Table of Contents

 

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,September 30, 2023

OR

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)

South Carolina58-2459561
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
6 Verdae Boulevard
Greenville, S.C.29607
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

864-679-9000864-679-9000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common StockSFSTThe Nasdaq Global Market

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.  YesxNo ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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).

YesxNo ¨

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

Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filerx
Non-accelerated filer¨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 ¨Nox

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

8,047,9758,088,638 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were issued and outstanding as of April 27,October 31, 2023.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

March 31,September 30, 2023 Form 10-Q

INDEX

INDEX

Page
PART I – CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION1
Item 1.Consolidated Financial Statements1
Consolidated Balance Sheets13
Consolidated Statements of Income24
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income35
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity46
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows57
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements68
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations2329
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk3745
Item 4.Controls and Procedures3746
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION38
Item 1.Legal Proceedings3846
Item 1A.Risk Factors3846
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds3946
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities3947
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures3947
Item 5.Other Information3947
Item 6.Exhibits4047

2

i

Table of Contents

PART I. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

         
 
  September 30,  December 31, 
(dollars in thousands, except share data) 2023  2022 
  (Unaudited)  (Audited) 
ASSETS        
Cash and cash equivalents:        
Cash and due from banks $17,395   18,788 
Federal funds sold  127,714   101,277 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks  7,283   50,809 
Total cash and cash equivalents  152,392   170,874 
Investment securities:        
Investment securities available for sale  144,035   93,347 
Other investments  19,600   10,833 
Total investment securities  163,635   104,180 
Mortgage loans held for sale  7,117   3,917 
Loans  3,553,632   3,273,363 
Less allowance for credit losses  (41,131)  (38,639)
Loans, net  3,512,501   3,234,724 
Bank owned life insurance  52,140   51,122 
Property and equipment, net  95,743   99,183 
Deferred income taxes, net  13,078   12,522 
Other assets  23,351   15,459 
Total assets $4,019,957   3,691,981 
LIABILITIES        
Deposits $3,347,771   3,133,864 
FHLB advances and related debt  275,000   175,000 
Subordinated debentures  36,295   36,214 
Other liabilities  56,993   52,391 
Total liabilities  3,716,059   3,397,469 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized  -   - 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 8,088,638 and 8,011,045 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively  81   80 
Nonvested restricted stock  (4,065)  (3,306)
Additional paid-in capital  121,757   119,027 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (15,255)  (13,410)
Retained earnings  201,380   192,121 
Total shareholders’ equity  303,898   294,512 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $4,019,957   3,691,981 

  March 31,  December 31, 
(dollars in thousands, except share data) 2023  2022 
  (Unaudited)  (Audited) 
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents:        
Cash and due from banks $22,213   18,788 
Federal funds sold  242,642   101,277 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks  7,350   50,809 
Total cash and cash equivalents  272,205   170,874 
Investment securities:        
Investment securities available for sale  94,036   93,347 
Other investments  10,097   10,833 
Total investment securities  104,133   104,180 
Mortgage loans held for sale  6,979   3,917 
Loans  3,417,945   3,273,363 
Less allowance for credit losses  (40,435)  (38,639)
Loans, net  3,377,510   3,234,724 
Bank owned life insurance  51,453   51,122 
Property and equipment, net  97,806   99,183 
Deferred income taxes, net  12,087   12,522 
Other assets  15,967   15,459 
Total assets $3,938,140   3,691,981 
LIABILITIES        
Deposits $3,426,774   3,133,864 
FHLB advances and related debt  125,000   175,000 
Subordinated debentures  36,241   36,214 
Other liabilities  50,775   52,391 
Total liabilities  3,638,790   3,397,469 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized  -   - 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 8,047,975 and 8,011,045 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively  80   80 
Nonvested restricted stock  (4,462)  (3,306)
Additional paid-in capital  120,683   119,027 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (11,775)  (13,410)
Retained earnings  194,824   192,121 
Total shareholders’ equity  299,350   294,512 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $3,938,140   3,691,981 

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

3


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

                 
 
  For the three months  For the nine months 
  ended September 30,  ended September 30, 
(dollars in thousands, except share data) 2023  2022  2023  2022 
Interest income                
Loans $43,542   29,752   121,380   80,294 
Investment securities  1,470   506   2,788   1,428 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks  2,435   676   4,295   915 
Total interest income  47,447   30,934   128,463   82,637 
Interest expense                
Deposits  25,130   5,021   64,245   7,773 
Borrowings  2,972   459   5,623   1,362 
Total interest expense  28,102   5,480   69,868   9,135 
Net interest income  19,345   25,454   58,595   73,502 
Provision for credit losses  (500)  950   2,235   3,830 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses  19,845   24,504   56,360   69,672 
Noninterest income                
Mortgage banking income  1,208   1,230   3,167   3,907 
Service fees on deposit accounts  356   318   1,011   949 
ATM and debit card income  588   542   1,680   1,604 
Income from bank owned life insurance  349   315   1,018   945 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets  -   -   -   (394)
Gain on sale of securities  -   -   -   12 
Other income  249   275   653   850 
Total noninterest income  2,750   2,680   7,529   7,873 
Noninterest expenses                
Compensation and benefits  10,231   9,843   30,874   29,214 
Occupancy  2,562   2,442   7,537   6,439 
Outside service and data processing costs  1,744   1,529   5,078   4,591 
Insurance  1,243   507   2,829   1,134 
Professional fees  504   555   1,914   1,848 
Marketing  293   338   994   934 
Other  725   832   2,573   2,360 
Total noninterest expenses  17,302   16,046   51,799   46,520 
Income before income tax expense  5,293   11,138   12,090   31,025 
Income tax expense  1,195   2,725   2,831   7,402 
Net income $4,098   8,413   9,259   23,623 
Earnings per common share                
Basic $0.51   1.06   1.15   2.97 
Diluted  0.51   1.04   1.15   2.93 
Weighted average common shares outstanding                
Basic  8,052,926   7,972,146   8,043,410   7,954,025 
Diluted  8,072,408   8,065,087   8,077,830   8,071,988 

  For the three months 
  ended March 31, 
(dollars in thousands, except share data) 2023  2022 
Interest income      
Loans $36,748   23,931 
Investment securities  613   474 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks  969   59 
Total interest income  38,330   24,464 
Interest expense        
Deposits  17,179   908 
Borrowings  727   392 
Total interest expense  17,906   1,300 
Net interest income  20,424   23,164 
Provision for credit losses  1,825   1,105 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses  18,599   22,059 
Noninterest income        
Mortgage banking income  622   1,494 
Service fees on deposit accounts  325   303 
ATM and debit card income  555   514 
Income from bank owned life insurance  332   315 
Other income  210   301 
Total noninterest income  2,044   2,927 
Noninterest expenses        
Compensation and benefits  10,356   9,455 
Occupancy  2,457   1,779 
Outside service and data processing costs  1,629   1,534 
Insurance  689   261 
Professional fees  660   599 
Marketing  366   266 
Other  947   791 
Total noninterest expenses  17,104   14,685 
Income before income tax expense  3,539   10,301 
Income tax expense  836   2,331 
Net income $2,703   7,970 
Earnings per common share        
Basic $0.34   1.00 
Diluted  0.33   0.98 
Weighted average common shares outstanding        
Basic  8,025,876   7,931,855 
Diluted  8,092,270   8,096,310 

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

4


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

                 
    
  For the three months
ended September 30,
  For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022  2023  2022 
Net income $4,098   8,413   9,259   23,623 
Other comprehensive loss:                
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale:                
Unrealized holding loss arising during the period, pretax  (3,221)  (4,894)  (2,333)  (16,783)
Tax expense  676   1,028   488   3,524 
Reclassification of realized gain  -   -   -   (12)
Tax benefit  -   -   -   2 
Other comprehensive loss  (2,545)  (3,866)  (1,845)  (13,269)
Comprehensive income $1,553   4,547   7,414   10,354 

  For the three months
ended March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022 
Net income $2,703   7,970 
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale:        
Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during the period, pretax  2,070   (7,141)
Tax benefit (expense)  (435)  1,500 
Reclassification of realized gain  -   (15)
Tax expense  -   3 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  1,635   (5,653)
Comprehensive income $4,338   2,317 

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

5


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

                                     
  For the three months ended September 30, 
  Common stock  Preferred stock  Nonvested
restricted
  Additional
paid-in
  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
  Retained    
(dollars in thousands, except share data) Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  stock  capital  income (loss)  earnings  Total 
June 30, 2022  7,985,644  $80   -   -  $(3,230) $117,714  $(10,143) $178,216  $282,637 
Net income Retained earnings  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   8,413   8,413 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  3,000   -   -   -   -   87   -   -   87 
Issuance of restricted stock  8,700   -   -   -   (405)  405   -   -   - 
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax  -   -   -   -   287   -   -   -   287 
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax  -   -   -   -   -   227   -   -   227 
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (3,866)  -   (3,866)
Additional paid-in capital                                    
September 30, 2022  7,997,344  $80   -  $-  $(3,348) $118,433  $(14,009) $186,629  $287,785 
June 30, 2023  8,058,438  $81   -  $-  $(4,051) $120,912  $(12,710) $197,282  $301,514 
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   4,098   4,098 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  14,250   -   -   -   -   312   -   -   312 
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures  15,950   -   -   -   (388)  388   -   -   - 
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax  -   -   -   -   374   -   -   -   374 
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax  -   -   -   -   -   145   -   -   145 
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (2,545)  -   (2,545)
                                     
September 30, 2023  8,088,638  $81   -  $-  $(4,065) $121,757  $(15,255) $201,380  $303,898 

 

  For the nine months ended September 30, 
  Common stock  Preferred stock  Nonvested
restricted
  Additional
paid-in
  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
  Retained    
(dollars in thousands, except share data) Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  stock  capital  income (loss)  earnings  Total 
December 31, 2021 Preferred stock  7,925,819  $79   -   -  $(1,435) $114,226  $(740) $165,771  $277,901 
Net income Common stock  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   23,623   23,623 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  24,750   1   -   -   -   793   -   -   794 
Issuance of restricted stock  46,775   -   -   -   (2,710)  2,710   -   -   - 
Adoption of ASU 2016-13  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (2,765)  (2,765)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax  -   -   -   -   797   -   -   -   797 
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax  -   -   -   -   -   704   -   -   704 
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (13,269)  -   (13,269)
                                     
September 30, 2022  7,997,344  $80   -  $-  $(3,348) $118,433  $(14,009) $186,629  $287,785 
December 31, 2022  8,011,045  $80   -  $-  $(3,306) $119,027  $(13,410) $192,121  $294,512 
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   9,259   9,259 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  25,250   -   -   -   -   497   -   -   497 
Issuance of restricted stock  52,343   1   -   -   (1,824)  1,823   -   -   - 
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax  -   -   -   -   1,065   -   -   -   1,065 
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax  -   -   -   -   -   410   -   -   410 
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (1,845)  -   (1,845)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)                                    
September 30, 2023  8,088,638  $81   -  $-  $(4,065) $121,757  $(15,255) $201,380  $303,898 

  For the three months ended March 31, 
  Common stock  Preferred stock  Nonvested
restricted
  Additional
paid-in
  Accumulated
other
comprehensive
  Retained    
(dollars in thousands, except share data) Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  stock  capital  income (loss)  earnings  Total 
December 31, 2021  7,925,819  $79   -  $-  $(1,435) $114,226  $(740) $165,771  $277,901 
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   7,970   7,970 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  18,125   -   -   -   -   579   -   -   579 
Issuance of restricted stock  36,575   1   -   -   (2,235)  2,234   -   -   - 
Adoption of ASU 2016-13  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (2,765)  (2,765)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax  -   -   -   -   245   -   -   -   245 
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax  -   -   -   -   -   247   -   -   247 
Other comprehensive loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   (5,653)  -   (5,653)
March 31, 2022  7,980,519  $80   -  $-  $(3,425) $117,286  $(6,393) $170,976  $278,524 
December 31, 2022  8,011,045  $80   -  $-  $(3,306) $119,027  $(13,410) $192,121  $294,512 
Net income  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   2,703   2,703 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  1,000   -   -   -   -   17   -   -   17 
Issuance of restricted stock  35,930   -   -   -   (1,521)  1,521   -   -   - 
Compensation expense related to restricted stock, net of tax  -   -   -   -   365   -   -   -   365 
Compensation expense related to stock options, net of tax  -   -   -   -   -   118   -   -   118 
Other comprehensive income  -   -   -   -   -   -   1,635   -   1,635 
March 31, 2023  8,047,975  $ 80         -  $       -  $(4,462) $120,683  $(11,775) $194,824  $299,350 

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

6


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

         
 
  For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022 
Operating activities        
Net income $9,259   23,623 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:        
Provision for credit losses  2,235   3,830 
Depreciation and other amortization  3,611   2,521 
Accretion and amortization of securities discounts and premium, net  142   554 
Loss on sale of fixed assets  -   394 
Gain on sale of securities  -   (12)
Net change in operating leases  188   814 
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock grants  1,475   1,501 
Gain on sale of loans held for sale  (2,793)  (2,700)
Loans originated and held for sale  (112,930)  (191,448)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale  112,523   198,461 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance  (1,018)  (945)
Increase in deferred tax asset  (66)  (5,766)
(Increase) decrease in other assets  (7,892)  5 
Increase in other liabilities  6,059   6,006 
Net cash provided by operating activities  10,793   36,838 
Investing activities        
Increase (decrease) in cash realized from:        
Increase in loans, net  (280,627)  (538,816)
Purchase of property and equipment  (1,120)  (13,134)
Purchase of investment securities:        
Available for sale  (58,204)  (10,094)
Other investments  (49,949)  (15,235)
Payments and maturities, calls and repayments of investment securities:        
Available for sale  5,039   21,517 
Other investments  41,182   13,806 
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets  -   95 
Net cash used for investing activities  (343,679)  (541,861)
Financing activities        
Increase in cash realized from:        
Increase in deposits, net  213,907   437,626 
Increase in Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings, net  100,000   60,000 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options  497   794 
Net cash provided by financing activities  314,404   498,420 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (18,482)  (6,603)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period  170,874   167,209 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $152,392   160,606 
Supplemental information        
Cash paid for        
Interest $64,390   9,155 
Income taxes  586   8,270 
Schedule of non-cash transactions        
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of income taxes  (1,845)  (13,259)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:        
Operating leases  147   237 

  For the three months ended
March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022 
Operating activities        
Net income $2,703   7,970 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:        
Provision for credit losses  1,825   1,105 
Depreciation and other amortization  1,203   583 
Accretion and amortization of securities discounts and premium, net  129   210 
Gain on sale of securities  -   (15)
Net change in operating leases  53   108 
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock grants  483   492 
Gain on sale of loans held for sale  (530)  (899)
Loans originated and held for sale  (17,892)  (75,729)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale  15,360   72,344 
Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance  (331)  (315)
Increase in other assets  (508)  (447)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities  (1,258)  2,460 
Net cash provided by operating activities  1,237   7,867 
Investing activities        
Increase (decrease) in cash realized from:        
Increase in loans, net  (144,641)  (170,787)
Purchase of property and equipment  (180)  (5,869)
Purchase of investment securities:        
Available for sale  -   (10,094)
Other investments  (18,264)  (2,265)
Payments and maturities, calls and repayments of investment securities:        
Available for sale  1,252   16,046 
Other investments  19,000   2,182 
Net cash used for investing activities  (142,833)  (170,787)
Financing activities        
Increase (decrease) in cash realized from:        
Increase in deposits, net  292,910   144,348 
Decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings, net  (50,000)  - 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options  17   579 
Net cash provided by financing activities  242,927   144,927 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  101,331   (17,993)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period  170,874   167,209 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $272,205   149,216 
Supplemental information        
Cash paid for        
Interest $16,801   1,789 
Income taxes  -   - 
Schedule of non-cash transactions        
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of income taxes  1,635   (5,641)

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

7


SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is a South Carolina corporation that owns all of the capital stock of Southern First Bank (the “Bank”) and all of the stock of Greenville First Statutory Trusts I and II (collectively, the “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”). 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-month periodthree and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023. 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, 2022 as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 13, 2023. 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

The Company, through the Bank, provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. These services include demand, time and savings deposits;deposits, lending services;services and ATM processing and mortgage banking services. While the Company’s management periodically reviews limited production information for these revenue streams, that information is not complete as it does not include a full allocation of revenue, costs and capital from key corporate functions. Management will continue to evaluate these lines of business for separate reporting as facts and circumstances change.  Accordingly, the Company’s various banking operations are not considered by management to constitute more than one reportable operating segment.

