Communitysouth Financial (CBSO) 10-Q 2008 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

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

For the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2008

OR

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

For the Transition Period from           to         

Commission File No. 000-51896

COMMUNITYSOUTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina	20-0934786
(State or other jurisdiction	(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)	Identification No.)

6602 Calhoun Memorial Highway

Easley, South Carolina 29640

(Address of principal executive offices)

(864) 306-2540

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated o (do not check if smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No x

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

4,698,697 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were issued and outstanding as of October 31, 2008.

Part I - - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30, 2008			December 31, 2007
	(Unaudited)			(Audited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and due from bank	$	8,590,134		$	6,486,676
Federal funds sold	0			33,665,005
Total cash and cash equivalents	8,590,134			40,151,681
Investment securities, available for sale	43,795,862			24,844,007
Other investments, at cost	1,130,200			446,800
Loans, net	313,702,623			298,720,357
Accrued interest receivable	1,481,167			2,092,066
Property and equipment, net	4,735,955			5,073,685
Bank-owned life insurance	5,383,100			5,226,806
Other assets	2,901,245			1,311,799
Total assets	$	381,720,286		$	377,867,201
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits
Non-interest bearing	$	24,463,253		$	24,464,433
Interest bearing	270,504,054			303,199,212
Total deposits	294,967,307			327,663,645
Federal Funds Purchased	9,491,000			—
Line of Credit	1,570,000			—
Subordinated Debt	3,545,000			—
Repurchase agreements	30,000,000			15,000,000
FHLB advances	10,000,000			—
Accrued interest payable	1,434,298			3,238,298
Accrued expenses	272,899			427,380
Other liabilities	79,432			66,742
Total liabilities	351,359,936			346,396,065
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued	—			—
Common stock, par value $.01 per share 10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,698,697 and 4,698,697 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively	46,987			46,987
Additional paid-in capital	29,742,568			29,691,467
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(45,745		)	152,050
Retained earnings	616,540			1,580,632
Total shareholders’ equity	30,360,350			31,471,136
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	381,720,286		$	377,867,201

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	Three months ended		Three months ended
	September 30, 2008		September 30, 2007
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans	$	5,029,718	$	5,676,825
Interest and dividends on investments	603,894		476,312
Total interest income	5,633,612		6,153,137
Interest expense – deposits and other borrowings	2,994,547		3,413,663
Net interest income	2,639,065		2,739,474
Provision for loan losses	160,000		362,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	2,479,065		2,377,474
Non-interest income
Mortgage origination fees	96,183		285,600
Other	207,468		120,145
Total non-interest income	303,651		405,745
Non-interest expense
Salaries and benefits	1,222,884		1,079,416
Data processing	193,808		156,561
Occupancy	155,979		110,853
Depreciation	178,108		156,223
Equipment maintenance and rental	57,204		25,637
Advertising	106,857		100,217
Professional fees	226,202		101,886
Office supplies	25,894		29,094
Telephone	42,107		33,815
FDIC assessment	56,000		92,160
Other	358,530		272,870
Total non-interest expense	2,623,573		2,158,732
Income (loss) before income taxes	159,143		624,487
Income tax expense (benefit)	74,300		164,756
Net income (loss)	$	84,843	$	459,731
Earnings (losses) per share (1)
Basic	$	0.02	$	0.10
Diluted	$	0.02	$	0.09
Weighted average shares outstanding (1)
Basic	4,698,697		4,698,697
Diluted	4,698,697		5,089,566

(1)  Adjusted for 5-for-4 stock split effective January 16, 2007.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	Nine months ended			Nine months ended
	September 30, 2008			September 30, 2007
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans	$	15,580,959		$	15,474,063
Interest and dividends on investments	2,006,557			1,185,350
Total interest income	17,587,516			16,659,413
Interest expense – deposits and other borrowings	9,984,837			9,294,250
Net interest income	7,602,679			7,365,163
Provision for loan losses	2,864,000			994,000
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	4,738,679			6,371,163
Non-interest income
Mortgage origination fees	431,445			807,612
Other	589,313			340,907
Total non-interest income	1,020,758			1,148,519
Non-interest expense
Salaries and benefits	3,685,615			3,119,877
Data processing	561,206			415,575
Occupancy	476,019			354,978
Depreciation	539,454			437,451
Equipment maintenance and rental	143,431			79,001
Advertising	145,859			173,857
Professional fees	357,990			224,897
Office supplies	73,077			105,361
Telephone	111,970			105,565
FDIC assessment	162,500			146,044
Other	915,708			664,019
Total non-interest expense	7,172,829			5,826,625
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,413,392		)	1,693,057
Income tax expense (benefit)	(449,300		)	562,825
Net income (loss)	$	(964,092	)	$	1,130,232
Earnings (losses) per share (1)
Basic	$	(0.21	)	$	0.24
Diluted	$	(0.21	)	$	0.22
Weighted average shares outstanding (1)
Basic	4,698,697			4,698,613
Diluted	4,698,697			5,159,546

(1)  Adjusted for 5-for-4 stock split effective January 16, 2007.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

4

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007

(UNAUDITED)

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in		Accumulated Other Comprehensive			Retained			Total Shareholders’			Total Comprehensive
	Shares (1)	Amount (1)		Capital (1)		Income			Earnings			Equity			Income
Balance at December 31, 2007	4,698,697	$	46,987	$	29,691,467	$	152,050		$	1,580,632		$	31,471,136
Net income (loss)	—	—		—		—			(964,092		)	(964,092		)	$	(964,062	)
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of income taxes	—	—		—		(197,795		)	—			(197,795		)	(197,795		)
Total comprehensive income (loss)															$	(1,161,857	)
Stock option compensation	—	—		51,101		—			—			51,101
Balance at September 30, 2008	4,698,697	$	46,987	$	29,742,568	$	(45,745	)	$	616,540		$	30,360,350

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in			Accumulated Other Comprehensive		Retained		Total Shareholders’			Total Comprehensive
	Shares (1)	Amount (1)		Capital (1)			Income		Earnings		Equity			Income
Balance at December 31, 2006	4,697,697	$	46,977	$	29,635,458		$	—	$	12,520	$	29,694,955
Net income	—	—		—			—		1,130,232		1,130,232			$	1,130,232
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on securities, net of income taxes	—	—		—			142,224		—		142,224			142,224
Total comprehensive income														$	1,272,456
Stock option compensation	—	—		39,571			—		—		39,571
Cash paid for fractional shares	—	—		(5,701		)	—		—		(5,701		)
Stock options exercised	1,000	10		6,390			—		—		6,400
Balance at September  30, 2007	4,698,697	$	46,987	$	29,675,718		$	142,224	$	1,142,752	$	31,007,681

(1)        Adjusted for 5-for-4 stock split effective January 16, 2007.

