First National Earnings 2018-12-31
FXNC 10K Annual Report
| Balance Sheet | Income Statement | Cash Flow |
|---|---|---|
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________________
FORM 10-K
_______________________________________________________
☒ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
or
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-23976
_______________________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_______________________________________________________
Virginia | 54-1232965 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
112 West King Street, Strasburg, Virginia | 22657 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (540) 465-9121
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $1.25 par value
(Title of class)
_______________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this Chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this Chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☒ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the closing sales price on June 30, 2018 was $84,330,289.
The number of outstanding shares of common stock as of March 14, 2019 was 4,962,090.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders – Part III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Part I
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
First National Corporation (the Company) makes forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding profitability, liquidity, adequacy of capital, allowance for loan losses, interest rate sensitivity, market risk, growth strategy and financial and other goals. The words “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” or other similar words or terms are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant uncertainties because they are based upon or are affected by factors including:
• | conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions may adversely affect the Company’s business; |
• | the inability of the Company to successfully manage its growth or implement its growth strategy; |
• | the Company’s inability to successfully obtain the expected benefits of new or acquired bank branches or entities; |
• | intense competition from other businesses both in making loans and attracting deposits; |
• | the composition of the loan and deposit portfolio, including the types of accounts and customers, may change, which could impact the amount of net interest income and noninterest income in future periods, including revenue from service charges on deposits; |
• | consumers may increasingly decide not to use the Company to complete their financial transactions; |
• | limited availability of financing or inability to raise capital; |
• | exposure to operational, technological, and organizational risk; |
• | reliance on other companies to provide key components of the Company's business infrastructure; |
• | the Company’s credit standards and its on-going credit assessment processes might not protect it from significant credit losses; |
• | operational functions of business counterparties over which the Company may have limited or no control may experience disruptions; |
• | nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition; |
• | the level of net charge-offs on loans and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses; |
• | the concentration in loans secured by real estate may adversely affect earnings due to changes in the real estate markets; |
• | the value of securities held in the Company's investment portfolio; |
• | legislative or regulatory changes or actions; |
• | significant litigation; |
• | accounting principles, policies and guidelines and elections made by the Company thereunder; |
• | the limited trading market for the Company’s common stock; it may be difficult to sell shares; |
• | unexpected loss of management personnel; |
• | losses that could arise from breaches in cyber-security and theft of customer account information; |
• | increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance premiums could adversely affect the Company’s profitability; |
• | the ability to retain customers and secondary funding sources if the Company’s reputation were to become damaged; |
• | the effects of changes in tax laws, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, on the Company's business, some of which is uncertain and subject to interpretation, guidance, and regulations that may be promulgated; |
• | changes in interest rates could have a negative impact on the Company’s net interest income and an unfavorable impact on the Company’s customers’ ability to repay loans; and |
• | other factors identified in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, below. |
Because of these and other uncertainties, actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, past results of operations do not necessarily indicate future results.
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Item 1. | Business |
General
First National Corporation (the Company) is a bank holding company incorporated under Virginia law on September 7, 1983. The Company owns all of the stock of its primary operating subsidiary, First Bank (the Bank), which is a commercial bank chartered under Virginia law. The Company’s subsidiaries are:
• | First Bank (the Bank). The Bank owns: |
• | First Bank Financial Services, Inc. |
• | Shen-Valley Land Holdings, LLC |
• | First National (VA) Statutory Trust II (Trust II) |
• | First National (VA) Statutory Trust III (Trust III and, together with Trust II, the Trusts) |
First Bank Financial Services, Inc. invests in entities that provide title insurance and investment services. Shen-Valley Land Holdings, LLC was formed to hold other real estate owned and future office sites. The Trusts were formed for the purpose of issuing redeemable capital securities, commonly known as trust preferred securities, and are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance because management has determined that the Trusts qualify as variable interest entities.
The Bank first opened for business on July 1, 1907 under the name The Peoples National Bank of Strasburg. On January 10, 1928, the Bank changed its name to The First National Bank of Strasburg. On April 12, 1994, the Bank received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Financial Institutions to convert to a state chartered bank with membership in the Federal Reserve System. On June 1, 1994, the Bank consummated such conversion and changed its name to First Bank.
Access to Filings
The Company’s internet address is www.fbvirginia.com. The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), are available free of charge at www.fbvirginia.com as soon as reasonably practicable after being filed with or furnished to the SEC. A copy of any of the Company’s filings will be sent, without charge, to any shareholder upon written request to: M. Shane Bell, Chief Financial Officer, at 112 West King Street, Strasburg, Virginia 22657.
Products and Services
The Bank offers loan, deposit, and wealth management products and services. Loan products and services include consumer loans, residential mortgages, home equity loans, and commercial loans. Deposit products and services include checking accounts, treasury management solutions, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. Wealth management services include estate planning, investment management of assets, trustee under an agreement, trustee under a will, individual retirement accounts, and estate settlement. Customers include small and medium-sized businesses, individuals, estates, local governmental entities, and non-profit organizations. The Bank’s office locations are well-positioned in attractive markets along the Interstate 81, Interstate 66, and Interstate 64 corridors in the Shenandoah Valley and central regions of Virginia. Within this market area, there are various types of industry including medical and professional services, manufacturing, retail, warehousing, Federal government, hospitality, and higher education.
The Bank’s products and services are delivered through 14 bank branch offices located throughout the Shenandoah Valley and central regions of Virginia, a loan production office, and a customer service center in a retirement village. The branch offices are comprised of 13 full service retail banking offices and one drive-thru express banking office. For the location and general character of each of these offices, see Item 2 of this Form 10-K. The Bank entered a new market in the central region of Virginia by opening a branch office in the city of Richmond during the fourth quarter of 2017. Many of the Bank’s services are also delivered through the Bank’s mobile banking platform, its website, www.fbvirginia.com, and a network of ATMs located throughout its market area.
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Competition
The financial services industry remains highly competitive and is constantly evolving. The Company experiences strong competition in all aspects of its business. In its market areas, the Company competes with large national and regional financial institutions, credit unions, other community banks, as well as consumer finance companies, mortgage companies, marketplace lenders and other financial technology firms, mutual funds and life insurance companies. Competition for deposits and loans is affected by various factors including interest rates offered, the number and location of branches and types of products offered, and the reputation of the institution. Credit unions have been allowed to increasingly expand their membership definitions and, because they enjoy a favorable tax status, may be able to offer more attractive loan and deposit pricing.
The Company believes its competitive advantages include long-term customer relationships, local management and directors, a commitment to excellent customer service, dedicated and loyal employees, and the support of and involvement in the communities that the Company serves. The Company focuses on providing products and services to individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, non-profit organizations, and local governmental entities within its communities. The Company’s
primary operating subsidiary, First Bank, generally has a strong deposit share of the markets it serves. According to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) deposit data as of June 30, 2018, the Bank was ranked fourth overall in its market area with 10.15% of the total deposit market.
No material part of the business of the Company is dependent upon a single or a few customers, and the loss of any single customer would not have a materially adverse effect upon the business of the Company.
Employees
At December 31, 2018, the Bank employed a total of 160 full-time equivalent employees. The Company considers relations with its employees to be excellent.
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
Bank holding companies and banks are extensively and increasingly regulated under both federal and state laws. The following description briefly addresses certain historic and current provisions of federal and state laws and regulations, proposed regulations, and the potential impacts on the Company and the Bank. To the extent statutory or regulatory provisions or proposals are described in this report, the description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory or regulatory provisions or proposals.
Regulatory Reform
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), enacted in 2010, implemented and continues to implement significant changes to the regulation of the financial services industry, including provisions that, among other things:
• | Centralize responsibility for consumer financial protection by creating a new agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the CFPB), with broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority with respect to a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to providers of consumer financial products and services. Smaller financial institutions, including the Bank, continue to be subject to the supervision and enforcement of their primary federal banking regulator with respect to the federal consumer financial protection laws. |
• | Change the assessment base for federal deposit insurance from the amount of insured deposits to consolidated assets less tangible capital. |
• | Implement corporate governance revisions, including advisory votes on executive compensation by stockholders. |
• | Establish extensive requirements applicable to mortgage lending, including detailed requirements concerning mortgage originator compensation and underwriting, high-cost mortgages, servicing, appraisals, counseling and other matters. |
• | Make permanent the $250,000 limit for federal deposit insurance. |
• | Repeal the federal prohibitions on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts. |
• | Prohibit banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring certain unregistered investment companies (commonly called the Volcker Rule). |
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Certain aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act still remain subject to rulemaking and interpretation by various regulatory agencies; however, the changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may affect the profitability of business activities, require changes to certain business practices, impose more stringent capital requirements, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements, or otherwise adversely affect the business of the Company and the Bank. These changes may also require the Company to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.
In May 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the “Economic Growth Act”), was enacted to modify or remove certain regulatory financial reform rules and regulations, including some of those implemented under the Dodd-Frank Act. While the Economic Growth Act maintains most of the regulatory structure established by the Dodd-Frank Act, it amends certain aspects of the regulatory framework for small depository institutions with assets of less than $10 billion, such as the Bank, and for large banks with assets of more than $50 billion.
Among other matters, the Economic Growth Act expands the definition of qualified mortgages which may be held by a financial institution with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, exempts community banks from the Volcker Rule, and includes additional regulatory relief regarding regulatory examination cycles, call reports, mortgage disclosures and risk weights for certain high-risk commercial real estate loans.
In addition, the Economic Growth Act simplifies the regulatory capital rules for financial institutions and their holding companies with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion by instructing the federal banking regulators to establish a single “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” of between 8 and 10 percent. Any qualifying depository institution or its holding company that exceeds the “community bank leverage ratio” will be considered to have met generally applicable leverage and risk-based regulatory capital requirements and any qualifying depository institution that exceeds the new ratio will be considered to be “well capitalized” under the prompt corrective action rules. The Economic Growth Act also expands the category of holding companies that may rely on the “Small Bank Holding Company and Savings and Loan Holding Company Policy Statement” (the “HC Policy Statement”) by raising the maximum amount of assets a qualifying holding company may have from $1 billion to $3 billion. This expansion also excludes such holding companies from the minimum capital requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.
It is difficult at this time to predict when or how any new standards under the Economic Growth Act will ultimately be applied to the Company or what specific impact the Economic Growth Act and implementing rules and regulations will have on community banks.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted into law on December 22, 2017 and significantly changed the income tax laws of the United States. The Act reduced the corporate income tax rate to 21%, creates a territorial tax system (with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings), broadened the tax base, and allowed for immediate capital expensing of certain qualified property. The Act also required companies to pay minimum taxes on foreign earnings and subjected certain payments from corporations to foreign related parties to additional taxes.
When changes in tax rates and laws are enacted, the Company must recognize the changes in the period in which the enactment occurs. Since the Act reduced the Company's corporate tax rate from 34% to 21%, the Company recorded a $752 thousand charge to income tax expense in 2017 related to the re-measurement of net deferred tax assets, which resulted from the new 21% corporate tax rate.
Future Legislation and Regulation
Congress may enact legislation from time to time that affects the regulation of the financial services industry, and state legislatures may enact legislation from time to time affecting the regulation of financial institutions chartered by or operating in those states. Federal and state regulatory agencies also periodically propose and adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. The substance or impact of pending or future legislation or regulation, or the application thereof, cannot be predicted, although enactment of any proposed legislation could impact the regulatory structure under which the Company and the Bank operate and may significantly increase costs, impede the efficiency of internal business processes, require an increase in regulatory capital, require modifications to business strategy, and limit the ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies
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applicable to the Company or the Bank are difficult to predict, and could have a material, adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company and the Bank.
The Company
General. As a bank holding company registered under the BHCA, the Company is subject to supervision, regulation, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve). The Company is also registered under the bank holding company laws of Virginia and is subject to supervision, regulation, and examination by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (the SCC).
Permitted Activities. A bank holding company is limited to managing or controlling banks, furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiaries, and engaging in other activities that the Federal Reserve determines by regulation or order to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. In determining whether a particular activity is permissible, the Federal Reserve must consider whether the performance of such an activity reasonably can be expected to produce benefits to the public that outweigh possible adverse effects. Possible benefits include greater convenience, increased competition, and gains in efficiency. Possible adverse effects include undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest, and unsound banking practices. Despite prior approval, the Federal Reserve may order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or to terminate ownership or control of any subsidiary when the Federal Reserve has reasonable cause to believe that a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary of that bank holding company may result from such an activity.
Banking Acquisitions; Changes in Control. The BHCA requires, among other things, the prior approval of the Federal Reserve in any case where a bank holding company proposes to (i) acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any bank or bank holding company (unless it already owns a majority of such voting shares), (ii) acquire all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or bank holding company, or (iii) merge or consolidate with any other bank holding company. In determining whether to approve a proposed bank acquisition, the Federal Reserve will consider, among other factors, the effect of the acquisition on competition, the public benefits expected to be received from the acquisition, the projected capital ratios and levels on a post-acquisition basis, and the acquiring institution’s performance under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (the CRA).
Subject to certain exceptions, the BHCA and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with the applicable regulations, require Federal Reserve approval (or, depending on the circumstances, no notice of disapproval) prior to any person or company’s acquiring “control” of a bank or bank holding company. A conclusive presumption of control exists if an individual or company acquires the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of an insured depository institution or to vote 25% or more of any class of voting securities of any insured depository institution. A rebuttable presumption of control exists if a person or company acquires 10% or more but less than 25% of any class of voting securities of an insured depository institution and either the institution has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) or no other person will own a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the acquisition. The Company’s common stock is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
Source of Strength. Federal Reserve policy has historically required bank holding companies to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. The Dodd-Frank Act codified this policy as a statutory requirement. The federal bank regulatory agencies must still issue regulations to implement the source of strength provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Under this requirement, the Company is expected to commit resources to support the Bank, including at times when the Company may not be in a financial position to provide such resources. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to depositors and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary banks. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment.