Risk and Uncertainties

There were twothree significant bank failures in the first partfive months of March 2023, primarily due to the failed banks’ lack of liquidity as depositors sought to withdraw their deposits. Due to rising interest rates, the failed banks were unable to sell investment securities held to meet liquidity needs without realizing substantial losses. As a result of the March 2023 bank closures and in an effort to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and protect depositors, regulators have announced that any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund to support uninsured depositors will be recovered by a special assessment on banks, as required by law, which has and could continue to increase the cost of our FDIC insurance assessments. Additionally, the Federal Reserve announced the creation of a new Bank Term Funding Program in an effort to minimize the need for banks to sell securities at a loss in times of stress. The futurecontinued impact of these bank failures on the economy, financial institutions and their depositors, as well as any governmental regulatory responses or actions resulting from the same, is difficult to predict at this time.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with 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

8

particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, real estate acquired in the settlement of loans, fair value of financial instruments, and valuation of deferred tax assets.


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.

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

In January 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” (“ASU 2022-02”), which eliminated the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, for public business entities, the guidance requires disclosure of current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. The Company adopted the guidance using the modified retrospective method. Upon adoption of this guidance, the Company no longer establishes a specific reserve for modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Instead, these modifications are included in their respective cohort and a historical loss rate is applied to the current loan balance to arrive at the quantitative baseline portion of the allowance. The difference between the allowance previously determined and the current allowance was not material to the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-01, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging – Portfolio Layer Method”, which intended to better align hedge accounting with an organization’s risk management strategies. The ASU became applicable to the Company in the second quarter of 2023 when we entered into a fair value hedge using the portfolio layer method.

Newly Issued, But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards

In December 2022, the FASB issued amendments to defer the sunset date of the Reference Rate Reform Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, because the current relief in Reference Rate Reform Topic may not cover a period of time during which a significant number of modifications may take place. The amendments were effective upon issuance. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.

9

NOTE 2 – Investment Securities

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

Schedule of amortized costs and fair value of investment securities                
 
  September 30, 2023 
  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
(dollars in thousands) Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Available for sale                
Corporate bonds $2,153   -   303   1,850 
US treasuries  25,737   2   136   25,603 
US government agencies  21,225   -   2,501   18,724 
State and political subdivisions  22,708   -   4,398   18,310 
Asset-backed securities  29,780   25   164   29,641 
Mortgage-backed securities                
FHLMC  23,379   -   4,639   18,740 
FNMA  33,251   -   6,285   26,966 
GNMA  5,111   -   910   4,201 
Total mortgage-backed securities  61,741   -   11,834   49,907 
Total investment securities available for sale $163,344   27   19,336   144,035 

 

 December 31, 2022 
 March 31, 2023  Amortized Gross Unrealized Fair 
 Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair  Cost Gains Losses Value 
(dollars in thousands) Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Available for sale                                
Corporate bonds $2,166   -   250   1,916  $2,172   -   289   1,883 
US treasuries  999   -   107   892 
US treasuries US treasuries [Member]  999   -   128   871 
US government agencies  13,008   -   2,024   10,984   13,007   -   2,390   10,617 
State and political subdivisions  22,844   8   3,203   19,649   22,910   -   4,004   18,906 
Asset-backed securities  5,966   -   147   5,819   6,435   -   206   6,229 
Mortgage-backed securities                                
FHLMC  23,876   1   3,467   20,410 
FNMA  34,612   -   5,029   29,583 
GNMA  5,471   -   688   4,783 
FHLMC FHLMC [Member]  24,086   -   3,745   20,341 
FNMA FNMA [Member]  35,141   -   5,520   29,621 
GNMA GNMA [Member]  5,573   -   694   4,879 
Total mortgage-backed securities  63,959   1   9,184   54,776   64,800   -   9,959   54,841 
Total investment securities available for sale $108,942   9   14,915   94,036  $110,323   -   16,976   93,347 


    
  December 31, 2022 
  Amortized  Gross Unrealized  Fair 
  Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
Available for sale                
Corporate bonds $2,172   -   289   1,883 
US treasuries  999   -   128   871 
US government agencies  13,007   -   2,390   10,617 
State and political subdivisions  22,910   -   4,004   18,906 
Asset-backed securities  6,435   -   206   6,229 
Mortgage-backed securities                
FHLMC  24,086   -   3,745   20,341 
FNMA  35,141   -   5,520   29,621 
GNMA  5,573   -   694   4,879 
Total mortgage-backed securities  64,800   -   9,959   54,841 
Total investment securities available for sale $110,323   -   16,976   93,347 

Contractual maturities and yields on the Company’s investment securities at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 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.

10

 

    
  March 31, 2023 
  Less than one year  One to five years  Five to ten years  Over ten years  Total 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield 
Available for sale                                        
Corporate bonds $-   -  $-   -  $1,916   2.00% $-   -  $1,916   2.00%
US treasuries  -   -   -   -   892   1.27%  -   -   892   1.27%
US government agencies  -   -   3,291   0.85%  7,693   1.55%  -   -   10,984   1.34%
State and political subdivisions  -   -   465   2.13%  5,598   1.80%  13,586   2.16%  19,649   2.06%
Asset-backed securities  -   -   -   -   452   4.43%  5,367   5.62%  5,819   5.53%
Mortgage-backed securities  -   -   4,902   1.17%  3,712   1.57%  46,162   1.95%  54,776   1.85%
Total investment securities $        -        -  $8,658   1.10% $20,263   1.72% $65,115   2.30% $94,036   2.06%
Schedule of maturities and yields on the company’s investment securities                                        
                
           September 30, 2023 
  Less than one year  One to five years  Five to ten years  Over ten years  Total 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield 
Available for sale                                        
Corporate bonds Corporate bonds [Member] $-   -  $-   -  $1,850   2.01% $-   -  $1,850   2.01%
US treasuries  24,739   5.39%  864   1.27%  -   -   -   -   25,603   5.25%
US government agencies US government agencies [Member]  956   0.45%  2,293   1.00%  15,475   4.45%  -   -   18,724   3.82%
State and political subdivisions State and political subdivisions [Member]  -   -   872   1.94%  4,919   1.80%  12,519   2.17%  18,310   2.06%
Asset-backed securities Asset-backed securities [Member]  -   -   -   -   340   6.24%  29,301   6.61%  29,641   6.60%
Mortgage-backed securities Mortgage-backed securities [Member]  -   -   4,680   1.16%  5,140   1.59%  40,087   1.94%  49,907   1.83%
Total investment securities Total investment securities [Member] $25,695   5.21% $8,709   1.20% $27,724   3.31% $81,907   3.64% $144,035   3.71%

 

           December 31, 2022 
  Less than one year  One to five years  Five to ten years  Over ten years  Total 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield  Amount  Yield 
Available for sale                                        
Corporate bonds $-   -  $-   -  $1,883   2.00% $-   -  $1,883   2.00%
US treasuries  -   -   -   -   871   1.27%  -   -   871   1.27%
US government agencies  -   -   3,223   0.85%  7,394   1.55%  -   -   10,617   1.34%
State and political subdivisions  -   -   460   2.13%  5,382   1.80%  13,064   2.16%  18,906   2.05%
Asset-backed securities  -   -   -   -   554   4.77%  5,675   5.14%  6,229   5.10%
Mortgage-backed securities  -   -   4,594   1.13%  3,959   1.60%  46,288   1.90%  54,841   1.82%
Total investment securities $-   -  $8,277   1.08% $20,043   1.75% $65,027   2.24% $93,347   2.03%

The tables below summarize gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair market value of the related securities at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.

Schedule of gross unrealized losses on investment securities and fair market value of related securities                                    
          
        September 30, 2023 
  Less than 12 months  12 months or longer  Total 
(dollars in thousands) #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
  #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
  #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
 
Available for sale                                    
Corporate bonds  -  $-  $-   1  $1,850  $303   1  $1,850  $303 
US treasuries  -   -   -   1   863   136   1   863   136 
US government agencies  2   8,156   60   10   10,568   2,441   12   18,724   2,501 
State and political subdivisions  2   734   33   30   17,576   4,365   32   18,310   4,398 
Asset-backed  5   15,631   83   7   5,039   81   12   20,670   164 
Mortgage-backed securitiesMortgage-backed securities [Member]                                    
FHLMCFHLMC [Member]  2   2,726   189   19   16,014   4,450   21   18,740   4,639 
FNMA  -   -   -   37   26,966   6,285   37   26,966   6,285 
GNMA  -   -   -   6   4,201   910   6   4,201   910 
Total investment securities  11  $27,247  $365   111  $83,077  $18,971   122  $110,324  $19,336 

 


11

    
  March 31, 2023 
  Less than 12 months  12 months or longer  Total 
(dollars in thousands) #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
  #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
  #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
 
Available for sale                                    
Corporate bonds  -  $-  $     -   1  $1,916  $250   1  $1,916  $250 
US treasuries  -   -   -   1   892   107   1   892   107 
US government agencies  -   -   -   10   10,984   2,024   10   10,984   2,024 
State and political subdivisions  1   465   5   29   18,404   3,198   30   18,869   3,203 
Asset-backed  2   1,228   16   6   4,591   131   8   5,819   147 
Mortgage-backed securities                                    
FHLMC  1   1,504   12   19   17,486   3,455   20   18,990   3,467 
FNMA  1   5   -   36   29,578   5,029   37   29,583   5,029 
GNMA  -   -   -   7   4,783   688   7   4,783   688 
Total investment securities  5  $3,202  $33   109  $88,634  $14,882   114  $91,836  $14,915 

 

                            
        December 31, 2022 
  Less than 12 months  12 months or longer  Total 
(dollars in thousands) #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
  #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
  #  Fair
value
  Unrealized
losses
 
Available for sale                                    
Corporate bonds  -  $-  $-   1  $1,883  $289   1  $1,883  $289 
US treasuries  -   -   -   1   871   128   1   871   128 
US government agencies  -   -   -   10   10,617   2,390   10   10,617   2,390 
State and political subdivisions  10   5,101   763   22   13,805   3,241   32   18,906   4,004 
Asset-backed  5   4,291   135   3   1,938   71   8   6,229   206 
Mortgage-backed securities                                    
FHLMC  4   3,712   155   17   16,629   3,590   21   20,341   3,745 
FNMA  9   2,208   201   28   27,413   5,319   37   29,621   5,520 
GNMA  1   103   7   6   4,776   687   7   4,879   694 
Total investment securities  29  $15,415  $1,261   88  $77,932  $15,715   117  $93,347  $16,976 

At March 31,September 30, 2023 the Company had 114122 individual investments that were in an unrealized loss position. 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 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. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost. The issuers of these securities continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. As such, there is no allowance for credit losses on available for sale securities recognized as of March 31, 2023.September 30, 2023.

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

Schedule of other investments        
       
(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock $16,046   9,250 
Other nonmarketable investments  3,151   1,180 
Investment in Trust Preferred subsidiaries  403   403 
Total other investments $19,600   10,833 

       
(dollars in thousands) March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock $7,534   9,250 
Other nonmarketable investments  2,160   1,180 
Investment in Trust Preferred subsidiaries  403   403 
Total other investments $10,097   10,833 

The Company has evaluated other investments for impairment and determined that the other investments are not impaired as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and that ultimate recoverability of the par value of the investments is probable. All of the FHLB stock is used to collateralize advances with the FHLB.


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 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 March 31September 30 2023, mortgage loans held for sale totaled $7.0$7.1 million compared to $3.9$3.9 million at December 31, 2022.

NOTE 4 – Loans and Allowance for Credit 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 $7.4$7.1 million as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and $7.3$7.3 million as of December 31, 2022.

12

  March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  % of Total  Amount  % of Total 
Commercial            
Owner occupied RE $615,094   18.0% $612,901   18.7%
Non-owner occupied RE  928,059   27.2%  862,579   26.3%
Construction  94,641   2.8%  109,726   3.4%
Business  495,161   14.5%  468,112   14.3%
Total commercial loans  2,132,955   62.5%  2,053,318   62.7%
Consumer                
Real estate  993,258   29.1%  931,278   28.4%
Home equity  180,974   5.3%  179,300   5.5%
Construction  71,137   2.1%  80,415   2.5%
Other  39,621   1.0%  29,052   0.9%
Total consumer loans  1,284,990   37.5%  1,220,045   37.3%
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees  3,417,945   100.0%  3,273,363   100.0%
Less—allowance for credit losses  (40,435)      (38,639)    
Total loans, net $3,377,510      $3,234,724     

Table of Contents

Schedule of composition of our loan portfolio      
  September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Commercial [Member] Amount  %  of Total  Amount  %  of Total 
Commercial                
Owner occupied RE Owner occupied RE [Member] $637,038   17.9% $612,901   18.7%
Non-owner occupied RE Non-owner occupied RE [Member]  937,749   26.4%  862,579   26.3%
Construction Construction [Member]  119,629   3.4%  109,726   3.4%
Business Business [Member]  500,253   14.1%  468,112   14.3%
Total commercial loans Consumer [Member]  2,194,669   61.8%  2,053,318   62.7%
Consumer                
Real estate Real estate [Member]  1,074,679   30.2%  931,278   28.4%
Home equity Home equity [Member]  180,856   5.1%  179,300   5.5%
Construction Construction [Member]  54,210   1.5%  80,415   2.5%
Other Other [Member]  49,218   1.4%  29,052   0.9%
Total consumer loans  1,358,963   38.2%  1,220,045   37.3%
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees  3,553,632   100.0%  3,273,363   100.0%
Less—allowance for credit losses  (41,131)      (38,639)    
Total loans, net $3,512,501      $3,234,724     

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.

                  
       March 31, 2023 
Schedule of loan maturity distribution by type and related interest rate    September 30, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) One year
or less
  After one
but within
five years
  After five
but within
fifteen
years
  After
fifteen
years
  Total  One year
or less
 After one
but within
five years
 After five but
within fifteen
years
 After fifteen
years
 Total 
Commercial                               
Owner occupied RE $9,295   144,602   418,450   42,747   615,094  $13,679   177,138   404,693   41,528   637,038 
Non-owner occupied RE  57,909   449,859   394,421   25,870   928,059   66,746   501,700   343,953   25,350   937,749 
Construction  2,742   30,409   59,103   2,387   94,641   23,899   44,452   51,278   -   119,629 
Business  92,502   211,145   187,033   4,481   495,161   106,126   198,150   191,559   4,418   500,253 
Total commercial loans  162,448   836,015   1,059,007   75,485   2,132,955   210,450   921,440   991,483   71,296   2,194,669 
Consumer                                        
Real estate  9,871   46,324   280,204   656,859   993,258   8,646   50,898   304,890   710,245   1,074,679 
Home equity  1,028   20,452   154,189   5,305   180,974   1,996   24,720   149,252   4,888   180,856 
Construction  1,014   227   32,358   37,538   71,137   -   259   31,796   22,155   54,210 
Other  3,569   21,975   13,272   805   39,621   12,945   33,082   2,376   815   49,218 
Total consumer loans  15,482   88,978   480,023   700,507   1,284,990   23,587   108,959   488,314   738,103   1,358,963 
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees $177,930   924,993   1,539,030   775,992   3,417,945  $234,037   1,030,399   1,479,797   809,399   3,553,632 

 

13


          
  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) One year
or less
  After one
but within
five years
  After five
but within fifteen years
  After fifteen
years
  Total 
Commercial               
Owner occupied RE $10,574   133,017   420,881   48,429   612,901 
Non-owner occupied RE  44,570   419,976   371,208   26,825   862,579 
Construction  5,509   36,537   61,009   6,671   109,726 
Business  96,157   194,489   173,259   4,207   468,112 
Total commercial loans  156,810   784,019   1,026,357   86,132   2,053,318 
Consumer                    
Real estate  12,137   38,948   260,005   620,188   931,278 
Home equity  1,336   20,933   151,696   5,335   179,300 
Construction  665   182   23,788   55,780   80,415 
Other  3,926   21,890   2,458   778   29,052 
Total consumer loans  18,064   81,953   437,947   682,081   1,220,045 
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees $174,874   865,972   1,464,304   768,213   3,273,363 

          
        December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) One year
or less
  After one
but within
five years
  After five
but within
fifteen years
  After fifteen
years
  Total 
Commercial               
Owner occupied RE $10,574   133,017   420,881   48,429   612,901 
Non-owner occupied RE  44,570   419,976   371,208   26,825   862,579 
Construction  5,509   36,537   61,009   6,671   109,726 
Business  96,157   194,489   173,259   4,207   468,112 
Total commercial loans  156,810   784,019   1,026,357   86,132   2,053,318 
Consumer                    
Real estate  12,137   38,948   260,005   620,188   931,278 
Home equity  1,336   20,933   151,696   5,335   179,300 
Construction  665   182   23,788   55,780   80,415 
Other  3,926   21,890   2,458   778   29,052 
Total consumer loans  18,064   81,953   437,947   682,081   1,220,045 
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees $174,874   865,972   1,464,304   768,213   3,273,363 

The following table summarizes the loans due after one year by category.

