeks to reduce complexity in accounting standards by simplifying several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including (1) accounting for income taxes; (2) classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows; (3) forfeitures; (4) minimum statutory tax withholding requirements; (5) classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax withholding purposes; (6) the practical expedient for estimating the expected term; and (7) intrinsic value. ASU 2016-09 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017.  The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-05, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships.” Issued in March 2016, ASU 2016-05 clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument under ASC Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require de-designation of that hedging relationship, provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. ASU 2016-05 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-05 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).”  Issued in February 2016, ASU 2016-02 was issued by the FASB to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and by disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will require organizations that lease assets (lessees) to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by the lease for all operating leases under current U.S. GAAP with a term of more than 12 months.  The recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease are not significantly changed under ASU 2016-02, and there will continue to be differentiation between finance leases and operating leases.  The accounting applied by the lessor in a lease transaction remains largely unchanged from previous U.S. GAAP.  ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (An Amendment of FASB ASC 825).”  Issued in January 2016, ASU 2016-01 is intended to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide users of financial statements with improved decision-making information.  The amendments of ASU 2016-01 include: (1) requiring equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in the consolidation of an investee, to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values; and (3) clarifying that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The amendments of ASU 2016-01 are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  Management has determined that the adoption of this ASU will not materiality impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).”  Issued in May 2014, ASU 2014-09 will add FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and will supersede revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and certain cost guidance in FASB ASC Topic 605-35, Revenue Recognition – Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts.  ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue when (or as) an entity transfers control of goods or services to a customer at the amount to which the entity expects to be entitled. Depending on whether certain criteria are met, revenue should be recognized either over time, in a manner that depicts the entity’s performance, or at a point in time, when control of the goods or services is transferred to the customer.  ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)-Deferral of the Effective Date,” issued in August 2015, defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year.  ASU 2015-14 provides that the amendments of ASU 2014-09 become effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  Management is currently evaluating the impact that this ASU will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, as well as the most appropriate method of application. However, because this guidance does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including loans and securities accounted for under other U.S. GAAP, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Further, management has determined that the adoption of this ASU for revenue streams reported within non-interest income that are within the scope of the accounting standard will not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Details of investment securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	Available-for-Sale
	December 31, 2017
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	$	83,360	$	286	$	(860	)	$	82,786
Commercial		67,281		27		(1,234	)		66,074
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		4,752		182		(3	)		4,931
U.S. Treasury securities		80		—		—			80
Total	$	155,473	$	495	$	(2,097	)	$	153,871

	Held-to-Maturity
	December 31, 2017
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial	$	15,065	$	1	$	(186	)	$	14,880
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies		9,326		7		(144	)		9,189
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		1,888		5		(13	)		1,880
Total	$	26,279	$	13	$	(343	)	$	25,949

	Available-for-Sale
	December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	$	99,922	$	490	$	(2,003	)	$	98,409
Commercial		71,761		56		(1,287	)		70,530
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		9,759		390		(7	)		10,142
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies		2,000		—		(7	)		1,993
Corporate notes		756		—		—			756
U.S. Treasury securities		80		—		—			80
Total	$	184,278	$	936	$	(3,304	)	$	181,910

	Held-to-Maturity
	December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial	$	14,684	$	5	$	(148	)	$	14,541
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies		9,129		13		(222	)		8,920
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		2,091		2		(46	)		2,047
Total	$	25,904	$	20	$	(416	)	$	25,508

52

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The scheduled maturities of investment securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2017 are presented in the following table:

	Available-for-Sale				Held-to-Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Maturing within one year	$	378	$	382	$	—	$	—
Maturing after one to five years		20,702		20,550		1,986		1,991
Maturing after five to ten years		61,139		60,557		4,298		4,253
Maturing after ten years		73,254		72,382		19,995		19,705
Total	$	155,473	$	153,871	$	26,279	$	25,949

For purposes of the maturity table, mortgage-backed securities, which are not due at a single maturity date, have been allocated over maturity groupings based on the weighted-average contractual maturities of underlying collateral. The mortgage-backed securities generally mature earlier than their weighted-average contractual maturities because of principal prepayments.

The following table reflects gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Available-for-Sale
	December 31, 2017
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	$	47,007	$	(467	)	$	21,122	$	(393	)
Commercial		18,554		(180	)		46,312		(1,054	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		428		(3	)		—		—
U.S. Treasury securities		80		—			—		—
Total	$	66,069	$	(650	)	$	67,434	$	(1,447	)

	Held-to-Maturity
	December 31, 2017
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial	$	7,895	$	(63	)	$	6,675	$	(123	)
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies		865		(2	)		7,388		(142	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		571		(3	)		531		(10	)
Total	$	9,331	$	(68	)	$	14,594	$	(275	)

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	Available-for-Sale
	December 31, 2016
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	$	85,741	$	(1,976	)	$	1,904	$	(27	)
Commercial		54,475		(946	)		10,721		(341	)
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies		1,993		(7	)		—		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		434		(7	)		—		—
U.S. Treasury securities		80		—			—		—
Total	$	142,723	$	(2,936	)	$	12,625	$	(368	)

	Held-to-Maturity
	December 31, 2016
	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or More
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage-backed securities:
Commercial	$	12,776	$	(148	)	$	—	$	—
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies		7,957		(222	)		—		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		1,628		(46	)		—		—
Total	$	22,361	$	(416	)	$	—	$	—

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment no less frequently than quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the Company intends to sell securities, and (4) whether it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases.

As of December 31, 2017, 72 debt securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months, and 83 debt securities had been in a loss position for less than 12 months. As of December 31, 2016, 13 debt securities had been in a loss position for more than 12 months, and 130 debt securities had been in a loss position for less than 12 months. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, the losses for all securities were considered to be a direct result of the effect that the prevailing interest rate environment had on the value of debt securities and were not related to the creditworthiness of the issuers. Further, the Company has the current intent and ability to retain its investments in the issuers for a period of time that management believes to be sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Therefore, the Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Investment securities available-for-sale with a carrying value of $86.8 million and $87.7 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes.

Gains realized on sales of securities available-for-sale were approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  There were no losses on sales of securities during 2017 and 2016.

4. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Portfolio Segments

The Company has divided the loan portfolio into eight portfolio segments, each with different risk characteristics described as follows:

Construction, land development and other land loans – Commercial construction, land and land development loans include the development of residential housing projects, loans for the development of commercial and industrial use property and loans for the purchase and improvement of raw land. These loans are secured in whole or in part by the underlying real estate collateral and are generally guaranteed by the principals of the borrowing entity.

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Secured by 1-4 family residential properties – These loans include conventional mortgage loans on one-to-four family residential properties. These properties may serve as the borrower’s primary residence, vacation home or investment property. Also included in this portfolio are home equity loans and lines of credit. This type of lending, which is secured by a first or second mortgage on the borrower’s residence, allows customers to borrow against the equity in their home.

Secured by multi-family residential properties – This portfolio segment includes mortgage loans secured by apartment buildings.

Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties – This portfolio segment includes real estate loans secured by commercial and industrial properties, office or mixed-use facilities, strip shopping centers or other commercial property. These loans are generally guaranteed by the principals of the borrowing entity.

Other real estate loans – Other real estate loans are loans primarily for agricultural production, secured by mortgages on farmland.

Commercial and industrial loans – This portfolio segment includes loans to commercial customers for use in the normal course of business. These credits may be loans and lines of credit to financially strong borrowers, secured by inventories, equipment or receivables, and are generally guaranteed by the principals of the borrowing entity.

Consumer loans – This portfolio segment includes a variety of secured and unsecured personal loans, including automobile loans, loans for household and personal purposes and all other direct consumer installment loans.

Indirect sales – This portfolio segment includes loans secured by collateral that is purchased by consumers at retail stores with whom ALC has an established relationship to provide financing for retail products sold, if applicable underwriting standards are met.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the composition of the loan portfolio by reporting segment and portfolio segment was as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Bank		ALC		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	26,143	$	—	$	26,143
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		34,272		10,801		45,073
Secured by multi-family residential properties		16,579		—		16,579
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		105,133		—		105,133
Other		190		—		190
Commercial and industrial loans		69,969		—		69,969
Consumer loans:
Consumer		5,217		34,083		39,300
Indirect sales		—		55,071		55,071
Total loans		257,503		99,955		357,458
Less: Unearned interest, fees and deferred cost		374		6,189		6,563
Allowance for loan losses		2,447		2,327		4,774
Net loans	$	254,682	$	91,439	$	346,121

55

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	December 31, 2016
	Bank		ALC		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Real estate loans:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	23,772	$	—	$	23,772
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		32,955		13,724		46,679
Secured by multi-family residential properties		16,627		—		16,627
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		102,112		—		102,112
Other		234		—		234
Commercial and industrial loans		57,963		—		57,963
Consumer loans:
Consumer		6,206		36,413		42,619
Indirect sales		—		44,775		44,775
Total loans		239,869		94,912		334,781
Less: Unearned interest, fees and deferred cost		218		6,935		7,153
Allowance for loan losses		2,409		2,447		4,856
Net loans	$	237,242	$	85,530	$	322,772

