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

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2017
OR
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2019
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from          to
Commission file number 000-27719

Southern First Bancshares, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina58-2459561
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
100 Verdae Boulevard, Suite 100
Greenville, S.C.29606
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

864-679-9000
864-679-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 7,319,0987,557,923 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were issued and outstanding as of OctoberJuly 25, 2017.2019.


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 Form 10-Q

INDEX

PART I – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION     Page
      
Item 1.Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets3
 
Consolidated Statements of Income4
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income5
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity6
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows7
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements8
 
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations26
 
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk4642
 
Item 4.Controls and Procedures4642
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.Legal Proceedings4643
 
Item 1A.Risk Factors4643
 
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds4643
 
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities4643
 
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures4643
 
Item 5.Other Information4643
 
Item 6.Exhibits4643

PART I. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

          
September 30,December 31,     June 30,     December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except share data)2017     201620192018
(Unaudited)(Audited)(Unaudited)(Audited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks$18,94211,574$12,22017,434
Federal funds sold34,01624,03940,04435,882
Interest-bearing deposits with banks21,65410,93964,52019,557
Total cash and cash equivalents74,61246,552116,78472,873
Investment securities: 
Investment securities available for sale78,44064,48075,25274,905
Other investments3,0645,742 3,3114,121
Total investment securities81,50470,22278,56379,026
Mortgage loans held for sale9,1247,80124,5099,241
Loans1,327,7391,163,6441,809,3551,677,332
Less allowance for loan losses(15,579)(14,855)(16,144)(15,762)
Loans, net 1,312,1601,148,7891,793,2111,661,570
Bank owned life insurance32,91125,47139,44834,010
Property and equipment, net31,54928,36248,26232,430
Deferred income taxes9,085 6,8257,0494,020
Other assets6,7396,8868,2187,444
Total assets$1,557,6841,340,908$2,116,0441,900,614
LIABILITIES
Deposits$1,342,5771,091,151$1,854,0081,648,136
Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings39,200115,20025,00050,000
Junior subordinated debentures13,40313,40313,40313,403
Other liabilities15,05511,28233,77915,159
Total liabilities1,410,2351,231,0361,926,1901,726,698
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding--
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 7,319,098 and 6,463,789 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively7365
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized--
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 7,557,923 and 7,466,481 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively7675
Nonvested restricted stock(500)(600)(887)(741)
Additional paid-in capital99,46473,371104,354102,625
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(93)(504)188(917)
Retained earnings48,50537,54086,12372,874
Total shareholders’ equity147,449109,872189,854173,916
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,557,6841,340,908$    2,116,044      1,900,614

See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

          
For the three monthsFor the nine months     For the three monthsFor the six months
ended September 30,ended September 30,ended June 30,ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands, except share data)20172016201720162019     2018     2019     2018
Interest income          
Loans$15,28212,48643,08936,280$    22,09817,59142,98834,154
Investment securities4433951,2081,3425394301,087798
Federal funds sold23031548122451514625761
Total interest income15,95512,91244,84537,74423,08818,53544,70035,713
Interest expense
Deposits2,0849575,073 2,8916,1753,52411,5506,263
Borrowings5621,0752,5043,153374399793797
Total interest expense2,6462,0327,5776,0446,5493,92312,3437,060
Net interest income13,30910,88037,26831,70016,53914,61232,35728,653
Provision for loan losses5008251,5002,025300400600900
Net interest income after provision for loan losses12,80910,05535,768 29,67516,23914,21231,75727,753
Noninterest income 
Mortgage banking income1,4032,003 4,063 5,6852,8301,6294,6872,957
Service fees on deposit accounts324269886732265256530512
ATM and debit card income443371823705
Income from bank owned life insurance224187590553222220438441
Gain on sale of investment securities-1062431
Loss on disposal of fixed assets--(50)-
Other income5914521,6651,320330295606577
Total noninterest income 2,5423,0177,1568,7214,0902,7717,0845,192
Noninterest expenses
Compensation and benefits5,698 4,94816,49614,3537,3996,36514,18212,208
Occupancy1,0439083,0422,6701,3431,2762,6822,413
Real estate owned expenses288138725
Outside service and data processing costs7946902,3621,9161,0458242,0051,560
Insurance258227845678280297598610
Professional fees3343261,029864414457853933
Marketing199195605625236229496438
Other4524251,5121,3396515311,2001,022
Total noninterest expenses8,8067,80025,92923,17011,3689,97922,01619,184
Income before income tax expense6,5455,27216,99515,2268,9617,00416,82513,761
Income tax expense2,2951,8396,0305,4811,7211,4943,5763,037
Net income available to common shareholders$4,2503,43310,9659,745$7,2405,51013,24910,724
Earnings per common share
Basic$0.580.541.591.55$0.970.751.771.46
Diluted$0.550.511.501.45$0.930.711.711.39
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic7,281,5946,322,0736,905,0176,299,0097,495,5087,370,7097,477,5257,353,867
Diluted7,668,4766,740,7517,291,1646,702,4757,755,8217,751,1467,748,8797,739,082

See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

     
For the three monthsFor the nine months     For the three months     For the six months
ended September 30,ended September 30,ended June 30,ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)     2017     2016 2017     20162019     20182019     2018
Net income$4,2503,43310,9659,745$7,2405,51013,24910,724
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period, pretax 130(222)626 1,552 720(234)1,404(1,150)
Tax (expense) benefit(43)75 (213) (528)(151)51(294)240
Reclassification of realized gain-(106)(2)(431)
Reclassification of realized (gain) loss(2)-(6)1
Tax expense-37-147--1-
Other comprehensive income (loss)87 (216)411740567(183)1,105(909)
Comprehensive income$4,3373,21711,37610,485$    7,8075,32714,3549,815

See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016
(Unaudited)

 
                    AccumulatedFor the three months ended June 30,
NonvestedAdditionalother

Common stock
Preferred stockNonvested
restricted
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital
  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
  Retained
earnings
Total
(dollars in thousands, except share data)Common stock  Preferred stockrestrictedpaid-in      comprehensiveRetainedSharesAmountSharesAmount   
Shares      AmountShares     Amountstockcapitalincome (loss)earningsTotal
December 31, 20156,289,038$63 --$(360) $70,037$(4)     $24,504     $94,240 
March 31, 2018  7,381,716  74  -  -  (842)  100,890(1,182)     55,799154,739
Net income-------9,7459,745-------5,5105,510
Proceeds from exercise of stock options71,6281--- 533--534 41,956----409--409
Issuance of restricted stock22,000---(526)526 -- -2,000---(92)92---
Amortization of deferred compensation on restricted stock- ---211- --211
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax----81---81
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax-----300--300
Other comprehensive loss------(183)-(183)
              
June 30, 20187,425,672$     74-$     -$       (853)$     101,691$             (1,365)$61,309$     160,856
March 31, 20197,505,63675--(993)103,600(379)78,883181,186
Net income-------7,2407,240
Proceeds from exercise of stock options52,2871---436--437
Issuance of restricted stock---------
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax----106---106
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax ---- -553- -553-----318--318
Other comprehensive income--- --- 740-740------567-567
September 30, 20166,382,666$64-$-$(675)$71,649$736$34,249$106,023
December 31, 20166,463,78965--(600)73,371(504)37,540109,872
Net income- ------10,96510,965
Net issuance of common stock805,0008- - -24,750 --24,758
Proceeds from exercise of stock options47,184----454--454
Issuance of restricted stock3,125---(146)146---
Amortization of deferred compensation on restricted stock----246---246
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax-----743--743
Other comprehensive income------411-411
September 30, 20177,319,098$73-$-$(500)$99,464 $(93)$48,505147,449
June 30, 20197,557,923$     76-$-$(887) $104,354 $188$86,123$189,854

For the six months ended June 30,


Common stock
Preferred stock
Nonvested
restricted
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Retained
earnings
(dollars in thousands, except share data)SharesAmountSharesAmountTotal
December 31, 2017  7,347,851  73  -  -  (502)    99,986  (456)  50,585  149,686
Net income-------10,72410,724
Proceeds from exercise of stock options66,3211---637--638
Issuance of restricted stock11,500---(501)501---
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax----150---150
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax-----567--567
Other comprehensive loss------(909)-(909)
                             
June 30, 20187,425,672$    74-$    -$    (853)$    101,691$         (1,365)$    61,309$    160,856
December 31, 20187,466,48175--(741)102,625(917)72,874173,916
Net income-------13,24913,249
Proceeds from exercise of stock options80,7421---758--759
Issuance of restricted stock10,700---(347)347---
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax----201---201
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax-----624--624
Other comprehensive income------1,105-1,105
June 30, 20197,557,923$76-$    -$(887) $104,354$188$    86,123$189,854

See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 
For the six months ended
For the nine months ended September 30,June 30,
(dollars in thousands)     2017     2016     2019     2018
Operating activities 
Net income$10,965 $9,745$     13,24910,724
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Provision for loan losses1,5002,025600900
Depreciation and other amortization1,053939913850
Accretion and amortization of securities discounts and premium, net422433182220
Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale(2)(431)
Loss on sale of real estate owned3 51
Loss on disposal of fixed assets50-
Write-down of real estate owned7389
Compensation expense related to stock options and grants 989764
(Gain) loss on sale of investment securities available for sale(6)1
Gain on sale of fixed assets-(8)
Net change in operating leases492-
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock grants825717
Gain on sale of loans held for sale(4,520) (5,704)(4,411)(2,620)
Loans originated and held for sale(144,622)(198,601)(154,785)(109,193)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale147,819200,122143,928115,528
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(590)(553)(438)(441)
(Increase) decrease in deferred tax asset(2,472)552
Increase in other assets, net(72)(606)
Increase in deferred tax asset(3,323)(2,045)
(Increase) decrease in other assets, net(774)257
Increase in other liabilities3,7731,3283,4873,730
Net cash provided by operating activities14,30310,453
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities(61)18,620
Investing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash realized from:
Origination of loans, net(165,160)(110,576)
Increase in loans, net(132,241)(146,700)
Purchase of property and equipment(4,290)(4,079)(2,104)(1,328)
Purchase of investment securities:
Available for sale(20,675)(16,852)(5,115)(13,904)
Other(1,811)(806)
Other investments-(2,596)
Payments and maturities, calls and repayments of investment securities:
Available for sale6,91818,4485,9914,227
Other4,489-
Other investments8103,999
Proceeds from sale of investment securities available for sale-22,185-5,841
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned-132
Purchase of life insurance policies(6,850)-(5,000)-
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned498395
Net cash used for investing activities(186,881)(91,285)(137,659)(150,329)
Financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash realized from:
Increase in deposits, net251,42659,342205,872186,859
Decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings, net(76,000)-(25,000)(38,600)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock24,758-
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants454534759638
Net cash provided by financing activities200,63859,876181,631148,897
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents28,060(20,956)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents43,91117,188
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period46,55262,86672,87392,165
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period$74,612$41,910$116,784109,353
Supplemental information
Cash paid for
Interest$7,404$5,951$12,0636,764
Income taxes5,4904,9303,3231,960
Schedule of non-cash transactions
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans289245
Unrealized gain on securities, net of income taxes4131,024
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of income taxes1,110(910)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases15,395-

See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements.


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation

Business Activity
Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company"(the “Company”) is a South Carolina corporation that owns all of the capital stock of Southern First Bank (the "Bank"“Bank”) and all of the stock of Greenville First Statutory Trust I and II (collectively, the "Trusts"“Trusts”). The Trusts are special purpose non-consolidated entities organized for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The Bank's primary federal regulator is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"“FDIC”). The Bank is also regulated and examined by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions. The Bank is primarily engaged in the business of accepting demand deposits and savings deposits insured by the FDIC, and providing commercial, consumer and mortgage loans to the general public.

Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three-three and nine-monthsix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.2019. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 3, 2017.February 28, 2019. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, “Consolidation,” the financial statements related to the Trusts have not been consolidated.

Business Segments
In determining proper segment definition, the Company considers the materiality of a potential segment and components of the business about which financial information is available and regularly evaluated, relative to a resource allocation and performance assessment. The Company accounts for intersegment revenues and expenses as if the revenue/expense transactions were generated to third parties, that is, at current market prices. Please refer to “Note 10 – Reportable Segments” for further information on the reporting for the Company’s three business segments.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, real estate acquired in the settlement of loans, fair value of financial instruments, evaluating other-than-temporary-impairment of investment securities and valuation of deferred tax assets.

Business Segments
The Company began reporting its activities as three business segments – Commercial and Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking and Corporate – in 2016. In determining proper segment definition, the Company considers the materiality of a potential segment and components of the business about which financial information is available and regularly evaluated, relative to a resource allocation and performance assessment. The Company accounts for intersegment revenues and expenses as if the revenue/expense transactions were generated to third parties, that is, at current market prices. Please refer to “Note 9 – Reportable Segments” for further information on the reporting for the Company’s three business segments.

Reclassifications
Certain amounts, previously reported, have been reclassified to state all periods on a comparable basis and had no effect on shareholders’ equity or net income.

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 performed an evaluation to determine whether there have been any subsequent events since the balance sheet date and determined that no subsequent events occurred requiring accrual or disclosure.


Adoption of New Accounting Standards
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02,“Leases (Topic 842)”. The guidance in the update supersedes the requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The guidance is intended to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. For public companies, this update was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2019. Upon adoption, the Company elected a practical expedient which allows existing leases to retain their classification as operating leases. The Company has also elected to not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities arising from short-term leases. Implementation of the guidance resulted in the recording of a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet; however it does not have a material impact on the Company's other consolidated financial statements. See additional disclosures in Note 8.

Newly Issued, But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13,“Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. Among other things, ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to form their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU 2016-13 is effective for all annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2019, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Adoption will be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company has established a team of individuals from credit, finance and risk management to evaluate the requirements of the new standard and the impact it will have on our processes. Our implementation plan has progressed through the initial design, build, and testing phase and, in the first quarter of 2019, we began running parallel models. While we continue to evaluate the impact the new guidance will have on our financial position and results of operations, we currently expect the new guidance may result in an increase to our allowance for credit losses given the change to estimated losses over the contractual life of the loan portfolio. The amount of any change to our allowance is still under review and will depend, in part, upon the composition of our loan portfolio at the adoption date as well as economic conditions and loss forecasts at that date.

On July 17, 2019, the FASB voted to issue a proposal for public comment that would potentially result in a postponement of the required implementation date for ASU 2016-13. As a smaller reporting company, the Company would be eligible for the proposed delay. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the proposed delay on its implementation project plan. Management will continue to monitor any new developments regarding this possible delay.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.


NOTE 2 – Investment Securities

The amortized costs and fair value of investment securities are as follows:

                
September 30, 2017
AmortizedGross Unrealized     Fair
(dollars in thousands)CostGainsLossesValue
Available for sale
US government agencies$8,75414588,710
SBA securities4,357-184,339
State and political subdivisions20,0883296020,357
Mortgage-backed securities45,3811536245,034
Total investment securities available for sale$78,58035849878,440
 
December 31, 2016
AmortizedGross UnrealizedFair
CostGainsLossesValue
Available for sale     
US government agencies$6,2711113 6,159
SBA securities1,453 - 161,437
State and political subdivisions20,62514129220,474
Mortgage-backed securities36,8952150636,410
Total investment securities available for sale$65,24416392764,480

During the first nine months of 2017, there were $915,000 of investment securities either sold or called, resulting in a gain on sale of $2,000. During the first nine months of 2016, approximately $33.5 million of investment securities were either sold or called, subsequently resulting in a gain on sale of $431,000.