 Schedule of composition of gross loans by rate type         
  September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
  Interest Rate     Interest Rate 
(dollars in thousands) Fixed  Floating or
Adjustable
  Fixed  Floating or
Adjustable
 
CommercialCommercial [Member]                
Owner occupied REOwner occupied RE [Member] $614,563   8,796   598,513   3,814 
Non-owner occupied RENon-owner occupied RE [Member]  787,479   83,524   742,763   75,246 
ConstructionConstruction [Member]  65,517   30,213   90,246   13,971 
BusinessBusiness [Member]  300,464   93,663   298,866   73,089 
Total commercial loans  1,768,023   216,196   1,730,388   166,120 
ConsumerConsumer [Member]                
Real estateReal estate [Member]  1,066,033   -   919,130   11 
Home equityHome equity [Member]  12,403   166,457   14,173   163,791 
ConstructionConstruction [Member]  54,210   -   79,750   - 
OtherOther [Member]  11,916   24,357   19,113   6,013 
Total consumer loans  1,144,562   190,814   1,032,166   169,815 
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees $2,912,585   407,010   2,762,554   335,935 

          
  March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
  Interest Rate     Interest Rate 
(dollars in thousands) Fixed  Floating or
Adjustable
  Fixed  Floating or
Adjustable
 
Commercial                
Owner occupied RE $602,302   3,497   598,513   3,814 
Non-owner occupied RE  784,868   85,282   742,763   75,246 
Construction  75,041   16,858   90,246   13,971 
Business  310,976   91,683   298,866   73,089 
Total commercial loans  1,773,187   197,320   1,730,388   166,120 
Consumer                
Real estate  983,376   11   919,130   11 
Home equity  13,508   166,438   14,173   163,791 
Construction  70,123   -   79,750   - 
Other  19,173   16,879   19,113   6,013 
Total consumer loans  1,086,180   183,328   1,032,166   169,815 
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees $2,859,367   380,648   2,762,554   335,935 

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company tracks credit quality based on its internal risk ratings. Upon origination, a loan is assigned an initial risk grade, which is generally based on several factors such as the borrower’s credit score, the loan-to-value ratio, the debt-to-income ratio, etc. After loans are initially graded, they are monitored regularly for credit quality based on many factors, such as payment history, the borrower’s financial status, and changes in collateral value. Loans can be downgraded or upgraded depending on management’s evaluation of these factors. Internal risk-grading policies are consistent throughout each loan type.

A description of the general characteristics of the risk grades is as follows:

·Pass— A pass loan ranges from minimal to average credit risk; however, still has acceptable credit risk.

·Watch—A watch loan exhibits above average credit risk due to minor weaknesses and warrants closer scrutiny by management.

14

·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, thatwhich 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.

15


The following table presents loan balances classified by credit quality indicators by year of origination as of March 31,September 30, 2023.

 Schedule of breakdown of outstanding loans by risk category                           
                    September 30, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  Prior  Revolving  Revolving Converted to Term  Total 
Commercial                                    
Owner occupied RE                                    
Pass $38,310   178,722   143,057   67,509   62,216   112,528   -   167   602,509 
Watch  -   3,482   464   16,074   3,551   6,821   -   -   30,392 
Special Mention  -   186   -   -   -   3,074   -   -   3,260 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   877   -   -   877 
Total Owner occupied RE  38,310   182,390   143,521   83,583   65,767   123,300   -   167   637,038 
                                     
Non-owner occupied RE                                    
Pass  79,567   302,942   169,567   109,566   59,595   173,400   257   -   894,894 
Watch  772   828   10,221   -   5,393   6,610   -   -   23,824 
Special Mention  -   -   199   -   8,267   878   -   -   9,344 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   8,073   1,614   -   -   9,687 
Total Non-owner occupied RE  80,339   303,770   179,987   109,566   81,328   182,502   257   -   937,749 
                                     
Construction                                    
Pass  13,921   72,528   22,179   9,897   -   -   -   -   118,525 
Watch  -   1,104   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,104 
Special Mention  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  13,921   73,632   22,179   9,897   -   -   -   -   119,629 
                                     
Business                                    
Pass  41,808   136,635   50,098   19,637   18,214   53,775   144,671   1,099   465,937 
Watch  282   14,431   1,955   1,114   913   3,958   6,697   -   29,350 
Special Mention  101   977   77   793   211   234   -   98   2,491 
Substandard  -   490   164   -   153   1,199   447   22   2,475 
Total Business  42,191   152,533   52,294   21,544   19,491   59,166   151,815   1,219   500,253 
Total Commercial loans  174,761   712,325   397,981   224,590   166,586   364,968   152,072   1,386   2,194,669 
                                     
Consumer                                    
Real estate                                    
Pass  126,174   273,593   283,538   178,459   66,468   108,094   -   -   1,036,326 
Watch  490   5,684   7,877   3,941   2,058   4,098   -   -   24,148 
Special Mention  -   2,319   1,663   1,301   2,407   2,799   -   -   10,489 
Substandard  -   186   637   820   323   1,750   -   -   3,716 
Total Real estate  126,664   281,782   293,715   184,521   71,256   116,741   -   -   1,074,679 
                                     
Home equity                                    
Pass  -   -   -   -   -   -   168,399   -   168,399 
Watch  -   -   -   -   -   -   6,870   -   6,870 
Special Mention  -   -   -   -   -   -   4,150   -   4,150 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   1,437   -   1,437 
Total Home equity  -   -   -   -   -   -   180,856   -   180,856 
                                     
Construction                                    
Pass  9,798   35,606   8,806   -   -   -   -   -   54,210 
Watch  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Special Mention  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  9,798   35,606   8,806   -   -   -   -   -   54,210 
                                     
Other                                    
Pass  923   2,643   2,578   1,505   846   2,726   36,718   -   47,939 
Watch  44   33   352   4   1   167   94   -   695 
Special Mention  -   334   -   -   27   84   51   -   496 
Substandard  -   -   80   -   1   -   7   -   88 
Total Other  967   3,010   3,010   1,509   875   2,977   36,870   -   49,218 
                                     
Total Consumer loans  137,429   320,398   305,531   186,030   72,131   119,718   217,726   -   1,358,963 
  Total loans $312,190   1,032,723   703,512   410,620   238,717   484,686   369,798   1,386   3,553,632 
Current period gross write-offs  -   (200)  -   (28)  -   (10)  (405)  -   (643)

16

    
  March 31, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  Prior  Revolving  Revolving Converted to Term  Total 
Commercial                                   
Owner occupied RE                                   
Pass $19,874   160,403  143,384   76,171   65,408   121,520   -   169   586,929 
Watch  -   3,548  475   9,281   3,628   6,716   -   -   23,648 
Special Mention  -   196  -   -   -   3,133   -   -   3,329 
Substandard  -   -  -   -   -   1,188   -   -   1,188 
Total Owner occupied RE  19,874   164,147  143,859   85,452   69,036   132,557   -   169   615,094 
                                    
Non-owner occupied RE                                   
Pass  47,280   298,161  177,421   112,850   59,025   181,699   623   -   877,059 
Watch  200   972  9,496   -   7,555   13,070   -   -   31,293 
Special Mention  -   -  201   -   8,893   906   -   -   10,000 
Substandard  -   615  -   -   7,996   1,096   -   -   9,707 
Total Non-owner occupied RE  47,480   299,748  187,118   112,850   83,469   196,771   623   -   928,059 
                                    
Construction                                   
Pass  942   62,604  22,778   6,737   246   -   -   -   93,307 
Watch  -   1,334  -   -   -   -   -   -   1,334 
Special Mention  -   -  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Substandard  -   -  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  942   63,938  22,778   6,737   246   -   -   -   94,641 
                                    
Business                                   
Pass  17,705   140,684  54,235   21,675   20,611   58,086   147,734   442   461,172 
Watch  145   14,571  2,031   1,627   1,061   3,607   5,420   -   28,462 
Special Mention  -   1,259  236   463   279   424   15   99   2,775 
Substandard  -   495  -   28   202   1,344   683   -   2,752 
Total Business  17,850   157,009  56,502   23,793   22,153   63,461   153,852   541   495,161 
                                    
Total Commercial loans  86,146   684,842  410,257   228,832   174,904   392,789   154,475   710   2,132,955 
                                    
Consumer                                   
Real estate                                   
Pass  49,330   253,611  284,238   183,939   69,806   112,705   -   -   953,629 
Watch  494   5,765  8,023   4,016   2,086   4,582   -   -   24,966 
Special Mention  -   2,346  1,687   2,152   2,444   3,127   -   -   11,756 
Substandard  -   -  646   224   330   1,707   -   -   2,907 
Total Real estate  49,824   261,722  294,594   190,331   74,666   122,121   -   -   993,258 
                                    
Home equity                                   
Pass  -   -  -   -   -   -   167,694   -   167,694 
Watch  -   -  -   -   -   -   6,701   -   6,701 
Special Mention  -   -  -   -   -   -   3,861   -   3,861 
Substandard  -   -  -   -   -   -   2,718   -   2,718 
Total Home equity  -   -  -   -   -   -   180,974   -   180,974 
                                    
Construction                                   
Pass  2,656   47,570  20,066   845   -   -   -   -   71,137 
Watch  -   -  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Special Mention  -   -  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Substandard  -   -  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  2,656   47,570  20,066   845   -   -   -   -   71,137 
                                    
Other                                   
Pass  390   3,375  2,829   1,645   1,433   3,205   25,359   -   38,236 
Watch  10   42  363   11   4   183   118   -   731 
Special Mention  -   11  -   -   37   90   93   -   231 
Substandard  -   327  88   -   3   -   5   -   423 
Total Other  400   3,755  3,280   1,656   1,477   3,478   25,575   -   39,621 
                                    
Total Consumer loans  52,880   313,047  317,940   192,832   76,143   125,599   206,549   -   1,284,990 
Total loans $139,026   997,889  728,197   421,664   251,047   518,388   361,024   710   3,417,945 
Current period gross write-offs      (160)     (1)                  (161)


The following table presents loan balances classified by credit quality indicators by year of origination as of December 31, 2022.

                            
  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) 2022  2021  2020  2019  2018  Prior  Revolving  Revolving
Converted
to Term
  Total 
Commercial                                    
Owner occupied RE                                    
Pass $169,083   122,654   85,867   66,299   36,718   93,915   -   -   574,536 
Watch  14,648   479   9,339   3,658   -   6,792   -   -   34,916 
Special Mention  200   -   -   -   -   2,960   -   -   3,160 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   289   -   -   -   289 
Total Owner occupied RE  183,931   123,133   95,206   69,957   37,007   103,667   -   -   612,901 
                                     
Non-owner occupied RE                                    
Pass  281,890   169,599   113,264   59,550   79,722   106,967   604   137   811,733 
Watch  1,061   9,491   -   10,683   1,408   11,660   -   -   34,303 
Special Mention  -   202   -   6,087   -   930   -   -   7,219 
Substandard  -   134   -   7,992   327   871   -   -   9,324 
Total Non-owner occupied RE  282,951   179,426   113,264   84,312   81,457   120,428   604   137   862,579 
                                     
Construction                                    
Pass  48,420   55,129   4,811   247   -   -   -   -   108,607 
Watch  1,119   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,119 
Special Mention  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  49,539   55,129   4,811   247   -   -   -   -   109,726 
                                     
Business                                    
Pass  136,489   57,804   29,864   21,808   35,249   28,914   136,337   709   447,174 
Watch  3,186   2,058   1,318   1,282   179   3,074   3,783   439   15,319 
Special Mention  1,137   260   386   210   -   252   115   642   3,002 
Substandard  498   -   188   233   315   911   472   -   2,617 
Total Business  141,310   60,122   31,756   23,533   35,743   33,151   140,707   1,790   468,112 
Total Commercial loans  657,731   417,810   245,037   178,049   154,207   257,246   141,311   1,927   2,053,318 
                                     
Consumer                                    
Real estate                                    
Pass  243,589   269,565   189,075   72,499   39,042   76,172   -   -   889,942 
Watch  6,196   8,256   3,847   2,278   494   3,671   -   -   24,742 
Special Mention  3,114   1,938   2,644   2,258   955   2,639   -   -   13,548 
Substandard  -   648   227   341   408   1,422   -   -   3,046 
Total Real estate  252,899   280,407   195,793   77,376   40,899   83,904   -   -   931,278 
                                     
Home equity                                    
Pass  -   -   -   -   -   -   165,847   -   165,847 
Watch  -   -   -   -   -   -   7,226   -   7,226 
Special Mention  -   -   -   -   -   -   4,055   -   4,055 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   2,172   -   2,172 
Total Home equity  -   -   -   -   -   -   179,300   -   179,300 
                                     
Construction                                    
Pass  41,138   34,039   4,923   -   -   -   -   -   80,100 
Watch  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Special Mention  -   -   -   315   -   -   -   -   315 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  41,138   34,039   4,923   315   -   -   -   -   80,415 
                                     
Other                                    
Pass  3,894   3,038   1,702   1,534   341   3,015   14,465   -   27,989 
Watch  46   367   15   5   16   175   93   -   717 
Special Mention  94   -   -   44   75   23   96   -   332 
Substandard  -   -   -   5   -   -   9   -   14 
Total Other  4,034   3,405   1,717   1,588   432   3,213   14,663   -   29,052 
Total Consumer loans  298,071   317,851   202,433   79,279   41,331   87,117   193,963   -   1,220,045 
Total loans $955,802   735,661   447,470   257,328   195,538   344,363   335,274   1,927   3,273,363 
Current period gross write-offs  -   (91)  -   (23)  -   (32)  (339)  -   (485)

                            
  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) 2022  2021  2020  2019  2018  Prior  Revolving  Revolving Converted to Term  Total 
Commercial                                    
Owner occupied RE                                    
Pass $169,083   122,654   85,867   66,299   36,718   93,915   -   -   574,536 
Watch  14,648   479   9,339   3,658   -   6,792   -   -   34,916 
Special Mention  200   -   -   -   -   2,960   -   -   3,160 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   289   -   -   -   289 
Total Owner occupied RE  183,931   123,133   95,206   69,957   37,007   103,667   -   -   612,901 
                                     
Non-owner occupied RE                                    
Pass  281,890   169,599   113,264   59,550   79,722   106,967   604   137   811,733 
Watch  1,061   9,491   -   10,683   1,408   11,660   -   -   34,303 
Special Mention  -   202   -   6,087   -   930   -   -   7,219 
Substandard  -   134   -   7,992   327   871   -   -   9,324 
Total Non-owner occupied RE  282,951   179,426   113,264   84,312   81,457   120,428   604   137   862,579 
                                     
Construction                                    
Pass  48,420   55,129   4,811   247   -   -   -   -   108,607 
Watch  1,119   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,119 
Special Mention  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  49,539   55,129   4,811   247   -   -   -   -   109,726 
                                     
Business                                    
Pass  136,489   57,804   29,864   21,808   35,249   28,914   136,337   709   447,174 
Watch  3,186   2,058   1,318   1,282   179   3,074   3,783   439   15,319 
Special Mention  1,137   260   386   210   -   252   115   642   3,002 
Substandard  498   -   188   233   315   911   472   -   2,617 
Total Business  141,310   60,122   31,756   23,533   35,743   33,151   140,707   1,790   468,112 
Total Commercial loans  657,731   417,810   245,037   178,049   154,207   257,246   141,311   1,927   2,053,318 
                                     
Consumer                                    
Real estate                                    
Pass  243,589   269,565   189,075   72,499   39,042   76,172   -   -   889,942 
Watch  6,196   8,256   3,847   2,278   494   3,671   -   -   24,742 
Special Mention  3,114   1,938   2,644   2,258   955   2,639   -   -   13,548 
Substandard  -   648   227   341   408   1,422   -   -   3,046 
Total Real estate  252,899   280,407   195,793   77,376   40,899   83,904   -   -   931,278 
                                     
Home equity                                    
Pass  -   -   -   -   -   -   165,847   -   165,847 
Watch  -   -   -   -   -   -   7,226   -   7,226 
Special Mention  -   -   -   -   -   -   4,055   -   4,055 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   2,172   -   2,172 
Total Home equity  -   -   -   -   -   -   179,300   -   179,300 
                                     
Construction                                    
Pass  41,138   34,039   4,923   -   -   -   -   -   80,100 
Watch  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Special Mention  -   -   -   315   -   -   -   -   315 
Substandard  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total Construction  41,138   34,039   4,923   315   -   -   -   -   80,415 
                                     
Other                                    
Pass  3,894   3,038   1,702   1,534   341   3,015   14,465   -   27,989 
Watch  46   367   15   5   16   175   93   -   717 
Special Mention  94   -   -   44   75   23   97   -   332 
Substandard  -   -   -   5   -   -   9   -   14 
Total Other  4,034   3,405   1,717   1,588   432   3,213   14,663   -   29,052 
Total Consumer loans  298,071   317,851   202,433   79,279   41,331   87,117   193,963   -   1,220,045 
Total loans $955,802   735,661   447,470   257,328   195,538   344,363   335,274   1,927   3,273,363 

17


The following tables present loan balances by age and payment status.