The Company makes commercial, real estate and installment loans to its customers. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, 54.0% and 56.6% of the portfolio was concentrated in loans secured by real estate located primarily within a single geographic region of the United States as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  

Related Party Loans

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank makes loans to certain officers and directors of the Company, including companies with which they are associated. These loans are made on the same terms as those prevailing for comparable transactions with non-related parties. Management believes that such loans do not represent more than a normal risk of collectability, nor do they present other unfavorable features. The aggregate balances of such related party loans and commitments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $0.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no new loans to these parties, and repayments by active related parties were $11 thousand. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately $2.5 million in related party loans were reclassified as unrelated party loans due to the retirement of certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors. During the year ended December 31, 2016, there was one new loan to a related party, and repayments by active related parties totaled $0.1 million.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following tables present changes in the allowance for loan losses and the related loan balances by loan portfolio segment and loan type as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Bank
	December 31, 2017
	Construction, Land			1-4 Family			Real Estate Multi-Family		Non-Farm Non-Residential			Other		Commercial			Consumer			Indirect Sales		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	535		$	304		$	88	$	903		$	2	$	527		$	50		$	—	$	2,409
Charge-offs		—			—			—		—			—		(16	)		(63	)		—		(79	)
Recoveries		—			103			—		69			—		19			56			—		247
Provision		(332	)		(169	)		28		(195	)		—		519			19			—		(130	)
Ending balance	$	203		$	238		$	116	$	777		$	2	$	1,049		$	62		$	—	$	2,447
Ending balance of allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	5		$	—	$	21		$	—	$	72		$	—		$	—	$	98
Collectively evaluated for impairment		203			233			116		756			2		977			62			—		2,349
Total allowance for loan losses	$	203		$	238		$	116	$	777		$	2	$	1,049		$	62		$	—	$	2,447
Ending balance of loans receivable:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	187		$	—	$	532		$	—	$	72		$	—		$	—	$	791
Collectively evaluated for impairment		26,143			34,085			16,579		104,601			190		69,897			5,217			—		256,712
Total loans receivable	$	26,143		$	34,272		$	16,579	$	105,133		$	190	$	69,969		$	5,217		$		$	257,503

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	ALC
	December 31, 2017
	Construction, Land		1-4 Family			Real Estate Multi-Family		Non-Farm Non-Residential		Other		Commercial		Consumer			Indirect Sales			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	—	$	107		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,717		$	623		$	2,447
Charge-offs		—		(28	)		—		—		—		—		(2,297	)		(587	)		(2,912	)
Recoveries		—		32			—		—		—		—		545			98			675
Provision		—		(59	)		—		—		—		—		1,688			488			2,117
Ending balance	$	—	$	52		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,653		$	622		$	2,327
Ending balance of allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated for impairment		—		52			—		—		—		—		1,653			622			2,327
Total allowance for loan losses	$	—	$	52		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,653		$	622		$	2,327
Ending balance of loans receivable:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—			—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated for impairment		—		10,801			—		—		—		—		34,083			55,071			99,955
Total loans receivable	$	—	$	10,801		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	34,083		$	55,071		$	99,955

	Bank and ALC
	December 31, 2017
	Construction, Land			1-4 Family			Real Estate Multi-Family		Non-Farm Non-Residential			Other		Commercial			Consumer			Indirect Sales			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	535		$	411		$	88	$	903		$	2	$	527		$	1,767		$	623		$	4,856
Charge-offs		—			(28	)		—		—			—		(16	)		(2,360	)		(587	)		(2,991	)
Recoveries		—			135			—		69			—		19			601			98			922
Provision		(332	)		(228	)		28		(195	)		—		519			1,707			488			1,987
Ending balance	$	203		$	290		$	116	$	777		$	2	$	1,049		$	1,715		$	622		$	4,774
Ending balance of allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	5		$	—	$	21		$	—	$	72		$	—		$	—		$	98
Collectively evaluated for impairment		203			285			116		756			2		977			1,715			622			4,676
Total allowance for loan losses	$	203		$	290		$	116	$	777		$	2	$	1,049		$	1,715		$	622		$	4,774
Ending balance of loans receivable:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	187		$	—	$	532		$	—	$	72		$	—		$	—		$	791
Collectively evaluated for impairment		26,143			44,886			16,579		104,601			190		69,897			39,300			55,071			356,667
Total loans receivable	$	26,143		$	45,073		$	16,579	$	105,133		$	190	$	69,969		$	39,300		$	55,071		$	357,458

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	Bank
	December 31, 2016
	Construction, Land		1-4 Family			Real Estate Multi-Family		Non-Farm Non- Residential			Other		Commercial			Consumer			Indirect Sales		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	110	$	138		$	29	$	351		$	1	$	659		$	41		$	—	$	1,329
Charge-offs		—		(66	)		—		(40	)		—		(2	)		(43	)		—		(151	)
Recoveries		200		23			—		—			—		73			50			—		346
Provision		225		209			59		592			1		(203	)		2			—		885
Ending balance	$	535	$	304		$	88	$	903		$	2	$	527		$	50		$	—	$	2,409
Ending balance of allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	423	$	5		$	—	$	107		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	535
Collectively evaluated for impairment		112		299			88		796			2		527			50			—		1,874
Total allowance for loan losses	$	535	$	304		$	88	$	903		$	2	$	527		$	50		$	—	$	2,409
Ending balance of loans receivable:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,361	$	193		$	—	$	549		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—	$	2,103
Collectively evaluated for impairment		22,411		32,762			16,627		101,563			234		57,963			6,206			—		237,766
Total loans receivable	$	23,772	$	32,955		$	16,627	$	102,112		$	234	$	57,963		$	6,206		$	—	$	239,869

	ALC
	December 31, 2016
	Construction, Land		1-4 Family			Real Estate Multi-Family		Non-Farm Non-Residential		Other		Commercial		Consumer			Indirect Sales			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	—	$	250		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,584		$	618		$	2,452
Charge-offs		—		(56	)		—		—		—		—		(2,218	)		(752	)		(3,026	)
Recoveries		—		39			—		—		—		—		451			220			710
Provision		—		(126	)		—		—		—		—		1,900			537			2,311
Ending balance	$	—	$	107		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,717		$	623		$	2,447
Ending balance of allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated for impairment		—		107			—		—		—		—		1,717			623			2,447
Total allowance for loan losses	$	—	$	107		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,717		$	623		$	2,447
Ending balance of loans receivable:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—
Collectively evaluated for impairment		—		13,724			—		—		—		—		36,413			44,775			94,912
Total loans receivable	$	—	$	13,724		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	36,413		$	44,775		$	94,912

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	Bank and ALC
	December 31, 2016
	Construction, Land		1-4 Family			Real Estate Multi-Family		Non-Farm Non-Residential			Other		Commercial			Consumer			Indirect Sales			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	110	$	388		$	29	$	351		$	1	$	659		$	1,625		$	618		$	3,781
Charge-offs		—		(122	)		—		(40	)		—		(2	)		(2,261	)		(752	)		(3,177	)
Recoveries		200		62			—		—			—		73			501			220			1,056
Provision		225		83			59		592			1		(203	)		1,902			537			3,196
Ending balance	$	535	$	411		$	88	$	903		$	2	$	527		$	1,767		$	623		$	4,856
Ending balance of allowance attributable to loans:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	423	$	5		$	—	$	107		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	535
Collectively evaluated for impairment		112		406			88		796			2		527			1,767			623			4,321
Total allowance for loan losses	$	535	$	411		$	88	$	903		$	2	$	527		$	1,767		$	623		$	4,856
Ending balance of loan receivables:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,361	$	193		$	—	$	549		$	—	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	2,103
Collectively evaluated for impairment		22,411		46,486			16,627		101,563			234		57,963			42,619			44,775			332,678
Total loans receivable	$	23,772	$	46,679		$	16,627	$	102,112		$	234	$	57,963		$	42,619		$	44,775		$	334,781

Credit Quality Indicators

The Bank utilizes a credit grading system that provides a uniform framework for establishing and monitoring credit risk in the loan portfolio. Under this system, each loan is graded based on pre-determined risk metrics and categorized into one of nine risk grades. These risk grades can be summarized into categories described as pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss, as described in further detail below.

● Pass (Risk Grades 1-5): Loans in this category include obligations in which the probability of default is considered low.

● Special Mention (Risk Grade 6): Loans in this category exhibit potential credit weaknesses or downward trends deserving Bank management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Bank’s credit position at some future date. Special mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Although a special mention asset has a higher probability of default than pass-rated categories, its default is not imminent.

● Substandard (Risk Grade 7): Loans in this category have defined weaknesses that jeopardize the orderly liquidation of debt. A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Normal repayment from the borrower is in jeopardy, although no loss of principal is envisioned. There is a distinct possibility that a partial loss of interest and/or principal will occur if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard assets, does not have to exist in individual assets classified as substandard.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

● Doubtful (Risk Grade 8): Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses found in substandard loans, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection of debt in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable or improbable. Serious problems exist such that partial loss of principal is likely; however, because of certain important, reasonably specific pending factors that may work to strengthen the assets, the loans’ classification as estimated losses is deferred until a more exact status may be determined. Such pending factors may include proposed merger, acquisition or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfection of liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans. Loans classified as doubtful may include loans to borrowers that have demonstrated a history of failing to live up to agreements. 

