10-K 1 e18091_fcco-10k.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)
x	Annual Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
Or
o	Transition Report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 000-28344

First Community Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	57-1010751 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5455 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, South Carolina (Address of principal executive offices)	29072 (Zip Code)

803-951-2265

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

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

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $1.00 par value per share		The NASDAQ Capital Market

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 o No x

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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. o

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 o

Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company x

Emerging growth company o

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. o

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

As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $129,598,068 based on the average of the bid and ask price of $21.23 on June 30, 2017, as reported on The NASDAQ Capital Market. 7,591,920 shares of the issuer’s common stock were issued and outstanding as of March 5, 2018.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on May 16, 2018.

Part III (Portions of Items 10-14)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page No.
PART I
Item 1. Business	4
Item 1A. Risk Factors	20
Item 1 B. Unresolved Staff Comments	33
Item 2. Properties	33
Item 3. Legal Proceedings	33
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	33
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	34
Item 6. Selected Financial Data	35
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	37
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	58
Consolidated Balance Sheets	62
Consolidated Statements of Income	63
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	64
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity	65
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	66
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	67
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	117
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures	117
Item 9B. Other Information	117
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	117
Item 11. Executive Compensation	117
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	118
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	118
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services	118
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	118
SIGNATURES	120

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report, including information included or incorporated by reference in this document, contains statements which constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other matters, the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance, and business of our Company. Forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors which are beyond our control. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “assume,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “goal,” and “estimate,” as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the following:

credit losses as a result of, among other potential factors, declining real estate values, increasing interest rates, increasing unemployment, or changes in customer payment behavior or other factors;

the amount of our loan portfolio collateralized by real estate and weaknesses in the real estate market;

restrictions or conditions imposed by our regulators on our operations;

the adequacy of the level of our allowance for loan losses and the amount of loan loss provisions required in future periods;

examinations by our regulatory authorities, including the possibility that the regulatory authorities may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for loan losses, write-down assets, or take other actions;

reduced earnings due to higher other-than-temporary impairment charges resulting from additional decline in the value of our securities portfolio, specifically as a result of increasing default rates, and loss severities on the underlying real estate collateral;

increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries;

changes in the interest rate environment which could reduce anticipated or actual margins;

changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment, including governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry;

general economic conditions resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;

changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;

changes in access to funding or increased regulatory requirements with regard to funding;

increased cybersecurity risk, including potential business disruptions or financial losses;

changes in deposit flows;

changes in technology;

our current and future products, services, applications and functionality and plans to promote them;

changes in monetary and tax policies;

changes in accounting standards, policies, estimates and practices;

our assumptions and estimates used in applying critical accounting policies, which may prove unreliable, inaccurate or not predictive of actual results;

the rate of delinquencies and amounts of loans charged-off;

the rate of loan growth in recent years and the lack of seasoning of a portion of our loan portfolio;

our ability to maintain appropriate levels of capital, including levels of capital required under the capital rules implementing Basel III;

our ability to successfully execute our business strategy;

our ability to attract and retain key personnel;

our ability to retain our existing clients, including our deposit relationships;

adverse changes in asset quality and resulting credit risk-related losses and expenses;

loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions resulting from terrorist activities;

disruptions due to flooding, severe weather or other natural disasters; and

other risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” below.

Because of these and other risks and uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by any forward-looking statements. For additional information with respect to factors that could cause actual results to differ from the expectations stated in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking information and statements.

All forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to us as of the date of this report. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee you that these expectations will be achieved. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

PART I

Item 1. Business. General

First Community Corporation (the “Company”), a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, was incorporated under the laws of South Carolina in 1994 primarily to own and control all of the capital stock of First Community Bank (the “Bank”), which commenced operations in August 1995. The Bank’s primary federal regulator is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Bank is also regulated and examined by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions (the “S.C. Board”).

We engage in a commercial banking business from our main office in Lexington, South Carolina and our 18 full-service offices located in: the Midlands of South Carolina, which include Lexington County (6), Richland County (4), Newberry County (2) and Kershaw County (1); the Upstate of South Carolina which include Greenville County (1), Anderson County (1) and Pickens County (1); and the Central Savannah River area which include Aiken County, South Carolina (1) and Augusta (Richmond County), Georgia (1). In addition, we conduct business from a loan production office located in Greenville County, South Carolina and a mortgage loan production office in Richland County, South Carolina. We offer a wide-range of traditional banking products and services for professionals and small-to medium-sized businesses, including consumer and commercial, mortgage, brokerage and investment, and insurance services. We also offer online banking to our customers.

We have grown organically and through acquisitions. On October 20, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Cornerstone Bancorp (“Cornerstone”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cornerstone National Bank. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cornerstone shareholders received either $11.00 in cash or 0.54 shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, for each share of Cornerstone common stock they owned immediately prior to the merger, subject to the limitation that 70% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock were exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock and 30% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock were exchanged for cash. The Company issued 877,384 shares of common stock in the merger. This acquisition added three additional branches to our branch network, all located in the Upstate of South Carolina as identified above.

Our stock trades on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “FCCO”.

Location and Service Area

The Bank is engaged in a general commercial and retail banking business, emphasizing the needs of small-to-medium sized businesses, professional concerns and individuals. We have a total of thirteen full-service offices located in Richland, Lexington, Kershaw and Newberry Counties of South Carolina and the surrounding areas. We refer to these counties as the “Midlands” region of South Carolina. Lexington County is home to six of our Bank’s branch offices. Richland County, in which we have four branches as well as a mortgage loan production office, is the second largest county in South Carolina. Columbia is located within Richland County and is South Carolina’s capital city and is geographically positioned in the center of the state between the industrialized Upstate region of South Carolina and the coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina. Intersected by three major interstate highways (I-20, I-77, and I-26), Columbia’s strategic location has contributed greatly to its commercial appeal and growth. With the acquisition of Cornerstone in 2017, we added a branch in each of Greenville County, South Carolina, Pickens County, South Carolina and Anderson County, South Carolina. We refer to this three-county area as the “Upstate” region of South Carolina. With the acquisition of Savannah River in 2014, we added a branch in Aiken, South Carolina and a branch in Augusta, Georgia (Richmond County). We refer to the three-county area of Aiken County (South Carolina), Richmond County (Georgia) and Columbia County (Georgia) as the “CSRA” region.

The following table shows data as to deposits, market share and population for the three market areas (deposits in thousands):

	Total			Estimated		Total Market Deposits (2)		Our Market Deposits (2)
	Full-Service Offices			Population (1)		June 30, 2017		June 30, 2017		Market Share
Midlands Region		14	(3)		797,921	$	19,994,000	$	697,761		3.34	%
CSRA Region		2			516,555	$	7,519,000	$	105,161		1.40	%
Upstate Region		4	(4)		818,202	$	16,231,000		131,320		0.81	%

(1)

All population data is derived from July 2016 estimates based on survey changes to the 2010 U. S. Census data.

(2)

All deposit data as of June 30, 2017 is derived from the most recent data published by the FDIC.

(3)

Midlands Region consist of 13 full service offices and a mortgage loan production office that does not receive deposits.

(4)

Greenville Region consist of three full service branches and a Loan Production Office that does not receive deposits.

We believe that we serve attractive banking markets with long-term growth potential and a well-educated employment base that helps to support our diverse and relatively stable local economy. According to U.S. Census Data, median household incomes for each of the counties in the regions noted above were as follows for 2016:

Richland County, SC	$	50,699
Lexington County, SC	$	55,412
Newberry County, SC	$	39,841
Kershaw County SC	$	46,328
Greenville County, SC	$	51,595
Anderson County, SC	$	43,518
Pickens County SC	$	43,531
Aiken County SC	$	46,454
Richmond County, GA	$	38,595
Columbia County, GA	$	71,962

The county estimates noted above compare to 2016 statewide median household income estimates of $46,698 and $51,037 for South Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The principal components of the economy within our market areas are service industries, government and education, and wholesale and retail trade. The largest employers in the Midlands market area, each of which employs in excess of 3,000 people, include Fort Jackson Army Base, the University of South Carolina, Palmetto Health Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Lexington Medical Center. The largest employers in our CSRA market area, each of which employs in excess of 3,000 people, include Fort Gordon Army Base, Georgia Regents University, Georgia Regents Health System, University Hospital and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. The Upstate region major employers include, among others, Greenville Health Systems, Bon Secours St Francis Health System, Michelin North America Inc., BMW Manufacturing Corporation and GE Power and Water. The Company believes that this diversified economic base has reduced, and will likely continue to reduce, economic volatility in our market areas. Our markets have experienced steady economic and population growth over the past 10 years, and we expect that the area, as well as the service industry needed to support it, will continue to grow.

Banking Services

We offer a full range of deposit services that are typically available in most banks and thrift institutions, including checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings accounts and other time deposits of various types, ranging from daily money market accounts to longer-term certificates of deposit. The transaction accounts and time certificates are tailored to our principal market area at rates competitive to those offered in the area. In addition, we offer certain retirement account services, such as Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”). All deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum amount allowed by law (currently, $250,000, subject to aggregation rules).

We also offer a full range of commercial and personal loans. Commercial loans include both secured and unsecured loans for working capital (including inventory and receivables), business expansion (including acquisition of real estate and improvements), and the purchase of equipment and machinery. Consumer loans include secured and unsecured loans for financing automobiles, home improvements, education, and personal investments. We also make real estate construction and acquisition loans. We originate fixed and variable rate mortgage loans, substantially all of which are sold into the secondary market. Our lending activities are subject to a variety of lending limits imposed by federal law. While differing limits apply in certain circumstances based on the type of loan or the nature of the borrower (including the borrower’s relationship to the bank), in general, we are subject to a loans-to-one-borrower limit of an amount equal to 15% of the Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus, or 25% of the unimpaired capital and surplus if the excess over 15% is approved by the board of directors of the Bank and is fully secured by readily marketable collateral. As a result, our lending limit will increase or decrease in response to increases or decreases in the Bank’s level of capital. Based upon the capitalization of the Bank at December 31, 2017, the maximum amount we could lend to one borrower is $15.8 million. In addition, we may not make any loans to any director, officer, employee, or 10% shareholder of the Company or the Bank unless the loan is approved by our board of directors and is made on terms not more favorable to such person than would be available to a person not affiliated with the Bank.

Other bank services include internet banking, cash management services, safe deposit boxes, travelers checks, direct deposit of payroll and social security checks, and automatic drafts for various accounts. We offer non-deposit investment products and other investment brokerage services through a registered representative with an affiliation through LPL Financial. We are associated with Nyce, Star, and Plus networks of automated teller machines and MasterCard debit cards that may be used by our customers throughout South Carolina and other regions. We also offer VISA and MasterCard credit card services through a correspondent bank as our agent.

We currently do not exercise trust powers, but we can begin to do so with the prior approval of our primary banking regulators, the FDIC and the S.C. Board.

Competition

The banking business is highly competitive. We compete as a financial intermediary with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and money market mutual funds operating in our market areas. As of June 30, 2017, there were 25 financial institutions operating approximately 184 offices in the Midlands market, 17 financial institutions operating 103 branches in the CSRA market, and 35 financial institutions operating 244 branches in the Upstate market. The competition among the various financial institutions is based upon a variety of factors, including interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans, credit and service charges, the quality of services rendered, the convenience of banking facilities and, in the case of loans to large commercial borrowers, relative lending limits. Size gives larger banks certain advantages in competing for business from large corporations. These advantages include higher lending limits and the ability to offer services in other areas of South Carolina and Georgia. As a result, we do not generally attempt to compete for the banking relationships of large corporations, but concentrate our efforts on small-to-medium sized businesses and individuals. We believe we have competed effectively in this market by offering quality and personal service. 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.

Employees

As of December 31, 2017, we had 224 full-time employees. We believe that we have good relations with our employees.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

Both the Company and the Bank are subject to extensive state and federal banking laws and regulations that impose specific requirements or restrictions on and provide for general regulatory oversight of virtually all aspects of our operations. These laws and regulations are generally intended to protect depositors, not shareholders. The following summary is qualified by reference to the statutory and regulatory provisions discussed. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on our business and prospects. Our operations may be affected by legislative changes and the policies of various regulatory authorities. We cannot predict the effect that fiscal or monetary policies, economic control, or new federal or state legislation may have on our business and earnings in the future.

We own 100% of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank, and, therefore, we are considered to be a bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). As a result, we are primarily subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (the “Federal Reserve”) under the Bank Holding Company Act and its regulations promulgated there under. Moreover, as a bank holding company of a bank located in South Carolina, we also are subject to the South Carolina Banking and Branching Efficiency Act.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law in July 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act impacts financial institutions in numerous ways, including:

The creation of a Financial Stability Oversight Council responsible for monitoring and managing systemic risk,

Granting additional authority to the Federal Reserve to regulate certain types of nonbank financial companies,

Granting new authority to the FDIC as liquidator and receiver,

Changing the manner in which deposit insurance assessments are made,

Requiring regulators to modify capital standards,

Establishing the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “CFPB”),

Capping interchange fees that banks with assets of $10 billion or more charge merchants for debit card transactions,

Imposing more stringent requirements on mortgage lenders, and

Limiting banks’ proprietary trading activities.

There are many provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act mandating regulators to adopt new regulations and conduct studies upon which future regulation may be based. While some have been issued, many remain to be issued. Governmental intervention and new regulations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Basel Capital Standards. Regulatory capital rules released by the federal bank regulatory agencies in July 2013 to implement capital standards, referred to as Basel III and developed by an international body known as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, impose higher minimum capital requirements for bank holding companies and banks. The rules apply to all national and state banks and savings associations regardless of size and bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies with more than $1 billion in total consolidated assets. More stringent requirements are imposed on “advanced approaches” banking organizations, which are organizations with $250 billion or more in total consolidated assets, with $10 billion or more in total foreign exposures, or that have opted in to the Basel II capital regime. The new regulatory capital rules became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions), and all of the requirements in the rules will be fully phased in by January 1, 2019.

The rules include certain new and higher risk-based capital and leverage requirements than those previously in place. Specifically, the following minimum capital requirements apply to us:

a new common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%;

a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% (increased from the former 4% requirement);

a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from the former requirement); and

a leverage ratio of 4% (also unchanged from the former requirement).

Under the rules, Tier 1 capital is redefined to include two components: Common Equity Tier 1 capital and additional Tier 1 capital. The new and highest form of capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital, consists solely of common stock (plus related surplus), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income, and limited amounts of minority interests that are in the form of common stock. Additional Tier 1 capital includes other perpetual instruments historically included in Tier 1 capital, such as noncumulative perpetual preferred stock. The rules permit bank holding companies with less than $15.0 billion in total consolidated assets to continue to include trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock issued before May 19, 2010 in Tier 1 capital, but not in Common Equity Tier 1 capital, subject to certain restrictions. Tier 2 capital consists of instruments that currently qualify in Tier 2 capital plus instruments that the rules have disqualified from Tier 1 capital treatment. Cumulative perpetual preferred stock, formerly includable in Tier 1 capital, is now included only in Tier 2 capital. Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) is presumptively included in Common Equity Tier 1 capital and often would operate to reduce this category of capital. The rules provided a one-time opportunity at the end of the first quarter of 2015 for covered banking organizations to opt-out of much of this treatment of AOCI. We made this opt-out election and, as a result, will retain the pre-existing treatment for AOCI.

In addition, in order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments to executives, a covered banking organization must maintain a “capital conservation buffer” on top of its minimum risk-based capital requirements. This buffer must consist solely of Tier 1 Common Equity, but the buffer applies to all three measurements (Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 capital and total capital). The capital conservation buffer will be phased in incrementally over time, becoming fully effective on January 1, 2019, and will consist of an additional amount of common equity equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. As of January 1, 2018, we are required to hold a capital conservation buffer of 1.875%, increasing to 2.5% effective January 1, 2019.

In general, the rules have had the effect of increasing capital requirements by increasing the risk weights on certain assets, including high volatility commercial real estate, certain loans past due 90 days or more or in nonaccrual status, mortgage servicing rights not includable in Common Equity Tier 1 capital, equity exposures, and claims on securities firms, that are used in the denominator of the three risk-based capital ratios.

Volcker Rule. Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, known as the “Volcker Rule,” prohibits any bank, bank holding company, or affiliate (referred to collectively as “banking entities”) from engaging in two types of activities: “proprietary trading” and the ownership or sponsorship of private equity or hedge funds that are referred to as “covered funds.” Proprietary trading is, in general, trading in securities on a short-term basis for a banking entity’s own account. Funds subject to the ownership and sponsorship prohibition are those not required to register with the SEC because they have only accredited investors or no more than 100 investors. In December 2013, our primary federal regulators, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, together with other federal banking agencies, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, finalized a regulation to implement the Volcker Rule. At December 31, 2017, the Company has evaluated our securities portfolio and has determined that we do not hold any covered funds.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was signed into law. The Tax Act includes a number of provisions that impact us, including the following:

Tax Rate. The Tax Act replaces the graduated corporate tax rates applicable under prior law, which imposed a maximum tax rate of 35%, with a reduced 21% flat tax rate. Although the reduced tax rate generally should be favorable to us by resulting in increased earnings and capital, it will decrease the value of our existing deferred tax assets. Generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires that the impact of the provisions of the Tax Act be accounted for in the period of enactment. Accordingly, the incremental income tax expense recorded by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the Tax Act was $1.2 million, resulting primarily from a remeasurement of deferred tax assets of $3.2 million.

Employee Compensation. A “publicly held corporation” is not permitted to deduct compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid to certain employees. The Tax Act eliminates certain exceptions to the $1 million limit applicable under prior to law related to performance-based compensation, such as equity grants and cash bonuses that are paid only on the attainment of performance goals. As a result, our ability to deduct certain compensation that may be paid to our most highly compensated employees will now be limited.

Business Asset Expensing. The Tax Act allows taxpayers immediately to expense the entire cost (instead of only 50%, as under prior law) of certain depreciable tangible property and real property improvements acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023 (with an additional year for certain property). This 100% “bonus” depreciation is phased out proportionately for property placed in service on or after January 1, 2023 and before January 1, 2027 (with an additional year for certain property).

Interest Expense. The Tax Act limits a taxpayer’s annual deduction of business interest expense to the sum of (i) business interest income and (ii) 30% of “adjusted taxable income,” defined as a business’s taxable income without taking into account business interest income or expense, net operating losses, and, for 2018 through 2021, depreciation, amortization and depletion. Because we generate significant amounts of net interest income, we do not expect to be impacted by this limitation.

Proposed Legislation and Regulatory Action. From time to time, various legislative and regulatory initiatives are introduced in Congress and state legislatures, as well as by regulatory agencies. Such initiatives may include proposals to expand or contract the powers of bank holding companies and depository institutions or proposals to substantially change the financial institution regulatory system. Such legislation could change banking statutes and the operating environment of the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways. If enacted, such legislation could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted, and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations, would have on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the Company or the Bank could have a material effect on the business of the Company.

In June 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (the “CHOICE Act”), which is intended to repeal or amend many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The CHOICE Act contains a broad range of legislation that primarily affect larger banks. It also contains a range of provisions that would facilitate capital raising by community banks in both mutual and stock form, and simplify the regulation and examination of community banks and mutual holding companies.

Significant provisions of the CHOICE Act, as it relates to community banks, include the following: (i) a bank of any size that maintains a leverage capital ratio of at least 10% may elect to be regulated as a “qualifying banking organization,” and thereby would be exempt from laws and regulations that address capital and liquidity requirements, capital distributions to stockholders, and the enhanced prudential standards of the Dodd-Frank Act including mandatory stress testing, resolution plans and short-term debt and leverage limit requirements, as well as other laws and regulations (qualifying banking organizations would also be considered “well capitalized” for purposes of the prompt corrective action rules, restrictions on brokered deposits, restrictions on interstate branching and merger transactions, and other laws and regulations); (ii) the small bank holding company exemption would be increased from $1.0 billion to $10.0 billion; (iii) mutual and stock federal savings banks would be able to elect to exercise the same powers as national banks without converting charters; and (iv) the establishment of a safe-harbor from “ability to repay” requirements for mortgage loans held by a depository institution since their origination.

With respect to SEC and corporate governance compliance, the CHOICE Act reverses a number of changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. These include: prohibiting universal proxy ballots in proxy contests; modernizing stockholder proposal thresholds; repealing the requirement that publicly traded companies disclose the ratio of median employee versus chief executive officer pay; and increasing the exemption from complying with an outside auditor’s attestation of a company’s internal financial controls to issuers with market capitalizations of up to $500 million.

Management believes that, if enacted, the CHOICE Act would provide substantial benefits to community banks and their holding companies. There can be no assurance, however, that the CHOICE Act or any of its provisions, will be enacted into law.

Permitted Activities. Under the Bank Holding Company Act, a bank holding company is generally permitted to engage in, or acquire direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in, the following activities:

•

banking or managing or controlling banks;

•

furnishing services to or performing services for our subsidiaries; and

•

any activity that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking.

•

Activities that the Federal Reserve has found to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking include:

•

factoring accounts receivable;

•

making, acquiring, brokering or servicing loans and usual related activities;

•

leasing personal or real property;

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operating a non-bank depository institution, such as a savings association;

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trust company functions;

•

financial and investment advisory activities;

•

conducting discount securities brokerage activities;

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underwriting and dealing in government obligations and money market instruments;

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providing specified management consulting and counseling activities;

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performing selected data processing services and support services;

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acting as agent or broker in selling credit life insurance and other types of insurance in connection with credit transactions; and

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performing selected insurance underwriting activities.

As a bank holding company, we also can elect to be treated as a “financial holding company,” which would allow us to engage in a broader array of activities. In sum, a financial holding company can engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complimentary to financial activities, including insurance underwriting, sales and brokerage activities, providing financial and investment advisory services, underwriting services and limited merchant banking activities. We have not sought financial holding company status, but may elect such status in the future as our business matures. If we were to elect in writing for financial holding company status, each insured depository institution we control would have to be well capitalized, well managed and have at least a satisfactory rating under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) (discussed below).

The Federal Reserve has the authority to order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any of these activities or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when it has reasonable cause to believe that the bank holding company’s continued ownership, activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of it or any of its bank subsidiaries.

Change in Control. Two statutes, the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with regulations promulgated under them, require some form of regulatory review before any company may acquire “control” of a bank or a bank holding company. Under the Bank Holding Company Act, control is deemed to exist if a company acquires 25% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank holding company; controls the election of a majority of the members of the board of directors; or exercises a controlling influence over the management or policies of a bank or bank holding company. In guidance issued in 2008, the Federal Reserve has stated that an investor generally will not be viewed as having a controlling influence over a bank holding company when the investor holds, in aggregate, less than 33% of the total equity of a bank or bank holding company (voting and nonvoting equity), provided such investor’s ownership does not include 15% or more of any class of voting securities. Prior Federal Reserve approval is necessary before an entity acquires sufficient control to become a bank holding company. Natural persons, certain non-business trusts, and other entities are not treated as companies (or bank holding companies), and their acquisitions are not subject to review under the Bank Holding Company Act. State laws generally, including South Carolina law, require state approval before an acquirer may become the holding company of a state bank.

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, a person or company is generally required to file a notice with the Federal Reserve if it will, as a result of the transaction, own or control 10% or more of any class of voting securities or direct the management or policies of a bank or bank holding company and either if the bank or bank holding company has registered securities or if the acquirer would be the largest holder of that class of voting securities after the acquisition. For a change in control at the holding company level, both the Federal Reserve and the subsidiary bank’s primary federal regulator must approve the change in control; at the bank level, only the bank’s primary federal regulator is involved. Transactions subject to the Bank Holding Company Act are exempt from Change in Control Act requirements. For state banks, state laws, including that of South Carolina, typically require approval by the state bank regulator as well.

Source of Strength. There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed by law and regulatory policy on bank holding companies with regard to their depository institution subsidiaries that are designed to minimize potential loss to depositors and to the FDIC insurance funds in the event that the depository institution becomes in danger of defaulting under its obligations to repay deposits. Under a policy of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), to avoid receivership of its insured depository institution subsidiary, a bank holding company is required to guarantee the compliance of any insured depository institution subsidiary that may become “undercapitalized” within the terms of any capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary with its appropriate federal banking agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the institution’s total assets at the time the institution became undercapitalized, or (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all applicable capital standards as of the time the institution fails to comply with such capital restoration plan.

The Federal Reserve also has the authority under the Bank Holding Company Act to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank) upon the Federal Reserve’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any subsidiary depository institution of the bank holding company. Further, federal law grants federal bank regulatory authorities’ additional discretion to require a bank holding company to divest itself of any bank or nonbank subsidiary if the agency determines that divestiture may aid the depository institution’s financial condition.

In addition, the “cross guarantee” provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”) require insured depository institutions under common control to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered or reasonably anticipated by the FDIC as a result of the default of a commonly controlled insured depository institution or for any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution in danger of default. The FDIC’s claim for damages is superior to claims of shareholders of the insured depository institution or its holding company, but is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors and holders of subordinated debt (other than affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured depository institutions.

The FDIA also provides that amounts received from the liquidation or other resolution of any insured depository institution by any receiver must be distributed (after payment of secured claims) to pay the deposit liabilities of the institution prior to payment of any other general or unsecured senior liability, subordinated liability, general creditor or shareholder. This provision would give depositors a preference over general and subordinated creditors and shareholders in the event a receiver is appointed to distribute the assets of our Bank.

Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve imposes certain capital requirements on the bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act, including a minimum leverage ratio and a minimum ratio of “qualifying” capital to risk-weighted assets. These requirements are essentially the same as those that apply to the Bank and are described below under “First Community Bank—Capital Regulations.” Subject to our capital requirements and certain other restrictions, we are able to borrow money to make a capital contribution to the Bank, and these loans may be repaid from dividends paid from the Bank to the Company. Our ability to pay dividends depends on, among other things, the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to us, which is subject to regulatory restrictions as described below in “First Community Bank—Dividends.” We are also able to raise capital for contribution to the Bank by issuing securities without having to receive regulatory approval, subject to compliance with federal and state securities laws.

Dividends. Since the Company is a bank holding company, its ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on certain federal and state regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. In addition, under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

South Carolina State Regulation. As a South Carolina bank holding company under the South Carolina Banking and Branching Efficiency Act, we are subject to limitations on sale or merger and to regulation by the S.C. Board. We are not required to obtain the approval of the S.C. Board prior to acquiring the capital stock of a national bank, but we must notify them at least 15 days prior to doing so. We must receive the S.C. Board’s approval prior to engaging in the acquisition of a South Carolina state chartered bank or another South Carolina bank holding company.

First Community Bank

As a South Carolina state bank, the Bank’s primary federal regulator is the FDIC and the Bank is also regulated and examined by the S.C. Board. Deposits in the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to a maximum amount of $250,000. The FDIC insurance coverage limit applies per depositor, per insured depository institution for each account ownership category.

The S.C. Board and the FDIC regulate or monitor virtually all areas of the Bank’s operations, including:

security devices and procedures;

adequacy of capitalization and loss reserves;

loans;

investments;

borrowings;

deposits;

mergers;

issuances of securities;

payment of dividends;

interest rates payable on deposits;

interest rates or fees chargeable on loans;

establishment of branches;

corporate reorganizations;

maintenance of books and records; and

adequacy of staff training to carry on safe lending and deposit gathering practices.

These agencies, and the federal and state laws applicable to the Bank’s operations, extensively regulate various aspects of our banking business, including, among other things, permissible types and amounts of loans, investments and other activities, capital adequacy, branching, interest rates on loans and on deposits, the maintenance of reserves on demand deposit liabilities, and the safety and soundness of our banking practices.

All insured institutions must undergo regular on-site examinations by their appropriate banking agency. The cost of examinations of insured depository institutions and any affiliates may be assessed by the appropriate federal banking agency against each institution or affiliate as it deems necessary or appropriate. Insured institutions are required to submit annual reports to the FDIC, their federal regulatory agency, and state supervisor when applicable. The FDIC has developed a method for insured depository institutions to provide supplemental disclosure of the estimated fair market value of assets and liabilities, to the extent feasible and practicable, in any balance sheet, financial statement, report of condition or any other report of any insured depository institution. The FDIC and the other federal banking regulatory agencies also have issued standards for all insured depository institutions relating, among other things, to the following:

internal controls;

information systems and audit systems;

loan documentation;

credit underwriting;

interest rate risk exposure; and

asset quality.