5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

	Nine months ended			Nine Months ended
	September 30,			September 30,
	2008			2007
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	(964,092	)	$	1,130,232
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	2,864,000			994,000
Stock option compensation	51,101			39,571
Appreciation of bank-owned life insurance	(156,294		)	(166,536		)
Depreciation	539,454			437,451
Deferred income tax benefit	(827,000		)	137,974
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable	610,899			(681,375		)
Increase in accrued interest payable	(1,804,000		)	1,389,239
Decrease in accrued expenses	(154,481		)	190,285
Decrease (increase) in other assets	(58,361		)	(184,157		)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	12,690			31,714
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	—			709
Net cash provided by operating activities	113,916			3,319,107
Investing activities
Net increase in loans outstanding	(18,402,351		)	(72,024,583		)
Purchases of investment securities	(24,178,001		)	(24,544,610		)
Maturities of investment securities	4,880,351			—
Purchases of FHLB stock	(683,400		)	(176,000		)
Purchase of property and equipment	(201,724		)	(668,743		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(38,585,125		)	(97,413,936		)
Financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposit accounts	(32,696,338		)	95,674,547
Advances from FHLB	10,000,000			—
Increase in repurchase agreements	15,000,000			—
Increase in Line of Credit	1,570,000			—
Increase in Subordinated Debt	3,545,000			—
Increase Federal Funds Purchased	9,491,000			—
Cash paid for fractional shares	—			(5,701		)
Stock options exercised	—			6,400
Net cash provided by financing activities	6,909,662			95,675,246
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(31,561,547		)	1,580,417
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	40,151,681			21,041,070
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	8,590,134		$	22,621,487
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	11,788,837		$	7,905,011
Income taxes	$	482,500		$	591,000
Schedule of non-cash transactions
Unrealized gains / (losses) on investment securities, net of income taxes	$	197,795		$	142,224

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

6

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Business Activity and Organization – CommunitySouth Financial Corporation (the “Company”) is a South Carolina corporation organized for the purpose of owning and controlling all of the capital stock of CommunitySouth Bank and Trust (the “Bank”).  The Bank is a state chartered bank organized under the laws of South Carolina.  From inception on March 20, 2004 through January 18, 2005, the Company engaged in organizational and pre-opening activities necessary to obtain regulatory approvals and to prepare its subsidiary, the Bank, to commence business as a financial institution.  The Company received approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”) and the State Board of Financial Institutions in January 2005.

The Bank began operations on January 18, 2005.  The Bank primarily is engaged in the business of accepting deposits insured by the FDIC, and providing commercial, consumer and mortgage loans to the general public.

The Company sold 4,681,069 shares of common stock at $6.40 per share in an initial public offering that was completed on February 15, 2005 (as adjusted for all stock splits).  The offering raised $29,430,810, net of offering costs.  The directors and officers of the Company purchased 659,531 shares at $6.40 per share for a total of $4,221,000.

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and to general practices in the banking industry for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles 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 period ended September 30, 2008 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008.  For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes dated December 31, 2007 included in the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CommunitySouth Financial Corporation, the parent company, and CommunitySouth Bank and Trust, its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany items have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Management’s Estimates – The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Disclosure Regarding Segments – The Company reports as one operating segment, as management reviews the results of operations of the Company as a single enterprise.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, short-term interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold.  Cash and cash equivalents have an original maturity of three months or less.

Concentrations of Credit Risk – Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of loans receivable, investment securities, federal funds sold and amounts due from banks.

The Company makes loans to individuals and small businesses for various personal and commercial purposes primarily in the upstate region of South Carolina.  The Company’s loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or to a relatively small number of borrowers.  Additionally, management is not aware of any concentrations of loans to classes of borrowers or industries that would be similarly affected by economic conditions.

7

In addition to monitoring potential concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or groups of borrowers, industries and geographic regions, management monitors exposure to credit risk that could arise from potential concentrations of lending products and practices such as loans that subject borrowers to substantial payment increases (e.g. principal deferral periods, loans with initial interest-only periods, etc), and loans with high loan-to-value ratios.  Additionally, there are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit risk should economic conditions change over the course of a loan’s life.  For example, the Company makes variable rate loans and fixed rate principal-amortizing loans with maturities prior to the loan being fully paid (i.e. balloon payment loans).  These loans are underwritten and monitored to manage the associated risks.  Management has determined that there is no concentration of credit risk associated with its lending policies or practices.

The Company’s investment portfolio consists of both marketable and non-marketable equity securities.  Management believes credit risk associated with the equity securities is not significant. The Company places its deposits and correspondent accounts with and sells its federal funds to high quality institutions.  Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts is not significant.

Investment Securities – The Company accounts for investment securities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS 115”).  The statement requires investments in equity and debt securities to be classified into three categories:

1.Available for sale securities: These are securities that are not classified as either held to maturity or as trading securities.  These securities are reported at fair market value.  Unrealized gains and losses are reported, net of income taxes, as separate components of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income).

2.Held to maturity securities: These are investment securities that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity.  These securities are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts.

3.Trading securities: These are securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling in the near future.  Trading securities are reported at fair market value, and related unrealized gains and losses are recognized in the income statement.  The Company has no trading securities.

