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


FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
 
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______to_______

 Commission file number 000-53149

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
26-0734029
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No.)
 
(205) 949-0302
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

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

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

   Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

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

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

Class
Outstanding as of July 29, 2011
Common stock, $.001 par value
5,872,482
 


 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements
3
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
29
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
49
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
50
       
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1
Legal Proceedings
51
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
51
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
51
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
51
 
Item 5.
Other Information
51
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
51

EX-31.01 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
 
EX-31.02 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO
 
EX-32.01 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
 
EX-32.02 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO
 

 
2

 

PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS JUNE 30, 2011 AND DECEMBER 31, 2010
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Audited)
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 27,963     $ 27,454  
Interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions
    74,951       204,178  
Federal funds sold
    94,541       346  
Cash and cash equivalents
    197,455       231,978  
Debt securities:
               
Available for sale
    230,671       276,959  
Held to maturity
    13,895       5,234  
Restricted equity securities
    3,899       3,510  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    4,092       7,875  
Loans
    1,560,974       1,394,818  
Less allowance for loan losses
    (19,516 )     (18,077 )
Loans, net
    1,541,458       1,376,741  
Premises and equipment, net
    4,673       4,450  
Accrued interest and dividends receivable
    6,847       6,990  
Deferred tax assets
    7,338       6,366  
Other real estate owned
    6,931       6,966  
Other assets
    7,338       8,097  
Total assets
  $ 2,024,597     $ 1,935,166  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 283,968     $ 250,490  
Interest-bearing
    1,519,906       1,508,226  
Total deposits
    1,803,874       1,758,716  
Other borrowings
    4,945       24,937  
Trust preferred securities
    30,490       30,420  
Accrued interest payable
    983       898  
Other liabilities
    3,104       3,095  
Total liabilities
    1,843,396       1,818,066  
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, Series A Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Participating, par value $.001 (liquidation preference $1,000), net of discount; 40,000 shares authorized, 40,000 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2011 and no shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010
    39,958       -  
Preferred stock, undesignated, par value $.001 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; 15,000,000 shares authorized; 5,872,482 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2011 and 5,527,482 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010
    6       6  
Additional paid-in capital
    86,591       75,914  
Retained earnings
    49,059       38,343  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    5,587       2,837  
Total stockholders' equity
    181,201       117,100  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 2,024,597     $ 1,935,166  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial  Statements.

 
3

 

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest income:
           
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 19,845     $ 16,750     $ 38,466     $ 32,954  
Taxable securities
    1,444       1,670       2,986       3,422  
Nontaxable securities
    719       544       1,433       1,068  
Federal funds sold
    35       16       71       18  
Other interest and dividends
    37       16       85       36  
Total interest income
    22,080       18,996       43,041       37,498  
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
    3,264       2,829       6,398       5,682  
Borrowed funds
    768       859       1,619       1,602  
Total interest expense
    4,032       3,688       8,017       7,284  
Net interest income
    18,048       15,308       35,024       30,214  
Provision for loan losses
    1,494       2,537       3,725       5,075  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    16,554       12,771       31,299       25,139  
Noninterest income:
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    547       588       1,114       1,154  
Securities gains
    523       15       666       53  
Other operating income
    712       401       1,273       929  
Total noninterest income
    1,782       1,004       3,053       2,136  
Noninterest expenses:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    5,026       3,147       9,240       6,629  
Equipment and occupancy expense
    934       774       1,820       1,554  
Professional services
    351       205       591       405  
Other operating expenses
    3,058       3,435       6,315       6,405  
Total noninterest expenses
    9,369       7,561       17,966       14,993  
Income before income taxes
    8,967       6,214       16,386       12,282  
Provision for income taxes
    3,122       2,193       5,670       4,248  
Net income
  $ 5,845     $ 4,021     $ 10,716     $ 8,034  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.02     $ 0.73     $ 1.88     $ 1.46  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.89     $ 0.65     $ 1.65     $ 1.33  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial  Statements.