● Loss (Risk Grade 9): Loans are classified in this category when borrowers are deemed incapable of repayment of unsecured debt. Loans to such borrowers are considered uncollectable and of such little value that continuance as active assets of the Bank is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not prudent to defer writing off these worthless assets, even though partial recovery may occur in the future.

At ALC, because the loan portfolio is more uniform in nature, each loan is categorized into one of two risk grades, depending on whether the loan is considered to be performing or nonperforming. Performing loans are loans that are paying principal and interest in accordance with a contractual agreement. Nonperforming loans are loans that have demonstrated characteristics that indicate a probability of loss.

The tables below illustrate the carrying amount of loans by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2017.

	Bank
	Pass 1-5		Special Mention 6		Substandard 7		Doubtful 8		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	25,872	$	84	$	187	$	—	$	26,143
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		33,278		339		655		—		34,272
Secured by multi-family residential properties		16,579		—		—		—		16,579
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		99,847		4,766		520		—		105,133
Other		190		—		—		—		190
Commercial and industrial loans		67,689		2,066		214		—		69,969
Consumer loans		5,155		—		62		—		5,217
Total	$	248,610	$	7,255	$	1,638	$	—	$	257,503

	ALC
	Performing		Nonperforming		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties	$	10,495	$	306	$	10,801
Consumer loans:
Consumer		32,933		1,150		34,083
Indirect sales		54,611		460		55,071
Total	$	98,039	$	1,916	$	99,955

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The tables below illustrate the carrying amount of loans by credit quality indicator as of December 31, 2016.

	Bank
	Pass 1-5		Special Mention 6		Substandard 7		Doubtful 8		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	22,240	$	—	$	1,532	$	—	$	23,772
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		31,995		213		747		—		32,955
Secured by multi-family residential properties		16,627		—		—		—		16,627
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		99,082		2,315		715		—		102,112
Other		234		—		—		—		234
Commercial and industrial loans		55,481		2,227		255		—		57,963
Consumer loans		6,126		—		80		—		6,206
Total	$	231,785	$	4,755	$	3,329	$	—	$	239,869

	ALC
	Performing		Nonperforming		Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties	$	13,507	$	217	$	13,724
Consumer loans:
Consumer		35,278		1,135		36,413
Indirect sales		44,228		547		44,775
Total	$	93,013	$	1,899	$	94,912

The following tables provide an aging analysis of past due loans by class as of December 31, 2017.

	Bank
	As of December 31, 2017
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days Or Greater		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans		Recorded Investment > 90 Days And Accruing
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	26,143	$	26,143	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		227		—		52		279		33,993		34,272		—
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—		—		16,579		16,579		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		13		—		—		13		105,120		105,133		—
Other		—		—		—		—		190		190		—
Commercial and industrial loans		70		—		—		70		69,899		69,969		—
Consumer loans		42		—		—		42		5,175		5,217		—
Total	$	352	$	—	$	52	$	404	$	257,099	$	257,503	$	—

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	ALC
	As of December 31, 2017
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days Or Greater		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans		Recorded Investment > 90 Days And Accruing
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		61		23		290		374		10,427		10,801		—
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial loans		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer loans:
Consumer		490		323		1,111		1,924		32,159		34,083		—
Indirect sales		281		230		433		944		54,127		55,071		—
Total	$	832	$	576	$	1,834	$	3,242	$	96,713	$	99,955	$	—

The following tables provide an aging analysis of past due loans by class as of December 31, 2016.

	Bank
	As of December 31, 2016
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days Or Greater		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans		Recorded Investment > 90 Days And Accruing
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	86	$	86	$	23,686	$	23,772	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		164		69		145		378		32,577		32,955		—
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—		—		16,627		16,627		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		762		—		—		762		101,350		102,112		—
Other		—		—		—		—		234		234		—
Commercial and industrial loans		—		—		14		14		57,949		57,963		—
Consumer loans		—		28		—		28		6,178		6,206		—
Total	$	926	$	97	$	245	$	1,268	$	238,601	$	239,869	$	—

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	ALC
	As of December 31, 2016
	30- 59 Days Past Due		60- 89 Days Past Due		90 Days Or Greater		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans		Recorded Investment > 90 Days And Accruing
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		61		29		213		303		13,421		13,724		—
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial loans		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer loans:
Consumer		441		413		1,104		1,958		34,455		36,413		—
Indirect sales		191		139		489		819		43,956		44,775		—
Total	$	693	$	581	$	1,806	$	3,080	$	91,832	$	94,912	$	—

The following table provides an analysis of non-accruing loans by class as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Loans on Non-Accrual Status
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	86
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		501		570
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		29		53
Commercial and industrial loans		12		32
Consumer loans:
Consumer		1,173		1,676
Indirect sales		433		—
Total loans	$	2,148	$	2,417

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the related loan agreement. If a loan is impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the liquidation of the collateral at the Bank. At management's discretion, additional loans may be impaired based on homogeneous factors, such as changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, portfolio quality, adequacy of the underlying collateral value, loan concentrations, historical charge-off trends and economic conditions that may affect a borrower's ability to pay. At ALC, all real estate loans of $0.1 million or more are identified for impairment analysis. There are currently no loans at ALC that meet that criteria. All loans of $0.5 million or more that have a credit quality risk grade of seven or above are identified for impairment analysis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectable.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of impaired loans consisted of the following:

	December 31, 2017
Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded	Carrying Amount		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowances
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial		—		—		—
Total loans with no related allowance recorded	$	—	$	—	$	—
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		187		187		5
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		532		532		21
Commercial and industrial		72		72		72
Total loans with an allowance recorded	$	791	$	791	$	98
Total impaired loans
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		187		187		5
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		532		532		21
Commercial and industrial		72		72		72
Total impaired loans	$	791	$	791	$	98

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 2016, the carrying amount of impaired loans consisted of the following:  

	December 31, 2016
Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded	Carrying Amount		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowances
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	—	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		—		—		—
Commercial and industrial		—		—		—
Total loans with no related allowance recorded	$	—	$	—	$	—
Impaired loans with an allowance recorded
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	1,361	$	1,361	$	423
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		193		193		5
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		549		549		107
Commercial and industrial		—		—		—
Total loans with an allowance recorded	$	2,103	$	2,103	$	535
Total impaired loans
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	1,361	$	1,361	$	423
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		193		193		5
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		549		549		107
Commercial and industrial		—		—		—
Total impaired loans	$	2,103	$	2,103	$	535

The average net investment in impaired loans and interest income recognized and received on impaired loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Interest Income Received
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	902	$	—	$	—
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		190		13		14
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		537		35		35
Commercial and industrial		59		7		5
Total	$	1,688	$	55	$	54

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	December 31, 2016
	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Interest Income Received
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate
Construction, land development and other land loans	$	1,381	$	41	$	39
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		232		14		14
Secured by multi-family residential properties		—		—		—
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		557		33		31
Commercial and industrial		—		—		—
Total	$	2,170	$	88	$	84

Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued amounted to $2.1 million and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. If interest on those loans had been accrued, there would have been $19 thousand and $35 thousand of interest accrued as of  December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest income related to these loans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $3 thousand and $4 thousand, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Troubled debt restructurings include loans with respect to which concessions have been granted to borrowers that generally would not have otherwise been considered had the borrowers not been experiencing financial difficulty. The concessions granted may include payment schedule modifications, interest rate reductions, maturity date extensions, modifications of note structure, principal balance reductions or some combination of these concessions. There were no loans modified with concessions granted during the year ended December 31, 2017. Restructured loans may involve loans remaining on non-accrual, moving to non-accrual or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. Non-accrual restructured loans are included with all other non-accrual loans. In addition, all accruing restructured loans are reported as troubled debt restructurings. Generally, restructured loans remain on non-accrual until the customer has attained a sustained period of repayment performance under the modified loan terms (generally a minimum of six months). However, performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and whether the loan should be returned to or maintained on non-accrual status. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is not reasonably assured, then the loan remains on non-accrual. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $0.1 million of non-accruing loans that were previously restructured and that remained on non-accrual status. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company had no loans that were restored to accrual status based on a sustained period of repayment performance. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had $0.3 million in restructured loans that were restored to accrual status based on a sustained period of repayment performance.

The following table provides the number of loans remaining in each loan category as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 that the Bank had previously modified in a troubled debt restructuring, as well as the pre- and post-modification principal balance as of each date.

	December 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Number of Loans		Pre- Modification Outstanding Principal Balance		Post- Modification Principal Balance		Number of Loans		Pre- Modification Outstanding Principal Balance		Post- Modification Principal Balance
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:
Construction, land development and other land loans		1	$	107	$	82		2	$	1,960	$	1,286
Secured by 1-4 family residential properties		3		318		165		3		318		249
Secured by non-farm, non-residential properties		1		53		37		1		53		41
Commercial loans		2		116		81		2		116		88
Total		7	$	594	$	365		8	$	2,447	$	1,664

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, no loans that previously had been modified in a troubled debt restructuring had defaulted subsequent to modification.