Schedule of loan balances by payment status          
 September 30, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) Accruing 30
-59 days past
due
 Accruing 60-89
days
past due
 Accruing 90
days or more
past due
 Nonaccrual
loans
 Accruing
current
 Total 
Commercial                        
Owner occupied RE $-   -   -   -   637,038   637,038 
Non-owner occupied RE  440   -   -   1,615   935,694   937,749 
Construction  -   -   -   -   119,629   119,629 
Business  347   27   -   404   499,475   500,253 
Consumer                        
Real estate  1,210   -   -   1,228   1,072,241   1,074,679 
Home equity  226   182   -   1,068   179,380   180,856 
Construction  -   -   -   -   54,210   54,210 
Other  -   -   -   -   49,218   49,218 
Total loans $2,223   209   -   4,315   3,546,885   3,553,632 
Total loans over 90 days past due  -   -   -   -   -   1,572 
                             
 March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Accruing
30-59 days
past due
  Accruing
60-89 days
past due
  Accruing 90
days or more
past due
  Nonaccrual
loans
  Accruing
current
  Total  Accruing 30-
59 days past
due
 Accruing 60-89
days past due
 Accruing 90
days or more
past due
 Nonaccrual
loans
 Accruing
current
 Total 
Commercial                                                
Owner occupied RE $-   -   -   -   615,094   615,094  $-   -   -   -   612,901   612,901 
Non-owner occupied RE  151   -   -   1,384   926,524   928,059   119   757   -   247   861,456   862,579 
Construction  -   -   -   -   94,641   94,641   -   -   -   -   109,726   109,726 
Business  135   235   -   1,196   493,595   495,161   24   1   -   182   467,905   468,112 
Consumer                                                
Real estate  886   -   -   1,075   991,297   993,258   330   -   -   1,099   929,849   931,278 
Home equity  587   -   -   1,078   179,309   180,974   50   -   -   1,099   178,151   179,300 
Construction  -   -   -   -   71,137   71,137   -   -   -   -   80,415   80,415 
Other  1   88   -   -   39,532   39,621   88   -   -   -   28,964   29,052 
Total loans $1,760   323   -   4,733   3,411,129   3,417,945  $611   758   -   2,627   3,269,367   3,273,363 
Total loans over 90 days past due  -   -   -   -   -   192   -   -   -   -   -   402 

 

  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Accruing
30-59 days
past due
  Accruing
60-89 days
past due
  Accruing 90
days or more
past due
  Nonaccrual
loans
  Accruing
current
  Total 
Commercial                        
Owner occupied RE $-   -   -   -   612,901   612,901 
Non-owner occupied RE  119   757   -   247   861,456   862,579 
Construction  -   -   -   -   109,726   109,726 
Business  24   1   -   182   467,905   468,112 
Consumer                        
Real estate  330   -   -   1,099   929,849   931,278 
Home equity  50   -   -   1,099   178,151   179,300 
Construction  -   -   -   -   80,415   80,415 
Other  88   -   -   -   28,964   29,052 
Total loans $611   758   -   2,627   3,269,367   3,273,363 
Total loans over 90 days past due  -   -   -   -   -   402 

As of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, loans 30 days or more past due represented 0.13% and 0.11% of the Company’s total loan portfolio.portfolio, respectively. Commercial loans 30 days or more past due were 0.05% and 0.03% of the Company’s total loan portfolio as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.2022, respectively. Consumer loans 30 days or more past due were 0.08% and 0.08% of total loans as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.2022, respectively.

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The table below summarizes nonaccrual loans by major categories for the periods presented.

          
 Schedule nonaccrual loans by major categories September 30, 2023     December 31, 2022 
  Nonaccrual  Nonaccrual     Nonaccrual  Nonaccrual    
  loans  loans  Total  loans  loans  Total 
  with no  with an  nonaccrual  with no  with an  nonaccrual 
(dollars in thousands) allowance  allowance  loans  allowance  allowance  loans 
Commercial                        
Owner occupied RE  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Non-owner occupied RE  379   1,236   1,615   114   133   247 
Construction  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Business  170   234   404   -   182   182 
Total commercial  549   1,470   2,019   114   315   429 
Consumer                        
Real estate  227   1,001   1,228   -   1,099   1,099 
Home equity  181   887   1,068   194   905   1,099 
Construction  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Other  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total consumer  408   1,888   2,296   194   2,004   2,198 
Total nonaccrual loans  957   3,358   4,315   308   2,319   2,627 

          
  March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
  Nonaccrual  Nonaccrual     Nonaccrual  Nonaccrual    
  loans  loans  Total  loans  loans  Total 
  with no  with an  nonaccrual  with no  with an  nonaccrual 
(dollars in thousands) allowance  allowance  loans  allowance  allowance  loans 
Commercial                        
Owner occupied RE  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Non-owner occupied RE $615   769   1,384   114   133   247 
Construction  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Business  1,045   151   1,196   -   182   182 
Total commercial  1,660   920   2,580   114   315   429 
Consumer                        
Real estate  -   1,075   1,075   -   1,099   1,099 
Home equity  192   886   1,078   194   905   1,099 
Construction  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Other  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Total consumer  192   1,961   2,153   194   2,004   2,198 
Total nonaccrual loans  1,852   2,881   4,733   308   2,319   2,627 

We did not recognize interest income on nonaccrual loans for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and March 31,September 30, 2022. AccruedThe accrued interest of $23,000 was reversed during the three months ended March 31, 2023.September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 was not material.

We did not recognize interest income on nonaccrual loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022. Accrued interest of $3,000$35,000 was reversed during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and $16,000 was reversed during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The table below summarizes information regarding nonperforming assets.

Schedule of nonperforming assets, including nonaccruing TDRs        
       
(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Nonaccrual loans $4,315   2,627 
Other real estate owned  -   - 
Total nonperforming assets $4,315   2,627 
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:        
Total assets  0.11%  0.07%
Gross loans  0.12%  0.08%
Total loans over 90 days past due $1,572   402 
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing  -   - 
Accruing troubled debt restructurings  -   4,503 

       
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
  December 31,
2022
 
Nonaccrual loans $4,733   2,627 
Other real estate owned  -   - 
Total nonperforming assets $4,733   2,627 
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:        
Total assets  0.12%  0.07%
Gross loans  0.14%  0.08%
Total loans over 90 days past due $192   402 
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing  -   - 
Accruing troubled debt restructurings  -   4,503 

Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures (“ASU 2022-02”) effective January 1, 2023. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 eliminated the recognition and measure of troubled debt restructurings and enhanced disclosures for loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. There were no loan

The allowance for credit losses incorporates an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses and is recorded on each asset upon origination or acquisition. The starting point for the estimate of the allowance for credit losses is historical loss information, which includes losses from modifications of receivables to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The Company uses a probability of default/loss given default model to determine the allowance for credit losses. An assessment of whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is made on the date of a modification.

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Because the effect of most modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty is already included in the allowance for credit losses because of the measurement methodologies used to estimate the allowance, a change to the allowance for credit losses is generally not recorded upon modification.

The following table shows the amortized cost basis of the loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, disaggregated by class of loans and type of concession granted and describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

 Schedule of amortized cost basis of loans  Term Extension
(dollars in thousands)Amortized Cost Basis% of Total Loan TypeFinancial Effect
Commercial Business$           3290.07%Added a 1-year term to both of the loans modified. One loan was granted an extended amortization due to the inability to pay on a 3-year amortization. The other loan was given an interest only period due to the ability to pay only interest to get the loan renewed.

Neither of the two loans modified had a payment default during the period. The Company closely monitors the performance of the loans that are modified for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. Both loans are in current payment status since the loan modification occurred in the third quarter of 2023. There have been no commitments to lend additional funds to the borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as of September 30, 2023.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to provide for expected credit losses. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the principal is uncollectable. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Allocations of the allowance are made for specific loans and for pools of similar types of loans, although the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged against the allowance. A provision for credit losses is taken based on management’s ongoing evaluation of the appropriate allowance balance.


A formal evaluation of the adequacy of the credit loss allowance is conducted quarterly. This assessment includes procedures to estimate the allowance and test the adequacy and appropriateness of the resulting balance. The level of the allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of historical default and loss experience, current and projected economic conditions, asset quality trends, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay a loan, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, industry and peer bank loan quality indications and other pertinent factors, including regulatory recommendations. Management believes the level of the allowance for credit losses is adequate to absorb all expected future losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is increased through provision for credit losses and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously charged-off.

The Company uses a lifetime probability of default and loss given default modeling approach to estimate the allowance for credit losses on loans. This method uses historical correlations between default experience and the age of loans to forecast defaults and losses, assuming that a loan in a pool shares similar risk characteristics such as loan product type, risk rating and loan age, and demonstrates similar default characteristics as other loans in that pool, as the loan progresses through its lifecycle. The Company calculates lifetime probability of default and loss given default rates based on historical loss experience, which is used to calculate expected losses based on the pool’s loss rate and the age of loans in the pool. Management believes that the Company’s historical loss experience provides the best basis for its assessment of expected credit losses to determine the allowance for credit losses. The Company uses its own internal data to measure historical credit loss experience within the pools with similar risk characteristics over an economic cycle. The probability of default and loss given default method also includes assumptions of observed migration over the lifetime of the underlying loan data. Loans that do not

20

share risk characteristics are evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis and excluded from the collective evaluation.

Management also considers further adjustments to historical loss information for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that differ from the conditions that exist for the period over which historical information is evaluated as well as other changes in qualitative factors not inherently considered in the quantitative analyses. The Company generally utilizes a four-quarter forecast period in evaluating the appropriateness of the reasonable and supportable forecast scenarios which are incorporated through qualitative adjustments. There is immediate reversion to historical loss rates. The qualitative categories and the measurements used to quantify the risks within each of these categories are subjectively selected by management but measured by objective measurements period over period. The data for each measurement may be obtained from internal or external sources. The current period measurements are evaluated and assigned a factor commensurate with the current level of risk relative to past measurements over time. The resulting qualitative adjustments are applied to the relevant collectively evaluated loan pools. These adjustments are based upon quarterly trend assessments in certain economic factors such as labor, inflation, consumer sentiment and real disposable income, as well as associate retention and turnover, portfolio concentrations, and growth characteristics. The qualitative analysis increases or decreases the allowance allocation for each loan pool based on the assessment of factors described above.

The following table summarizestables summarize the activity related to the allowance for credit losses for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022 under the CECL methodology.

Schedule of activity related to the allowance for credit losses                   
            
 Three months ended March 31, 2023        Three months ended September 30, 2023 
 Commercial  Consumer     Commercial Consumer    
(dollars in thousands) Owner occupied RE  Non-owner occupied RE  Construction  Business  Real Estate  Home
Equity
  Construction  Other  Total  Owner occupied RE Non-
owner occupied RE
 Construction Business Real Estate Home
Equity
 Construction Other Total 
Balance, beginning of period $5,867   10,376   1,292   7,861   9,487   2,551   893   312   38,639  $5,896   11,584   1,331   8,152   10,395   2,521   684   542   41,105 
Provision for credit losses  117   1,038   (182)  150   592   53   (83)  170   1,855   300   (247)  (34)  (148)  191   (20)  (102)  (40)  (100)
Loan charge-offs  -   (160)  -   (1)  -   -   -   -   (161)  -   (1)  -   (42)  -   -   -   -   (43)
Loan recoveries  -   31   -   12   -   59   -   -   102   -   154   -   13   -   2   -   -   169 
Net loan recoveries (charge-offs)  -   (129)  -   11   -   59   -   -   (59)  -   153   -   (29)  -   2   -   -   126 
Balance, end of period $5,984   11,285   1,110   8,022   10,079   2,663   810   482   40,435  $6,196   11,490   1,297   7,975   10,586   2,503   582   502   41,131 
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)               0.01%
Net recoveries to average loans (annualized)                                  (0.01)%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loansAllowance for credit losses to gross loans               1.18%                                  1.16%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loansAllowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans               854.33%                                  953.25%

 

                                     
           Three months ended September 30, 2022 
  Commercial  Consumer    
(dollars in thousands) Owner occupied RE  Non-
owner occupied RE
  Construction  Business  Real Estate  Home
Equity
  Construction  Other  Total 
Balance, beginning of period $4,829   10,010   1,060   6,717   7,992   2,442   851   291   34,192 
Provision for credit losses  476   (1,595)  (82)  875   782   3   41   25   525 
Loan charge-offs  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Loan recoveries  -   1,540   -   51   -   8   -   1   1,600 
Net loan recoveries (charge-offs)  -   1,540   -   51   -   8   -   1   1,600 
Balance, end of period $5,305   9,955   978   7,643   8,774   2,453   892   317   36,317 
Net recoveries to average loans (annualized)                                  (0.22)%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans                                  1.20%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans                                  1,388.87%

21


                                     
             
           Nine months ended September 30, 2023 
  Commercial  Consumer    
(dollars in thousands) Owner occupied RE  Non-
owner occupied RE
  Construction  Business  Real Estate  Home
Equity
  Construction  Other  Total 
Balance, beginning of period $5,867   10,376   1,292   7,861   9,487   2,551   893   312   38,639 
Provision for credit losses  329   1,138   5   120   1,099   278   (311)  192   2,850 
Loan charge-offs  -   (209)  -   (43)  -   (389)  -   (2)  (643)
Loan recoveries  -   185   -   37   -   63   -   -   285 
Net loan recoveries (charge-offs)  -   (24)  -   (6)  -   (326)  -   (2)  (358)
Balance, end of period $6,196   11,490   1,297   7,975   10,586   2,503   582   502   41,131 
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)                                  0.01%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans                                  1.16%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans                                  953.25%

         
 Three months ended March 31, 2022        Nine months ended September 30, 2022 
 Commercial  Consumer     Commercial Consumer    
(dollars in thousands) Owner occupied RE  Non-owner occupied RE  Construction  Business  Real Estate  Home
Equity
  Construction  Other  Total  Owner occupied RE Non-
owner occupied RE
 Construction Business Real Estate Home
Equity
 Construction Other Total 
Balance, beginning of period $4,700   10,518   625   4,887   7,083   1,697   578   320   30,408  $4,700   10,518   625   4,887   7,083   1,697   578   320   30,408 
Adjustment for CECL  (313)  333   154   1,057   (294)  438   130   (5)  1,500   (313)  333   154   1,057   (294)  438   130   (5)  1,500 
Provision for credit losses  511   (878)  150   159   813   165   136   (31)  1,025   918   (2,436)  199   1,558   1,985   575   184   92   3,075 
Loan charge-offs  -   -   -   -   -   (169)  -   -   (169)  -   -   -   (55)  -   (339)  -   (91)  (485)
Loan recoveries  -   -   -   114   -   66   -   -   180   -   1,540   -   196   -   82   -   1   1,819 
Net loan recoveries (charge-offs)  -   -   -   114   -   (103)  -   -   11   -   1,540   -   141   -   (257)  -   (90)  1,334 
Balance, end of period $4,898   9,973   929   6,217   7,602   2,197   844   284   32,944  $5,305   9,955   978   7,643   8,774   2,453   892   317   36,317 
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans (annualized)   0.00%
Net recoveries to average loans (annualized)                                  (0.06)%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loansAllowance for credit losses to gross loans   1.24%                                  1.20%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loansAllowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans   726.88%                                  1,388.87%

The $1.9 million$100,000 reversal of the provision for credit losses for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 was driven by $144.6net recoveries of $126,000 for the quarter combined with lower expected loss rates. The $2.9 million provision for credit losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was driven by $280.3 million in loan growth for the quarter.period. In addition to loan growth, the provision for credit losses was impacted by slightly lower expected loss rates due to continued low charge-offs during the first quarternine months of 2023, while minor adjustments to an internal qualitative factor increased the qualitative component of the allowance and related provision expense.