Prompt Corrective Action. The FDICIA established a “prompt corrective action” program in which every bank is placed in one of five regulatory categories, depending primarily on its regulatory capital levels. The FDIC and the other federal banking regulators are permitted to take increasingly severe action as a bank’s capital position or financial condition declines below the “Adequately Capitalized” level described below. Regulators are also empowered to place in receivership or require the sale of a bank to another depository institution when a bank’s leverage ratio reaches two percent. Better capitalized institutions are generally subject to less onerous regulation and supervision than banks with lesser amounts of capital. The FDIC’s regulations set forth five capital categories, each with specific regulatory consequences. The categories are:

Well Capitalized — The institution exceeds the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. A well capitalized institution (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, (iii) has a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, (iv) has a leverage capital ratio of 5% or greater, and (v) is not subject to any order or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

Adequately Capitalized — The institution meets the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. No capital distribution may be made that would result in the institution becoming undercapitalized. An adequately capitalized institution (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, (iii) has a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5% or greater, and (iv) has a leverage capital ratio of 4% or greater.

Undercapitalized — The institution fails to meet the required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. An undercapitalized institution (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, (iii) has a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.5% or greater, or (iv) has a leverage capital ratio of less than 4%.

Significantly Undercapitalized — The institution is significantly below the required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. A significantly undercapitalized institution (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, (iii) has a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% or greater, or (iv) has a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%.

Critically Undercapitalized — The institution fails to meet a critical capital level set by the appropriate federal banking agency. A critically undercapitalized institution has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.

If the FDIC determines, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that the bank is in an unsafe or unsound condition, the regulator is authorized to reclassify the bank to the next lower capital category (other than critically undercapitalized) and require the submission of a plan to correct the unsafe or unsound condition.

If a bank is not well capitalized, it cannot accept brokered deposits without prior regulatory approval. In addition, a bank that is not well capitalized cannot offer an effective yield in excess of 75 basis points over interest paid on deposits of comparable size and maturity in such institution’s normal market area for deposits accepted from within its normal market area, or national rate paid on deposits of comparable size and maturity for deposits accepted outside the bank’s normal market area. Moreover, the FDIC generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be categorized as undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to growth limitations (an undercapitalized institution may not acquire another institution, establish additional branch offices or engage in any new line of business unless determined by the appropriate federal banking agency to be consistent with an accepted capital restoration plan, or unless the FDIC determines that the proposed action will further the purpose of prompt corrective action) and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The agencies may not accept a capital restoration plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with the capital restoration plan. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became categorized as undercapitalized or the amount that is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is categorized as significantly undercapitalized.

Significantly undercapitalized categorized depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become categorized as adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. The appropriate federal banking agency may take any action authorized for a significantly undercapitalized institution if an undercapitalized institution fails to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails in any material respect to implement a plan accepted by the agency. A critically undercapitalized institution is subject to having a receiver or conservator appointed to manage its affairs and for loss of its charter to conduct banking activities.

An insured depository institution may not pay a management fee to a bank holding company controlling that institution or any other person having control of the institution if, after making the payment, the institution, would be undercapitalized. In addition, an institution cannot make a capital distribution, such as a dividend or other distribution that is in substance a distribution of capital to the owners of the institution if following such a distribution the institution would be undercapitalized. Thus, if payment of such a management fee or the making of such would cause a bank to become undercapitalized, it could not pay a management fee or dividend to the bank holding company.

As of December 31, 2017, the Bank was deemed to be “well capitalized.”

Standards for Safety and Soundness. The FDIA also requires the federal banking regulatory agencies to prescribe, by regulation or guideline, operational and managerial standards for all insured depository institutions relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate risk exposure; and (v) asset growth. The agencies also must prescribe standards for asset quality, earnings, and stock valuation, as well as standards for compensation, fees and benefits. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations and Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement these required standards. These guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. Under the regulations, if the FDIC determines that the Bank fails to meet any standards prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the Bank to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard, as required by the FDIC. The final regulations establish deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.

Regulatory Examination. The FDIC also requires the Bank to prepare annual reports on the Bank’s financial condition and to conduct an annual audit of its financial affairs in compliance with its minimum standards and procedures.

All insured institutions must undergo regular on-site examinations by their appropriate banking agency. The cost of examinations of insured depository institutions and any affiliates may be assessed by the appropriate federal banking agency against each institution or affiliate as it deems necessary or appropriate. Insured institutions are required to submit annual reports to the FDIC, their federal regulatory agency, and state supervisor when applicable. The FDIC has developed a method for insured depository institutions to provide supplemental disclosure of the estimated fair market value of assets and liabilities, to the extent feasible and practicable, in any balance sheet, financial statement, report of condition or any other report of any insured depository institution. The federal banking regulatory agencies prescribe, by regulation, standards for all insured depository institutions and depository institution holding companies relating, among other things, to the following:

internal controls;

information systems and audit systems;

loan documentation;

credit underwriting;

interest rate risk exposure; and

asset quality.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders. The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and its other subsidiaries. Various legal limitations restrict the Bank from lending or otherwise supplying funds to the Company or its non-bank subsidiaries. The Company and the Bank are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Regulation W.

Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act places limits on the amount of loans or extensions of credit by a bank to any affiliate, including its holding company, and on a bank’s investments in, or certain other transactions with, affiliates and on the amount of advances to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of any affiliates of the bank. Section 23A also applies to derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transactions that cause a bank to have credit exposure to an affiliate. The aggregate of all covered transactions is limited in amount, as to any one affiliate, to 10% of the Bank’s capital and surplus and, as to all affiliates combined, to 20% of the Bank’s capital and surplus. Furthermore, within the foregoing limitations as to amount, each covered transaction must meet specified collateral requirements. The Bank is forbidden to purchase low quality assets from an affiliate.

Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, among other things, prohibits an institution from engaging in certain transactions with certain affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to such institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies. If there are no comparable transactions, a bank’s (or one of its subsidiaries’) affiliate transaction must be on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that in good faith would be offered to, or would apply to, nonaffiliated companies. These requirements apply to all transactions subject to Section 23A as well as to certain other transactions.

The affiliates of a bank include any holding company of the bank, any other company under common control with the bank (including any company controlled by the same shareholders who control the bank), any subsidiary of the bank that is itself a bank, any company in which the majority of the directors or trustees also constitute a majority of the directors or trustees of the bank or holding company of the bank, any company sponsored and advised on a contractual basis by the bank or an affiliate, and any mutual fund advised by a bank or any of the bank’s affiliates. Regulation W generally excludes all non-bank and non-savings association subsidiaries of banks from treatment as affiliates, except to the extent that the Federal Reserve decides to treat these subsidiaries as affiliates.

The Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, certain principal stockholders, and their related interests. Extensions of credit include derivative transactions, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and lending transactions to the extent that such transactions cause a bank to have credit exposure to an insider. Any extension of credit to an insider (i) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral requirements, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated third parties and (ii) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features

Dividends. The Company’s principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends to its shareholders, is dividends it receives from the Bank. Statutory and regulatory limitations apply to the Bank’s payment of dividends to the Company. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the S.C. Board, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the S.C. Board. The FDIC also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of a dividend under certain circumstances.

Branching. Federal legislation permits out-of-state acquisitions by bank holding companies, interstate branching by banks, and interstate merging by banks. The Dodd-Frank Act removed previous state law restrictions on de novo interstate branching in states such as South Carolina and Georgia. This change effectively permits out of state banks to open de novo branches in states where the laws of such state would permit a bank chartered by that sate to open a de novo branch.

Anti-Tying Restrictions. Under amendments to the Bank Holding Company Act and Federal Reserve regulations, a bank is prohibited from engaging in certain tying or reciprocity arrangements with its customers. In general, a bank may not extend credit, lease, sell property, or furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for these on the condition that (i) the customer obtain or provide some additional credit, property, or services from or to the bank, the bank holding company or subsidiaries thereof or (ii) the customer may not obtain some other credit, property, or services from a competitor, except to the extent reasonable conditions are imposed to assure the soundness of the credit extended. Certain arrangements are permissible: a bank may offer combined-balance products and may otherwise offer more favorable terms if a customer obtains two or more traditional bank products; and certain foreign transactions are exempt from the general rule. A bank holding company or any bank affiliate also is subject to anti-tying requirements in connection with electronic benefit transfer services.

Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA requires that the FDIC evaluate the record of the Bank in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could impose additional requirements and limitations on our Bank.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”) made various changes to the CRA. Among other changes, CRA agreements with private parties must be disclosed and annual CRA reports must be made available to a bank’s primary federal regulator. A bank holding company will not be permitted to become a financial holding company and no new activities authorized under the GLBA may be commenced by a holding company or by a bank financial subsidiary if any of its bank subsidiaries received less than a satisfactory CRA rating in its latest CRA examination.

Financial Subsidiaries. Under the GLBA, subject to certain conditions imposed by their respective banking regulators, national and state-chartered banks are permitted to form “financial subsidiaries” that may conduct financial or incidental activities, thereby permitting bank subsidiaries to engage in certain activities that previously were impermissible. The GLBA imposes several safeguards and restrictions on financial subsidiaries, including that the parent bank’s equity investment in the financial subsidiary be deducted from the bank’s assets and tangible equity for purposes of calculating the bank’s capital adequacy. In addition, the GLBA imposes new restrictions on transactions between a bank and its financial subsidiaries similar to restrictions applicable to transactions between banks and non-bank affiliates.

Consumer Protection Regulations. Activities of the Bank are subject to a variety of statutes and regulations designed to protect consumers. Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The Bank’s loan operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as:

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

the 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 community it serves;

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

the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;

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

the rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.

The deposit operations of the Bank also are subject to:

the FDIA, which, among other things, limits the amount of deposit insurance available per account to $250,000 and imposes other limits on deposit-taking;

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

the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, which governs 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

the Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD, which requires depository institutions to provide disclosures so that consumers can make meaningful comparisons about depository institutions and accounts.

Enforcement Powers. The Bank and its “institution-affiliated parties,” including its management, employee’s agent’s independent contractors and consultants, such as attorneys and accountants, and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution’s affairs, are subject to potential civil and criminal penalties for violations of law, regulations or written orders of a government agency. These practices can include the failure of an institution to timely file required reports or the filing of false or misleading information or the submission of inaccurate reports. Civil penalties may be as high as $1,000,000 a day for such violations. Criminal penalties for some financial institution crimes have been increased to twenty years. In addition, regulators are provided with greater flexibility to commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties. Possible enforcement actions include the termination of deposit insurance. Furthermore, banking agencies’ powers to issue cease-and-desist orders have been expanded. Such orders may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions as determined by the ordering agency to be appropriate.

Anti-Money Laundering. Financial institutions must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include established internal policies, procedures, and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function. The Company and the Bank are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence and “knowing your customer” in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. Financial institutions must take reasonable steps to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious transactions, and recent laws provide law enforcement authorities with increased access to financial information maintained by banks. Anti-money laundering obligations have been substantially strengthened as a result of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (which we refer to as the “USA PATRIOT Act”), enacted in 2001 and renewed through 2019. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications. The regulatory authorities have been active in imposing cease and desist orders and money penalty sanctions against institutions that have not complied with these requirements.

USA PATRIOT Act/Bank Secrecy Act. Financial institutions must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include established internal policies, procedures, and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function. The USA PATRIOT Act, amended, in part, the Bank Secrecy Act and provides for the facilitation of information sharing among governmental entities and financial institutions for the purpose of combating terrorism and money laundering by enhancing anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, as well as enhanced information collection tools and enforcement mechanics for the U.S. government, including: (i) requiring standards for verifying customer identification at account opening; (ii) rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering; (iii) reports by nonfinancial trades and businesses filed with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for transactions exceeding $10,000; and (iv) filing suspicious activities reports if a bank believes a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations and requires enhanced due diligence requirements for financial institutions that administer, maintain, or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for non-U.S. persons. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications.

Under the USA PATRIOT Act, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) can send to the banking regulatory agencies lists of the names of persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. The Bank can be requested, to search its records for any relationships or transactions with persons on those lists. If the Bank finds any relationships or transactions, it must file a suspicious activity report and contact the FBI.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), which is a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), is responsible for helping to insure that United States entities do not engage in transactions with “enemies” of the United States, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC has sent, and will send, our banking regulatory agencies lists of names of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts. If the Bank finds a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, it must freeze such account, file a suspicious activity report and notify the FBI. The Bank has appointed an OFAC compliance officer to oversee the inspection of its accounts and the filing of any notifications. The Bank actively checks high-risk OFAC areas such as new accounts, wire transfers and customer files. The Bank performs these checks utilizing software, which is updated each time a modification is made to the lists provided by OFAC and other agencies of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

Privacy, Data Security and Credit Reporting. Financial institutions are required to disclose their policies for collecting and protecting confidential information. Customers generally may prevent financial institutions from sharing nonpublic personal financial information with nonaffiliated third parties except under narrow circumstances, such as the processing of transactions requested by the consumer. Additionally, financial institutions generally may not disclose consumer account numbers to any nonaffiliated third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing to consumers. It is the Bank’s policy not to disclose any personal information unless required by law.

Recent cyber attacks against banks and other institutions that resulted in unauthorized access to confidential customer information have prompted the Federal banking agencies to issue several warnings and extensive guidance on cyber security. The agencies are likely to devote more resources to this part of their safety and soundness examination than they have in the past.

In addition, pursuant to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (the “FACT Act”) and the implementing regulations of the federal banking agencies and Federal Trade Commission, the Bank is required to have in place an “identity theft red flags” program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft. The Bank has implemented an identity theft red flags program designed to meet the requirements of the FACT Act and the joint final rules. Additionally, the FACT Act amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to generally prohibit a person from using information received from an affiliate to make a solicitation for marketing purposes to a consumer, unless the consumer is given notice and a reasonable opportunity and a reasonable and simple method to opt out of the making of such solicitations.

Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies. Our earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policies have had, and are likely to continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order, among other things, to curb inflation or combat a recession. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have major effects upon the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its open market operations in United States government securities and through its regulation of the discount rate on borrowings of member banks and the reserve requirements against member bank deposits. It is not possible to predict the nature or impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies. In December 2016, the Federal Open Market Committee raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points and indicated the potential for further gradual increases in the federal funds rate depending on the economic outlook.

Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC insured institutions. It also may prohibit any FDIC insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the insurance fund. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against savings institutions, after giving the bank’s regulatory authority an opportunity to take such action, and may terminate the deposit insurance if it determines that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

As an FDIC-insured bank, the Bank must pay deposit insurance assessments to the FDIC based on its average total assets minus its average tangible equity. The Bank’s assessment rates are currently based on its risk classification (i.e., the level of risk it poses to the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund). Institutions classified as higher risk pay assessments at higher rates than institutions that pose a lower risk. In addition, following the fourth consecutive quarter (and any applicable phase-in period) where an institution’s total consolidated assets equal or exceed $10 billion, the FDIC will use a performance score and a loss-severity score to calculate an initial assessment rate. In calculating these scores, the FDIC uses an institution’s capital level and regulatory supervisory ratings and certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset-related stress and funding-related stress. The FDIC also has the ability to make discretionary adjustments to the total score based upon significant risk factors that are not adequately captured in the calculations. In addition to ordinary assessments described above, the FDIC has the ability to impose special assessments in certain instances.

The FDIC’s deposit insurance fund is currently underfunded, and the FDIC has raised assessment rates and imposed special assessments on certain institutions during recent years to raise funds. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the minimum designated reserve ratio for the deposit insurance fund is 1.35% of the estimated total amount of insured deposits. In October 2010, the FDIC adopted a restoration plan to ensure that the fund reserve ratio reaches 1.35% by September 30, 2020, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. At least semi-annually, the FDIC will update its loss and income projections for the fund and, if needed, will increase or decrease assessment rates, following notice-and-comment rulemaking if required.

In addition, FDIC insured institutions are required to pay a Financing Corporation assessment to fund the interest on bonds issued to resolve thrift failures in the 1980s. The Financing Corporation quarterly assessment for the fourth quarter of 2014 equaled 1.725 basis points for each $100 of average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity. These assessments, which may be revised based upon the level of deposits, will continue until the bonds mature in the years 2017 through 2019. The amount assessed on individual institutions is in addition to the amount, if any, paid for deposit insurance according to the FDIC’s risk-related assessment rate schedules. Assessment rates may be adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the assessment base.

The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, including the Bank, if it determines after a hearing 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. It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance, if the institution has no tangible capital. If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of the termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. Management is not aware of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of the Bank’s deposit insurance.

Incentive Compensation. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal bank regulators and the SEC to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities having at least $1 billion in total assets that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal stockholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to the entity. In addition, these regulators must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure to regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements. The agencies proposed such regulations in April 2011. However, the 2011 proposal was replaced with a new proposal in May 2016, which makes explicit that the involvement of risk management and control personnel includes not only compliance, risk management and internal audit, but also legal, human resources, accounting, financial reporting and finance roles responsible for identifying, measuring, monitoring or controlling risk-taking. A final rule had not been adopted as of December 31, 2017.

In June 2010, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the OCC issued a comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors.

The Federal Reserve will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

The Dodd-Frank Act required the federal banking agencies, the SEC, and certain other federal agencies to jointly issue a regulation on incentive compensation. The agencies proposed such a rule in 2011, which reflected the 2010 guidance. However, the 2011 proposal was replaced with a new proposal rule in May 2016, which makes explicit that the involvement of risk management and control personnel includes not only compliance, risk management and internal audit, but also legal, human resources, accounting, financial reporting and finance roles responsible for identifying, measuring, monitoring or controlling risk-taking. A final rule had not been adopted as of December 31, 2017.

Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate. Concentration risk exists when FDIC-insured institutions deploy too many assets to any one industry or segment. A concentration in commercial real estate is one example of regulatory concern. The interagency Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices guidance (“CRE Guidance”) provides supervisory criteria, including the following numerical indicators, to assist bank examiners in identifying banks with potentially significant commercial real estate loan concentrations that may warrant greater supervisory scrutiny: (i) total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate, and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more in the preceding three years or (ii) construction and land development loans exceed 100% of capital. The CRE Guidance does not limit banks’ levels of commercial real estate lending activities, but rather guides institutions in developing risk management practices and levels of capital that are commensurate with the level and nature of their commercial real estate concentrations. On December 18, 2015, the federal banking agencies issued a statement to reinforce prudent risk-management practices related to commercial real estate lending, having observed substantial growth in many commercial real estate asset and lending markets, increased competitive pressures, rising commercial real estate concentrations in banks, and an easing of commercial real estate underwriting standards. The federal bank agencies reminded FDIC-insured institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise prudent risk-management practices to identify, measure, monitor and manage the risks arising from commercial real estate lending. In addition, FDIC-insured institutions must maintain capital commensurate with the level and nature of their commercial real estate concentration risk. Based on the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2017, its non-owner occupied commercial loans and its construction and land development loans were approximately 249% and 43% of total risk-based capital, respectively. Management will continue to monitor the level of the concentration in commercial real estate loans within the bank’s loan portfolio.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed by any of the following risks, or other risks that have not been identified or which we believe are immaterial or unlikely. Shareholders should carefully consider the risks described below in conjunction with the other information in this Form 10-K and the information incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.

General Business Risks

Our business may be adversely affected by economic conditions.

Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the primary markets where we operate and in the U.S. as a whole. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment, natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors. While economic conditions in our local markets in South Carolina and Georgia have improved since the end of the economic recession, economic growth has been slow and uneven and concerns still exist over the federal deficit, government spending, and economic risks. A return of recessionary conditions and/or negative developments in the domestic and international credit markets may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Declines in real estate value and sales volumes and high unemployment levels may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies and a decline in demand for our products and services. These negative events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our capital, liquidity, and financial condition.

Furthermore, the Federal Reserve, in an attempt to help the overall economy, has among other things, kept interest rates low through its targeted federal funds rate and the purchase of U.S. Treasury and mortgage-backed securities. The Federal Reserve increased the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points in December 2016 and by a total of 75 basis points during 2017 and has indicated the potential for further gradual increases in the target rate depending on the economic outlook. As the federal funds rate increases, market interest rates will likely rise, which may negatively impact the housing markets and the U.S. economic recovery.

Our decisions regarding credit risk and reserves for loan losses may materially and adversely affect our business.

Making loans and other extensions of credit is an essential element of our business. Although we seek to mitigate risks inherent in lending by adhering to specific underwriting practices, our loans and other extensions of credit may not be repaid. The risk of nonpayment is affected by a number of factors, including:

the duration of the credit;

credit risks of a particular customer;

changes in economic and industry conditions; and

in the case of a collateralized loan, risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of the collateral.

We attempt to maintain an appropriate allowance for loan losses to provide for potential losses in our loan portfolio. We periodically determine the amount of the allowance based on consideration of several factors, including:

an ongoing review of the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio;

our historical loan loss experience;

evaluation of economic conditions;

regular reviews of loan delinquencies and loan portfolio quality; and

the amount and quality of collateral, including guarantees, securing the loans.

There is no precise method of predicting credit losses; therefore, we face the risk that charge-offs in future periods will exceed our allowance for loan losses and that additional increases in the allowance for loan losses will be required. Additions to the allowance for loan losses would result in a decrease of our net income, and possibly our capital.

Federal and state regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our provision for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of our management. Any increase in the amount of our provision or loans charged-off as required by these regulatory agencies could have a negative effect on our operating results.

We may have higher loan losses than we have allowed for in our allowance for loan losses.

Our actual loan losses could exceed our allowance for loan losses. Our average loan size continues to increase and reliance on our historic allowance for loan losses may not be adequate. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 86.1% of our loan portfolio (excluding loans held for sale) is composed of construction (7.0%), commercial mortgage (71.2%) and commercial loans (7.9%). Repayment of such loans is generally considered more subject to market risk than residential mortgage loans. Industry experience shows that a portion of loans will become delinquent and a portion of loans will require partial or entire charge-off. Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond our control, including among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of loan collateral and problems affecting the credit of our borrowers.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market could hurt our business.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 90.4% of our loans (excluding loans held for sale) had real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. While economic conditions and real estate in our local markets in South Carolina and Georgia have improved since the end of the economic recession, there can be no assurance that our local markets will not experience another economic decline. Deterioration in the real estate market could cause us to adjust our opinion of the level of credit quality in our loan portfolio. Such a determination may lead to an additional increase in our provisions for loan losses, which could also adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires and floods, which could be exacerbated by potential climate change, may cause uninsured damage and other loss of value to real estate that secures these loans and may also negatively impact our financial condition.

We have a concentration of credit exposure in commercial real estate and challenges faced by the commercial real estate market could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $491.6 million in loans outstanding to borrowers whereby the collateral securing the loan was commercial real estate, representing approximately 76.0% of our total loans outstanding as of that date. Approximately 36.9% or $181.6 million, of this real estate are owner-occupied properties. Commercial real estate loans are generally viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans. They are also typically larger than residential real estate loans and consumer loans and depend on cash flows from the owner’s business or the property to service the debt. Cash flows may be affected significantly by general economic conditions, and a downturn in the local economy or in occupancy rates in the local economy where the property is located could increase the likelihood of default. Because our loan portfolio contains a number of commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in our level of non-performing loans. An increase in non-performing loans could result in a loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the related provision for loan losses and an increase in charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our commercial real estate loans have grown 21.1% or $85.6 million, since December 31, 2016. The banking regulators are giving commercial real estate lending greater scrutiny, and may require banks with higher levels of commercial real estate loans to implement more stringent underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as possibly higher levels of allowances for losses and capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending growth and exposures.

Imposition of limits by the bank regulators on commercial and multi-family real estate lending activities could curtail our growth and adversely affect our earnings.

In 2006, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure could receive increased supervisory scrutiny where (i) total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate, and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital, and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months, or (ii) construction and land development loans exceed 100% of capital. Our total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans represented 249% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital at December 31, 2017, and our construction and land development loans represented 43% of the Bank’s capital at December 31, 2017.

In December 2015, the regulatory agencies released a new statement on prudent risk management for commercial real estate lending (the “2015 Statement”). In the 2015 Statement, the regulatory agencies, among other things, indicate the intent to continue “to pay special attention” to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. If the FDIC, our primary federal regulator, were to impose restrictions on the amount of commercial real estate loans we can hold in our portfolio, for reasons noted above or otherwise, our earnings would be adversely affected.

Repayment of our commercial business loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.

At December 31, 2017, commercial business loans comprised 6.9% of our total loan portfolio. Our commercial business loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flow and general liquidity of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower and/or repayment capacity of any guarantor. The borrower’s cash flow may be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use. In addition, business assets may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. Accordingly, the repayment of commercial business loans depends primarily on the cash flow and credit worthiness of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral value provided by the borrower and liquidity of the guarantor.

Changes in the financial markets could impair the value of our investment portfolio.

Our investment securities portfolio is a significant component of our total earning assets. Total investment securities averaged $265.7 million in 2017, as compared to $283.6 million in 2016. This represents 30.9% and 34.8% of the average earning assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the portfolio was 29.9% of earning assets. Turmoil in the financial markets could impair the market value of our investment portfolio, which could adversely affect our net income and possibly our capital.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, securities which have unrealized losses were not considered to be “other than temporarily impaired,” and we believe it is more likely than not we will be able to hold these until they mature or recover our current book value. We currently maintain substantial liquidity which supports our ability to hold these investments until they mature, or until there is a market price recovery. However, if we were to cease to have the ability and intent to hold these investments until maturity or the market prices do not recover, and we were to sell these securities at a loss, it could adversely affect our net income and possibly our capital.

Economic challenges, especially those affecting the local markets in which we operate, may reduce our customer base, our level of deposits, and demand for financial products such as loans.

Our success depends significantly on growth, or lack thereof, in population, income levels, deposits and housing starts in the geographic markets in which we operate. The 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. Unlike larger financial institutions that are more geographically diversified, we are a community banking franchise. Adverse changes in the economic conditions of the Southeast United States in general or in our primary markets in South Carolina and Georgia could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and profitability. While economic conditions in the states of South Carolina and Georgia, along with the U.S. and worldwide, have improved since the economic recession, there can be no assurance that these markets will not experience another economic decline. A return of recessionary conditions could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business:

loan delinquencies may increase

problem assets and foreclosures may increase;

demand for our products and services may decline; and

collateral for loans that we make, especially real estate, may decline in value, in turn reducing a customer’s borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with the our loans.

Our focus on lending to small to mid-sized community-based businesses may increase our credit risk.

Most of our commercial business and commercial real estate loans are made to small business or middle market customers. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities and have a heightened vulnerability to economic conditions. If general economic conditions in the markets in which we operate negatively impact this important customer sector, our results of operations and financial condition and the value of our common stock may be adversely affected. Moreover, a portion of these loans have been made by us in recent years and the borrowers may not have experienced a complete business or economic cycle. Furthermore, the deterioration of our borrowers’ businesses may hinder their ability to repay their loans with us, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to effectively manage credit risk and interest rate risk, our business and financial condition will suffer.

We must effectively manage credit risk. There are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks with respect to the period of time over which the loan may be repaid, risks relating to proper loan underwriting and guidelines, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers and risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral. There is no assurance that our credit risk monitoring and loan approval procedures are or will be adequate or will reduce the inherent risks associated with lending. Our credit administration personnel, policies and procedures may not adequately adapt to changes in economic or any other conditions affecting customers and the quality of our loan portfolio. Any failure to manage such credit risks may materially adversely affect our business and our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

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

The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured depository institutions, such as the bank, up to applicable limits. The amount of a particular institution’s deposit insurance assessment is based on that institution’s risk classification under an FDIC risk-based assessment system. An institution’s risk classification is assigned based on its capital levels and the level of supervisory concern the institution poses to its regulators. Recent market developments and bank failures significantly depleted the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund and reduced the ratio of reserves to insured deposits. As a result of recent economic conditions and the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, banks are now assessed deposit insurance premiums based on the bank’s average consolidated total assets, and the FDIC has modified certain risk-based adjustments, which increase or decrease a bank’s overall assessment rate. This has resulted in increases to the deposit insurance assessment rates and thus raised deposit premiums for many insured depository institutions. If these increases are insufficient for the Deposit Insurance Fund to meet its funding requirements, further special assessments or increases in deposit insurance premiums may be required. We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. Any future additional assessments, increases or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability, may limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities or otherwise negatively impact our operations.