Gains or losses on dispositions of investment securities are based on the differences between the net proceeds and the adjusted carrying amount of the securities sold, using the specific identification method.  Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income by a method that approximates a level yield.

Other Investments – CommunitySouth Bank and Trust, as a member institution, is required to own stock investments in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”).  Investment in the FHLB is a condition of borrowing from the FHLB, and the stock is pledged to collateralize such borrowings.  No ready market exists for the stock and it has no quoted market value.  However, redemption of these stocks has historically been at par value.  The dividend received on this stock is included in interest and dividends on investments.

Loans Receivable – Loans are stated at their unpaid principal balance less an allowance for loan losses and net deferred loan origination fees.  Interest income is computed using the simple interest method and is recorded in the period earned. Loan origination fees collected and certain loan origination costs are deferred and the net amount is accreted as income using a method that approximates the level yield method over the life of the related loans.

In accordance with SFAS No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” (“SFAS 114”), loans are considered to be impaired when, in management’s judgment and based on current information, the full collection of principal and interest becomes doubtful.  A loan is also considered impaired if its terms are modified in a troubled debt restructuring.  Impaired loans are placed in non-performing status, and future payments are applied to principal until such time as collection of the obligation is no longer doubtful. Interest accrual resumes only when loans return to performing status.  To return to performing status, loans must be fully current, and continued timely payments must be a reasonable expectation.  Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when principal or interest becomes ninety days past due, or when payment in full is not anticipated.  When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, interest accrued but not received is generally reversed against interest income.  Cash receipts on non-accrual loans are not recorded as interest income, but are used to reduce principal.

8

The Company identifies impaired loans through its normal internal loan review process.  Loans on the Company’s potential problem loan list are considered potentially impaired loans.  These loans are evaluated in determining whether all outstanding principal and interest are expected to be collected.  Loans are not considered impaired if a minimal payment delay occurs and all amounts due, including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay, are expected to be collected.  Management has determined that the Company had $8.7 million and approximately $35,000 in impaired loans with related valuation allowances of $3,025,000 and $0 at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experiences, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  The specific component relates to loans that are classified as either doubtful, substandard or special mention.  For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of the loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.  An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance – The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key employees.  These policies are recorded in other assets at their net cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized.  Income from these policies and changes in the net cash surrender value are recorded in non-interest income.

Advertising – Advertising, promotional, and other business development costs generally are expensed as incurred.  External costs incurred in producing media advertising are expensed the first time the advertising takes place.  External costs relating to direct mailing costs are expensed in the period in which the direct mailings are sent.

Property and Equipment – Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives for furniture and equipment of 5 to 10 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to current expense.  The costs of major renewals and improvements are capitalized.

Residential Loan Origination Fees – The Company offers residential loan origination services to its customers in its immediate market area.  The loans are offered on terms and prices offered by the Company’s correspondents and are closed in the name of the correspondents.  The Company receives fees for services it provides in conjunction with the origination services it provides.  The fees are recognized at the time the loans are closed by the Company’s correspondent.

9

Income Taxes – The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis.  When income and expenses are recognized in different periods for financial reporting purposes versus for the purposes of computing income taxes currently payable, deferred taxes are provided on such temporary differences.  The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”).

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” (“FIN 48”) to clarify the accounting and disclosure for uncertainty in tax positions, as defined.  FIN 48 seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes.  The Company implemented the provisions of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, and has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions.  The Company believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.  Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to FIN 48.  In addition, the Company did not record a cumulative effect adjustment related to the adoption of FIN 48.

Under SFAS 109 and FIN 48, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns.  Income taxes are the sum of amounts currently payable to taxing authorities and the net changes in income taxes payable or refundable in future years.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized o r settled.  Income taxes deferred to future years are determined utilizing an asset and liability approach.  This method gives consideration to the future tax consequences associated with differences between financial accounting and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities which are principally the allowance for loan losses, depreciable premises and equipment, and net operating loss carry-forwards.

Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share represents the net income allocated to shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect the impact of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued.  Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to both outstanding warrants and stock options, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Stock–based Compensation – On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment”, which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, to account for compensation costs under its stock option plans.  The Company previously utilized the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (as amended)” (“APB 25”).  Under the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB 25, no compensation costs were recognized for the Company’s stock options because the option exercise price in its plans equaled the market price on the date of grant.  Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company only disclosed the pro forma effects on net income and earnings per share as if the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) had been utilized.

In adopting SFAS No. 123(R), the Company elected to use the modified prospective method to account for the transition from the intrinsic value method to the fair value recognition method.  Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost is recognized from the adoption date forward for all new stock options granted and for any outstanding unvested awards as if the fair value method had been applied to those awards as of the date of grant.

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments – In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit.  These financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they become payable by the customer.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards – The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that could impact the accounting, reporting, and / or disclosure of financial information by the Company.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) which provides a framework for measuring and disclosing fair value under generally accepted accounting principles.  SFAS 157 requires disclosures about the fair value of assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet in periods subsequent to initial recognition, whether the measurements are made on a recurring basis (for example, available-for-sale investment securities) or on a non-recurring basis (for example, impaired loans).

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SFAS 157 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.  SFAS 157 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 prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.  Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.  This category generally includes certain derivative contracts and impaired loans.
Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.  Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.  For example, this category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained residual interests in securitizations, residential mortgage servicing rights, and highly-structured or long-term derivative contracts.

Available-for-sale investment securities (approximately $43.8 million at September 30, 2008) are the only assets whose fair values are measured on a recurring basis using Level 1 inputs (active market quotes).

The Company has no liabilities carried at fair value or measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

The Company is predominantly an asset-based lender with real estate serving as collateral on a substantial majority of loans.  Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a non-recurring basis at the fair values of the underlying real estate collateral.  When practical, such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be Level 2 inputs.   The aggregate carrying amount of impaired loans at September 30, 2008 was $8.7 million.