Collateral dependent loans are loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The Company reviews individually evaluated loans for designation as collateral dependent loans, as well as other loans that management of the Company designates as having higher risk. These loans do not share common risk characteristics and are not included within the collectively evaluated loans for determining the allowance for credit losses.

22

The following tables present an analysis of collateral-dependent loans of the Company.

          
        March 31, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) Real
estate
  Business
assets
  Other  Total 
Commercial                
Owner occupied RE $-   -   -   - 
Non-owner occupied RE  651   -   -   651 
Construction  -   -   -   - 
Business  28   -   1,045   1,073 
Total commercial  679   -   1,045   1,724 
Consumer                
Real estate  197   -   -   197 
Home equity  192   -   -   192 
Construction  -   -   -   - 
Other  -   -   -   - 
Total consumer  389   -   -   389 
Total $1,068          -   1,045   2,113 


TableCompany as of ContentsSeptember 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Schedule of analysis of collateral-dependent loans of the company        
September 30, 2023
 
  Real  Business       
(dollars in thousands) estate  assets  Other  Total 
Commercial                
Owner occupied RE $-   -   -   - 
Non-owner occupied RE  908   -   -   908 
Construction  -   -   -   - 
Business  244   -   -   244 
Total commercial  1,152   -   -   1,152 
Consumer                
Real estate  386   -   -   386 
Home equity  182   -   -   182 
Construction  -   -   -   - 
Other  -   -   -   - 
Total consumer  568   -   -   568 
Total $1,720   -   -   1,720 

       December 31, 2022 
  Real  Business       
(dollars in thousands) estate  assets  Other  Total 
Commercial                
Owner occupied RE $-   -   -   - 
Non-owner occupied RE  114   -   -   114 
Construction  -   -   -   - 
Business  30   -   -   30 
Total commercial  144   -   -   144 
Consumer                
Real estate  207   -   -   207 
Home equity  194   -   -   194 
Construction  -   -   -   - 
Other  -   -   -   - 
Total consumer  401   -   -   401 
Total $545   -   -   545 

Under CECL, for collateral dependent loans, the Company has adopted the practical expedient to measure the allowance for credit losses based on the fair value of collateral. The allowance for credit losses is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan’s collateral, which is adjusted for liquidation costs/discounts, and amortized cost. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost, no allowance is required.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Loan Commitments

The allowance for credit losses for unfunded loan commitments was $2.8$2.2 million and $2.8 million at MarchSeptember 30, 2023 and December 31, 20232022, respectively, and is separately classified on the balance sheet within other liabilities. The following table presents the balance and activity in the allowance for credit losses for unfunded loan commitments for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and for the twelve months ended December 31,September 30, 2022.

23

       
  Three months ended  Twelve months ended 
(dollars in thousands) March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Balance, beginning of period $2,780   - 
Adjustment for adoption of CECL  -   2,000 
Provision (reversal of) for credit losses  (30)  780 
Balance, end of period $2,750   2,780 
Unfunded Loan Commitments $882,489   878,324 
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments to Unfunded Loan Commitments  0.31%  0.32%
Schedule of allowance for credit losses for unfunded loan commitments      
  Three months ended  Three months ended 
(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2023  September 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of period $2,565   2,330 
   Adjustment for adoption of CECL  -   - 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses  (400)  425 
Balance, end of period $2,165   2,755 
Unfunded Loan Commitments $780,581   840,912 
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments to Unfunded Loan Commitments  0.28%  0.33%

  Nine months ended  Nine months ended 
(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2023  September 30, 2022 
Balance, beginning of period $2,780   - 
   Adjustment for adoption of CECL  -   2,000 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses  (615)  755 
Balance, end of period $2,165   2,755 
Unfunded Loan Commitments $780,581   840,912 
Reserve for Unfunded Commitments to Unfunded Loan Commitments  0.28%  0.33%

NOTE 5 – Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company utilizes derivative financial instruments primarily to hedgemanage 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. These derivatives are free- standing derivatives and are not designated as instruments for hedge accounting. 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 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 entered into a pay-fixed portfolio layer method fair value swap, designated as a hedging instrument, with a total notional amount of $200.0 million in the second quarter of 2023. The Company is designating the fair value swap under the portfolio layer method (“PLM”). Under this method, the hedged item is designated as a hedged layer of a closed portfolio of financial loans that is anticipated to remain outstanding for the designated hedged period. Adjustments are made to record the swap at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair value recognized in interest income. The carrying value of the fair value swap on the consolidated balance sheets will also be adjusted through interest income, based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in the hedged risk.

The following table represents the carrying value of the portfolio layer method hedged asset and the cumulative fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying value of the hedged asset as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

24

       
Schedule of carrying value of hedged asset and cumulative fair value hedging adjustment September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Carrying
Amount
  Hedged Asset  Carrying
Amount
  Hedged Asset 
Fixed Rate Asset1 $206,250  $6,250  $-  $- 
1These amounts included the amortized cost basis of closed portfolios of fixed rate loans used to designate hedging relationships in which the hedged item is the stated amount of the assets in the closed portfolio anticipated to be outstanding for the designated hedged period. As of September 30, 2023, the amortized cost basis of the closed portfolio used in this hedging relationship was $729.5 million, the cumulative basis adjustment associated with this hedging relationship was $6.3 million, and the amount of the designated hedged item was $200.0 million.

The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding financial derivative instruments at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

         
Schedule of outstanding financial derivative instruments      September 30, 2023 
       Fair Value 
(dollars in thousands) Notional  Balance Sheet Location Asset/(Liability) 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:          
Fair value swapFair value swap [Member] $200,000  Other assets $6,250 
           
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:          
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitmentsMortgage loan interest rate lock commitments [Member]  16,401  Other assets  160 
MBS forward sales commitmentsMBS forward sales commitments [Member]  10,000  Other assets  38 
Total derivative financial instrumentsTotal derivative financial instruments [Member] $226,401    $6,448 

       December 31, 2022 
       Fair Value 
(dollars in thousands) Notional  Balance Sheet Location Asset/(Liability) 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:          
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments $6,793  Other assets $49 
MBS forward sales commitments  5,750  Other assets  27 
Total derivative financial instruments $12,543    $76 

Accrued interest receivable related to the interest rate swap as of September 30, 2023 totaled $280,000 and is excluded from the fair value presented in the table above.

The Company assesses the effectiveness of the fair value swap hedge with a regression analysis that compares the changes in forward curves to determine the value. The effective portion of changes in fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges is recorded through interest income. The Company does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities for financial statement presentation purposes.

The following table summarizes the effect of the fair value hedging relationship recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.

       
Schedule of summarize the effect of fair value hedging relationship recognized in consolidated statement of income  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022  2023  2022 
Gain (loss) on fair value hedging relationship:                
Hedged asset $3,500   -   6,250   - 
Fair value derivative designated as hedging instrument  (3,501)  -   (6,285)  - 
Total gain (loss) recognized in interest income on loans $(1)  -   (35)  - 

25

    
  March 31, 2023 
        Fair Value 
(dollars in thousands) Notional  Balance Sheet Location  Asset/(Liability) 
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments $13,384   Other assets  $187 
MBS forward sales commitments  10,000   Other liabilities   (86)
Total derivative financial instruments $23,384      $101 

Table of Contents 

  December 31, 2022 
        Fair Value 
(dollars in thousands) Notional  Balance Sheet Location  Asset/(Liability) 
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments $6,793   Other assets  $49 
MBS forward sales commitments  5,750   Other assets   27 
Total derivative financial instruments $12,543      $76 

NOTE 6 – 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.  


The methods of determining the fair value of assets and liabilities presented in this note are consistent with our methodologies disclosed in Note 14 of the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Note 5 for how the derivative asset fair value is determined. The Company’s loan portfolio is initially fair valued using a segmented approach, using the eight categories of loans as disclosed in Note 4 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses. Loans are considered a Level 3 classification.

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 March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

26

Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis         
          
 March 31, 2023      September 30, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total 
Assets                                
Securities available for sale                
Corporate bonds $-   1,916   -   1,916 
US treasuries  -   892   -   892 
Securities available for sale Level 1 [Member]                
Corporate bonds Level 2 [Member] $-   1,850   -   1,850 
US treasuries Level 3 [Member]  -   25,603   -   25,603 
US government agencies  -   10,984   -   10,984   -   18,724   -   18,724 
State and political subdivisions  -   19,649   -   19,649   -   18,310   -   18,310 
Asset-backed securities  -   5,819   -   5,819   -   29,641   -   29,641 
Mortgage-backed securities  -   54,776   -   54,776   -   49,907   -   49,907 
Mortgage loans held for sale  -   6,979   -   6,979   -   7,117   -   7,117 
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments  -   187   -   187   -   160   -   160 
MBS forward sales commitments  -   38   -   38 
Derivative asset  -   6,250   -   6,250 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis $-   101,202   -   101,202  $-   157,600   -   157,600 
                
Liabilities                
MBS forward sales commitments $-   86   -   86 
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis $-   86   -   86 

 

                 
  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets                
Securities available for sale:                
Corporate bonds $-   1,883   -   1,883 
US treasuries  -   871   -   871 
US government agencies  -   10,617   -   10,617 
State and political subdivisions  -   18,906   -   18,906 
Asset-backed securities  -   6,229   -   6,229 
Mortgage-backed securities  -   54,841   -   54,841 
Mortgage loans held for sale  -   3,917   -   3,917 
Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments  -   49   -   49 
MBS forward sales commitments  -   27   -   27 
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis $-   97,340   -   97,340 

The Company had no liabilities recorded forat fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.


Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis            
        As of September 30, 2023 
(dollars in thousands)  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Assets                
Individually evaluated loans $-   957   3,624   4,581 
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis $-   957   3,624   4,581

 

          
        As of December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets                
Individually evaluated loans $-   429   4,071   4,500 
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis $-   429   4,071   4,500 

          
  As of March 31, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets                
Individually evaluated $-   1,972   3,695   5,667 
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis $     -   1,972   3,695   5,667 

  As of December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
Assets                
Individually evaluated $-   429   4,071   4,500 
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis $        -   429   4,071   4,500 

The Company had no liabilities carried at fair value or measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

27

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

Schedule of unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements
  Valuation Technique Significant Unobservable Inputs Range of Inputs
 
Individually evaluated loans Appraised Value/ Discounted Cash Flows Discounts to appraisals or cash flows for estimated holding and/or selling costs or age of appraisal 0-25%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 estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows:

Schedule of estimated fair values of the company's financial instruments 
          
 March 31, 2023    September 30, 2023 
(dollars in thousands) Carrying
Amount
  Fair
Value
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Carrying
Amount
 Fair
Value
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 
Financial Assets:                                        
Other investments, at cost $10,097   10,097   -   -   10,097  $19,600   19,600   -   -   19,600 
Loans1  3,368,332   3,176,788   -   -   3,176,788   3,506,372   3,221,087   -   -   3,221,087 
Financial Liabilities:                                        
Deposits  3,426,774   3,065,819   -   3,065,819   -   3,347,771   2,957,882   -   2,957,882   - 
Subordinated debentures  36,241   40,369       -   40,369   -   36,295   40,820   -   40,820   - 

 

        December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Carrying
Amount
  Fair
Value
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Financial Assets:               
Other investments, at cost $10,833   10,833   -   -   10,833 
Loans1  3,227,455   3,057,891   -   -   3,057,891 
Financial Liabilities:                    
Deposits  3,133,864   2,717,900   -   2,717,900   - 
Subordinated debentures  36,214   39,885   -   39,885   - 
1Carrying amount is net of the allowance for credit losses and individually evaluated loans.

1 Carrying amount is net of the allowance for credit losses and individually evaluated loans.


NOTE 7 – Leases

The Company had operating right-of-use assets, included in property and equipment, of $23.2$22.6 million and $23.6$23.6 million as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.  The Company had lease liabilities, included in other liabilities, of $25.5$25.0 million and $25.8$25.8 million as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. We maintain operating leases on land and buildings for various office spaces. The lease agreements have maturity dates ranging from April 2025 to February 2032, some of which include options for multiple five-year extensions. The weighted average remaining life of the lease term for these leases was 6.746.16 years as of March 31,September 30, 2023. The ROU asset and lease liability are recognized at lease commencement by calculating the present value of lease payments over the lease term. 

28

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 at implementation of the accounting standard and as of the lease commencement date for leases subsequently entered into. The weighted average discount rate for leases was 2.32%2.29% as of March 31,September 30, 2023.

The total operating lease costs were $595,000$597,000 and $778,000$582,000 for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $1.8 million and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Maturities ofOperating lease liabilitiespayments due as of March 31,September 30, 2023 were as follows:

Schedule of maturities of lease liabilities    
  
Operating
 
(dollars in thousands) Leases 
2023 $516 
2024  2,099 
2025  2,157 
2026  2,210 
2027  2,268 
Thereafter  22,202 
Total undiscounted lease payments  31,452 
Discount effect of cash flows  6,468 
Total lease liability $24,984 

    
  Operating 
(dollars in thousands) Leases 
2023 $1,513  
2024  2,067 
2025  2,124 
2026  2,176 
2027  2,232 
Thereafter  22,200 
Total undiscounted lease payments  32,312 
Discount effect of cash flows  6,813 
Total lease liability $25,499 

NOTE 8 – Earnings Per Common Share

The following schedule reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three-monththree and nine-month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022. Dilutive common shares arise from the potentially dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options that were outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2023. The assumed conversion of stock options can create a difference between basic and dilutive net income per common share. At March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, there were 205,689351,746 and 9,000162,060 options, respectively, that were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were anti-dilutive.

Schedule of earnings per share computations                
       
  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands, except share data) 2023  2022  2023  2022 
Numerator:                
Net income available to common shareholders $4,098   8,413   9,259   23,623 
Denominator:                
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic  8,052,926   7,972,146   8,043,410   7,954,025 
Common stock equivalents  19,482   92,941   34,420   117,963 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted  8,072,408   8,065,087   8,077,830   8,071,988 
Earnings per common share:                
Basic $0.51   1.06   1.15   2.97 
Diluted $0.51   1.04   1.15   2.93 

    
  Three months ended
March 31,
 
(dollars in thousands, except share data) 2023  2022 
Numerator:      
Net income available to common shareholders $2,703   7,970 
Denominator:        
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – basic  8,025,876   7,931,855 
Common stock equivalents  66,394   164,455 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding – diluted  8,092,270   8,096,310 
Earnings per common share:        
Basic $0.34   1.00 
Diluted  0.33   0.98 


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 and nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 as compared to the three and nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2022 and assesses our financial condition as of March 31,September 30, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022. 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, 2022 included in our

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Annual Report on Form 10-K for that period. Results for the three and nine month periodperiods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2023 or any future period.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references mean Southern First Bancshares, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary. References to the “Bank” refer to Southern First Bank.