Restructured loan modifications primarily included maturity date extensions and payment schedule modifications. There were no modifications to principal balances of the loans that were restructured. Accordingly, there was no impact on the Company’s allowance for loan losses resulting from the modifications.

All loans with a principal balance of $0.5 million or more that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring are considered impaired and evaluated individually for impairment. The nature and extent of impairment of restructured loans, including those that have experienced a subsequent payment default, are considered in the determination of an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses. This evaluation resulted in an allowance for loan losses attributable to such restructured loans of $2 thousand and $15 thousand as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

5. OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

Other real estate and certain other assets acquired in foreclosure are reported at the lower of the investment in the loan or fair value of the property, less estimated costs to sell. The following table summarizes foreclosed property activity as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	December 31, 2017
	Bank			ALC			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Beginning balance	$	4,353		$	505		$	4,858
Transfers from loans		—			87			87
Sales proceeds		(649	)		(199	)		(848	)
Gross gains		14			—			14
Gross losses		(20	)		(101	)		(121	)
Net gains (losses)		(6	)		(101	)		(107	)
Impairment		(171	)		(27	)		(198	)
Ending balance	$	3,527		$	265		$	3,792

	December 31, 2016
	Bank			ALC			Total
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Beginning balance	$	5,327		$	711		$	6,038
Transfers from loans		273			199			472
Sales proceeds		(1,016	)		(281	)		(1,297	)
Gross gains		16			37			53
Gross losses		(77	)		(80	)		(157	)
Net gains (losses)		(61	)		(43	)		(104	)
Impairment		(170	)		(81	)		(251	)
Ending balance	$	4,353		$	505		$	4,858

Valuation adjustments are recorded in other non-interest expense and are primarily post-foreclosure write-downs that are a result of continued declining property values based on updated appraisals or other indications of value, such as offers to purchase. Fair value less estimated cost to sell of foreclosed residential real estate held by the Company was $0.6 million and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, the Company held $27 thousand and $0.1 million in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate that were in the process of foreclosure as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment and applicable depreciable lives are summarized as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Land	$	6,181		$	5,053
Premises (40 years)		24,978			14,530
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (3-7 years)		15,578			14,011
Total		46,737			33,594
Less accumulated depreciation		(20,304	)		(19,490	)
		26,433			14,104
Construction in progress		—			4,236
Total	$	26,433		$	18,340

Depreciation expense of $1.1 million and $0.9 million was recorded in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

7. INVESTMENT IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

The Company holds an investment in an affordable housing project for which it provides funding as a limited partner and has received tax credits related to its investment in the project based on its partnership share.  The net assets of the partnership consist primarily of apartment complexes, and the primary liabilities consist of those associated with the operation of the partnership.  The Company has determined that this investment requires consolidation as a variable interest entity under ASC Topic 810, Consolidation.  The Company holds a 99.9% interest in the limited partnership.  Assets recorded by the Company as a result of the consolidation were less than $0.1 million as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016.

8. DEPOSITS

As of December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities of the Bank’s time deposits were as follows:

	(Dollars in Thousands)
2018	$	121,390
2019		22,149
2020		16,922
2021		10,739
2022 and thereafter		12,330
Total	$	183,530

Total time deposits greater than $250 thousand totaled $28.1 million and $35.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In addition, the Company held brokered certificates of deposit totaling $8.9 million and $14.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, that were included in total deposits. Deposits from related parties held by the Company amounted to $4.5 million and $4.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

9. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings consist of federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements and short-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances with original maturities of one year or less. Short-term borrowings totaled $15.6 million and $10.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  

Federal funds purchased, which represent unsecured lines of credit that generally mature within one to four days, are available to the Bank through arrangements with correspondent banks and the Federal Reserve. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no federal funds purchased outstanding, and the Bank had $18.8 million in available unused lines of credit with correspondent banks and the Federal Reserve.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Securities sold under repurchase agreements, which are secured borrowings, generally are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The Bank may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. The Bank monitors the fair value of the underlying securities on a daily basis. Securities sold under repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Short-term FHLB advances are secured borrowings available to the Bank as an alternative funding source.  As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank had $15.0 million and $10.0 million, respectively, in outstanding FHLB advances with original maturities of less than one year.

10. LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company uses FHLB advances as an alternative to funding sources with similar maturities, such as certificates of deposit or other deposit programs. These advances generally offer more attractive rates than other mid-term financing options. They are also flexible, allowing the Company to quickly obtain the necessary maturities and rates that best suit its overall asset/liability strategy. FHLB advances with an original maturity of more than one year are classified as long-term. The Company had long-term FHLB advances outstanding of $10.0 million and $15.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The following summarizes information concerning long-term FHLB advances and other borrowings:

	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Balance at year-end	$	10,000		$	15,000
Average balance during the year		11,452			12,404
Maximum month-end balance during the year		15,000			15,000
Average rate paid during the year		1.55	%		0.71	%
Weighted average remaining maturity (in years)		0.83 years			0.67 years

Assets pledged associated with FHLB advances totaled $26.0 million and $28.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank had $159.3 million and $155.0 million, respectively, in remaining credit from the FHLB (subject to available collateral).

11. INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) was enacted. This legislation makes significant change in federal tax law, including a reduction in the corporate tax rates, changes to net operating loss carryforwards and carrybacks and a repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax. The legislation reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate to 21% beginning in 2018. As a result of the law, the Company was required to re-value deferred tax assets and liabilities at the 21% rate as of December 31, 2017. This re-valuation resulted in a one-time, non-cash charge to income tax expense of $2.5 million and a corresponding reduction in the net deferred tax asset. The other provisions of Tax Reform did not have a material impact on the 2017 consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated provisions for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Federal
Current	$	65	$	30
Deferred		3,105		103
		3,170		133
State
Current		143		19
Deferred		(278)		17
		(135)		36
Total	$	3,035	$	169

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The consolidated tax expense (benefit) differed from the amount computed by applying the Company's federal statutory income tax rate in 2017 and 2016 of 34.0%, as described in the following table:

	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Income tax expense at federal statutory rate	$	892		$	475
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest		(219	)		(217	)
Bank-owned life insurance		(109	)		(106	)
State income tax expense, net of federal income taxes		54			29
Tax Reform adjustment		2,471			—
Other		(54	)		(12	)
Total	$	3,035		$	169

The tax effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented below:

	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	1,197	$	1,792
Deferred compensation		1,045		1,603
Deferred commissions and fees		313		268
Impairment of other real estate owned		532		742
Federal net operating loss carryforwards		1,486		3,121
State net operating loss carryforwards		288		184
Federal alternative minimum tax and general business credits carryforwards		340		279
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale		400		872
Other		418		500
Total gross deferred tax assets		6,019		9,361
Deferred tax liabilities:
Premises and equipment		214		327
Limited partnerships		81		132
Cash flow hedges		111		127
Other		24		41
Total gross deferred tax liabilities		430		627
Net deferred tax asset, included in other assets	$	5,589	$	8,734

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $2.1 million and $3.6 million related to federal and state net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards that can be used to offset income in future periods and reduce income taxes payable in those future periods.   The majority of these carry-forwards will not begin to expire until 2032.  The remaining net deferred tax assets, which totaled $3.5 million and $5.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, do not have an expiration date.

The Company’s determination of the realization of net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was based on management’s assessment of all available positive and negative evidence.  As of both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company was not in a three-year cumulative loss position.  In addition, the Company has positive evidence supporting the realization of its net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017, including the reversal of taxable temporary differences, a strong history of earnings, and tax planning strategies, including the conversion of tax-exempt investments to taxable investments to generate future taxable income to prevent tax attributes, such as net operating losses, from expiring unutilized.  Accordingly, a valuation allowance was not established as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

The Company files a consolidated income tax return with the federal government and the State of Alabama. ALC files several state income tax returns, with the majority of its non-Alabama income being apportioned to Mississippi. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and the states in which it files for the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2017.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits related to federal or state income tax matters and does not anticipate any material increase or decrease in unrecognized tax benefits relative to any tax positions taken prior to December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had accrued no interest and no penalties related to uncertain tax positions.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company sponsors a 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). The 401(k) Plan allows participants to defer a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to the statutory annual contribution limit. For 2017 and 2016, the Company made “safe harbor” contributions on behalf of participants in the form of a match that was equal to 100% of each participant’s elective deferrals, up to a maximum of 4% of the participant’s eligible compensation. The 401(k) Plan also allows the Company to make discretionary matching contributions on behalf of participants equal to 2% of each participant’s elective deferrals. No discretionary match was made in 2017 or 2016. The Company’s matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan totaled $0.4 million in both 2017 and 2016.

Participants can elect to invest up to 20% of incoming contributions (measured at the time of investment) in the 401(k) Plan in the form of Company stock. The 410(k) Plan held 312,253 and 254,182 shares of Company stock as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These shares are allocated to participants in the 401(k) Plan and, accordingly, are included in the earnings per share calculations.

13. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Bank has entered into supplemental retirement compensation benefits agreements with certain directors and executive officers. The measurement of the liability under these agreements includes estimates involving life expectancy, length of time before retirement and the expected returns on the bank-owned life insurance policies used to fund those agreements. Should these estimates prove to be materially wrong, the cost of these agreements could change accordingly. The related deferred compensation obligation to these directors and executive officers included in other liabilities was $3.5 million as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Non-employee directors may elect to defer payment of all or any portion of their Bancshares and Bank director fees under Bancshares’ Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferral Plan”). The Deferral Plan, which was ratified by Bancshares’ shareholders at the annual meeting held on May 11, 2004, permits non-employee directors to invest their directors’ fees and to receive the adjusted value of the deferred amounts in cash and/or shares of Bancshares’ common stock. Neither Bancshares nor the Bank makes any contribution to participants’ accounts under the Deferral Plan. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, a total of 103,620 and 114,547 shares of Bancshares common stock, respectively, were deferred in connection with the Deferral Plan. All deferred fees, whether in the form of cash or shares of Bancshares common stock, are reflected as compensation expense in the period earned. The Company classifies all deferred directors’ fees allocated to be paid in shares of Bancshares common stock as equity surplus. The Company uses shares of treasury stock to satisfy these obligations when due.

14. STOCK AWARDS

In accordance with the 2013 Incentive Plan, stock awards, including stock options and restricted stock, have been granted to certain employees and non-employee directors. Shares of common stock available for distribution to satisfy the grants may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares reacquired by the Company in any manner.  Stock-based compensation expense related to stock awards totaled $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Stock Options

The stock option awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of Bancshares’ common stock on the date of the grant and have vesting periods ranging from one to three years, with 10-year contractual terms.

The Company recognizes the cost of services received in exchange for stock option awards based on the grant date fair value of the award, with compensation expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the award’s vesting period. The fair value of outstanding awards was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions noted in the table below.  Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of Bancshares’common stock.

	2017			2016
Risk-free interest rate		2.23	%		1.58	%
Expected term		7.5 years			7.5 years
Expected stock price volatility		25.36	%		25.25	%
Dividend yield		1.50	%		1.50	%

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the periods presented.

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Number of Shares		Average Exercise Price		Number of Shares		Average Exercise Price
Options:
Outstanding, beginning of year		272,550	$	8.21		175,550	$	8.17
Granted		70,600		13.84		97,000		8.30
Exercised		21,816		8.15		—		—
Expired		—		—		—		—
Forfeited		3,334		11.79		—		—
Options outstanding, end of year		318,000	$	9.43		272,550	$	8.21
Options exercisable, end of year		206,133	$	8.20		175,550	$	8.17

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding (calculated as the amount by which the market value of underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option) was approximately $1.2 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Restricted Stock

During the year ended December 31, 2017, 11,283 shares of restricted stock were granted with vesting periods of either one or three years.  No shares of restricted stock were granted during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company recognizes the cost of services received in exchange for restricted stock awards based on the grant date closing price of the stock, with compensation expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the award's vesting period.

15. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Dividends are paid at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors, based on the Company’s operating performance and financial position, including earnings, capital and liquidity. Dividends from the Bank are the Company’s primary source of funds for the payment of dividends to shareholders. In addition, federal and state regulatory agencies have the authority to prevent the Company from paying a dividend to shareholders. During each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company declared dividends of $0.5 million, or $0.08 per share.

Regulatory Capital

As of January 1, 2015, the Bank was subject to revised capital requirements as described in the section captioned “Capital Adequacy” included in Part I, Item I of this report.  Under the revised requirements, the Bank is subject to minimum risk-based capital and leverage capital requirements, which are administered by the federal bank regulatory agencies. These capital requirements, as defined by federal regulations, involve quantitative and qualitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet instruments.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Bank and Bancshares, and could impact Bancshares’ ability to pay dividends. Effective January 1, 2017, the Bank’s minimum risk-based capital requirements include the year two phased-in capital conservation buffer of 1.25%. Effective January 1, 2016, the Bank’s minimum risk-based capital requirements included the year one phased-in capital conservation buffer of 0.625%. As of December 31, 2017, the Bank exceeded all applicable minimum capital standards.  In addition, the Bank met applicable regulatory guidelines to be considered well-capitalized as of December 31, 2017.  To be categorized in this manner, the Bank maintained common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, total risk-based capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below.  In addition, the Bank was not subject to any written agreement, order or capital directive or prompt corrective action directive issued by its primary federal regulator to meet and maintain a specific level for any capital measures.  

The following table provides the Bank’s actual regulatory capital amounts and ratios under regulatory capital standards in effect (Basel III) at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	2017
	Actual Regulatory Capital
	Amount		Ratio			Minimum Requirement			To Be Well Capitalized
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	74,383		18.41	%		5.750	%		6.50	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)		74,383		18.41	%		7.250	%		8.00	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)		79,157		19.60	%		9.250	%		10.00	%
Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)		74,383		11.89	%		4.00	%		5.00	%

	2016
	Actual Regulatory Capital
	Amount		Ratio			Minimum Requirement			To Be Well Capitalized
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	73,433		19.01	%		5.125	%		6.50	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)		73,433		19.01	%		6.625	%		8.00	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)		78,279		20.26	%		8.625	%		10.00	%
Tier 1 leverage (to average assets)		73,433		12.27	%		4.00	%		5.00	%

No significant conditions or events have occurred since December 31, 2017 that management believes have affected the Bank’s classification as “well capitalized.” Because of the size of the Company’s balance sheet, there is currently no requirement for separate reporting of capital amounts and ratios for Bancshares.  Accordingly, such amounts and ratios are not included herein.

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Under the FDIC’s final rule establishing the methodology for calculating deposit insurance assessments for banks with less than $10 billion in assets, the rate is determined based on a number of factors, including the bank’s CAMELS ratings, leverage ratio, net income, non-performing loan ratios, OREO ratios, core deposit ratios, one-year organic asset growth and a loan mix index. The CAMELS rating system is a supervisory rating system developed to classify a bank’s overall condition by taking into account capital adequacy, assets, management capability, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market and interest rate risk. The loan mix index component of the assessment model requires banks to calculate each of their loan categories as a percentage of assets and then multiply each category by a standardized historical charge-off rate percentage provided by the FDIC, with a higher index leading to a higher assessment rate. The rule implements maximum assessment rates for institutions with a composite CAMELS rating of 1 or 2 and minimum rates for institutions with a rating of 3, 4 or 5.

Dividend Restrictions

Under Delaware law, dividends may be paid only out of “surplus,” defined as an amount equal to the present fair value of the total assets of the corporation, minus the present fair value of the total liabilities of the corporation, minus the capital of the corporation. In the event that there is no surplus, dividends may be paid out of the net profits of the corporation for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the immediately preceding fiscal year. Dividends may not be paid, however, out of net profits of the corporation if the capital represented by the issued and outstanding stock of all classes having a preference on the distribution of assets is impaired. Further, the Federal Reserve permits bank holding companies to pay dividends only out of current earnings and only if future retained earnings would be consistent with the company’s capital, asset quality and financial condition.

Since it has no significant independent sources of income, Bancshares’ ability to pay dividends depends on its ability to receive dividends from the Bank. Under Alabama law, a state-chartered bank must annually transfer to surplus at least 10% of its “net earnings” (defined as the remainder of all earnings from current operations plus actual recoveries on loans and investments and other assets, less all current operating expenses, actual losses, accrued dividends on preferred stock, and all federal, state and local taxes) until the bank’s surplus is at least 20% of its capital. Until the bank’s surplus reaches this level, a bank may not declare a dividend in excess of 90% of its net earnings. Once a bank’s surplus equals or exceeds 20% of its capital, if the total of all dividends declared by the bank in a calendar year will exceed the sum of its net earnings for that year and its retained net earnings for the preceding two years (less any required transfers to surplus), then the bank must obtain prior written approval from the Superintendent of the Alabama State Banking Department. The bank may not pay any dividends or make any withdrawals or transfers from surplus without the prior written approval of the Superintendent. The FDIC prohibits the payment of cash dividends if (1) as a result of such payment, the bank would be undercapitalized or (2) the bank is in default with respect to any assessment due to the FDIC, including a deposit insurance assessment. These restrictions could materially influence the Bank’s, and therefore Bancshares’, ability to pay dividends.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

16. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Effective April 5, 2016, the Bank entered into a forward interest rate swap contract on a variable rate FHLB advance (indexed to three-month LIBOR) with a total notional amount of $10.0 million. The FHLB advance will be renewed at least every 18 months and will remain outstanding until April 5, 2023. The interest rate swap was designated as a derivative instrument in a cash flow hedge with the objective of protecting the quarterly interest rate payments on the FHLB advance from the risk of variability of those payments resulting from changes in the three-month LIBOR interest rate throughout the seven-year period beginning on April 5, 2016 and ending on April 5, 2023. Under the swap arrangement, the Bank will pay a fixed interest rate of 1.46% and receive a variable interest rate based on three-month LIBOR on the notional amount of $10.0 million, with quarterly net settlements.