Safety and Soundness. There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks by law and regulatory policy that are designed to minimize potential loss to the depositors of such depository institutions and the FDIC insurance fund in the event of a depository institution default. For example, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Company Improvement Act of 1991, to avoid receivership of an insured depository institution subsidiary, a bank holding company is required to guarantee the compliance of any subsidiary bank that may become “undercapitalized” with the terms of any capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary with its appropriate federal bank regulatory agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the institution’s total assets at the time the institution became undercapitalized, or (ii) the amount that is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all applicable capital standards as of the time the institution fails to comply with such capital restoration plan.
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Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the FDIA), the federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines prescribing safety and soundness standards. These guidelines establish general standards relating to internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth and compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risk and exposures specified in the guidelines.
Capital Requirements. Pursuant to the HC Policy Statement, qualifying bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of less than $3 billion, such as the Company, are not subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements. Certain capital requirements applicable to the Bank are described below under “The Bank-Capital Requirements”. Subject to its capital requirements and certain other restrictions, the Company is able to borrow money to make a capital contribution to the Bank, and such loans may be repaid from dividends paid by the Bank to the Company.
Limits on Dividends and Other Payments. The Company is a legal entity, separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. A significant portion of the revenues of the Company result from dividends paid to it by the Bank. There are various legal limitations applicable to the payment of dividends by the Bank to the Company and to the payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders. The Bank is subject to various statutory restrictions on its ability to pay dividends to the Company. Under the current supervisory practices of the Bank’s regulatory agencies, prior approval from those agencies is required if cash dividends declared in any given year exceed net income for that year, plus retained net profits of the two preceding years. The payment of dividends by the Bank or the Company may be limited by other factors, such as requirements to maintain capital above regulatory guidelines. Bank regulatory agencies have the authority to prohibit the Bank or the Company from engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting their business. The payment of dividends, depending on the financial condition of the Bank, or the Company, could be deemed to constitute such an unsafe or unsound practice. In addition, under the current supervisory practices of the Federal Reserve, the Company should inform and consult with its regulators reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period (e.g., quarter) for which the dividend is being paid or that could result in a material adverse change to the Company's capital structure.
The Company’s subordinated debt is senior in right of payment compared to its common stock and all current and future junior subordinated debt obligations. Following the occurrence of any event of default on its subordinated debt, the Company may not make any payments on its junior subordinated debt; declare or pay any dividends on its common stock; redeem or otherwise acquire any of its common stock; or make any other distributions with respect to its common stock or set aside any monies or properties for such purposes. The Company is current in its interest payments on subordinated debt.
The Company's ability to pay dividends on common stock is also limited by contractual restrictions under its junior subordinated debt. Interest must be paid on the junior subordinated debt before dividends may be paid to common shareholders. The Company is current in its interest payments on junior subordinated debt; however, it has the right to defer distributions on its junior subordinated debt, during which time no dividends may be paid on its common stock. If the Company does not have sufficient earnings in the future and begins to defer distributions on the junior subordinated debt, it will be unable to pay dividends on its common stock until it becomes current on those distributions.
The Bank
General. The Bank is supervised and regularly examined by the Federal Reserve and the SCC. The various laws and regulations administered by the regulatory agencies affect corporate practices, such as the payment of dividends, incurrence of debt, and acquisition of financial institutions and other companies; they also affect business practices, such as the payment of interest on deposits, the charging of interest on loans, types of business conducted, and location of offices. Certain of these law and regulations are referenced above under “The Company.”
Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve and the other federal banking agencies have issued risk-based and leverage capital guidelines applicable to U. S. banking organizations. In addition, those regulatory agencies may from time to time require that a banking organization maintain capital above the minimum levels because of its financial condition or actual or anticipated growth.
Effective January 1, 2015, the Bank became subject to new capital rules adopted by federal bank regulators implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the Basel Committee), and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.
The minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Bank under the final rules are as follows: a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6%; a total capital ratio of 8%; and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions. The final rules also established a “capital conservation buffer” above the new regulatory minimum capital
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requirements. The capital conservation buffer is being phased-in over four years and, when fully implemented on January 1, 2019, requires a buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. This will result in the following minimum capital ratios beginning in 2019: a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Under the final rules, institutions are subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions. Management believes, as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject, including the capital conservation buffer.
The following table shows the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios at December 31, 2018:
First Bank | ||
Total capital to risk-weighted assets | 13.62 | % |
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 12.71 | % |
Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 12.71 | % |
Tier 1 capital to average assets | 9.26 | % |
Capital conservation buffer ratio(1) | 5.62 | % |
(1) | Calculated by subtracting the regulatory minimum capital ratio requirements from the Bank’s actual ratio for Common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and Total risk based capital. The lowest of the three measures represents the Bank’s capital conservation buffer ratio. |
The final rules also contain revisions to the prompt corrective action framework, which is designed to place restrictions on insured depository institutions if their capital levels begin to show signs of weakness. Under the prompt corrective action requirements, which are designed to complement the capital conservation buffer, insured depository institutions are currently
required to meet the following capital level requirements in order to qualify as “well capitalized:” a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%; a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8%; a total capital ratio of 10%; and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 5%.
In December 2017, the Basel Committee published standards that it described as the finalization of the Basel III post-crisis regulatory reforms (the standards are commonly referred to as “Basel IV”). Among other things, these standards revise the Basel Committee’s standardized approach for credit risk (including by recalibrating risk weights and introducing new capital requirements for certain “unconditionally cancellable commitments,” such as unused credit card lines of credit) and provide a new standardized approach for operational risk capital. Under the proposed framework, these standards will generally be effective on January 1, 2022, with an aggregate output floor phasing-in through January 1, 2027. Under the current capital rules, operational risk capital requirements and a capital floor apply only to advanced approaches institutions, and not to the Company. The impact of Basel IV on the Company and the Bank will depend on the manner in which it is implemented by the federal bank regulatory agencies.
As directed by the Economic Growth Act, on November 21, 2018, the FDIC, the OCC and the Federal Reserve jointly issued a proposed rule that would permit qualifying banks that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets to elect to be subject to a 9% “community bank leverage ratio.” A qualifying bank that has chosen the proposed framework would not be required to calculate the existing risk-based and leverage capital requirements and would be considered to have met the capital ratio requirements to be “well capitalized” under prompt corrective action rules, provided it has a community bank leverage ratio greater than 9%. This proposed rule has not been finalized and, as a result, the content and scope of any final rule, and its impact on the Bank (if any), cannot be determined at this time.
Deposit Insurance. Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (the DIF) of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. On April 1, 2011, the deposit insurance assessment base changed from total deposits to average total assets minus average tangible equity, pursuant to a rule issued by the FDIC as required by the Dodd-Frank Act.
The FDIA, as amended by the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, requires the FDIC to set a ratio of deposit insurance reserves to estimated insured deposits of at least 1.35%.
On April 26, 2016, the FDIC adopted a final rule to amend how small banks are assessed deposit insurance. The final rule, which was effective the quarter after the DIF reached 1.15%, revised the calculation of deposit insurance assessments for insured institutions with less than $10 billion in assets that have been FDIC insured for at least five years (established small
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banks). The rule updated the data and revised the methodology that the FDIC uses to determine risk-based assessments to better capture the risk that an established small bank poses to the DIF and to ensure that institutions that take on greater risks have higher assessments. The rule eliminated the previous risk categories in favor of an assessment schedule based on examination ratings and financial modeling. The DIF reached 1.15% effective as of June 30, 2016, lowering the assessment rates to between 3 to 30 basis points for established small banks, subject to a decrease for issuance of long-term unsecured debt, including senior unsecured debt and subordinated debt and an increase for holdings of long-term unsecured or subordinated debt issued by other insured banks. Due to the Bank’s examination ratings and financial ratios, the Bank experienced lower deposit insurance assessment rates as a result of the changes put into effect on July 1, 2016.
In addition, all FDIC insured institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC at an annual rate of approximately one basis point of insured deposits to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, an agency of the federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the Savings Association Insurance Fund. These assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature through 2019.
Transactions with Affiliates. Pursuant to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W, the authority of the Bank to engage in transactions with related parties or “affiliates” or to make loans to insiders is limited. Loan transactions with an affiliate generally must be collateralized and certain transactions between the Bank and its affiliates, including the sale of assets, the payment of money or the provision of services, must be on terms and conditions that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the Bank, as those prevailing for comparable nonaffiliated transactions. In addition, the Bank generally may not purchase securities issued or underwritten by affiliates.
Loans to executive officers, directors or to any person who directly or indirectly, or acting through or in concert with one or more persons, owns, controls or has the power to vote more than 10% of any class of voting securities of a bank (a “10% Shareholder”), are subject to Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and their corresponding regulations (Regulation O) and Section 13(k) of the Exchange Act relating to the prohibition on personal loans to executives (which exempts financial institutions in compliance with the insider lending restrictions of Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act). Among other things, these loans must be made on terms substantially the same as those prevailing on transactions made to unaffiliated individuals and certain extensions of credit to those persons must first be approved in advance by a disinterested majority of the entire board of directors. Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act prohibits loans to any of those individuals where the aggregate amount exceeds an amount equal to 15% of an institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus plus an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus in the case of loans that are fully secured by readily marketable collateral, or when the aggregate amount on all of the extensions of credit outstanding to all of these persons would exceed the Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. Section 22(g) of the Federal Reserve Act identifies limited circumstances in which the Bank is permitted to extend credit to executive officers.
Prompt Corrective Action. Immediately upon becoming “undercapitalized,” a depository institution becomes subject to the provisions of Section 38 of the FDIA, which: (i) restrict payment of capital distributions and management fees; (ii) require that the appropriate federal banking agency monitor the condition of the institution and its efforts to restore its capital; (iii) require submission of a capital restoration plan; (iv) restrict the growth of the institution’s assets; and (v) require prior approval of certain expansion proposals. The appropriate federal banking agency for an undercapitalized institution also may take any number of discretionary supervisory actions if the agency determines that any of these actions is necessary to resolve the problems of the institution at the least possible long-term cost to the DIF, subject in certain cases to specified procedures. These discretionary supervisory actions include: (i) requiring the institution to raise additional capital; (ii) restricting transactions with affiliates; (iii) requiring divestiture of the institution or the sale of the institution to a willing purchaser; and (iv) any other supervisory action that the agency deems appropriate. These and additional mandatory and permissive supervisory actions may be taken with respect to significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized institutions. The Bank met the definition of “well capitalized” as of December 31, 2018.
Community Reinvestment Act. The Bank is subject to the requirements of the CRA. The CRA imposes on financial institutions an affirmative and ongoing obligation to meet the credit needs of the local communities, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. If the Bank receives a rating from the Federal Reserve of less than satisfactory under the CRA, restrictions on operating activities could be imposed.
Privacy Legislation. Several recent regulations issued by federal banking agencies also provide new protections against the transfer and use of customer information by financial institutions. A financial institution must provide to its customers information regarding its policies and procedures with respect to the handling of customers’ personal information. Each institution must conduct an internal risk assessment of its ability to protect customer information. These privacy provisions generally prohibit a financial institution from providing a customer’s personal financial information to unaffiliated parties without prior notice and approval from the customer.
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USA Patriot Act of 2001. In October 2001, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 (the Patriot Act) was enacted in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Patriot Act was intended to strengthen U. S. law enforcement and the intelligence communities’ abilities to work cohesively to combat terrorism. The continuing impact on financial institutions of the Patriot Act and related regulations and policies is significant and wide ranging. The Patriot Act contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, and imposes various regulations, including standards for verifying customer identification at account opening, and rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities to identify persons who may be involved in terrorism or money laundering.
Consumer Laws and Regulations. The Bank is also subject to certain consumer laws and regulations issued thereunder that are designed to protect consumers in transactions with banks. These laws include the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Housing Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, among others. The laws and related regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions transact business with customers. The Bank must comply with the applicable provisions of these consumer protection laws and regulations as part of its ongoing customer relations.
Incentive Compensation. In June 2010, the federal banking agencies issued comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of financial institutions do not undermine the safety and soundness of such institutions by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The Interagency Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of a financial institution, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a financial institution’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the institution’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by good corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the financial institution’s board of directors.
The Federal Reserve will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of financial institutions, such as the Company, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will be tailored to each financial institution based on the scope and complexity of the institution’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the institution’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the institution’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a financial institution if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the institution’s safety and soundness and the financial institution is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies. At December 31, 2018, the Company had not been made aware of any instances of non-compliance with the guidance.
Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies
The Company’s operations are affected not only by general economic conditions but also by the policies of various regulatory authorities. In particular, the Federal Reserve regulates money and credit conditions and interest rates to influence general economic conditions. These policies have a significant impact on overall growth and distribution of loans, investments and deposits; they affect interest rates charged on loans or paid for time and savings deposits. Federal Reserve monetary policies have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks, including the Company, in the past and are expected to do so in the future.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
An investment in the Company’s securities involves risks. In addition to the other information set forth in this report, investors in the Company’s securities should carefully consider the factors discussed below. These factors could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and capital position, and could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from its historical results or the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report, in which case the trading price of the Company’s securities could decline.
Risks Related To The Company’s Business
The Company’s business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.