Cautionary Warning Regarding forward-looking statements

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 (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,” “seek to,” “strive,” “focus,” “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:

·Restrictions or conditions imposed by our regulators on our operations;

·Increases in competitive pressure in the banking and financial services industries;
·Changes in access to funding or increased regulatory requirements with regard to funding, which could impair our liquidity;
·Changes in deposit flows, which may be negatively affected by a number of factors, including rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, regulatory capital requirements, returns available to clients on alternative investments and general economic or industry conditions;

·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 Charlotte, North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia markets and into potential new markets;


·Risks with respect to future mergers or acquisitions, including our ability to successfully expand and integrate the businesses and operations that we acquire and realize the anticipated benefits of the mergers or acquisitions;
·Changes in the interest rate environment which could reduce anticipated or actual margins;
·Changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment, including new 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;
·Increased cybersecurity risk, including potential business disruptions or financial losses;
·Changes in technology;
·The adequacy of the level of our allowance for credit losses and the amount of loan loss provisions required in future periods;

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Examinations by our regulatory authorities, including the possibility that the regulatory authorities may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for credit losses or write-down assets;
Changes in U.S. monetary policy, the level and volatility of interest rates, the capital markets and other market conditions that may affect, among other things, our liquidity and the value of our assets and liabilities;
Any increase in FDIC assessments which will increase our cost of doing business;
Risks associated with complex and changing regulatory environments, including, among others, with respect to data privacy, artificial intelligence, information security, climate change or other environmental, social and governance matters, and labor matters, relating to our operations;
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 standards, rules and interpretations and the related impact on our financial statements;

Risks associated with actual or potential litigation or investigations by customers, regulatory agencies or others;
Adverse effects of failures by our vendors to provide agreed upon services in the manner and at the cost agreed;
The potential effects of events beyond our control that may have a destabilizing effect on financial markets and the economy, such as epidemics and pandemics, (including COVID-19), war or terrorist activities, disruptions in our customers’ supply chains, disruptions in transportation, essential utility outages or trade disputes and related tariffs; and
Other risks and uncertainties detailed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the 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. 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, except as required by law.


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."“ClientFIRST.”

At March 31,September 30, 2023, we had total assets of $3.94$4.02 billion, a 6.7%an 8.9% increase from total assets of $3.69 billion at December 31, 2022. The largest component of our total assets is loans which were $3.42$3.55 billion and $3.27 billion at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Our liabilities and shareholders’ equity at March 31,September 30, 2023 totaled $3.64$3.72 billion and $299.4$303.9 million, respectively, compared to liabilities of $3.40 billion and shareholders’ equity of $294.5 million at December 31, 2022. The principal component of our liabilities is deposits which were $3.43$3.35 billion and $3.13 billion at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

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

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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 $2.7$4.1 million and $8.0$8.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) was $0.33$0.51 for the firstthird quarter of 2023 as compared to $0.98$1.04 for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net income was primarily driven by a decrease in net interest income resulting from higher costs on our deposit accounts related to the Federal Reserve’s cumulative 475525 basis point interest rate increase during the past 1419 months.

Our net income to common shareholders was $9.3 million and $23.6 million for the nine months combined with anended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Diluted EPS was $1.15 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to $2.93 for the same period in 2022. The decrease in net income was primarily driven by the increase in non-interest expenses.interest expense on our deposit accounts.

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 $20.4$19.3 million for the firstthird quarter of 2023, an 11.8%a 24.0% decrease over net interest income of $23.2$25.5 million for the firstthird quarter of 2022, driven primarily by the increase in interest expense on our deposit accounts. In addition, our net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis (TE), was 2.36%1.97% for the firstthird quarter of 2023 compared to 3.37%3.19% for the same period in 2022.

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 and nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022. 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” tables demonstrate 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 entitled “Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yield and Rates” set 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.

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Table of Contents

Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates

    
  For the Three Months Ended March 31, 
  2023  2022 
(dollars in thousands) Average Balance  Income/ Expense  Yield/ Rate(1)  Average Balance  Income/ Expense  Yield/ Rate(1) 
Interest-earning assets                        
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks $85,966  $969   4.57% $89,096  $59   0.27%
Investment securities, taxable  87,521   530   2.46%  113,101   425   1.52%
Investment securities, nontaxable(2)  10,266   106   4.21%  11,899   64   2.17%
Loans(3)  3,334,530   36,748   4.47%  2,573,978   23,931   3.77%
Total interest-earning assets  3,518,283   38,353   4.42%  2,788,074   24,479   3.56%
Noninterest-earning assets  161,310           152,565         
Total assets $3,679,593          $2,940,639         
Interest-bearing liabilities                        
NOW accounts $303,176   440   0.59% $406,054   115   0.11%
Savings & money market  1,661,878   11,992   2.93%  1,242,225   618   0.20%
Time deposits  543,425   4,747   3.54%  158,720   175   0.45%
Total interest-bearing deposits  2,508,479   17,179   2.78%  1,806,999   908   0.20%
FHLB advances and other borrowings  18,243   200   4.45%  16,626   12   0.29%
Subordinated debentures  36,224   527   5.90%  36,116   380   4.27%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  2,562,946   17,906   2.83%  1,859,741   1,300   0.28%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities  818,123           802,298         
Shareholders’ equity  298,524           278,600         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $3,679,593          $2,940,639         
Net interest spread          1.59%          3.28%
Net interest income (tax equivalent) / margin     $20,447   2.36%     $23,179   3.37%
Less:  tax-equivalent adjustment(2)      23           15     
Net interest income     $20,424          $23,164     

    
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2023  2022 
(dollars in thousands) Average
Balance
  Income/
Expense
  Yield/
Rate(1)
  Average
Balance
  Income/
Expense
  Yield/
Rate(1)
 
Interest-earning assets                        
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks $181,784  $2,435   5.31% $122,071  $676   2.20%
Investment securities, taxable  148,239   1,429   3.82%  91,462   449   1.95%
Investment securities, nontaxable(2)  7,799   55   2.77%  10,160   74   2.89%
Loans(3)  3,554,478   43,542   4.86%  2,941,350   29,752   4.01%
Total interest-earning assets  3,892,300   47,461   4.84%  3,165,043   30,951   3.88%
Noninterest-earning assets  159,103           159,233         
Total assets $4,051,403          $3,324,726         
Interest-bearing liabilities                        
NOW accounts $297,028   620   0.83% $361,500   178   0.20%
Savings & money market  1,748,638   16,908   3.84%  1,417,181   3,663   1.03%
Time deposits  648,949   7,602   4.65%  361,325   1,180   1.30%
Total interest-bearing deposits  2,694,615   25,130   3.70%  2,140,006   5,021   0.93%
FHLB advances and other borrowings  264,141   2,414   3.63%  1,357   10   2.92%
Subordinated debentures  36,278   558   6.10%  36,169   449   4.93%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  2,995,034   28,102   3.72%  2,177,532   5,480   1.00%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities  752,433           858,202         
Shareholders’ equity  303,936           288,542         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $4,051,403          $3,324,276         
Net interest spread          1.12%          2.88%
Net interest income (tax equivalent) / margin     $19,359   1.97%     $25,471   3.19%
Less: tax-equivalent adjustment(2)      14           17     
Net interest income     $19,345          $25,454     
(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 (TE) decreased 101122 basis points to 2.36%1.97% during the firstthird quarter of 2023, compared to the firstthird quarter of 2022, primarily due to higher costs on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our average interest-bearing liabilities grew by $703.2$817.5 million during the firstthird quarter of 2023 from the prior year, while the rate on these liabilities increased 255272 basis points to 2.83%3.72%. In contrast, our average interest-earning assets grew by $730.2$727.3 million during the firstthird quarter of 2023 from the prior year, while the average yield on these assets increased by 86only 96 basis points to 4.42%4.84% during the same period.

The increase in our average interest-bearing liabilities during the third quarter of 2023 resulted primarily from a $554.6 million increase in our interest-bearing deposits from the prior year, while the 272 basis point increase in rate on our interest-bearing liabilities was driven by a 277 basis point increase in deposit rates.

The increase in average interest-earning assets for the firstthird quarter of 2023 related primarily to an increase of $760.6$613.1 million in our average loan balances.balances from the prior year. The 8696 basis point increase in yield on our interest-earning assets was driven by a 70an 85 basis point increase in loan yield as our loan portfolio has repriced at rates higher than historical rates for the majority of the past 12 months.

The increase in our average interest-bearing liabilities during the first quarter of 2023 resulted primarily from a $701.5 million increase in our interest-bearing deposits, while the 255-basis point increase in rate on our interest-bearing liabilities resulted primarily from a 258 basis point increase in deposit rates.

Our net interest spread was 1.59%1.12% for the firstthird quarter of 2023 compared to 3.28%2.88% for the same period in 2022. 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 255272 basis point increase in the rate on our interest-bearing liabilities was partially offset by an 86a 96 basis point increase in yield on our interest-bearinginterest-earning assets, resulting in a 169176 basis point decrease in our net interest spread for the 2023 period. We anticipate continued pressure on our net interest spread and net interest margin in future periods as a significant portion of our loan portfolio is at fixed rates which do not move with the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increases, while our deposit accounts reprice much more quickly. To

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partially address this continued pressure, we entered into a pay-fixed portfolio layer method fair value swap, designated as a hedging instrument, with a total notional amount of $200.0 million in the second quarter of 2023. The financial implication of this swap is described in further detail in “NOTE 5 – Derivative Financial Instruments” above.

Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2023  2022 
(dollars in thousands) Average
Balance
  Income/
Expense
  Yield/
Rate(1)
  Average
Balance
  Income/
Expense
  Yield/
Rate(1)
 
Interest-earning assets                        
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks $113,269  $4,295   5.07% $97,479  $915   1.25%
Investment securities, taxable  111,551   2,663   3.19%  100,947   1,278   1.69%
Investment securities, nontaxable(2)  7,978   162   2.72%  10,811   195   2.41%
Loans(3)  3,467,550   121,380   4.68%  2,771,546   80,294   3.87%
  Total interest-earning assets  3,700,348   128,500   4.64%  2,980,783   82,682   3.71%
Noninterest-earning assets  158,746           155,511         
  Total assets $3,859,094          $3,136,294         
Interest-bearing liabilities                        
NOW accounts $299,123   1,598   0.71% $385,543   437   0.15%
Savings & money market  1,712,827   44,197   3.45%  1,309,502   5,481   0.56%
Time deposits  588,876   18,450   4.19%  266,791   1,855   0.93%
Total interest-bearing deposits  2,600,826   64,245   3.30%  1,961,836   7,773   0.53%
FHLB advances and other borrowings  140,336   3,996   3.81%  23,665   129   0.73%
Subordinated debentures  36,251   1,627   6.00%  36,143   1,233   4.56%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  2,777,413   69,868   3.36%  2,021,644   9,135   0.60%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities  780,408           831,684         
Shareholders’ equity  301,273           282,966         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $3,859,094          $3,136,294         
Net interest spread          1.28%          3.11%
Net interest income (tax equivalent) / margin     $58,632   2.12%     $73,547   3.30%
Less:  tax-equivalent adjustment(2)      37           45     
Net interest income     $58,595          $73,502     
(1)Annualized for the nine 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.

During the first nine months of 2023, our net interest margin (TE) decreased by 118 basis points to 2.12%, compared to 3.30% for the first nine months of 2022, driven by the increase in yield on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our average interest-bearing liabilities grew by $755.8 million from the prior year, with the average yield increasing by 276 basis points to 3.36%. In contrast, our average interest-earning assets grew by $719.6 million, while the rate on these assets increased by only 93 basis points to 4.64%.

The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities for the first nine months of 2023 was driven by an increase in interest-bearing deposits of $639.0 million and a $116.7 million increase in FHLB advances and other borrowings, while the increase in cost was driven by a 277 basis point increase on our interest-bearing deposits and a 308 basis point increase on FHLB advances and other borrowings.

The increase in average interest-earning assets for the first nine months of 2023 related primarily to a $696.0 million increase in our average loan balances. The increase in yield on our interest-earning assets was driven by an 81 basis point increase in our loan yield.

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Our net interest spread was 1.28% for the first nine months of 2023 compared to 3.11% for the same period in 2022. The 183 basis point decrease in our net interest spread was driven by the 276 basis point increase in yield on our interest-bearing liabilities.

Rate/Volume Analysis

Net interest income can be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume. The following tables set 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 Ended 
  March 31, 2023 vs. 2022  March 31, 2022 vs. 2021 
  Increase (Decrease) Due to  Increase (Decrease) Due to 
(dollars in thousands) Volume  Rate  Rate/
Volume
  Total  Volume  Rate  Rate/
Volume
  Total 
Interest income                        
Loans $7,189   4,328   1,300   12,817  $3,571   (1,816)  (289)   1,466 
Investment securities  (103)  309   (67)  139   90   64   19   173
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks  (2)  945   (33)  910   -   12   -  12 
Total interest income  7,084   5,582   1,200   13,866   3,661   (1,740)  (270)  1,651 
Interest expense                                
Deposits  253   12,521   3,497   16,271   721   (596)  (372)  (247)
FHLB advances and other borrowings  1   170   17   188   14   (1)  (4)  9 
Subordinated debentures  1   146   -   147   1   (3)  -   (2)
Total interest expense  255   12,837   3,514   16,606   736   (600)  (376)  (240)
Net interest income $6,829   (7,255)  (2,314)  (2,740) $2,925   (1,140)  106   1,891 

    
  Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2023 vs. 2022  September 30, 2022 vs. 2021 
  Increase (Decrease) Due to  Increase (Decrease) Due to 
(dollars in thousands) Volume  Rate  Rate/
Volume
  Total  Volume  Rate  Rate/
Volume
  Total 
Interest income                                
Loans $6,233   6,248   1,309   13,790  $5,674   815   200   6,689 
Investment securities  271   451   242   964   (9)  164   (4)  151 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks  331   959   469   1,759   (11)  740   (121)  608 
Total interest income  6,835   7,658   2,020   16,513   5,654   1,719   75   7,448 
Interest expense                                
Deposits  762   16,798   2,549   20,109   217   3,142   728   4,087 
FHLB advances and other borrowings  1,938   2   466   2,406   -   -   10   10 
Subordinated debentures  1   106   -   107   1   68   -   69 
Total interest expense  2,701   16,906   3,015   22,622   218   3,210   738   4,166 
Net interest income $4,134   (9,248)  (995)  (6,109) $5,436   (1,491)  (663)  3,282 

Net interest income, the largest component of our income, was $20.4$19.3 million for the firstthird quarter of 2023 and $23.2$25.5 million for the firstthird quarter of 2022, a $2.7$6.1 million, or 11.8%24.0%, decrease year over year. The decrease during 2023 was driven by a $16.6$22.6 million increase in interest expense primarily due to higher rates on our interest-bearing deposits. In addition,Partially offsetting the increase in interest expense was a $16.5 million increase in interest income increased by $13.9 million primarily due to an increase in volume of loans and the rates on loans.

    
  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2023 vs. 2022  September 30, 2022 vs. 2021 
  Increase (Decrease) Due to  Increase (Decrease) Due to 
(dollars in thousands) Volume  Rate  Rate/
Volume
  Total  Volume  Rate  Rate/
Volume
  Total 
Interest income                                
Loans $20,388   16,507   4,191   41,086  $16,300   (3,180)  (764)  12,356 
Investment securities  99   1,179   82   1,360   146   307   49   502 
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks  148   2,781   451   3,380   (11)  813   (54)  748 
Total interest income  20,635   20,467   4,724   45,826   16,435   (2,060)  (769)  13,606 
Interest expense                                
Deposits  1,656   45,190   9,626   56,472   719   3,265   780   4,764 
FHLB advances and other borrowings  636   545   2,686   3,867   63   3   59   125 
Subordinated debentures  4   389   1   394   4   86   -   90 
Total interest expense  2,296   46,124   12,313   60,733   786   3,354   839   4,979 
Net interest income $18,339   (25,657)  (7,589)  (14,907) $15,649   (5,414)  (1,608)  8,627 
                                 

Net interest income for the first nine months of 2023 was $58.6 million compared to $73.5 million for 2022, a $14.9 million, or 20.3%, decrease. The decrease in net interest income during 2023 was driven by a $60.7 million increase in interest expense, related primarily to higher rates on our interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a $45.8 million increase in interest income related to an increase in volume of loans and the rates on loans.