On October 18, 2017, the Bank entered into a forward interest rate swap contract on a variable rate FHLB advance (indexed to three-month LIBOR) with a total notional amount of $10.0 million. The FHLB advance will be renewed on at least a semi-annual basis and will remain outstanding until October 18, 2024. The interest rate swap was designated as a derivative instrument in a cash flow hedge with the objective of protecting the quarterly interest rate payments on the FHLB advance from the risk of variability of those payments resulting from changes in the three-month LIBOR interest rate throughout the seven-year period beginning on October 18, 2017 and ending on October 18, 2024. Under the swap arrangement, which became effective on October 18, 2017, the Bank will pay a fixed interest rate of 2.16% and receive a variable interest rate based on three-month LIBOR on the notional amount of $10.0 million, with quarterly net settlements

No ineffectiveness related to the interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges was recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. The accumulated net after-tax gain related to the effective cash flow hedge included in accumulated other comprehensive income totaled $0.3 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

17. SEGMENT REPORTING

Under ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, certain information is disclosed for the two reportable operating segments of Bancshares: the Bank and ALC.  The reportable segments were determined using the internal management reporting system. These segments comprise Bancshares’ and the Bank’s significant subsidiaries. The accounting policies for each segment are the same as those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.” The segment results include certain overhead allocations and intercompany transactions that were recorded at current market prices. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated to determine the consolidated balances. The results for the two reportable segments of the Company are included in the tables below.

	2017
	Bank			ALC		All Other			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Total interest income	$	19,121		$	16,866	$	14		$	(4,901	)	$	31,100
Total interest expense		2,719			4,888		—			(4,901	)		2,706
Net interest income		16,402			11,978		14			—			28,394
Provision (reduction in reserve) for loan losses		(130	)		2,117		—			—			1,987
Net interest income after provision		16,532			9,861		14			—			26,407
Total non-interest income		3,491			1,006		1,054			(885	)		4,666
Total non-interest expense		18,096			9,524		1,478			(649	)		28,449
Income (loss) before income taxes		1,927			1,343		(410	)		(236	)		2,624
Provision for income taxes		2,365			953		(283	)		—			3,035
Net income (loss)	$	(438	)	$	390	$	(127	)	$	(236	)	$	(411	)
Other significant items:
Total assets	$	628,260		$	94,488	$	81,446		$	(178,613	)	$	625,581
Total investment securities		180,070			—		80			—			180,150
Total loans, net		337,165			91,439		—			(82,483	)		346,121
Investment in subsidiaries		5			—		75,725			(75,725	)		5
Fixed asset additions		9,107			109		—			—			9,216
Depreciation and amortization expense		971			162		—			—			1,133
Total interest income from external customers		14,233			16,866		1			—			31,100
Total interest income from affiliates		4,888			—		13			(4,901	)		—

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

	2016
	Bank			ALC		All Other			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Total interest income	$	17,307		$	17,070	$	12		$	(4,234	)	$	30,155
Total interest expense		2,281			4,224		—			(4,234	)		2,271
Net interest income		15,026			12,846		12			—			27,884
Provision for loan losses		886			2,311		—			—			3,197
Net interest income after provision		14,140			10,535		12			—			24,687
Total non-interest income		3,810			1,190		817			(616	)		5,201
Total non-interest expense		17,837			9,588		1,686			(616	)		28,495
Income (loss) before income taxes		113			2,137		(857	)		—			1,393
Provision for income taxes		(185	)		738		(384	)		—			169
Net income (loss)	$	298		$	1,399	$	(473	)	$	—		$	1,224
Other significant items:
Total assets	$	608,324		$	89,392	$	81,565		$	(172,389	)	$	606,892
Total investment securities		207,734			—		80			—			207,814
Total loans, net		315,152			85,530		—			(77,910	)		322,772
Investment in subsidiaries		5			—		75,941			(75,941	)		5
Fixed asset additions		7,858			33		—			—			7,891
Depreciation and amortization expense		759			207		—			—			966
Total interest income from external customers		13,083			17,071		1			—			30,155
Total interest income from affiliates		4,224			—		11			(4,235	)		—

18. OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

Other operating expenses for the years 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following:

	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Fees for professional services	$	813	$	948
Postage, stationery and supplies		674		725
Telephone/data communication		830		691
Advertising and marketing		263		281
Computer services		1,384		1,383
Collection and recoveries		217		337
Other services		369		322
Insurance expense		573		611
FDIC insurance and state assessments		71		421
Impairment of closed branches		—		120
Other		2,179		2,124
Total	$	7,373	$	7,963

19. OPERATING LEASES

The Company leases equipment and office space under noncancellable operating leases and month-to-month rental agreements.

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following is a schedule, by year, of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2017:

Year ending December 31,	Minimum Rental Payments
	(Dollars in Thousands)
2018	$	483
2019		464
2020		299
2021		237
2022		168
2023 and thereafter		301

Total rental expense under all operating leases was $0.7 million and $0.8 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

20. GUARANTEES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party for commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making these commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. For interest rate swap transactions and commitments to purchase or sell securities for forward delivery, the contract or notional amounts do not represent exposure to credit loss. The Bank controls the credit risk of these derivative instruments through credit approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. Certain derivative contracts have credit risk for the carrying value plus the amount to replace such contracts in the event of counterparty default. All of the Bank’s financial instruments are held for risk management and not for trading purposes. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no credit losses associated with derivative contracts.

In the normal course of business, there are outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit, letters of credit and others, that are not included in the consolidated financial statements. The financial instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of amounts recognized in the financial statements. A summary of these commitments and contingent liabilities is presented below.

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Standby letters of credit	$	180	$	183
Commitments to extend credit	$	55,801	$	41,267

Standby letters of credit are contingent commitments issued by the Bank generally to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The Bank has recourse against the customer for any amount that it is required to pay to a third party under a standby letter of credit. Revenues are recognized over the lives of the standby letters of credit. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the potential amount of future payments that the Bank could be required to make under its standby letters of credit, which represents the Bank’s total credit risk in this category, is included in the table above.

A commitment to extend credit is an agreement to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. 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 Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon the extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and income-producing commercial properties.

Commitments to purchase securities for delayed delivery require the Bank to purchase a specified security at a specified price for delivery on a specified date. Similarly, commitments to sell securities for delayed delivery require the Bank to sell a specified security at a specified price for delivery on a specified date. Market risk arises from potential movements in security values and interest rates between the commitment and delivery dates. As of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no outstanding commitments to purchase securities for delayed delivery and no outstanding commitments to sell securities for delayed delivery.

The Company is self-insured for a significant portion of employee health benefits. However, the Company maintains stop-loss coverage with third-party insurers to limit the Company’s individual claim and total exposure related to self-insurance. The Company estimates accrued liability for the ultimate costs to close known claims, as well as claims incurred but not yet reported, as of the balance sheet date. The Company’s recorded estimated liability for self-insurance is based on the insurance companies’ incurred loss estimates and management’s judgment, including assumptions and factors related to the frequency and severity of claims, the Company’s claims development history and the Company’s claims settlement practices. The assessment of loss contingencies and self-insurance reserves is a highly subjective process that requires judgments about future events. Contingencies are reviewed at least quarterly to determine the adequacy of self-insurance accruals. Self-insurance accruals totaled $0.2 million as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016. The ultimate settlement of loss contingencies and self-insurance reserves may differ significantly from amounts that the Company has accrued in the consolidated financial statements.

Litigation

The Company is party to certain ordinary course litigation, and the Company intends to vigorously defend itself in all such litigation. In the opinion of the Company, based on review and consultation with legal counsel, the outcome of such ordinary course litigation should not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or results of operations.

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

21. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are detailed below. The following disclosures should not be considered an indication of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather represent a good-faith estimate of the increase or decrease in value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination or issuance.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated or generally unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

● Level 1 — Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

● Level 2 — Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third-party pricing services for identical or similar assets or liabilities.

● Level 3 — Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or broker-traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities.

The Company rarely transfers assets and liabilities measured at fair value between Level 1 and Level 2 measurements. Trading account assets and securities available-for-sale may be periodically transferred to or from Level 3 valuation based on management’s conclusion regarding the best method of pricing for an individual security. Such transfers are accounted for as if they occurred at the beginning of a reporting period. There were no such transfers during the years ended December 31, 2017 or 2016.

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis

Securities Available-for-Sale

Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities include exchange-traded equities. Level 2 securities include U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed agency securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions and certain corporate, asset-backed and other securities. Level 2 fair values are obtained from quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. In certain cases, where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Interest Rate Derivative Agreements

Interest rate derivative agreements are used by the Company to mitigate risk associated with changes in interest rates. The fair value of these agreements is based on information obtained from third-party financial institutions. This information is periodically evaluated by the Company and, as necessary, corroborated against other third-party valuations. The Company classifies these derivative assets within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

78

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for either period presented.