The community banking industry is directly affected by national, regional, and local economic conditions. The economies in the Company’s market areas continued to show improvement during 2018. Management allocates significant resources to mitigate and respond to risks associated with the current economic conditions; however, such conditions cannot be predicted or controlled. Therefore, such conditions, including a reduction in federal government spending, a flatter yield curve, and extended low interest rates, could adversely affect the credit quality of the Company’s loans, and/or the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The Company’s financial performance is dependent on the business environment in the markets where the Company operates, in particular, the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services the Company offers. In addition, the Company holds securities which can be significantly affected by various factors including credit ratings assigned by third parties. An adverse credit rating in securities held by the Company could result in a reduction of the fair value of its securities portfolio and have an adverse impact on its financial condition. While general economic conditions in Virginia and the U.S. continued to improve in 2018, there can be no assurance that this improvement will continue; a deterioration of economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets could negatively affect the Company's financial condition and performance.
The inability of the Company to successfully manage its growth or implement its growth strategy may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial conditions.
The Company may not be able to successfully implement its growth strategy if it is unable to expand market share in existing locations, identify attractive markets, locations, or opportunities to expand in the future. In addition, the ability to manage growth successfully depends on whether the Company can maintain adequate capital levels, maintain cost controls, effectively manage asset quality, and successfully integrate any expanded business divisions or acquired businesses into the organization.
As the Company continues to implement its growth strategy by opening new branches or acquiring branches or banks, it expects to incur increased personnel, occupancy, and other operating expenses. In the case of new branches, the Company must absorb those higher expenses while it begins to generate new deposits. In the case of acquired branches, the Company must absorb higher expenses while it begins deploying the newly assumed deposit liabilities. With either new branches opened or branches acquired, there would be a time lag involved in deploying new deposits into attractively priced loans and other higher yielding earning assets. Thus, the Company’s plans to expand could depress earnings in the short run, even if it efficiently executes a branching strategy leading to long-term financial benefits.
Difficulties in combining the operations of new or acquired bank branches or entities with the Company’s own operations may prevent the Company from achieving the expected benefits from acquisitions.
The Company may not be able to achieve fully the strategic objectives and operating efficiencies expected in opening a new branch or through an acquisition. Inherent uncertainties exist in integrating the operations of a new or acquired entity or acquired branches. In addition, the markets and industries in which the Company and its potential new branch locations or acquisition targets operate are highly competitive. The Company may lose customers or the customers of acquired entities as a result of an acquisition; the Company may lose key personnel, either from the acquired entity or from itself; and the Company may not be able to control the incremental increase in noninterest expense arising from a new branch location or acquisition in a manner that improves its overall operating efficiencies. These factors could contribute to the Company’s not achieving the expected benefits from its new branch locations or acquisitions within desired time frames, if at all. Future business acquisitions could be material to the Company and it may issue additional shares of common stock to support those acquisitions, which would dilute current shareholders’ ownership interests. Acquisitions could also require the Company to use substantial cash or other liquid assets or to incur debt; the Company could therefore become more susceptible to economic downturns and competitive pressures.
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New lines of business or new products and services may subject the Company to additional risk.
From time to time, the Company may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, the Company may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as competitive alternatives and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business and/or a new product or service. Furthermore, strategic planning remains important as the Company adopts innovative products, services, and processes in response to the evolving demands for financial services and the entrance of new competitors, such as out-of-market banks and financial technology firms. Any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal controls, so the Company must responsibly innovate in a manner that is consistent with sound risk management and is aligned with the Bank’s overall business strategies. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business and/or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company faces substantial competition that could adversely affect the Company’s growth and/or operating results.
The Company operates in a competitive market for financial services and faces intense competition from other businesses both in making loans and attracting deposits which can greatly affect pricing for its products and services. The Company’s primary competitors include community, regional, and national banks as well as credit unions, consumer finance companies, and mortgage companies as well as mutual funds and life insurance companies. Many of these financial institutions have been in business for many years, are significantly larger, have established customer bases and have greater financial resources and higher lending limits. In addition, credit unions are exempt from corporate income taxes, providing a significant competitive pricing advantage. In addition, the Company faces competition from marketplace lenders and other financial technology firms, which may provide competitive services quickly and in innovative ways. Accordingly, some of the Company’s competitors in its market have the ability to offer products and services that the Company is unable to offer or to offer at more competitive rates.
The Company continually encounters technological change which could affect its ability to remain competitive.
The financial services industry is continually undergoing change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions and other firms to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The pace of technological change has increased in the "fintech" environment, in which industry-changing technology-driven products and services are often introduced and adopted, including innovative ways that customers can make payments, access products, and manage accounts. The Company continues to invest in technology and connectivity to automate functions previously performed manually, to facilitate the ability of customers to engage in financial transactions, and otherwise to enhance the customer experience with respect to its products and services. The Company’s continued success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that satisfy customer demands and create efficiencies in its operations. The Company could be required to make substantial capital expenditures to modify or adapt existing products and services, or develop new products and services, which can entail significant time, resources, and additional risk, and which ultimately may not be successful. A failure to maintain or enhance a competitive position with respect to technology, whether because of a failure to anticipate customer expectations or because the Company’s technological developments fail to perform as desired or are not rolled out in a timely manner, may cause the Company to lose market share or incur additional expense.
Consumers may increasingly decide not to use the Company to complete their financial transactions, which would have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and operations.
Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. The activity and prominence of so-called marketplace lenders and other technological financial service companies have grown significantly over recent years and are expected to continue growing. In addition, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds or general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. Many of these competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these
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revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
The carrying value of intangible assets, such as goodwill and core deposit intangibles, may be adversely affected.
When a Company completes an acquisition, intangibles, such as goodwill and core deposit intangibles, are recorded on the date of acquisition as an asset. Current accounting guidance requires an evaluation for impairment, and the Company would perform such impairment analysis at least annually. A significant adverse change in expected future cash flows, sustained adverse change in the Company’s common stock, or a decline in core deposit balances could require the asset to become impaired. If impaired, the Company would incur a charge to earnings that could have a significant impact on the results of operations.
The Company is subject to claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibility.
From time to time, customers make claims and take legal action pertaining to the performance of the Company’s fiduciary responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action related to the performance of the Company’s fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to the Company, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of the Company and its products and services, as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Company depends on the accuracy and completeness of information about clients and counterparties, and its financial condition could be adversely affected if it relies on misleading information.
In deciding whether to extend credit or to enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties, the Company may rely on information furnished to it by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information, which the Company does not independently verify. The Company also may rely on representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For example, in deciding whether to extend credit to clients, the Company may assume that a customer’s audited financial statements conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the customer. The Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted to the extent it relies on financial statements that do not comply with GAAP or are materially misleading.
The Company’s dependency on its management team and the unexpected loss of any of those personnel could adversely affect operations.
The Company has assembled an experienced management team and continues to build the depth of that team. Although management development plans are in place, the unexpected loss of key employees could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and may result in lower revenues or greater expenses.
Failure to maintain effective systems of internal and disclosure controls could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operation and financial condition.
Effective internal and disclosure controls are necessary for the Company to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud, and to operate successfully as a public company. If the Company cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, its reputation and operating results would be harmed. As part of the Company’s ongoing monitoring of internal controls, it may discover material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in its internal control that require remediation. A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The Company continually works on improving its internal controls. However, the Company cannot be certain that these measures will ensure that it implements and maintains adequate controls over its financial processes and reporting. Any failure to maintain effective controls or to timely implement any necessary improvement of the Company’s internal and disclosure controls could, among other things, result in losses from fraud or error, harm the Company’s reputation, or cause investors to lose confidence in the Company’s reported financial information, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operation and financial condition.
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The Company’s risk-management framework may not be effective in mitigating risk and loss.
The Company maintains an enterprise risk management program that is designed to identify, quantify, monitor, report, and control the risks that it faces. These risks include: interest-rate, credit, liquidity, operations, reputation, compliance, and litigation. While the Company assesses and improves this program on an ongoing basis, there can be no assurance that its approach and framework for risk management and related controls will effectively mitigate all risk and limit losses in its business. If conditions or circumstances arise that expose flaws or gaps in the Company’s risk-management program, or if its controls break down, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Negative public opinion could damage the Company's reputation and adversely impact liquidity and profitability.
As a financial institution, the Company’s earnings, liquidity, and capital are subject to risks associated with negative public opinion of the Company and of the financial services industry as a whole. Negative public opinion could result from the Company's actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, the failure of any product or service sold by it to meet its clients’ expectations or applicable regulatory requirements, corporate governance and acquisitions, or from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect the Company's ability to keep, attract and/or retain customers and can expose it to litigation and regulatory action. Negative public opinion could also affect the Company's ability to borrow funds in the unsecured wholesale debt markets.
Negative perception of the Company through social media may adversely affect the Company’s reputation and business.
The Company’s reputation is critical to the success of its business. The Company believes that its brand image has been well received by customers, reflecting the fact that the brand image, like the Company’s business, is based in part on trust and confidence. The Company’s reputation and brand image could be negatively affected by rapid and widespread distribution of publicity through social media channels. The Company’s reputation could also be affected by the Company’s association with clients affected negatively through social media distribution, or other third parties, or by circumstances outside of the Company’s control. Negative publicity, whether true or untrue, could affect the Company’s ability to attract or retain customers, or cause the Company to incur additional liabilities or costs, or result in additional regulatory scrutiny.
The Company relies substantially on deposits obtained from customers in its target markets to provide liquidity and support growth.
The Company's business strategies are based on access to funding from local customer deposits. Deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including interest rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, returns available to customers on alternative investments and general economic conditions. If the Company's deposit levels fall, it could lose a relatively low cost source of funding and its interest expense would likely increase as it obtains alternative funding to replace lost deposits. If local customer deposits are not sufficient to fund the Company's normal operations and growth, it will look to outside sources, such as borrowings from the FHLB, which is a secured funding source. The Company's ability to access borrowings from the FHLB will be dependent upon whether and the extent to which it can provide collateral to secure FHLB borrowings. The Company may also look to federal funds purchased and brokered deposits, although the use of brokered deposits may be limited or discouraged by the Company's banking regulators. The Company may also seek to raise funds through the issuance of shares of its common stock, or other equity or equity-related securities, or debt securities including subordinated notes as additional sources of liquidity. If the Company is unable to access funding sufficient to support its business operations and growth strategies or is only able to access such funding on unattractive terms, the Company may not be able to implement its business strategies which may negatively affect its financial performance.
Changes in interest rates could adversely affect the Company’s income and cash flows.
The Company’s income and cash flows depend to a great extent on the difference between the interest rates earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and the interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions and the policies of the Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory agencies. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence the origination of loans, the prepayment of loans, the purchase of investments, the generation of deposits, and the rates received on loans and investment securities and paid on deposits or other sources of funding. The impact of these changes may be magnified if the Company does not effectively manage the relative sensitivity of its assets and liabilities to changes in market interest rates. In addition, the Company’s ability to reflect such interest rate changes in pricing its products is influenced by competitive pressures. Fluctuations in these areas may adversely
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affect the Company and its shareholders. The Company is often at a competitive disadvantage in managing its costs of funds compared to the large regional or national banks that have access to the national and international capital markets.
The Company generally seeks to maintain a neutral position in terms of the volume of assets and liabilities that mature or re-price during any period so that it may reasonably maintain its net interest margin; however, interest rate fluctuations, loan prepayments, loan production, deposit flows, and competitive pressures are constantly changing and influence the ability to maintain a neutral position. Generally, the Company’s earnings will be more sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates depending upon the variance in volume of assets and liabilities that mature and re-price in any period. The extent and duration of the sensitivity will depend on the cumulative variance over time, the velocity and direction of changes in interest rates, shape and slope of the yield curve, and whether the Company is more asset sensitive or liability sensitive. Accordingly, the Company may not be successful in maintaining a neutral position and, as a result, the Company’s net interest margin may be affected.
Limited availability of financing or inability to raise capital could adversely impact the Company.
The amount, type, source, and cost of the Company’s funding and capital directly impacts the ability to grow assets. The ability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings and other sources, or raise capital could become more difficult, more expensive, or altogether unavailable. A number of factors could make such financing more difficult, more expensive or unavailable including: the financial condition of the Company at any given time; rate disruptions in the capital markets; the reputation for soundness and security of the financial services industry as a whole; and, competition for funding from other banks or similar financial service companies, some of which could be substantially larger or be more favorably rated.
The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect the Company.
The Company’s ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by the Company or by other institutions. Many of these transactions expose the Company to credit risk in the event of default of its counterparty or client. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
The Company’s exposure to operational, technological, and organizational risk may adversely affect the Company.
Similar to other financial institutions, the Company is exposed to many types of operational and technological risk, including reputation, legal, and compliance risk. The Company’s ability to grow and compete is dependent on its ability to build or acquire the necessary operational and technological infrastructure and to manage the cost of that infrastructure while it expands and integrates acquired businesses. Operational risk can manifest itself in many ways, such as errors related to failed or inadequate processes, faulty or disabled computer systems, occurrences of fraud by employees or persons outside of the Company, and exposure to external events. The Company is dependent on its operational infrastructure to help manage these risks. From time to time, it may need to change or upgrade its technology infrastructure. The Company may experience disruption, and it may face additional exposure to these risks during the course of making such changes. If the Company would acquire another financial institution or bank branch operations, it would face additional challenges when integrating different operational platforms. Such integration efforts may be more disruptive to the business and/or more costly than anticipated.
The Company relies on other companies to provide key components of its business infrastructure.