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 delays the implementation of SFAS 157 until the first quarter of 2009 with respect to goodwill, other intangible assets, real estate and other assets acquired through foreclosure and other non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

The Company has no assets or liabilities whose fair values are measured using Level 3 inputs.

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

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

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

Reclassifications - - Certain captions and amounts in the prior financial statements were reclassified to conform with the 2008 presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or shareholders’ equity.

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NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

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

	Amortized		Gross Unrealized				Fair
As of September 30, 2008	Cost		Gains		Losses		Value
Available for sale
Government sponsored enterprises	$	20,502,533	$	56,912	$	57,900	$	20,501,545
Mortgage-backed	23,297,874		144,280		247,837		23,194,317
Marketable securities	100,000		—		—		100,000
Total available for sale	$	43,900,407	$	201,192	$	305,737	$	43,795,862

NOTE 4 – LEASES

The Company leases two branch locations in Spartanburg, other branch locations in Mauldin, Anderson, Greer and Greenville as well as the loan operations center in Easley. The initial lease terms range from three to ten years with various renewal options. The minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases having remaining terms in excess of one year, for each of the next five years and in the aggregate are:

2008	$	87,377
2009	409,771
2010	428,364
2011	427,862
2012	441,471
Thereafter	1,952,756
Total minimum future rental payments	$	3,747,601

The loan operations center in Easley is leased from a partnership in which a Company director has a partnership interest.

NOTE 5 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Certain parties (principally certain directors and executive officers of the Company, their immediate families and business interests) (“affiliates”) are loan customers in the normal course of business with the Bank.  These loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability.

NOTE 6 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits which arise primarily in the ordinary course of business.  Management is not aware of any legal proceedings which would have a material adverse effect on the financial position or operating results of the Company.

NOTE 7 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Upon completion of the offering, the Company agreed to issue warrants to the organizing directors for the purchase of one share of common stock at $6.40 per share for every two shares purchased in the stock offering, up to a maximum of 15,625 warrants per director. The warrants were fully vested 120 days after January 18, 2005 and will expire on January 18, 2015.  Warrants held by directors of the Company will expire 90 days after the director ceases to be a director or officer of the Company (365 days if due to death or disability). The Company issued a total of 171,404 warrants.  In addition, the Company has adopted a stock option plan.  As of September 30, 2008 the Company has 774,287 outstanding options to employees and directors. On January 16, 2006 the Company adopted a resolution that terminated the “evergreen” provision of the Company 2005 Stock Incentive Plan. As a result, the number of shares of common stock issuable under the plan shall not be further increased in connection with any future share issuances by the Company. The exercise price of each option is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The maximum term is ten years, and they typically vest in no greater than five years. When necessary, the Company may purchase shares on the open market to satisfy share option exercises. During the ensuing year, the Company is expected to acquire no shares.

The table set forth below summarizes stock option activity for the Company’s stock compensation plans for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as adjusted for all stock splits.

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	Stock Options			Warrants
		Weighted-			Weighted-
		Average			Average
		Exercise			Exercise
	Number	Price		Number	Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2007	761,493	$	7.17	171,404	$	6.40
Granted	24,550	8.36		—	—
Forfeited	11,756	14.20		—	—
Exercised	—	—		—	—
Outstanding at September 30, 2008	774,287	7.10		171,404	6.40

The table set forth below summarizes non-vested stock options as of September 30, 2008.

		Fair
	Number	Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2007	42,273	$	6.79
Granted	24,550	3.76
Vested	8,623	7.22
Forfeited	4,900	7.26
Outstanding at September 30, 2008	53,300	5.41

As of September 30, 2008, there was $248,669 in total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 45 months. As of December 31, 2007, there was $255,917 in total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements, which was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 49 months.

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions for 2008 and 2007: dividend yield of 0%, expected term of 10 years, risk-free interest rate of 5.0%, expected life of 10 years, and expected volatility of 20%.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding under the Company’s plans at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

September 30, 2008	Outstanding		Exercisable
Number of options	774,287		720,987
Weighted average remaining life	6.48 years		6.51 years
Weighted average exercise price	$	7.10	$	6.74
High exercise price	$	16.80	$	16.80
Low exercise price	$	6.40	$	6.40
December 31, 2007	Outstanding		Exercisable
Number of options	761,493		719,220
Weighted average remaining life	7.35 years		7.25 years
Weighted average exercise price	$	7.17	$	6.71
High exercise price	$	16.80	$	16.80
Low exercise price	$	6.40	$	6.40

There were no options exercised during the quarter and thus no cash was received related to this type of transaction. The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2008 and 2007 was $0 and $2,880, respectively.

At September 30, 2008, all of the 171,404 warrants were exercisable and had an average remaining life of 6.30 years. At December 31, 2007, all of the 171,404 warrants were exercisable and had an average remaining life of 7.05 years.

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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.

The following discussion reviews our results of operations and assesses our financial condition.  You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The commentary should be read in conjunction with the discussion of forward-looking statements, the financial statements, and the related notes and the other statistical information included in this report.

DISCUSSION OF FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains “forward-looking statements” relating to, without limitation, future economic performance, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and projections of revenues and other financial items that are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management.  The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” and “intend,” as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of, and our operating performance each quarter is subject to, various risks and uncertainties that include, without limitation, those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the following:

·our rapid growth to date and short operating history;

·potential additional loan loss reserves or write-offs related to a real estate development project on Lake Keowee, South Carolina, which is discussed below;

·the opening of additional full-service branches and the resulting pressure this could cause on our management team;

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

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

·changes in political conditions or the legislative or regulatory environment;

·general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally and especially in our primary service area, becoming less favorable than expected resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality;

·changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;

·changes in technology;

·changes in deposits flows;

·changes in monetary and tax policies;

·the lack of seasoning of our loan portfolio, especially given our rapid loan growth;

·the amount of our real estate based loans, and the weakness in the commercial real estate market;

·the level of allowance for loan losses;

·the rate of delinquencies and amounts of charge-offs;

