Provision for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in its loan portfolio and the general economy. Such evaluation considers numerous factors including general economic conditions, loan portfolio composition and prior loss experience, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an adequate loan loss allowance. At June 30, 2018, the Company’s reduced level ofnon-accrual and substandard loans reduced the amount of funding necessary for the allowance for loan loss account. The Company determined that an additional $130,000 in provision for loan loss was required for the six month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to a $350,000 provision for loan loss expense for the six month period ended June 30, 2017.
Non-Interest Expenses.For the six month period ended June 30, 2018,non-interest expenses were $15.1 million compared to $14.9 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2017. For the six month period ended June 30, 2018, data processing expenses increased $239,000 compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2017 due to the Company’s receipt of a $225,000one-time reimbursement of expenses from a vendor in June of 2017. For the six month period ended June 30, 2018, professional services expenses were $965,000, representing an increase of $153,000 compared to the six month period ended June 30, 2017. The increase in professional services is largely the result of legal expenses incurred in early 2018.
Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for the six month periods ending June 30, 2018 was 15.6% as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. For the six month period ended June 30, 2017, the Company’s effective tax rate was 19.5%.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Month Periods Ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017.
The Company’s net income was $1.7 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2018, compared to net income of $1.1 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2017. The improved level of net income for the three month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three month period ended June 30, 2017 was largely the result of loan portfolio growth, a $467,000 increase in the gain on sale of investments and a reduction in the federal tax rate.
The Company’s total interest income for the three month period ended June 30, 2018 was $9.1 million, compared to $8.4 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2017. The increase in net interest income for the three month period ended June 30, 2018 compared to June 30, 2017 was largely due to the $43.7 million increase in the average balance of loans outstanding.
For the three month period ended June 30, 2018, total interest expense was $1.8 million compared to $1.5 million for the three month period ended June 30, 2017. For the three month period ended June 30, 2018, total interest bearing liabilities were $689.2 million, representing an increase of $30,000 compared to the three month period ended June 30, 2017. The increase in interest expense is the result of increases in short term interest rates spurred by the decision of the Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to increase its stated overnight Fed Funds rate. For the three month period ended June 30, 2018, the cost of average total deposits was 0.75% compared to 0.63% for the three month period ended June 30, 2017. Based on current fed funds future projections, Management anticipates that the Company’s total cost of deposits will continue to increase into the foreseeable future.
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