Third parties provide key components of the Company’s business operations such as data processing, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, internet connections, and network access. While the Company has selected these third party vendors carefully, it does not control their actions. Any problem caused by these third parties, including poor performance of services, failure to provide services, disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor and failure to handle current or higher volumes, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to deliver products and services to its customers and otherwise conduct its business, and may harm its reputation. Financial or operational difficulties of a third party vendor could also hurt the Company’s operations if those difficulties affect the vendor’s ability to serve the Company. Replacing these third party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Accordingly, use of such third parties creates an unavoidable inherent risk to the Company’s business operations.
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The operational functions of business counterparties over which the Company may have limited or no control may experience disruptions that could adversely impact the Company.
Multiple major U.S. retailers have recently experienced data systems incursions reportedly resulting in the thefts of credit and debit card information, online account information, and other financial data of the retailers’ customers. Retailer incursions affect cards issued and deposit accounts maintained by many banks, including the Company. Although the Company’s systems are not breached in retailer incursions, these events can cause the Company to reissue a significant number of cards and take other costly steps to avoid significant theft loss to the Company and its customers. In some cases, the Company may be required to reimburse customers for the losses they incur. Other possible points of intrusion or disruption not within the Company’s control include internet service providers, electronic mail portal providers, social media portals, distant-server (“cloud”) service providers, electronic data security providers, telecommunications companies, and smart phone manufacturers.
The Company’s operations may be adversely affected by cyber security risks.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company collects and stores sensitive data, including proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of its customers and employees in systems and on networks. The secure processing, maintenance, and use of this information is critical to operations and the Company’s business strategy. The Company has invested in accepted technologies, and continually reviews processes and practices that are designed to protect its networks, computers, and data from damage or unauthorized access. Despite these security measures, the Company’s computer systems and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions. A breach of any kind could compromise systems and the information stored there could be accessed, damaged or disclosed. A breach in security could result in legal claims, regulatory penalties, disruption in operations, and damage to the Company’s reputation, which could adversely affect its business. Furthermore, as cyber threats continue to evolve and increase, the Company may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify or enhance its protective measures, or to investigate and remediate any identified information security vulnerabilities.
Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s nonperforming assets adversely affect its net income in various ways. The Company does not record interest income on nonaccrual loans, which adversely affects its income and increases loan administration costs. When the Company receives collateral through foreclosures and similar proceedings, it is required to mark the related loan to the then fair market value of the collateral less estimated selling costs, which may result in a loss. An increase in the level of nonperforming assets also increases the Company’s risk profile and may affect the capital levels that the Company believes are appropriate in light of such risks. The Company utilizes various techniques such as workouts, restructurings, and loan sales to manage problem assets. Increases in or negative adjustments in the value of these problem assets, the underlying collateral, or in the borrowers’ performance or financial condition, could adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant commitments of time from management and staff, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities, including origination of new loans. There can be no assurance that the Company will avoid further increases in nonperforming loans in the future.
The Company’s allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses in its loan portfolio.
Like all financial institutions, the Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to provide for loans that its borrowers may not repay in their entirety. The Company believes that it maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the corresponding balance sheet date and in compliance with applicable accounting and regulatory guidance. However, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses and future provisions for loan losses could materially and adversely affect the Company’s operating results. Accounting measurements related to impairment and the allowance for loan losses require significant estimates that are subject to uncertainty and changes relating to new information and changing circumstances. The significant uncertainties surrounding the ability of the Company’s borrowers to execute their business models successfully through changing economic environments, competitive challenges, and other factors complicate the Company’s estimates of the risk of loss and amount of loss on any loan. Because of the degree of uncertainty and susceptibility of these factors to change, the actual losses may vary from current estimates. The Company expects fluctuations in the loan loss provisions due to the uncertain economic conditions.
The Company’s banking regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require the Company to increase its allowance for loan losses by recognizing additional provisions for loan losses charged to expense, or to decrease the allowance for loan losses by recognizing loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. Any
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such required additional provisions for loan losses or charge-offs could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
If the Company’s valuation allowance on other real estate owned (OREO) becomes inadequate, results of operations may be adversely affected.
The Company may maintain a valuation allowance that it believes is a reasonable estimate of known losses in OREO. The Company obtains appraisals on all OREO properties on an annual basis and adjusts the valuation allowance accordingly. The carrying value of OREO is susceptible to changes in economic and real estate market conditions. Although the Company believes the valuation allowance is a reasonable estimate of known losses, such losses and the adequacy of the allowance cannot be fully predicted. Excessive declines in market values could have a material impact on financial performance.
The Company’s concentration in loans secured by real estate may adversely affect earnings due to changes in the real estate markets.
The Company offers a variety of secured loans, including commercial lines of credit, commercial term loans, real estate, construction, home equity, consumer, and other loans. Many of the Company’s loans are secured by real estate (both residential and commercial) in the Company’s market areas. A major change in the real estate markets, resulting in deterioration in the value of this collateral, or in the local or national economy, could adversely affect borrowers’ ability to pay these loans, which in turn could negatively affect the Company. Risks of loan defaults and foreclosures are unavoidable in the banking industry; the Company tries to limit its exposure to these risks by monitoring extensions of credit carefully. The Company cannot fully eliminate credit risk; thus, credit losses will occur in the future. Additionally, changes in the real estate market also affect the value of foreclosed assets, and therefore, additional losses may occur when management determines it is appropriate to sell the assets.
The Company has a concentration of credit exposure in commercial real estate, and loans with this type of collateral are viewed as having more risk of default.
The Company’s commercial real estate portfolio consists primarily of owner-operated properties and other commercial properties. These types of loans are generally viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans. They are also typically larger than residential real estate loans and consumer loans and depend on cash flows from the owner’s business or the property to service the debt. Cash flows may be affected significantly by general economic conditions, and a downturn in the local economy or in occupancy rates in the local economy where the property is located could increase the likelihood of default. Because the Company’s loan portfolio contains a number of commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in the percentage of non-performing loans. An increase in non-performing loans could result in a loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the provision for loan losses and an increase in charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.
The Company’s banking regulators generally give commercial real estate lending greater scrutiny and may require banks with higher levels of commercial real estate loans to implement improved underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies, and portfolio stress testing, as well as possibly higher levels of allowances for losses and capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending growth and exposures, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.
The Company’s loan portfolio contains construction and development loans, and a decline in real estate values and economic conditions would adversely affect the value of the collateral securing the loans and have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.
Although most of the Company’s construction and development loans are secured by real estate, the Company believes that, in the case of the majority of these loans, the real estate collateral by itself may not be a sufficient source for repayment of the loan if real estate values decline. If the Company is required to liquidate the collateral securing a construction and development loan to satisfy the debt, its earnings and capital may be adversely affected. A period of reduced real estate values may continue for some time, resulting in potential adverse effects on the Company’s earnings and capital.
The Company’s credit standards and its on-going credit assessment processes might not protect it from significant credit losses.
The Company assumes credit risk by virtue of making loans and extending loan commitments and letters of credit. The Company manages credit risk through a program of underwriting standards, the review of certain credit decisions and a
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continuous quality assessment process of credit already extended. The Company’s exposure to credit risk is managed through the use of consistent underwriting standards that emphasize local lending while avoiding highly leveraged transactions as well as excessive industry and other concentrations. The Company’s credit administration function employs risk management techniques to help ensure that problem loans are promptly identified. While these procedures are designed to provide the Company with the information needed to implement policy adjustments where necessary and to take appropriate corrective actions, there can be no assurance that such measures will be effective in avoiding undue credit risk.
Although the Company emphasizes local lending practices, the Company purchases certain loans through a third-party lending program. These portfolios include consumer loans and carry risks associated with the borrower, changes in the economic environment, and the vendor themselves. The Company manages these risks through policies that require minimum credit scores and other underwriting requirements, robust analysis of actual performance versus expected performance, as well as ensuring compliance with the Company's vendor management program. While these policies are designed to manage the risks associated with these loans, there can be no assurance that such measures will be effective in avoiding undue credit risk.
The Company’s focus on lending to small to mid-sized community-based businesses may increase its credit risk.
Most of the Company’s commercial business and commercial real estate loans are made to small business or middle market customers. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities and have a heightened vulnerability to economic conditions. If general economic conditions in the market areas in which the Company operates negatively impact this important customer sector, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. Moreover, a portion of these loans have been made by the Company in recent years and the borrowers may not have experienced a complete business or economic cycle. Any deterioration of the borrowers’ businesses may hinder their ability to repay their loans with the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Company relies upon independent appraisals to determine the value of the real estate which secures a significant portion of its loans, and the values indicated by such appraisals may not be realizable if the Company is forced to foreclose upon such loans.
A significant portion of the Company’s loan portfolio consists of loans secured by real estate. The Company relies upon independent appraisers to estimate the value of such real estate. Appraisals are only estimates of value and the independent appraisers may make mistakes of fact or judgment that adversely affect the reliability of their appraisals. In addition, events occurring after the initial appraisal may cause the value of the real estate to increase or decrease. As a result of any of these factors, the real estate securing some of the Company’s loans may be more or less valuable than anticipated at the time the loans were made. If a default occurs on a loan secured by real estate that is less valuable than originally estimated, the Company may not be able to recover the outstanding balance of the loan.
The Dodd-Frank Act substantially changes the regulation of the financial services industry and it could have a material adverse effect upon the Company.
The Dodd-Frank Act provides wide-ranging changes in the way banks and financial services firms generally are regulated and affect the way the Company and its customers and counterparties do business with each other. Among other things, it requires increased capital and regulatory oversight for banks and their holding companies, changes the deposit insurance assessment system, changes responsibilities among regulators, establishes the CFPB, and makes various changes in the securities laws and corporate governance that affect public companies, including the Company. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires numerous studies and regulations related to its implementation. The Company is continually evaluating the effects of the Dodd-Frank Act, together with implementing the regulations that have been proposed and adopted. The ultimate effects of the Dodd-Frank Act and the resulting rulemaking cannot be predicted at this time, but it has increased the Company’s operating and compliance costs in the short-term, and it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operation and financial condition.
The Company is subject to more stringent capital and liquidity requirements as a result of the Basel III regulatory capital reforms and the Dodd-Frank Act, the short-term and long-term impact of which is uncertain.
The Company is subject to capital adequacy guidelines and other regulatory requirements specifying minimum amounts and types of capital which each must maintain. From time to time, regulators implement changes to these regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal banking agencies have established stricter capital requirements and leverage limits for banking organizations, such as the Bank, that are based on the Basel III regulatory capital reforms. These stricter capital requirements were fully-implemented on January 1, 2019. While the recently passed Economic Growth
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Act requires that federal banking regulators establish a simplified leverage capital framework for smaller banks, these more stringent capital requirements could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital and adversely affect future growth opportunities. In addition, if the Company fails to meet these minimum capital guidelines and/or other regulatory requirements, the Company’s financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Current and proposed regulation addressing consumer privacy and data use and security could increase the Company’s costs and impact its reputation.
The Company is subject to a number of laws concerning consumer privacy and data use and securities, including information safeguard rules under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. These rules require that financial institutions develop, implement, and maintain a written, comprehensive information security program containing safeguards that are appropriate to the financial institution’s size and complexity, the nature and scope of the financial institution’s activities, and the sensitivity of any customer information at issue. The United States has experienced a heightened legislative and regulatory focus on privacy and data security, including requiring consumer notification in the event of a data breach. In addition, most states have enacted security breach legislation requiring varying levels of consumer notification in the event of certain types of security breaches. New regulations in these areas may increase compliance costs, which could negatively impact earnings. In addition, failure to comply with the privacy and data use and security laws and regulations to which the Company is subject, including by reason of inadvertent disclosure of confidential information, could result in fines, sanctions, penalties, or other adverse consequences and loss of consumer confidence, which could materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations, overall business, and reputation.
Legislative or regulatory changes or actions, or significant litigation, could adversely affect the Company or the businesses in which the Company is engaged.
The Company is subject to extensive state and federal regulation, supervision, and legislation that govern almost all aspects of its operations. Laws and regulations change from time to time and are primarily intended for the protection of consumers, depositors, and the FDIC’s DIF. The impact of any changes to laws and regulations or other actions by regulatory agencies may negatively affect the Company or its ability to increase the value of its business. Such changes could include higher capital requirements, and increased insurance premiums, increased compliance costs, reductions of noninterest income, and limitations on services that can be provided. Actions by regulatory agencies or significant litigation against the Company could cause it to devote significant time and resources to defend itself and may lead to liability or penalties that materially affect the Company and its shareholders. Future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations or enforcement could be materially adverse to the Company and its shareholders.
See the section of this report entitled “Supervision and Regulation” for additional information on the statutory and regulatory issues that affect the Company’s business.
Changes in accounting standards could impact reported earnings and capital.
The authorities that promulgate accounting standards, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB), the United States Securities Exchange Commission (the SEC), and other regulatory authorities, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. These changes are difficult to predict and can materially impact how the Company records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, the Company could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in the restatement of financial statements for prior periods. Such changes could also impact the capital levels of the Company and the Bank, or require the Company to incur additional personnel or technology costs. Most notably, new guidance on the calculation of credit reserves using current expected credit losses, referred to as CECL, was finalized in June, 2016. The standard will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. To implement the new standard, the Company will incur costs related to data collection and documentation, technology and training. For additional information, see "Recent Accounting Pronouncements" included in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K. Although the Company is currently unable to reasonably estimate the impact of the new standard on its financial statements, adoption of the new standard could necessitate, among other things, higher loan loss reserve levels, and the Company expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses during the quarter in which the standard becomes effective. If the Company is required to materially increase the level of the allowance for loan losses or incurs additional expenses to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, such changes could adversely affect the Company’s capital levels, financial condition and results of operations.