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

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

·changes in the securities markets; and

·other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These risks are exacerbated by the recent developments in national and international financial markets, and we are unable to predict what effect these uncertain market conditions will have on our company.  During 2008, the capital and credit markets have experienced extended volatility and disruption. In the last 90 days, the volatility and disruption have reached unprecedented levels.  There can be no assurance that these unprecedented recent developments will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

All forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to us as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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Overview

CommunitySouth Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Easley, South Carolina.  Our subsidiary, CommunitySouth Bank and Trust, opened for business on January 18, 2005.  In addition to the main office in Easley, the Bank has five branch locations in the upstate region of South Carolina.  We opened our Mauldin branch in the fourth quarter of 2005, our Spartanburg branch in the first quarter of 2006, our Anderson branch in the third quarter of 2006, our Greer branch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and our Greenville branch in the third quarter of 2007.  We anticipate continued branch expansion in the Upstate region as opportunities arise.  The Bank provides banking services to domestic markets, principally in the Upstate of South Carolina.  The deposits of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  All share and per share information in this report has been adjusted for the 5-for-4 stock splits effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on January 16, 2007 and January 16, 2006 to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2006 and December 15, 2005, respectively.

Like most community banks, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments.  Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest.  Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits.  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.

Of course, there are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.  We establish and maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings.  In the following section we have included a detailed discussion of this process.

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other expenses we charge to our customers.  We describe the various components of this non-interest income, as well as our non-interest expense, in the following discussion.

During the third quarter of 2008, we commenced a subordinated debt offering to enhance and strengthen the levels of capital and liquidity at the holding company such that we could maintain the resources needed to maintain “well-capitalized” levels of regulatory capital at the bank. Through September 30, 2008, we raised $3.545 million in additional capital through the offering and another $780 thousand in October before we closed the offering on October 15, 2008.  We raised this capital to strengthen our capital position in light of the continuing substantial deterioration of the residential real estate markets nationally and in our local markets. This continued deterioration has resulted in increasingly higher levels of nonperforming assets, higher provisions for loan losses and associated expenses.

In response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets and the potential threats to the solvency of investment banks and other financial institutions, the United States government has taken unprecedented actions. On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”).  Pursuant to the EESA, the U.S. Treasury will have the authority to, among other things, purchase mortgages, mortgage-backed securities, and other financial instruments from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets. On October 14, 2008, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced the Capital Purchase Program under the EESA, pursuant to which the Treasury intends to make senior preferred stock investments in participating financial institutions.  We are evaluating whether to participate in the Capital Purchase Program.  Regardless of our participation, governmental intervention and new regulations under these programs could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Results of Operations

Three Months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

Overview

Our net income was $84,843 for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to net income of $459,731 for the three months ended September 30, 2007.  Since we began operations in the first quarter of 2005, we have experienced significant growth, which has led to a substantial increase in revenues and expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, we realized $5,633,612 in interest income, of which $603,894 was from investment activities and $5,029,718 was from loan activities.  For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we realized $6,153,137 in interest income, of which $476,312 was from investment activities and $5,676,825 was from loan activities.  Although we have grown rapidly to date, given current industry and market conditions, asset growth is not currently a primary goal for our company.  Our current strategic objectives are to preserve capital, manage loan growth, reduce portfolio concentration of construction and land development loans, manage portfolio risk, enhance credit management practices, improve margins, and lower our overall funding costs, primarily through the growth of core deposits.  As a result of our current focus, our interest and fees on loans decreased modestly during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 from the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

The primary source of funding for our loan portfolio is deposits that are acquired both locally and via the national brokered certificate market.  We incurred interest expense of $2,994,547 and $3,413,663 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.  This decrease in our interest expense was a result of decreased deposit rates due to the current rate environment.  We have experienced a decline in our net interest margin to 2.85% from 3.52% for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The decline was due to the competitive pressure on commercial loan pricing and on deposit pricing, as well as changes in the overall interest rate environment.  On September 18, 2007, the Federal Reserve began to decrease short-term rates with an initial 50 basis point reduction and continued the decrease with an additional 275 basis points through the end of 2007 and the first nine months of 2008.  We had more assets, such as loans, than liabilities, such as deposits, that repriced down during the three months ended September 30, 2008, which contributed to the decline in our net interest margin.

Provision for Loan Losses

Our provision for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $160,000 compared to $362,000 for the comparable prior year period. The $202,000 decrease in 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 was the result of reduced loan production. The increase in gross loans outstanding was $4.8 million for the third quarter of 2008 as compared to an increase of $25.8 million for the third quarter of 2007.

Non-interest Income

We had non-interest income of $303,651 and $405,745 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Mortgage origination fee income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $96,183.  We had $285,600 in mortgage origination fee income in the third quarter of 2007.  The decrease was the result of the overall decline in the demand for home mortgages due to the current economic conditions.  Further, changes in state and federal laws regarding the oversight of mortgage brokers and lenders could increase our costs of operations and affect our mortgage origination volume which could negatively impact our non-interest income in the future.

Non-interest Expense

We incurred non-interest expense of $2,623,573 during the three months ended September 30, 2008.  Included in the expense was $1,222,884 of salaries and employee benefits, $193,808 of data processing expense, $226,202 of professional fees expense, $106,857 of advertising expense, $25,894 of expense related to office supplies, $42,107 of telephone expense and $56,000 of assessments related to FDIC.  The non-interest expense incurred in the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $2,158,732.  Included in the expense was $1,079,416 of salaries and employee benefits, $156,561 of data processing expense, $101,886 of professional fee expense, $100,217 of advertising expense, $29,094 of expense related to office supplies, $33,815 of telephone expense and $92,160 of assessments related to FDIC.

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For the three months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $178,108 in depreciation and $57,204 in equipment maintenance and rental.  For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $156,223 in depreciation and $25,637 in equipment maintenance and rental.  We incurred $155,979 and $110,853 in occupancy expense related to all of our office locations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The increase in non-interest expense is the result of the addition of a new branch and personnel over the past year as well as expense related to customer growth at the new and existing branches.