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Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses, which includes a provision for losses on unfunded commitments, is a charge to earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses and reserve for unfunded commitments at levels consistent with management’s assessment of expected losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. We review the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis. Please see the discussion included in Note 4 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses for a description of the factors we consider in determining the amount of the provision we expense each period to maintain this allowance.

We recorded a $1.8 millionreversal of $500,000 to the provision for credit losses in the firstthird quarter of 2023, compared to a $1.1 million$950,000 provision for credit losses in the firstthird quarter of 2022. We recorded a provision expense of $2.2 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. The $1.8provision reversal during the third quarter of 2023 includes a $100,000 reversal of the provision for credit losses and a $400,000 reversal of the reserve for unfunded commitments. The reversal of the provision for credit losses was driven by lower expected loss rates, while the reversal of the reserve for unfunded commitments was driven by a decrease in the balance of unfunded commitments at September 30, 2023, compared to the previous quarter and year. The $2.2 million provision inexpense for the first nine months of 2023 which included a $1.9$2.9 million provision for credit losses and a $30,000$615,000 reversal for unfunded commitments, was driven by $144.6 million in loan growth during the first quarter.commitments.

Noninterest Income

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

       
  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022  2023  2022 
Mortgage banking income $1,208   1,230   3,167   3,907 
Service fees on deposit accounts  356   318   1,011   949 
ATM and debit card income  588   542   1,680   1,604 
Income from bank owned life insurance  349   315   1,018   945 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets  -   -   -   (394)
Gain on sale of securities  -   -   -   12 
Other income  249   275   653   850 
Total noninterest income $2,750   2,680   7,529   7,873 

Noninterest income was $2.7 million for the third quarter of 2023 and 2022. Mortgage banking income continues to be the largest component of our noninterest income at $1.2 million for both the third quarter of 2023 and 2022.

    
  

Three months ended

March 31,

 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022 
Mortgage banking income $622   1,494 
Service fees on deposit accounts  325   303 
ATM and debit card income  555   514 
Income from bank owned life insurance  332   315 
Other income  210   301 
Total noninterest income $2,044   2,927 

Noninterest income decreased $883,000,$344,000, or 30.2%4.4%, forduring the first quarternine months of 2023 as compared to the same period in 2022. The decrease in total noninterest income resulted primarily from the following:

Mortgage banking income has typically been the largest component of our noninterest income; however, lower mortgage origination volume during the past 12 months, combined with our strategy to keep a larger percentage of these loans in our portfolio, has impacted our profitability. Consequently, mortgage banking income decreased by $872,000,$740,000, or 58.4%18.9%, from the first quarternine months of 2022.2022 driven by lower mortgage volume and less income recorded on the related derivative.

Other income decreased $91,000,$197,000, or 30.2%23.2%, primarily due to a decrease in loan and appraisal fee income.

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Noninterest expenses

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

       
  

Three months ended

March 31,

 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022 
Compensation and benefits $10,356   9,455 
Occupancy  2,457   1,779 
Outside service and data processing costs  1,629   1,534 
Insurance  689   261 
Professional fees  660   599 
Marketing  366   266 
Other  947   791 
  Total noninterest expense $17,104   14,685 


       
  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022  2023  2022 
Compensation and benefits $10,231   9,843   30,874   29,214 
Occupancy  2,562   2,442   7,537   6,439 
Outside service and data processing costs  1,744   1,529   5,078   4,591 
Insurance  1,243   507   2,829   1,134 
Professional fees  504   555   1,914   1,848 
Marketing  293   338   994   934 
Other  725   832   2,573   2,360 
Total noninterest expense $17,302   16,046   51,799   46,520 

Noninterest expense was $17.1$17.3 million for the firstthird quarter of 2023, a $2.4$1.3 million, or 16.5%7.8%, increase from noninterest expense of $14.7$16.0 million for the firstthird quarter of 2022. The increase in noninterest expense was driven primarily by the following:

Compensation and benefits expense increased $901,000,$388,000, or 9.5%3.9%, relating primarily to annual salary increases and hiring of new team members andas well as higher benefits expense.benefit related expenses.

OccupancyOutside service and data processing costs increased $678,000,$215,000, or 38.1%14.1%, driven by costs associated with higher depreciation, property taxesrelating primarily to an increase in software licensing and maintenance costs of our new headquarters.costs.

Insurance costs increased $428,000,$736,000, or 164.0%145.2%, driven byas a result of higher FDIC insurance premiums.

Noninterest expense was $51.8 million for the first nine months of 2023, a $5.3 million, or 11.3%, increase from noninterest expense of $46.5 million for the first nine months of 2022. The increase in noninterest expense was driven primarily by increases in compensation and benefits and insurance expense as discussed above. Occupancy costs also increased over the prior year primarily related to increased depreciation, maintenance and property tax expense on our new headquarters building.

Our efficiency ratio was 76.1%78.3% for the firstthird quarter of 2023, compared to 56.3%57.0% for the firstthird quarter of 2022. 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 higher ratio during the firstthird quarter of 2023, compared to the firstthird quarter of 2022, relates primarily to the decrease in net interest income and mortgage banking income, combined with higher noninterest expenses.

We incurred income tax expense of $836,000$1.2 million and $2.3$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $2.8 million and $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 23.6%23.4% and 22.6%23.9% for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The higher tax rate during the first three months of 2023 relates to the lesser impact of equity compensation transactions during the period.

Balance Sheet Review

Investment Securities

At March 31,September 30, 2023, the $104.1$163.6 million in our investment securities portfolio represented approximately 2.6%4.1% of our total assets. Our available for sale investment portfolio included corporate bonds, US treasuries, US government agency securities, state and political subdivisions, asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $94.0$144.0 million and an amortized cost of $108.9$163.3 million, resulting in an unrealized loss of $14.9$19.3 million. At December 31, 2022, the $104.2 million in our investment securities portfolio represented approximately 2.8% of our total assets, including investment securities with a fair value of $93.3 million and an amortized cost of $110.3 million for an unrealized loss of $17.0 million. In addition, other investments, which includes FHLB Stock, increased $8.8 million from December 31, 2022 to $19.6 million at September 30, 2023.

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Table of Contents

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, excluding mortgage loans held for sale, for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $3.33$3.46 billion and $2.56$2.76 billion, respectively. Before the allowance for credit losses, total loans outstanding at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $3.42$3.55 billion and $3.27 billion, respectively.

The principal component of our loan portfolio is loans secured by real estate mortgages. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, our loan portfolio included $2.88$3.0 billion, or 84.4%84.5%, of real estate loans, compared to $2.78 billion, or 84.8%, at December 31, 2022. 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, in order 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. Home equity lines of credit totaled $181.0$180.9 million as of March 31,September 30, 2023, of which approximately 49%45% were in a first lien position, while the remaining balance was second liens. At December 31, 2022, our home equity lines of credit totaled $179.3 million, of which approximately 48% were in first lien positions, while the remaining balance was in second liens. The average home equity loan had a balance of approximately $83,000 and a loan to value of 74% as of March 31, 2023, compared to an average loan balance of $84,000 and a loan to value of approximately 73% as of both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Further, 0.7%0.8% and 0.6% of our total home equity lines of credit were over 30 days past due as of March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.


Following is a summary of our loan composition at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. During the first threenine months of 2023, our loan portfolio increased by $144.6$280.3 million, or 4.4%8.6%, with a 3.9%6.9% increase in commercial loans while consumer loans increased by 5.3%11.4% during the period. The majority of the increase was in loans secured by real estate. Our level of non-owner occupied commercial real estate and multi-family loans represents 266.3% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital at September 30, 2023. Our consumer real estate portfolio grew by $62.0$143.4 million and includes high quality 1-4 family consumer real estate loans. Our average consumer real estate loan currently has a principal balance of $470,000,$475,000, a term of 2225 years, and an average rate of 3.84%4.05% as of March 31,September 30, 2023, compared to a principal balance of $468,000, a term of 22 years, and an average rate of 3.71% as of December 31, 2022.

       
  March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  %  of Total  Amount  %  of Total 
Commercial                
Owner occupied RE $615,094   18.0% $612,901   18.7%
Non-owner occupied RE  928,059   27.2%  862,579   26.3%
Construction  94,641   2.8%  109,726   3.4%
Business  495,161   14.5%  468,112   14.3%
Total commercial loans  2,132,955   62.5%  2,053,318   62.7%
Consumer                
Real estate  993,258   29.1%  931,278   28.4%
Home equity  180,974   5.3%  179,300   5.5%
Construction  71,137   2.1%  80,415   2.5%
Other  39,621   1.0%  29,052   0.9%
Total consumer loans  1,284,990   37.5%  1,220,045   37.3%
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees  3,417,945   100.0%  3,273,363   100.0%
Less—allowance for credit losses  (40,435)      (38,639)    
Total loans, net $3,377,510      $3,234,724     

       
  September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  %  of Total  Amount  %  of Total 
Commercial                
Owner occupied RE $637,038   17.9% $612,901   18.7%
Non-owner occupied RE  937,749   26.4%  862,579   26.3%
Construction  119,629   3.4%  109,726   3.4%
Business  500,253   14.1%  468,112   14.3%
Total commercial loans  2,194,669   61.8%  2,053,318   62.7%
Consumer                
Real estate  1,074,679   30.2%  931,278   28.4%
Home equity  180,856   5.1%  179,300   5.5%
Construction  54,210   1.5%  80,415   2.5%
Other  49,218   1.4%  29,052   0.9%
Total consumer loans  1,358,963   38.2%  1,220,045   37.3%
Total gross loans, net of deferred fees  3,553,632   100.0%  3,273,363   100.0%
Less—allowance for credit losses  (41,131)      (38,639)    
Total loans, net $3,512,501      $3,234,724     

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

38

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 March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing.

Following is a summary of our nonperforming assets.

       
(dollars in thousands) March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Commercial $2,580   429 
Consumer  2,153   2,198 
Total nonaccrual loans  4,733   2,627 
Other real estate owned  -   - 
Total nonperforming assets $4,733   2,627 

       
(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Commercial $        2,019             429 
Consumer  2,296   2,198 
Total nonaccrual loans  4,315   2,627 
Other real estate owned  -   - 
Total nonperforming assets $4,315   2,627 

At March 31,September 30, 2023, nonperforming assets were $4.7$4.3 million, or 0.12%0.11% of total assets and 0.14%0.12% of gross loans. Comparatively, nonperforming assets were $2.6 million, or 0.07% of total assets and 0.08% of gross loans at December 31, 2022. Nonaccrual loans increased $2.1$1.7 million during the first threenine months of 2023 due primarily to threefour commercial relationships totaling $2.4 millionand two consumer loans that were added to nonaccrual status, all of which are secured by real estate or liquid assets.status.


The amount of foregone interest income on nonaccrual loans in the first threenine months of 2023 and 2022 was not material. At March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the allowance for credit losses represented 854.3%953.25% and 1470.7%1,470.74% of the total amount of nonperforming loans, respectively. The majorityA significant portion of the nonperforming loans at March 31,September 30, 2023 were secured by real estate, while one nonperforming loan was secured by a brokerage account.estate. We have evaluated the underlying collateral on these loans and believe that the collateral on these loans is sufficient to minimize future losses.

As a general practice, most of our commercial loans and a portion of our consumer loans are originated with relatively short maturities of less than ten years. As a result, when a loan reaches its maturity we frequently renew the loan and thus extend its maturity using similar 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 nonaccrual after evaluating the loan’s collateral value and financial strength of its guarantors. Nonaccrual loans are renewed at terms generally consistent with the ultimate source of repayment and rarely at reduced rates. In these cases, we will generally 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, we will typically seek performance under the guarantee.

In addition, at March 31,September 30, 2023, 84.4%84.5% of our loans were collateralized by real estate and 83.1%82.1% of our individually evaluated loans were secured by real estate. We utilize third party appraisers to determine the fair value of collateral dependent loans. Our current loan and appraisal policies require us to obtain updated appraisals on an annual basis, either through a new external appraisal or an appraisal evaluation. Individually evaluated loans are reviewed on a quarterly basis to determine the level of impairment. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, we did not have any individually evaluated 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 impairedindividually evaluated loans when we do not expect repayment to occur as agreed upon under the original terms of the loan agreement.

At March 31,September 30, 2023, individually evaluated loans totaled $6.6$6.1 million for which $5.5 million of these loans hadwith a reserve of approximately $959,000$1.5 million allocated in the allowance for credit losses. During the first threenine months of 2023, the average recorded investment in individually evaluated loans was approximately $7.5$5.5 million. Comparatively, individually evaluated loans totaled $7.1 million at December 31, 2022 for which $6.8 million of these loans had a reserve of approximately $1.3 million allocated in the allowance for credit losses. During 2022, the average recorded investment in individually evaluated loans was approximately $7.6 million.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses was $40.4$41.1 million, representing 1.18%1.16% of outstanding loans and providing coverage of 854.33%953.25%, of nonperforming loans at March 31,September 30, 2023 compared to $38.6 million, or 1.18% of outstanding

39

loans and 1470.84%1,470.84% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2022. At March 31,September 30, 2022, the allowance for credit losses was $32.9$36.3 million, or 1.24%1.20% of outstanding loans and 726.88%1,388.87% of nonperforming loans.

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

Our primary source of funds for loans and investments is our deposits and advances from the FHLB. In the past, we have chosen to obtain a portion of our certificates of deposits from areas outside of our market in order to obtain longer term deposits than are readily available in our local market. Our internal guidelines regarding the use of brokered CDs limit our brokered CDs to 20% of total deposits, which allows us to take advantage of the attractive terms that wholesale funding can offer while mitigating the related inherent risk.

Our retail deposits represented $3.08$3.01 billion, or 89.9%89.8% of total deposits, while our wholesale deposits represented $347.7$342.4 million, or 10.1%10.2%, of total deposits at March 31,September 30, 2023. At December 31, 2022, retail deposits represented $2.90 billion, or 92.5%, of our total deposits. Wholesaledeposits and wholesale deposits were $236.2 million, representing 7.5% of our total deposits, at December 31, 2022.deposits. Our loan-to-deposit ratio was 100%106% at March 31,September 30, 2023 and 104% at December 31, 2022.


The following is a detail of our deposit accounts:

       
  March 31,  December 31, 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022 
Non-interest bearing $740,534   804,115 
Interest bearing:        
   NOW accounts  303,743   318,030 
   Money market accounts  1,748,562   1,506,418 
   Savings  39,706   40,673 
   Time, less than $250,000  106,679   89,876 
   Time and out-of-market deposits, $250,000 and over  487,550   374,752 
     Total deposits $3,426,774   3,133,864 

       
  September 30,  December 31, 
(dollars in thousands) 2023  2022 
Non-interest bearing $675,409   804,115 
Interest bearing:        
NOW accounts  306,667   318,030 
Money market accounts  1,685,736   1,506,418 
Savings  34,737   40,673 
Time, less than $250,000  125,506   89,876 
Time and out-of-market deposits, $250,000 and over  519,716   374,752 
Total deposits $3,347,771   3,133,864 

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 $2.95$2.87 billion and $2.76 billion at March 31,September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. In addition, at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we estimate that we have approximately $1.1$1.4 billion and $1.5 billion, or 32.1%40.4% and 36.6%47.8% of total deposits, respectively, in uninsured deposits, including related interest accrued and unpaid. Since it is not reasonably practicable to provide a precise measure of uninsured deposits, the amounts above are estimates and are based on the same methodologies and assumptions used by the FDIC for the Bank’s regulatory reporting requirements.

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

       
  

Three months ended

March 31,

 
  2023  2022 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $766,916   0.00% $753,546   0.00%
Interest-bearing demand deposits  303,176   0.59%  406,054   0.12%
Money market accounts  1,621,885   3.00%  1,201,816   0.21%
Savings accounts  39,993   0.06%  40,409   0.05%
Time deposits less than $250,000  59,469   4.55%  56,648   0.32%
Time deposits greater than $250,000  483,956   0.94%  102,073   0.50%
   Total deposits $3,275,395   1.76% $2,560,546   0.14%

    
  Nine months ended
September 30,
 
  2023  2022 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Rate  Amount  Rate 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $726,660   0.00% $781,303   0.00%
Interest-bearing demand deposits  299,123   0.71%  385,543   0.15%
Money market accounts  1,675,181   3.53%  1,268,039   0.58%
Savings accounts  37,646   0.10%  41,463   0.05%
Time deposits less than $250,000  96,506   3.75%  24,519   0.45%
Time deposits greater than $250,000  492,371   4.27%  242,272   0.98%
Total deposits $3,327,487   2.58% $2,743,139   0.38%

During the first threenine months of 2023, our average transaction account balances increased by $330.1$262.3 million, or 13.7%10.6%, from the prior year, while our average time deposit balances increased by $385,000,$322,000, or 242.4%120.7%. We have

40

experienced record growth in new account openings throughout our footprint during the first quarternine months of 2023. In addition, we have added $245.9$167.3 million in wholesale time deposits.