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Changes in tax rates applicable to the Company may cause impairment of deferred tax assets.
The Company determines deferred income taxes using the balance sheet method. Under this method, each asset and liability is examined to determine the difference between its book basis and its tax basis. The difference between the book basis and the tax basis of each asset and liability is multiplied by the Company’s marginal tax rate to determine the net deferred tax asset or liability. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods.
The marginal tax rate applicable to the Company, as with all entities subject to federal income tax, is based on the Company’s taxable income. If the Company’s taxable income declines such that the Company’s marginal tax rate declines, the change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities would result in an expense during the period that a lower marginal tax rate occurs. If changes in tax rates and laws are enacted, the company will recognize the changes in the period in which they occur. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted into law, which reduces the Company's corporate tax rate from 34% to 21%. The Company recorded a $752 thousand charge to income tax expense in 2017 related to the re-measurement of net deferred tax assets resulting from the new 21% corporate tax rate. For a more detailed discussion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how it affects the Company, see the section of this report entitled "Supervision and Regulation." Further changes in tax rates and laws could impair the Company’s deferred tax assets and result in an expense associated with the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The full impact of the Act may differ from the foregoing and from the Company's expectations, possibly materially, due to changes in interpretations or in assumptions that it has made or that it will make in 2019, guidance or regulations that may be promulgated, and other actions that the Company may take as a result of the legislation.
The Bank may be required to transition from the use of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) index in the future.
The Bank has certain variable-rate loans indexed to LIBOR to calculate the loan interest rate. The United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced that the continued availability of the LIBOR on the current basis is not guaranteed after 2021. It is impossible to predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the administrator of LIBOR or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, and it is impossible to predict the effect of any such alternatives on the value of LIBOR-based variable-rate loans, as well as LIBOR-based securities, subordinated notes, trust preferred securities, or other securities or financial arrangements. The implementation of a substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates under the Bank’s loan agreements with borrowers or other financial arrangements may cause the Bank to incur significant expenses in effecting the transition, may result in reduced loan balances if borrowers do not accept the substitute index or indices, and may result in disputes or litigation with customers or other counter-parties over the appropriateness or comparability to LIBOR of the substitute index or indices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s results of operations.
Risks Related To The Company’s Securities
The Company relies on dividends from its subsidiaries for substantially all of its revenue.
The Company is a bank holding company that conducts substantially all of its operations through the Bank. As a result, the Company relies on dividends from the Bank for substantially all of its revenues. There are various regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends or make other payments to the Company. Also, the Company’s right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. In the event the Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Company, the Company may not be able to service debt, pay obligations, or pay a cash dividend to the holders of its common stock and the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. Further, although the Company has historically paid a cash dividend to the holders of its common stock, holders of the common stock are not entitled to receive dividends, and regulatory or economic factors may cause the Company’s Board of Directors to consider, among other things, the reduction of dividends paid on the Company’s common stock even if the Bank continues to pay dividends to the Company.
There is a limited trading market for the Company’s common stock; it may be difficult to sell shares.
The trading volume in the Company’s common stock has been relatively limited. Even if a more active market develops, there can be no assurance that a more active and liquid trading market for the common stock will exist in the future. Consequently, shareholders may not be able to sell a substantial number of shares for the same price at which shareholders could sell a smaller number of shares. In addition, the Company cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of its common stock in the market, or the availability of shares of common stock for sale in the market, will have on the market price of the common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the market, or the potential for large amounts of sales in the market,
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could cause the price of the Company’s common stock to decline, or reduce the Company’s ability to raise capital through future sales of common stock. The lack of liquidity of the investment in the common shares should be carefully considered when making an investment decision.
Future issuances of the Company’s common stock could adversely affect the market price of the common stock and could be dilutive.
The Company is not restricted from issuing additional authorized shares of common stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, shares of common stock. Issuances of a substantial number of shares of common stock, or the expectation that such issuances might occur, including in connection with acquisitions by the Company, could materially adversely affect the market price of the shares of common stock and could be dilutive to shareholders. Because the Company’s decision to issue common stock in the future will depend on market conditions and other factors, it cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of possible future issuances of its common stock. Accordingly, the Company’s shareholders bear the risk that future issuances will reduce the market price of the common stock and dilute their stock holdings in the Company.
Current economic conditions or other factors may cause volatility in the Company’s common stock value.
The value of publicly traded stocks in the financial services sector can be volatile. The value of the Company’s common stock can also be affected by a variety of factors such as expected results of operations, actual results of operations, actions taken by shareholders, news or expectations based on the performance of others in the financial services industry, and expected impacts of a changing regulatory environment. These factors not only impact the value of the Company’s common stock but could also affect the liquidity of the stock given the Company’s size, geographical footprint, and industry.
The Company’s subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt are superior to its common stock, which may limit its ability to pay dividends on common stock in the future.
The Company's ability to pay dividends on common stock is also limited by contractual restrictions under its subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt. Interest must be paid on the subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt before dividends may be paid to common shareholders. The Company is current in its interest payments on subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt; however, it has the right to defer distributions on its junior subordinated debt, during which time no dividends may be paid on its common stock. If the Company does not have sufficient earnings in the future and begins to defer distributions on the junior subordinated debt, it will be unable to pay dividends on its common stock until it becomes current on those distributions.
The Company’s governing documents and Virginia law contain anti-takeover provisions that could negatively affect its shareholders.
The Company’s Articles of Incorporation and the Virginia Stock Corporation Act contain certain provisions designed to enhance the ability of the Board of Directors to deal with attempts to acquire control of the Company. These provisions and the ability to set the voting rights, preferences, and other terms of any series of outstanding preferred stock and preferred stock that may be issued, may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may discourage takeovers (which certain shareholders may deem to be in their best interest). To the extent that such takeover attempts are discouraged, temporary fluctuations in the market price of the Company’s common stock resulting from actual or rumored takeover attempts may be inhibited. These provisions also could discourage or make more difficult a merger, tender offer, or proxy contest, even though such transactions may be favorable to the interests of shareholders, and could potentially adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.
The Company may deregister under the Exchange Act, which would result in a reduction in the amount and frequency of publicly-available information about the Company.
The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the JOBS Act) may allow the Company to terminate the registration of its common stock under the Exchange Act if it has fewer than 1,200 shareholders of record. If the Company is able to and determines to deregister its common stock under the Exchange Act, it would enable it to save significant expenses relating to its public disclosure and reporting requirements under the Exchange Act. However, a de-registration of common stock also would result in a reduction in the amount and frequency of publicly-available information about the Company and the Bank, which could adversely effect the liquidity and market price of the Company's common stock.
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Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
Not applicable.
Item 2. | Properties |
The Company, through its primary operating subsidiary, First Bank, owns or leases buildings that are used in the normal course of business. The Company’s headquarters is located at 112 West King Street, Strasburg, Virginia. The Bank owns or leases various other offices in the counties and cities in which it operates. At December 31, 2018, the Bank operated 15 branches throughout the Shenandoah Valley and the central Virginia regions. In January 2019, the Bank closed and consolidated one of the branches. The Bank also operates a loan production office and a customer service center in a retirement community in the Shenandoah Valley region. The Company’s operations center is in Strasburg, Virginia. All of the Company’s properties are in good operating condition and are adequate for the Company’s present and future needs. See Note 1, “Nature of Banking Activities and Significant Accounting Policies,” Note 6, “Premises and Equipment,” and Note 17, "Lease Commitments," in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for information with respect to the amounts at which Bank premises and equipment are carried and commitments under long-term leases.
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings |
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company is a party or to which the property of the Company is subject.
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
None.
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Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Market Information and Holders
Shares of the common stock of the Company are traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market and quoted on the OTC Markets Group's OTC Pink Tier under the symbol “FXNC.” As of March 11, 2019 the Company had 544 shareholders of record and approximately 622 additional beneficial owners of shares of common stock.
Dividend Policy
A discussion of certain limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company and the ability of the Company to pay dividends on its common stock, is set forth in Part I., Item 1—Business, of this Form 10-K under the headings “Supervision and Regulation - Limits on Dividends and Other Payments” and Item 1A—Risk Factors, “The Company’s subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt are superior to its common stock, which may limit the Company's ability to pay dividends on common stock in the future.”
The Company’s future dividend policy is subject to the discretion of its Board of Directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including future earnings, financial condition, liquidity and capital requirements of both the Company and the Bank, applicable governmental regulations and policies and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.
Stock Repurchases
The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during 2018.
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Item 6. | Selected Financial Data |
The following is selected financial data for the Company for the last five years. This information has been derived from audited financial information included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K (in thousands, except ratios and per share amounts).
As of and for the years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Results of Operations | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest and dividend income | $ | 31,138 | $ | 27,652 | $ | 25,237 | $ | 22,165 | $ | 20,399 | |||||||||
Interest expense | 3,512 | 2,386 | 1,982 | 1,441 | 1,778 | ||||||||||||||
Net interest income | 27,626 | 25,266 | 23,255 | 20,724 | 18,621 | ||||||||||||||
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses | 600 | 100 | — | (100 | ) | (3,850 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net interest income after provision for (recovery of) loan losses | 27,026 | 25,166 | 23,255 | 20,824 | 22,471 | ||||||||||||||
Noninterest income | 9,157 | 8,292 | 8,493 | 8,342 | 7,444 | ||||||||||||||
Noninterest expense | 23,761 | 23,284 | 23,488 | 25,555 | 18,785 | ||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 12,422 | 10,174 | 8,260 | 3,611 | 11,130 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 2,287 | 3,726 | 2,353 | 956 | 3,499 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | 10,135 | 6,448 | 5,907 | 2,655 | 7,631 | ||||||||||||||
Effective dividend and accretion on preferred stock | — | — | — | 1,113 | 1,138 | ||||||||||||||
Net income available to common shareholders | $ | 10,135 | $ | 6,448 | $ | 5,907 | $ | 1,542 | $ | 6,493 | |||||||||
Key Performance Ratios | |||||||||||||||||||
Return on average assets | 1.34 | % | 0.89 | % | 0.84 | % | 0.41 | % | 1.45 | % | |||||||||
Return on average equity | 16.36 | % | 11.57 | % | 12.00 | % | 4.58 | % | 13.49 | % | |||||||||
Net interest margin (1) | 3.93 | % | 3.77 | % | 3.61 | % | 3.52 | % | 3.86 | % | |||||||||
Efficiency ratio (1) | 63.05 | % | 66.42 | % | 71.05 | % | 80.92 | % | 73.96 | % | |||||||||
Dividend payout | 9.78 | % | 10.73 | % | 10.01 | % | 31.84 | % | 5.67 | % | |||||||||
Equity to assets | 8.85 | % | 7.87 | % | 7.28 | % | 6.64 | % | 11.50 | % | |||||||||
Per Common Share Data | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income, basic | $ | 2.05 | $ | 1.30 | $ | 1.20 | $ | 0.31 | $ | 1.32 | |||||||||
Net income, diluted | 2.04 | 1.30 | 1.20 | 0.31 | 1.32 | ||||||||||||||
Cash dividends | 0.20 | 0.14 | 0.12 | 0.10 | 0.08 | ||||||||||||||
Book value at period end | 13.45 | 11.76 | 10.58 | 9.35 | 9.17 | ||||||||||||||
Financial Condition | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | $ | 752,969 | $ | 739,110 | $ | 716,000 | $ | 692,321 | $ | 518,165 | |||||||||
Loans, net | 537,847 | 516,875 | 480,746 | 433,475 | 371,692 | ||||||||||||||
Securities | 144,953 | 139,033 | 149,748 | 173,469 | 84,658 | ||||||||||||||
Deposits | 670,566 | 664,980 | 645,570 | 627,116 | 444,338 | ||||||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity | 66,674 | 58,154 | 52,151 | 45,953 | 59,564 | ||||||||||||||
Average shares outstanding, diluted | 4,956 | 4,944 | 4,928 | 4,913 | 4,902 | ||||||||||||||
Capital Ratios (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
Leverage | 9.26 | % | 8.46 | % | 8.48 | % | 8.12 | % | 12.90 | % | |||||||||
Risk-based capital ratios: | |||||||||||||||||||
Common equity Tier 1 capital | 12.71 | % | 12.09 | % | 12.38 | % | 12.62 | % | N/A | ||||||||||
Tier 1 capital | 12.71 | % | 12.09 | % | 12.38 | % | 12.62 | % | 17.88 | % | |||||||||
Total capital | 13.62 | % | 13.12 | % | 13.47 | % | 13.86 | % | 19.14 | % | |||||||||
(1) | This performance ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes provides investors with important information regarding operational performance. Such information is not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as such. Management believes such financial information is meaningful to the reader in understanding operating performance, but cautions that such information not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included in Item 7 of this Form 10-K. |
(2) | All capital ratios reported are for the Bank. |
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Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation |
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Executive Overview
The Company
First National Corporation (the Company) is the bank holding company of:
• | First Bank (the Bank). The Bank owns: |
• | First Bank Financial Services, Inc. |
• | Shen-Valley Land Holdings, LLC |
• | First National (VA) Statutory Trust II (Trust II) |
• | First National (VA) Statutory Trust III (Trust III and, together with Trust II, the Trusts) |
First Bank Financial Services, Inc. invests in entities that provide title insurance and investment services. Shen-Valley Land Holdings, LLC was formed to hold other real estate owned and future office sites. The Trusts were formed for the purpose of issuing redeemable capital securities, commonly known as trust preferred securities and are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance because management has determined that the Trusts qualify as variable interest entities.