Nine Months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

Overview

Our net loss was $964,092 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to net income of $1,130,232 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  Our net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is primarily due to an additional $1.9 million in provision for loan losses.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we realized $17,587,516 in interest income, of which $2,006,557 was from investment activities and $15,580,959 was from loan activities.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we realized $16,659,413 in interest income, of which $1,185,350 was from investment activities and $15,474,063 was from loan activities.   As discussed above, although we have grown rapidly to date, given current industry and market conditions, asset growth is not currently a primary goal for our company.  Our current strategic objectives are to preserve capital, manage loan growth, reduce portfolio concentration of construction and land development loans, manage portfolio risk, enhance credit management practices, improve margins, and lower our overall funding costs, primarily through the growth of core deposits.  As a result of our current focus, our interest and fees on loans increased modestly during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

The primary source of funding for our loan portfolio is deposits that are acquired both locally and via the national brokered certificate market.  We incurred interest expense of $9,984,837 and $9,294,250 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.  This increase in our interest expense was a result of increased levels of interest bearing deposits.  We have experienced a decline in our net interest margin to 2.75% from 3.48% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As discussed above, the decline was due to the competitive pressure on commercial loan pricing and on deposit pricing, as well as that fact that in response to the Federal Reserve’s decreases to short term rates more of our rate-sensitive liabilities repriced than our rate-sensitive assets during the twelve month period ended September 30, 2008.

Provision for Loan Losses

Our provision for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $2,864,000 compared to $994,000 for the comparable prior year period. The $1.9 million increase in 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 was the result of the financing of purchases for several residential lots and the construction of several houses in a real estate development project on Lake Keowee, South Carolina (Oconee County) called Sweetwater.  The Bank has determined that these loans have been over-disbursed and that the associated houses on these properties will not be completed on schedule.  Although the construction loans are nearly fully funded, the houses are in various stages of completion.  The Bank has approximately $4.9 million in secured loans to 11 borrowers in this development.  The Bank has not yet taken any charge-offs but anticipates it will likely do so over the next several quarters. The Bank has designated $3.0 million of the allowance for loan losses to cover any potential loss associated with this matter.  The increase in gross loans outstanding was $17.7 million for the first three quarters of 2008 as compared to an increase of $72.0 million for the first three quarters of 2007.

Non-interest Income

We had non-interest income of $1,020,758 and $1,148,519 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Mortgage origination fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $431,445.  We had $807,612 in mortgage origination fee income in the first three quarters of 2007.  The decrease was the result of the overall decline in the demand for home mortgages due to the current economic conditions.  Further, changes in state and federal laws regarding the oversight of mortgage brokers and lenders could increase our costs of operations and affect our mortgage origination volume which could negatively impact our non-interest income in the future.

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Non-interest Expense

We incurred non-interest expense of $7,172,829 during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  Included in the expense was $3,685,615 of salaries and employee benefits, $561,206 of data processing expense, $357,990 of professional fees expense, $145,859 of advertising expense, $73,077 of expense related to office supplies, $111,970 of telephone expense and $162,500 of assessments related to FDIC.  The non-interest expense incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $5,826,625.  Included in the expense was $3,119,877 of salaries and employee benefits, $415,575 of data processing expense, $224,897 of professional fee expense, $173,857 of advertising expense, $105,361 of expense related to office supplies, $105,565 of telephone expense and $146,044 of assessments related to FDIC.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $539,454 in depreciation and $143,431 in equipment maintenance and rental.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we incurred other fixed asset expenses of $437,451 in depreciation and $79,001 in equipment maintenance and rental.  We incurred $476,019 and $354,978 in occupancy expense related to all of our office locations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The increase in non-interest expense is the result of the addition of a new branch and personnel over the past year as well as expense related to customer growth at the new and existing branches.

Assets and Liabilities

General

At September 30, 2008, total assets increased 1.02% to $381.7 million as compared to $377.9 million at December 31, 2007.  Gross loans increased $17.7 million, or 5.83%, during the first nine months of 2008.  As described below, federal funds sold decreased to zero at September 30, 2008 compared to $33.7 million at December 31, 2007.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased $31.6 million, or 78.61%, since December 31, 2007.  As described below, deposits decreased $32.7 million, or 9.98%, during the first nine months of 2008.  At September 30, 2008, shareholders’ equity was $30.4 million.

Investment Securities

Investments available for sale increased by $19.0 million, or 76.28%, since December 31, 2007 due to the purchase and the related appreciation of government agency bonds and mortgaged-backed securities.  Since December 31, 2007 the rationale for the general change of investing in federal funds to investing in securities available for sale was to take advantage of higher earning rates and longer terms on the Bank’s investable funds.  As part of its investment portfolio, the Bank holds Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae debt securities which are guaranteed by the United States government.

Other Investments

Other investments increased by $683,400 since December 31, 2007 due to the purchase of additional FHLB stock.  All of the FHLB stock is used to collateralize advances from the FHLB.

Loans

Since loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of interest earning assets, we allocate the majority of our earning assets to our loan portfolio.  Gross loans increased by $17.7 million, or 5.83%, during the first nine months of 2008.  Loan demand has slowed during the first three quarters of 2008 due to general economic conditions and the real estate market.  We expect this trend to continue during the next several quarters.