 
June 30, 2019
AmortizedGross UnrealizedFair
(dollars in thousands)     Cost     Gains     Losses     Value
Available for sale
US government agencies$      7,7163347,745
SBA securities4,06660214,105
State and political subdivisions8,01919118,209
Asset-backed securities10,90919110,819
Mortgage-backed securities
FHLMC11,3702255911,536
FNMA28,94612317928,890
GNMA3,9886463,948
Total mortgage-backed securities44,30435428444,374
Total investment securities available for sale$75,01463940175,252

December 31, 2018
AmortizedGross Unrealized     Fair
     Cost     Gains     LossesValue
Available for sale
US government agencies$     8,97511948,782
SBA securities3,628-1033,525
State and political subdivisions8,37148638,356
Asset-backed securities9,59512499,558
Mortgage-backed securities
FHLMC12,2588724212,103
FNMA29,0682555128,542
GNMA4,17011324,039
Total mortgage-backed securities45,49611392544,684
Total$76,0651741,33474,905

Contractual maturities and yields on the Company’s investment securities at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 are shown in the following table. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

  
September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
Less than one yearOne to five yearsFive to ten yearsOver ten yearsTotalLess than one yearOne to five yearsFive to ten yearsOver ten yearsTotal
(dollars in thousands)   Amount  Yield   Amount  Yield   Amount  Yield   Amount  Yield   Amount  YieldAmountYield AmountYield Amount Yield AmountYield AmountYield
Available for sale
US government agencies$9971.15%1,5172.04%6,1962.39%--8,7102.19%      $     -     -     3,969     2.14%     3,776     2.68%     -     -     7,745     2.40%
SBA securities------4,3392.48%4,3392.48%----7522.88%3,3532.77%4,1052.79%
State and political subdivisions--3,6681.64%11,7302.44%4,9592.88%20,3572.40%--1,1272.97%4,1752.95%2,9072.88%8,2092.93%
Asset-backed securities----1,6823.19%9,1373.19%10,8193.19%
Mortgage-backed securities7901.30%--12,0051.80%32,2392.04%45,034 1.97%--4,6581.94%8,9222.15%30,7942.63%44,3742.46%
Total$1,7871.21%5,1851.59%29,9312.18%41,5372.23%78,4402.13%$--9,7542.14%19,3072.55%46,1912.76%75,2522.63%
December 31, 2016
Less than one yearOne to five yearsFive to ten yearsOver ten yearsTotal
 Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield AmountYield
Available for sale
US government agencies $-- 9971.15%5,1622.23%- - 6,1592.06%
SBA securities - - --- - 1,4371.32%1,4371.32%
State and political subdivisions--2,271 1.73% 12,2872.35%5,9162.77%20,4742.40%
Mortgage-backed securities----8,5271.64%27,8831.68%36,4101.67%
Total$--3,2681.55%25,9762.10%35,2361.85%64,4801.93%

December 31, 2018
Less than one yearOne to five yearsFive to ten yearsOver ten yearsTotal
(dollars in thousands)AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Available for sale                                                  
US government agencies$     --2,6652.12%6,1172.77%--8,7822.57%
SBA securities------3,5252.72%3,5252.72%
State and political subdivisions--8192.60%4,6373.04%2,9002.88%8,3562.94%
Asset-backed securities----1,8623.22%7,6963.29%9,5583.27%
Mortgage-backed securities--5,0941.89%9,7632.22% 29,8272.70%44,6842.50%
Total$--8,5782.03%22,3792.62% 43,9482.81%74,9052.67%

The tables below summarize gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair market value of the related securities at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.

             
September 30, 2017   June 30, 2019
Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotalLess than 12 months12 months or longer         Total
FairUnrealizedFairUnrealizedFairUnrealizedFair   Unrealized   Fair   UnrealizedFair   Unrealized
(dollars in thousands)#   valuelosses#   valuelosses#   valuelosses#valuelosses#valuelosses#valuelosses
Available for sale               
US government agencies6$5,250$401$740$187$5,990$581$     500$     12$     1,997$     33$     2,497$     4
SBA securities12,9371211,402624,33918---164921164921
State and political subdivisions83,6521262,91048146,56260---2979129791
Asset-backed securities57,6148911,682269,29691
Mortgage-backed securities2529,39223089,8391323339,231362
FHLMC---96,0495996,04959
FNMA11,55012219,6321782321,182179
GNMA---32,9754632,97546
Total40$41,231$29416 $14,891$20456$56,122$4987$9,664$9140    $33,963$31047$43,627$401
   December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Less than 12 months12 months or longerTotalLess than 12 months12 months or longerTotal
FairUnrealizedFairUnrealizedFairUnrealizedFair UnrealizedFair UnrealizedFairUnrealized
#   value   losses   #   value   losses   #   value   losses
(dollars in thousands)#valuelosses#valuelosses#valuelosses
Available for sale  
US government agencies5$5,144 $113 -$-$-5$5,144 $1131$1,246$38 $7,035$1919$8,281$194
SBA securities 11,43716-- -1 1,437 16---23,52510323,525103
State and political subdivisions32 13,936292-- -3213,936292---72,8296372,82963
Asset-backed securities46,70749---46,70749
Mortgage-backed securities25 27,29247623,99130 2731,283506
FHLMC---107,402242107,402242
FNMA22,68962322,8145452525,503551
GNMA11,104632,91912644,023132
Total63$47,809$8972$3,991$3065$51,800$9278$11,746$6453$46,524$1,27061$58,270$1,334

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company had 40seven individual investments with a fair market value of $41.2$9.7 million that were in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and 1640 individual investments with a fair market value of $14.9$34.0 million that were in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer. The unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates, rather than deterioration in credit quality. The individual securities are each investment grade securities. The Company considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities have been less than cost to conclude that such securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company also considers other factors such as the financial condition of the issuer including credit ratings and specific events affecting the operations of the issuer, volatility of the security, underlying assets that collateralize the debt security, and other industry and macroeconomic conditions.

As the Company has no intent to sell securities with unrealized losses and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of amortized cost, the Company has concluded that these securities are not impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.

Other investments are comprised of the following and are recorded at cost which approximates fair value.

          
(dollars in thousands)September 30, 2017December 31, 2016June 30, 2019     December 31, 2018
Federal Home Loan Bank stock $2,4795,173$     2,7743,587
Other investments134131
Investment in Trust Preferred securities 403403403403
Other investments182 166
Total other investments$3,0645,742$3,3114,121

The Company has evaluated the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock for impairment and determined that the investment in the FHLB stock is not other than temporarily impaired as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and that ultimate recoverability of the par value of this investment is probable. All of the FHLB stock is used to collateralize advances with the FHLB.

At September 30, 2017, $9.8 million of securities were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements from brokers and no securities were pledged to secure client deposits. At December 31, 2016, $21.0 million of securities were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements from brokers, and approximately $21.1 million of securities were pledged to secure client deposits.


NOTE 3 – Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are reported as loans held for sale and carried at fair value under the fair value option which was adopted by the Company on April 1, 2016, with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings. At the date of funding of the mortgage loan held for sale, the funded amount of the loan, the related derivative asset or liability of the associated interest rate lock commitment, less direct loan costs becomes the initial recorded investment in the loan held for sale. Such amount approximates the fair value of the loan. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, mortgage loans held for sale totaled $9.1$24.5 million compared to $7.8$9.2 million at December 31, 2016.2018. The $15.3 million increase in mortgage loans held for sale during the first six months of 2019 was driven by an increase in volume of mortgage loans originated and sold in the favorable mortgage rate environment.

Mortgage loans held for sale are considered de-recognized, or sold, when the Company surrenders control over the financial assets. Control is considered to have been surrendered when the transferred assets have been isolated from the Company, beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors; the purchaser obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase or redeem the transferred assets before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

Gains and losses from the sale of mortgage loans are recognized based upon the difference between the sales proceeds and carrying value of the related loans upon sale and are recorded in mortgage banking income in the statement of income. Mortgage banking income also includes the unrealized gains and losses associated with the loans held for sale and the realized and unrealized gains and losses from derivatives.

Mortgage loans sold by the Company to investors and which were believed to have met investor and agency underwriting guidelines at the time of sale may be subject to repurchase or indemnification in the event of specific default by the borrower or subsequent discovery that underwriting standards were not met. The Company may, upon mutual agreement, agree to repurchase the loans or indemnify the investor against future losses on such loans. In such cases, the Company bears any subsequent credit loss on the loans.

The Company establishes mortgage repurchase reserves related to various representations and warranties that reflect management’s estimate of losses based on a combination of factors. The Company establishes a reserve at the time loans are sold and updates the reserve estimate on a quarterly basis during the estimated life of the loan.

NOTE 4 – Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table summarizes the composition of our loan portfolio. Total gross loans are recorded net of deferred loan fees and costs, which totaled $2.2$2.9 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and $2.0$2.8 million as of December 31, 2016.2018.

     September 30, 2017     December 31, 2016     June 30, 2019     December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)Amount% of TotalAmount% of TotalAmount     % of TotalAmount     % of Total
Commercial          
Owner occupied RE$317,26223.9%$285,93824.6%$     390,72721.6%$     367,01821.9%
Non-owner occupied RE301,36022.7%239,57420.6%455,34625.2%404,29624.1%
Construction32,3322.4%33,3932.9%85,0654.7%84,4115.0%
Business214,89816.2%202,55217.4%292,56416.2%272,98016.3%
Total commercial loans865,85265.2%761,45765.5%1,223,70267.7%1,128,70567.3%
Consumer
Real estate250,48318.9%215,58818.5%342,10018.9%320,94319.1%
Home equity150,371 11.3%137,105 11.8%    170,8619.4%165,9379.9%
Construction 38,7662.9%31,9222.7%46,2472.6%37,9252.3%
Other22,267 1.7%17,572 1.5%26,4451.4%23,8221.4%
Total consumer loans 461,88734.8% 402,18734.5%585,65332.3%548,62732.7%
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees1,327,739100.0%1,163,644100.0%1,809,355100.0%1,677,332100.0%
Less—allowance for loan losses(15,579)(14,855)(16,144) (15,762)
Total loans, net$1,312,160$1,148,789$1,793,211$1,661,570

Maturities and Sensitivity of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

The information in the following tables summarizes the loan maturity distribution by type and related interest rate characteristics based on the contractual maturities of 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 maturity. Actual repayments of loans may differ from the maturities reflected below, because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

  
September 30, 2017     June 30, 2019
          After one               After one          
One yearbut withinAfter fiveOne yearbut withinAfter five
(dollars in thousands)or lessfive yearsyearsTotalor lessfive yearsyearsTotal
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$24,771165,019127,472317,262$     21,628161,881207,218390,727
Non-owner occupied RE47,778155,98797,595301,36050,516268,178136,652455,346
Construction6,9086,49218,93232,33223,22228,28333,56085,065
Business63,391109,00342,504214,89884,902144,49363,169292,564
Total commercial loans142,848436,501286,503865,852180,268602,835440,5991,223,702
Consumer
Real estate23,86462,991163,628250,48324,86677,323239,911342,100
Home equity10,44125,930114,000150,37110,70024,353135,808170,861
Construction19,31263518,81938,76616,21687229,15946,247
Other5,87512,0824,31022,2677,61714,2944,53426,445
Total consumer loans59,492101,638300,757461,88759,399116,842409,412585,653
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees$202,340538,139587,2601,327,739$239,667719,677850,0111,809,355
Loans maturing after one year with:
Fixed interest rates$851,998$     1,198,490
Floating interest rates273,401371,198
    
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
After oneAfter one
One yearbut withinAfter fiveOne yearbut withinAfter five
or lessfive yearsyearsTotal
(dollars in thousands)or lessfive yearsyearsTotal
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$26,062145,419114,457285,938$20,839165,436180,743367,018
Non-owner occupied RE34,685142,26162,628239,57443,000227,454133,842404,296
Construction5,8819,55817,95433,39322,94133,04528,42584,411
Business 66,36199,25536,936202,55280,672128,91163,397272,980
Total commercial loans132,989396,493231,975761,457167,452554,846406,4071,128,705
Consumer
Real estate26,34249,832139,414215,58829,30170,467221,175320,943
Home equity7,14229,041100,922137,1058,86724,618132,452165,937
Construction14,10362717,19231,92216,0061,64620,27337,925
Other5,0499,3053,21817,5727,68111,2534,88823,822
Total consumer 52,63688,805 260,746402,18761,855107,984378,788548,627
Total gross loan, net of deferred fees$185,625 485,298492,721 1,163,644$229,307662,830785,1951,677,332
Loans maturing after one year with:  
Fixed interest rates$733,892$1,100,854
Floating interest rates244,127347,171

Portfolio Segment Methodology

Commercial

Commercial loans are assessed for estimated losses by grading each loan using various risk factors identified through periodic reviews. The Company applies historic grade-specific loss factors to each loan class. In the development of statistically derived loan grade loss factors, the Company observes historical losses over 20 quarters for each loan grade. These loss estimates are adjusted as appropriate based on additional analysis of external loss data or other risks identified from current economic conditions and credit quality trends. The allowance also includes an amount for the estimated impairment on nonaccrual commercial loans and commercial loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), whether on accrual or nonaccrual status.


Consumer

For consumer loans, the Company determines the allowance on a collective basis utilizing historical losses over 20 quarters to represent its best estimate of inherent loss. The Company pools loans, generally by loan class with similar risk characteristics. The allowance also includes an amount for the estimated impairment on nonaccrual consumer loans and consumer loans modified in a TDR, whether on accrual or nonaccrual status.

Credit Quality Indicators

Commercial

We manage a consistent process for assessing commercial loan credit quality by monitoring its loan grading trends and past due statistics. All loans are subject to individual risk assessment. Our risk categories include Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful, each of which is defined by our banking regulatory agencies. Delinquency statistics are also an important indicator of credit quality in the establishment of our allowance for creditloan losses.

We categorize our loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of the borrower to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. A description of the general characteristics of the risk grades is as follows:

Pass—These loans range from minimal credit risk to average credit risk; however, still have acceptable credit risk.

 

Special mention—A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or the institution’s credit position at some future date.

 

Substandard—A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. A substandard loan is characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

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

The tables below provide a breakdown of outstanding commercial loans by risk category.

                     
September 30, 2017     June 30, 2019
OwnerNon-owner     Owner     Non-owner               
(dollars in thousands)occupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotaloccupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotal
Pass$312,878294,934 32,332204,694844,838$     386,489447,80884,998286,3871,205,682
Special mention  2,020 2,039-4,5878,6461,8504,194671,9698,080
Substandard2,3644,387-5,617 12,3682,3883,344-4,2089,940
Doubtful--- -------
$317,262301,36032,332214,898865,852$390,727455,34685,065292,5641,223,702
December 31, 2018
OwnerNon-owner
(dollars in thousands)occupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotal
Pass$363,621400,26684,411266,8981,115,196
Special mention296118-2,9713,385
Substandard3,1013,912-3,11110,124
Doubtful-----
$367,018404,29684,411272,9801,128,705


 
                    December 31, 2016
OwnerNon-owner     
occupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotal
Pass$282,055 234,95733,393193,517743,922
Special mention  1,097975-2,4894,561
Substandard2,7863,642 -6,546 12,974
Doubtful--- --
$285,938239,57433,393202,552761,457

The following tables provide past due information for outstanding commercial loans and include loans on nonaccrual status as well as accruing TDRs.