Products, Services, Customers and Locations
The Bank offers loan, deposit, and wealth management products and services. Loan products and services include consumer loans, residential mortgages, home equity loans, and commercial loans. Deposit products and services include checking accounts, treasury management solutions, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. Wealth management services include estate planning, investment management of assets, trustee under an agreement, trustee under a will, individual retirement accounts, and estate settlement. Customers include small and medium-sized businesses, individuals, estates, local governmental entities, and non-profit organizations. The Bank’s office locations are well-positioned in attractive markets along the Interstate 81, Interstate 66, and Interstate 64 corridors in the Shenandoah Valley and central regions of Virginia. Within this market area, there are various types of industry including medical and professional services, manufacturing, retail, warehousing, Federal government, hospitality, and higher education.
The Bank’s products and services are delivered through 14 bank branch offices located throughout the Shenandoah Valley and central regions of Virginia, a loan production office, and a customer service center in a retirement village. The branch offices are comprised of 13 full service retail banking offices and one drive-thru express banking office. For the location and general character of each of these offices, see Item 2 of this Form 10-K. The Bank entered a new market in the central region of Virginia by opening a branch office in the city of Richmond during the fourth quarter of 2017. Many of the Bank’s services are also delivered through the Bank’s mobile banking platform, its website, www.fbvirginia.com, and a network of ATMs located throughout its market area.
Revenue Sources and Expense Factors
The primary source of revenue is from net interest income earned by the Bank. Net interest income is the difference between interest income and interest expense and typically represents between 70% and 80% of the Company’s total revenue. Interest income is determined by the amount of interest-earning assets outstanding during the period and the interest rates earned on those assets. The Bank’s interest expense is a function of the amount of interest-bearing liabilities outstanding during the period and the interest rates paid. In addition to net interest income, noninterest income is the other source of revenue for the Company. Noninterest income is derived primarily from service charges on deposits, fee income from wealth management services, and ATM and check card fees.
Primary expense categories are salaries and employee benefits, which comprised 56% of noninterest expenses during 2018, followed by occupancy and equipment expense, which comprised 14% of noninterest expenses. Historically, the provision for loan losses has also been a primary expense of the Bank. The provision is determined by factors that include net charge-offs, asset quality, economic conditions, and loan growth. Changing economic conditions caused by inflation, recession,
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unemployment, or other factors beyond the Company’s control have a direct correlation with asset quality, net charge-offs, and ultimately the required provision for loan losses.
Overview of Financial Performance and Condition
Net income increased by $3.7 million to $10.1 million, or $2.04 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $6.4 million, or $1.30 per diluted share, for the same period in 2017. Return on average assets was 1.34% and return on average equity was 16.36% for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to 0.89% and 11.57%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The $3.7 million increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 resulted primarily from a $2.4 million, or 9%, increase in net interest income, an $865 thousand, or 10%, increase in noninterest income, and a $1.4 million, or 39%, decrease in income tax expense, compared to the same period of 2017. These favorable variances were partially offset by a $500 thousand increase in provision for loan losses and a $477 thousand, or 2%, increase in noninterest expenses.
Net interest income increased from a higher net interest margin and from higher average earning asset balances. Average earning asset balances increased 4% and the net interest margin increased 16 basis points to 3.93% for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to 3.77% for the same period in 2017. Noninterest income increased primarily from higher service charges on deposit accounts, higher ATM and check card fees, higher wealth management revenue, higher income from bank owned life insurance, and higher other operating income. Noninterest expense increased primarily from higher salaries and employee benefits expense and higher other operating expense. For a more detailed discussion of the Company's performance, see "Net Interest Income," "Noninterest Income," "Noninterest Expense" and "Income Taxes" below.
Based on management’s analysis and the supporting allowance for loan loss calculation, a provision for loan losses of $600 thousand was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to a provision for loan losses of $100 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2017. For a more detailed discussion of the provision for loan losses, see "Provision for Loan Losses" below.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This report refers to the efficiency ratio, which is computed by dividing noninterest expense, excluding OREO income, amortization of intangibles, and losses on disposal of premises and equipment, by the sum of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis and noninterest income, excluding securities losses. This is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes provides investors with important information regarding operational efficiency. Such information is not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and should not be construed as such. Management believes, however, such financial information is meaningful to the reader in understanding operating performance, but cautions that such information not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP. The Company, in referring to its net income, is referring to income under GAAP. The components of the efficiency ratio calculation are summarized in the following table (dollars in thousands).
Efficiency Ratio | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
Noninterest expense | $ | 23,761 | $ | 23,284 | |||
Add: other real estate owned income, net | 20 | 186 | |||||
Subtract: amortization of intangibles | (458 | ) | (621 | ) | |||
Subtract: losses on disposal of premises and equipment | (2 | ) | (252 | ) | |||
$ | 23,321 | $ | 22,597 | ||||
Tax-equivalent net interest income | $ | 27,833 | $ | 25,638 | |||
Noninterest income | 9,157 | 8,292 | |||||
Add: securities losses, net | 1 | 90 | |||||
$ | 36,991 | $ | 34,020 | ||||
Efficiency ratio | 63.05 | % | 66.42 | % | |||
This report also refers to net interest margin, which is calculated by dividing tax equivalent net interest income by total average earning assets. Because a portion of interest income earned by the Company is nontaxable, the tax equivalent net interest income is considered in the calculation of this ratio. Tax equivalent net interest income is calculated by adding the tax benefit realized from interest income that is nontaxable to total interest income then subtracting total interest expense. The tax rate
27
utilized in calculating the tax benefit is 21% for 2018 and 34% for 2017. The reconciliation of tax equivalent net interest income, which is not a measurement under GAAP, to net interest income, is reflected in the table below (in thousands).
Reconciliation of Net Interest Income to Tax-Equivalent Net Interest Income | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
GAAP measures: | |||||||
Interest income - loans | $ | 26,874 | $ | 24,082 | |||
Interest income - investments and other | 4,264 | 3,570 | |||||
Interest expense - deposits | (2,755 | ) | (1,723 | ) | |||
Interest expense – subordinated debt | (360 | ) | (360 | ) | |||
Interest expense – junior subordinated debt | (397 | ) | (303 | ) | |||
Total net interest income | $ | 27,626 | $ | 25,266 | |||
Non-GAAP measures: | |||||||
Tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income - loans | $ | 44 | $ | 72 | |||
Tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income - municipal securities | 163 | 300 | |||||
Total tax benefit realized on non-taxable interest income | $ | 207 | $ | 372 | |||
Total tax-equivalent net interest income | $ | 27,833 | $ | 25,638 | |||
Critical Accounting Policies
General
The Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The financial information contained within the statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset, or relieving a liability. The Bank uses historical losses as one factor in determining the inherent loss that may be present in the loan portfolio. Actual losses could differ significantly from the historical factors used. In addition, GAAP itself may change from one previously acceptable method to another. Although the economics of transactions would be the same, the timing of events that would impact transactions could change.
Presented below is a discussion of those accounting policies that management believes are the most important (“Critical Accounting Policies”) to the portrayal and understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Critical Accounting Policies require management’s most difficult, subjective, and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of materially different financial condition or results of operations is a reasonable likelihood.
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 determines that the loan balance is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. For further information about the Company’s loans and the allowance for loan losses, see Notes 1, 3, and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a quarterly basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The Company performs regular credit reviews of the loan portfolio to review credit quality and adherence to underwriting standards. The credit reviews consist of reviews by its internal credit administration department and reviews performed by an independent third party. Upon origination, each loan is assigned a risk rating ranging from one to nine, with loans closer to one having less risk. This risk rating scale is the Company's primary credit quality indicator. The Company has various committees
28
that review and ensure that the allowance for loans losses methodology is in accordance with GAAP and loss factors used appropriately reflect the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio.
The allowance represents an amount that, in management’s judgment, will be adequate to absorb any losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Management’s judgment in determining the level of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans while taking into consideration such factors as trends in delinquencies and charge-offs, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay and the value of the collateral, overall portfolio quality, and review of specific potential losses. The evaluation also considers the following risk characteristics of each loan portfolio class:
• | 1-4 family residential mortgage loans carry risks associated with the continued creditworthiness of the borrower and changes in the value of the collateral. |
• | Real estate construction and land development loans carry risks that the project may not be finished according to schedule, the project may not be finished according to budget, and the value of the collateral may, at any point in time, be less than the principal amount of the loan. Construction loans also bear the risk that the general contractor, who may or may not be a loan customer, may be unable to finish the construction project as planned because of financial pressure or other factors unrelated to the project. |
• | Other real estate loans carry risks associated with the successful operation of a business or a real estate project, in addition to other risks associated with the ownership of real estate, because repayment of these loans may be dependent upon the profitability and cash flows of the business or project. |
• | Commercial and industrial loans carry risks associated with the successful operation of a business because repayment of these loans may be dependent upon the profitability and cash flows of the business. In addition, there is risk associated with the value of collateral other than real estate which may depreciate over time and cannot be appraised with as much reliability. |
• | Consumer and other loans carry risk associated with the continued creditworthiness of the borrower and the value of the collateral, if any. These loans are typically either unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles. They are also likely to be immediately and adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness, personal bankruptcy, or other changes in circumstances. |
The allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired, and is established when the discounted cash flows, fair value of collateral less estimated costs to sell, or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. For collateral dependent loans, an updated appraisal is ordered if a current one is not on file. Appraisals are typically performed by independent third-party appraisers with relevant industry experience. Adjustments to the appraised value may be made based on recent sales of like properties or general market conditions among other considerations.
The general component covers loans that are not considered impaired and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. The historical loss experience is calculated by loan type and uses an average loss rate during the preceding twelve quarters. The qualitative factors are assigned by management based on delinquencies and asset quality, national and local economic trends, effects of the changes in the value of underlying collateral, trends in volume and nature of loans, effects of changes in the lending policy, the experience and depth of management, concentrations of credit, quality of the loan review system, and the effect of external factors such as competition and regulatory requirements. The factors assigned differ by loan type. The general allowance estimates losses whose impact on the portfolio has yet to be recognized by a specific allowance. Allowance factors and the overall size of the allowance may change from period to period based on management’s assessment of the above described factors and the relative weights given to each factor. For further information regarding the allowance for loan losses see Notes 1 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Securities
Impairment of securities occurs when the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost. For debt securities, impairment is considered other-than-temporary and recognized in its entirety in net income if either the Company (1) intends to sell the security or (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If, however, the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more-than-likely that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the Company must determine what portion of the impairment is attributable to a credit loss, which occurs when the amortized cost of the security exceeds the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security. If there is no credit loss, there is no other-than-temporary impairment. If there is a credit loss, other-than-temporary impairment exists, and the credit loss must be recognized in net income and the remaining portion of impairment must be
29
recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). For equity securities carried at cost, such as restricted securities, impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary based on the Company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until a recovery of fair value. The Company regularly reviews each security for other-than-temporary impairment based on criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market price, the duration of that market decline, the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer, the best estimate of the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from debt securities, the Company’s intention with regard to holding the security to maturity, and the likelihood that the Company would be required to sell the security before recovery.
Lending Policies
General
In an effort to manage risk, the Bank’s loan policy gives loan amount approval limits to individual loan officers based on their position within the Bank and level of experience. The Management Loan Committee can approve new loans up to their authority. The Board Loan Committee approves all loans which exceed the authority of the Management Loan Committee. The full Board of Directors must approve loans which exceed the authority of the Board Loan Committee, up to the Bank’s legal lending limit. The Board Loan Committee currently consists of five directors, four of which are non-management directors. The Board Loan Committee approves the Bank’s Loan Policy and reviews risk management reports, including watch list reports and concentrations of credit. The Board Loan Committee meets on a monthly basis and the Chairman of the Committee then reports to the Board of Directors.
Residential loan originations are primarily generated by mortgage loan officer solicitations and referrals by employees, real estate professionals, and customers. Commercial real estate loan originations and commercial and industrial loan originations are primarily obtained through direct solicitation and additional business from existing customers. All completed loan applications are reviewed by the Bank’s loan officers. As part of the application process, information is obtained concerning the income, financial condition, employment, and credit history of the applicant. The Bank also participates in commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans originated by other financial institutions that are typically outside its market area. In addition, the Bank purchases consumer loans originated by other financial institutions that are typically outside its market area. Loan quality is analyzed based on the Bank’s experience and credit underwriting guidelines depending on the type of loan involved. Except for loan participations with other financial institutions, real estate collateral is valued by independent appraisers who have been pre-approved by the Board Loan Committee.
As part of the ongoing monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, certain appraisals are analyzed by management or by an outsourced appraisal review specialist throughout the year in order to ensure standards of quality are met. The Company also obtains an independent review of loans within the portfolio on an annual basis to analyze loan risk ratings and validate specific reserves on impaired loans.
In the normal course of business, the Bank makes various commitments and incurs certain contingent liabilities which are disclosed but not reflected in its financial statements, including commitments to extend credit. At December 31, 2018, commitments to extend credit, stand-by letters of credit, and rate lock commitments totaled $107.4 million.