Balances within major loan categories are as follows:

(dollar amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2008			December 31, 2007
Real estate - construction	$	133,605		$	124,016
Real estate - mortgage	153,549			149,370
Commercial and industrial	30,599			26,095
Consumer and other	2,833			3,453
Total loans, gross	320,586			302,934
Less allowance for loan losses	(6,883		)	(4,214		)
Total loans, net	$	313,703		$	298,720

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We discontinue accrual of interest on a loan when we conclude it is doubtful that we will be able to collect interest from the borrower.  We reach this conclusion by taking into account factors such as the borrower’s financial condition, economic and business conditions, and the results of our previous collection efforts.  Generally, we place a delinquent loan in non-accrual status when the loan becomes 90 days or more past due.  When we place a loan in non-accrual status, we reverse all interest which has been accrued on the loan but remains unpaid and we deduct this interest from earnings as a reduction of reported interest income.  We do not accrue any additional interest on the loan balance until we conclude the collection of both principal and interest is reasona bly certain.  At September 30, 2008, there were $8.7 million in loans that were non-accruing and $662,930 in loans that were 30 days past due and still accruing.  As described further below, this increase is primarily a result of the recent downturn in the real estate market.  At December 31, 2007, there were approximately $35,000 in loans that were non-accruing and about $725,000 in loans that were 30 days past due and still accruing.

Changes in the allowance for loan losses for were as follows:

	Three-months ended September 30, 2008		Three-months ended September 30, 2007
Balance, beginning of period	$	6,745,000	$	3,712,000
Provision charged to operations	160,000		362,000
Net charge-offs	22,000		—
Balance, end of period	$	6,883,000	$	4,074,000

	Nine-months ended September 30, 2008		Nine-months ended September 30, 2007
Balance, beginning of period	$	4,214,000	$	3,091,000
Provision charged to operations	2,864,000		994,000
Net charge-offs	195,000		11,000
Balance, end of period	$	6,883,000	$	4,074,000

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans are loans that are not included in impaired loans (non-accrual loans or loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing), but about which management has become aware of information about possible credit problems of the borrowers that causes doubt about their ability to comply with current repayment terms.  At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had identified $2.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of potential problem loans through its internal review procedures.  The results of this internal review process are considered in determining management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company has developed policies and procedures for evaluating the overall quality of its credit portfolio and the timely identification of potential problem loans.  On a quarterly basis, the Company’s Board of Directors reviews the appropriate level for the Company’s allowance for loan losses as determined by management based on the results of the internal monitoring and reporting system and an analysis of economic conditions in its market.

Additions to the allowance for loan losses, which are expensed through the provision for loan losses on the Company’s income statement, are made periodically to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level based on management’s analysis of the estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Loan losses and recoveries are charged or credited directly to the allowance.  The amount of the provision is a function of the level of loans outstanding, the level of non-performing loans, historical loan loss experience, the amount of loan losses actually charged against the reserve during a given period, and current and anticipated economic conditions.

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The Company’s allowance for loan losses is based upon judgments and assumptions about risk elements in the portfolio, future economic conditions, and other factors affecting borrowers.  The process includes identification and analysis of loss potential in various portfolio segments utilizing a credit risk grading process and specific reviews and evaluations of significant problem credits.  However, there is no precise method of estimating credit losses, since any estimate of loan losses is necessarily subjective and the accuracy depends on the outcome of future events.  In addition, due to our rapid growth over the past several years and our limited operating history, a large portion of the loans in our loan portfolio was originated recently.  In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been outstanding for some period of time, a process referred to as seasoning.  As a result, a portfolio of more mature loans will usually behave more predictably than a newer portfolio.  Because our loan portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and defaults may not be representative of the level that will prevail when the portfolio becomes more seasoned, which may be higher than current levels.  If charge-offs in future periods increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would decrease our net income and possibly our capital.

In addition, the recent downturn in the real estate market has resulted in an increase in loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures, and we believe these trends are likely to continue.  In some cases, this downturn has resulted in a significant impairment to the value of our collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure, and there is a risk that this trend will continue.  The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended.  If real estate values continue to decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses.  Based on present information and an ongoing evaluation, management considers the allowance for loan losses to be adequate to meet presently known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio.  Management’s judgment about the adequacy of the allowance is based upon a number of assumptions about future events which it believes to be reasonable but which may or may not be accurate.  Thus, there can be no assurance that charge-offs in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additional increases in the allowance for loan losses will not be required.  The Company does not allocate the allowance for loan losses to specific categories of loans but evaluates the adequacy on an overall portfolio basis utilizing a risk grading system.

Deposits

Our primary source of funds for loans and investments is our deposits.  We have chosen to obtain a portion of our certificates of deposits from areas outside of our market, which are brokered deposits. The deposits obtained outside of our market area generally have rates comparable to those being offered for certificates of deposits in our local market.  As of September 30, 2008, total deposits had decreased by $32.7 million, or 9.98%, from December 31, 2007.  The largest percentage decrease in deposits was in savings which decreased $8.5 million, or 34.40%, from December 31, 2007 to September 30, 2008.  This was primarily the result of a run-off of money market accounts that had been established as temporary holding accounts for IRS section 1031 exchange transactions.  The second largest percentage decrease was in time deposits less than $100,000 which decreased $11.7 million, or 19.6%, from December 31, 2007 to September 30, 2008.  The decline in deposits was also affected by certain Bank deposit pricing methods that resulted in a decline in certificates and allowed us to shift a portion of our funding to FHLB advances and repurchase agreements, which together increased $25 million since December 31, 2007.  We anticipate that future deposit growth will be positive and will be sufficient to fund our anticipated loan growth.

Balances within the major deposit categories are as follows:

(dollar amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2008		December 31, 2007
Non-interest bearing demand	$	24,463	$	24,464
Interest bearing demand	15,612		13,721
Savings	16,157		24,634
Time deposits less than $100,000	47,852		59,528
Time deposits of $100,000 or over	42,645		47,118
Brokered deposits	148,238		158,199
Total deposits	$	294,967	$	327,664

Federal Funds Purchased

Our increase in borrowed money is primarily related to a $9.5 million purchase of federal funds and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The Company utilizes these sources as necessary to meet funding needs.

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Subordinated Debt

During the third quarter of 2008, we commenced a subordinated debt offering to enhance and strengthen the levels of capital and liquidity at the holding company such that we could maintain the resources needed to maintain “well-capitalized” levels of regulatory capital at the bank. Through September 30, 2008, we raised $3.545 million in additional capital through the offering and another $780 thousand in October before we closed the offering on October 15, 2008.  The subordinated notes were sold to a limited number of purchasers in a private offering, bear an interest rate of 11.5%, are callable after September 30, 2011, at a premium, and mature in 2018. The subordinated debt has been structured to fully count as Tier 2 regulatory capital on a consolidated basis.