	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Investment securities, available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	$	82,786	$	—	$	82,786	$	—
Commercial		66,074		—		66,074		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		4,931		—		4,931		—
U.S. Treasury securities		80		—		80		—
Other assets - derivatives		443		—		443		—

	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016 Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Investment securities, available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	$	98,409	$	—	$	98,409	$	—
Commercial		70,530		—		70,530		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		10,142		—		10,142		—
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored agencies		1,993		—		1,993		—
Corporate notes		756		—		756		—
U.S. Treasury securities		80		—		80		—
Other assets - derivatives		346		—		346		—

Fair Value Measurements on a Non-recurring Basis

Impaired Loans

Loans that are considered impaired are loans for which, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due under the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans can be measured based on the present value of expected payments using the loan’s original effective rate as the discount rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling cost if the loan is collateral-dependent. For the Company, the fair value of impaired loans is primarily measured based on the value of the collateral securing the loans (typically real estate). The Company determines the fair value of the collateral based on independent appraisals performed by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisals may include a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches, including comparable sales and income approaches. Appraised values are discounted for estimated costs to sell and may be discounted further based on management’s knowledge of the collateral, changes in market conditions since the most recent appraisal and/or management’s knowledge of the borrower and the borrower’s business. Such discounts by management are subjective and are typically significant unobservable inputs for determining fair value. Impaired loans are evaluated by management for additional impairment at least quarterly and are adjusted accordingly.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

OREO consists of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans and is recorded at the lower of the loan’s carrying amount or the fair value of the property, less estimated cost to sell. Estimates of fair value are generally based on third-party appraisals of the property and are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The appraisals are sometimes discounted based on management’s knowledge of the property and/or changes in market conditions from the date of the most recent appraisal. Such discounts are typically significant unobservable inputs for determining fair value.

79

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Other Assets

Included within other assets are certain assets that were formerly included as premises and equipment, but have been removed from service, and as of the balance sheet date, were designated as assets to be disposed of by sale. These include assets associated with branches of the Bank that have been closed. When an asset is designated as held for sale, the Company ceases depreciation of the asset, and the asset is recorded at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less estimated cost to sell. Estimates of fair value are generally based on third-party appraisals of the property and are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The appraisals are sometimes discounted based on management’s knowledge of the property and/or changes in market conditions from the date of the most recent appraisal. Such discounts are typically unobservable inputs for determining fair value.

The following table presents the balances of impaired loans, OREO and other assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Impaired loans	$	694	$	—	$	—	$	694
OREO		3,792		—		—		3,792
Other assets		228		—		—		228

	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016 Using
	Total		Quoted Prices in Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Impaired loans	$	1,568	$	—	$	—	$	1,568
OREO		4,858		—		—		4,858
Other assets		280		—		—		280

Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs

The following table presents information regarding assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 31, 2017. The table includes the valuation techniques and the significant unobservable inputs utilized. The range of each unobservable input and the weighted average within the range utilized as of December 31, 2017 are both included. Following the table is a description of the valuation technique and the sensitivity of the technique to changes in the significant unobservable input.

	Level 3 Significant Unobservable Input Assumptions
	Fair Value as of December 31, 2017		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	QuantitativeRange of Unobservable Inputs (Weighted Average)
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Impaired loans	$	694	Multiple data points, including discount to appraised value of collateral based on recent market activity	Appraisal comparability adjustment (discount)	9%	- (9.5)%	10%
OREO	$	3,792	Discount to appraised value of property based on recent market activity for sales of similar properties	Appraisal comparability adjustment (discount)	9%	- (9.5)%	10%
Other assets	$	228	Discount to appraised value of property based on recent market activity for sales of similar properties	Appraisal comparability adjustment (discount)	9%	- (9.5)%	10%

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Impaired loans

Impaired loans are valued based on multiple data points indicating the fair value for each loan. The primary data point is the appraisal value of the underlying collateral, to which a discount is applied. Management establishes this discount or comparability adjustment based on recent sales of similar property types. As liquidity in the market increases or decreases, the comparability adjustment and the resulting asset valuation are impacted.

OREO

OREO under a binding contract for sale is valued based on contract price. If no sales contract is pending for a specific property, management establishes a comparability adjustment to the appraised value based on historical activity, considering proceeds for properties sold versus the corresponding appraised value. Increases or decreases in realization for properties sold impact the comparability adjustment for similar assets remaining on the balance sheet.

Other Assets

Assets designated as held for sale that are under a binding contract are valued based on the contract price. If no sales contract is pending for a specific property, management establishes a comparability adjustment to the appraised value based on historical activity, considering proceeds for properties sold versus the corresponding appraised value. Increases or decreases in realization for properties sold impact the comparability adjustment for similar assets remaining on the balance sheet.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

Cash, due from banks and federal funds sold: The carrying amount of cash, due from banks and federal funds sold approximates fair value.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock: Based on the redemption provision of the FHLB, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost.

Investment securities: Fair values of investment securities are based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, estimated fair values are based on market prices of comparable instruments.

Derivative instruments: The fair value of derivative instruments is based on information obtained from a third-party financial institution. This information is periodically evaluated by the Company and, as necessary, corroborated against other third-party information.

Accrued interest receivable and payable: The carrying amount of accrued interest approximates fair value.

Loans, net: For variable-rate loans, fair values are based on carrying values. Fixed-rate commercial loans, other installment loans and certain real estate mortgage loans are valued using discounted cash flows. The discount rate used to determine the present value of these loans is based on interest rates currently being charged by the Company on comparable loans as to credit risk and term at the determination date.

Demand and savings deposits: The fair values of demand deposits are equal to the carrying value of such deposits. Demand deposits include non-interest-bearing demand deposits, savings accounts, NOW accounts and money market demand accounts.

Time deposits: The fair values of relatively short-term time deposits are equal to their carrying values. Discounted cash flows are used to value long-term time deposits. The discount rate used is based on interest rates currently offered by the Company on comparable deposits as to amount and term.

Short-term borrowings: These borrowings may consist of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and the floating rate borrowings from the FHLB account. Due to the short-term nature of these borrowings, fair values approximate carrying values.

Long-term debt: The fair value of this debt is estimated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rate for similar types of borrowing arrangements as of the determination date.

Off-balance sheet instruments: The carrying amount of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit approximates fair value. The carrying amount of the off-balance sheet financial instruments is based on fees currently charged to enter into such agreements.

81

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

The estimated fair value and related carrying or notional amounts, as well as the level within the fair value hierarchy, of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,124	$	27,124	$	27,124	$	—	$	—
Investment securities available-for-sale		153,871		153,871		—		153,871		—
Investment securities held-to-maturity		26,279		25,949		—		25,949		—
Federal funds sold		15,000		15,000		—		15,000		—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		1,609		1,609		—		—		1,609
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		346,121		342,248		—		—		342,248
Other assets – derivatives		443		443		—		443		—
Liabilities:
Deposits		517,079		515,645		—		515,645		—
Short-term borrowings		15,594		15,594		—		15,594		—
Long-term debt		10,000		9,998		—		9,998		—

	December 31, 2016
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,530	$	23,530	$	23,530	$	—	$	—
Investment securities available-for-sale		181,910		181,910		—		181,910		—
Investment securities held-to-maturity		25,904		25,508		—		25,508		—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		1,581		1,581		—		—		1,581
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses		322,772		319,881		—		—		319,881
Other assets – derivatives		346		346		—		346		—
Liabilities:
Deposits		497,556		497,037		—		497,037		—
Short-term borrowings		10,119		10,119		—		10,119		—
Long-term debt		15,000		14,998		—		14,998		—

22. FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY) FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Balance Sheets

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Assets:
Cash on deposit	$	359		$	226
Investment in subsidiaries		75,628			75,739
Other assets		121			285
Total assets	$	76,108		$	76,250
Liabilities:
Other liabilities	$	(99	)	$	9
Shareholders’ equity		76,207			76,241
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	76,108		$	76,250

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FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Income:
Dividend income, First US Bank	$	1,206		$	1,204
Total income	$	1,206		$	1,204
Expense		751			743
Gain before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	$	455		$	461
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries		(866	)		763
Net income (loss)	$	(411	)	$	1,224

Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(411	)	$	1,224
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Distributions in excess of undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries		867			(763	)
Change in other assets and liabilities		163			98
Net cash provided by operating activities		619			559
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid		(486	)		(483	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(486	)		(483	)
Net increase in cash		133			76
Cash at beginning of year		226			150
Cash at end of year	$	359		$	226

83

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

23. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017									2016
	Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter		Second Quarter		First Quarter		Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter		Second Quarter		First Quarter
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest income	$	8,087		$	7,820	$	7,683	$	7,510	$	7,721		$	7,760	$	7,478	$	7,196
Interest expense		804			685		626		591		588			587		561		535
Net interest income		7,283			7,135		7,057		6,919		7,133			7,173		6,917		6,661
Provision (reduction in reserve) for loan losses		523			373		576		515		1,814			680		536		167
Net interest income after provision (reduction in reserve) for loan losses		6,760			6,762		6,481		6,404		5,319			6,493		6,381		6,494
Non-interest:
Income		1,333			1,236		930		1,167		1,165			1,567		1,480		989
Expense		7,359			7,190		6,863		7,037		6,826			7,348		7,255		7,066
Income (loss) before income taxes		734			808		548		534		(342	)		712		606		417
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		2,600			173		132		130		(237	)		162		144		100
Net income (loss) after taxes	$	(1,866	)	$	635	$	416	$	404	$	(105	)	$	550	$	462	$	317
Earnings per common share:
Basic earnings (loss)	$	(0.30	)	$	0.10	$	0.07	$	0.07	$	(0.02	)	$	0.09	$	0.08	$	0.05
Diluted earnings (loss)	$	(0.29	)	$	0.10	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)	$	0.09	$	0.07	$	0.05

84

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Bancshares maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Bancshares’ Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Bancshares’ management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Bancshares’ management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Bancshares’ disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017, pursuant to the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, Bancshares’ management concluded, as of December 31, 2017, that Bancshares’ disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in Bancshares’ periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified.