All of our time deposits are certificates of deposits. The maturity distribution of our time deposits $250,000 or more at March 31,September 30, 2023 was as follows:

    
(dollars in thousands) March 31,
2023
 
Three months or less $180,209 
Over three through six months  155,187 
Over six  through twelve months  137,563 
Over twelve months  14,591 
   Total $487,550 

    
(dollars in thousands) September 30, 2023 
Three months or less $148,458 
Over three through six months  180,510 
Over six through twelve months  110,657 
Over twelve months  80,091 
Total $519,716 

Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $487.6$519.7 million and $374.8 million, respectively. We have a relationship with IntraFi Promontory Network, allowing us to provide deposit customers with access to aggregate FDIC insurance in amounts exceeding $250,000. This gives us the ability, as and when needed, to attract and retain large deposits from insurance conscious customers. With IntraFi, we have the option to keep deposits on balance sheet or sell them to other members of the network.


TableAt September 30, 2023, the Company had $275.0 million of Contentsconvertible fixed rate FHLB advances with a weighted average rate of 3.58%, while at December 31, 2022, the Company had a $175.0 million FHLB advance at a variable rate of 4.57%.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is our ability to fund operations, to meet depositor withdrawals, to provide for customers’ credit needs, and to meet maturing obligations and existing commitments. Our liquidity principally depends on our cash flows from operating activities, investment in and maturity of assets, changes in balances of deposits and borrowings, and our ability to borrow funds. The bank failures in Marchthe first five months of 2023 exemplify the potential serious results of the unexpected inability of insured depository institutions to obtain needed liquidity to satisfy deposit withdrawal requests, including how quickly such requests can accelerate once uninsured depositors lose confidence in an institutions ability to satisfy its obligations to depositors. We seek to ensure our funding needs are met by maintaining a level of liquidity through asset and liability management. 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 March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $272.2$152.4 million and $170.9 million, respectively, or 6.9%3.8% and 4.6% of total assets, respectively. Our investment securities at March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 amounted to $104.1$163.6 million and $104.2 million, respectively, or 2.6%4.1% and 2.8% of total assets, respectively. Investment securities traditionally provide a secondary source of liquidity since they can be converted into cash in a timely 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 five federal funds purchased lines of credit with correspondent banks totaling $118.5 million for which there were no borrowings against the lines of credit at March 31,September 30, 2023.

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

41

from the FHLB. The unused borrowing capacity currently available from the FHLB at March 31,September 30, 2023 was $609.9$528.4 million, based primarily on the Bank’s 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 March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 we had $373.3$397.7 million and $341.5 million, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding with the FHLB to secure client deposits. Further, in July 2023, we enrolled in the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program which offer loans of up to one year in length if we pledge collateral eligible for purchase by the Federal Reserve Banks in open market operations, such as U.S. Treasuries, U.S. agency securities, and U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities. At September 30, 2023, we had $13.0 million of marketable investment securities pledged in the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program. At September 30, 2023, we had $219.9 million pledged and available with the Federal Reserve Discount Window.

We have a relationship with IntraFi Promontory Network, allowing us to provide deposit customers with access to aggregate FDIC insurance in amounts exceeding $250,000. This gives us the ability, as and when needed, to attract and retain large deposits from insurance conscious customers. With IntraFi, we have the option to keep deposits on balance sheet or sell them to other members of the network. Additionally, subject to certain limits, the Bank can use IntraFi to purchase cost-effective funding without collateralization and in lieu of generating funds through traditional brokered CDs or the FHLB. In this manner, IntraFi can provide us with another funding option. Thus, it serves as a deposit-gathering tool and an additional liquidity management tool. Under the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, a well capitalized bank with a CAMELS rating of 1 or 2 may hold reciprocal deposits up to the lesser of 20% of its total liabilities or $5 billion without those deposits being treated as brokered deposits.

We also have a line of credit with another financial institution for $15.0 million, which was unused at March 31,September 30, 2023. The line of credit was renewed on December 21, 2021 at an interest rate of One Month CME Term SOFR plus 3.5% and a maturity date of December 20, 2023. As of September 30, 2023, we were in violation of one particular loan covenant and have subsequently received a waiver from the lender regarding this violation.

We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits, federal funds purchased lines of credit with correspondent banks, and borrowings from the FHLB 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 $299.4$303.9 million at March 31,September 30, 2023 and $294.5 million at December 31, 2022. The $4.9$9.4 million increase from December 31, 2022 is primarily related to net income of $2.7$9.3 million during the first threenine months of 2023, stock option exercises and equity compensation expenses of $1.5 million, partially offset by a decrease$1.8 million increase in the unrealized loss on securities available for sale of $1.6 million.sale.


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 threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022. Since our inception, we have not paid cash dividends.

       
  March 31, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Return on average assets  0.30%  0.90%
Return on average equity  3.67%  10.20%
Return on average common equity  3.67%  10.20%
Average equity to average assets ratio  8.11%  8.85%
Tangible common equity to assets ratio  7.60%  7.98%

       
  September 30, 2023  December 31, 2022 
Return on average assets  0.32%  0.90%
Return on average equity  4.11%  10.20%
Return on average common equity  4.11%  10.20%
Average equity to average assets ratio  7.81%  8.85%
Tangible common equity to assets ratio  7.56%  7.98%

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

42

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 credit 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.

Regulatory capital rules, which we refer to Basel III, impose minimum capital requirements for bank holding companies and banks. The Basel III rules apply to all national and state banks and savings associations regardless of size and bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies other than “small bank holding companies,” generally holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $3 billion. In order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments to executives, a covered banking organization must maintain a “capital conservation buffer” on top of our minimum risk-based capital requirements. This buffer must consist solely of common equity Tier 1, but the buffer applies to all three measurements (common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 capital and total capital). The capital conservation buffer consists of an additional amount of CET1 equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

To be considered “well-capitalized”“well capitalized” for purposes of certain rules and prompt corrective action requirements, the Bank must maintain a minimum total risked-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a total Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 8%, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, and a leverage ratio of at least 5%. As of March 31,September 30, 2023, our capital ratios exceed these ratios and we remain “well capitalized.”


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

       
 September 30, 2023 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the
capital conservation
buffer
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 385,063   12.27% $251,151   8.00% $313,939   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  345,798   11.01%  188,363   6.00%  251,151   8.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  345,798   11.01%  141,272   4.50%  204,060   6.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  345,798   8.50%  162,633   4.00%  203,291   5.00%
                         
 December 31, 2022 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the
capital conservation
buffer
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $ 366,988   12.45% $235,892   8.00% $294,865   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  330,108   11.20%  176,919   6.00%  235,892   8.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  330,108   11.20%  132,689   4.50%  191,662   6.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  330,108   9.43%  140,040   4.00%  175,050   5.00%

43

Table of Contents 

       
     March 31, 2023 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the capital conservation buffer
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $376,311   12.38% $243,212   8.00% $304,016   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  338,279   11.13%  182,409   6.00%  243,212   8.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  338,279   11.13%  136,807   4.50%  197,610   6.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  338,279   9.16%  147,775   4.00%  184,719   5.00%

     

December 31, 2022

 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the capital conservation buffer
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $366,988   12.45% $235,892   8.00% $294,865   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  330,108   11.20%  176,919   6.00%  235,892   8.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  330,108   11.20%  132,689   4.50%  191,662   6.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  330,108   9.43%  140,040   4.00%  175,050   5.00%

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

     March 31, 2023 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the capital conservation buffer (1)
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $385,157   12.67% $243,211   8.00%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  324,125   10.66%  182,409   6.00%  N/A   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  311,125   10.23%  136,806   4.50%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  324,125   8.80%  147,285   4.00%  N/A   N/A 

     

December 31, 2022

 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the capital conservation buffer (1)
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $380,802   12.91% $235,892   8.00%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  320,922   10.88%  176,919   6.00%  N/A   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  307,922   10.44%  132,689   4.50%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  320,922   9.17%  140,057   4.00%  N/A   N/A 

       
 September 30, 2023 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the
capital conservation
buffer (1)
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $394,419   12.56% $251,162   8.00%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  332,154   10.58%  188,372   6.00%  N/A   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  319,154   10.17%  141,279   4.50%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  332,154   8.17%  162,654   4.00%  N/A   N/A 
                         
 December 31, 2022 
  Actual  For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum plus the
capital conservation
buffer (1)
  To be well capitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum
 
(dollars in thousands) Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio  Amount  Ratio 
Total Capital (to risk weighted assets) $380,802   12.91% $235,892   8.00%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  320,922   10.88%  176,919   6.00%  N/A   N/A 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to risk weighted assets)  307,922   10.44%  132,689   4.50%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)  320,922   9.17%  140,057   4.00%  N/A   N/A 
(1)Under the Federal Reserve’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement, the Company is not subject to the minimum capital adequacy and capital conservation buffer capital requirements at the holding company level, unless otherwise advised by the Federal Reserve (such capital requirementsThe prompt corrective action provisions are only applicable only at the Bank level). Althoughlevel. The Bank exceeded the general minimum regulatory capital requirements are not applicable to the Company, we calculate these ratios for our own planning and monitoring purposes.be considered “well capitalized.”

The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends to shareholders 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. Since our inception, we have not paid cash dividends to shareholders.


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 March 31,September 30, 2023 unfunded commitments to extend credit were $882.5$780.6 million, of which $286.3$178.2 million were at fixed rates and $596.2$602.4 million were at variable rates. At December 31, 2022, unfunded commitments to extend credit were $878.3 million, of which approximately $318.9 million were at fixed rates and $559.4 million were at variable rates. A significant portion of the unfunded commitments related to commercial business loans and consumer home equity lines of credit. 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 of March 31,September 30, 2023, the reserve for unfunded commitments was $2.8$2.2 million or 0.31%0.28% of total unfunded

44

commitments. As of December 31, 2022, the reserve for unfunded commitments was $2.8 million or 0.32% of total unfunded commitments.

At March 31,September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were commitments under letters of credit for $15.6$15.0 million and $14.3 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.

Critical Accounting Estimates

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.

Certain accounting policies inherently involve a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported, which could have a material impact on the carrying values of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations. Of the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, we have identified certain items as critical accounting policies based on the associated estimates, assumptions, judgments and complexity. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, for a description our significant accounting policies that use critical accounting estimates.


Accounting, Reporting, and Regulatory Matters

See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for details of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on our consolidated 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.

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 seek 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 March 31,September 30, 2023, 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

45

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.

Interest rate scenario Change in net interest
income from base
 
Up 300 basis points  (16.3419.19)%
Up 200 basis points  (10.8612.76)%
Up 100 basis points  (5.436.43)%
Base  —  - 
Down 100 basis points  10.808.33%
Down 200 basis points  21.0115.59%
Down 300 basis points  30.4821.89%

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 threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2023, 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 1A. 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, 2022, as well as cautionary statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including those under the caption “Cautionary Warning Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” set forth in Part I, 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.

We are providing these additional risk factorsThere have been no material changes to supplement the risk factors containedpreviously disclosed in Item 1A. of ourthe Company’s (i) Annual Report on Form 10-K for thefiscal year ended December 31, 2022.2022 and (ii) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023.

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

The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured depository institutions, such as Southern First Bank, up to the maximum federal deposit insurance level per account. Our regular assessments are based on its average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity as well as by risk classification, which includes regulatory capital levels and the level of supervisory concern. In addition to ordinary assessments described above, the FDIC has the ability to impose special assessments in certain instances.

We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums. For example, in response to March 2023 bank closures and in an effort to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and protect depositors, regulators announced that any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund to support uninsured depositors will be recovered by a special assessment on banks, as required by law, which could increase the cost of our FDIC insurance assessments and affect our profitability. If our financial condition deteriorates or if the bank regulators otherwise have supervisory concerns about us, then our assessments could rise. Any future additional assessments, increases or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability, may limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, or otherwise negatively impact our operations.

The Federal Reserve has implemented significant economic strategies that have affected interest rates, inflation, asset values, and the shape of the yield curve.

In 2020, in response to economic disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve quickly reduced short-term rates to extremely low levels and acted to influence the markets to reduce long-term rates as well. During 2021, the Federal Reserve significantly reduced such “easing” actions that held down long-term rates. During 2022, the Federal Reserve switched to a tightening policy. It raised short term rates significantly and rapidly throughout the year. Those actions triggered a significant decline in the values of most categories of U.S. stocks and bonds; significantly raised recessionary expectations for the U.S.; and inverted the yield curve in the U.S. for much of the last two quarters of 2022.

Effects on the yield curve often are most pronounced at the short end of the curve, which is of particular importance to us and other banks. Among other things, easing strategies are intended to lower interest rates, expand the money supply, and stimulate economic activity, while tightening strategies are intended to increase interest rates, discourage borrowing, tighten the money supply, and restrain economic activity. However, in 2022, short term rates rose faster than long term rates to the point that the yield curve inverted for much of the final two quarters of 2022. This sort of phenomenon—where short term rates rise more strongly and rapidly than long-term rates can follow—is relatively uncommon.

It is unclear when long term rates are likely to catch up. Many external factors may interfere with the effects of these plans or cause them to be changed, sometimes quickly. Such factors include significant economic trends or events as well as significant international monetary policies and events. For 2023, the Federal Reserve has not yet indicated when it will stop, or at least pause, raising short term rates, although the rate of increases has slowed.

These economic strategies have had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our business and on many of our clients. As exemplified by the March 2023 bank failures in the U.S., such strategies also can affect the U.S. and world-wide financial systems in ways that may be difficult to predict.


Adverse developments affecting the financial services industry, such as recent bank failures or concerns involving liquidity, may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations.

The recent high-profile bank failures involving Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank have caused general uncertainty and concern regarding the liquidity adequacy of the banking sector. Although we were not directly affected by these bank failures, the resulting speed and ease in which news, including social media commentary, led depositors to withdraw or attempt to withdraw their funds from these and other financial institutions caused the stock prices of many financial institutions to become volatile. Additional bank failures could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, either directly or through an adverse impact on certain of our customers.

In response to these bank failures and the resulting market reaction, the Secretary of the Treasury approved actions enabling the FDIC to complete its resolutions of the failed banks in a manner that fully protects depositors by utilizing the Deposit Insurance Fund, including the use of Bridge Banks to assume all of the deposit obligations of the failed banks, while leaving unsecured lenders and equity holders of such institutions exposed to losses. In addition, the Federal Reserve announced it would make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions under a Bank Term Funding Program to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors. In an effort to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and protect depositors, regulators announced that any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund to support uninsured depositors will be recovered by a special assessment on banks, as required by law, which will increase our FDIC insurance assessment and will increase our costs of doing business. However, it is uncertain whether these steps by the government will be sufficient to calm the financial markets, reduce the risk of significant depositor withdrawals at other institutions and thereby reduce the risk of additional bank failures. As a result of this uncertainty, we face the potential for reputational risk, deposit outflows, increased costs and competition for liquidity, and increased credit risk which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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

(a)Not applicable.
(b)Not applicable.
(c)Not applicable.

46

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.


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.

47

Table of Contents 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
Number
 Description
10.1Employment Agreement by and between Southern First Bank and William M. Aiken, III, dated December 1, 2021.
   
10.2Employment Agreement by and between Southern First Bank and D. Andrew Borrmann, dated March 29, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 3, 2023).*
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 March 31,September 30, 2023, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (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.
   
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
______ ________________________________________________
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

48


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: May 2,October 31, 2023/s/R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.
 R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.
 Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
  
Date: May 2,October 31, 2023/s/D. Andrew Borrmann
 D. Andrew Borrmann
 Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

49

 


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