Another aspect of EESA (in addition to the Capital Purchase Plan described above) which became effective on October 3, 2008 is a temporary increase of the basic limit on federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor.  The basic deposit insurance limit will return to $100,000 after December 31, 2009.  At September 30, 2008 the Bank had time deposits of $100,000 or more of $42.6 million.  Approximately $33.7 million or 79.11% of these deposits would be covered under the new FDIC insurance coverage.

In addition, we anticipate participating the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program which was announced October 14, 2008 as part of EESA.  This guarantee applies to the following transactions:

·All newly issued senior unsecured debt (up to $1.5 trillion) issued on or before June 30, 2009, including promissory notes, commercial paper, inter-bank funding, and any unsecured portion of secured debt. For eligible debt issued on or before June 30, 2009, coverage would only be provided for three years beyond that date, even if the liability has not matured; and

·Funds in non-interest-bearing transaction deposit accounts (up to $500 billion) held by FDIC-insured banks until December 31, 2009.

All FDIC institutions are covered for the first 30 days at no cost.  After the initial 30 day period expires, the institution must opt out if it no longer wishes to participate in the program; otherwise, it will be assessed for future participation. There will be a 75-basis point fee to protect new debt issues and an additional 10-basis point fee to fully cover non-interest bearing deposit transaction accounts.

Advances from FHLB

Advances from FHLB are a source of funding that the Bank uses depending on the current level of deposits and the availability of collateral to secure FHLB borrowings.  At September 30, 2008, the Bank had received advances of $10.0 million from FHLB.

Repurchase Agreements

At September 30, 2008, the Bank had sold $30.0 million of securities under agreements to repurchase with brokers with a weighted average rate of 2.21% and an average maturity of 93 months.  The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end was $30.0 million.  These agreements were secured with approximately $34.7 million of investment securities.

Liquidity

Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future obligations through liquidation or maturity of existing assets or the acquisition of liabilities.  We manage both assets and liabilities to achieve appropriate levels of liquidity.  Cash and short-term investments are our primary sources of asset liquidity.  These funds provide a cushion against short-term fluctuations in cash flow from both deposits and loans.  Individual and commercial deposits and borrowings are our primary source of funds for credit activities.  At September 30, 2008, we had lines of credit with unrelated banks totaling $20.5 million.  These lines, $15.5 million of which are unsecured, are available on a one-to-seven day basis for general corporate purposes.  We believe our liquidity sources are adequate to meet our operating needs as well as our construction commitments.  The l evel of liquidity is measured by the cash, cash equivalents and securities available for sale-to-total assets ratio, which was at 13.72% at September 30, 2008.

As members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, we have credit availability of up to 15% of the Bank’s total assets, which meant $47.4 million was available as of September 30, 2008.  Advances under this credit facility are subject to qualifying collateral.

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Impact of Off-Balance Sheet Instruments

Through the operations of our Bank, we have made contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities.  These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to our customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time.  At September 30, 2008, we had issued commitments to extend credit of $52.1 million through various types of lending arrangements.  We evaluate each customer’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.  Collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial and residential real estate.  We manage the credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to normal underwriting and risk management processes.  The following table summarizes our off-balance-sheet financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:

(dollar amounts in thousands)	September 30, 2008		December 31, 2007
Commitments to extend credit	$	48,486	$	49,343
Standby letters of credit	$	3,621	$	3,177

Capital Resources

Total shareholders’ equity decreased from $31.5 million at December 31, 2007 to $30.4 million at September 30, 2008.  The decrease is principally due to the net unrealized losses on securities available for sale of $197,795 (net of income taxes) and to the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $964,092.

The FRB and bank regulatory agencies require bank holding companies and financial institutions to maintain capital at adequate levels based on a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 100%.  FRB guidelines contain an exemption from the capital requirements for “small bank holding companies,” which in 2006 were amended to cover most bank holding companies with less than $500 million in total assets that do not have a material amount of debt or equity securities outstanding registered with the SEC.  Although our class of common stock is registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act, we believe that because our stock is not listed on any exchange or otherwise actively traded, the Federal Reserve Board will interpret its new guidelines to mean that we qualify as a small bank holding company.  Nevertheless, our Bank remains subject to these capital requirements.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  Regardless, our Bank is “well capitalized” under these minimum capital requirements as set per bank regulatory agencies.

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

The Bank is also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio.  Only the strongest banks are allowed to maintain capital at the minimum requirement of 3%.  All others are subject to maintaining ratios at least 1% to 2% above the minimum.

The Bank exceeded the regulatory capital requirements at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 as set forth in the following table.

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	September 30, 2008				December 31, 2007
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	32,557,000	9.31	%	$	30,102,000	8.92	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	36,959,000		10.57		34,316,000		10.17
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)	32,557,000		8.53		30,102,000		8.26

We recently raised additional capital, in the form of subordinated notes, to bolster our capital and to support anticipated growth.

Critical Accounting Policies

We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of our financial statements.  Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements in Item 1.

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

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

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Not applicable.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2008.  There have been no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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

Part II - Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Not Applicable.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Not applicable.

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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to Vote of Security Holders.

Not applicable.

Item 6.	Exhibits.
10.1	Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated August 22, 2008, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 28, 2008).
10.2	Form of CommunitySouth Financial Corporation 11.5% Subordinated Note Due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 28, 2008).
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.

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: November 13, 2008	By:	/s/ C. Allan Ducker, III
	C. Allan Ducker, III
	Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: November 13, 2008	By:	/s/ John W. Hobbs
	John W. Hobbs
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number	Description
10.1	Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement, dated August 22, 2008, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 28, 2008).
10.2	Form of CommunitySouth Financial Corporation 11.5% Subordinated Note Due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 28, 2008).
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.

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