Changes in prevailing interest rates may reduce our profitability.

Our results of operations depend in large part upon the level of our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest- earning assets, such as loans and mortgage-backed securities (“MBSs”), and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings. Depending on the terms and maturities of our assets and liabilities, we believe it is more likely than not a significant change in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Many factors cause changes in interest rates, including governmental monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. While we intend to manage the effects of changes in interest rates by adjusting the terms, maturities, and pricing of our assets and liabilities, our efforts may not be effective and our financial condition and results of operations could suffer.

We will face risks with respect to expansion through future acquisitions or mergers.

From time to time, we may seek to acquire other financial institutions or parts of those institutions. We may also expand into new markets or lines of business or offer new products or services. These activities would involve a number of risks, including:

the potential inaccuracy of the estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to a target institution;

Regulatory approvals could be delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues we have, or may have, with regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, issues related to anti-money laundering/Bank Secrecy Act compliance, fair lending laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection laws, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices regulations, Community Reinvestment Act issues, and other similar laws and regulations;

the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring or retaining experienced local management, and opening new offices and the time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;

the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition and possible adverse effects on our results of operations; and

the risk of loss of key employees and customers.

We may be exposed to difficulties in combining the operations of acquired businesses into our own operations, which may prevent us from achieving the expected benefits from our acquisition activities.

We may not be able to fully achieve the strategic objectives and operating efficiencies that we anticipate in our acquisition activities. Inherent uncertainties exist in integrating the operations of an acquired business. In addition, the markets and industries in which the Company and our potential acquisition targets operate are highly competitive. We may lose customers or the customers of acquired entities as a result of an acquisition. We also may lose key personnel from the acquired entity as a result of an acquisition. We may not discover all known and unknown factors when examining a company for acquisition during the due diligence period. These factors could produce unintended and unexpected consequences for us. Undiscovered factors as a result of acquisition, pursued by non-related third party entities, could bring civil, criminal, and financial liabilities against us, our management, and the management of those entities acquired. These factors could contribute to the Company not achieving the expected benefits from its acquisitions within desired time frames.

New or acquired banking office facilities and other facilities may not be profitable.

We may not be able to identify profitable locations for new banking offices. The costs to start up new banking offices or to acquire existing branches, and the additional costs to operate these facilities, may increase our non-interest expense and decrease our earnings in the short term. If branches of other banks become available for sale, we may acquire those offices. It may be difficult to adequately and profitably manage our growth through the establishment or purchase of additional banking offices and we can provide no assurance that any such banking offices will successfully attract enough deposits to offset the expenses of their operation. In addition, any new or acquired banking offices will be subject to regulatory approval, and there can be no assurance that we will succeed in securing such approval.

We are dependent on key individuals, and the loss of one or more of these key individuals could curtail our growth and adversely affect our prospects.

Michael C. Crapps, our president and chief executive officer, has extensive and long-standing ties within our primary market area and substantial experience with our operations, and he has contributed significantly to our business. If we lose the services of Mr. Crapps, he would be difficult to replace and our business and development could be materially and adversely affected.

Our success also depends, in part, on our continued ability to attract and retain experienced loan originators, as well as other management personnel. Competition for personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. Our failure to compete for these personnel, or the loss of the services of several of such key personnel, could adversely affect our business strategy and seriously harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our historical operating results may not be indicative of our future operating results.

We may not be able to sustain our historical rate of growth, and, consequently, our historical results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of our future operations. Various factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory and legislative considerations, and competition, may also impede our ability to expand our market presence. If we experience a significant decrease in our historical rate of growth, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected because a high percentage of our operating costs are fixed expenses.

We could experience a loss due to competition with other financial institutions.

We face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, both within and beyond our principal markets, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, regional, community and internet banks within the various markets in which we operate. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative and regulatory changes and continued consolidation. In addition, as customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for banks to offer products and services in more areas in which they do not have a physical location and for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Banks, securities firms, and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting), and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.

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

the ability to develop, maintain, and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards, and safe, sound assets;

the ability to expand our market position;

the scope, relevance, and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands;

the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;

customer satisfaction with our level of service; and

industry and general economic trends.

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

We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the bank cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to the bank. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect our business.

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

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

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

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

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

Our underwriting decisions may materially and adversely affect our business.

While we generally underwrite the loans in our portfolio in accordance with our own internal underwriting guidelines and regulatory supervisory guidelines, in certain circumstances we have made loans which exceed either our internal underwriting guidelines, supervisory guidelines, or both. As of December 31, 2017, approximately $8.3 million of our loans, or 7.86% of our Bank’s regulatory capital, had loan-to-value ratios that exceeded regulatory supervisory guidelines, of which one loan totaling approximately $0.3 million had loan-to-value ratios of 100% or more. In addition, supervisory limits on commercial loan to value exceptions are set at 30% of our Bank’s capital. At December 31, 2017, $1.7 million of our commercial loans, or 1.58% of our Bank’s regulatory capital, exceeded the supervisory loan to value ratio. The number of loans in our portfolio with loan-to-value ratios in excess of supervisory guidelines, our internal guidelines, or both could increase the risk of delinquencies and defaults in our portfolio.

We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about clients and counterparties and our financial condition could be adversely affected if we rely on misleading information.

In deciding whether to extend credit or to enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties, we may rely on information furnished to us by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information, which we do not independently verify. We also may rely on representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For example, in deciding whether to extend credit to clients, we may assume that a customer’s audited financial statements conform with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted to the extent we rely on financial statements that do not comply with GAAP or are materially misleading.

A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third party vendors and other service providers or other third parties, including as a result of cyber attacks, could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs, and cause losses.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Information security risks for financial institutions such as ours 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, and terrorists, activists, and other external parties. As customer, public, and regulatory expectations regarding operational and information security have increased, our operating systems and infrastructure must continue to be safeguarded and monitored for potential failures, disruptions, and breakdowns. Our business, financial, accounting, and data processing systems, or other operating systems and facilities may stop operating properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors, including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. For example, there could be electrical or telecommunication outages; natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes; disease pandemics; events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and as described below, cyber attacks.

As noted above, our business relies on our digital technologies, computer and email systems, software and networks to conduct its operations. Although we have information security procedures and controls in place, our technologies, systems, networks, and our customers’ devices may become the target of cyber attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss, or destruction of our or our customers’ or other third parties’ confidential information. Third parties with whom we do business or that facilitate our business activities, including financial intermediaries, or vendors that provide service or security solutions for our operations, and other unaffiliated third parties, including the South Carolina Department of Revenue, which had customer records exposed in a 2012 cyber attack, could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints.

While we have disaster recovery and other policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes, and practices designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data, and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a focus for us. As threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate information security vulnerabilities. Disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support our businesses and clients, or cyber attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems or devices that our clients use to access our products and services could result in client attrition, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reputation damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs, any of which could have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Negative public opinion surrounding our Company and the financial institutions industry generally could damage our reputation and adversely impact our earnings.

Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion surrounding our company and the financial institutions industry generally, is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect our ability to keep and attract clients and employees and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Although we take steps to minimize reputation risk in dealing with our clients and communities, this risk will always be present given the nature of our business.

Legal and Regulatory Risks

We are subject to extensive regulation that could restrict our activities, have an adverse impact on our operations, and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various regulatory agencies. We are subject to Federal Reserve regulation. Our Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by our primary federal regulator, the FDIC, the regulating authority that insures customer deposits. Also, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”), our Bank must comply with applicable regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Board and the FHLB. Regulation by these agencies is intended primarily for the protection of our depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the benefit of our shareholders. Our Bank’s activities are also regulated under consumer protection laws applicable to our lending, deposit, and other activities. A sufficient claim against us under these laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Further, changes in laws, regulations and regulatory practices affecting the financial services industry could subject us to increased capital, liquidity and risk management requirements, create additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could also result in heightened regulatory scrutiny and in sanctions by regulatory agencies (such as a memorandum of understanding, a written supervisory agreement or a cease and desist order), civil money penalties and/or reputation damage. Any of these consequences could restrict our ability to expand our business or could require us to raise additional capital or sell assets on terms that are not advantageous to us or our shareholders and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, such violations may occur despite our best efforts.

The final Basel III capital rules generally require insured depository institutions and their holding companies to hold more capital, which could adversely affect our financial condition and operations.

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their risk based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd Frank Act. This rule substantially amended the regulatory risk based capital rules applicable to us. The requirements in the rule began to phase in on January 1, 2015 for the Company and the Bank. The requirements in the rule will be fully phased in by January 1, 2019.

The rule includes certain new and higher risk-based capital and leverage requirements than those currently in place. Specifically, the following minimum capital requirements apply to us:

a new common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%;

a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% (increased from the former 4% requirement);

a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from the former requirement); and

a leverage ratio of 4% (also unchanged from the former requirement).

Under the rule, Tier 1 capital is redefined to include two components: Common Equity Tier 1 capital and additional Tier 1 capital. The new and highest form of capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital, consists solely of common stock (plus related surplus), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income, and limited amounts of minority interests that are in the form of common stock. Additional Tier 1 capital includes other perpetual instruments historically included in Tier 1 capital, such as noncumulative perpetual preferred stock. Tier 2 capital consists of instruments that currently qualify in Tier 2 capital plus instruments that the rule has disqualified from Tier 1 capital treatment. Cumulative perpetual preferred stock, formerly includable in Tier 1 capital, is now included only in Tier 2 capital. Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) is presumptively included in Common Equity Tier 1 capital and often would operate to reduce this category of capital. The rule provided a one-time opportunity at the end of the first quarter of 2015 for covered banking organizations to opt out of much of this treatment of AOCI. We made this opt-out election and, as a result, will retain the pre-existing treatment for AOCI.

In order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments to executives, a covered banking organization must maintain a “capital conservation buffer” on top of its minimum risk-based capital requirements. This buffer must consist solely of Tier 1 Common Equity, but the buffer applies to all three measurements (Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 capital and total capital). The capital conservation buffer will be phased in incrementally over time, becoming fully effective on January 1, 2019, and will consist of an additional amount of common equity equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. As of January 1, 2018, we are required to hold a capital conservation buffer of 1.875%, increasing to 2.5% effective January 1, 2019.

In addition, in the current economic and regulatory environment, bank regulators may impose capital requirements that are more stringent than those required by applicable existing regulations. The application of more stringent capital requirements for us could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if we are unable to comply with such requirements. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital or additional capital conservation buffers, could result in management modifying our business strategy and could limit our ability to make distributions, including paying dividends or buying back our shares.

Federal, state and local consumer lending laws may restrict our ability to originate certain mortgage loans or increase our risk of liability with respect to such loans and could increase our cost of doing business.

Federal, state and local laws have been adopted that are intended to eliminate certain lending practices considered “predatory.” These laws prohibit practices such as steering borrowers away from more affordable products, selling unnecessary insurance to borrowers, repeatedly refinancing loans and making loans without a reasonable expectation that the borrowers will be able to repay the loans irrespective of the value of the underlying property. Loans with certain terms and conditions and that otherwise meet the definition of a “qualified mortgage” may be protected from liability to a borrower for failing to make the necessary determinations. In either case, we may find it necessary to tighten our mortgage loan underwriting standards in response to the CFPB rules, which may constrain our ability to make loans consistent with our business strategies. It is our policy not to make predatory loans and to determine borrowers’ ability to repay, but the law and related rules create the potential for increased liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities. They increase our cost of doing business and, ultimately, may prevent us from making certain loans and cause us to reduce the average percentage rate or the points and fees on loans that we do make.

We are subject to federal and state fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.

Federal and state fair lending laws and regulations, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice, CFPB and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution’s performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. A successful challenge to our performance under the fair lending laws and regulations could adversely impact our rating under the CRA and result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on merger and acquisition activity and restrictions on expansion activity, which could negatively impact our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in accounting standards could materially affect our financial statements.

Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), the SEC and our bank regulators change the financial accounting and reporting standards, or the interpretation thereof, and guidance that govern the preparation and disclosure of external financial statements. For example, in 2012, the FASB issued a proposed standard on accounting for credit losses. The standard would replace multiple existing impairment models, including replacing an “incurred loss” model for loans with an “expected loss” model. The FASB has indicated a tentative effective date of January 1, 2019, and final guidance is expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2016. These changes are beyond our control, can be hard to predict and could materially impact how we report and disclose our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, or apply an existing standard differently, also retrospectively, which under some circumstances could potentially result in a need to revise or restate prior period financial statements.

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.

The Federal Reserve requires a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. Under the “source of strength” doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal bank regulators to require that all companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as a source of strength for the institution. Under these requirements, in the future, we could be required to provide financial assistance to our Bank if the Bank experiences financial distress.

A capital injection may be required at times when we do not have the resources to provide it, and therefore we may be required to borrow the funds. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the holding company’s general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any borrowing that must be done by the holding company in order to make the required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive and will adversely impact the holding company’s cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

A downgrade of the U.S. credit rating could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In August 2011, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from “AAA” to “AA+”. If U.S. debt ceiling, budget deficit or debt concerns, domestic or international economic or political concerns, or other factors were to result in further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness, it could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. A downgrade of the U.S. government’s credit rating or any failure by the U.S. government to satisfy its debt obligations could create financial turmoil and uncertainty, which could weigh heavily on the global banking system. It is possible that any such impact could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Failure to comply with government regulation and supervision could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties, and damage to our reputation.

Our operations are subject to extensive regulation by federal, state, and local governmental authorities. Given the current disruption in the financial markets, we expect that the government will continue to pass new regulations and laws that will impact us. Compliance with such regulations may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities. Failure to comply with laws, regulations, and policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties, and damage to our reputation. While we have policies and procedures in place that are designed to prevent violations of these laws, regulations, and policies, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.

We are party to various claims and lawsuits incidental to our business. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties such that the expenses and ultimate exposure with respect to many of these matters cannot be ascertained.

From time to time, we, our directors and our management are or may be the subject of various claims and legal actions by customers, employees, shareholders and others. Whether such claims and legal actions are legitimate or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in our favor, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of us and our products and services as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. In light of the potential cost, reputational damage and uncertainty involved in litigation, we have in the past and may in the future settle matters even when we believe we have a meritorious defense. Certain claims may seek injunctive relief, which could disrupt the ordinary conduct of our business and operations or increase our cost of doing business. Our insurance or indemnities may not cover all claims that may be asserted against us. Any judgments or settlements in any pending litigation or future claims, litigation or investigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

The effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on our business have not yet been fully analyzed and could have an adverse effect on our net income.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. We are in the process of analyzing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and its possible effects on the Company and the Bank. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35%, among other things. We cannot determine at this time the full effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on our business and financial results.

New accounting standards will likely require us to increase our allowance for loan losses and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The measure of our allowance for loan losses is dependent on the adoption and interpretation of accounting standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued a new credit impairment model, the Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL model, which will become applicable to us in 2019. Under the CECL model, we will be required to present certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as loans held for investment and held-to-maturity debt securities, at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is to be based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This measurement will take place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and periodically thereafter. This differs significantly from the “incurred loss” model currently required under GAAP, which delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. Accordingly, we expect that the adoption of the CECL model will materially affect how we determine our allowance for loan losses and could require us to significantly increase our allowance. Moreover, the CECL model may create more volatility in the level of our allowance for loan losses. If we are required to materially increase our level of allowance for loan losses for any reason, such increase could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There is uncertainty surrounding the potential legal, regulatory and policy changes by the current presidential administration in the U.S. that may directly affect financial institutions and the global economy.

The current presidential administration has indicated that it would like to see changes made to certain financial reform regulations, including the Dodd-Frank Act, which has resulted in increased regulatory uncertainty, and we are assessing the potential impact on financial and economic markets and on our business. Changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies are expected to occur over time through policy and personnel changes, which could lead to changes involving the level of oversight and focus on the financial services industry. The nature, timing and economic and political effects of potential changes to the current legal and regulatory framework affecting financial institutions remain highly uncertain. At this time, it is unclear what laws, regulations and policies may change and whether future changes or uncertainty surrounding future changes will adversely affect our operating environment and therefore our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock

Our ability to pay cash dividends is limited, and we may be unable to pay future dividends even if we desire to do so.

The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. In addition, under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

Our ability to pay cash dividends may be limited by regulatory restrictions, by our Bank’s ability to pay cash dividends to the Company and by our need to maintain sufficient capital to support our operations. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the S.C. Board, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the S.C. Board. If our Bank is not permitted to pay cash dividends to the Company, it is unlikely that we would be able to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, and if declared by our board of directors. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our board of directors could reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future.

Our stock price may be volatile, which could result in losses to our investors and litigation against us.

Our stock price has been volatile in the past and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. These factors include but are not limited to: actual or anticipated variations in earnings, changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections, our announcement of developments related to our businesses, operations and stock performance of other companies deemed to be peers, new technology used or services offered by traditional and non-traditional competitors, news reports of trends, irrational exuberance on the part of investors, new federal banking regulations, and other issues related to the financial services industry. Our stock price may fluctuate significantly in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to our performance. General market declines or market volatility in the future, especially in the financial institutions sector, could adversely affect the price of our common stock, and the current market price may not be indicative of future market prices. Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to resell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. Moreover, in the past, securities class action lawsuits have been instituted against some companies following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We could in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our normal business.

Future sales of our stock by our shareholders or the perception that those sales could occur may cause our stock price to decline.

Although our common stock is listed for trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market, the trading volume in our common stock is lower than that of other larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the relatively low trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that those sales may occur, could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline or to be lower than it otherwise might be in the absence of those sales or perceptions.

Economic and other circumstances may require us to raise capital at times or in amounts that are unfavorable to us. If we have to issue shares of common stock, they will dilute the percentage ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock and adversely affect the terms on which we may obtain additional capital.

We may need to incur additional debt or equity financing in the future to make strategic acquisitions or investments or to strengthen our capital position. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control and our financial performance. We cannot provide assurance that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all, or if we do raise additional capital that it will not be dilutive to existing shareholders.

If we determine, for any reason, that we need to raise capital, subject to applicable NASDAQ rules, our board generally has the authority, without action by or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of any authorized but unissued shares of stock for any corporate purpose, including issuance of equity-based incentives under or outside of our equity compensation plans. Additionally, we are not restricted from issuing additional common stock or preferred stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock or preferred stock or any substantially similar securities. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales by us of a large number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or similar securities in the market or from the perception that such sales could occur. If we issue preferred stock that has a preference over the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, the rights of holders of the common stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. Any issuance of additional shares of stock will dilute the percentage ownership interest of our shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock. Shares we issue in connection with any such offering will increase the total number of shares and may dilute the economic and voting ownership interest of our existing shareholders.

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

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

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties.

The principal place of business of both the Company and our Bank is located at 5455 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, South Carolina 29072. In addition, we currently operate 18 full-service offices located in the South Carolina counties of Lexington County (6), Richland County (4), Newberry County (2), Kershaw County (1), Aiken County (1), Greenville County (1), Anderson County, and (1) Pickens County (1), and in Richmond County, Georgia (1), as well as a loan production office located in Greenville County, South Carolina and a mortgage loan production office located in Richland County, South Carolina. All of these properties are owned by the Bank except for the loan production office in Greenville, South Carolina which is leased by the Bank. Although the properties owned are generally considered adequate, we have a continuing program of modernization, expansion and, when necessary, occasional replacement of facilities.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary course of operations, we may be a party to various legal proceedings from time to time. We do not believe that there is any pending or threatened proceeding against us, which, if determined adversely, would have a material effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

PART II

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

As of February 28 2018, there were approximately 1,524 shareholders of record of our common stock. Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading symbol of “FCCO”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales price information as reported by NASDAQ in 2017 and 2016, and the dividends per share declared on our common stock in each such quarter. All information has been adjusted for any stock splits and stock dividends effected during the periods presented.

	High		Low		Dividends
2017
Quarter ended March 31, 2017	$	22.75	$	17.70	$	0.09
Quarter ended June 30, 2017	$	21.90	$	18.65	$	0.09
Quarter ended September 30, 2017	$	21.85	$	19.65	$	0.09
Quarter ended December 31, 2017	$	24.50	$	20.85	$	0.09
2016
Quarter ended March 31, 2016	$	14.98	$	12.66	$	0.08
Quarter ended June 30, 2016	$	14.94	$	13.56	$	0.08
Quarter ended September 30, 2016	$	15.75	$	13.74	$	0.08
Quarter ended December 31, 2016	$	18.95	$	14.80	$	0.08

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the future dividend policy of the Company is subject to the discretion of the board of directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including future earnings, financial condition, cash requirements, and general business conditions. Our ability to pay dividends is generally limited by the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to us. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the S.C. Board, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the S.C. Board.

Pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, non-employee directors may elect to defer all or any part of annual retainer fees payable in respect of the following calendar year to the director for his or her service on the board of directors or any committee of the board of directors. During the year, a number of deferred stock units are credited to the director’s account at the time such compensation would otherwise have been payable absent the election to defer equal to (i) the otherwise payable amount divided by (ii) the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the last trading day preceding the credit date. In general, a director’s vested account balance will be distributed in a lump sum of the Company’s common stock on the 30th day following termination of service on the board and on the board of directors of all of the Company’s subsidiaries, including termination of service as a result of death or disability. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company credited an aggregate of 8,433 deferred stock units to accounts for directors who elected to defer annual retainer fees for 2017. The deferred stock units were issued by the Company pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

	As of or For the Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets	$	1,050,731		$	914,793		$	862,734		$	812,363		$	633,309
Loans held for sale		5,093			5,707			2,962			4,124			3,790
Loans		646,805			546,709			489,191			443,844			347,597
Deposits		888,323			766,622			716,151			669,583			497,071
Total common shareholders’ equity		105,663			81,861			79,038			74,528			52,671
Total shareholders’ equity		105,663			81,861			79,038			74,528			52,671
Average shares outstanding, basic		6,849			6,617			6,558			6,538			5,285
Average shares outstanding, diluted		6,998			6,787			6,719			6,607			5,334
Results of Operations:
Interest income	$	32,156		$	29,506		$	28,649		$	27,298		$	21,783
Interest expense		2,762			3,047			3,396			3,567			3,734
Net interest income		29,394			26,459			25,253			23,731			18,049
Provision for loan losses		530			774			1,138			881			528
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		28,864			25,685			24,115			22,850			17,521
Non-interest income (1)		9,239			8,339			8,611			8,031			8,118
Securities gains (1)		400			601			355			182			73
Non-interest expenses		29,358			25,776			24,678			23,960			20,422
Income before taxes		9,145			8,849			8,403			7,103			5,290
Income tax expense		3,330			2,167			2,276			1,982			1,153
Net income		5,815			6,682			6,127			5,121			4,137
Net income available to common shareholders		5,815			6,682			6,127			5,121			4,137
Per Share Data:
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.85		$	1.01		$	0.93		$	0.78		$	0.78
Diluted earnings per common share		0.83			0.98			0.91			0.78			0.78
Book value at period end		13.93			12.24			11.81			11.18			9.93
Tangible book value at period end		11.66			11.31			10.84			10.25			9.83
Dividends per common share		0.36			0.32			0.28			0.24			0.22
Asset Quality Ratios:
Non-performing assets to total assets (3)		0.51	%		0.57	%		0.85	%		1.17	%		1.39	%
Non-performing loans to period end loans		0.52	%		0.75	%		0.99	%		1.48	%		1.56	%
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans		(0.01	)%		0.03	%		0.14	%		0.22	%		0.27	%
Allowance for loan losses to period-end total loans		0.89	%		0.94	%		0.94	%		0.93	%		1.21	%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing assets		79.52	%		99.35	%		62.98	%		43.37	%		48.07	%
Selected Ratios:
Return on average assets:
GAAP earnings		0.62	%		0.75	%		0.73	%		0.73	%		0.66	%
Return on average common equity:
GAAP earnings		6.56	%		8.08	%		7.94	%		8.13	%		7.68	%
Return on average tangible common equity:
GAAP earnings		7.22	%		8.76	%		8.68	%		8.88	%		7.78	%
Efficiency Ratio (1)		74.34	%		72.27	%		71.25	%		74.14	%		76.69	%
Noninterest income to operating revenue (2)		24.69	%		25.26	%		26.20	%		25.71	%		31.22	%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)		3.52	%		3.35	%		3.38	%		3.40	%		3.18	%
Equity to assets		10.06	%		8.95	%		9.16	%		9.17	%		8.32	%
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets		8.56	%		8.33	%		8.47	%		8.48	%		8.23	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital		14.01	%		14.46	%		15.40	%		16.12	%		17.60	%
Total risk-based capital		14.79	%		15.28	%		16.21	%		16.94	%		18.68	%
Leverage		10.11	%		10.23	%		10.19	%		10.02	%		10.77	%
Average loans to average deposits (4)		73.08	%		69.62	%		68.75	%		69.14	%		69.17	%

(1)

The efficiency ratio is a key performance indicator in our industry. The ratio is computed by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis and non-interest income, net of any securities gains or losses. The efficiency ratio is a measure of the relationship between operating expenses and earnings.

(2)

Operating revenue is defined as net interest income plus noninterest income.

(3)

Includes non-accrual loans, loans > 90 days delinquent and still accruing interest and OREO.

(4)

Includes loans held for sale.

Certain financial information presented above is determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include “efficiency ratio,” “tangible book value at period end,” “return on average tangible common equity” and “tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets.” The “efficiency ratio” is defined as non-interest expense, divided by the sum of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis and non-interest income, net of any securities gains or losses and OTTI on securities. The efficiency ratio is a measure of the relationship between operating expenses and earnings. “Tangible book value at period end” is defined as total equity reduced by recorded intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. “Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets” is defined as total common equity reduced by recorded intangible assets divided by total assets reduced by recorded intangible assets. Our management believes that these non-GAAP measures are useful because they enhance the ability of investors and management to evaluate and compare our operating results from period-to-period in a meaningful manner. Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP.

The table below provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP for the five years ended December 31:

Tangible book value per common share	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Tangible common equity per common share (non-GAAP)	$	11.66		$	11.31		$	10.84		$	10.25		$	9.83
Effect to adjust for intangible assets		2.27			0.93			0.97			0.93			0.10
Book value per common share (GAAP)	$	13.93		$	12.24		$	11.81		$	11.18		$	9.93
Return on average tangible common equity
Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		7.22	%		8.76	%		8.68	%		8.88	%		7.78	%
Effect to adjust for intangible assets		(0.66	)%		(0.68	)%		(0.74	)%		(0.75	)%		(0.10	)%
Return on average common equity (GAAP)		6.56	%		8.08	%		7.94	%		8.13	%		7.68	%
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)		8.56	%		8.33	%		8.47	%		8.48	%		8.23	%
Effect to adjust for intangible assets		1.50	%		0.62	%		0.69	%		0.69	%		0.09	%
Common equity to assets (GAAP)		10.06	%		8.95	%		9.16	%		9.17	%		8.32	%

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

The Company is headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina and the bank holding company for the Bank. We operate from our main office in Lexington, South Carolina, and our 18 full-service offices located in the South Carolina counties of Lexington County (6), Richland County (4), Newberry County (2), Kershaw County (1), Aiken County (1), Greenville County (1), Anderson County (1), and Pickens County (1), and in Richmond County, Georgia (1). In addition, we operate a mortgage loan production office in Richland County, South Carolina and a loan production office in Greenville County, South Carolina. We engage in a general commercial and retail banking business characterized by personalized service and local decision making, emphasizing the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professional concerns and individuals.

The following discussion describes our results of operations for 2017, as compared to 2016 and 2015, and also analyzes our financial condition as of December 31, 2017, as compared to December 31, 2016. Like most community banks, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments. A primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits.