 
                    September 30, 2017
OwnerNon-owner     
(dollars in thousands)occupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotal
Current$317,019300,72032,332213,394863,465
30-59 days past due---1,3811,381
60-89 days past due-----
Greater than 90 Days243640-1231,006
$317,262301,36032,332214,898865,852
 
December 31, 2016
OwnerNon-owner
occupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotal
Current$284,700 238,34633,393 200,624757,063
30-59 days past due 981- -1,4232,404
60-89 days past due 25756-- 313
Greater than 90 Days-1,172-5051,677
$285,938239,57433,393202,552761,457

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loans 30 days or more past due represented 0.36% and 0.55% of the Company’s total loan portfolio, respectively. Commercial loans 30 days or more past due were 0.18% and 0.38% of the Company’s total loan portfolio as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

       
      June 30, 2019
Owner     Non-owner               
(dollars in thousands)occupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotal
Current$     390,538454,93085,065292,2841,222,817
30-59 days past due189206-38433
60-89 days past due-210-177387
Greater than 90 Days---6565
$390,727455,34685,065292,5641,223,702
 
December 31, 2018
OwnerNon-owner
occupied REoccupied REConstructionBusinessTotal
Current$367,018404,17984,411272,8641,128,472
30-59 days past due-117-36153
60-89 days past due-----
Greater than 90 Days---8080
$367,018404,29684,411272,9801,128,705

Consumer

The Company manages a consistent process for assessing consumer loan credit quality by monitoring its loan grading trends and past due statistics. All loans are subject to individual risk assessment. The Company’s categories include Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful, which are defined above. Delinquency statistics are also an important indicator of credit quality in the establishment of the allowance for loan losses.

The tables below provide a breakdown of outstanding consumer loans by risk category.

                    
September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
(dollars in thousands)Real estateHome equityConstructionOther     TotalReal estate     Home equity     Construction     Other     Total
Pass$246,962147,57038,76622,172455,470$     335,618167,67046,24726,322575,857
Special mention719126-78522,818256-993,173
Substandard2,802 2,675-88 5,5653,6642,935-246,623
Doubtful-- - -------
Loss -----
$250,483150,37138,76622,267461,887$342,100170,86146,24726,445585,653
December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)Real estateHome equityConstructionOtherTotal
Pass$314,586162,62637,92523,586538,723
Special mention1,792864-1392,795
Substandard4,5652,447-977,109
Doubtful-----
$320,943165,93737,92523,822548,627


                    
December 31, 2016
Real estateHome equityConstructionOther     Total
Pass$211,563134,12431,92217,485395,094
Special mention 1,0642,109-16 3,189
Substandard 2,961872 -713,904
Doubtful--- --
Loss- ----
$215,588137,10531,92217,572402,187

The following tables provide past due information for outstanding consumer loans and include loans on nonaccrual status as well as accruing TDRs.

                        
September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
(dollars in thousands)Real estateHome equityConstructionOther     TotalReal estate     Home equity     Construction     OtherTotal
Current$248,907149,97838,49322,175459,553$     339,686169,68646,24726,417582,036
30-59 days past due13290-92314674604-281,306
60-89 days past due1,172180273-1,625247371--618
Greater than 90 Days 272123--3951,493200--1,693
$250,483150,37138,76622,267461,887$342,100170,86146,24726,445585,653
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Real estateHome equityConstructionOtherTotal
(dollars in thousands)     Real estate     Home equity     ConstructionOther     Total
Current$214,228136,63831,92217,427400,215$317,267165,72737,92523,603544,522
30-59 days past due1,041 210- 1261,3772,55530-1062,691
60-89 days past due 282--6 288923--1131,036
Greater than 90 Days37257 -13307198180--378
$215,588137,10531,92217,572402,187$320,943165,93737,92523,822548,627

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, loans 30 days or more past due represented 0.25% and 0.26% of the Company’s total loan portfolio, respectively. Commercial loans 30 days or more past due were 0.05% and 0.01% of the Company’s total loan portfolio as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, while consumer loans 30 days or more past due were 0.18%0.20% and 0.17%0.25% of total loans as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

Nonperforming assets

The following table shows the nonperforming assets and the related percentage of nonperforming assets to total assets and gross loans. Generally, a loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest, or when the Company believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of the contractual principal or interest on the loan is doubtful. A payment of interest on a loan that is classified as nonaccrual is recognized as a reduction in principal when received.


Following is a summary of our nonperforming assets, including nonaccruing TDRs.

              
(dollars in thousands)September 30, 2017December 31, 2016     June 30, 2019     December 31, 2018
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$244276$        --
Non-owner occupied RE2,0492,711372210
Construction----
Business1,1166866581
Consumer
Real estate1,2675501,710                   1,980
Home equity1952564421,006
Construction----
Other213-12
Nonaccruing troubled debt restructurings7309903,2202,541
Total nonaccrual loans, including nonaccruing TDRs5,6035,4825,8095,830
Other real estate owned 420639--
Total nonperforming assets$6,0236,121$5,8095,830
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:
Total assets0.39%0.46%0.27%0.31%
Gross loans0.45% 0.53%0.32%0.35%
Total loans over 90 days past due1,4011,9841,758458
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing----
Accruing troubled debt restructurings$6,9545,675$6,9356,742

Impaired Loans

The table below summarizes key information for impaired loans. The Company’s impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and loans modified in a TDR, whether on accrual or nonaccrual status. These impaired loans may have estimated impairment which is included in the allowance for loan losses. The Company’s commercial and consumer impaired loans are evaluated individually to determine the related allowance for loan losses.

    
     September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
          Recorded investment     Recorded investment
Impaired loansImpaired loans
Unpaidwith relatedRelatedUnpaidwith relatedRelated
PrincipalImpairedallowance forallowance forPrincipalImpairedallowance forallowance for
(dollars in thousands)Balanceloansloan lossesloan losses     Balance     loans     loan losses     loan losses
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$2,2322,177830192$     3,1713,10744775
Non-owner occupied RE7,8544,2993,7049482,8702,5071,706532
Construction--------
Business4,4883,3552,0901,1403,3592,7132,118884
Total commercial14,5749,8316,6242,2809,4008,3274,2711,491
Consumer 
Real estate2,382 2,357 2,3571,3042,6192,6121,776466
Home equity2031951951332,1971,65127071
Construction --------
Other1751741742515415415417
Total consumer2,7602,7262,7261,4624,9704,4172,201554
Total$  17,33412,5579,3503,742$14,37012,7446,4722,045
December 31, 2018
Recorded investment
Impaired loans
Unpaidwith relatedRelated
PrincipalImpairedallowance forallowance for
(dollars in thousands)Balanceloansloan lossesloan losses
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$2,8272,76245175
Non-owner occupied RE3,3212,8072,204558
Construction----
Business3,7452,5202,005895
Total commercial9,8938,0894,6601,528
Consumer
Real estate2,9932,8921,398456
Home equity1,9351,421--
Construction----
Other17017017030
Total consumer5,0984,4831,568486
Total$14,99112,5726,2282,014


                     
December 31, 2016
Recorded investment     
Impaired loans
Unpaidwith relatedRelated
PrincipalImpairedallowance forallowance for
Balanceloansloan lossesloan losses
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$2,2842,2432,224263
Non-owner occupied RE7,2384,0311,638457
Construction----
Business3,6992,5931,6101,154
Total commercial13,2218,8675,4721,874
Consumer 
Real estate 1,8531,8431,843682
Home equity 207 257- -
Construction-- --
Other26119017788
Total consumer2,3212,2902,020770
Total$15,54211,1577,4922,644

The following table provides the average recorded investment in impaired loans and the amount of interest income recognized on impaired loans after impairment by portfolio segment and class.

          
Three months endedThree months ended
September 30, 2017September 30, 2016
Average     RecognizedAverage     Recognized
recordedinterestrecordedinterest
(dollars in thousands)investmentincomeinvestmentincome
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$2,182252,00030
Non-owner occupied RE4,322575,51539
Construction----
Business3,498585,07271
Total commercial10,002 14012,587140
Consumer 
Real estate2,361401,57316
Home equity 1962207 -
Construction----
Other1761 2572
Total consumer2,733432,03718
Total$12,73518314,624158


                          
Nine months endedNine months endedYear endedThree months endedThree months ended
September 30, 2017September 30, 2016December 31, 2016June 30, 2019June 30, 2018
Average  RecognizedAverage  RecognizedAverageRecognized          Average     Recognized     Average     Recognized
recorded     interestrecorded     interestrecordedinterest     recordedinterestrecordedinterest
(dollars in thousands)investmentincomeinvestmentincomeinvestmentincomeinvestmentincomeinvestmentincome
Commercial 
Owner occupied RE$2,198782,009722,263112$     3,116442,80045
Non-owner occupied RE4,5031545,5941244,1062002,544413,87877
Construction----------
Business 3,5851655,1341992,8731352,728373,36157
Total commercial10,28639712,7373959,2424478,38812210,039179
Consumer  
Real estate 2,370731,578491,854812,622202,89240
Home equity196 4257 125721,659212,13524
Construction----- -----
Other17842085 203615511651
Total consumer2,744812,043552,314894,436425,19265
Total$13,03047814,78045011,556536$12,82416415,231244
Six months endedSix months endedYear ended
June 30, 2019June 30, 2018December 31, 2018
AverageRecognizedAverageRecognizedAverageRecognized
recordedinterestrecordedinterestrecordedinterest
(dollars in thousands)investmentincomeinvestmentincomeinvestmentincome
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$     3,123792,804622,784142
Non-owner occupied RE2,565853,9201262,860174
Construction------
Business2,700773,380792,883162
Total commercial8,38824110,1042678,527478
Consumer
Real estate2,633452,911812,930151
Home equity1,670512,172511,45399
Construction------
Other156216731745
Total consumer4,459985,2501354,557255
Total$12,84733915,35440213,084733

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan loss is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The Company has an established process to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that assesses the losses inherent in the portfolio. While the Company attributes portions of the allowance to specific portfolio segments, the entire allowance is available to absorb credit losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. The Company’s process involves procedures to appropriately consider the unique risk characteristics of the commercial and consumer loan portfolio segments. For each portfolio segment, impairment is measured individually for each impaired loan. The Company’s allowance levels are influenced by loan volume, loan grade or delinquency status, historic loss experience and other economic conditions.


The following table summarizes the activity related to the allowance for loan losses by commercial and consumer portfolio segments:

 
Three months ended September 30, 2017
CommercialConsumer
    Owner  Non-owner                      
occupied    occupied        RealHome
(dollars in thousands)RERE ConstructionBusinessEstateequity ConstructionOtherTotal
Balance, beginning of period$2,9642,9813503,8573,0611,608               32829515,444
Provision for loan losses(141)634               (122)213160(196)(47)(1)500
Loan charge-offs-  - - (388) - - -  (11)(399)
Loan recoveries  -1- 31 1- -134
Net loan charge-offs-1-(357)1--(10)(365)
Balance, end of period$2,8233,6162283,7133,2221,412281284 15,579
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.11%
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans1.17%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans278.05%


   
Three months ended September 30, 2016Three months ended June 30, 2019
    Commercial    ConsumerCommercialConsumer   
Owner     Non-owner                        OwnerNon-owner            
occupied  occupiedRealHomeoccupiedoccupiedRealHome
(dollars in thousands)RERE Construction BusinessEstate equity ConstructionOtherTotal   RE   RE   Construction   BusinessEstateequityConstructionOtherTotal
Balance, beginning of period$2,7973,011               3504,0192,3021,296               21233014,317$2,7833,886   5723,7963,0411,41028228116,051
Provision for loan losses9847(53)337215119(5)67825135143(3)(181)49983623300
Loan charge-offs-(25)-(515)-(43)-(100)(683)(110)(13)---(100)-(14)(237)
Loan recoveries-5-13---119---8141-730
Net loan charge-offs-(20)-(502)-(43)-(99)(664)(110)(13)-814(99)-(7)(207)
Balance, end of period$2,8953,0382973,8542,5171,37220729814,478$2,8084,0165693,6233,1041,40931829716,144
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.24%Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.05%
Allowance for loan losses to gross loansAllowance for loan losses to gross loans1.30%Allowance for loan losses to gross loans0.89%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loansAllowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans258.3%Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans277.92%
Three months ended June 30, 2018
CommercialConsumer
Nine months ended September 30, 2017OwnerNon-owner
CommercialConsumeroccupiedoccupiedRealHome
(dollars in thousands)REREConstructionBusinessEstateequityConstructionOtherTotal
Balance, beginning of period$2,6803,3664153,5533,3911,91125628015,852
Provision for loan losses1934212928054(438)26(12)400
Loan charge-offs-(234)---(77)--(311)
Loan recoveries-107-16135--159
Net loan charge-offs-(127)-161(42)--(152)
Balance, end of period$2,6993,5815443,8493,4461,431282  26816,100
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.04%
Allowance for loan losses to gross loansAllowance for loan losses to gross loans1.05%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loansAllowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans208.52%
Six months ended June 30, 2019
CommercialConsumer
Owner  Non-ownerOwnerNon-owner
occupied  occupied RealHomeoccupiedoccupiedRealHome
(dollars in thousands)RERE Construction BusinessEstate  equity ConstructionOtherTotalREREConstructionBusinessEstateequityConstructionOtherTotal
Balance, beginning of period$2,8432,778                2954,123 2,7801,475               25230914,855$     2,726        3,8116153,6163,0811,34827529015,762
Provision for loan losses(20) 1,257(67)31359(75)29(14) 1,500192217              (46)(10)(6)1604350600
Loan charge-offs-(433)-  (518)--- (11)(962)(110)(14)---(100)-(53)(277)
Loan recoveries- 14-7783 12- -186-2-17291-1059
Net loan charge-offs -(419)-(441)8312 -(11)(776)(110)(12)-1729(99)-(43)(218)
Balance, end of period$2,8233,6162283,7133,2221,41228128415,579$2,8084,0165693,6233,1041,40931829716,144
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized) Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized) 0.08%Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.03%
Nine months ended September 30, 2016Six months ended June 30, 2018
CommercialConsumerCommercialConsumer
Owner  Non-ownerOwnerNon-owner
occupied  occupiedRealHomeoccupiedoccupiedRealHome
(dollars in thousands)REREConstructionBusinessEstateequity ConstructionOtherTotal
REREConstructionBusinessEstateequityConstructionOtherTotal
Balance, beginning of period$2,3473,187               3383,8002,0701,20231337213,629$2,5343,230325     3,848 3,495 1,60021028115,523
Provision for loan losses553(81)2666641236              (106)1142,025165478219(14)25(64)7219900
Loan charge-offs(5)(100)(43)(862)(194)(66)-(192)(1,462)-(234)-(119)(77)(140)-(34)(604)
Loan recoveries-32-250---4286-107-134335-2281
Net loan charge-offs(5)(68)(43)(612)(194)(66)-(188)(1,176)-(127)-15(74)(105)-(32)(323)
Balance, end of period$2,8953,0382973,8542,5171,37220729814,478$2,6993,5815443,8493,4461,43128226816,100
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.15%Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.04%

The following table disaggregates the allowance for loan losses and recorded investment in loans by impairment methodology.

   
                         September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
 Allowance for loan lossesRecorded investment in loansAllowance for loan lossesRecorded investment in loans
(dollars in thousands)CommercialConsumerTotalCommercialConsumer     Total     Commercial     Consumer     Total     Commercial     Consumer     Total
Individually evaluated$2,2801,4623,7429,8312,72612,557$     1,4915542,0458,3274,41712,744
Collectively evaluated8,1003,73711,837856,021459,1611,315,1829,5254,57414,0991,215,375581,2361,796,611
Total$10,3805,19915,579865,852461,8871,327,739$11,0165,12816,1441,223,702585,653 1,809,355
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Allowance for loan lossesRecorded investment in loansAllowance for loan lossesRecorded investment in loans
CommercialConsumerTotalCommercial ConsumerTotal
(dollars in thousands)CommercialConsumerTotalCommercialConsumerTotal
Individually evaluated$1,8747702,6448,8672,290 11,157$     1,5284862,0148,0894,48312,572
Collectively evaluated8,165 4,046 12,211 752,590399,8971,152,4879,2404,50813,7481,120,616544,1441,664,760
Total$10,0394,81614,855761,457402,1871,163,644$10,7684,99415,7621,128,705548,6271,677,332

NOTE 5 – Troubled Debt Restructurings

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company had 1925 loans totaling $7.7$10.2 million compared to 1726 loans totaling $6.7$9.3 million at December 31, 2016,2018, which were considered as TDRs. The Company considers a loan to be a TDR when the debtor experiences financial difficulties and the Company grants a concession to the debtor that it would not normally consider. Concessions can relate to the contractual interest rate, maturity date, or payment structure of the note. As part of the workout plan for individual loan relationships, the Company may restructure loan terms to assist borrowers facing financial challenges in the current economic environment. To date, the Company has restored fourthree commercial loans previously classified as TDRs to accrual status.