Construction and Land Development Lending
The Bank makes local construction loans, including residential and land acquisition and development loans. These loans are secured by the property under construction and the underlying land for which the loan was obtained. The majority of these loans mature in one year. Construction lending entails significant additional risks, compared with residential mortgage lending. Construction and land development loans sometimes involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Another risk involved in construction and land development lending is the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of the land or property under construction, which value is estimated based on the completion of construction. Thus, there is risk associated with failure to complete construction and potential cost overruns. To mitigate the risks associated with this type of lending, the Bank generally limits loan amounts relative to the appraised value and/or cost of the collateral, analyzes the cost of the project and the creditworthiness of its borrowers, and monitors construction progress. The Bank typically obtains a first lien on the property as security for its construction loans, typically requires personal guarantees from the borrower’s principal owners, and typically monitors the progress of the construction project during the draw period.
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1-4 Family Residential Real Estate Lending
1-4 family residential lending activity may be generated by Bank loan officer solicitations and referrals by real estate professionals and existing or new bank customers. Loan applications are taken by a Bank loan officer. As part of the application process, information is gathered concerning income, employment, and credit history of the applicant. Residential mortgage loans generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make payments from employment and other income and are secured by real estate whose value tends to be readily ascertainable. In addition to the Bank’s underwriting standards, loan quality may be analyzed based on guidelines issued by a secondary market investor. The valuation of residential collateral is generally provided by independent fee appraisers who have been approved by the Board Loan Committee. In addition to originating mortgage loans with the intent to sell to correspondent lenders or broker to wholesale lenders, the Bank also originates and retains certain mortgage loans in its loan portfolio.
Commercial Real Estate Lending
Commercial real estate loans are secured by various types of commercial real estate typically in the Bank’s market area, including multi-family residential buildings, office and retail buildings, hotels, industrial buildings, and religious facilities. Commercial real estate loan originations are primarily obtained through direct solicitation of customers and potential customers. The valuation of commercial real estate collateral is provided by independent appraisers who have been approved by the Board Loan Committee. Commercial real estate lending entails significant additional risk, compared with residential mortgage lending. Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Additionally, the payment experience on loans secured by income producing properties is typically dependent on the successful operation of a business or a real estate project and thus may be subject, to a greater extent, to adverse conditions in the real estate market or in the economy in general. The Bank’s commercial real estate loan underwriting criteria require an examination of debt service coverage ratios, the borrower’s creditworthiness, prior credit history, and reputation. The Bank typically requires personal guarantees of the borrowers’ principal owners and considers the valuation of the real estate collateral.
Commercial and Industrial Lending
Commercial and industrial loans generally have a higher degree of risk than loans secured by real estate, but typically have higher yields. Commercial and industrial loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from cash flow from its business. The loans may be unsecured or secured by business assets, such as accounts receivable, equipment, and inventory. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans is substantially dependent on the success of the business itself. Furthermore, any collateral for commercial business loans may depreciate over time and generally cannot be appraised with as much reliability as real estate.
Consumer Lending
Loans to individual borrowers may be secured or unsecured, and include unsecured consumer loans and lines of credit, automobile loans, deposit account loans, and installment and demand loans. These consumer loans may entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans which are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss, or depreciation. Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.
The underwriting standards employed by the Bank for consumer loans include a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and an assessment of ability to meet existing obligations and payments on a proposed loan. The stability of the applicant’s monthly income may be determined by verification of gross monthly income from primary employment, and additionally from any verifiable secondary income.
Also included in this category are loans purchased through a third-party lending program. These portfolios include consumer loans and carry risks associated with the borrower, changes in the economic environment, and the vendor itself. The Company manages these risks through policies that require minimum credit scores and other underwriting requirements, robust analysis of actual performance versus expected performance, as well as ensuring compliance with the Company's vendor management program.
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Results of Operations
General
Net interest income represents the primary source of earnings for the Company. Net interest income equals the amount by which interest income on interest-earning assets, predominantly loans and securities, exceeds interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, including deposits, other borrowings, subordinated debt, and junior subordinated debt. Changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as their respective yields and rates, are the components that impact the level of net interest income. The net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average earning assets. The provision for loan losses, noninterest income, and noninterest expense are the other components that determine net income. Noninterest income and expense primarily consists of income from service charges on deposit accounts, revenue from wealth management services, ATM and check card income, revenue from other customer services, income from bank owned life insurance, general and administrative expenses, amortization expense, and other real estate owned income.
Net Interest Income
For the year ended December 31, 2018, net interest income increased $2.4 million, or 9%, to $27.6 million, compared to $25.3 million for the same period in 2017. The increase resulted from a higher net interest margin and higher average earning asset balances. Average earning asset balances increased 4%, and the net interest margin increased 16 basis points to 3.93% for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to 3.77% for the same period in 2017. The increase in the net interest margin resulted from a 31 basis point increase in the yield on earning assets, which was partially offset by a 15 basis point increase in interest expense as a percent of average earning assets.
The higher yield on earning assets was attributable to an increase in yields on loans, securities, and interest-bearing deposits in banks, which all benefited from increases in market rates. The 30 basis point increase in the yield on loans had the largest impact on the increase in the yield on earning assets, when comparing the periods.
The increase in interest expense as a percent of average earning assets was primarily attributable to higher interest rates paid on deposits, which was impacted by higher short-term market rates and competition. The cost of interest-bearing checking accounts and money market accounts had the largest impact as their costs increased by 25 basis points and 49 basis points, respectively, when comparing the periods.
The following table provides information on average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, as well as amounts and rates of tax equivalent interest earned and interest paid (dollars in thousands). The volume and rate analysis table analyzes the changes in net interest income for the periods broken down by their rate and volume components (in thousands).
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Average Balances, Income and Expense, Yields and Rates (Taxable Equivalent Basis) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest | Interest | Interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Balance | Income/ Expense | Yield/ Rate | Average Balance | Income/ Expense | Yield/ Rate | Average Balance | Income/ Expense | Yield/ Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks | $ | 30,776 | $ | 539 | 1.75 | % | $ | 30,624 | $ | 335 | 1.09 | % | $ | 35,812 | $ | 238 | 0.66 | % | ||||||||||||||
Securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxable | 119,010 | 3,024 | 2.54 | % | 117,580 | 2,569 | 2.19 | % | 131,805 | 2,692 | 2.04 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tax-exempt (1) | 26,032 | 773 | 2.97 | % | 25,138 | 883 | 3.51 | % | 24,054 | 854 | 3.55 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted | 1,591 | 91 | 5.70 | % | 1,565 | 83 | 5.33 | % | 1,564 | 81 | 5.17 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total securities | 146,633 | 3,888 | 2.65 | % | 144,283 | 3,535 | 2.45 | % | 157,423 | 3,627 | 2.30 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Loans: (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxable | 525,396 | 26,707 | 5.08 | % | 500,259 | 23,942 | 4.79 | % | 455,847 | 21,467 | 4.71 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tax-exempt (1) | 4,769 | 211 | 4.42 | % | 5,012 | 212 | 4.23 | % | 6,828 | 296 | 4.33 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans | 530,165 | 26,918 | 5.08 | % | 505,271 | 24,154 | 4.78 | % | 462,675 | 21,763 | 4.70 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold | 1 | — | 2.04 | % | — | — | — | % | 3 | — | 0.52 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total earning assets | 707,575 | 31,345 | 4.43 | % | 680,178 | 28,024 | 4.12 | % | 655,913 | 25,628 | 3.91 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less: allowance for loan losses | (5,032 | ) | (5,382 | ) | (5,577 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total nonearning assets | 51,914 | 53,136 | 54,936 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 754,457 | $ | 727,932 | $ | 705,272 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Checking | $ | 159,290 | $ | 1,075 | 0.67 | % | $ | 163,553 | $ | 687 | 0.42 | % | $ | 150,412 | $ | 392 | 0.26 | % | ||||||||||||||
Money market accounts | 87,693 | 697 | 0.79 | % | 63,326 | 187 | 0.30 | % | 61,086 | 105 | 0.17 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Savings accounts | 122,497 | 92 | 0.07 | % | 127,887 | 101 | 0.08 | % | 126,434 | 105 | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than $100 | 73,262 | 393 | 0.54 | % | 80,274 | 388 | 0.48 | % | 87,828 | 382 | 0.44 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Greater than $100 | 48,679 | 497 | 1.02 | % | 44,229 | 358 | 0.81 | % | 45,925 | 366 | 0.80 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brokered deposits | 389 | 1 | 0.33 | % | 566 | 2 | 0.31 | % | 600 | 3 | 0.45 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest-bearing deposits | 491,810 | 2,755 | 0.56 | % | 479,835 | 1,723 | 0.36 | % | 472,285 | 1,353 | 0.29 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Federal funds purchased | 2 | — | 2.30 | % | 1 | — | 1.25 | % | 336 | 3 | 1.03 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated debt | 4,957 | 360 | 7.26 | % | 4,939 | 360 | 7.28 | % | 4,921 | 361 | 7.33 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Junior subordinated debt | 9,279 | 397 | 4.28 | % | 9,279 | 303 | 3.27 | % | 9,279 | 259 | 2.79 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other borrowings | 6 | — | 2.47 | % | — | — | — | % | 1,235 | 6 | 0.49 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities | 506,054 | 3,512 | 0.69 | % | 494,054 | 2,386 | 0.48 | % | 488,056 | 1,982 | 0.41 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest-bearing liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Demand deposits | 185,024 | 174,225 | 161,882 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 1,446 | 3,911 | 6,110 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 692,524 | 672,190 | 656,048 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity | 61,933 | 55,742 | 49,224 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 754,457 | $ | 727,932 | $ | 705,272 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income | $ | 27,833 | $ | 25,638 | $ | 23,646 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate spread | 3.74 | % | 3.64 | % | 3.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of funds | 0.51 | % | 0.36 | % | 0.30 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense as a percent of average earning assets | 0.50 | % | 0.35 | % | 0.30 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest margin | 3.93 | % | 3.77 | % | 3.61 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Income and yields are reported on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21% for 2018 and 34% for 2017 and 2016. The tax-equivalent adjustment was $207 thousand, $372 thousand, and $391 thousand for 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. |
(2) | Loans placed on a non-accrual status are reflected in the balances. |
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Volume and Rate Years Ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Volume Effect | Rate Effect | Change in Income/ Expense | Volume Effect | Rate Effect | Change in Income/ Expense | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks | $ | 1 | $ | 203 | $ | 204 | $ | (27 | ) | $ | 124 | $ | 97 | ||||||||||
Loans, taxable | 1,254 | 1,511 | 2,765 | 2,108 | 367 | 2,475 | |||||||||||||||||
Loans, tax-exempt | (16 | ) | 15 | (1 | ) | (77 | ) | (7 | ) | (84 | ) | ||||||||||||
Securities, taxable | 32 | 423 | 455 | (385 | ) | 262 | (123 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Securities, tax-exempt | 33 | (143 | ) | (110 | ) | 38 | (9 | ) | 29 | ||||||||||||||
Securities, restricted | 2 | 6 | 8 | — | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total earning assets | $ | 1,306 | $ | 2,015 | $ | 3,321 | $ | 1,657 | $ | 739 | $ | 2,396 | |||||||||||
Checking | $ | (18 | ) | $ | 406 | $ | 388 | $ | 37 | $ | 258 | $ | 295 | ||||||||||
Money market accounts | 97 | 413 | 510 | 3 | 79 | 82 | |||||||||||||||||
Savings accounts | (2 | ) | (7 | ) | (9 | ) | (4 | ) | — | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||
Certificates of deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than $100 | (13 | ) | 18 | 5 | (91 | ) | 97 | 6 | |||||||||||||||
Greater than $100 | 39 | 100 | 139 | (12 | ) | 4 | (8 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Brokered deposits | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||
Federal funds purchased | — | — | — | (4 | ) | 1 | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Subordinated debt | — | — | — | 1 | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Junior subordinated debt | — | 94 | 94 | — | 44 | 44 | |||||||||||||||||
Other borrowings | — | — | — | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities | $ | 102 | $ | 1,024 | $ | 1,126 | $ | (73 | ) | $ | 477 | $ | 404 | ||||||||||
Change in net interest income | $ | 1,204 | $ | 991 | $ | 2,195 | $ | 1,730 | $ | 262 | $ | 1,992 | |||||||||||
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses represents management’s analysis of the existing loan portfolio and related credit risks. The provision for loan losses is based upon management’s estimate of the amount required to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses reflective of the risks in the loan portfolio.
The Bank recorded a provision for loan losses of $600 thousand for 2018, which resulted in a total allowance for loan losses of $5.0 million, or 0.92% of total loans, at December 31, 2018. This compared to a provision for loan losses of $100 thousand for 2017, which resulted in an allowance for loan losses of $5.3 million, or 1.02% of total loans, at the prior year end.
The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2018 resulted from net charge-offs on loans and an increase in the specific reserve component of the allowance for loan losses that was partially offset by a decrease in the general reserve component. Net charge-offs totaled $917 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $95 thousand of net charge-offs for the same period of 2017. The increase in net charge-offs during 2018 was comprised primarily of $878 thousand of net charge-offs on consumer loans. The specific reserve increased $243 thousand during the year, primarily from the addition of newly identified impaired loans for which specific reserves were calculated. The general reserve decreased primarily from improvements in both the historical loss rate of the loan portfolio and the qualitative adjustment factors. Improvements in qualitative adjustment factors resulted from improved asset quality in the construction and land development, 1-4 family residential, and other real estate loan classes, as evidenced by lower substandard loan amounts in these respective classes, and improved economic conditions.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the provision for loan losses resulted from an increase in the general reserve component of the allowance for loan losses that was partially offset by a decrease in the specific reserve component. The increase in the general reserve resulted primarily from the impact of $36.1 million of loan growth and higher historical loss rates during the year. The impact of loan growth and higher historical loss rates on the general reserve was partially offset by improvements in qualitative adjustment factors during the year. The improvements in qualitative adjustment factors resulted
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from improved asset quality in the 1-4 family residential, other real estate, and commercial and industrial loan classes and improved economic conditions. The specific reserve component decreased primarily from the Bank's decision to charge-off loan amounts included in the specific reserve calculation.