We have included a number of tables to assist in our description of these measures. For example, the “Average Balances” table shows the average balance during 2017, 2016 and 2015 of each category of our assets and liabilities, as well as the yield we earned or the rate we paid with respect to each category. A review of this table shows that our loans typically provide higher interest yields than do other types of interest earning assets, which is why we intend to channel a substantial percentage of our earning assets into our loan portfolio. Similarly, the “Rate/Volume Analysis” table helps demonstrate the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume of assets and liabilities during the years shown. We also track the sensitivity of our various categories of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates, and we have included a “Sensitivity Analysis Table” to help explain this. Finally, we have included a number of tables that provide detail about our investment securities, our loans, and our deposits and other borrowings.

There are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. We establish and maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings. In the following section we have included a detailed discussion of this process, as well as several tables describing our allowance for loan losses and the allocation of this allowance among our various categories of loans.

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other expenses we charge to our customers. We describe the various components of this noninterest income, as well as our noninterest expense, in the following discussion. The discussion and analysis also identifies significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements. We encourage you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes and the other statistical information also included in this report.

Recent Developments

On October 20, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Cornerstone Bancorp (“Cornerstone”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cornerstone National Bank. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cornerstone shareholders received either $11.00 in cash or 0.54 shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, for each share of Cornerstone common stock they owned immediately prior to the merger, subject to the limitation that 30% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock were exchanged for cash and 70% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock were exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company issued 877,318 shares of common stock in the merger.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements in this report.

Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by us that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. We consider these accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgment and assumptions we use are based on historical experience and other factors, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgment and assumptions we make, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates that could have a material impact on the carrying values of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

Allowance for Loan Losses

We believe the allowance for loan losses is the critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgment and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Some of the more critical judgments supporting the amount of our allowance for loan losses include judgments about the credit worthiness of borrowers, the estimated value of the underlying collateral, the assumptions about cash flow, determination of loss factors for estimating credit losses, the impact of current events, and conditions, and other factors impacting the level of probable inherent losses. Under different conditions or using different assumptions, the actual amount of credit losses incurred by us may be different from management’s estimates provided in our consolidated financial statements. Refer to the portion of this discussion that addresses our allowance for loan losses for a more complete discussion of our processes and methodology for determining our allowance for loan losses.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. Qualitative factors are assessed to first determine if it is more likely than not (more than 50%) that the carrying value of goodwill is less than fair value. These qualitative factors include but are not limited to overall deterioration in general economic conditions, industry and market conditions, and overall financial performance. If determined that it is more likely than not that there has been a deterioration in the fair value of the carrying value than the first of a two-step process would be performed. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment.

If required, the second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. Management has determined that the Company has four reporting units (See Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Core deposit intangibles represent the estimated value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in bank or branch acquisition transactions. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the deposit accounts acquired on a method that we believe reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from the accounts. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in our consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related to differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of certain assets and liabilities, including available-for-sale securities, allowance for loan losses, write downs of OREO properties, accumulated depreciation, net operating loss carry forwards, accretion income, deferred compensation, intangible assets, and pension plan and post-retirement benefits. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes (see Note 14) for discussion of the impact on our deferred tax asset as a result of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) . We file a consolidated federal income tax return for our Bank. At December 31, 2017, we are in a net deferred tax asset position.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) the outlook for receiving the contractual cash flows of the investments, (4) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates, and (5) our intent and ability to retain our investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Business Combinations, Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired

We account for acquisitions under FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk.

Results of Operations

As noted above, on October 20, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Cornerstone. Therefore, the results for the year ended December 31, 2017 include the impact of this acquisition from October 20, 2017 through December 31, 2017. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the Cornerstone acquisition.

Net income was $5.8 million, or $0.85 diluted earnings per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to net income $6.7 million, or $0.98 diluted earnings per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2016. The primary reason for the decrease in net income is the tax expense adjustment resulting from the change in corporate tax rates enacted in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed on December 22, 2017. The lowering of the corporate tax rate to 21% required that we make an approximate $1.2 million tax expense charge to adjust the value of our deferred tax asset. However, as a result of the enacted lower tax rates, it is estimated that the Company will recover this charge through a lower effective tax rate over a period of approximately twelve months and, thereafter, the Company will continue to benefit from the lower effective corporate tax rate. Another factor contributing to lower net income during 2017 as compared to 2016 included expenses of approximately $300 thousand related to our conversion to a new operating system and $903 thousand in expenses related to the acquisition of Cornerstone. The impact of these increases in non-recurring expenses were partially offset by an increase in net interest income of $2.9 million, as a result of an improvement in net interest margin and a higher level of earning assets. Net interest spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.31% in 2017 as compared to 3.13% in 2016. The provision for loan losses was $774 thousand in 2016 as compared to $530 thousand in 2017. Excluding the non-recurring expenses noted previously, increases in salary and benefit expense as well as debit card/ATM processing cost were the largest contributors to the overall increase in non-interest expense (see discussion “Non-interest Income and Non-interest Expense”).

Net income was $6.7 million, or $0.98 diluted earnings per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to net income $6.1 million, or $0.91 diluted earnings per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2015. The primary reason for the increase in net income is that our net interest income improved by $1.2 million from $25.3 million in 2016 to $26.5 million for 2015. This improvement was a primarily result of an increase of $46.3 million in average earning assets in 2016 as compared to 2015. See below under “Net Interest Income” and “Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity” for a further discussion about the effect average earning assets on net interest income. Net interest spread, the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.16% in 2015 as compared to 3.13% in 2016. The provision for loan losses was $774 thousand in 2016 as compared to $1.1 million in 2015. Non-interest income was $9.0 million for 2016 and 2015. The improvement in net income as a result of higher earning assets and the reduced provision expense were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense of $1.1 million in 2016 as compared to 2015. Increases in salary and benefit expense as well as debit card/ATM processing cost were the largest contributors to the overall increase in non-interest expense.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is our primary source of revenue. Net interest income is the difference between income earned on assets and interest paid on deposits and borrowings used to support such assets. Net interest income is determined by the rates earned on our interest-earning assets and the rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities, the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the degree of mismatch and the maturity and repricing characteristics of its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Net interest income totaled $29.4 million in 2017, $26.5 million in 2016 and $25.3 million in 2015. The yield on earning assets was 3.74%, 3.62%, and 3.72% in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 0.43%, 0.49%, and 0.56% in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The fully taxable equivalent net interest margin was 3.52% in 2017, 3.35% in 2016 and 3.38% in 2015. Our loan to deposit ratio on average during 2017 was 73.1%, as compared to 69.6% during 2016 and 68.7% during 2015. Loans typically provide a higher yield than other types of earning assets and, thus, one of our goals continues to be growing the loan portfolio as a percentage of earning assets in order to improve the overall yield on earning assets and the net interest margin. At December 31, 2017, the loan (including held for sale) to deposit ratio was 73.4%.

The net interest margin increased eighteen basis points in 2017 as compared to 2016. The yield on earning assets increased by twelve basis points while our cost of funds decreased by six basis points in 2017 as compared to 2016. The increase in net interest margin in 2017 as compared to 2016 was partially a result of the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”) actions to begin increasing the federal funds target rate in late 2015. From December 2015 through December 2017, the rate was increased in 25 basis point increments from a range of 0.00% to 0.25% to a range of 1.25% to 1.50%. Prior to these moves by the FRB, the rate had remained unchanged since December 2008. These increases positively impact our yield on variable rate assets in the loan and investment portfolios as well as our short term investments. As a result, the yield on our earning assets increased from 3.62% to 3.74% in 2017 as compared to 2016. We continue to attempt shift the mix of funding to lower cost sources (non-interest bearing transaction accounts, interest-bearing transaction accounts, money-market accounts and savings deposits). During 2016, the average balance in these accounts represented 75.6% of total deposits whereas in 2017 they represented 77.7%. However, our average borrowings, which are typically a higher cost funding source, decreased $8.4 million in 2017 as compared to 2016. Throughout 2017, the treasury yield curve continued to flatten with short term rates increasing as noted above while longer term rates, including five year to 10 year treasury rates, remained unchanged or increased at a much lower rate than the shorter term rates. Over time this can negatively impact net interest margins as shorter term funding rates increase while our fixed rate loan and investment portfolio yields do not increase to the same extent. Managing this interest rate risk continues to be a primary focus of management (see discussion of Market Rate and Interest Rate Sensitivity discussion below).

The net interest margin decreased four basis points in 2016 as compared to 2015. The yield on earning assets decreased by 10 basis points while our cost of funds decreased by seven basis points in 2016 as compared to 2015. The decline in net interest margin in 2016 as compared to 2015 was partially a result of payoffs that occurred in the first quarter of 2015 related to purchase impaired loans acquired in the 2014 acquisition of Savannah River Banking Company (“Savannah River”). The lower cost of funds was primarily a result of the cost of time deposits and other borrowings decreasing by four and fifty one basis points in 2016 and 2015, respectively. We continued to shift the mix of funding to lower cost sources (non-interest bearing transaction accounts, interest-bearing transaction accounts, money-market accounts and savings deposits). During 2015, the average balance in these accounts represented 72.9% of total deposits whereas in 2016 they represented 75.6%. Our average borrowings, which are typically a higher cost funding source, also decreased $4.5 million in 2016 as compared to 2015. As noted above, since early 2008, interest rates had been at historic lows. The shift in our funding mix as well as our efforts to shift earning assets to the loan portfolio helped in offsetting some of the net interest margin compression resulting from the continued historically low interest rate environment.

Average Balances, Income Expenses and Rates. The following table depicts, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average balance sheet and our average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities. Such yields are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. Average balances have been derived from daily averages.

	Year ended December 31,
	2017								2016								2015
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balance			Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate			Average Balance			Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate			Average Balance			Income/ Expense		Yield/ Rate
Assets
Earning assets
Loans(1)	$	577,730		$	26,134		4.52	%	$	514,766		$	23,677		4.60	%	$	473,367		$	23,219		4.91	%
Securities		265,751			5,859		2.20	%		283,585			5,724		2.02	%		275,944			5,311		1.92	%
Other short-term investments(2)		15,972			163		1.02	%		17,512			105		0.60	%		20,293			119		0.59	%
Total earning assets		859,453			32,156		3.74	%		815,863			29,506		3.62	%		769,604			28,649		3.72	%
Cash and due from banks		11,571								10,903								8,070
Premises and equipment		31,850								30,084								30,833
Intangible assets		8,128								6,334								6,575
Other assets		32,160								29,922								24,895
Allowance for loan losses		(5,479	)							(4,866	)							(4,373	)
Total assets	$	937,683							$	888,240							$	835,604
Liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities(2)
Interest-bearing transaction accounts		163,870			190		0.12	%		152,936			173		0.11	%		137,969			160		0.12	%
Money market accounts		170,296			435		0.26	%		164,826			426		0.26	%		158,726			423		0.27	%
Savings deposits		80,807			94		0.12	%		69,178			82		0.12	%		57,958			68		0.12	%
Time deposits		176,358			1,106		0.63	%		180,447			1,137		0.63	%		186,911			1,099		0.59	%
Other borrowings		51,171			937		1.83	%		59,569			1,229		2.06	%		64,072			1,646		2.57	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		642,502			2,762		0.43	%		626,956			3,047		0.49	%		605,636			3,396		0.56	%
Demand deposits		199,169								171,968								147,009
Other liabilities		7,306								6,663								5,835
Shareholders’ equity		88,706								82,653								77,124
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	937,683							$	888,240							$	835,604
Net interest spread							3.31	%							3.13	%							3.16	%
Net interest income/margin				$	29,394		3.42	%				$	26,459		3.24	%				$	25,253		3.28	%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)(3)							3.52	%							3.35	%							3.38	%

(1)

All loans and deposits are domestic. Average loan balances include non-accrual loans and loans held for sale.

(2)

The computation includes federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreement to resell and interest bearing deposits.

(3)

Based on 32.5% marginal tax rate.

The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense attributable to changes in volume and the amount attributable to changes in rate. The combined effect related to volume and rate which cannot be separately identified, has been allocated proportionately, to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

	2017 versus 2016 Increase (decrease) due to									2016 versus 2015 Increase (decrease) due to
(In thousands)	Volume			Rate			Net			Volume			Rate			Net
Assets
Earning assets
Loans	$	2,854		$	(397	)	$	2,457		$	1,957		$	(1,499	)	$	458
Investment securities		(373	)		508			135			138			275			413
Other short-term investments		(10	)		68			58			(17	)		3			(14	)
Total earning assets		1,730			920			2,650			1,689			(832	)		857
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing transaction accounts		13			4			17			17			(4	)		13
Money market accounts		14			(5	)		9			14			(11	)		3
Savings deposits		14			(2	)		12			13			1			14
Time deposits		(26	)		(5	)		(31	)		(35	)		73			38
Other short-term borrowings		(162	)		(130	)		(292	)		(110	)		(307	)		(417	)
Total interest-bearing liabilities		74			(359	)		(285	)		116			(465	)		(349	)
Net interest income							$	2,935								$	1,206

Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity

Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. The risk of loss can be measured in either diminished current market values or reduced current and potential net income. Our primary market risk is interest rate risk. We have established an Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) to monitor and manage interest rate risk. The ALCO monitors and manages the pricing and maturity of its assets and liabilities in order to diminish the potential adverse impact that changes in interest rates could have on our net interest income. The ALCO has established policy guidelines and strategies with respect to interest rate risk exposure and liquidity.

A monitoring technique employed by us is the measurement of our interest sensitivity “gap,” which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time. Simulation modeling is performed to assess the impact varying interest rates and balance sheet mix assumptions will have on net interest income. We model the impact on net interest income for several different changes, to include a flattening, steepening and parallel shift in the yield curve. For each of these scenarios, we model the impact on net interest income in an increasing and decreasing rate environment of 100 and 200 basis points. We also periodically stress certain assumptions such as prepayment and interest rate betas to evaluate our overall sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Policies have been established in an effort to maintain the maximum anticipated negative impact of these modeled changes in net interest income at no more than 10% and 15%, respectively, in a 100 and 200 basis point change in interest rates over a twelve month period. Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available-for-sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity or by adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability. Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in the same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates. Neither the “gap” analysis or asset/liability modeling are precise indicators of our interest sensitivity position due to the many factors that affect net interest income including, the timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in the volume and mix of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

The following table illustrates our interest rate sensitivity at December 31, 2017.

Interest Sensitivity Analysis

(Dollars in thousands)	Within One Year			One to Three Years			Three to Five Years			Over Five Years			Total
Assets
Earning assets
Loans(1)	$	275,296		$	208,121		$	111,825		$	48,221		$	643,463
Loans Held for Sale		5,093			—			—			—			5,093
Securities(2)		92,203			38,818			47,383			103,993			282,397
Federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and other earning assets		13,597			3,250			500			—			17,347
Total earning assets		386,189			250,189			159,708			152,214			948,300
Liabilities
Interest bearing liabilities
Interest bearing deposits
Interest checking accounts		18,771			46,927			46,926			75,082			187,706
Money market accounts		38,571			61,364			22,792			52,598			175,325
Savings deposits		21,217			15,912			10,608			58,346			106,083
Time deposits		107,236			59,890			25,537			0			192,663
Total interest-bearing deposits		185,795			184,093			105,863			186,026			661,777
Other borrowings		48,349			135			—			—			48,484
Total interest-bearing liabilities		234,144			184,228			105,863			186,026			710,261
Period gap	$	152,045		$	65,961		$	53,845		$	(33,812	)	$	238,039
Cumulative gap	$	152,045		$	218,006		$	271,851		$	238,039		$	238,039
Ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets		16.03	%		22.99	%		28.67	%		25.10	%		25.10	%

(1)

Loans classified as non-accrual as of December 31, 2017 are not included in the balances.

(2)

Securities based on amortized cost.

Based on the many factors and assumptions used in simulating the effect of changes in interest rates, the following table estimates the hypothetical percentage change in net interest income at December 31, 2017 and 2016 over the subsequent 12 months. At December 31, 2017, we are slightly liability sensitive over the first three month period and over the balance of a twelve month period are asset sensitive on a cumulative basis. As a result, our modeling reflects modest decline in our net interest income in a rising rate environment over the first twelve months. This negative impact of rising rates reverses and net interest income is favorably impacted over a twenty four month period. In a declining rate environment, the model reflects a decline in net interest income. This primarily results from the current level of interest rates being paid on our interest bearing transaction accounts as well as money market accounts. The interest rates on these accounts are at a level where they cannot be repriced in proportion to the change in interest rates. The increase and decrease of 100 and 200 basis points, respectively, reflected in the table below assume a simultaneous and parallel change in interest rates along the entire yield curve.

Net Interest Income Sensitivity

Change in short-term interest rates	Hypothetical percentage change in net interest income December 31,
	2017			2016
+200bp		-2.26	%		0.08	%
+100bp		-0.85	%		0.37	%
Flat		—			—
-100bp		-2.54	%		-2.81	%
-200bp		-7.71	%		-7.69	%

We perform a valuation analysis projecting future cash flows from assets and liabilities to determine the Present Value of Equity (“PVE”) over a range of changes in market interest rates. The sensitivity of PVE to changes in interest rates is a measure of the sensitivity of earnings over a longer time horizon. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the PVE exposure in a plus 200 basis point increase in market interest rates was estimated to be (0.09)% and 0.78%, respectively.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

At December 31, 2017, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $5.8 million, or 0.90% of loans (excludes loans held for sale), as compared $5.2 million, or 0.95% of loans, at December 31, 2016. Loans that were acquired in the acquisition of Cornerstone in 2017 and Savannah River in 2014 are accounted for under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 310-30. These acquired loans are initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. The credit component on loans related to cash flows not expected to be collected is not subsequently accreted (non-accretable difference) into interest income. Any remaining portion representing the excess of a loan’s or pool’s cash flows expected to be collected over the fair value is accreted (accretable difference) into interest income. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows expected to be received in excess of the Company’s initial estimates are reclassified from non-accretable difference to accretable difference and are accreted into interest income on a level-yield basis over the remaining life of the loan. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected are recognized as impairment through the provision for loan losses. During 2017 and 2016, there were no adjustments to our initial estimates or impairments recorded on purchased loans. The recorded investment in loans acquired in the Cornerstone and Savannah River transactions at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to approximately $101.8 million and $57.1 million, respectively. December 31, 2017 and 2016, the credit component on loans attributable to these acquired loans was $1.5 million and $334 thousand, respectively.

Our provision for loan loss was $530 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to $774 thousand and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The provision is made based on our assessment of general loan loss risk and asset quality. The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Our judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. Our determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio, economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, our historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans. We also consider subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight and concentrations of credit. Periodically, we adjust the amount of the allowance based on changing circumstances. We charge recognized losses to the allowance and add subsequent recoveries back to the allowance for loan losses. There can be no assurance that charge-offs of loans in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time or that provisions for loan losses will not be significant to a particular accounting period, especially considering the overall weakness in the commercial real estate market in our market areas.

We perform an analysis quarterly to assess the risk within the loan portfolio. The portfolio is segregated into similar risk components for which historical loss ratios are calculated and adjusted for identified changes in current portfolio characteristics. Historical loss ratios are calculated by product type and by regulatory credit risk classification (See Note 5 – Loans). The annualized weighted average loss ratios over the last 36 months for loans classified substandard, special mention and pass have been approximately 2.96%, 1.38% and 0.02%, respectively. The allowance consists of an allocated and unallocated allowance. The allocated portion is determined by types and ratings of loans within the portfolio. The unallocated portion of the allowance is established for losses that exist in the remainder of the portfolio and compensates for uncertainty in estimating the loan losses. Our percentage of non-performing assets to total assets has shown continued improvement in the last several years. Non-performing assets were $5.3 million (0.51% of total assets) at December 31, 2017, $5.2 million (0.57% of total assets) at December 31, 2016, and $7.3 million (0.85% of total assets) at December 31, 2015. We believe these ratios are favorable in comparison to current industry results nationally and specifically in our local markets. The allocated portion of the allowance is based on historical loss experience as well as certain qualitative factors as explained above. The qualitative factors have been established based on certain assumptions made as a result of the current economic conditions and are adjusted as conditions change to be directionally consistent with these changes. The unallocated portion of the allowance is composed of factors based on management’s evaluation of various conditions that are not directly measured in the estimation of probable losses through the experience formula or specific allowances. As noted below in the “Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses” table, the unallocated portion of the allowance as a percentage of the total allowance decreased as a percentage of the total allowance in 2017 and 2016. The overall risk as measured in our three-year lookback, both quantitatively and qualitatively, does not encompass a full economic cycle. The U.S. economy has been in an extended period of recovery and slow economic growth. The period at which we will reach full recovery or revert back to a slowing economy is not determinable. Net charge-offs in the 2009 to 2011 period averaged 63 basis points annualized in our loan portfolio. Over the most recent three-year period they have averaged 6 basis points annualized. We believe the unallocated portion of our allowance represents potential risk associated throughout a full economic cycle. With an anemic national economic recovery, subpar inflation, geopolitical risks, and global economic slowdown, management does not believe it would be judicious to reduce substantially the overall level of the allowance at this time. The percentage of the unallocated portion of the allowance decreased from 27.9% at December 31, 2016 to 27.5% at December 31, 2017. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we began including the balances of acquired loans from Savannah River in our migration analysis. With the aging of this specific portfolio since acquisition and the substantial reduction in the credit marks assigned to the portfolio, management believed it appropriate to begin applying historical loss experience to this portfolio. Management continually evaluates the underlying qualitative factors applied to the evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Management believes that as economic conditions reflect sustainable improvements, the unallocated portion of the allowance should continue to decrease as a percentage of the total reserve.

Our Company has a significant portion of its loan portfolio with real estate as the underlying collateral. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately 90.4% and 90.7%, respectively, of the loan portfolio had real estate as underlying collateral (see Note 15 to financial statements for concentrations of credit). When loans, whether commercial or personal, are granted, they are based on the borrower’s ability to generate repayment cash flows from income sources sufficient to service the debt. Real estate is generally taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment and as a secondary source of repayment. We work closely with all our borrowers that experience cash flow or other economic problems, and we believe that we have the appropriate processes in place to monitor and identify problem credits. There can be no assurance that charge-offs of loans in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time or that provisions for loan losses will not be significant to a particular accounting period. The allowance is also subject to examination and testing for adequacy by regulatory agencies, which may consider such factors as the methodology used to determine adequacy and the size of the allowance relative to that of peer institutions. Such regulatory agencies could require us to adjust our allowance based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

At December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we had non-accrual loans in the amount of $3.4 million (0.52% of total loans), $4.0 million (0.75% of total loans) and $4.8 million (0.99% of total loans), respectively. Nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2017 consisted of 32 loans. All of these loans are considered to be impaired, are substantially all real estate-related, and have been measured for impairment under the fair value of the collateral method. We consider a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is believed that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which we consider to be level 3 inputs. The aggregate amount of impaired loans was $5.2 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The non-accrual loans range in size from $4 thousand to $877 thousand. The largest of these loans is in the amount of $877 thousand and is secured by commercial non-owner occupied real estate located in Aiken, South Carolina.

In addition to the non-accrual loans that are considered to be impaired, we have six loans totaling $1.9 million that are classified as troubled debt restructurings but are accruing loans as of December 31, 2017. The largest relationship consists of one loan totaling $1.1 million with a mortgage on a commercial property located in the Midlands of South Carolina. There were $2.1 million, $1.8 million, and $1.9 million in loans delinquent 30 to 89 days at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were loans in the amount of $32 thousand and $53 thousand delinquent greater than 90 days and still accruing at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There were no loans 90 days delinquent and still accruing interest at December 31, 2015.

Our management continuously monitors non-performing, classified and past due loans to identify deterioration regarding the condition of these loans. We have identified one relationship in the amount of $991 thousand which is current as to principal and interest at December 31, 2017 and not included in non-performing assets that could be a potential problem loans. Loans are identified as potential problems based on our review that their traditional sources of cash flow may have been impacted and that they may ultimately not be able to service the debt. These loans are continually monitored and are considered in our overall evaluation of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses.

The following table summarizes the activity related to our allowance for loan losses.

Allowance for Loan Losses

(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Average loans and loans held for sale outstanding	$	577,730		$	514,766		$	473,367		$	439,174		$	344,110
Loans and loans held for sale outstanding at period end	$	651,898		$	552,416		$	492,153		$	447,968		$	351,387
Total nonaccrual loans	$	3,342		$	4,049		$	4,839		$	6,585		$	5,406
Loans past due 90 days and still accruing	$	32		$	53		$	—		$	—		$	2
Beginning balance of allowance	$	5,214		$	4,596		$	4,132		$	4,219		$	4,621
Loans charged-off:
Construction and development loans		—			—			—			—			—
1-4 family residential mortgage		—			25			50			52			47
Non-farm non-residential mortgage		30			92			626			879			897
Multifamily residential		—			31			—			—			—
Home equity		7			19			—			17			67
Commercial		5			—			69			54			—
Installment & other		112			60			13			67			37
Overdrafts		19			12			49			42			42
Total loans charged-off		173			239			807			1,111			1,090
Recoveries:
1-4 family residential mortgage		46			41			7			10			72
Multifamily residential		5			—			—			—			—
Non-farm non-residential mortgage		126			21			33			—			—
Home equity		24			3			3			6			—
Commercial		5			5			6			110			47
Installment & other		19			2			66			6			28
Overdrafts		1			11			18			11			13
Total recoveries		226			83			133			143			160
Net loans recovered (charged off)		53			(156	)		(774	)		(968	)		(930	)
Provision for loan losses		530			774			1,138			881			528
Balance at period end	$	5,797		$	5,214		$	4,596		$	4,132		$	4,219
Net charge -offs to average loans and loans held for sale		-0.01	%		0.03	%		0.16	%		0.22	%		0.27	%
Allowance as percent of total loans		0.89	%		0.94	%		0.94	%		0.93	%		1.21	%
Non-performing loans as % of total loans		0.52	%		0.75	%		0.99	%		1.48	%		1.56	%
Allowance as % of non-performing loans		171.81	%		127.11	%		95.00	%		62.75	%		78.01	%

The following table presents an allocation of the allowance for loan losses at the end of each of the past five years. The allocation is calculated on an approximate basis and is not necessarily indicative of future losses or allocations. The entire amount is available to absorb losses occurring in any category of loans.

Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

	2017					2016					2015					2014					2013
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		% of loans in category			Amount		% of loans in category			Amount		% of loans in category			Amount		% of loans in category			Amount		% of loans in category
Commercial, Financial and Agricultural	$	221		7.9	%	$	145		7.8	%	$	75		7.7	%	$	67		7.5	%	$	233		5.7	%
Real Estate Construction		101		7.0	%		104		8.4	%		51		7.3	%		45		6.2	%		26		5.5	%
Real Estate Mortgage:
Commercial		3,077		71.2	%		2,793		67.9	%		2,036		66.9	%		1,572		66.1	%		1,117		68.4	%
Residential		461		7.2	%		438		8.7	%		223		10.0	%		179		10.9	%		291		10.8	%
Consumer		343		6.7	%		280		7.2	%		164		8.1	%		178		9.3	%		192		9.6	%
Unallocated		1,594		N/A			1,454		N/A			2,047		N/A			2,091		N/A			2,360		N/A
Total	$	5,797		100.0	%	$	5,214		100.0	%	$	4,596		100.0	%	$	4,132		100.0	%	$	4,219		100.0	%

Loans acquired in the Cornerstone transaction were excluded from our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. At December 31, 2017, these loans amounted to approximately $58.9 million. These loans were evaluated at the date of acquisition and recorded at fair value. The assumptions used in this evaluation included a credit component and an interest rate component.

Accrual of interest is discontinued on loans when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts that a borrower’s financial condition is such that the collection of interest is doubtful. A delinquent loan is generally placed in nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days or more past due. At the time a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, all interest, which has been accrued on the loan but remains unpaid, is reversed and deducted from earnings as a reduction of reported interest income. No additional interest is accrued on the loan balance until the collection of both principal and interest becomes reasonably certain.