The following table summarizes the concession at the time of modification and the recorded investment in the Company’s TDRs before and after their modification during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.modification.

                      
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017For the six months ended June 30, 2019
          Pre-     Post-Pre-     Post-
modificationmodificationmodificationmodification
RenewalsReducedConvertedMaturityTotaloutstandingoutstanding     RenewalsReducedConvertedMaturityTotaloutstandingoutstanding
deemed aor deferredto interestdateNumberrecordedrecordeddeemed a     or deferred     to interest     date     Number     recordedrecorded
(dollars in thousands)concessionpaymentsonlyextensionsof loansinvestmentinvestmentconcessionpaymentsonlyextensionsof loansinvestmentinvestment
Commercial
Non-owner occupied RE1---1$976$976
Business11--2378 387
Consumer
Home equity1---1$     832$     832
Total loans21--3$1,354 $1,3631---1$832$832
For thenine months ended September 30, 2016For the six months ended June 30, 2018
Pre-Post-Pre-Post-
modificationmodificationmodificationmodification
RenewalsReducedConvertedMaturityTotaloutstandingoutstandingRenewalsReducedConvertedMaturityTotaloutstandingoutstanding
deemed aor deferredto interestdateNumberrecordedrecordeddeemed aor deferredto interestdateNumberrecordedrecorded
(dollars in thousands)concessionpaymentsonlyextensionsof loansinvestmentinvestmentconcessionpaymentsonlyextensionsof loansinvestmentinvestment
Commercial
Owner occupied1---1 $18$22
Owner occupied RE1---1$506$592
Business1- - -1 2,3812,3814---41,2071,532
Consumer   
Real estate 1--- 11881882---2549669
Other1---12630
Home equity-1--1180180
Total loans4---4$2,613$2,62171--8$2,442$2,973

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2018, there were no loans modified as TDRsa TDR for which there was a payment default (60 days past due) within 12 months of the restructuring date. There was one such loan at September 30, 2016 with a recorded investment of $30,000.


NOTE 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments primarily to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates. All derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. The Company accounts for all of its derivatives as free-standing derivatives and does not designate any of these instruments for hedge accounting. Therefore, the gain or loss resulting from the change in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in the Company’s statement of income during the period of change.

The Company enters into commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale, at specified interest rates and within a specified period of time, with clients who have applied for a loan and meet certain credit and underwriting criteria (interest rate lock commitments). These interest rate lock commitments (“IRLCs”) meet the definition of a derivative financial instrument and are reflected in the balance sheet at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings. Unrealized gains and losses on the IRLCs are recorded as derivative assets and derivative liabilities, respectively, and are measured based on the value of the underlying mortgage loan, quoted mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) prices and an estimate of the probability that the mortgage loan will fund within the terms of the interest rate lock commitment, net of estimated commission expenses.


The Company manages the interest rate and price risk associated with its outstanding IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale by entering into derivative instruments such as forward sales of MBS. Management expects these derivatives will experience changes in fair value opposite to changes in fair value of the IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale, thereby reducing earnings volatility. The Company takes into account various factors and strategies in determining the portion of the mortgage pipeline (IRLCs and mortgage loans held for sale) it wants to economically hedge.

The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding financial derivative instruments at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.2018.

 
               September 30, 2017     June 30, 2019
Fair Value          Fair Value
(dollars in thousands)NotionalBalance Sheet LocationAsset/(Liability)NotionalBalance Sheet LocationAsset/(Liability)
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments$29,258Other assets$343$64,019Other assets$801
MBS forward sales commitments18,000Other assets4642,500Other liabilities(165)
Total derivative financial instruments$47,258$389$106,519$636
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
Fair ValueFair Value
(dollars in thousands)NotionalBalance Sheet LocationAsset/(Liability)NotionalBalance Sheet LocationAsset/(Liability)
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments$17,986Other assets $256$20,552Other assets$345
MBS forward sales commitments 14,250 Other assets (3)11,750Other liabilities          (121)
Total derivative financial instruments$     32,236$        253$    32,302$    224

NOTE 7 – Fair Value Accounting

FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” 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. FASB 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 1 – Quoted market price in active markets

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include certain debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market.


Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs

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 2 assets and liabilities include fixed income securities and mortgage-backed securities that are held in the Company’s available-for-sale portfolio and valued by a third-party pricing service, as well as certain impaired loans.

Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs
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. These methodologies may result in a significant portion of the fair value being derived from unobservable data.


Following is a descriptionThe methods of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities
Securities available for sale are valued on a recurring basis at quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable securities. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange or U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities and debentures issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to valuations, securities are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. Securities held to maturity are valued at quoted market prices or dealer quotes similar to securities available for sale. The carrying value of Other Investments, such as FHLB stock, approximates fair value based on their redemption provisions.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale include mortgage loans which are saleable into the secondary mortgage markets and their fair values are estimated using observable quoted market or contracted prices or market price equivalents, which would be used by other market participants. These saleable loans are considered Level 2.

Loans
The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan may be considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses may be established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 310, “Receivables.” The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value, and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for whichdetermining the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investmentsassets and liabilities presented in such loans. In accordancethis note are consistent with FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classificationour methodologies disclosed in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair valueNote 13 of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2.Company’s 2018 Form 10-K. The Company’s current loan and appraisal policies require the Bank to obtain updated appraisals on an “as is” basis at renewal, or in the case of an impaired loan, on an annual basis, either throughportfolio is initially fair valued using a new external appraisal or an appraisal evaluation. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3. The fair value of impaired loans may also be estimatedsegmented approach, using the present value of expected future cash flows to be realized on the loan, which is alsoeight categories as disclosed in Note 4 – Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses. Loans are considered a Level 3 valuation. These fair value estimates are subject to fluctuations in assumptions about the amount and timing of expected cash flows as well as the choice of discount rate used in the present value calculation.classification.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)
OREO, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs (Level 2). At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and generally any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as a component of real estate owned activity. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company considers the OREO as nonrecurring Level 3.

Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company estimates the fair value of IRLCs based on the value of the underlying mortgage loan, quoted MBS prices and an estimate of the probability that the mortgage loan will fund within the terms of the IRLC, net of commission expenses (Level 2). The Company estimates the fair value of forward sales commitments based on quoted MBS prices (Level 2).


Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.2018.

                
September 30, 2017
(dollars in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3     Total
Assets
Securities available for sale
US government agencies$-8,710-8,710
SBA securities-4,339-4,339
State and political subdivisions-20,357-20,357
Mortgage-backed securities-45,034-45,034
Mortgage loans held for sale-9,124-9,124
Interest rate lock commitments-343-343
MBS forward sales commitments-46-46
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$-87,953-87,953
 
December 31, 2016
(dollars in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Securities available for sale:
US government agencies$-6,159-6,159
SBA securities-1,437-1,437
State and political subdivisions -20,474-20,474
Mortgage-backed securities - 36,410- 36,410
Mortgage loans held for sale-7,801-7,801
Interest rate lock commitments-256-256
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$-72,537 -72,537
 
Liabilities
MBS forward sales commitments$-3-3
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$-3-3

The Company has no liabilities carried at fair value or measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017.

                
     June 30, 2019
(dollars in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Securities available for sale
US government agencies$-7,745-7,745
SBA securities-4,105-4,105
State and political subdivisions-8,209-8,209
Asset-backed securities-10,819-10,819
Mortgage-backed securities-44,374-44,374
Mortgage loans held for sale-24,509-24,509
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments-801-801
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$-100,562-100,562
 
Liabilities
MBS forward sales commitments$-165-165
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$-165-165
          
December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Securities available for sale:
US government agencies$-8,782-8,782
SBA securities-3,525-3,525
State and political subdivisions-8,356-8,356
Asset-backed securities-9,558-9,558
Mortgage-backed securities-44,684-44,684
Mortgage loans held for sale-9,241-9,241
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments-345-345
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis$-84,491-84,491
 
Liabilities
MBS forward sales commitments$-121-121
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis$    -121-121

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company is predominantly an asset based lender with real estate serving as collateral on more than 80% of loans as of September 30, 2017. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are valued net of the allowance for loan losses, and other real estate owned is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value of the underlying real estate collateral. Such market values are generally obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be level 2 inputs.
The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.2018.

               
As of September 30, 2017
(dollars in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3     Total
Assets   
Impaired loans$-2,669 6,1468,815
Other real estate owned-307113420
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis$-2,9766,2599,235


                              
As of December 31, 2016As of June 30, 2019
Level 1Level 2Level 3     Total
(dollars in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3     Total
Assets     
Impaired loans$- 4,0754,438 8,513$-3,1777,52210,699
Other real estate owned-526113639
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis$-4,6014,5519,152$-3,1777,52210,699
As of December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
Assets
Impaired loans$-2,1908,36810,558
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis$    -2,1908,36810,558

The Company hashad no liabilities carried at fair value or measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.basis.

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2017, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

Valuation TechniqueSignificant Unobservable InputsRange of Inputs
Impaired loansAppraised Value/
Discounted Cash Flows
Discounts to appraisals or cash
flows for estimated holding and/or
selling costs or age of appraisal
0-25%
Other real estate ownedAppraised Value/
Comparable Sales
Discounts to appraisals for
estimated holding or selling costs
0-25%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments


Financial instruments require disclosure of fair value information, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, when it is practical to estimate the fair value. A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or a contractual obligation which requires the exchange of cash. Certain items are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements, including the Company’s common stock, premises and equipment and other assets and liabilities.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used to estimate fair value for certain other financial instruments.

Fair value approximates carrying value for the following financial instruments due to the short-term nature of the instrument: cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, federal funds purchased, and securities sold under agreement to repurchase.

Deposits –Fair value for demand deposit accounts and interest-bearing accounts with no fixed maturity date is equal to the carrying value. The fair value of certificate of deposit accounts are estimated by discounting cash flows from expected maturities using current interest rates on similar instruments.

FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings –Fair value for FHLB advances and other borrowings are estimated by discounting cash flows from expected maturities using current interest rates on similar instruments.

Junior subordinated debentures – Fair value for junior subordinated debentures are estimated by discounting cash flows from expected maturities using current interest rates on similar instruments.

The Company has used management’s best estimate of fair value based on the above assumptions. Thus, the fair values presented may not be the amounts that could be realized in an immediate sale or settlement of the instrument. In addition, any income taxes or other expenses, which would be incurred in an actual sale or settlement, are not taken into consideration in the fair value presented.


The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 are as follows:

                                             
September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
CarryingFair     CarryingFair
(dollars in thousands)AmountValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3AmountValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial Assets:
Other investments, at cost$3,0643,064--3,064$3,3113,311--3,311
Loans, net1,312,1601,315,125-2,6691,312,456
Loans11,780,4671,751,792--1,751,792
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits1,342,5771,246,252-1,246,252-1,854,0081,761,071-1,761,071-
FHLB and other borrowings39,20040,452-40,452-25,00026,050-26,050-
Junior subordinated debentures13,40312,595-12,595-13,40314,083-14,083-
  
December 31, 2016December 31, 2018
CarryingFairCarryingFair
AmountValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
(dollars in thousands)AmountValueLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Financial Assets: 
Other investments, at cost$5,7425,742--5,742$    4,1214,121--4,121
Loans, net 1,148,789 1,149,527 -4,075 1,145,452
Loans11,648,9981,618,618--1,618,618
Financial Liabilities:  
Deposits1,091,1511,004,923- 1,004,923-1,648,1361,515,123-1,515,123-
FHLB and other borrowings115,200115,825-115,825-50,00050,147-50,147-
Junior subordinated debentures13,40312,026-12,026-13,40314,807-14,807-

1Carrying amount is net of the allowance for loan losses and previously presented impaired loans.

NOTE 8 – Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)”. As of June 30, 2019, we lease five of our offices under various operating lease agreements. The lease agreements have maturity dates ranging from February 2022 to August 2028, some of which include options for multiple five-year extensions. The weighted average remaining life of the lease term for these leases was 7.64 years as of June 30, 2019.

The discount rate used in determining the lease liability for each individual lease was the FHLB fixed advance rate which corresponded with the remaining lease term as of January 1, 2019 for leases that existed at adoption and as of the lease commencement date for leases subsequently entered in to. The weighted average discount rate for leases was 3.14% as of June 30, 2019.

The total operating lease costs were $520,000 and $1.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively. The right-of-use asset, included in property and equipment, and lease liabilities, included in other liabilities, were $14.6 million and $15.1 million as of June 30, 2019, respectively. The right-of-use asset and lease liability are recognized at lease commencement by calculating the present value of lease payments over the lease term.

Maturities of lease liabilities as of June 30, 2019 were as follows:

     
  Operating
(dollars in thousands)Leases
2019$916
20201,862
20211,907
20221,151
20231,020
Thereafter12,331
Total undiscounted lease payments19,187
Discount effect of cash flows4,054
Total lease liability$    15,133

NOTE 89 – Earnings Per Common Share

The following schedule reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three and nine monthssix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016.2018. Dilutive common shares arise from the potentially dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options that were outstanding at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. The assumed conversion of stock options can create a difference between basic and dilutive net income per common share. At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, there were 109,450262,831 and 108,457166,172 options, respectively, that were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were anti-dilutive.

                    
Three months endedNine months endedThree months endedSix months ended
September 30,September 30,June 30,June 30,
(dollars in thousands, except share data)2017     20162017     20162019     20182019     2018
Numerator:
Net income available to common shareholders$4,2503,43310,9659,745$7,2405,51013,24910,724
Denominator:   
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic7,281,5946,322,0736,905,017 6,299,0097,495,5087,370,7097,477,5257,353,867
Common stock equivalents 386,882418,678386,147403,466260,313380,437271,354385,215
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted7,668,4766,740,751 7,291,1646,702,4757,755,8217,751,1467,748,8797,739,082
Earnings per common share: 
Basic$0.580.541.591.55$0.970.751.771.46
Diluted$0.550.511.501.45$    0.930.711.711.39

NOTE 910 – Reportable Segments

The Company’s reportable segments represent the distinct product lines the Company offers and are viewed separately for strategic planning purposes by management. The three segments include Commercial and Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, and Corporate. The following schedule presents financial information for each reportable segment.