The Company has consistently applied its allowance for loan loss methodology and regularly reviews the three year historical charge-off look back period to ensure it is indicative of the risk that remains in the loan portfolio. The Company has no reason to believe that net charge-offs experienced in 2019 will be significantly different from the prior three year look back period. For more detail of net charge-offs, see the allowance for loan losses table in "Asset Quality" below.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income increased $865 thousand, or 10%, to $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $8.3 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in noninterest income was primarily attributable to a $150 thousand, or 5%, increase in service charges on deposit accounts, a $116 thousand, or 5%, increase in ATM and check card fees, a $235 thousand, or 16%, increase in wealth management fees, a $120 thousand, or 17%, increase in income from bank owned life insurance, and a $210 thousand increase in other operating income. The increase in service charges on deposit accounts was a result of higher overdraft revenue. The increase in ATM and check card fees was primarily attributable to volume related payments received for customer check card usage. The increase in wealth management fees resulted primarily from higher balances of assets under management during 2018 compared to one year ago. The increase in income from bank owned life insurance resulted from increased life insurance benefits recorded during 2018. The Company recorded $469 thousand and $312 thousand of death benefits received as income from bank owned life insurance for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which were related to the deaths of former employees. The increase in other operating income was primarily attributable to the termination of the pension plan and the subsequent distribution of plan assets, which resulted in a one-time increase in other operating income of $126 thousand.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense increased $477 thousand, or 2%, to $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $23.3 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to a $364 thousand, or 3%, increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $116 thousand, or 8%, increase in occupancy expense, a $100 thousand, or 11%, increase in legal and professional fees, a $166 thousand decrease in other real estate owned income, and a $258 thousand, or 13%, increase in other operating expense, when comparing the periods. These increases were partially offset by a $120 thousand, or 29%, decrease in telecommunications expense, a $163 thousand, or 26%, decrease in amortization expense, and a $250 thousand decrease in net losses on disposal of premises and equipment.
The increases in salaries and employee benefits and occupancy expense resulted primarily from the Company's expansion into the Richmond, Virginia market. Legal and professional fees increased primarily from higher investment advisory costs of the wealth management department and consulting and audit fees related to new requirements for internal controls over financial reporting. The increase in investment advisory costs correlated with the increase in wealth management fees discussed in "Noninterest Income" above. The decrease in income related to other real estate owned resulted primarily from lower gains on the disposition of OREO property, compared to the prior year. The increase in other operating expense was impacted by higher employee recruiting expenses and a $50 thousand death benefit payment to the beneficiary in relation to the life insurance benefits discussed in "Noninterest Income" above.
The decrease in telecommunications expense resulted from efforts to lower operating costs and a refund of over-billed services in prior periods. Amortization expense continued to decrease due to the accelerated amortization method of core deposit intangibles. Net losses on disposal of premises and equipment decreased primarily as a result of the sale of a former bank branch during 2017.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense decreased by $1.4 million, or 39%, for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. The decrease in income tax expense resulted from the new 21% federal corporate tax rate established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) enacted in December 2017. Income tax expense for 2017 included a $752 thousand charge to income tax expense related to the re-measurement of net deferred tax assets resulting from the new tax rate established by the Act. For a more detailed discussion of the Act, see the section of this report entitled "Supervision and Regulation."
The Company’s income tax expense differed from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to pretax income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The difference was a result of net permanent tax deductions, primarily comprised of tax-exempt interest income and income from bank owned life insurance. For a more
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detailed discussion of the Company’s income tax expense, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Financial Condition
General
Total assets increased by $13.9 million to $753.0 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $739.1 million at December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to a $21.0 million increase in net loans and a $5.9 million increase in securities. These increases were partially offset by a $13.4 million decrease in interest-bearing deposits in banks since December 31, 2017.
At December 31, 2018, total liabilities increased by $5.3 million to $686.3 million compared to $681.0 million at December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to a $5.6 million increase in total deposits. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits and savings and interest-bearing deposits increased $1.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a $3.4 million decrease in time deposits since December 31, 2017.
Total shareholders' equity increased by $8.5 million to $66.7 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $58.2 million at December 31, 2017. The Company's capital ratios continue to exceed the minimum capital requirements for regulatory purposes.
Loans
The Bank is an active lender with a loan portfolio that includes commercial and residential real estate loans, commercial loans, consumer loans, construction and land development loans, and home equity loans. The Bank’s lending activity is concentrated on individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and local governmental entities primarily in its market areas. As a provider of community-oriented financial services, the Bank does not attempt to further geographically diversify its loan portfolio by undertaking significant lending activity outside its market areas.
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses, increased $21.0 million to $537.8 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $516.9 million at December 31, 2017. Construction loans increased $9.9 million, followed by residential real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans that increased $7.8 million and $5.8 million, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in commercial real estate loans.
The Bank’s loan portfolio is summarized in the table below for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands).
Loan Portfolio At December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial, financial, and agricultural | $ | 44,605 | 8.22 | % | $ | 38,763 | 7.42 | % | $ | 29,981 | 6.17 | % | $ | 24,048 | 5.48 | % | $ | 21,166 | 5.59 | % | ||||||||||||||
Real estate - construction | 45,867 | 8.45 | % | 35,927 | 6.88 | % | 34,699 | 7.14 | % | 33,135 | 7.55 | % | 29,475 | 7.79 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Real estate - mortgage: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential (1-4 family) | 215,945 | 39.78 | % | 208,177 | 39.87 | % | 198,763 | 40.89 | % | 189,286 | 43.12 | % | 163,727 | 43.27 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Other real estate loans | 219,553 | 40.44 | % | 222,256 | 42.56 | % | 211,210 | 43.45 | % | 181,447 | 41.33 | % | 151,802 | 40.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Consumer | 12,336 | 2.27 | % | 12,333 | 2.36 | % | 4,875 | 1.00 | % | 4,312 | 0.98 | % | 5,070 | 1.34 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
All other loans | 4,550 | 0.84 | % | 4,745 | 0.91 | % | 6,539 | 1.35 | % | 6,771 | 1.54 | % | 7,170 | 1.89 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Total loans | $ | 542,856 | 100 | % | $ | 522,201 | 100 | % | $ | 486,067 | 100 | % | $ | 438,999 | 100 | % | $ | 378,410 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||
Less: allowance for loan losses | 5,009 | 5,326 | 5,321 | 5,524 | 6,718 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses | $ | 537,847 | $ | 516,875 | $ | 480,746 | $ | 433,475 | $ | 371,692 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
There was no category of loans that exceeded 10% of outstanding loans at December 31, 2018 that were not disclosed in the above table.
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The following table sets forth the maturities of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Remaining Maturities of Selected Loans At December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||
Less than One Year | One to Five Years | Greater than Five Years | Total | ||||||||||||
Commercial, financial, and agricultural | $ | 14,433 | $ | 23,560 | $ | 6,612 | $ | 44,605 | |||||||
Real estate construction and land development | 29,317 | 10,482 | 6,068 | 45,867 | |||||||||||
Real estate - mortgage: | |||||||||||||||
Residential (1-4 family) | 17,769 | 17,192 | 180,984 | 215,945 | |||||||||||
Other real estate loans | 16,993 | 22,016 | 180,544 | 219,553 | |||||||||||
Consumer | 1,197 | 10,907 | 232 | 12,336 | |||||||||||
All other loans | 48 | 337 | 4,165 | 4,550 | |||||||||||
Total loans | $ | 79,757 | $ | 84,494 | $ | 378,605 | $ | 542,856 | |||||||
For maturities over one year: | |||
Fixed rates | $ | 297,555 | |
Variable rates | 165,544 | ||
$ | 463,099 | ||
Asset Quality
Management classifies non-performing assets as non-accrual loans and OREO. OREO represents real property taken by the Bank when its customers do not meet the contractual obligation of their loans, either through foreclosure or through a deed in lieu thereof from the borrower and properties originally acquired for branch operations or expansion but no longer intended to be used for that purpose. OREO is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less estimated selling costs, and is marketed by the Bank through brokerage channels. The Bank did not have any assets classified as OREO at December 31, 2018. The Bank's OREO totaled $326 thousand at December 31, 2017. There was not a valuation allowance for other real estate owned at December 31, 2017.
Non-performing assets totaled $3.2 million and $1.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, representing 0.42% and 0.17% of total assets, respectively. Non-performing assets consisted only of $3.2 million in non-accrual loans at December 31, 2018. This compares to $937 thousand in non-accrual loans and $326 thousand in OREO at December 31, 2017.
At December 31, 2018, 63% of non-performing assets were commercial real estate loans, 21% were residential real estate loans, 10% were construction and land development loans, and 6% were commercial and industrial loans. Non-performing assets could increase due to other loans identified by management as potential problem loans. Other potential problem loans are defined as performing loans that possess certain risks, including the borrower’s ability to pay and the collateral value securing the loan, that management has identified that may result in the loans not being repaid in accordance with their terms. Other potential problem loans totaled $3.5 million and $8.9 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The amount of other potential problem loans in future periods may be dependent on economic conditions and other factors influencing a customers’ ability to meet their debt requirements.
Loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing totaled $235 thousand at December 31, 2018, which was comprised of three loans expected to pay all principal and interest amounts contractually due to the Bank. There were $183 thousand of loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing at December 31, 2017.
The allowance for loan losses represents management’s analysis of the existing loan portfolio and related credit risks. The provision for loan losses is based upon management’s current estimate of the amount required to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses reflective of the risks in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses totaled $5.0 million at December 31, 2018 and $5.3 million at December 31, 2017, representing 0.92% and 1.02% of total loans, respectively. After analyzing the composition of the loan portfolio, related credit risks, and improvements in asset quality during recent years, the Company determined that the three year loss period and the qualitative adjustment factors that established the general reserve
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component of the allowance for loan losses were appropriate at December 31, 2018. For further discussion regarding the allowance for loan losses, see “Provision for Loan Losses” above.
A recovery of loan losses of $793 thousand was recorded in the other real estate loan class during the year ended December 31, 2018. The recovery of loan losses in the other real estate loan class resulted from improvements in the historical loss rate and qualitative adjustment factors. This recovery was offset by provision for loan losses totaling $1.3 million in the construction and land development, 1-4 family residential, commercial and industrial, and consumer and other loan classes. For more detailed information regarding the provision for loan losses, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
Impaired loans totaled $3.4 million and $3.8 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The related allowance for loan losses required for these loans totaled $243 thousand at December 31, 2018. There was not a related allowance for loan losses provided for these loans at December 31, 2017. The average recorded investment in impaired loans during 2018 and 2017 was $3.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Included in the impaired loans total are loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) totaling $467 thousand and $333 thousand at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Loans classified as TDRs represent situations in which a modification to the contractual interest rate or repayment structure has been granted to address a financial hardship. As of December 31, 2018, $264 thousand of these TDRs were performing under the restructured terms and were not considered non-performing assets.
Management believes, based upon its review and analysis, that the Bank has sufficient reserves to cover losses inherent within the loan portfolio. For each period presented, the provision for (recovery of) loan losses charged to (income) or expense was based on management’s judgment after taking into consideration all factors connected with the collectability of the existing portfolio. Management considers economic conditions, historical loss factors, past due percentages, internally generated loan quality reports, and other relevant factors when evaluating the loan portfolio. There can be no assurance, however, that an additional provision for (recovery of) loan losses will not be required in the future, including as a result of changes in the qualitative factors underlying management’s estimates and judgments, changes in accounting standards, adverse developments in the economy, on a national basis or in the Company’s market area, loan growth, or changes in the circumstances of particular borrowers. For further discussion regarding the allowance for loan losses, see “Critical Accounting Policies” above. The following table shows a detail of loans charged-off, recovered, and the changes in the allowance for loan losses (dollars in thousands).
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Allowance for Loan Losses At December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 5,326 | $ | 5,321 | $ | 5,524 | $ | 6,718 | $ | 10,644 | |||||||||
Loans charged-off: | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial, financial and agricultural | 10 | — | — | 59 | 43 | ||||||||||||||
Real estate-construction and land development | — | — | — | — | 91 | ||||||||||||||
Real estate-mortgage | |||||||||||||||||||
Residential (1-4 family) | 55 | 126 | 83 | 142 | 272 | ||||||||||||||
Other real estate loans | — | — | 165 | 1,125 | 203 | ||||||||||||||
Consumer | 1,104 | 607 | 540 | 512 | 318 | ||||||||||||||
All other loans | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Total loans charged off | $ | 1,169 | $ | 733 | $ | 788 | $ | 1,838 | $ | 927 | |||||||||
Recoveries: | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial, financial and agricultural | $ | 8 | $ | 10 | $ | 11 | $ | 72 | $ | 18 | |||||||||
Real estate-construction and land development | — | 11 | 4 | 4 | 80 | ||||||||||||||
Real estate-mortgage | |||||||||||||||||||
Residential (1-4 family) | 13 | 302 | 293 | 373 | 15 | ||||||||||||||
Other real estate loans | 5 | 50 | 2 | 2 | 509 | ||||||||||||||
Consumer | 225 | 263 | 275 | 293 | 229 | ||||||||||||||
All other loans | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
Total recoveries | $ | 252 | $ | 638 | $ | 585 | $ | 744 | $ | 851 | |||||||||
Net charge-offs | $ | 917 | |||||||||||||||||