Non-interest Income and Expense

Non-interest Income. A significant source of noninterest income is service charges on deposit accounts. We also originate and sell residential loans on a servicing released basis in the secondary market. These loans are fixed rate residential loans that are originated in our name. The loans have locked in price commitments to be purchased by investors at the time of closing. Therefore, these loans present very little market risk for the Company. We typically deliver to, and receive funding from, the investor within 30 days. Other sources of noninterest income are derived from investment advisory fees and commissions on non-deposit investment products, ATM/debit card fees, commissions on check sales, safe deposit box rent, wire transfer and official check fees. Non-interest income was $9.6 million and $8.9 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. The deposit service charges increased slightly in comparing 2017 to 2016. This increase primarily relates to the organic increase in transaction accounts as well as the addition of Cornerstone accounts in the fourth quarter of 2017. Changes to Regulation E that were made in 2010 continue to impact the level of deposit service charges. In addition, potential regulatory changes related to insufficient funds charges and overdraft protection programs could mandate limitations on the number of items an institution can charge within established time frames, as well as the order in which items presented for payment must be processed on accounts. If such regulatory changes are implemented, this could continue to reduce deposit service charge fees in the future. Mortgage banking income increased $396 thousand in 2017, as compared to 2016. We added two additional mortgage originators in 2017. Mortgage loan production was $108.6 million in 2017 as compared to $102.5 million in 2016. Investment advisory fees and non-deposit commissions increased by $156 thousand in 2017 compared to 2016. Total assets under management at December 31, 2017 were $269.2 million as compared to $200.6 million at December 31, 2016. In April 2016, the Department of Labor published a final version of a new fiduciary standard that expanded the definition of a fiduciary for certain financial advisors who provide advice related to retirement planning. The required implementation date of these new rules has been delayed and will not become effective prior to July 2019. The new rules impact the timing and method of assessing fees for our services. The net gain on sale of securities for 2017 amounted to $400 thousand as compared to $601 thousand in 2016. These sales result from modest restructurings of the investment portfolio. These sales are made after evaluating specific investments and comparing them to an alternative asset or liability strategy. We recognized $235 thousand in gains on sale of real estate owned in 2017 as compared to a loss of $33 thousand in 2016. Although our other real estate owned balance increased at December 31, 2017 as compared to December 31, 2016 the increase was a result of approximately $1.2 million in repossessed real estate acquired in the Cornerstone transaction. We continue to liquidate repossessed assets and improving real estate values have resulted in the gains recognized in 2017. During 2017 and 2016, we prepaid $13.0 million and $11.4 million, respectively, in FHLB advances and incurred prepayment penalties of $447 thousand and $459 thousand, respectively.

Non-interest income was $8.9 million and $9.0 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The deposit service charges were down slightly in comparing 2016 to 2015. Mortgage banking income decreased by $50 thousand in 2016, as compared to 2015. This is primarily a result of the resignation of one mortgage loan producer in the first quarter of 2016. Investment advisory fees and non-deposit commissions decreased by $152 thousand in 2016 compared to 2015. During 2015, we had one transaction that was non-recurring that accounted for substantially all of the difference between the two periods. Assets under management at December 31, 2016 amounted to approximately $200.6 million as compared to $175.6 million at December 31, 2015. The net gain on sale of securities for 2015 amounted to $355 thousand as compared to $601 thousand in 2016. As noted above, the sales result from modest restructurings of the investment portfolio. The sales are made after evaluating specific investments and comparing them to an alternative asset or liability strategy. During 2016 and 2015, we prepaid $11.4 million and $5.8 million, respectively, in FHLB advances and incurred prepayment penalties of $459 thousand and $329 thousand, respectively. The prepayment penalties in 2015 were partially offset by a $130 thousand gain on the early redemption of $500 thousand in junior subordinated debt (Trust Preferred). Non-interest income other increased $295 thousand in 2016 as compared to 2015. The increase primarily results from increased ATM and debit card income in the amount of $125 thousand in 2016 as compared to 2015. In addition, income recognized on bank owned life insurance increased by $195 thousand in 2016 as compared to 2015. At the end of 2015, the Bank purchased additional bank owned life insurance which accounts for this increased non-interest income.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the primary components of other noninterest income:

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
ATM debit card income	$	1,605	$	1,519	$	1,417
Income on bank owned life insurance		623		604		409
Rental income		216		273		244
Loan late charges		64		114		115
Safe deposit fees		50		45		43
Wire transfer fees		67		54		48
Other		271		300		338
Total	$	2,896	$	2,909	$	2,614

Non-interest Expense. In the very competitive financial services industry, we recognize the need to place a great deal of emphasis on expense management and continually evaluate and monitor growth in discretionary expense categories in order to control future increases. Non-interest expense increased $3.6 million in 2017 as compared to 2016, from $25.8 million in 2016 to $29.4 million in 2017. In 2017, we undertook two major projects. The first was to convert our core processing system from an in-house solution to an outsourced solution which included changing vendors. This cost of the conversion accounted for approximately $400 thousand in increased non-interest expense in 2017. The second was the acquisition of Cornerstone which was completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. Merger expenses in the amount of $903 thousand accounted for part of the overall increase in non-interest expense in 2017 as compared to 2016. Salary and benefit expense increased $1.6 million from $15.3 million in the 2016 to $16.9 million in 2017. We had 224 and 202 full time equivalent employees at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The acquisition of Cornerstone in the fourth quarter, along with the addition of former Cornerstone employees, accounts for approximately $122 thousand of the increase in salary and benefit expense. Additional overtime and part time staff during the previously mentioned conversion accounted for another $125 thousand increase in this expense category. New staff additions in the last half of 2016 and early in 2017 included eight new positions, including a Chief Operations Officer, loan operations staff, additional lending staff as well as a new financial advisor position. The staff additions along with normal salary increases and increased medical benefit premiums along with the conversion and merger salary related cost account for the overall increase in salary and employee benefits in 2017. Data processing expense increased by $614 thousand in 2017 compared to 2016. The conversion to the outsourced data processing system in June 2017 is the primary reason for this increase. Previously, certain of these costs were included in equipment maintenance expense when we operated on the in-house system. As part of the data processing system conversion, we consolidated our core, card, ATM and bill payment processing into one vendor and all of these costs are now captured in the data processing expense line. FDIC assessments decreased by $100 thousand in 2017 as compared to 2016. As of July 2016, the FDIC adjusted the assessment calculations and at the time we estimated the new formula would reduce our overall annual assessment by approximately 40 percent. Insurance expense increased by $103 thousand during 2017 as compared to 2016. This primarily results from the renewal of our three year D&O and Financial Institution Bond as well as other policies in the fourth quarter of 2016. Due to our increased asset size and adjustments to certain coverages, the increased premiums are reflected in this overall increase in insurance expense. Other real estate expense decreased $159 thousand in 2017 as compared to 2016. This reflects the overall decrease in the level of our repossessed real estate assets between the two periods excluding the properties acquired in the Cornerstone acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2017. Legal and professional fees increased $253 thousand. Included in the increase of legal and professional fees are consulting fees associated with our core processing conversion of $72 thousand, $60 thousand in audit and accounting fees and $55 thousand related to a mortgage origination process improvement engagement. As of June 30, 2016, our market capitalization crossed the threshold which resulted in requiring an internal control audit by our independent auditors under the Sarbanes Oxley 404 legislation. Crossing this threshold has also added the need to outsource certain internal audit procedures as more of the internal resources are dedicated to documenting and testing to insure compliance with the requirements of Sarbanes Oxley 404. Non-interest expense “Other” increased by $444 thousand in 2017 as compared to 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we acquired a South Carolina rehabilitation tax credit of $205 thousand. The cost of this credit of $164 thousand is included in non interest expense “Other”. Other increases in this expense category relate primarily to the core processing conversion in 2017.

Non-interest expense increased from $24.7 million in 2015 to $25.8 million in 2016. Salary and benefit expense increased $895 thousand from $14.4 million in 2015 to $15.3 million in 2016. We had 202 and 186 full time equivalent employees at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. In the first quarter of 2016, we activated a loan production office in Greenville, South Carolina which is staffed by four employees. In addition, we added approximately five additional support staff in various areas of the Bank and in the fourth quarter of 2016 added an executive level position of Chief Operation/Chief Risk Officer. These staff additions, normal salary adjustments as well as increased medical benefit premiums account for the overall increase in salary and employee benefits in 2016. Occupancy expense and equipment expenses increased $170 thousand and $194 thousand, respectively, in 2016 as compared to 2015. This increase is a result of additional occupancy and equipment expense related to the Greenville loan production office of approximately $50 thousand. Also, we incurred repair costs associated with the fourth quarter 2015 flooding and rain that were not previously identified and determined not to be covered by insurance in the approximate amount of $50 thousand. The additional increase in occupancy expense was a result of increases in repair and maintenance expense throughout the branch network. Other real estate expense decreased $323 thousand in 2016 as compared to 2015. This reflects the overall decrease in the level of our repossessed real estate assets between the two periods. Non-interest expense “Other” increased by $523 thousand in 2016 as compared to 2015. This increase is primarily a result of increased ATM/debit card activity charges of $192 thousand during 2016 as compared to 2015. We incurred $64 thousand in costs associated with the mass reissue of our debit cards to implement the new EMV (chip) card in the first quarter of 2016. We also experienced significantly higher levels of attempted fraud activity on our card base in the first half of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. There is a direct cost assessed by our processor for each card that is compromised or had attempted fraud activity. The higher level of fraud cases in 2016 accounted for approximately $43 thousand in debit card losses. We believe the “chip” card technology will ultimately reduce the level of fraud activity and losses on debit cards. Also included in the increase of “Other” non-interest expense were costs of approximately $23 thousand related to converting our current bill pay system to another vendor. This conversion was completed in the second quarter of 2016. Also, an increase in legal and professional fees in the amount of $153 thousand during 2016 was primarily associated with the requirement that, in connection with our transition from a smaller reporting company to an accelerated filer which will be effective beginning in the first quarter of 2017, we are required to have an audit of our internal controls. The balance of the increase in Non-interest expense “Other” were a result of general increases in other miscellaneous expense categories due to our growth in 2016.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the primary components of noninterest expense:

	Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Salary and employee benefits	$	16,951	$	15,323	$	14,428
Occupancy		2,166		2,167		2,076
Furniture and Equipment		1,771		1,728		1,649
Marketing and public relations		901		865		848
ATM/debit card, bill payment and data processing*		1,412		798		605
Supplies		165		130		137
Telephone		378		349		357
Courier		106		95		89
Correspondent services		227		237		207
FDIC/FICO premium		312		412		527
Insurance		394		291		265
Other real estate expenses including OREO writedowns		42		201		524
Legal and Professional fees		991		738		586
Loss on limited partnership interest		161		172		188
Postage		113		182		185
Director fees		378		391		367
Amortization of intangibles		343		318		387
Shareholder expense		131		172		130
Merger expense		945		—		—
Other		1,471		1,207		1,123
	$	29,358	$	25,776	$	24,678

*In June of 2017, the Company moved its core data processing system from an in-house environment to an out-sourcing environment with FIS.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for 2017 was $3.3 million as compared to income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $2.2 million and $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 (see Note 14 “Income Taxes” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information). As noted previously, the lower tax rates as a result of the passing of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017 required that we adjust our deferred tax asset for the lower effective corporate tax rate. This adjustment increased our tax expense by approximately $1.2 million. Also as noted previously, the lower corporate tax rate of 21% versus the previous rate of 34% will result in a recovery of the $1.2 million adjustment over approximately twelve months. We recognize deferred tax assets for future deductible amounts resulting from differences in the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and operating loss carry forwards. The deferred tax assets are established based on the amounts expected to be paid/recovered at existing tax rates. A valuation allowance is established to reduce the deferred tax asset to the level that it is more likely than not that the tax benefit will be realized. The effective tax rate for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was 36.4%, 24.5% and 27.1%, respectively. Absent the adjustment for the change in tax rates the 2017 effective tax rate would have been approximately 23.3%. The decrease in the effective tax rate in 2017 and 2016 as compared to 2015 resulted from a $205 purchased South Carolina rehabilitation tax credit in 2017 and a $200 thousand South Carolina tax credit received on a qualifying community development investment in 2016. Effective for years beginning after December 15, 2016, the accounting for share-based compensation changed the recognition of the tax effects of deductions for tax purposes of compensation cost not recognized in the income statement. Previously, the income tax effects of these deductions were recorded directly to equity. Beginning in 2017, all of the tax effects of share-based compensation are recognized in the income statement. The tax benefit is recognized at the time of settlement of the share-based payments. During the first quarter of 2017, the recognition of settled share-based payments reduced our tax expense by approximately $115 thousand. In addition income on increased bank-owned-life insurance holdings contributed to the lower tax rate in 2016 as compared to 2105. It is anticipated that our effective tax rate for 2018 will be between 19% and 20%.

Financial Position

Assets totaled $1.05 billion at December 31, 2017 as compared to $914.8 million at December 31, 2016, an increase of $135.9 million. The acquisition of Cornerstone added assets of approximately $144.4 million. The acquisition of Cornerstone included $60.1 million in loans, $43.7 million in investments and $126.1 million in deposits (see Note 3 to consolidated Financial Statements). Loans at December 31, 2016 were $546.7 million (excluding loans held for sale) as compared to $646.8 million at December 31, 2017. We funded in excess of $144.2 million in loan production during 2017. Net of pay-downs this resulted in organic loan growth of approximately $40.2 million, or 7.3%, from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2017, loans (excluding loans held for sale) accounted for 67.9% of earning assets, as compared to 64.3% at December 31, 2016. The loan-to-deposit ratio (including loans held for sale) at December 31, 2017 was 73.4% as compared to 72.1% at December 31, 2016. Loans originated and held for sale are generally held for less than thirty days and have locked in purchase commitments by investors prior to closing. At December 31, 2017, loans held for sale amounted to $5.1 million as compared to $5.7 at December 31, 2016. Investment securities were $284.4 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $272.4 million at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $17.0 million and $17.2 million, respectively, in securities classified as held-to-maturity, all of which are municipal securities. We continue to evaluate the intent for classification purposes on a security-by-security basis. At December 31, 2017, we had no securities rated below investment grade on our balance sheet (see Note 4, Investment Securities, for further information). Short-term federal funds sold, and interest-bearing bank balances were $15.8 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $10.1 million at December 31, 2016. Total deposits grew $121.7 million from $766.6 million at December 31, 2016 to $888.3 million at December 31, 2017. As noted previously, we acquired approximately $126.1 million in deposits in the Cornerstone transaction. Over the last several years, we have attempted to control our pricing on time deposits as we have experienced continued growth in pure deposits (deposits excluding time deposits). Pure deposits grew organically $13.6 million in 2017 and time deposits decreased by $18.0 million organically in 2017. The organic amounts exclude pure deposits and CD’s acquired in the amount of $104.0 million and $22.1 million, respectively, in the Cornerstone acquisition. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had no brokered deposits. FHLB advances decreased from $24.0 million at December 31, 2016 to $14.3 million at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2016, there were $13.0 million in fixed-rate term advances and $11.0 million in overnight advances (see Note 12 to financial statements). At December 31, 2017, all of the advances had maturities within one month. Typically, the term advances funds are higher costing funds and as previously discussed we have paid down advances as they mature or as the pricing for prepaying certain advances is favorable. The loan growth experienced in the fourth quarter of 2016 was partially funded through these overnight borrowings. We currently anticipate that cash flow from the investment portfolio will allow us to reduce the short term advances over the next few quarters.

Shareholders’ equity totaled $81.9 million at December 31, 2016, as compared to $105.7 million at December 31, 2017. The increase in shareholder’s equity includes $19.3 million as a result of issuing 877,384 shares in the Cornerstone transaction at a value of $22.05 per share. The additional increase is primarily a result of retention of earnings net of dividends paid of $3.3 million and a decrease in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (“AOCI”) of $793 thousand.

Earning Assets

Loans and loans held for sale

Loans typically provide higher yields than the other types of earning assets. During 2017, loans accounted for 67.2% of average earning assets. The loan portfolio (including held-for-sale) averaged $577.7 million in 2017 as compared to $514.8 million in 2016. Quality loan portfolio growth continued to be a strategic focus in 2017. Associated with the higher loan yields are the inherent credit and liquidity risks, which we attempt to control and counterbalance. One of our goals as a community bank continues to be to grow our assets through quality loan growth by providing credit to small and mid-size businesses, as well as individuals within the markets we serve. In 2017, we funded new loans (excluding loans originated for sale) of approximately $144.2 million, as compared to $164.5 million in 2016. We remain committed to meeting the credit needs of our local markets. However, adverse national and local economic conditions, as well as deterioration of asset quality within our Company, could significantly impact our ability to grow our loan portfolio. Significant increases in regulatory capital expectations beyond the traditional “well capitalized” ratios and significantly increased regulatory burdens could impede our ability to leverage our balance sheet and expand the loan portfolio.

The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio by category:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Commercial, financial & agricultural	$	51,040		$	42,704		$	37,809		$	33,403		$	19,925
Real estate:
Construction		45,401			45,746			35,829			27,545			18,933
Mortgage—residential		46,901			47,472			49,077			48,510			37,579
Mortgage—commercial		460,276			371,112			326,978			293,186			237,701
Consumer:
Home equity		32,451			31,368			30,906			33,000			25,659
Other		10,736			8,307			8,592			8,200			7,800
Total gross loans		646,805			546,709			489,191			443,844			347,597
Allowance for loan losses		(5,797	)		(5,214	)		(4,596	)		(4,132	)		(4,219	)
Total net loans	$	641,008		$	541,495		$	484,595		$	439,712		$	343,378

In the context of this discussion, a real estate mortgage loan is defined as any loan, other than loans for construction purposes, secured by real estate, regardless of the purpose of the loan. We follow the common practice of financial institutions in the Company’s market area of obtaining a security interest in real estate whenever possible, in addition to any other available collateral. This collateral is taken to reinforce the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan and tends to increase the magnitude of the real estate loan components. Generally, we limit the loan-to-value ratio to 80%. The principal components of our loan portfolio at year-end 2017 and 2016 were commercial mortgage loans in the amount of $460.3 million and $371.1 million, respectively, representing 71.2% and 67.9% of the portfolio, respectively, excluding loans held for sale. Significant portions of these commercial mortgage loans are made to finance owner-occupied real estate. We continue to maintain a conservative philosophy regarding our underwriting guidelines, and believe it will reduce the risk elements of the loan portfolio through strategies that diversify the lending mix.

The repayment of loans in the loan portfolio as they mature is a source of liquidity. The following table sets forth the loans maturing within specified intervals at December 31, 2017.

Loan Maturity Schedule and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

(In thousands)	December 31, 2017
	One Year or Less		Over one Year Through Five Years		Over five years		Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	18,836	$	27,239	$	4,965	$	51,040
Real Estate/Construction		89,743		285,934		176,901		552,578
All other loan		7,122		16,721		19,344		43,187
	$	115,701	$	329,894	$	201,210	$	646,805

Loans maturing after one year with:

				Variable Rate			$	96,052
				Fixed Rate				435,052
							$	531,104

The information presented in the above table is based on the contractual maturities of the individual loans, including loans which may be subject to renewal at their contractual maturity. Renewal of such loans is subject to review and credit approval, as well as modification of terms upon their maturity.

Investment Securities

The investment securities portfolio is a significant component of our total earning assets. Total investment securities averaged $265.7 million in 2017, as compared to $283.6 million in 2016. This represents 30.9% and 34.8% of the average earning assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, our investment securities portfolio amounted to $284.4 million and $272.4 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2017, the estimated weighted average life of the investment portfolio was approximately 4.8 years, duration of approximately 3.6 years, and a weighted average tax equivalent yield of approximately 2.68%. At December 31, 2016, the estimated weighted average life of the investment portfolio was approximately 5.1 years, duration of approximately 3.8 years, and a weighted average tax equivalent yield of approximately 2.48%.

We held no debt securities rated below investment grade at December 31, 2017.

The following table shows the investment portfolio composition.

	December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Securities available-for-sale at fair value:
U.S. Treasury	$	1,505	$	1,520	$	1,522
U.S. Government sponsored enterprises		1,109		997		992
Small Business Administration pools		61,588		50,184		57,328
Mortgage-backed securities		143,768		144,298		146,261
State and local government		56,004		54,534		57,295
Preferred stock		—		1,000		417
Other		850		861		872
	$	264,824	$	253,394	$	264,687
Securities held-to-maturity at amortized cost:
State and local government	$	17,012	$	17,193	$	17,371
Total	$	281,836	$	270,587	$	282,058

We hold other investments carried at cost which represents our investment in FHLB stock. This investment amounted to $2.6 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Investment Securities Maturity Distribution and Yields

The following table shows, at amortized cost, the expected maturities and average yield of securities held at December 31, 2017:

(In thousands)
						After One But					After Five But
	Within One Year					Within Five Years					Within Ten Years					After Ten Years
Available-for-sale:	Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield

US Treasury	$	—		—		$	1,529		1.48	%	$	—		—		$	—		—
Government sponsored enterprises							1,085		2.81	%		—		—			—		—
Small Business Administration pools		565		1.00	%		39,364		2.15	%		17,567		2.84	%		4,048		3.33	%
Mortgage-backed securities		8,807		2.00	%		95,693		2.14	%		33,542		2.27	%		7,143		2.87	%
State and local government		—		—			2,702		2.87	%		7,150		3.99	%		45,259		4.33	%
Other		932		2.40	%		—		—			—		—			—		—
Total investment securities available-for-sale	$	5,966		1.70	%	$	122,490		1.82	%	$	71,307		2.78	%	$	53,631		4.70	%

(In thousands)
					After One But					After Five But
	Within One Year				Within Five Years					Within Ten Years					After Ten Years
Held-to-maturity:	Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield

State and local government	$	—		—	$	2,622		2.68	%	$	7,246		3.35	%	$	7,144		3.86	%
Total investment securities held-to-maturity:	$	—		—	$	2,622		2.68	%	$	7,246		3.35	%	$	7,144		3.86	%

(1)

Yield calculated on tax equivalent basis

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments, which consist of federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell and interest bearing deposits, averaged $16.0 million in 2017, as compared to $17.5 million in 2016. We maintain the majority of our short term overnight investments in our account at the Federal Reserve rather than in federal funds at various correspondent banks due to the lower regulatory capital risk weighting. At December 31, 2017, short-term investments including funds on deposit at the Federal Reserve totaled $9.7 million. These funds are an immediate source of liquidity and are generally invested in an earning capacity on an overnight basis.

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

Deposits. Average deposits were $790.5 million during 2017, compared to $739.4 million during 2016. Average interest-bearing deposits were $591.3 million during 2017, as compared to $567.4 million during 2016.

The following table sets forth the deposits by category:

	December 31,
	2017					2016					2015
(In thousands)	Amount		% of Deposits			Amount		% of Deposits			Amount		% of Deposits
Demand deposit accounts	$	226,546		25.5	%	$	182,915		23.9	%	$	156,247		21.4	%
Interest bearing checking accounts		189,034		21.3	%		161,106		21.0	%		154,262		20.0	%
Money market accounts		175,325		19.7	%		166,353		21.7	%		164,046		23.1	%
Savings accounts		104,756		11.8	%		75,012		9.8	%		60,699		8.4	%
Time deposits less than $100,000		100,531		11.3	%		90,332		11.8	%		100,170		15.0	%
Time deposits more than $100,000		92,131		10.4	%		90,904		11.8	%		80,727		12.1	%
	$	888,323		100.0	%	$	766,622		100.0	%	$	716,151		100.0	%

Large certificate of deposit customers, which we identify as those of $100 thousand or more, tend to be extremely sensitive to interest rate levels, making these deposits less reliable sources of funding for liquidity planning purposes than core deposits. Core deposits, which exclude time deposits of $100 thousand or more, provide a relatively stable funding source for the loan portfolio and other earning assets. Core deposits were $796.2 million and $675.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Time deposits greater than $250 thousand, the FDIC deposit insurance coverage limit, amounted to $36.1 million and $37.7 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

A stable base of deposits is expected to continue to be the primary source of funding to meet both our short-term and long-term liquidity needs in the future. The maturity distribution of time deposits is shown in the following table

Maturities of Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposit of $100,000 or more

	December 31, 2017
(In thousands)	Within Three Months		After Three Through Six Months		After Six Through Twelve Months		After Twelve Months		Total
Time deposits of $100,000 or more	$	10,482	$	12,281	$	30,504	$	38,864	$	92,131

There were no other time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2017.

Borrowed funds. Borrowed funds consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, FHLB advances and long-term debt as a result of issuing $15.0 million in trust preferred securities. Short-term borrowings in the form of securities sold under agreements to repurchase averaged $19.2 million, $21.4 million and $19.3 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The maximum month-end balances during 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $21.3 million, $23.7 million and $22.5 million, respectively. The average rates paid during these periods were 0.37%, 0.19% and 0.19%, respectively. The balances of securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $19.3 million and $19.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The repurchase agreements all mature within one to four days and are generally originated with customers that have other relationships with the company and tend to provide a stable and predictable source of funding. As a member of the FHLB, the Bank has access to advances from the FHLB for various terms and amounts. During 2017 and 2016, the average outstanding advances amounted to $17.0 million and $23.2 million, respectively.

The following is a schedule of the maturities for FHLB Advances as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017					2016
Maturing	Amount		Rate			Amount		Rate
2017	$	—		—		$	11,000		0.65	%
2018		14,000		1.41	%
2019		—		—			3,813		2.94	%
2020		250		1.00	%		4,519		3.26	%
2021		—		—			4,703		3.09	%
	$	14,250		1.40	%	$	24,035		1.98	%

In addition to the above borrowings, we issued $15.5 million in trust preferred securities on September 16, 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we redeemed $500 thousand of these securities that resulted in a gain of $130 thousand. The securities accrue and pay distributions quarterly at a rate of three month LIBOR plus 257 basis points. The remaining debt may be redeemed in full anytime with notice and matures on September 16, 2034.

Capital Adequacy and Dividends

Total shareholders’ equity as of December 31, 2017 was $105.7 million as compared to $81.9 million as of December 31, 2016. As previously noted, 877,384 shares of common stock were issued in connection with the Cornerstone merger in the fourth quarter of 2017 valued at $19.4 million. In 2017, the issuance of these shares, the retention of earnings less dividend payments on our common stock, offset by a decline in AOCI of $793 thousand, accounted for substantially all of the $23.8 million increase in shareholders’ equity. In 2015, we paid a dividend of $0.07 per share each quarter. During each quarter of 2016, we paid a dividend on our common stock of $0.08 per share. In 2017, we paid a $0.09 per share dividend on our common stock each quarter.

In addition, a dividend reinvestment plan was implemented in the third quarter of 2003. The plan allows existing shareholders the option of reinvesting cash dividends as well as making optional purchases of up to $5,000 in the purchase of common stock per quarter.

The following table shows the return on average assets (net income divided by average total assets), return on average equity (net income divided by average equity), and equity to assets ratio for the three years ended December 31, 2017.