                                               
Three months endedThree months endedThree months endedThree months ended
September 30, 2017September 30, 2016June 30, 2019June 30, 2018
Commercial   Commercial   CommercialCommercial
and Retail  MortgageElimin-Consol-and Retail  MortgageElimin-Consol-and Retail MortgageElimin-Consol-and RetailMortgageElimin-Consol-
(dollars in thousands)BankingBanking  CorporateationsidatedBankingBanking  CorporateationsidatedBankingBankingCorporateationsidatedBankingBankingCorporateationidated
Interest income$15,868872(2)15,95512,824871-12,912$22,9331553(3)23,088$18,437982(2)18,535
Interest expense2,529-119(2)2,6461,932-100-2,0326,391-161(3)6,5493,762-163(2)3,923
Net interest income (loss)13,33987(117)-13,30910,89287(99)-10,88016,542155(158)-16,53914,67598(161)-14,612
Provision for loan losses500---500825---825300---300400---400
Noninterest income1,1391,403--2,5421,0142,003--3,0171,2602,830--4,0901,1421,629--2,771
Noninterest expense7,77697060-8,8066,4841,25660-7,8009,6091,69960-11,3688,7541,16560-9,979
Net income (loss) before taxes6,202520(177)-6,5454,597834(159)-5,2727,8931,286(218)-8,9616,663562(221)-7,004
Income tax (provision) benefit(2,165)(192)62-(2,295)(1,596)(299)56-(1,839)
Income tax provision (benefit)1,498270(47)-1,7211,422118(46)-1,494
Net income (loss)$4,037328(115)-4,2503,001535(103)-3,433$6,3951,016(171)-7,240$5,241444(175)-5,510
Total assets$1,548,7718,476160,905 (160,468)1,557,6841,277,2139,678119,431(116,576)1,289,746$2,103,08512,497203,335 (202,873)2,116,044$1,777,9529,404174,331(173,903) 1,787,784
Nine months endedNine months endedSix months endedSix months ended
September 30, 2017September 30, 2016June 30, 2019June 30, 2018
CommercialCommercialCommercialCommercial
and Retail  MortgageElimin-Consol-and Retail  MortgageElimin-Consol-and RetailMortgageElimin-Consol-and RetailMortgageElimin-Consol-
(dollars in thousands)BankingBanking  CorporateationsidatedBankingBanking  CorporateationsidatedBankingBankingCorporateationsidatedBankingBankingCorporateationsidated
Interest income$44,6122339(9)44,84537,5012431(1)37,744$44,4532476(6)44,700$35,5151984(4)35,713
Interest expense7,193-393(9)7,5775,750-295(1)6,04412,023-326(6)12,3436,782-282(4)7,060
Net interest income (loss)37,419233(384)-37,26831,751243(294)-31,70032,430247(320)-32,35728,733198(278)-28,653
Provision for loan losses 1,500-- -1,5002,025---2,025600---600900---900
Noninterest income3,0934,063 -- 7,1563,0365,685--8,7212,3974,687--7,0842,2352,957--5,192
Noninterest expense22,890 2,853 186-25,92919,516 3,471 183-23,17019,0752,821120-22,01616,9352,129120-19,184
Net income before taxes16,122 1,443(570)-16,995 13,2462,457 (477) - 15,22615,1522,113(440)-16,82513,1331,026(398)-13,761
Income tax (provision) benefit (5,695)(534)199 - (6,030) (4,686)(909)114-(5,481)
Income tax provision (benefit)3,225444(93)-3,5762,906215(84)-3,037
Net income (loss)$10,427909(371)-10,9658,5601,548(363)- 9,745$11,9271,669(347)-13,249$10,227811(314)-10,724
Total assets$1,548,7718,476160,905 (160,468)1,557,6841,277,2139,678119,431(116,576)1,289,746$    2,103,08512,497  203,335 (202,873)2,116,044$    1,777,9529,404 174,331(173,903) 1,787,784

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

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

Corporate.Corporate.Corporate is comprised primarily of compensation and benefits for certain members of management and interest on parent company debt.


Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion reviews our results of operations for the three-three and nine-monthsix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to the three-three and nine-monthsix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018 and assesses our financial condition as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to December 31, 2016.2018. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes for the year ended December 31, 20162018 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for that period. Results for the three-three and nine-monthsix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 20172019 or any future period.


CCautionary Warning Regarding forward-looking statementsAUTIONARYWARNINGREGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report, including information included or incorporated by reference in this report, 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 1934.1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements may relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, or future performance. These 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,” “believe,” “continue,” “assume,” “intend,” “plan,” 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 from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 1A-1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, as well as the following:

Restrictions or conditions imposed by our regulators on our operations;
 

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

Our ability to identify and retain individuals with experience and relationships in the markets in which we intend to expand, including our recently announced Raleigh, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia markets;

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;

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

Changes in deposit flows;
 

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

Credit losses due to loan concentration;
 

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

Our ability to successfully execute our business strategy;
 

Our ability to attract and retain key personnel;
 

The success and costs of our expansion into the Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia markets;

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;
 

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

Changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;
 

Cybersecurity breaches,Increased cybersecurity risk, including potential business disruptions or financial losses;
 

Changes in technology;
 
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 or write-down assets;
 

Changes in monetary and tax policies;
 

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 and to comply with our capital ratio requirements;
 

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

Changes in accounting policies and practices; and
 

Other risks and uncertainties detailed in Part I,. Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

SEC.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, our results could differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. For 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162018 and “Risk Factors” under Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this document and we do not intend, and assume no obligation, to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW

Our business model continues to be client-focused, utilizing relationship teams to provide our clients with a specific banker contact and support team responsible for all of their banking needs. The purpose of this structure is to provide a consistent and superior level of professional service, and we believe it provides us with a distinct competitive advantage. We consider exceptional client service to be a critical part of our culture, which we refer to as "ClientFIRST."

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we had total assets of $1.6$2.12 billion, a 16.2%an 11.3% increase from total assets of $1.3$1.90 billion at December 31, 2016.2018. The largest components of our total assets are net loans, cash and cash equivalents and securities which were $1.3$1.81 billion, $116.8 million and $81.5$78.6 million, respectively, at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. Comparatively, our net loans, cash and cash equivalents and securities totaled $1.2$1.68 billion, $72.9 million and $70.2$79.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2016.2018. Our liabilities and shareholders’ equity at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 totaled $1.4$1.93 billion and $147.4$189.9 million, respectively, compared to liabilities of $1.2$1.73 billion and shareholders’ equity of $109.9$173.9 million at December 31, 2016.2018. The principal component of our liabilities is deposits which were $1.3$1.85 billion and $1.1$1.65 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively.

During the second quarter of 2017, we issued a total of 805,000 shares of our common stock at $32.75 per share in a public offering. Proceeds from the offering were used to improve our capital structure, including to repay our former $10 million holding company line of credit, to fund future organic growth, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

Like most community banks, we derive the majority of our income from interest received on our loans and investments. Our 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 and borrowings. Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, which is called our net interest spread. In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other charges to our clients.

Our net income to common shareholders was $4.3$7.2 million and $3.4$5.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, an increase of $817 thousand,$1.7 million, or 23.8%31.4%. Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) was $0.55$0.93 for the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 as compared to $0.51$0.71 for the same period in 2016.2018. The increase in net income resulted primarily from increases in net interest income and noninterest income, which were partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.


Our net income to common shareholders was $13.2 million and $10.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, an increase of $2.5 million, or 23.5%. Diluted EPS was $1.71 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to $1.39 for the same period in 2018. The increase in net income resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income and noninterest income, which was partially offset by a decrease in noninterest income and an increase in noninterest expense.

Our net income to common shareholders was $11.0 million and $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, an increase of $1.2 million, or 12.5%. Diluted EPS was $1.50 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $1.45 for the same period in 2016. The increase in net income resulted primarily from an increase in net interest income, partially offset by a decrease in noninterest income and an increase in noninterest expense.


Economic conditions, competition, and the monetary and fiscal policies of the Federal government significantly affect most financial institutions, including the Bank. Lending and deposit activities and fee income generation are influenced by levels of business spending and investment, consumer income, consumer spending and savings, capital market activities, and competition among financial institutions, as well as customer preferences, interest rate conditions and prevailing market rates on competing products in our market areas.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income and Margin
Our level of net interest income is determined by the level of earning assets and the management of our net interest margin. Our net interest income was $13.3$16.5 million for the three-monththree month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, a 22.3%13.2% increase over net interest income of $10.9$14.6 million for the same period in 2016.2018. In comparison,addition, our average earning assets increased 22.8%15.3%, or $274.5$256.6 million, during the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 compared to the thirdsecond quarter of 2016,2018, while our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $188.6$191.2 million, during the same period. Our net interest income was $37.3 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, a 17.6% increase over net interest income of $31.7 million for the same period in 2016. In comparison, our average earning assets increased 20.6%, or $240.2 million, during the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016, while our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $149.8 million15.0%, during the same period. The increase in average earning assets iswas primarily related to an increase in average loans, andpartially offset by a decrease in average federal funds sold, while the increase in average interest-bearing liabilities iswas primarily a result of an increase in average interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a decrease in our FHLB advances and other borrowings.deposits.

We have included a number of tables to assist in our description of various measures of our financial performance. For example, the “Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates” table reflects the average balance 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 during the three-three and nine-six month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016.2018. 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 direct a substantial percentage of our earning assets into our loan portfolio. Similarly, the “Rate/Volume Analysis” table demonstrates the effect of changing interest rates and changing volume of assets and liabilities on our financial condition during the periods shown. We also track the sensitivity of our various categories of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates, and we have included tables to illustrate our interest rate sensitivity with respect to interest-earning accounts and interest-bearing accounts.

The following tables settable sets forth information related to our average balance sheets, average yields on assets, and average costs of liabilities. We derived these yields by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. We derived average balances from the daily balances throughout the periods indicated. During the same periods, we had no securities purchased with agreements to resell. All investments owned have an original maturity of over one year. Nonaccrual loans are included in the following tables. Loan yields have been reduced to reflect the negative impact on our earnings of loans on nonaccrual status. The net of capitalized loan costs and fees are amortized into interest income on loans.



Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates
Average Balances, Income andExpenses, Yields and RatesAverage Balances, Income andExpenses, Yields and Rates
For the Three Months Ended September 30,For the Three Months Ended June 30,
               2017               201620192018
AverageIncome/Yield/AverageIncome/Yield/AverageIncome/Yield/AverageIncome/Yield/
(dollars in thousands)BalanceExpenseRate(1)BalanceExpenseRate(1)  Balance  Expense  Rate(1)  Balance  Expense  Rate(1)
Interest-earning assets
Federal funds sold$69,907$2301.31%$22,611$310.55%$     71,905$     4512.52%$     113,238$     5141.82%
Investment securities, taxable63,2583272.05%60,2192671.76%74,1725012.71%62,7803902.49%
Investment securities, nontaxable(2)20,2221873.67%21,0952063.89%5,288493.74%5,661523.68%
Loans(3)1,322,19315,2824.59%1,097,20112,4864.53%1,786,53222,0984.96%1,499,62517,5914.70%
Total interest-earning assets1,475,58016,0264.31%1,201,12612,9904.30%1,937,89723,0994.78%1,681,30418,5474.42%
Noninterest-earning assets74,29560,80194,67375,851
Total assets$1,549,875$1,261,927$2,032,570$1,757,155
Interest-bearing liabilities
NOW accounts$214,929980.18%$205,795780.15%$199,1181400.28%$235,2351020.17%
Savings & money market518,9181,0980.84% 326,7223290.40%849,5703,8791.83%671,0652,0991.25%
Time deposits326,7328881.08%267,6095500.82%381,5932,1562.27%329,3251,3231.61%
Total interest-bearing deposits1,060,5792,0840.78%800,1269570.48%1,430,2816,1751.73%1,235,6253,5241.14%
FHLB advances and other borrowings50,4184463.51%122,3089803.19%25,1362173.46%28,6002393.35%
Junior subordinated debentures13,4031163.43%13,403952.82%13,4031574.70%13,4031604.79%
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,124,4002,6460.93%935,8372,0320.86%1,468,8206,5491.79%1,277,6283,9231.23%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities 280,181221,797379,023321,952
Shareholders’ equity145,294   104,293 184,727157,575
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,549,875  $1,261,927 $2,032,570$1,757,155
Net interest spread 3.38% 3.44%2.99%3.19%
Net interest income (tax equivalent) / margin$13,3803.60%$10,9583.63%$16,5503.43%$14,6243.49%
Less: tax-equivalent adjustment(2)71781112
Net interest income$13,309$10,880$16,539$14,612
(1)Annualized for the three month period.
(2)The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income adjusts the yield for assets earning tax-exempt income to a comparable yield on a taxable basis.
(3)Includes mortgage loans held for sale.

Our net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.60%3.43% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to 3.63%3.49% for the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2018. The threesix basis point declinedecrease in net interest margin was primarily driven by the increase in rate on our interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by the increased rate on our interest-bearing depositsinterest-earning assets as compared to the prior year.year period. Our average interest-earning assets grew by $274.5$256.6 million during the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 as compared to the same period in 2016, and2018, while the average yield on these assets slightly increased as well. However,by 36 basis points. In addition, our average interest-bearing liabilities grew by $188.6$191.2 million during the 20172019 period as compared to the same period in 2016, while the rate on these liabilities increased seven56 basis points to 0.93%1.79% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019.

The $274.5 million increase in average interest-earning assets for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019 as compared to the same quarterperiod in 2016,2018 related primarily related to a $225.0$286.9 million increase in our average loan balances, partially offset by a $30.3 million decrease in our average Federal funds sold and a $47.3 million increase in federal funds sold.investment balances. The slight36 basis point increase in yield on these assets was driven by a 26 basis point increase in our loan yield due to loans being originated or renewed at market rates which are higher than those in the past.

In addition, the increase in our average loan balances with higher yields on new loans originated and renewed during the quarter than when compared to the past. The increase in yield was partially offset due to the increase in federal funds sold. The increase of federal funds sold is a result of our efforts to improve our liquidity position for future cash needs.

In addition, our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $188.6 million during the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the third quarter of 2016, while the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increased by seven basis points during the same period. The increased rate during the 2017 period resulted primarily from a $260.5$194.7 million increase in our interest-bearing deposits at an average rate of 0.78%1.73%, a 3059 basis point increase from the thirdaverage rate in the second quarter of 2016. In addition,2018. The increase in the cost of our other interest-bearing liabilities,deposits is primarily the majorityresult of which are at variable rates tied to Libor, increased in relation to currentcontinued competition for deposits within our market rates and trends.areas.


Our net interest spread was 3.38%2.99% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to 3.44%3.19% for the same period in 2016.2018. The net interest spread is the difference between the yield we earn on our interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. The one36 basis point increase in yield on our interest-earning assets and the seven56 basis point increase in rate on our interest-bearing liabilities, resulted in a six20 basis point decrease in our net interest spread for the 20172019 period. We anticipate continued pressure on our net interest spread and net interest margin in future periods based on the competitive rate environment around our deposits and a potential cut in rates by the Federal Reserve.

 
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,
               2017               201620192018
AverageIncome/Yield/AverageIncome/Yield/AverageIncome/Yield/AverageIncome/Yield/
(dollars in thousands)BalanceExpenseRate(1)BalanceExpenseRate(1)  Balance  Expense  Rate(1)  Balance  Expense  Rate(1)
Interest-earning assets
Federal funds sold$65,026$5481.13%$27,746$1220.59%$     51,395$     6252.45%$     87,632$     7611.75%
Investment securities, taxable55,5458502.05%64,5029491.97%73,0321,0092.79%60,4137112.37%
Investment securities, nontaxable (2)19,9845773.86%20,7456344.08%5,3561013.81%6,3541133.59%
Loans(3)1,265,40843,0894.55%1,052,80436,2804.60%1,751,24642,9884.95%1,472,13734,1544.68%
Total interest-earning assets1,405,96345,0644.29% 1,165,79737,9854.35%1,881,02944,7234.79%1,626,53635,7394.43%
Noninterest-earning assets68,85270,82790,57575,272
Total assets$1,474,815$1,236,624$1,971,604$1,701,808
Interest-bearing liabilities
NOW accounts$220,0663040.18%$201,2572420.16%$192,6302270.24%$237,0201930.16%
Savings & money market451,4902,4710.73%325,2719990.41%815,0347,1791.78%633,3613,6771.17%
Time deposits309,6792,2980.99%269,780 1,650 0.82%376,6724,1442.22%322,3742,3931.50%
Total interest-bearing deposits981,2355,073 0.69%796,3082,8910.48%1,384,33611,5501.68%1,192,7556,2631.06%
Note payable and other borrowings82,8102,1723.51%117,9342,8733.25%
FHLB advances and other borrowings28,2024733.38%31,9255213.29%
Junior subordinated debentures13,4033323.31% 13,4032802.79%13,4033204.81%13,4032764.15%
Total interest-bearing liabilities 1,077,4487,5770.94%927,645 6,0440.87%1,425,94112,3431.75%1,238,0837,0601.15%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities 267,365  208,396364,585308,737
Shareholders’ equity130,002 100,583181,078154,988
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$1,474,815$1,236,624$1,971,604$1,701,808
Net interest spread3.35%3.48%3.04%3.28%
Net interest income (tax equivalent) / margin$37,4873.56%$31,9413.66%$32,3803.47%$28,6793.56%
Less: tax-equivalent adjustment (2)2192412326
Net interest income$37,268$31,700$32,357$28,653
(1)Annualized for the ninesix month period.
(2)The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income adjusts the yield for assets earning tax-exempt income to a comparable yield on a taxable basis.
(3)Includes mortgage loans held for sale.