There were no changes in Bancshares’ internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Bancshares’ internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

This report is included in Item 8 beginning on page 38 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

85

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Bancshares has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors, officers (including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and employees.  The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14 to Bancshares’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 12, 2004.  Bancshares will provide any interested person a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics free of charge, upon written request to First US Bancshares, Inc., Attention: Beverly J. Dozier, Corporate Secretary, 131 West Front Street, Post Office Box 249, Thomasville, Alabama 36784.

Other information required by this Item is incorporated by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K from Bancshares’ definitive proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K from Bancshares’ definitive proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2017, the securities that were authorized for issuance under the United Security Bancshares, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”) and the United Security Bancshares, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferral Plan”). The Omnibus Incentive Plan provides for grants of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted awards and performance compensation awards to our employees, consultants and directors and was approved by Bancshares’ shareholders in 2013. The Deferral Plan permits non-employee directors to defer their directors’ fees and receive the adjusted value of the deferred amounts in cash and/or in Bancshares’ common stock and was approved by Bancshares’ shareholders in 2004.

	Plan Category
	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)		Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)			Number of securities remaining available for future issuance (c) (excluding securities reflected in column(a))(1)
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders		443,436	$	9.36	(2)		237,618
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders		—		—			—
Total		443,436	$	9.36	(2)		237,618

(1) Does not include shares reserved for future issuance under the Deferral Plan. Includes shares available for issuance pursuant to future awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan.

(2) Does not include amounts deferred pursuant to the Deferral Plan, as there is no exercise price associated with these deferred amounts.

Other information required by this Item is incorporated by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K from Bancshares’ definitive proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K from Bancshares’ definitive proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K from Bancshares’ definitive proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Documents filed as part of this report

(1) Financial Statements.

The consolidated financial statements of Bancshares and its subsidiaries, included herein in Item 8, are as follows:

● Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting;

● Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC;

● Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2017 and 2016;

● Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016;

● Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – Years Ended December 31,  2017 and 2016;

● Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016;

● Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016; and

● Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

(2) Financial Statement Schedules.

The financial statement schedules required to be included pursuant to this Item are not included herein because they are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference at subsection (a)(1) of this Item, above.

(3) Exhibits.

The exhibits to this report are listed in the exhibit index below.

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(b) Description of Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed with this report or incorporated by reference.

Exhibit No.	Description
3.1	Certificate of Incorporation of United Security Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on November 12, 1999)
3.1A	Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of United Security Bancshares, Inc., effective as of October 11, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on October 11, 2016)
3.2	Bylaws of First US Bancshares, Inc., effective as of October 11, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on October 11, 2016)
10.1	Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated December 19, 2013 (effective as of January 1, 2014), by and among United Security Bancshares, Inc., First United Security Bank and James F. House (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on December 19, 2013)*
10.2	Change in Control Agreement dated May 20, 2014, by and among United Security Bancshares, Inc., First United Security Bank and Thomas S. Elley (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on May 23, 2014)*
10.3	Change in Control Agreement dated May 20, 2014, by and among United Security Bancshares, Inc., Acceptance Loan Company, Inc. and William C. Mitchell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on May 23, 2014)*
10.4	Change in Control Agreement dated May 20, 2014, by and among United Security Bancshares, Inc., First United Security Bank and Anthony G. Cashio (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)*
10.5	Change in Control Agreement dated May 20, 2014, by and among United Security Bancshares, Inc., First United Security Bank and Beverly J. Dozier (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)*
10.6	Form of Director Indemnification Agreement between United Security Bancshares, Inc. and its directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on October 30, 2009)*
10.7	United Security Bancshares, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan, effective March 22, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on May 22, 2013)*
10.8	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the United Security Bancshares, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan – 2014 Grants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on May 14, 2014)*
10.9	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Executive Officers and Directors – Immediate Vesting – 2014 Grants) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on November 13, 2014)*
10.10	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Executive Officers and Directors – One-Year Vesting – 2015 Grants) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 12, 2015)*
10.11	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Directors – One-Year Vesting – 2016 Grants) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)*
10.12	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Employees – Three-Year Vesting – 2016 Grants) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)*
10.13	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (Employees – Three-Year Vesting – 2017 and 2018 Grants)

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Exhibit No.	Description
10.14	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the United Security Bancshares, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2017)*
10.15	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated October 17, 2002, with Linda H. Breedlove (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on November 14, 2002)*
10.15A	First Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Linda H. Breedlove, dated November 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 16, 2009)*
10.15B	Second Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Linda H. Breedlove, dated January 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2017)*
10.16	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated October 17, 2002, with John C. Gordon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on November 14, 2002)*
10.16A	First Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for John C. Gordon, dated November 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 16, 2009)*
10.16B	Second Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for John C. Gordon, dated January 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2017)*
10.17	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated October 16, 2002, with William G. Harrison (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 21, 2003)*
10.17A	First Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for William G. Harrison, dated November 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 16, 2009)*
10.17B	Second Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for William G. Harrison, dated January 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2017)*
10.18	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated October 17, 2002, with Jack Meigs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on November 14, 2002)*
10.18A	First Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Jack Meigs, dated November 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 16, 2009)*
10.18B	Second Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Jack Meigs, dated January 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2017)*
10.19	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated October 17, 2002, with Howard M. Whitted (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on November 14, 2002)*
10.19A	First Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Howard M. Whitted, dated November 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 16, 2009)*
10.19B	Second Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Howard M. Whitted, dated January 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2017)*
10.20	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated October 17, 2002, with Bruce N. Wilson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-14549), filed on November 14, 2002)*

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Exhibit No.	Description
10.20A	First Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Bruce N. Wilson, dated November 20, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 16, 2009)*
10.20B	Second Amendment to the First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement for Bruce N. Wilson, dated January 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2017)*
10.21	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated November 17, 2011, with Andrew C. Bearden, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 30, 2012)*
10.22	First United Security Bank Director Retirement Agreement dated November 30, 2011, with J. Lee McPhearson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 30, 2012)*
10.23	United Security Bancshares, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 12, 2004)*
10.23A	Amendment One to the United Security Bancshares, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 18, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 16, 2009)*
10.23B	Amendment Two to the United Security Bancshares, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan dated December 30, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22B to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 15, 2011)*
10.24	First US Bancshares, Inc. and First US Bank Board and Committee Fee Schedule
10.25A	Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated April 20, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1A to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)
10.25B	First Amendment to Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated May 26, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1B to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)
10.25C	Second Amendment to Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated August 25, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1C to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)
10.25D	Third Amendment to Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated September 17, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1D to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)
10.25E	Fourth Amendment to Real Estate Sales Agreement, dated October 17, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1E to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 11, 2016)
14	United Security Bancshares, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-14549), filed on March 12, 2004)
21	Subsidiaries of First US Bancshares, Inc.
23	Consent of Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
32	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101	Interactive Data Files

*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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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 this 15th day of March, 2018.

FIRST US BANCSHARES, INC.
By:	/s/ James F. House
	James F. House
	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 and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/ James F. House	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director	March 15, 2018
James F. House	(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Thomas S. Elley	Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)	March 15, 2018
Thomas S. Elley
/s/ Andrew C. Bearden, Jr.	Director	March 15, 2018
Andrew C. Bearden, Jr.
/s/ Linda H. Breedlove	Director	March 15, 2018
Linda H. Breedlove
/s/ Robert Stephen Briggs	Director	March 15, 2018
Robert Stephen Briggs
/s/ Sheri S. Cook	Director	March 15, 2018
Sheri S. Cook
/s/ John C. Gordon	Director	March 15, 2018
John C. Gordon
/s/ David P. Hale	Director	March 15, 2018
David P. Hale
/s/ William G. Harrison	Director	March 15, 2018
William G. Harrison
/s/ J. Lee McPhearson	Director	March 15, 2018
J. Lee McPhearson
/s/ Jack W. Meigs	Director	March 15, 2018
Jack W. Meigs
/s/ Aubrey S. Miller	Director	March 15, 2018
Aubrey S. Miller
/s/ Donna D. Smith	Director	March 15, 2018
Donna D. Smith
/s/ Howard M. Whitted	Director	March 15, 2018
Howard M. Whitted
/s/ Bruce N. Wilson	Director	March 15, 2018
Bruce N. Wilson

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