	2017			2016			2015
Return on average assets		0.62	%		0.75	%		0.73	%
Return on average common equity		6.56	%		8.08	%		7.94	%
Equity to assets ratio		10.06	%		8.95	%		9.16	%
Dividend Payout Ratio		42.35	%		31.68	%		29.92	%

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised the risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with certain standards in Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. See “Supervision and Regulation—Basel Capital Standards” for additional information on Basel III and the Dodd-Frank Act. The rules became effective as of January 1, 2015. Portions of the capital rules have a phase in period. The revised rules will be fully phased in as of January 1, 2019. As of December 31, 2017, the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements under the new capital rules on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements had been effective at that time. The Company and the Bank exceeded the regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2017 and 2016, as set forth in the following table:

(In thousands)	Required Amount		%			Actual Amount		%			Excess Amount		%
The Bank:
December 31, 2017
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	44,396		6.0	%	$	99,118		13.4	%	$	54,722		7.4	%
Total Capital		59,195		8.0	%		104,915		14.2	%		45,720		6.2	%
CET1		33,297		4.5	%		99,118		13.4	%		65,821		8.9	%
Tier 1 Leverage		41,030		4.0	%		99,118		9.7	%		58,088		5.7	%
December 31, 2016
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	38,010		6.0	%	$	87,657		13.8	%	$	48,872		7.8	%
Total Capital		50,681		8.0	%		92,871		14.7	%		42,253		6.7	%
CET1		28,509		4.5	%		87,657		13.8	%		57,282		9.3	%
Tier 1 Leverage		35,875		4.0	%		87,657		9.8	%		48,589		5.8	%
The Company:
December 31, 2017
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	44,437		6.0	%	$	103,754		14.0	%	$	59,317		8.0	%
Total Capital		59,249		8.0	%		109,551		14.8	%		46,345		6.8	%
CET1		33,328		4.5	%		89,364		12.1	%		56,036		7.6	%
Tier 1 Leverage		41,064		4.0	%		103,754		10.1	%		62,690		6.1	%
December 31, 2016
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	38,126		6.0	%	$	91,966		14.5	%	$	53,840		8.5	%
Total Capital		50,835		8.0	%		97,180		15.3	%		46,345		7.3	%
CET1		28,595		4.5	%		77,466		12.2	%		48,871		7.7	%
Tier 1 Leverage		35,957		4.0	%		91,966		10.2	%		56,009		6.2	%

Since the Company is a bank holding company, its ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on certain federal and state regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. In addition, under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

In addition, since the Company is legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and does not conduct stand-alone operations, its ability to pay dividends depends on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to it, which is also subject to regulatory restrictions. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the S.C. Board, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the S.C. Board. The FDIC also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of a dividend under certain circumstances.

Liquidity Management

Liquidity management involves monitoring sources and uses of funds in order to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits. Liquidity represents our ability to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss and to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management is made more complicated because different balance sheet components are subject to varying degrees of management control. For example, the timing of maturities of the investment portfolio is very predictable and subject to a high degree of control at the time investment decisions are made. However, net deposit inflows and outflows are far less predictable and are not subject to nearly the same degree of control. Asset liquidity is provided by cash and assets which are readily marketable, or which can be pledged, or which will mature in the near future. Liability liquidity is provided by access to core funding sources, principally the ability to generate customer deposits in our market area. In addition, liability liquidity is provided through the ability to borrow against approved lines of credit (federal funds purchased) from correspondent banks and to borrow on a secured basis through securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The Bank is a member of the FHLB and has the ability to obtain advances for various periods of time. These advances are secured by securities pledged by the Bank or assignment of loans within the Bank’s portfolio.

We anticipate that the Bank will remain a well capitalized institution for at least the next 12 months. Total shareholders’ equity was 10.06% of total assets at December 31, 2017 and 8.95% at December 31, 2016. Funds sold and short-term interest bearing deposits are our primary source of immediate liquidity and averaged $16.0 million and $17.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Bank maintains federal funds purchased lines with two financial institutions each in the amount of $10.0 million. The FHLB has approved a line of credit of up to 25% of the Bank’s assets, which would be collateralized by a pledge against specific investment securities and or eligible loans. We regularly review the liquidity position of the Company and have implemented internal policies establishing guidelines for sources of asset based liquidity and limit the total amount of purchased funds used to support the balance sheet and funding from non-core sources. We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits, along with continued growth in this deposit base, will enable us to meet our long term liquidity needs successfully.

We believe our liquidity remains adequate to meet operating and loan funding requirements and that our existing stable base of core deposits, along with continued growth in this deposit base, will enable us to meet our long-term and short-term liquidity needs successfully.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the financial statements, or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used by the company for general corporate purposes or for customer needs. Corporate purpose transactions are used to help manage credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk or to optimize capital. Customer transactions are used to manage customers’ requests for funding. Please refer to Note 15 of the Company’s financial statements for a discussion of our off-balance sheet arrangements.

Impact of Inflation

Unlike most industrial companies, the assets and liabilities of financial institutions such as the company and the bank are primarily monetary in nature. Therefore, interest rates have a more significant effect on our performance than do the effects of changes in the general rate of inflation and change in prices. In addition, interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. As discussed previously, we continually seek to manage the relationships between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide interest rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Additional information required under this Item 8 may be found under the Notes to Financial Statements under Note 21.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of First Community Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

	•	Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

	•	Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations 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 the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 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.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued in 2013.

Based on that assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

The effectiveness of the internal control structure over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by Elliott Davis, LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

/s/ Michael C. Crapps	/s/ Joseph G. Sawyer

Chief Executive Officer and President	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of First Community Corporation:

Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited First Community Corporation and Subsidiary’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, of the Company and our report dated March 14, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

/s/ Elliott Davis, LLC

Columbia, South Carolina

March 14, 2018

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of First Community Corporation:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Community Corporation and its subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements and schedules (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 14, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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 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 and in accordance with the auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. 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/ Elliott Davis, LLC

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2006.

Columbia, South Carolina

March 14, 2018

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except par values)	2017			2016
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	14,803		$	11,925
Interest-bearing bank balances		15,186			9,475
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell		602			599
Investments held-to-maturity		17,012			17,193
Investment securities available-for-sale		264,824			253,394
Other investments, at cost		2,559			1,809
Loans held for sale		5,093			5,707
Loans		646,805			546,709
Less, allowance for loan losses		5,797			5,214
Net loans		641,008			541,495
Property, furniture and equipment - net		36,103			29,833
Land held for sale		—			1,055
Bank owned life insurance		25,413			20,905
Other real estate owned		1,934			1,146
Intangible assets		2,569			1,102
Goodwill		14,589			5,078
Other assets		9,036			14,077
Total assets	$	1,050,731		$	914,793
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing demand	$	226,546		$	182,915
Interest bearing		661,777			583,707
Total deposits		888,323			766,622
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		19,270			19,527
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances		14,250			24,035
Junior subordinated debt		14,964			14,964
Other liabilities		8,261			7,784
Total liabilities		945,068			832,932
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 15)
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 issued and outstanding		—			—
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 7,587,918 at December 31, 2017 and 6,708,393 at December 31, 2016		7,588			6,708
Common stock warrants issued		46			46
Nonvested restricted stock		(109	)		(220	)
Additional paid in capital		94,516			75,991
Retained earnings		4,066			573
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(444	)		(1,237	)
Total shareholders’ equity		105,663			81,861
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,050,731		$	914,793

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

	Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)	2017			2016			2015

Interest income:
Loans, including fees	$	26,134		$	23,677		$	23,219
Investment securities - taxable		4,001			3,819			3,630
Investment securities - non taxable		1,858			1,905			1,681
Other short term investments		163			105			119
Total interest income		32,156			29,506			28,649
Interest expense:
Deposits		1,825			1,818			1,750
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase		73			42			37
Other borrowed money		864			1,187			1,609
Total interest expense		2,762			3,047			3,396
Net interest income		29,394			26,459			25,253
Provision for loan losses		530			774			1,138
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		28,864			25,685			24,115
Non-interest income:
Deposit service charges		1,486			1,405			1,469
Mortgage banking income		3,778			3,382			3,432
Investment advisory fees and non-deposit commissions		1,291			1,135			1,287
Gain on sale of securities		400			601			355
Gain (loss) on sale of other assets		235			(33	)		8
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		(447	)		(459	)		(199	)
Other		2,896			2,909			2,614
Total non-interest income		9,639			8,940			8,966
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		16,951			15,323			14,428
Occupancy		2,166			2,167			2,076
Equipment		1,771			1,728			1,649
Marketing and public relations		901			865			848
FDIC Insurance assessments		312			412			527
Other real estate expense		3			201			524
Amortization of intangibles		343			318			387
Merger expenses		903			—			—
Other		6,008			4,762			4,239
Total non-interest expense		29,358			25,776			24,678
Net income before tax		9,145			8,849			8,403
Income tax expense		3,330			2,167			2,276
Net income	$	5,815		$	6,682		$	6,127

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.85		$	1.01		$	0.93
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.83		$	0.98		$	0.91

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in thousands)	Year ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015

Net income	$	5,815		$	6,682		$	6,127

Adjustment to AOCI related to tax legislation		(149	)		—			—

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) during the period on available for sale securities, net of tax of ($623), $860 and $106, respectively		1,206			(1,670	)		(207	)

Less: Reclassification adjustment for gain included in net income, net of tax of $134, $204, and $121, respectively		(264	)		(397	)		(234	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		793			(2,067	)		(441	)
Comprehensive income	$	6,608		$	4,615		$	5,686

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

	Common Stock																		Accumulated
	Number						Common			Additional			Nonvested			Retained			Other
	Shares			Common			Stock			Paid-in			Restricted			Earnings			Comprehensive
(Dollars and shares in thousands)	Issued			Stock			Warrants			Capital			Stock			(deficit)			Income (loss)			Total
Balance, December 31, 2014		6,664		$	6,664		$	48		$	75,504		$	(673	)	$	(8,286	)	$	1,271		$	74,528
Net income																	6,127						6,127
Other comprehensive loss net of tax of $227																				(441	)		(441	)
Issuance of restricted stock		13			13						137			(150	)								—
Restricted stock shares surrendered		(8	)		(8	)					(90	)											(98	)
Amortization of compensation on restricted stock														526									526
Exercise of stock warrants		2			2			(2	)														—
Dividends: Common ($0.28 per share)																	(1,833	)					(1,833	)
Dividend reinvestment plan		19			19						210												229
Balance, December 31, 2015		6,690		$	6,690		$	46		$	75,761		$	(297	)	$	(3,992	)	$	830		$	79,038
Net income																	6,682						6,682
Other comprehensive loss net of tax of $1,064																				(2,067	)		(2,067	)
Issuance of restricted stock		22			22						275			(297	)								—
Restricted stock shares surrendered		(26	)		(26	)					(327	)											(353	)
Amortization of compensation on restricted stock														374									374
Issuance of common stock		1			1						13												14
Dividends: Common ($0.32 per share)																	(2,117	)					(2,117	)
Dividend reinvestment plan		21			21						269												290
Balance, December 31, 2016		6,708		$	6,708		$	46		$	75,991		$	(220	)	$	573		$	(1,237	)	$	81,861
Net income																	5,815						5,815
Other comprehensive gain net of tax of $487																				942			942
Adjustment to AOCI related to tax legislation																	149			(149	)		—
Issuance of restricted stock		5			5						100			(105	)								—
Shares forfeited		(2	)		(2	)					(27	)		9									(20	)
Shares retired		(19	)		(19	)					(369	)											(388	)
Amortization of compensation on restricted stock														207									207
Issuance of common stock		877			877						18,468												19,345
Dividends: Common ($0.36 per share)																	(2,471	)					(2,471	)
Dividend reinvestment plan		19			19						353												372
Balance, December 31, 2017		7,588		$	7,588		$	46		$	94,516		$	(109	)	$	4,066		$	(444	)	$	105,663

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in thousands)	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	5,815		$	6,682		$	6,127
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided in operating activities
Depreciation		1,448			1,333			1,253
Premium amortization		3,270			4,040			4,214
Provision for loan losses		530			774			1,138
Writedowns of other real estate owned		39			76			219
(Gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned		(235	)		33			(8	)
Originations of HFS loans		(104,200	)		(96,489	)		(101,944	)
Sales of HFS loans		104,814			93,744			103,106
Amortization of intangibles		343			318			387
Gain on sale of securities		(400	)		(601	)		(355	)
Accretion on acquired loans		(262	)		(880	)		(934	)
Writedown of land held for sale		90			25			120
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		447			459			199
(Increase) decrease in other assets		6,495			(5,404	)		936
Increase in accounts payable		157			1,025			50
Net cash provided in operating activities		18,351			5,135			14,508
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale		25,368			33,215			26,099
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale		(30,626	)		(66,359	)		(63,217	)
Purchase of investment securities held-to-maturity		—			—			(6,879	)
Maturity/call of investment securities available-for-sale		35,452			38,034			37,634
Proceeds from sale of other investments		250			486			1,250
Increase in loans		(39,944	)		(57,456	)		(45,460	)
Net cash received in business combination		22,385			—			—
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned		684			1,781			514
Purchase of property and equipment		(3,072	)		(1,237	)		(2,672	)
Purchase of BOLI		(1,500	)		—			(5,250	)
Net cash provided (used) in investing activities		8,997			(51,536	)		(57,981	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in deposit accounts		(4,868	)		50,403			46,652
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		26,000			73,593			32,500
Repayment of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		(36,273	)		(74,865	)		(36,848	)
Increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreements to repurchase		(1,106	)		(1,506	)		3,650
Repayment of long term debt		—			—			(370	)
Restricted shares surrendered		(408	)		(353	)		(98	)
Issuance of common stock		—			14			—
Dividend reinvestment plan		372			290			229
Dividends paid on Common Stock		(2,471	)		(2,117	)		(1,833	)
Net cash (used) provided in financing activities		(18,756	)		45,459			43,882
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		8,592			(942	)		409
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		21,999			22,941			22,532
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	30,591		$	21,999		$	22,941
Supplemental disclosure:
Cash paid during the period for: Interest	$	2,796		$	3,097		$	3,468
Income Taxes	$	1,895		$	1,345		$	2,220
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities available-for-sale, net of tax	$	942		$	(2,067	)	$	(441	)
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned	$	1,275		$	579		$	240

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Community Corporation (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Community Bank (the “Bank”). The Company owns all of the common stock of FCC Capital Trust I. All material intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The Company was organized on November 2, 1994, as a South Carolina corporation, and was formed to become a bank holding company. The Bank opened for business on August 17, 1995. FCC Capital Trust I is an unconsolidated special purpose subsidiary organized for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities.

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses. The estimation process includes management’s judgment as to future losses on existing loans based on an internal review of the loan portfolio, including an analysis of the borrower’s current financial position, the consideration of current and anticipated economic conditions and the effect on specific borrowers. In determining the collectability of loans management also considers the fair value of underlying collateral. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these factors it is possible that the allowance for loan losses could change materially.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell. Generally federal funds are sold for a one-day period and securities purchased under agreements to resell mature in less than 90 days.

Investment Securities

Investment securities are classified as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading securities. In determining such classification, securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at estimated fair values with unrealized gains and losses included in shareholders’ equity on an after tax basis. Trading securities are carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in non-interest income (See Note 4).

Gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities and trading securities are determined using the specific identification method. Declines in the fair value of individual held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are judged to be other than temporary are written down to fair value and charged to income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

The Company originates fixed rate residential loans on a servicing released basis in the secondary market. Loans closed but not yet settled with an investor, are carried in the Company’s loans held for sale portfolio. These loans are primarily fixed rate residential loans that have been originated in the Company’s name and have closed. Virtually all of these loans have commitments to be purchased by investors at a locked in price with the investors on the same day that the loan was locked in with the Company’s customers. Therefore, these loans present very little market risk for the Company.

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

The Company usually delivers to, and receives funding from, the investor within 30 days. Commitments to sell these loans to the investor are considered derivative contracts and are sold to investors on a “best efforts” basis. The Company is not obligated to deliver a loan or pay a penalty if a loan is not delivered to the investor. As a result of the short-term nature of these derivative contracts, the fair value of the mortgage loans held for sale in most cases is the same as the value of the loan amount at its origination. These loans are classified as Level 2.

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loan receivables that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest is recognized over the term of the loan based on the loan balance outstanding. Fees charged for originating loans, if any, are deferred and offset by the deferral of certain direct expenses associated with loans originated. The net deferred fees are recognized as yield adjustments by applying the interest method.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed to be adequate by management to absorb potential losses in the loan portfolio. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on an evaluation of the portfolio, past loss experience, economic conditions and volume, growth and composition of the portfolio.

The Company considers a loan to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is believed that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loans that are considered impaired are accounted for at the lower of carrying value or fair value. The accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due, generally when a loan becomes 90 days past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received first to principal and then to interest income.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life. Estimated lives range up to 39 years for buildings and up to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) in purchase transactions. Other intangible assets represent premiums paid for acquisitions of core deposits (core deposit intangibles). Core deposit intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over seven years. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The annual valuation is performed on September 30 of each year.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned includes real estate acquired through foreclosure. Other real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost (principal balance at date of foreclosure) or fair value minus estimated cost to sell. Any write-downs at the date of foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Expenses to maintain such assets, subsequent changes in the valuation allowance, and gains or losses on disposal are included in other expenses.

Comprehensive Income (loss)

The Company reports comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 220, “Comprehensive Income.” ASC 220 requires that all items that are required to be reported under accounting standards as comprehensive income (loss) be reported in a financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. The disclosures requirements have been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Mortgage Origination Fees

Mortgage origination fees relate to activities comprised of accepting residential mortgage applications, qualifying borrowers to standards established by investors and selling the mortgage loans to the investors under pre-existing commitments. The related fees received by the Company for these services are recognized at the time the loan is closed.

Advertising Expense

Advertising and public relations costs are generally expensed as incurred. External costs incurred in producing media advertising are expensed the first time the advertising takes place. External costs relating to direct mailing costs are expensed in the period in which the direct mailings are sent. Advertising expense totaled $901 thousand, $820 thousand and $806 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Income Taxes

A deferred income tax liability or asset is recognized for the estimated future effects attributable to differences in the tax bases of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. The deferred tax asset or liability is measured using the enacted tax rate expected to apply to taxable income in the period in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized.

In 2006, the FASB issued guidance related to Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. This guidance clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740-10, “Income Taxes.” It also prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an enterprise’s tax return.

Stock Based Compensation Cost

The Company accounts for stock based compensation under the fair value provisions of the accounting literature. Compensation expense is recognized in salaries and employee benefits.

The fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Sholes option pricing model. No options were granted in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents consist of stock options and warrants and are computed using the treasury stock method.

Business Combinations and Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired

The Company accounts for its acquisitions under FASB ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk. Loans acquired are recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Acquired credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in FASB ASC Topic 310-30, “Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” formerly American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer,” and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Loans acquired in business combinations with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are considered to be credit impaired. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of purchase dates may include information such as past-due and nonaccrual status, borrower credit scores and recent loan to value percentages. The Company considers expected prepayments and estimates the amount and timing of expected principal, interest and other cash flows for each loan or pool of loans meeting the criteria above, and determines the excess of the loan’s scheduled contractual principal and contractual interest payments over all cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition as an amount that should not be accreted (nonaccretable difference). The remaining amount, representing the excess of the loan’s or pool’s cash flows expected to be collected over the fair value for the loan or pool of loans, is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable difference). Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows expected to be received in excess of the Company’s initial estimates are reclassified from nonaccretable difference to accretable difference and are accreted into interest income on a level-yield basis over the remaining life of the loan. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected are recognized as impairment through the provision for loan losses.

Segment Information

ASC Topic 280-10, “Segment Reporting,” requires selected segment information of operating segments based on a management approach. The Company’s four reportable segments represent the distinct product lines the Company offers and are viewed separately for strategic planning by management (see Note 24, Reportable Segments, for further information).

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance to change the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to reflect the transfer of goods and services to customers in an amount equal to the consideration the entity receives or expects to receive. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will apply the guidance using a modified retrospective approach. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. As a result of the deferral, the guidance in ASU 2014-09 will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will apply the guidance using a modified retrospective approach. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB amended the Financial Instruments topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will apply the guidance by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values will be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption of the amendments. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB amended the Leases topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to revise certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leasing transactions. The amendments will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that implementation of the new standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB amended the Revenue from Contracts with Customers topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations and address how an entity should assess whether it is the principal or the agent in contracts that include three or more parties. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance to change the accounting for credit losses and modify the impairment model for certain debt securities. The amendments will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all organizations for periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that implementation of the new standard will have on its financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB amended the Statement of Cash Flows topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The amendments will be effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In December 2016, the FASB issued technical corrections and improvements to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic. These corrections make a limited number of revisions to several pieces of the revenue recognition standard issued in 2014. The effective date and transition requirements for the technical corrections will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will apply the guidance using a full retrospective approach. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendment to the Business Combinations Topic is intended to address concerns that the existing definition of a business has been applied too broadly and has resulted in many transactions being recorded as business acquisitions that in substance are more akin to asset acquisitions. The guidance will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB updated the Accounting Changes and Error Corrections and the Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures Topics of the Accounting Standards Codification. The ASU incorporates into the Accounting Standards Codification recent SEC guidance about disclosing, under SEC SAB Topic 11.M, the effect on financial statements of adopting the revenue, leases, and credit losses standards. The ASU was effective upon issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on additional disclosure requirements as each of the standards is adopted, however it does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB amended the Goodwill and Other Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment for public business entities and other entities that have goodwill reported in their financial statements and have not elected the private company alternative for the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The amendment removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The effective date and transition requirements for the technical corrections will be effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB amended the requirements in the Compensation—Retirement Benefits Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification related to the income statement presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost for an entity’s sponsored defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB amended the requirements in the Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification related to the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. The amendments shorten the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date. The amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

Note 2—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

In November 2017, the FASB updated the Income Statement and Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topics of the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments incorporate into the Accounting Standards Codification recent SEC guidance related to revenue recognition. The amendments were effective upon issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on revenue recognition however it does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB Issued (2018-02), Income Statement (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires Companies to reclassify the stranded effects in other comprehensive income to retained earnings as a result of the change in the tax rates under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company has opted to early adopt this pronouncement by retrospective application to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. The impact of the reclassification from other comprehensive income to retained earnings is included in the Statement of Changes in Shareholders Equity.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Risk and Uncertainties

In the normal course of business, the Company encounters two significant types of risks: economic and regulatory. There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different speeds, or on a different basis, than its interest-earning assets. Credit risk is the risk of default on the Company’s loan and investment portfolios that results from borrowers’ or issuer’s inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of collateral underlying loans and investments and the valuation of real estate held by the Company.

The Company is subject to regulations of various governmental agencies (regulatory risk). These regulations can and do change significantly from period to period. The Company also undergoes periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies, which may subject it to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required loan loss allowances and operating restrictions from regulators’ judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examination.

Reclassifications

Certain captions and amounts in the 2015 and 2016 consolidated financial statements were reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.

Note 3—MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

On October 20, 2017, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Cornerstone Bancorp of Easley, South Carolina (“Cornerstone”) the bank holding company for Cornerstone National Bank (“CNB”), in a cash and stock transaction. The total purchase price was approximately $27.1 million, consisting of $7.8 million in cash and 877,364 shares of our common stock valued at $19.3 million based on a provision in the merger agreement that 30% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock be exchanged for cash and 70% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock be exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock. The value of the Company’s common stock issued was determined based on the closing price of the common stock on October 19, 2017 as reported by NASDAQ, which was $22.05. Cornerstone common shareholders received 0.54 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for each share of Cornerstone common stock, or $11.00 per share, subject to the limitations discussed above. The Company issued 877,364 shares of its common stock in connection with the merger.

The Cornerstone transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date based on a third party valuation of significant accounts. Fair values are subject to refinement for up to a year.

Note 3—MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS (continued)

The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 20, 2017 as recorded by the Company on the acquisition date and initial fair value adjustments.

	As Recorded by		Fair Value			As Recorded
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)	Cornerstone		Adjustments			by the Company
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	30,060	$	—		$	30,060
Investment securities		44,018		(358	)(a)		43,660
Loans		60,835		(734	)(b)		60,101
Premises and equipment		4,164		573	(c)		4,737
Intangible assets		—		1,810	(d)		1,810
Bank owned life insurance		2,384		—			2,384
Other assets		3,082		(473	)(e)		2,609
Total assets	$	144,543	$	818		$	145,361

Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	27,296	$	—		$	27,296
Interest-bearing		99,152		150	(f)		99,302
Total deposits		126,448		150			126,598
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		849		—			849
Other liabilities		320		—			319
Total liabilities		127,617		150			127,766
Net identifiable assets acquired over liabilities assumed		16,926		668			17,594

Goodwill		—		9,510			9,510
Net assets acquired over liabilities assumed	$	16,926	$	10,178		$	27,104

Consideration:
First Community Corporation common shares issued		877,364
Purchase price per share of the Company’s common stock	$	22.05
	$	19,346
Cash exchanged for stock and fractional shares		7,758
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	27,104

Explanation of fair value adjustments

(a)—Adjustment reflects marking the securities portfolio to fair value as of the acquisition date.

(b)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio and excludes the allowance for loan losses recorded by Cornerstone.

(c)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired premises and equipment.

(d)—Adjustment reflects the recording of the core deposit intangible on the acquired deposit accounts.

(e)—Adjustment reflects the deferred tax adjustment related to fair value adjustments at 34%.

(f)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment on interest-bearing deposits.

Note 3—MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS (Continued)

The operating results of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2017 include the operating results of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities for the 72 days subsequent to the acquisition date of October 20, 2017. Merger-related charges related to the Cornerstone acquisition of $945 thousand are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and include incremental costs related to closing the acquisition, including legal, accounting and auditing, investment banker, travel, printing, supplies and other costs.

The following table discloses the impact of the merger with Cornerstone (excluding the impact of merger-related expenses) since the acquisition on October 20, 2017 through December 31, 2017. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if Cornerstone had been acquired on January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2016. These results combine the historical results of Cornerstone in the Company’s consolidated statement of income and, while certain adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2017 or January 1, 2016.

	Actual since
	Acquisition		Pro Forma		Pro Forma
	(October 20, 2017		Twelve Months		Twelve Months
(Dollars in thousands)	through December 31, 2017)		Ended December 31, 2017		Ended December 31, 2016
Total revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income)	$	9,014	$	43,602	$	41,300
Net income	$	577	$	6,791	$	7,750

Note 4—INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities are summarized below:

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
December 31, 2017
US Treasury securities	$	1,529	$	—	$	24	$	1,505
Government Sponsored Enterprises		1,085		24		—		1,109
Mortgage-backed securities		145,185		285		1,702		143,768
Small Business Administration pools		61,544		374		330		61,588
State and local government		55,111		1,309		416		56,004
Corporate and other securities		932		—		82		850
	$	265,386	$	1,992	$	2,554	$	264,824

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
December 31, 2016
US Treasury securities	$	1,538	$	—	$	18	$	1,520
Government Sponsored Enterprises		959		38		—		997
Mortgage-backed securities		145,696		480		1,878		144,298
Small Business Administration pools		50,560		208		584		50,184
State and local government		54,702		907		1,075		54,534
Corporate and other securities		1,932		—		71		1,861
	$	255,387	$	1,633	$	3,626	$	253,394

Note 4—INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

HELD-TO-MATURITY

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
December 31, 2017
State and local government	$	17,012	$	223	$	15	$	17,220
	$	17,012	$	223	$	15	$	17,220

			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands)	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
December 31, 2016
State and local government	$	17,193	$	54	$	133	$	17,114
	$	17,193	$	54	$	133	$	17,114

At December 31, 2017, corporate and other securities available-for-sale included the following at fair value: mutual funds at $790.0 thousand and foreign debt of $60.0 thousand. At December 31, 2016, corporate and other securities available-for-sale included the following at fair value: mutual funds at $801.1 thousand, foreign debt of $60.1 thousand, and corporate preferred stock in the amount of $1.0 million. Other investments, at cost, include Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock in the amount of $1.6 million and corporate stock in the amount of $1.0 million at December 31, 2017. The Company held $1.8 million of FHLB stock at December 31, 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale amounted to $25.3 million, gross realized gains amounted to $422 thousand and gross realized losses amounted to $22 thousand. For the year ended December 31, 2016, proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale amounted to $32.2 million, gross realized gains amounted to $601 thousand and there were no gross realized losses. For the year ended December 31, 2015, proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale amounted to $26.1 million, gross realized gains amounted to $380 thousand and gross realized losses amounted to $25 thousand. The tax provision applicable to the net realized gain was approximately $134 thousand, $204 thousand, and $121 thousand for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Note 4—INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2017, by expected maturity, follow. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations with or without prepayment penalties. Mortgage-backed securities are included in the year corresponding with the remaining expected life.