 
4

 

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net income
  $ 5,845     $ 4,021     $ 10,716     $ 8,034  
                                 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                               
Unrealized holding gains arising during period from securities available for sale, net of tax of $1,550 and $1,713 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $1,557 and $1,693 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively
    2,877       2,821       3,182       3,110  
Reclassification adjustment for net gains on sale of securities in net income, net of tax of $184 and $234 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $6 and $19 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively
    (339 )     (9 )     (432 )     (34 )
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    2,538       2,812       2,750       3,076  
Comprehensive income
  $ 8,383     $ 6,833     $ 13,466     $ 11,110  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
5

 
 
SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Preferred
Stock
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
    -       6       75,914       38,343       2,837       117,100  
Sale of 340,000 shares of common stock
    -       -       10,159       -       -       10,159  
Sale of 40,000 shares of preferred stock, net
    39,958       -       -       -       -       39,958  
Exercise 5,000 stock options
    -       -       53       -       -       53  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       2,750       2,750  
Stock based compensation expense
    -       -       465       -       -       465  
Net income
    -       -       -       10,716       -       10,716  
Balance, June 30, 2011
  $ 39,958     $ 6     $ 86,591     $ 49,059     $ 5,587     $ 181,201  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
6

 

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011 AND 2010
(In thousands) (Unaudited)

   
2011
   
2010
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
  $ 10,716     $ 8,034  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Deferred tax (benefit) expense
    (2,452 )     (925 )
Provision for loan losses
    3,725       5,075  
Depreciation and amortization
    566       537  
Net amortization (accretion) of investments
    417       331  
Market value adjustment of interest rate cap
    99       -  
Decrease in accrued interest and dividends receivable
    143       56  
Stock compensation expense
    465       314  
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
    85       (139 )
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale
    67,237       60,934  
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
    (63,871 )     (59,981 )
Gain on sale of securities available for sale
    (666 )     (53 )
Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned
    (32 )     175  
Write down of other real estate owned
    156       487  
Decrease in special prepaid FDIC insurance assessments
    793       1,462  
Loss on prepayment of other borrowings
    738       -  
Net change in other assets, liabilities, and other operating activities
    (46 )     (3,190 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    18,073       13,117  
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of securities available for sale
    (26,007 )     (20,865 )
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of securities available for sale
    13,504       16,002  
Purchase of securities held to maturity
    (8,704 )     (1,014 )
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of securities held to maturity
    43       -  
Increase in loans
    (169,996 )     (88,814 )
Purchase of premises and equipment
    (789 )     (150 )
Purchase of restricted equity securities
    (543 )     (269 )
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale
    63,270       29,999  
Proceeds from sale restricted equity securities
    154       -  
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessions
    1,882       5,514  
Additions to other real estate owned
    -       (75 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (127,186 )     (59,672 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net increase (decrease) in noninterest-bearing deposits
    33,478       (22,650 )
Net decrease in interest-bearing deposits
    11,680       105,199  
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities
    -       15,050  
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net
    10,212       -  
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock, net
    39,958       -  
Repayment of other borrowings
    (20,738 )     -  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    74,590       97,599  
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (34,523 )     51,044  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    231,978       76,206  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 197,455     $ 127,250  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
               
Cash paid for:
               
Interest
  $ 7,932     $ 7,423  
Income taxes
    8,136       5,058  
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS
               
Transfers of loans from held for sale to held for investment
  $ 417     $ 787  
Other real estate acquired in settlement of loans
    2,112       4,671  
Internally financed sales of other real estate owned
    141       495  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
7

 
 
SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2011
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 1 - GENERAL

The accompanying consolidated financial statements in this report have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Regulation S-X and the instructions for Form 10-Q, and have not been audited. These consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U. S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and the consolidated results of operations for the interim periods have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal nature. The consolidated results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations which ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) may achieve for future interim periods or the entire year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

All reported amounts are in thousands except share and per share data.