Our net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 3.47% for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to 3.56% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 3.66% for the first ninesix months of 2016.2018. The tennine basis point decrease in net interest margin was driven by the increase in rate on our interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by the increased rate on our interest-earning assets as compared to the prior year period. Our average interest-earning assets grew by $254.5 million during the same period, with the average yield on these assets increasing by 36 basis points. In addition, our average interest-bearing liabilities grew by $187.9 million, while the rate on these liabilities increased 60 basis points, for the six months ended June 30, 2019.

The increase in average interest earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2016 was driven primarily by a six basis point reduction in the yield on our interest-earning assets, combined with a seven basis point increase in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities.

Our average interest-earning assets increased by $240.2 million as compared to the 2016 period2018 related primarily to a $212.6$279.1 million increase in our average loan balances, for the 2017 period. However, thepartially offset by a $24.6 million decrease in our average Federal funds sold and investment balances. The 36 basis point increase in yield on our interest-earning assets decreasedwas driven by six basis points due primarily to a five27 basis point decreaseincrease in our loan yield combined with an increase in our average federal funds sold balances during the period which yielded a lower rate when compared to our loan portfolio and other investments. The decline in yield on our loan portfolio was driven primarily by loans being originated or renewed during the 2017 period at market rates which are lower than those in the past.yield.

In addition, our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $149.8$187.9 million during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to the first ninesix months of 2016. The2018, while the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increased seven60 basis points during the same period,period. The increased cost during the first six months of 2019 was driven by a $184.9$191.6 million increase in our average interest-bearing deposits at an average rate of 1.68%, a 62 basis point increase from the average rate 21 basis points higher than infor the third quarterfirst six months of 2016.2018.


Our net interest spread was 3.35%3.04% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to 3.48%3.28% for the same period in 2016.2018. The 1324 basis point decrease in our net interest spread for the 20172019 period was driven bya result of the six basis point reduction in yield on our interest-earning assets paired with the seven60 basis point increase in cost on our interest-bearing liabilities.liabilities, partially offset by the 36 basis point increase in yield on our interest-earning assets.


Rate/Volume Analysis

Net interest income can be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume. The following table sets forth the effect which the varying levels of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable rates have had on changes in net interest income for the periods presented.

   
     Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
     September 30, 2017 vs. 2016          September 30, 2016 vs. 2015June 30, 2019 vs. 2018June 30, 2018 vs. 2017
Increase (Decrease) Due toIncrease (Decrease) Due toIncrease (Decrease) Due toIncrease (Decrease) Due to
Rate/     Rate/     Rate/Rate/
(dollars in thousands)VolumeRateVolumeTotalVolumeRate VolumeTotalVolumeRateVolumeTotalVolumeRateVolumeTotal
Interest income                                        
Loans$2,59916433 2,7961,343(195)(24)1,124$3,3669581834,507$2,716500953,311
Investment securities1136148116(69)(23)2469346109(25)70(5)40
Federal funds sold 654391199(18)32(16)(2)(188)197(72)(63)4917133253
Total interest income2,6752431253,0431,441(232)(63)1,1463,2471,189117     4,5532,7407411233,604
Interest expense    
Deposits304626 197 1,12785(63) (6)165331,8402782,6513841,147254     1,785
FHLB advances and other borrowings(576)96 (54)(534)5421176(29)8(1)(22)(453)(98)61(490)
Junior subordinated debt -  21-21 - 12- 12-(3)-(3)-49-49
Total interest expense(272)743143614139(30)(5)104504     1,8452772,626(69)     1,0983151,344
Net interest income$2,947(500)(18)2,4291,302(202)(58)1,042$     2,743(656)      (160)1,927$     2,809(357)      (192)2,260

Net interest income, the largest component of our income, was $13.3 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 and $10.9$16.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2019 and $14.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, a $2.4$1.9 million, or 22.3%13.2%, increase during the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.2019. The increase in net interest income is due to a $3.0$4.6 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $614,000$2.6 million increase in interest expense. During the thirdsecond quarter of 2017, the primary driver of the increase in net interest income was the $225.0 million increase in2019, our average loan balancesinterest-earning assets increased $256.6 million as compared to the third quarter of 2016.

                                    
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017 vs. 2016September 30, 2016 vs. 2015
Increase (Decrease) Due toIncrease (Decrease) Due to
Rate/Rate/     
(dollars in thousands)VolumeRateVolumeTotalVolumeRate VolumeTotal
Interest income
Loans$7,455(538)(108)6,8093,713 (122)(14)3,577
Investment securities (149)17(2)(134)495(175)(80)240
Federal funds sold165112149426(17)76(16)43
Total interest income7,471(409) 397,1014,191(221)(110)3,860
Interest expense    
Deposits7121,1812892,182382(47)(7)328
FHLB advances and other borrowings(848) 210(63) (701)(10)206 (1)195
Junior subordinated debt-52-52-36-36
Total interest expense(136)1,4432261,533372195(8)559
Net interest income$7,607(1,852)(187)5,5683,819(416)(102)3,301

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $37.3 million compared to $31.7 million for the first nine months ended September 30, 2016, a $5.6 million, or 17.6% increase during the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016.2018, resulting in $3.2 million of additional interest income, while higher rates on our interest-earning assets also increased interest income by $1.2 million from the prior year period. While our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $191.2 million during the second quarter of 2019, higher rates on these liabilities had a greater impact on our net interest income with an increase of $1.8 million from the prior year period.

   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2019 vs. 2018June 30, 2018 vs. 2017
Increase (Decrease) Due toIncrease (Decrease) Due to
Rate/Rate/
(dollars in thousands)VolumeRateVolumeTotalVolumeRateVolumeTotal
Interest income                                        
Loans$     6,4761,9823768,834$5,2988821686,348
Investment securities13912822289(51)89(6)32
Federal funds sold(315)305(126)(136)12822590443
Total interest income6,3002,4152728,9875,3751,1962526,823
Interest expense
Deposits9753,7315815,2877422,0275053,274
FHLB advances and other borrowings(61)15(2)(48)     (1,171)(107)72    (1,206)
Junior subordinated debt-44-44-61-61
Total interest expense9143,790579     5,283(429)     1,9815772,129
Net interest income$5,386     (1,375)      (307)3,704$5,804(785)     (325)4,694

Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $32.4 million compared to $28.7 million for the first six months ended June 30, 2018, a $3.7 million, or 12.9%, increase during the first six months of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase in net interest income is due to a $7.1$9.0 million increase in interest income, offset in part by a $1.5$5.3 million increase in interest expense. The $212.6primary driver of the increase in interest income for the first six months of 2019 was the $279.1 million increase in average loan balances during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016 was2018. In contrast, the primary driver ofhigher interest rates on our interest-bearing deposits drove the increase in net interest income duringexpense for the 2017first six months of 2019 compared to the prior year period.


Provision for Loan Losses


We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged as an expense on our consolidated statements of income. We review our loan portfolio periodically to evaluate our outstanding loans and to measure both the performance of the portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Please see the discussion below under “Balance Sheet Reviewincluded in Note 4 Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses”Losses for a description of the factors we consider in determining the amount of the provision we expense each period to maintain this allowance.

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we incurred a noncash expenseexpenses related to the provision for loan losses of $500,000$300,000 and $1.5 million,$600,000, respectively, which resulted in an allowance for loan losses of $15.6$16.1 million, or 1.17%0.89% of gross loans, as of September 30, 2017.loans. For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2018, our provisionprovisions for loan losses of $825,000$400,000 and $2.0 million,$900,000, respectively, resulted in an allowance for loan losses of $14.5$16.1 million, or 1.30%1.05% of gross loans, as of September 30, 2016.loans. During the past 12 months, our loan balances increased by $213.6$275.9 million, while the amountpercentage of our nonperforming loans and classified loans have declined. Factors such as these are also considered in determining the amount of loan loss provision necessary to maintain our allowance for loan losses at an adequate level.

Noninterest Income
The following table sets forth information related to our noninterest income.

    
     Three months ended     Nine months endedThree months endedSix months ended
September 30,September 30,June 30,June 30,
(dollars in thousands)2017     20162017     20162019201820192018
Mortgage banking income $1,4032,0034,0635,685     $2,830     1,629     4,687     2,957
Service fees on deposit accounts324269886732265256530512
ATM and debit card income443371823705
Income from bank owned life insurance224187590553222220438441
Gain on sale of investment securities- 106 2 431
Loss on disposal of fixed assets --(50)-
Other income5914521,665 1,320330295606577
Total noninterest income$2,5423,0177,1568,721$     4,090     2,771     7,084     5,192

Noninterest income decreased $475,000,increased $1.3 million, or 15.7%47.6%, for the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 as compared to the same period in 2016.2018. The decreaseincrease in total noninterest income during the 20172019 period resulted primarily from the following:

Mortgage banking income decreasedincreased by $600,000,$1.2 million, or 30.0%73.7%, driven by lowerhigher mortgage origination volume during the thirdsecond quarter of 2019 due in part to an overall increase in the average marketfavorable interest rate environment for new mortgage loan originations.loans.

There were no gains/losses recognized on the sale of investment securities

ATM and debit card income increased by $72,000, or 19.4%, driven by an increase in the third quarter of 2017 while there was a $106,000 gain recognized during the same period in 2016.transaction volume.

Partially offsetting these decreases in noninterest income was a $55,000 increase in service fees on deposit accounts, driven by non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) fee income, and a $139,000 increase in other income due to increased loan fee income, including late charges, and ATM/debit card exchange income.

Noninterest income decreased $1.6increased $1.9 million, or 17.9%36.4%, during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 as compared to the same period in 2016.2018. The decreaseincrease in total noninterest income during the nine months ended September 30, 20172019 period resulted primarily from a $1.6 million decrease in mortgage banking income and a $429,000 decrease in gain on sale of investment securities as compared to the prior period. Partially offsetting these decreases in noninterest income, was a $154,000 increase in service fees on deposit accounts and a $345,000 increase in other income which consists primarily of ATM/debit card transactions as well as wire transfer fees.following:

Mortgage banking income increased $1.7 million, or 58.5%, driven by higher origination volume.

ATM and debit card income increased $118,000, or 16.7%, primarily due to an increase in transaction volume.


In accordance with the requirements set forth under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, in June 2011, the Federal Reserve approved a final rule which caps an issuer's base interchange fee at 21 cents per transaction and allows an additional 5 basis point charge per transaction to help cover fraud losses. Although the rule does not apply to institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as our Bank, there is concern that the price controls may harm community banks, which could be pressured by the marketplace to lower their own interchange rates. Our ATM/Debit card fee income is included in other noninterest income and was $295,000 and $220,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $847,000 and $641,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, the majority of which related to interchange fee income.

Noninterest expenses

The following table sets forth information related to our noninterest expenses.

              
Three months endedNine months endedThree months endedSix months ended
September 30,September 30,June 30,June 30,
(dollars in thousands) 2017     20162017     201620192018     2019     2018
Compensation and benefits$5,6984,94816,49614,353     $7,399     6,36514,18212,208
Occupancy1,0439083,0422,6701,3431,2762,6822,413
Real estate owned expenses28 81 38 725
Outside service and data processing7946902,3621,916
Outside service and data processing costs1,0458242,0051,560
Insurance 258227845678280297598610
Professional fees3343261,029864414457853933
Marketing199195605625236229496438
Other4524251,5121,3396515311,2001,022
Total noninterest expense$8,8067,80025,92923,170$     11,368     9,979     22,016     19,184

Noninterest expense was $8.8$11.4 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, a $1.0$1.4 million, or 12.9%13.9%, increase from noninterest expense of $7.8$10.0 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016. Significant fluctuations2018. The increase in noninterest expenses resulted fromduring the 2019 period was driven by the following:

Compensation and benefits expense increased $750,000,$1.0 million, or 15.1%16.2%, relating primarily to increases in base compensation, incentive compensation, and benefits expenses. Base compensation increased by $492,000The increases were driven by the cost of 2120 additional employees, compared to the prior year, six12 of which were hired in conjunction with the opening of our new offices in Raleigh,Atlanta, Georgia and Greensboro, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia; six of which were hired as additional team leaders or mortgage executives in our existing markets; and the remainder of which were hired to support loan and deposit growth. Incentive compensation increased by $50,000 and benefits expense increased by $233,000 during the 2017 period. The increase in incentive compensation related to the additional number of employees at September 30, 2017 while the increase in benefits expenses was driven by an increase in payroll taxes and group insurance costs for the 2017 period.

Occupancy expenses increased by $135,000, or 14.9%, driven primarily by increased depreciation, property taxes and other building related expenses on the properties we own.Carolina.

Outside service and data processing costsfees increased by $104,000,$221,000, or 15.1%26.8%, primarily due to increased electronic banking and software licensing costs.

Other expenses increased by $120,000, or 22.6%, driven by an increase in travel and entertainment, dues and subscriptions, and collection expenses.

Noninterest expense was $22.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, a $2.8 million, or 14.8%, increase from noninterest expense of $19.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in total noninterest expense resulted primarily from the following:

Compensation and benefits expense increased item$2.0 million, or 16.2%, relating primarily to the addition of 20 new employees.

Occupany expense increased $269,000, or 11.1%, relating primarily to the opening of our new office in Atlanta, Georgia during the second quarter of 2018.

Outside service and data processing fees increased by $445,000, or 28.5%, primarily due to increased electronic banking and ATM/debit card relatedsoftware licensing costs.

Other expenses as well as bank service charges.increased by $178,000, or 17.4%, driven by an increase in travel and entertainment and dues and subscriptions expenses.

Partially offsetting the increases in noninterest expense was a decrease in real estate owned expenses of $53,000, or 65.4%, due primarily to a loss on sale of property during the 2016 period.

Noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased 11.9%, or $2.8 million, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was driven primarily by the $2.1 million increase in compensation and benefits expense, $446,000 in outside service and data processing fees, and $372,000 in occupancy fees. Partially offsetting the increases in noninterest expense was a decrease of $687,000 in real estate owned expenses during the first nine months of 2017.


Our efficiency ratio was 55.5%55.1% for the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 compared to 56.1%57.4% for the same period in 2016.2018. The efficiency ratio represents the percentage of one dollar of expense required to be incurred to earn a full dollar of revenue and is computed by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. The decreaseimprovement during the 20172019 period relates primarily to the increase in interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by the increase in noninterest expense as well as a decrease in noninterest income compared to the prior year.