(Dollars in thousands)	Available-for-sale				Held-to-maturity
	Amortized		Fair		Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value		Cost		Value

Due in one year or less	$	10,304	$	10,245	$	—	$	—
Due after one year through five years		140,373		139,921		2,622		2,618
Due after five years through ten years		58,259		57,513		7,246		7,306
Due after ten years		56,450		57,145		7,144		7,296
	$	265,386	$	264,824	$	17,012	$	17,220

Securities with an amortized cost of $101.2 million and fair value of $100.2 million at December 31, 2017 were pledged to secure FHLB advances, public deposits, and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. Securities with an amortized cost of $102.8 million and fair value of $107.6 million at December 31, 2016 were pledged to secure FHLB advances, public deposits, and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

The following tables show gross unrealized losses and fair values, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
Available-for-sale securities:
US Treasury	$	—	$	—	$	1,505	$	24	$	1,505	$	24
Government Sponsored Enterprise mortgage-backed securities		50,377		420		46,071		1,282		96,448		1,702
Small Business Administration pools		17,607		164		16,311		166		33,918		330
State and local government		3,639		15		12,990		401		16,629		416
Corporate bonds and other		—		—		790		82		790		82
Total	$	71,623	$	599	$	77,667	$	1,955	$	149,290	$	2,554

	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
Held-to-maturity securities:
State and local government	$	2,899	$	15	$	—	$	—	$	2,899	$	15
Total	$	2,899	$	15	$	—	$	—	$	2,899	$	15

Note 4—INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
Available-for-sale securities:
US Treasury	$	1,520	$	18	$	—	$	—	$	1,520	$	18
Government Sponsored Enterprise mortgage-backed securities		77,389		1,597		16,655		281		94,044		1,878
Small Business Administration pools		15,213		206		23,382		378		38,595		584
State and local government		17,502		1,075		—		—		17,502		1,075
Corporate bonds and other		—		—		801		71		801		71
Total	$	111,624	$	2,896	$	40,838	$	730	$	152,462	$	3,626

	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
Held-to-maturity securities:
State and local government	$	10,245	$	133	$	—	$	—	$	10,245	$	133
Total	$	10,245	$	133	$	—	$	—	$	10,245	$	133

Note 4—INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

Government Sponsored Enterprise, Mortgage-Backed Securities: The Company owned mortgage-backed securities (“MBSs”), including collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), issued by government sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) with an amortized cost of $145.0 million and $145.3 million and approximate fair value of $143.6 million and $143.9 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, all of the MBSs issued by GSEs were classified as “Available for Sale.” Unrealized losses on certain of these investments are not considered to be “other than temporary,” and we have the intent and ability to hold these until they mature or recover the current book value. The contractual cash flows of the investments are guaranteed by the GSE. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required sell these securities before a recovery of its amortized cost, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider the investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2017.

Non-agency Mortgage Backed Securities: The Company holds private label mortgage-backed securities (“PLMBSs”), including CMOs, at December 31, 2017 with an amortized cost of $199.9 thousand and approximate fair value of $204.1 thousand. The Company held private label mortgage-backed securities (“PLMBSs”), including CMOs, at December 31, 2016 with an amortized cost of $427.2 thousand and approximate fair value of $436.5 thousand. Management monitors each of these securities on a quarterly basis to identify any deterioration in the credit quality, collateral values and credit support underlying the investments.

During the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, no OTTI charges were recorded in earnings for the PLMBS portfolio. At December 31, 2017 the Company does not own any securities rated below investment grade.

State and Local Governments and Other: Management monitors these securities on a quarterly basis to identify any deterioration in the credit quality. Included in the monitoring is a review of the credit rating, a financial analysis and certain demographic data on the underlying issuer. The Company does not consider these securities to be OTTI at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Note 5—LOANS

Loans summarized by category are as follows:

	December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	51,040	$	42,704
Real estate:
Construction		45,401		45,746
Mortgage-residential		46,901		47,472
Mortgage-commercial		460,276		371,112
Consumer:
Home equity		32,451		31,368
Other		10,736		8,307
Total	$	646,805	$	546,709

Activity in the allowance for loan losses was as follows:

	Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Balance at the beginning of year	$	5,214		$	4,596		$	4,132
Provision for loan losses		530			774			1,138
Charged off loans		(173	)		(239	)		(807	)
Recoveries		226			83			133
Balance at end of year	$	5,797		$	5,214		$	4,596

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

The detailed activity in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans receivable as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
							Real estate		Real estate
				Real estate			Mortgage		Mortgage			Consumer			Consumer
	Commercial			Construction			Residential		Commercial			Home equity			Other			Unallocated		Total
2017
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	145		$	104		$	438	$	2,793		$	153		$	127		$	1,454	$	5,214
Charge-offs		(5	)		—			—		(30	)		(7	)		(131	)		—		(173	)
Recoveries		5			—			5		172			24			20			—		226
Provisions		76			(3	)		18		142			138			19			140		530
Ending balance	$	221		$	101		$	461	$	3,077		$	308		$	35		$	1,594	$	5,797

Ending balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—		$	2	$	25		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	27

Collectively evaluated for impairment		221			101			459		3,052			308			35			1,594		5,770

Loans receivable:
Ending balance-total	$	51,040		$	45,401		$	46,901	$	460,276		$	32,451		$	10,736		$	—	$	646,805

Ending balances:

Individually evaluated for impairment		—			—			413		4,742			—			—			—		5,155

Collectively evaluated for impairment		51,040			45,401			46,488		455,534			32,451			10,736			—		641,650

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
					Real estate			Real estate
			Real estate		Mortgage			Mortgage			Consumer			Consumer
	Commercial		Construction		Residential			Commercial			Home equity			Other			Unallocated			Total
2016
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	75	$	51	$	223		$	2,036		$	127		$	37		$	2,047		$	4,596
Charge-offs		—		—		(11	)		(136	)		(20	)		(72	)		—			(239	)
Recoveries		5		—		40			21			3			14			—			83
Provisions		65		53		186			872			43			148			(593	)		774
Ending balance	$	145	$	104	$	438		$	2,793		$	153		$	127		$	1,454		$	5,214

Ending balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—	$	—	$	2		$	4		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	6

Collectively evaluated for impairment		145		104		436			2,789			153			127			1,454			5,208

Loans receivable:
Ending balance-total	$	42,704	$	45,746	$	47,472		$	371,112		$	31,368		$	8,307		$	—		$	546,709

Ending balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment		—		—		639			5,124			56			—			—			5,819

Collectively evaluated for impairment		42,704		45,746		46,833			365,988			31,312			8,307			—			540,890

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
						Real estate			Real estate
				Real estate		Mortgage			Mortgage			Consumer			Consumer
	Commercial			Construction		Residential			Commercial			Home equity			Other			Unallocated			Total
2015
Allowance for loan losses:
Beginning balance	$	67		$	45	$	179		$	1,572		$	134		$	44		$	2,091		$	4,132
Charge-offs		(69	)		—		(50	)		(626	)		—			(62	)		—			(807	)
Recoveries		6			—		7			33			3			84			—			133
Provisions		71			6		87			1,057			(10	)		(29	)		(44	)		1,138
Ending balance	$	75		$	51	$	223		$	2,036		$	127		$	37		$	2,047		$	4,596

Ending balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	—		$	—	$	3		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3

Collectively evaluated for impairment		75			51		220			2,036			127			37			2,047			4,593

Loans receivable:
Ending balance-total	$	37,809		$	35,829	$	49,077		$	326,978		$	30,906		$	8,592		$	—		$	489,191

Ending balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment		9			—		848			5,620			—			—			—			6,477

Collectively evaluated for impairment		37,800			35,829		48,229			321,358			30,906			8,592			—			482,714

At December 31, 2017 $57.3 million of loans acquired in the Cornerstone acquisition were excluded in the evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. These loans were recorded at fair value at acquisition which included a credit component of approximately $1.5 million. Loans acquired prior to 2017 have been included in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses.

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

Related party loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and generally do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability. The following table presents related party loan transactions for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

(Dollars in thousands)	For the years ended December 31,
	2017		2016
Balance, beginning of year	$	6,103	$	7,037

New Loans		545		481

Less loan repayments		1,099		1,415
Balance, end of year	$	5,549	$	6,103

The following table presents at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, loans individually evaluated and considered impaired under FASB ASC 310 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Impairment includes performing troubled debt restructurings.

	December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Total loans considered impaired at year end	$	5,155	$	5,819	$	6,477
Loans considered impaired for which there is a related allowance for loan loss:
Outstanding loan balance	$	1,669	$	224	$	49
Related allowance	$	27	$	6	$	3
Loans considered impaired and previously written down to fair value	$	3,485	$	5,595	$	6,428
Average impaired loans	$	5,513	$	8,727	$	9,518
Amount of interest earned during period of impairment	$	132	$	112	$	64

The following tables are by loan category and present at December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 loans individually evaluated and considered impaired under FASB ASC 310, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” Impairment includes performing troubled debt restructurings.

(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2017			Unpaid				Average		Interest
	Recorded		Principal		Related		Recorded		Income
	Investment		Balance		Allowance		Investment		Recognized
With no allowance recorded:
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		371		437		—		399		—
Mortgage-commercial		3,087		5,966		—		3,420		13
Consumer:
Home Equity		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial		—		—		—		—		—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		42		42		2		43		2
Mortgage-commercial		1,654		2,261		25		1,652		117
Consumer:
Home Equity		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

Total:
Commercial		—		—		—		—		—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		413		479		2		442		2
Mortgage-commercial		4,742		8,227		25		5,072		130
Consumer:
Home Equity		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—
	$	5,155	$	8,706	$	27	$	5,513	$	132

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2016			Unpaid				Average		Interest
	Recorded		Principal		Related		Recorded		Income
	Investment		Balance		Allowance		Investment		Recognized
With no allowance recorded:
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		593		603		—		660		—
Mortgage-commercial		4,946		6,821		—		7,777		98
Consumer:
Home Equity		56		56		—		56		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial		—		—		—		—		—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		46		46		2		48		2
Mortgage-commercial		178		178		4		186		12
Consumer:
Home Equity		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

Total:
Commercial		—		—		—		—		—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		639		649		2		708		2
Mortgage-commercial		5,124		6,999		4		7,963		110
Consumer:
Home Equity		56		56		—		56		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—
	$	5,819	$	7,704	$	6	$	8,727	$	112

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2015			Unpaid				Average		Interest
	Recorded		Principal		Related		Recorded		Income
	Investment		Balance		Allowance		Investment		Recognized
With no allowance recorded:
Commercial	$	9	$	9	$	—	$	13	$	—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		799		874		—		1,082		1
Mortgage-commercial		5,620		7,548		—		8,372		60
Consumer:
Home Equity		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial		—		—		—		—		—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		49		49		3		51		3
Mortgage-commercial		—		—		—		—		—
Consumer:
Home Equity		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

Total:
Commercial		9		9		—		13		—
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Mortgage-residential		848		923		3		1,133		4
Mortgage-commercial		5,620		7,548		—		8,372		60
Consumer:
Home Equity		—		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—
	$	6,477	$	8,480	$	3	$	9,518	$	64

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a monthly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention. Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

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

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

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be “Pass” rated loans. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is shown in the table below. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no loans were classified as doubtful.

(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2017			Special
	Pass		Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Commercial, financial & agricultural	$	50,680	$	179	$	181	$	—	$	51,040
Real estate:
Construction		45,401		—		—		—		45,401
Mortgage – residential		45,343		720		838		—		46,901
Mortgage – commercial		446,531		7,698		6,047		—		460,276
Consumer:
Home Equity		30,618		1,524		309		—		32,451
Other		10,731		—		5		—		10,736
Total	$	629,304	$	10,121	$	7,380	$	—	$	646,805

(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2016			Special
	Pass		Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Commercial, financial & agricultural	$	42,486	$	218	$	—	$	—	$	42,704
Real estate:
Construction		45,746		—		—		—		45,746
Mortgage – residential		45,751		622		1,099		—		47,472
Mortgage – commercial		358,767		5,773		6,572		—		371,112
Consumer:
Home Equity		30,929		180		259		—		31,368
Other		8,301		6		—		—		8,307
Total	$	531,980	$	6,799	$	7,930	$	—	$	546,709

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, non-accrual loans totaled $3.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The gross interest income which would have been recorded under the original terms of the non-accrual loans amounted to $230 thousand and $340 thousand in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest recorded on non-accrual loans in 2017 and 2016 amounted to $8 thousand and $6 thousand, respectively.

Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) that are still accruing are included in impaired loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $1.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Interest earned during 2017 and 2016 on these loans amounted to $132 thousand and $112 thousand, respectively.

There were loans of $32.0 thousand and $53.0 thousand that were greater than 90 days delinquent and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The following tables are by loan category and present loans past due and on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2017	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days and Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
Commercial	$	26	$	—	$	32	$	—	$	58	$	50,982	$	51,040
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—		45,401		45,401
Mortgage-residential		109		38		—		371		518		46,383		46,901
Mortgage-commercial		290		828		—		2,971		4,089		456,187		460,276
Consumer:
Home equity		805		36		—		—		841		31,610		32,451
Other		1		5		—		—		6		10,730		10,736
Total	$	1,231	$	907	$	32	$	3,342	$	5,512	$	641,293	$	646,805

(Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2016	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days and Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
Commercial	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	11	$	42,693	$	42,704
Real estate:
Construction		—		—		—		—		—		45,746		45,746
Mortgage-residential		194		145		32		593		964		46,508		47,472
Mortgage-commercial		995		337		—		3,400		4,732		366,380		371,112
Consumer:
Home equity		59		64		16		56		195		31,173		31,368
Other		16		1		5		—		22		8,285		8,307
Total	$	1,275	$	547	$	53	$	4,049	$	5,924	$	540,785	$	546,709

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

The following table, by loan category, presents loans determined to be TDRs during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2017. There were no loans determined to be TDRs during the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Troubled Debt Restructurings	For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
	Number of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
TDRs
Mortgage-Commercial		1	$	189	$	189
Total TDRs		1	$	189	$	189

During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2017, the Company determined one loan to be a TDR and lowered the rate due to borrower financial hardship.

There were no loans determined to be TDRs in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017 that had payment subsequent payment defaults. Defaulted loans are those loans that are greater than 90 days past due

In the determination of the allowance for loan losses, all TDRs are reviewed to ensure that one of the three proper valuation methods (fair market value of the collateral, present value of cash flows, or observable market price) is adhered to. All non-accrual loans are written down to its corresponding collateral value. All TDR accruing loans where the loan balance exceeds the present value of cash flow will have a specific allocation. All nonaccrual loans are considered impaired. Under ASC 310-10, a loan is impaired when it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due including both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

Note 5—LOANS (Continued)

A summary of changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 follows (dollars in thousands):

(Dollars in thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2017			Year Ended December 31, 2016			Year Ended December 31, 2015

Accretable yield, beginning of period	$	34		$	92		$	75
Additions		10			—			—
Accretion		(67	)		(170	)		(544	)
Reclassification of nonaccretable difference due to improvement in expected cash flows		44			112			561
Other changes, net		—			—			—
Accretable yield, end of period	$	21		$	34		$	92

At December 31, 2017 and 2016 the recorded investment in purchased impaired loans was $733 thousand and $593 thousand respectively. The unpaid principal balance was $1.0 million and $811 thousand at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 these loans were all secured by commercial real estate.

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The Company adopted FASB ASC Fair Value Measurement Topic 820, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level l	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

FASB ASC 825-10-50 “Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires the Company to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below.

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Cash and short term investments—The carrying amount of these financial instruments (cash and due from banks, interest-bearing bank balances, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell) approximates fair value. All mature within 90 days and do not present unanticipated credit concerns and are classified as Level 1.

Investment Securities—Measurement is on a recurring basis based upon quoted market prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for prepayment assumptions, projected credit losses, and liquidity. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, or by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued both by government sponsored enterprises and private label mortgage-backed securities. Generally these fair values are priced from established pricing models. Level 3 securities include corporate debt obligations and asset–backed securities that are less liquid or for which there is an inactive market.

Loans Held for Sale— The Company originates fixed rate residential loans on a servicing released basis in the secondary market. Loans closed but not yet settled with an investor, are carried in the Company’s loans held for sale portfolio. These loans are fixed rate residential loans that have been originated in the Company’s name and have closed. Virtually all of these loans have commitments to be purchased by investors at a locked in price with the investors on the same day that the loan was locked in with the Company’s customers. Therefore, these loans present very little market risk for the Company and are classified as Level 2. The carrying amount of these loans approximates fair value.

Loans—The fair value of loans are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities and are classified as Level 2. As discount rates are based on current loan rates as well as management estimates, the fair values presented may not be indicative of the value negotiated in an actual sale. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be Level 3 inputs.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) — OREO is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value is based upon independent appraisals or management’s estimation of the collateral and is considered a Level 3 measurement.

Accrued Interest Receivable—The fair value approximates the carrying value and is classified as Level 1.

Deposits—The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and money market accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposits is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Deposits are classified as Level 2.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances—Fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows using current market rates for borrowings with similar terms and are classified as Level 2.

Short Term Borrowings—The carrying value of short term borrowings (securities sold under agreements to repurchase and demand notes to the Treasury) approximates fair value. These are classified as Level 2.

Junior Subordinated Debentures—The fair values of junior subordinated debentures is estimated by using discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments. These are classified as Level 2.

Accrued Interest Payable—The fair value approximates the carrying value and is classified as Level 1.

Commitments to Extend Credit—The fair value of these commitments is immaterial because their underlying interest rates approximate market.

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

The carrying amount and estimated fair value by classification Level of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:

	December 31, 2017
			Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and short term investments	$	30,591	$	30,591	$	30,591	$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities		17,012		17,220		—		17,220		—
Available-for-sale securities		264,824		264,824		790		264,034		—
Other investments, at cost		2,559		2,559		—		—		2,559
Loans held for sale		5,093		5,093		—		5,093		—
Net loans receivable		641,008		639,489		—		634,361		5,128
Accrued interest		3,489		3,489		3,489		—		—
Financial liabilities:
Non-interest bearing demand	$	226,546	$	226,546	$	—	$	226,546	$	—
NOW and money market accounts		364,358		364,358		—		364,358		—
Savings		104,756		104,756		—		104,756		—
Time deposits		192,663		192,186		—		192,186		—
Total deposits		888,323		887,846		—		887,846		—
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances		14,250		14,248		—		14,248		—
Short term borrowings		19,270		19,270		—		19,270		—
Junior subordinated debentures		14,964		15,025		—		15,025		—
Accrued interest payable		562		562		562		—		—

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

	December 31, 2016
			Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial Assets:
Cash and short term investments	$	21,999	$	21,999	$	21,999	$	—	$	—
Held-to-maturity securities		17,193		17,114		—		17,114		—
Available-for-sale securities		253,394		253,394		801		251,593		1,000
Other investments, at cost		1,809		1,809		—		—		1,809
Loans held for sale		5,707		5,707		—		5,707		—
Net loans receivable		541,495		540,487		—		534,674		5,813
Accrued interest		2,925		2,925		2,925		—		—
Financial liabilities:
Non-interest bearing demand	$	182,915	$	182,915	$	—	$	182,915	$	—
NOW and money market accounts		327,459		327,459		—		327,459		—
Savings		75,012		75,012		—		75,012		—
Time deposits		181,236		181,638		—		181,638		—
Total deposits		766,622		767,024		—		767,024		—
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances		24,035		24,518		—		24,518		—
Short term borrowings		19,527		19,527		—		19,527		—
Junior subordinated debentures		14,964		15,258		—		15,258		—
Accrued interest payable		602		602		602		—		—

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

The following table summarizes quantitative disclosures about the fair value for each category of assets carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 that are measured on a recurring basis. There were no liabilities carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 that are measured on a recurring basis.

(Dollars in thousands)

Description	December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities
US Treasury Securities	$	1,505	$	—	$	1,505	$	—
Government sponsored enterprises		1,109		—		1,109		—
Mortgage-backed securities		143,768		—		143,768		—
Small Business Administration securities		61,588		—		61,588		—
State and local government		56,004		—		56,004		—
Corporate and other securities		850		790		60		—
		264,824		790		264,034		—
Loans held for sale		5,093		—		5,093		—
Total	$	269,917	$	790	$	269,127	$	—

(Dollars in thousands)

Description	December 31, 2016		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities
US Treasury Securities	$	1,520	$	—	$	1,520	$	—
Government sponsored enterprises		997		—		997		—
Mortgage-backed securities		144,298		—		144,298		—
Small Business Administration securities		50,184		—		50,184		—
State and local government		54,534		—		54,534		—
Corporate and other securities		1,861		801		60		1,000
		253,394		801		251,593		1,000
Loans held for sale		5,707		—		5,707		—
Total	$	259,101	$	801	$	257,300	$	1,000

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

The following tables reconcile the changes in Level 3 financial instruments for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 measured on a recurring basis:

	2017
(Dollars in thousands)	Corporate Preferred Stock
Beginning Balance December 31, 2016	$	1,000
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings		—
Included in other comprehensive income		—
Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)		—
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		(1,000	)
Ending Balance December 31, 2017	$	—

	2016
(Dollars in thousands)	Corporate Preferred Stock
Beginning Balance December 31, 2015	$	417
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings		—
Included in other comprehensive income		—
Purchases, issuances, and settlements (net)		583
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		—
Ending Balance December 31, 2016		$ 1,000

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

The following tables summarize quantitative disclosures about the fair value for each category of assets carried at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 that are measured on a non-recurring basis. There were no liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

(Dollars in thousands)
Description	December 31, 2017		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired loans:
Commercial & Industrial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Real estate:
Mortgage-residential		411		—		—		411
Mortgage-commercial		4,717		—		—		4,717
Consumer:
Home equity		—		—		—		—
Other		—		—		—		—
Total impaired		5,129		—		—		5,129
Other real estate owned:
Construction		828		—		—		828
Mortgage-residential		47		—		—		47
Mortgage-commercial		1,059		—		—		1,059
Total other real estate owned		1,934		—		—		1,934
Total	$	7,062	$	—	$	—	$	7,062

(Dollars in thousands)
Description	December 31, 2016		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired loans:
Commercial & Industrial	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Real estate:
Mortgage-residential		637		—		—		637
Mortgage-commercial		5,120		—		—		5,120
Consumer:
Home equity		56		—		—		56
Other		—		—		—		—
Total impaired		5,813		—		—		5,813
Other real estate owned:
Construction		141		—		—		141
Mortgage-residential		269		—		—		269
Mortgage-commercial		736		—		—		736
Total other real estate owned		1,146		—		—		1,146
Total	$	6,959	$	—	$	—	$	6,959

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

The Company has a large percentage of loans with real estate serving as collateral. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair value of the underlying real estate collateral. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be Level 3 inputs. Third party appraisals are generally obtained when a loan is identified as being impaired or at the time it is transferred to OREO. This internal process would consist of evaluating the underlying collateral to independently obtained comparable properties. With respect to less complex or smaller credits, an internal evaluation may be performed. Generally the independent and internal evaluations are updated annually. Factors considered in determining the fair value include geographic sales trends, the value of comparable surrounding properties as well as the condition of the property. The aggregate amount of impaired loans was $5.2 million and $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and year ended December 31, 2016, respectively.

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Fair Value as
of December 31,
2017

Valuation Technique

Significant
Observable
Inputs

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

OREO

1,934

Appraisal Value/Comparison Sales/Other estimates

Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties

Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost

Impaired loans

5,129

Appraisal Value

Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties

Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost

Note 6– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

Fair Value as
of December 31,
2016

Valuation Technique

Significant
Observable
Inputs

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

Corporate and Other Securities

1,000

Estimation based on comparable non-listed securities

Comparable transactions

n/a

OREO

1,146

Appraisal Value/Comparison Sales/Other estimates

Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties

Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost

Impaired loans

5,813

Appraisal Value

Appraisals and or sales of comparable properties

Appraisals discounted 6% to 16% for sales commissions and other holding cost

Note 7—PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

	December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016
Land	$	10,683	$	8,629
Premises		28,684		24,722
Equipment		4,673		3,819
Fixed assets in progress		863		14
		44,903		37,184
Accumulated depreciation		8,800		7,351
	$	36,103	$	29,833

Provision for depreciation included in operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $1.5 million, $1.3 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

Note 8—GOODWILL, CORE DEPOSIT INTANGIBLE AND OTHER ASSETS

Intangible assets (excluding goodwill) consisted of the following:

	December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016
Core deposit premiums, gross carrying amount	$	3,358		$	1,548
Other intangibles		538			538
		3,896			2,086
Accumulated amortization		(1,327	)		(984	)
Net	$	2,569		$	1,102

Amortization of the intangibles amounted to $343 thousand, $318 thousand and $387 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

On October 20, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Cornerstone Bancorp (“Cornerstone”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cornerstone National Bank. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cornerstone shareholders received either $11.00 in cash or 0.54 shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, for each Cornerstone share they owned immediately prior to the merger, subject to the limitation that 70% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock were exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock and 30% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone were exchanged for cash. The Company issued 877,384 shares of common stock in the merger. Total intangibles, including goodwill of $9.5 million and a core deposit premium of $1.8 million, were recorded in conjunction with the acquisition.

On February 1, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Savannah River and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SRBC. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Savannah River shareholders received either $11.00 in cash or 1.0618 shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, for each Savannah River share they owned immediately prior to the merger, subject to the limitation that 60% of the outstanding shares of Savannah River common stock were exchanged for cash and 40% of the outstanding shares of Savannah River common stock were exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company issued 1,274,200 shares of common stock in connection with the merger. Total intangibles, including goodwill of $4.5 million and a core deposit premium of $1.2 million, were recorded in conjunction with the acquisition.

On September 26, 2014, the Bank completed its acquisition and assumption of approximately $40 million in deposits and $8.7 million in loans from First South. This represented all of the deposits and a portion of the loans at First South’s Columbia, South Carolina banking office located at 1333 Main Street. The Bank paid a premium of $714 thousand for the deposits and loans acquired. The deposits and loans from First South have been consolidated into the Bank’s branch located at 1213 Lady Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The premium paid of $714 thousand plus fair value adjustments recorded on loans and deposits acquired resulted in a core deposit intangible of $365.9 thousand and other identifiable intangible assets in the amount of $538.6 thousand being recorded related to this transaction.

As a result of the acquisition of Palmetto South mortgage on July 31, 2011, we have recorded goodwill in the amount of $571 thousand.

Total goodwill from acquisitions at December 31, 2017 and 2016 totaled $14.6 million. The goodwill is tested for impairment annually having identified none as of December 31, 2017 or 2016.

Bank-owned life insurance provides benefits to various bank officers. The carrying value of all existing policies at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $25.4 million and $20.9 million, respectively.

100

Note 9—OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

The following summarizes the activity in the other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Balance—beginning of year	$	1,146	$	2,458
Additions—foreclosures		1,275		579
Writedowns		39		76
Sales		448		1,815
Balance, end of year	$	1,934	$	1,146

Note 10—DEPOSITS

The Company’s total deposits are comprised of the following at the dates indicated:

	December 31,		December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016
Non-interest bearing demand deposits	$	226,546	$	182,915
Interest bearing demand deposits and money market accounts		364,358		327,459
Savings		104,756		75,012
Time deposits		192,663		181,236
Total deposits	$	888,323	$	766,622

At December 31, 2017, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
2018	$	107,235
2019		41,528
2020		19,997
2021		15,624
2022		8,279
	$	192,663

Interest paid on time deposits of $100 thousand or more totaled $573 thousand, $606 thousand, and $603 thousand in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250 thousand at year end 2017 and 2016 were $38.4 million and $37.7 million, respectively.

Deposits from directors and executive officers and their related interests at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to approximately $7.0 million and $10.3 million, respectively.

The amount of overdrafts classified as loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $165 thousand and $267 thousand, respectively.

101

Note 11—SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE AND OTHER BORROWED MONEY

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within one to four days from the transaction date. The weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 0.74% and 0.19%, respectively. The maximum month-end balance during 2017 and 2016 was $21.3 million and $23.7 million, respectively. The average outstanding balance during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $19.2 million and $21.4 million, respectively, with an average rate paid of 0.37% and 0.20%, respectively. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are collateralized by securities with fair market values exceeding the total balance of the agreement.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had unused short-term lines of credit totaling $30.0 million.