We incurred income tax expense of $2.3$1.7 million and $1.8$1.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, and $6.0$3.6 million and $5.5$3.0 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016,June 30, 2018, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 35.1%21.3% and 34.9%22.1% for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016, respectively, and 35.5% and 36.0% for2018, respectively. The lower tax rate in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In2019 period relates to the first quarter of 2017, we adoptedfavorable tax impact from various employee stock option transactions that occurred during the new FASB guidance which simplified several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences. As a result, our income tax expense was reduced by $207,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.second quarter.


Balance Sheet ReviewBALANCESHEETREVIEW

Investment Securities
At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the $81.5$78.6 million in our investment securities portfolio represented approximately 5.2%3.7% of our total assets.Our available for sale investment portfolio included USU.S. government agency securities, SBA securities, state and political subdivisions, asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities witha fair value of $78.4$75.3 million and an amortized cost of $78.6$75.0 million, resulting in an unrealized lossgain of $140,000.$238,000. At December 31, 2016,2018, the $70.2$79.0 million in our investment securities portfolio represented approximately 5.2%4.2% of our total assets. At December 31, 2016,2018, we held investment securities available for sale with a fair value of $64.5$74.9 million and an amortized cost of $65.2$76.1 million for an unrealized loss of $764,000.$1.2 million.

Loans
Since loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of interest earning assets, a substantial percentage of our earning assets are invested in our loan portfolio. Average loans for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 were $1.3$1.75 billion and $1.1$1.47 billion, respectively. Before the allowance for loan losses, total loans outstanding at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 were $1.3$1.81 billion and $1.2$1.68 billion, respectively.

The principal component of our loan portfolio is loans secured by real estate mortgages. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, our loan portfolio included $1.1$1.49 billion, or 82.1%82.4%, of real estate loans. As of December 31, 2016,2018, real estate loans made up 81.1%82.3% of our loan portfolio and totaled $943.5 million.$1.38 billion. Most of our real estate loans are secured by residential or commercial property. We obtain a security interest in real estate, in addition to any other available collateral. This collateral is taken to increase the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan. Generally, we limit the loan-to-value ratio on loans to coincide with the appropriate regulatory guidelines. We attempt to maintain a relatively diversified loan portfolio to help reduce the risk inherent in concentration in certain types of collateral and business types. We do not generally originate traditional long term residential mortgages to hold in our loan portfolio, but we do issue traditional second mortgage residential real estate loans and home equity lines of credit. Home equity lines of credit totaled $150.4$170.9 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, of which approximately 42%77% were in a first lien position, while the remaining balance was second liens, compared to $137.1$165.9 million as of December 31, 2016,2018, with approximately 39%56% in first lien positions and the remaining balance in second liens. The average loan had a balance of approximately $89,000$87,000 and a loan to value of 71%69% as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, compared to an average loan balance of $91,000$88,000 and a loan to value of approximately 73%70% as of December 31, 2016.2018. Further, 0.3%0.7% and 0.1% of our total home equity lines of credit were over 30 days past due as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively.


Following is a summary of our loan composition at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016.2018. During the first ninesix months of 2017,2019, our loan portfolio increased by $164.1$132.0 million, or 14.1%7.9%. Our commercial and consumer loan portfolios each experienced growth during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 with a 13.7%an 8.4% increase in commercial loans and a 14.8%6.8% increase in consumer loans during the period. Of the $164.1$132.0 million in loan growth during the first ninesix months of 2017, $147.12019, $109.8 million of the increase was in loans secured by real estate, $12.3$19.6 million in commercial business loans, and $4.7$2.6 million in other consumer loans. Our consumer real estate portfolio includes high quality 1-4 family consumer real estate loans. Our average consumer real estate loan currently has a principal balance of $358,000,$374,000, a term of teneleven years, and an average rate of 4.34%4.38% as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, compared to a $341,000 principal balance of $377,000, a term of nineeleven years, and an average rate of 4.34%4.47% as of December 31, 2016.2018.

    
     September 30, 2017     December 31, 2016June 30, 2019December 31, 2018
(dollars in thousands)Amount     % of TotalAmount     % of TotalAmount% of TotalAmount% of Total
Commercial
Owner occupied RE$317,26223.9%$285,93824.6%     $390,727     21.6%     $367,018     21.9%
Non-owner occupied RE301,36022.7%239,57420.6%455,34625.2%404,29624.1%
Construction32,3322.4%33,3932.9%85,0654.7%84,4115.0%
Business214,89816.2%202,55217.4%292,56416.2%272,98016.3%
Total commercial loans865,85265.2%761,45765.5%     1,223,70267.7%1,128,70567.3%
 
Consumer
Real estate250,48318.9%215,58818.5%342,10018.9%320,94319.1%
Home equity150,37111.3% 137,105 11.8%170,8619.4%165,9379.9%
Construction38,7662.9% 31,922 2.7%46,2472.6%37,9252.3%
Other22,2671.7%17,5721.5%26,4451.4%23,8221.4%
Total consumer loans 461,887  34.8%402,18734.5%585,65332.3%548,62732.7%
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees1,327,739100.0%1,163,644100.0%1,809,355     100.0%1,677,332     100.0%
Less—allowance for loan losses(15,579)(14,855)(16,144) (15,762)
Total loans, net$1,312,160$1,148,789$1,793,211$     1,661,570

Nonperforming assets
Nonperforming assets include real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed taken in lieu of foreclosure and loans on nonaccrual status. Generally, a loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest, or when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of the contractual principal or interest on the loan is doubtful. A payment of interest on a loan that is classified as nonaccrual is recognized as a reduction in principal when received. Our policy with respect to nonperforming loans requires the borrower to make a minimum of six consecutive payments in accordance with the loan terms and to show capacity to continue performing into the future before that loan can be placed back on accrual status. As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, we had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing.

Following is a summary of our nonperforming assets, including nonaccruing TDRs.

    
(dollars in thousands)     September 30, 2017     December 31, 2016June 30, 2019December 31, 2018
Commercial$3,4093,673     $437     291
Consumer1,4648192,1522,998
Nonaccruing troubled debt restructurings 7309903,2202,541
Total nonaccrual loans5,603 5,4825,8095,830
Other real estate owned420639--
Total nonperforming assets $6,0236,121$        5,8095,830

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, nonperforming assets were $6.0$5.8 million, or 0.39%0.27% of total assets and 0.45%0.32% of gross loans. Comparatively, nonperforming assets were $6.1$5.8 million, or 0.46%0.31% of total assets and 0.53%0.35% of gross loans at December 31, 2016.2018. Nonaccrual loans were $5.6$5.8 million at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, a $121,000 increaseslight decrease from December 31, 2016.2018. During the first ninesix months of 2017, six2019, four loans were put on nonaccrual status and 12three nonaccrual loans were either paid off or charged-off.returned to accrual status. The amount of foregone interest income on the nonaccrual loans in the first ninesix months of 20172019 and 20162018 was approximately $251,000$54,000 and $341,000,$126,000, respectively.


Nonperforming assets include other real estate owned which totaled $420,000 at SeptemberAt June 30, 2017, a $219,000 decrease from December 31, 2016. The balance at September 30, 2017 includes six commercial properties totaling $367,0002019 and two residential properties totaling $53,000. All of these properties are located in the Upstate of South Carolina. We believe that these properties are appropriately valued at the lower of cost or market as of September 30, 2017.

At September 30, 2017 and 2016,2018, the allowance for loan losses represented 278.1%277.9% and 258.3%208.5% of the total amount of nonperforming loans, respectively. A significant portion, or 79%approximately 86%, of nonperforming loans at SeptemberJune 30, 2017 is2019 was secured by real estate. Our nonperforming loans have been written down to approximately 54%80% of their original nonperforming balance. We have evaluated the underlying collateral on these loans and believe that the collateral on these loans is sufficient to minimize future losses. Based on the level of coverage on nonperforming loans and analysis of our loan portfolio, we believe the allowance for loan losses of $15.6$16.1 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 to be adequate.

As a general practice, most of our loans are originated with relatively short maturities of less than 10 years.years for commercial loans and less than 15 years for consumer loans. As a result, when a loan reaches its maturity we frequently renew the loan and thus extend its maturity using the same credit standards as those used when the loan was first originated. Due to these loan practices, we may, at times, renew loans which are classified as nonperforming after evaluating the loan’s collateral value and financial strength of its guarantors. Nonperforming loans are renewed at terms generally consistent with the ultimate source of repayment and rarely at reduced rates. In these cases, the Companywe will seek additional credit enhancements, such as additional collateral or additional guarantees to further protect the loan. When a loan is no longer performing in accordance with its stated terms, the Companywe will typically seek performance under the guarantee.

In addition, at SeptemberJune 30, 2017, 82.1%2019, 82.4% of our loans arewere collateralized by real estate and 80.0%78% of our impaired loans arewere secured by real estate. The Company utilizesWe utilize third party appraisers to determine the fair value of collateral dependent loans. Our current loan and appraisal policies require the Companyus to obtain updated appraisals on an annual basis, either through a new external appraisal or an appraisal evaluation. Impaired loans are individually reviewed on a quarterly basis to determine the level of impairment. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we dodid not have any impaired real estate loans carried at a value in excess of the appraised value. We typically charge-off a portion or create a specific reserve for impaired loans when we do not expect repayment to occur as agreed upon under the original terms of the loan agreement.

At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, impaired loans totaled $12.6$12.7 million, for which $9.4$6.5 million of these loans havehad a reserve of approximately $3.7$2.0 million allocated in the allowance. During the first ninesix months of 2017,2019, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $13.0$12.8 million. Comparatively, impaired loans totaled $11.2$12.6 million at December 31, 2016,2018, and $7.5$6.2 million of these loans had a reserve of approximately $2.6$2.0 million allocated in the allowance. During 2016,2018, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $11.6$13.1 million.

We consider a loan to be a TDR when the debtor experiences financial difficulties and we provide concessions such that we will not collect all principal and interest in accordance with the original terms of the loan agreement. Concessions can relate to the contractual interest rate, maturity date, or payment structure of the note. As part of our workout plan for individual loan relationships, we may restructure loan terms to assist borrowers facing challenges in the current economic environment. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we determined that we had loans totaling $7.7$10.2 million that we considered TDRs. As of December 31, 2016,2018, we had loans totaling $6.7$9.3 million that we considered TDRs.

Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses was $15.6 million and $14.5$16.1 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016, respectively,2018, or 1.17%0.89% of outstanding loans at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 1.30%1.05% of outstanding loans at SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2018. At December 31, 2016,2018, our allowance for loan losses was $14.9$15.8 million, or 1.28%0.94% of outstanding loans, and we had net loans charged-off of $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.loans.

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we charged-off $962,000$277,000 of loans and recorded $186,000$59,000 of recoveries on loans previously charged-off, for net charge-offs of $776,000,$218,000, or 0.08%0.03% of average loans, annualized. Comparatively, we charged-off $1.5 million$604,000 of loans and recorded $286,000$281,000 of recoveries on loans previously charged-off during the first six months of 2018, resulting in net charge-offs of $1.2 million,$323,000, or 0.15%0.04% of average loans, annualized, forannualized. For the first nine monthsyear ended December 31, 2018, we had net charge-offs of 2016.$1.7 million, or 0.11% of average loans.


Following is a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses.

Nine months endedSix months ended
September 30,Year endedJune 30,Year ended
(dollars in thousands)     2017     2016     December 31, 2016     2019     2018     December 31, 2018
Balance, beginning of period$14,85513,62913,629$     15,76215,523              15,523
Provision1,5002,0252,3006009001,900
Loan charge-offs(962)(1,462)(1,648)(277)(604)(2,146)
Loan recoveries18628657459281485
Net loan charge-offs(776)(1,176)(1,074)(218)(323)(1,661)
Balance, end of period$15,57914,47814,855$16,14416,10015,762

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities
Our primary source of funds for loans and investments is our deposits and advances from the FHLB, and structured repurchase agreements.FHLB. In the past, we have chosen to obtain a portion of our certificates of deposits from areas outside of our market in ordertoorder to obtain longer term deposits than are readily available in our local market. We have adoptedOur internal guidelines regarding ourthe use of brokered CDs that limit our brokered CDs to 20% of total deposits. In addition, we do not obtain time deposits and dictate that our current interest rate risk profile determinesof $100,000 or more through the terms.Internet. These guidelines allow us to take advantage of the attractive terms that wholesale funding can offer while mitigating the related inherent risk.

Our retail deposits represented $1.3$1.78 billion, or 95.7%96.2% of total deposits at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, while our out-of-market, or brokered, deposits represented $57.3$71.2 million, or 4.3%3.8% of our total deposits at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. At December 31, 2016,2018, retail deposits represented $1.0$1.57 billion, or 94.6%95.2% of our total deposits, and brokered CDs were $59.1$79.3 million, representing 5.4%4.8% of our total deposits. Our loan-to-deposit ratio was 99%98% at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 107%102% at December 31, 2016.2018.

The following is a detail of our deposit accounts:

September 30,December 31,June 30,December 31,
(dollars in thousands)     2017     2016     2019     2018
Non-interest bearing$272,758235,538$     368,906346,570
Interest bearing:
NOW accounts209,607234,949229,109186,795
Money market accounts533,575345,117857,478730,765
Savings15,65914,94215,18015,486
Time, less than $100,00054,13348,63859,38263,073
Time and out-of-market deposits, $100,000 and over256,845211,967323,953305,447
Total deposits$1,342,5771,091,151$1,854,0081,648,136

During the past 12 months, we continued our focus on increasing core deposits, which exclude out-of-market deposits and time deposits of $250,000 or more, in order to provide a relatively stable funding source for our loan portfolio and other earning assets. Our core deposits were $1.2$1.62 billion and $937.5 million$1.43 billion at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, and December 31, 2016,2018, respectively.


The following table shows the average balance amounts and the average rates paid on deposits.

Nine months endedSix months ended
September 30,June 30,
2017201620192018
(dollars in thousands)     Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate
Noninterest bearing demand deposits$256,731-%198,166-%
Interest bearing demand deposits220,0660.18%201,2570.16%
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits$     335,060-%$    295,058-%
Interest-bearing demand deposits192,6300.24%237,020  0.16%
Money market accounts435,9390.76%312,8330.42%799,7071.81%617,3591.20%
Savings accounts15,5510.05%12,4380.05%15,3270.06%16,0020.06%
Time deposits less than $100,00050,3450.81%56,0340.73%63,7301.90%57,7971.23%
Time deposits greater than $100,000259,2581.03%213,7460.84%312,9422.28%264,5771.55%
Total deposits$1,237,8900.55%994,4740.39%$1,719,3961.35%$1,487,8130.85%

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, our average transaction account balances increased by $203.6$177.3 million, or 28.1%15.2%, from the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2018, while our average time deposit balances increased by $39.8$54.3 million, or 16.8%, during the same ninesix month period.

All of our time deposits are certificates of deposits. The maturity distribution of our time deposits of $100,000 or more at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 was as follows:

(dollars in thousands)September 30, 2017     June 30, 2019
Three months or less$54,404$53,661
Over three through six months69,84277,868
Over six through twelve months72,512121,610
Over twelve months60,08770,814
Total$256,845$323,953

Included in time deposits of $100,000 or more at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 is $57.3$56.8 million of wholesale CDs scheduled to mature within the next 12 months at a weighted average rate of 1.08%2.45%. Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 were $181.7$234.3 million and $153.7$214.0 million, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity represents the ability of a company to convert assets into cash or cash equivalents without significant loss, and the ability to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves monitoring our sources and uses of funds in order to meet our day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits. 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 our investment portfolio is fairly 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 the same degree of control.