Note 12—ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK

Advances from the FHLB at December 31, 2017 and 2016, consisted of the following:

	December 31,
(In thousands)	2017					2016
Maturing	Amount		Rate			Amount		Rate
2017	$	—		—		$	11,000		0.65	%
2018		14,000		1.41	%
2019		—		—			3,813		2.94	%
2020		250		1.00	%		4,519		3.26	%
2021		—		—			4,703		3.09	%
	$	14,250		1.40	%	$	24,035		1.98	%

As collateral for its advances, the Company has pledged in the form of blanket liens, eligible loans, in the amount of $35.3 million at December 31, 2017. No securities have been pledged as collateral for advances as of December 31, 2017. As collateral for its advances, the Company has pledged in the form of blanket liens, eligible loans, in the amount of $40.2 million at December 31, 2016. No securities have been pledged as collateral for advances as of December 31, 2016. Advances are subject to prepayment penalties. The average advances during 2017 and 2016 were $17.1 million and $23.4 million, respectively. The average interest rate for 2017 and 2016 was 1.72% and 2.96%, respectively. The maximum outstanding amount at any month end was $39.3 million and $32.8 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company prepaid advances in the amount of $13.3 million, $35.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively, and realized losses on the early extinguishment of $447 thousand, $459 thousand and $199 thousand, respectively.

Note 13—JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT

On September 16, 2004, FCC Capital Trust I (“Trust I”), a wholly owned unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company, issued and sold floating rate securities having an aggregate liquidation amount of $15.0 million. The Trust I securities accrue and pay distributions quarterly at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 257 basis points. The distributions are cumulative and payable in arrears. The Company has the right, subject to events of default, to defer payments of interest on the Trust I securities for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters, provided no extension can extend beyond the maturity date of September 16, 2034. The Trust I securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity at September 16, 2034. If the Trust I securities are redeemed on or after September 16, 2009, the redemption price will be 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Trust I security were eligible to be redeemed in whole but not in part, at any time prior to September 16, 2009 following an occurrence of a tax event, a capital treatment event or an investment company event. Currently, these securities qualify under risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations. The Company has no current intention to exercise its right to defer payments of interest on the Trust I securities. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company redeemed $500 thousand of this Trust I security. This resulted in a gain of $130 thousand received in 2015.

102

Note 14—INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 consists of the following:

	Year ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016			2015
Current
Federal	$	1,665	$	2,491		$	2,116
State		92		36			387
		1,757		2,627			2,503
Deferred
Federal		1,573		(460	)		(227	)
State		—		—			—
		1,573		(460	)		(227	)
Income tax expense	$	3,330	$	2,167		$	2,276

Reconciliation from expected federal tax expense to effective income tax expense (benefit) for the periods indicated are as follows:

	Year ended December 31
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Expected federal income tax expense	$	3,109		$	3,009		$	2,857
State income tax net of federal benefit		61			90			255
Tax exempt interest		(593	)		(608	)		(531	)
Increase in cash surrender value life insurance		(212	)		(206	)		(139	)
Valuation allowance		216			2			35
Merger expenses		92			—			—
Low income housing tax credits		(186	)		(186	)		(186	)
Excess tax benefit of stock compensation		(197	)		—			—
Deferred tax adjustment resulting from tax rate change		1,247			—			—
Other		(207	)		66			(15	)
	$	3,330		$	2,167		$	2,276

103

Note 14—INCOME TAXES (continued)

The following is a summary of the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities:

	December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016
Assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	1,250	$	1,798
Excess tax basis of deductible intangible assets		554		293
Excess tax basis of assets acquired		184		215
Net operating loss carry forward		891		424
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities		118		642
Compensation expense deferred for tax purposes		909		1,286
Deferred loss on other-than-temporary-impairment charges		5		8
Tax credit carry-forwards		73		17
Other		351		675
Total deferred tax asset		4,335		5,358
Valuation reserve		705		489
Total deferred tax asset net of valuation reserve		3,630		4,869
Liabilities:
Tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation		358		357
Excess financial reporting basis of assets acquired		1,211		1,310
Total deferred tax liabilities		1,569		1,667
Net deferred tax asset recognized	$	2,061	$	3,202

At December 31 2017 the Company has approximately $15.2 million in State net operating losses. A valuation allowance is established to fully offset the deferred tax asset related to these net operating losses of the holding company as well as capital losses of $103 thousand for which realizability is uncertain. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Additional amounts of these deferred tax assets considered to be realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced. The net deferred asset is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35%, effective for 2018, among other things. As a result of the change in tax rates we revalued our deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect realization at the lower rate effective December 22, 2017, the date the law was enacted. The impact of this adjustment was to increase our deferred tax expense by approximately $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The lower tax rate will decrease the overall tax rate in future periods.

A portion of the change in the net deferred tax asset relates to unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale. The change in the tax expense related to the change in unrealized losses on these securities of $524 thousand has been recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. The portion of the change on unrealized losses on the securities related directly to the change in tax rates was adjusted through tax expense and amounted to approximately $149 thousand and it is included in the overall $1.2 million adjustment related to the tax rate change. The balance in the change in net deferred tax asset results from the current period deferred tax expense of $617 thousand, purchase accounting adjustments of $216 thousand and net deferred tax assets acquired in the Cornerstone transaction of approximately $1.2 million. At December 31, 2017 the Company had a federal net operating loss carryforward in the amount of $1.4 million acquired in the Cornerstone transaction. There are statutory limitations on the amount that can be utilized in each year. It is anticipated that all of the net operating loss will be utilized prior to expiration.

Tax returns for 2014 and subsequent years are subject to examination by taxing authorities.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. It is the Company’s policy to account for interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

104

Note 15—COMMITMENTS, CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK AND CONTINGENCIES

The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments as for on-balance sheet instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank had commitments to extend credit including lines of credit of $107.6 million and $87.3 million respectively.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements 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 a payment of a fee. Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitments 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 extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the party. Collateral held varies but may include inventory, property and equipment, residential real estate and income producing commercial properties.

The primary market areas served by the Bank include the Midlands Region of South Carolina to include Lexington, Richland, Newberry and Kershaw Counties; the Central Savannah River Region to include Aiken County, South Carolina and Richmond and Columbia Counties in Georgia. With the acquisition of Cornerstone we also serve Greenville, Anderson and Pickens Counties in South Carolina which we refer to as the Upstate Region.. Management closely monitors its credit concentrations and attempts to diversify the portfolio within its primary market area. The Company considers concentrations of credit risk to exist when pursuant to regulatory guidelines, the amounts loaned to multiple borrowers engaged in similar business activities represent 25% or more of the Bank’s risk based capital, or approximately $26.2 million. Based on this criteria, the Bank had four such concentrations at December 31, 2017, including $104.2 million (16.1% of total loans excluding held for sale) to private households, $198.6 million (30.7% of total loans) to lessors of non-residential properties, $66.6 million (10.3% of total loans) to lessors of residential properties and $38.5 million (6.0% of total loans) to religious organizations. As reflected above, private households and lessors of non-residential properties equate to approximately 99.3% and 189.3% of total regulatory capital, respectively. The risk in these portfolios is diversified over a large number of loans approximately 1,605 for private households and 391 loans for lessors of non-residential properties.. Commercial real estate loans and commercial construction loans represent $491.6 million, or 76.0%, of the portfolio. Approximately $181.6 million, or 36.9%, of the total commercial real estate loans are owner occupied, which can tend to reduce the risk associated with these credits. Although the Bank’s loan portfolio, as well as existing commitments, reflects the diversity of its market areas, a substantial portion of its debtor’s ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the economic stability of these areas.

The nature of the business of the Company and Bank may at times result in a certain amount of litigation. The Bank is involved in certain litigation that is considered incidental to the normal conduct of business. Management believes that the liabilities, if any, resulting from the proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, consolidated results of operations or consolidated cash flows of the Company.

105

Note 16—OTHER EXPENSES

A summary of the components of other non-interest expense is as follows:

	Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016		2015
ATM/debit card, bill payment and data processing*	$	1,412	$	798	$	605
Supplies		165		130		137
Telephone		378		349		357
Courier		106		95		89
Correspondent services		227		237		207
Insurance		394		291		265
Postage		113		182		185
Loss on limited partnership interest		161		172		188
Director fees		378		391		367
Legal and Professional fees		991		738		586
Shareholder expense		131		172		130
Other		1,552		1,207		1,123
	$	6,008	$	4,762	$	4,239

*In June of 2017, the company moved its data processing from an in-house environment to an out-sourcing environment with FIS.

106

Note 17—STOCK OPTIONS, RESTRICTED STOCK, AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The Company has adopted a stock option plan whereby shares have been reserved for issuance by the Company upon the grant of stock options or restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had 341,114 and 346,294 shares, respectively, reserved for future grants. The 350,000 shares reserved were approved by shareholders at the 2011 annual meeting. The plan provides for the grant of options to key employees and directors as determined by a stock option committee made up of at least two members of the board of directors. Options are exercisable for a period of ten years from date of grant.

There were no stock options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

In 2017, 2016 and 2015, each non-employee director received 245, 379 and 427 common shares of restricted stock, respectively, in connection with their overall compensation plan. In 2017, there were 3,430 restricted shares granted at a value of $20.38 per share. The 2017 shares vested on January 1, 2018. In 2016, there were 5,303 restricted shares granted at a value of $13.20 per share. The 2016 shares vested on January 1, 2017. In 2015, there were 6,410 restricted shares granted at a value of $11.70 per share. The 2015 shares vested on January 1, 2016. In 2017, 2016 and 2015, 2,103, 17,179 and 6,463 restricted shares, respectively, were issued to executive officers in connection with the Bank’s incentive compensation plan. The shares were valued at $20.38, $13.20 and $11.70 per share, respectively. Restricted shares granted to executive officers under the incentive compensation plan cliff vest over a three-year period from the date of grant. The assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts for the awards granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015 are based on the price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

In 2014, 29,228 restricted shares were issued to senior officers of SRBC and retained by the Company in connection with the merger. The shares were valued at $10.55 per share. Restricted shares granted to these officers vest in three equal annual installments beginning on January 31, 2015.

Warrants to purchase 97,180 shares at $5.90 per share were issued in connection with the issuing of subordinated debt on November 15, 2011 and remain outstanding at December 31, 2017. The remaining outstanding warrants expire on December 16, 2019. The related subordinated debt was paid off in November 2012.

In 2006, the Company established a Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan, whereby a director may elect to defer all or any part of annual retainer and monthly meeting fees payable with respect to service on the board of directors or a committee of the board. Units of common stock are credited to the director’s account at the time compensation is earned. The non-employee director’s account balance is distributed by issuance of common stock at the time of retirement or resignation from the Board. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were 110,320 and 101,888 units in the plan, respectively. The accrued liability related to the plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $1.1 million and $967 thousand, respectively, and is included in “Other liabilities” on the balance sheet.

107

Note 18—EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains a 401(k) plan, which covers substantially all employees. Participants may contribute up to the maximum allowed by the regulations. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the plan expense amounted to $405 thousand, $372 thousand and $364 thousand, respectively. The Company matches 100% of the employee’s contribution up to 3% and 50% of the employee’s contribution on the next 2% of the employee’s contribution.

The Company acquired various single premium life insurance policies from DutchFork that are used to indirectly fund fringe benefits to certain employees and officers. A salary continuation plan was established payable to two key individuals upon attainment of age 63. The plan provides for monthly benefits of $2,500 each for seventeen years. Other plans acquired were supplemental life insurance covering certain key employees. In 2006, the Company established a salary continuation plan which covers six additional key officers. In 2015, the Company established a salary continuation plan to cover additional key employees. The plans provide for monthly benefits upon normal retirement age of varying amounts for a period of fifteen years. Single premium life insurance policies were purchased in 2006, 2015 and 2017 in the amount of $3.5 million, $5.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. These policies are designed to offset the funding of these benefits. The cash surrender value at December 31, 2017 and 2016 of all bank owned life insurance was $25.4 million and $20.9 million, respectively. Expenses accrued for the anticipated benefits under the salary continuation plans for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $401 thousand, $382 thousand, and $285 thousand, respectively.

108

Note 19—EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following reconciles the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per common share computation:

	Year ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Numerator (Included in basic and diluted earnings per share)	$	5,815	$	6,682	$	6,127
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding for:
Basic earnings per common share		6,849		6,617		6,558
Dilutive securities:
Deferred compensation		84		112		110
Warrants—Treasury stock method		70		58		51
Diluted common shares outstanding		7,003		6,787		6,719
The average market price used in calculating assumed number of shares	$	21.16	$	14.86	$	12.31

On December 16, 2011 there were 107,500 warrants issued in connection with the issuance $2.5 million in subordinated debt (See Note 17). As shown above, the warrants were dilutive for the periods ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

109

Note 20—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

The Company and Bank are subject to various federal and state regulatory requirements, including regulatory capital requirements. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary, actions that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company and Bank capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weighting, and other factors. The Company and Bank are required to maintain minimum Tier 1 capital, Common Equity Tier I (CET1) capital, total risked based capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios of 6%, 4.5%, 8% and 4%, respectively.

In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised the risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with certain standards in Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The rules became effective as of January 1, 2015. Portions of the new rules have a phase in period. The revised rules will be fully phased in as of January 1, 2019. As of December 31, 2017, the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements under the new capital rules on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements had been effective at that time.

On October 20, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Cornerstone Bancorp (“Cornerstone”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cornerstone National Bank. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cornerstone shareholders received either $11.00 in cash or 0.54 shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, for each Cornerstone share they owned immediately prior to the merger, subject to the limitation that 70% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone common stock were exchanged for shares of the Company’s common stock and 30% of the outstanding shares of Cornerstone were exchanged for cash. The Company issued 877,384 shares of common stock in the merger.

110

Note 20—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS (Continued)

The Company and the Bank exceeded the minimum regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2017 and 2016, as set forth in the following table:

(In thousands)	Minimum Required Amount		%			Actual Amount		%			Excess Amount		%
The Bank:
December 31, 2017
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	44,396		6.0	%	$	99,118		13.4	%	$	54,722		7.4	%
Total Capital		59,195		8.0	%		104,915		14.2	%		45,720		6.2	%
CET1		33,297		4.5	%		99,118		13.4	%		65,821		8.9	%
Tier 1 Leverage		41,030		4.0	%		99,118		9.7	%		58,088		5.7	%
December 31, 2016
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	38,011		6.0	%	$	87,657		13.8	%	$	49,646		7.8	%
Total Capital		50,681		8.0	%		92,871		14.7	%		42,190		6.7	%
CET1		28,508		4.5	%		87,657		13.8	%		59,149		9.3	%
Tier 1 Leverage		35,875		4.0	%		87,657		9.8	%		51,782		5.8	%

The Company:
December 31, 2017
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	44,437		6.0	%	$	103,754		14.0	%	$	59,317		8.0	%
Total Capital		59,249		8.0	%		109,551		14.8	%		50,302		6.8	%
CET1		33,328		4.5	%		89,364		12.1	%		56,036		7.6	%
Tier 1 Leverage		41,064		4.0	%	$	103,754		10.1	%		62,690		6.1	%
December 31, 2016
Risk Based Capital
Tier 1	$	38,126		6.0	%	$	91,966		14.5	%	$	53,840		8.5	%
Total Capital		50,835		8.0	%		97,180		15.3	%		46,345		7.3	%
CET1		28,595		4.5	%		77,466		12.2	%		48,871		7.7	%
Tier 1 Leverage		35,957		4.0	%	$	91,966		10.2	%		56,009		6.2	%

The Company’s principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends to its shareholders, is dividends it receives from the Bank. Statutory and regulatory limitations apply to the Bank’s payment of dividends to the Company. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the S.C. Board, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the S.C. Board. The FDIC also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of a dividend under certain circumstances.

111

Note 20—SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS (Continued)

If our Bank is not permitted to pay cash dividends to the Company, it is unlikely that we would be able to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, and if declared by our board of directors. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our board of directors could reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future.

Note 21—PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The balance sheets, statements of operations and cash flows for First Community Corporation (Parent Only) follow:

Condensed Balance Sheets

	At December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017		2016
Assets:
Cash on deposit	$	4,367	$	2,732
Interest bearing deposits		131		—
Securities purchased under agreement to resell		129		128
Land held for sale		—		1,055
Investment in bank subsidiary		115,526		92,053
Other		729		1,005
Total assets	$	120,882	$	96,973
Liabilities:
Junior subordinated debentures	$	14,964	$	14,964
Other		255		148
Total liabilities		15,219		15,112
Shareholders’ equity		105,663		81,861
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	120,882	$	96,973

Condensed Statements of Operations

	Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Income:
Interest and dividend income	$	18		$	126		$	58
Gain on early extinguishment of debt note		—			—			130
Gain on sale of land		90			—			—
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary		3,341			4,752			4,690
Dividend income from bank subsidiary		3,001			2,606			2,181
Total income		6,450			7,484			7,059
Expenses:
Interest expense		570			493			446
Other		350			570			792
Total expense		920			1,063			1,238
Income before taxes		5,530			6,421			5,821
Income tax benefit		(285	)		(261	)		(306	)
Net income	$	5,815		$	6,682		$	6,127

112

Note 21—PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

	Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	5,815		$	6,682		$	6,127
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary		(3,341	)		(4,752	)		(4,690	)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt		—			—			130
Gain on sales of assets		(90	)
Other-net		615			463			63
Net cash provided by operating activities		2,999			2,393			1,630
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from business acquisition		131
Proceeds from sale of land		1,145
Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale		—			417			—
Net cash provided by investing activities		1,276			417			—
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid: Common stock		(2,472	)		(2,117	)		(1,833	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		371			304			229
Restricted shares surrendered		(408	)		(353	)		(98	)
Repayment of long term debt		—			—			(370	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(2,509	)		(2,166	)		(2,072	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1,766			644			(442	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year		2,732			2,088			2,530
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	4,498		$	2,732		$	2,088

Note 22—SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. Non-recognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date. Management has reviewed events occurring through the date the financial statements were available to be issued and no subsequent events occurred requiring accrual or disclosure.

113

Note 23—QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following provides quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).

2017	Fourth Quarter		Third Quarter		Second Quarter		First Quarter
Interest income	$	8,738	$	7,921	$	7,724	$	7,773
Net interest income		8,057		7,227		7,049		7,061
Provision for loan losses		170		166		78		116
Gain on sale of securities		49		124		172		54
Income before income taxes		2,108		2,589		2,245		2,203
Net income		502		1,893		1,664		1,756
Net income available to common shareholders		502		1,893		1,664		1,756
Net income per share, basic	$	0.07	$	0.28	$	0.25	$	0.27
Net income per share, diluted	$	0.07	$	0.28	$	0.24	$	0.26

2016	Fourth Quarter		Third Quarter		Second Quarter		First Quarter
Interest income	$	7,510	$	7,400	$	7,459	$	7,137
Net interest income		6,794		6,651		6,677		6,337
Provision for loan losses		238		179		217		140
Gain on sale of securities		—		478		64		59
Income before income taxes		2,238		2,276		2,391		1,944
Net income		1,792		1,677		1,745		1,468
Net income available to common shareholders		1,792		1,677		1,745		1,468
Net income per share, basic	$	0.27	$	0.26	$	0.27	$	0.22
Net income per share, diluted	$	0.26	$	0.25	$	0.26	$	0.22

2015	Fourth Quarter		Third Quarter		Second Quarter		First Quarter
Interest income	$	7,203	$	7,114	$	7,049	$	7,283
Net interest income		6,348		6,253		6,204		6,448
Provision for loan losses		148		193		391		406
Gain on sale of securities		84		—		167		104
Income before income taxes		2,169		2,322		1,989		1,923
Net income		1,601		1,679		1,443		1,404
Net income available to common shareholders		1,601		1,679		1,443		1,404
Net income per share, basic	$	0.24	$	0.26	$	0.22	$	0.22
Net income per share, diluted	$	0.24	$	0.25	$	0.22	$	0.21

114

Note 24 – REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

The Company’s reportable segments represent the distinct product lines the Company offers and are viewed separately for strategic planning by management. The Company has four reportable segments:

Commercial and retail banking: The Company’s primary business is to provide deposit and lending products and services to its commercial and retail customers.

Mortgage banking: This segment provides mortgage origination services for loans that will be sold to investors in the secondary market.

Investment advisory and non-deposit: This segment provides investment advisory services and non-deposit products.

Corporate: This segment includes the parent company financial information, including interest on parent company debt and dividend income received from First Community Bank (the “Bank”).

The following tables present selected financial information for the Company’s reportable business segments for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.


Year ended December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands)
	Commercial				Investment
	and Retail		Mortgage		advisory and
	Banking		Banking		non-deposit		Corporate			Eliminations			Consolidated

Dividend and Interest Income	$	31,634	$	504	$	—	$	3,019		$	(3,001	)	$	32,156
Interest expense		2,192		—		—		570			—			2,762
Net interest income	$	29,442	$	504	$	—	$	2,449		$	(3,001	)	$	29,394
Provision for loan losses		530		—		—		—			—			530
Noninterest income		4,480		3,778		1,291		90			—			9,639
Noninterest expense		25,042		2,841		1,125		350			—			29,358
Net income before taxes	$	8,350	$	1,441	$	166	$	2,189		$	(3,001	)	$	9,145
Income tax provision (benefit)		3,615		—		—		(285	)		—			3,330
Net income	$	4,735	$	1,441	$	166	$	2,474		$	(3,001	)	$	5,815

Year ended December 31, 2016 (Dollars in thousands)
	Commercial				Investment
	and Retail		Mortgage		advisory and
	Banking		Banking		non-deposit		Corporate			Eliminations			Consolidated

Dividend and Interest Income	$	29,186	$	194	$	—	$	2,732		$	(2,606	)	$	29,506
Interest expense		2,553		—		—		494			—			3,047
Net interest income	$	26,633	$	194	$	—	$	2,238		$	(2,606	)	$	26,459
Provision for loan losses		774		—		—		—			—			774
Noninterest income		4,423		3,382		1,135		—			—			8,940
Noninterest expense		21,743		2,459		1,005		569			—			25,776
Net income before taxes	$	8,539	$	1,117	$	130	$	1,669		$	(2,606	)	$	8,849
Income tax provision (benefit)		2,428		—		—		(261	)		—			2,167
Net income	$	6,111	$	1,117	$	130	$	1,930		$	(2,606	)	$	6,682

115

Note 24 – REPORTABLE SEGMENTS (Continued)


Year ended December 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands)
	Commercial				Investment
	and Retail		Mortgage		advisory and
	Banking		Banking		non-deposit		Corporate			Eliminations			Consolidated
Dividend and Interest Income	$	28,389	$	202	$	—	$	2,239		$	(2,181	)	$	28,649
Interest expense		2,950		—		—		446			—			3,396
Net interest income	$	25,439	$	202	$	—	$	1,793		$	(2,181	)	$	25,253
Provision for loan losses		1,138		—		—		—			—			1,138
Noninterest income		4,117		3,432		1,287		130			—			8,966
Noninterest expense		20,393		2,543		950		792			—			24,678
Net income before taxes	$	8,025	$	1,091	$	337	$	1,131		$	(2,181	)	$	8,403
Income tax provision (benefit)		2,582		—		—		(306	)		—			2,276
Net income	$	5,443	$	1,091	$	337	$	1,437		$	(2,181	)	$	6,127

	Commercial				Investment
(Dollars in thousands)	and Retail		Mortgage		advisory and
	Banking		Banking		non-deposit		Corporate		Eliminations			Consolidated

Total Assets as of December 31, 2017	$	1,033,483	$	16,298	$	19	$	121,326	$	(120,395	)	$	1,050,731

Total Assets as of December 31, 2016	$	904,568	$	8,158	$	32	$	98,210	$	(96,175	)	$	914,793

116

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

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2017. There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, and the attestation report thereon issued by our independent registered public accounting firm is included in Item 8 of this report.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information required by Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from our proxy statement for our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 16, 2018.

We have adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to our directors, executive officers (including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer) and employees in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Corporate Responsibility Act of 2002. The Code of Ethics is available on our web site at www.firstcommunitysc.com. We will disclose any future amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of these ethics policies and standards on our website as promptly as practicable, as and to the extent required under NASDAQ Stock Market listing standards and applicable SEC rules.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference from our proxy statement for our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 16, 2018.

117

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

There are no outstanding options as of December 31, 2017.

The additional information required by this Item 12 is set forth under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and hereby incorporated by reference from our proxy statement for our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 16, 2018.

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

The information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from our proxy statement for our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 16, 2018.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference from our proxy statement for our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 16, 2018.

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements are located in Item 8 of this report.

•

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

•

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

•

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

•

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

•

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

•

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

•

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

These schedules have been omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or have been included in our consolidated financial statements.

(a)(3) Exhibits

The following exhibits are required to be filed with this Report on Form 10-K by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 11, 2017, by and between First Community Corporation and Cornerstone Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2017).
3.1	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2011).
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws dated April 11, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2017).
4.1	Provisions in the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws defining the rights of holders of the Company’s Common Stock (included in Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2).
10.1	1996 Stock Option Plan and Form of Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the period ended December 31, 1995).*
10.2	First Community Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan and Form of Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the period ended December 31, 1998).*

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10.3	First Amendment to the First Community Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2005).*
10.4	Dividend Reinvestment Plan dated July 7, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Form S-3/D filed with the SEC on July 14, 2003, File No. 333-107009).*
10.5	Form of Salary Continuation Agreement dated August 2, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2006).*
10.6	Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan approved September 30, 2006 and Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2006).
10.7	Employment Agreement by and between Michael C. Crapps and First Community Corporation dated December 8, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015).*
10.8	Employment Agreement by and between Joseph G. Sawyer and First Community Corporation dated December 8, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015).*
10.9	Employment Agreement by and between David K. Proctor and First Community Corporation dated December 8, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015).*
10.10	Employment Agreement by and between Robin D. Brown and First Community Corporation dated December 8, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015).*
10.11	Employment Agreement by and between J. Ted Nissen and First Community Corporation dated December 8, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015).*
10.12	Subordinated Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated December 16, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2011).
10.13	Form of First Community Corporation Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2011).
10.14	First Community Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan and Form of Stock Option Agreement and Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed on April 7, 2011).
10.15	Amendment No. 1 to the First Community Corporation 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2016).
10.16	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2016).
21.1	Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Elliott Davis, LLC.
24.1	Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page hereto).
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
32	Section 1350 Certifications.
101	The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Exhibits listed above will be furnished to any security holder free of charge upon written request to the Corporate Secretary, First Community Corporation, 5455 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, South Carolina 29072.

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(b)

See listing of Exhibits above and Exhibit List following this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a listing of exhibits filed herewith.

(c)

Not applicable.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: March 14, 2018	FIRST COMMUNITY CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ Michael C. Crapps Michael C. Crapps President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael C. Crapps, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 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/ Richard K. Bogan	Director	March 14, 2018
Richard K. Bogan

/s/ Thomas C. Brown	Director	March 14, 2018
Thomas C. Brown

/s/ Chimin J. Chao	Director	March 14, 2018
Chimin J. Chao

/s/ Michael C. Crapps	Director, President, & Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	March 14, 2018
Michael C. Crapps

/s/ Anita B. Easter	Director	March 14, 2018
Anita B. Easter

/s/ George H. Fann, Jr.	Director	March 14, 2018
George H. Fann, Jr.

/s/ J. Thomas Johnson	Director and Vice Chairman of the Board	March 14, 2018
J. Thomas Johnson

/s/ W. James Kitchens, Jr.	Director	March 14, 2018
W. James Kitchens, Jr.

/s/ J. Randolph potter	Director	March 14, 2018
J. Randolph Potter

/s/ E. LELAND REYNOLDS	Director	March 14, 2018
E. Leland Reynolds

/s/ Alexander Snipe, Jr.	Director	March 14, 2018
Alexander Snipe, Jr.

/s/ Edward J. Tarver	Director	March 14, 2018
Edward J. Tarver

/s/ Roderick M. Todd, Jr.	Director	March 14, 2018
Roderick M. Todd, Jr.

/s/ Mitchell M. Willoughby	Director and Chairman of the Board	March 14, 2018
Mitchell M. Willoughby

/s/ Joseph G. Sawyer	Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer	March 14, 2018
Joseph G. Sawyer

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Exhibit List

The following exhibits are required to be filed with this Report on Form 10-K by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

21.1	Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Elliott Davis, LLC.
24.1	Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page hereto).
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
32	Section 1350 Certifications.
101	The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; and (vi) Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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