At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016, our liquid assets, consisting of2018, cash and due from banks and federal funds sold,cash equivalents amounted to $74.6$116.8 million and $46.6$72.9 million, respectively, or 4.8%5.5% and 3.5%3.8% of total assets, respectively. Our investment securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 amounted to $81.5The $43.9 million and $70.2 million, or 5.2% of total assets for both periods. The increase in cash and cash equivalents is primarily attributableduring the first six months of 2019 was driven by our growth in deposit balances. Our investment securities at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 amounted to our effort to increase the amount$78.6 million and $79.0 million, respectively, or 3.7% and 4.2% of on balance sheet liquidity. In addition, investmenttotal assets, respectively.Investment securities traditionally provide a secondary source of liquidity since they can be converted into cash in a timely manner; however, approximately 12.5% of these securities are pledged against outstanding debt. Therefore, the related debt would need to be repaid prior to the securities being sold in order for these securities to be converted to cash.manner.


Our ability to maintain and expand our deposit base and borrowing capabilities serves as our primary source of liquidity. We plan to meet our future cash needs through the liquidation of temporary investments, the generation of deposits, loan payoffs, and from additional borrowings. In addition, we will receive cash upon the maturity and sale of loans and the maturity of investment securities. We maintain four federal funds purchased lines of credit with correspondent banks totaling $72.0 million for which there were no borrowings against the lines of credit at SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019.

We are also a member of the FHLB, from which applications for borrowings can be made. The FHLB requires that securities, qualifying mortgage loans, and stock of the FHLB owned by the Bank be pledged to secure any advances from the FHLB. The unused borrowing capacity currently available from the FHLB at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 was $243.0$368.7 million, based on the Bank’s $2.5$2.8 million investment in FHLB stock, as well as qualifying mortgages available to secure any future borrowings. However, we are able to pledge additional securities to the FHLB in order to increase our available borrowing capacity. In addition, at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 20162018 we had $188.8$212.5 million and $130.1$194.7 million, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding with the FHLB to secure client deposits.

We entered intoalso have a new, unsecured interest only line of credit for $15.0 million with another financial institution effectivefor $15.0 million, which was unused at June 30, 2017.2019. The line of credit bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% and matures on June 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2017, the line of credit was unused. The loan agreement contains various financial covenants related to capital, earnings and asset quality.


We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits, federal funds purchased lines of credit with correspondent banks, and borrowings from the FHLB and short-term repurchase agreements will enable us to successfully meet our long-term liquidity needs. However, as short-term liquidity needs arise, we have the ability to sell a portion of our investment securities portfolio to meet those needs.

Total shareholders’ equity was $147.4$189.9 million at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and $109.9$173.9 million at December 31, 2016.2018. The $37.6$15.9 million increase from December 31, 20162018 is primarily related to the issuance of 805,000 shares of common stock on May 2, 2017 in a public offering. The common stock was issued at $32.75 per share for net proceeds of $24.8 million. Proceeds from the offering were used to improve our capital structure, including to repay our former $10 million line of credit with another financial institution, to fund future organic growth, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Net income of $11.0$13.2 million forduring the first ninesix months of 2017 also contributed to the increase2019, stock option exercises and expenses of $1.6 million, and $1.1 million in shareholders’ equity.other comprehensive income.

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), equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average assets), and tangible common equity ratio (total equity less preferred stock divided by total assets) annualized for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. Since our inception, we have not paid cash dividends.

     September 30, 2017     December 31, 2016     June 30, 2019     December 31, 2018
Return on average assets0.99%1.04%1.36%1.27%
Return on average equity11.28%12.73%       14.75%             13.83%
Return on average common equity11.28%12.73%14.75%13.83%
Average equity to average assets ratio8.81%8.16%9.18%9.15%
Tangible common equity to assets ratio9.47%8.19%8.97%9.15%

Under the capital adequacy guidelines, regulatory capital is classified into two tiers. These guidelines require an institution to maintain a certain level of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, minus certain intangible assets. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100% based on the risks believed to be inherent in the type of asset. Tier 2 capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus the general reserve for loan losses, subject to certain limitations. We are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on total average assets, which is known as the Tier 1 leverage ratio.

At both the holding companyCompany and Bank level, we are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Under the capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors, and the regulators can lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements.


RegulatoryThe capital rules released 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 staterequire banks and savings associations regardless of size and bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies with more than $1 billion into maintain a minimum total consolidated assets. The requirements in the rule began to phase in for us on January 1, 2015 and will be fully phased in by January 1, 2019.

The rule includes certain new and higher risk-basedrisked-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);

ratio of at least 8%, 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 Equityratio of at least 6%, a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 4.5%, and additional Tier 1 capital. The newa leverage ratio of at least 4%. Bank holding companies and highest formbanks are also required to hold a capital conservation buffer of capital, Common Equitycommon 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 addition, in order2.5% to avoid restrictionslimitations on capital distributions orand 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).executive compensation payments. The capital conservation buffer will be phased in incrementally over time, becomingbecame fully effective on January 1, 2019, and will consistconsists of an additional amount of common equity equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. As

To be considered “well-capitalized” for purposes of January 1, 2016, we are required to holdcertain rules and prompt corrective action requirements, the Bank must maintain a minimum total risked-based capital conservation bufferratio of 0.625%at least 10%, increasing by that amount each successive year until 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 Equitya total Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8%, a common equity exposures,Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, and claims on securities firms, that are used in the denominatora leverage ratio of the three risk-basedat least 5%. As of June 30, 2019, our capital ratios.

It is management’s belief that, as of September 30, 2017, the Companyratios exceed these ratios and the Bank would have met all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were currently effective.we remain “well capitalized.”


The following table summarizes the capital amounts and ratios of the Bank and the regulatory minimum requirements.

September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
To be well capitalizedTo be well capitalized
under promptunder prompt
For capitalcorrectiveFor capitalcorrective
adequacy purposesaction provisionsadequacy purposesaction provisions
ActualminimumminimumActualminimumminimum
(dollars in thousands)   Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)$172,87613.33%103,7728.00%129,71510.00%$212,17411.94%142,1958.00%177,74310.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)157,29712.13%77,8296.00%103,7728.00%196,03011.03%106,6466.00%142,1958.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)157,29712.13%58,3724.50%84,3146.50%196,03011.03%79,9844.50%115,5336.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)157,29710.15%61,9924.00%77,4905.00%196,0309.63%81,4524.00%101,8155.00%
December 31, 2018
To be well capitalized
under prompt
For capitalcorrective
adequacy purposesaction provisions
Actualminimumminimum
(dollars in thousands)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)$     198,19512.16%$    130,3688.00%$    162,96010.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)182,43311.20%97,7766.00%130,3688.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)182,43311.20%73,3324.50%105,9246.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)182,4339.84%74,1264.00%92,6585.00%

The following table summarizes the capital amounts and ratios of the Company and the minimum regulatory requirements.

 
September 30, 2017June 30, 2019
To be well capitalizedTo be well capitalized
under promptunder prompt
For capitalcorrectiveFor capitalcorrective
adequacy purposesaction provisionsadequacy purposesaction provisions
ActualminimumminimumActualminimumminimum
(dollars in thousands)     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)$176,12113.58%103,7728.00%N/AN/A$    218,81012.31%142,1988.00%N/AN/A
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)160,54212.38%77,8296.00%N/AN/A202,66611.40%106,6496.00%N/AN/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)147,54211.37%58,3724.50%N/AN/A189,66610.67%79,9874.50%N/AN/A
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)160,54210.36%62,0104.00%N/AN/A202,6669.95%81,4704.00%N/AN/A
December 31, 2018
To be well capitalized
under prompt
For capitalcorrective
adequacy purposesaction provisions
Actualminimumminimum
(dollars in thousands)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets)$203,59512.49%130,3688.00%N/AN/A
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)187,83311.53%97,7766.00%N/AN/A
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)174,83310.73%73,3324.50%N/AN/A
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)187,83310.14%74,1264.00%N/AN/A

The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends is dependent upon receiving cash in the form of dividends from the Bank. The dividends that may be paid by the Bank to the Company are subject to legal limitations and regulatory capital requirements.


Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

The effect of relative purchasing power over time due to inflation has not been taken into account in our consolidated financial statements. Rather, our financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Unlike most industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. Therefore, the effect of changes in interest rates will have a more significant impact on our performance than will the effect of changing prices and inflation in general. In addition, interest rates may generally increase as the rate of inflation increases, although not necessarily in the same magnitude. As discussed previously, we seek to manage the relationships between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend money to a client as long as the client has not violated any material condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, unfunded commitments to extend credit were $265.2$379.1 million, of which $68.2$116.3 million was at fixed rates and $197.0$262.8 million was at variable rates. At December 31, 2016,2018, unfunded commitments to extend credit were $226.6$399.4 million, of which approximately $57.8$130.5 million was at fixed rates and $168.8$269.0 million was at variable rates. A significant portion of the unfunded commitments related to consumer equity lines of credit. Based on historical experience, we anticipate that a significant portion of these lines of credit will not be funded. We evaluate each client’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. The type of collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and commercial and residential real estate. As disclosed in Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments, we had mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments of $29.3 million and $18.0 million as of September

At June 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2018, there were commitments under letters of credit for $6.0$9.5 million and $4.4$10.0 million, respectively. The credit risk and collateral involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Since most of the letters of credit are expected to expire without being drawn upon, they do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Except as disclosed in this report, we are not involved in off-balance sheet contractual relationships, unconsolidated related entities that have off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions that could result in liquidity needs or other commitments that significantly impact earnings.


Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates, which principally arises from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, deposit gathering, and borrowing activities. Other types of market risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, do not generally arise in the normal course of our business.

We actively monitor and manage our interest rate risk exposure in order to control the mix and maturities of our assets and liabilities utilizing a process we call asset/liability management. The essential purposes of asset/liability management are to ensure adequate liquidity and to maintain an appropriate balance between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to minimize potentially adverse impacts on earnings from changes in market interest rates. Our asset/liability management committee (“ALCO”) monitors and considers methods of managing exposure to interest rate risk. We have both an internal ALCO consisting of senior management that meets at various times during each month and a board ALCO that meets monthly. The ALCOs are responsible for maintaining the level of interest rate sensitivity of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities within board-approved limits.


As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the following table summarizes the forecasted impact on net interest income using a base case scenario given upward and downward movements in interest rates of 100, 200, and 300 basis points based on forecasted assumptions of prepayment speeds, nominal interest rates and loan and deposit repricing rates. Estimates are based on current economic conditions, historical interest rate cycles and other factors deemed to be relevant. However, underlying assumptions may be impacted in future periods which were not known to management at the time of the issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, management’s assumptions may or may not prove valid. No assurance can be given that changing economic conditions and other relevant factors impacting our net interest income will not cause actual occurrences to differ from underlying assumptions. In addition, this analysis does not consider any strategic changes to our balance sheet which management may consider as a result of changes in market conditions.

Change in net interest
Interest rate scenarioincome from base
Up 300 basis points7.01(5.53)%
Up 200 basis points5.35(2.88)%
Up 100 basis points3.12(0.94)%
Base-
Down 100 basis points(4.39)(3.16)%
Down 200 basis points(5.26)(4.66)%
Down 300 basis points                    (7.22)(3.04)%

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 footnotes to our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016,2018, as filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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. Our Critical Accounting Policies are the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, other-than-temporary impairment analysis, other real estate owned, and income taxes. 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.


Accounting, Reporting, and Regulatory Matters

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
The following is a summarySee Note 1 – Nature of recent authoritative pronouncements that could affect accounting, reporting,Business and disclosureBasis of financial information by us:

In May 2014,Presentation in the FASB issued guidanceaccompanying condensed notes 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’s revenue is comprised of net interest income and noninterest income. The scope of the guidance explicitly excludes net interest income as well as many other revenues for financial assets and liabilities including loans, leases, securities, and derivatives. Accordingly, the majority of our revenues will not be affected. The Company is currently assessing our revenue contracts related to revenue streams that are within the scope of the standard. Our accounting policies will not change materially since the principles of revenue recognition from the ASU are largely consistent with existing guidance and current practices applied by our businesses. We have not identified material changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognition. Based on the updated guidance, we do anticipate changes in our disclosures associated with our revenues.

In November 2015, the FASB amended the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments will be effective forconsolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for details of recently issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016,accounting pronouncements and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. 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 ASC 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

We expect to adopt the guidance using the modified retrospective method and practical expedients for transition. The practical expedients allow us to largely account for our existing leases consistent with current guidance except for the incremental balance sheet recognition for lessees. We have started an initial evaluation of our leasing contracts and activities. We have also started developing our methodology to estimate the right-of use assets and lease liabilities, which is based on the present value of lease payments (the December 31, 2016 future minimum lease payments were $10.2 million). We do not expect a material change to the timing of expense recognition, but we are early in the implementation process and will continue to evaluate the impact. We are evaluating our existing disclosures and may need to provide additional information as a result of adoption of the ASU.

In March 2016, the FASB issued guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including the income tax consequences, the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification on the statement of cash flows. Additionally, the guidance simplifies two areas specific to entities other than public business entities allowing them to apply a practical expedient to estimate thetheir expected term for all awards with performance or service conditions that have certain characteristics and also allowing them to make a one-time election to switch from measuring all liability-classified awards at fair value to measuring them at intrinsic value. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. These amendments did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.


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 will apply the amendments to the ASU through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. While early adoption is permitted beginning in first quarter 2019, we do not expect to elect that option. We are evaluating the impact of the ASU on our consolidated financial statements. In addition to our allowance for loan losses, we will also record an allowance for credit losses on debt securities instead of applying the impairment model currently utilized. The amount of the adjustments will be impacted by each portfolio’s composition and credit quality at the adoption date as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time.

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, and in November 2016, the FASB amended the Statement of Cash Flows topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify the presentation and classification how restricted cash is 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. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB amended the Statement of Cash Flows topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to clarify how restricted cash is 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 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 May 2017, the FASB amended the requirements in the Compensation—Stock Compensation Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification related to changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The amendments will be effective for the Company for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual 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.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption.


Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

See Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity and – Liquidity Risk.and Capital Resources.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are a party to claims and lawsuits arising in the course of normal business activities. Management is not aware of any material pending legal proceedings against the Company which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A1A. RISK FACTORS.

Investing in shares of our common stock involves certain risks, including those identified and described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016,2018, as well as cautionary statements contained in this Form 10-Q, including those under the caption “Cautionary Warning Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” set forth in Part 1, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q, risks and matters described elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. of Part I in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

Not applicableNone.

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

Not applicableNone.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicableNone.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

Not applicableEffective April 9, 2019, the Company entered into a contract with a company owned by one of its directors, Mr. Mark Cothran, to provide development services related to the purchase of land and construction of a new office building in Greenville, South Carolina. The contract provides for monthly payments of $50,000 related to these services through December 31, 2019.

Item 6. EXHIBITS.

The exhibits required to be filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are listed in the Index to Exhibits attached hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
Registrant
Date: October 30, 2017/s/R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.
R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: October 30, 2017/s/Michael D. Dowling
Michael D. Dowling
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number

Description

1.110.1LoanDevelopment Services Agreement between the Bank and Security Agreement,Cothran Properties, LLC dated as of June 30, 2017, by and between Southern First Bancshares, Inc. and CenterState Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 3, 2017).April 9, 2019.
1.231.1Promissory Note, dated as of June 30, 2017, by and between Southern First Bancshares, Inc. and CenterState Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 3, 2017).
    
1.3Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2017, by and between Southern First Bancshares, Inc. and CenterState Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 3, 2017).
31.1

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.

32

Section 1350 Certifications.

101

The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Southern First Bancshares, Inc. for the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

*       Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
Registrant
Date: August 2, 2019/s/R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.   
R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: August 2, 2019/s/Michael D. Dowling   
Michael D. Dowling
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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