NOTE 2 - CASH AND CASH FLOWS

Cash on hand, cash items in process of collection, amounts due from banks, and federal funds sold are included in cash and cash equivalents.

NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options and warrants, as well as the potential common stock issuable upon possible conversion of the preferred securities described in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
8

 
 
   
Three Months Ended June 30,
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Data)
 
Earnings per share
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    5,708,871       5,513,482       5,694,871       5,513,482  
Net income
  $ 5,845     $ 4,021     $ 10,716     $ 8,034  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 1.02     $ 0.73     $ 1.88     $ 1.46  
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    5,708,871       5,513,482       5,694,871       5,513,482  
Dilutive effects of assumed conversions and exercise of stock options and warrants
    997,082       886,447       962,488       646,359  
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding
    6,705,953       6,399,929       6,657,359       6,159,841  
Net income, adjusted for effect of debt conversion
  $ 5,845     $ 4,021     $ 10,716     $ 8,034  
Effect of interest expense on covertible debt, net of tax and discretionary expenditures related to conversion
    148       148       294       172  
    $ 5,993     $ 4,169     $ 11,010     $ 8,206  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.89     $ 0.65     $ 1.65     $ 1.33  

NOTE 4 - SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are summarized as follows:

   
Amortized Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
   
Gross
Unrealized
Loss
   
Market Value
 
June 30, 2011:
 
(In Thousands)
 
Securities Available for Sale
                       
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies
  $ 35,411     $ 1,406     $ -     $ 36,817  
Mortgage-backed securities
    102,561       4,396       (43 )     106,914  
State and municipal securities
    83,078       3,051       (314 )     85,815  
Corporate debt
    1,025       100       -       1,125  
Total
  $ 222,075     $ 8,953     $ (357 )   $ 230,671  
Securities Held to Maturity
                               
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 8,365     $ 161     $ -     $ 8,526  
State and municipal securities
    5,530       192       (16 )     5,706  
Total
  $ 13,895     $ 353     $ (16 )   $ 14,232  
                                 
December 31, 2010:
                               
Securities Available for Sale
                               
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies
  $ 90,631     $ 1,887     $ (224 )   $ 92,294  
Mortgage-backed securities
    101,709       2,783       (268 )     104,224  
State and municipal securities
    78,241       1,076       (1,051 )     78,266  
Corporate debt
    2,013       162       -       2,175  
Total
  $ 272,594     $ 5,908     $ (1,543 )   $ 276,959  
Securities Held to Maturity
                               
State and municipal securities
  $ 5,234     $ -     $ (271 )   $ 4,963  
Total
  $ 5,234     $ -     $ (271 )   $ 4,963  
 
 
9

 
 
All mortgage-backed securities are with government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) such as Federal National Mortgage Association, Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

The following table identifies, as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company’s investment securities that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 or more months.  At June 30, 2011, 13 of the Company’s 446 debt securities had been in an unrealized loss position for 12 or more months. The Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost, which may be maturity; accordingly, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011.  Further, the Company believes any deterioration in value of its current investment securities is attributable to changes in market interest rates and not credit quality of the issuer.

   
Less Than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
June 30, 2011:
                                   
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Mortgage-backed securities
    (43 )     2,765       -       -       (43 )     2,765  
State and municipal securities
    (115 )     6,419       (215 )     4,218       (330 )     10,637  
Corporate debt
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
    $ (158 )   $ 9,184     $ (215 )   $ 4,218     $ (373 )   $ 13,402  
                                                 
December 31, 2010:
                                               
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies
  $ (224 )   $ 24,217     $ -     $ -     $ (224 )   $ 24,217  
Mortgage-backed securities
    (268 )     16,417       -       -       (268 )     16,417  
State and municipal securities
    (1,034 )     33,282       (288 )     3,674       (1,322 )     36,956  
Corporate debt
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
    $ (1,526 )   $ 73,916     $ (288 )   $ 3,674     $ (1,814 )   $ 77,590  
 
 
10

 

NOTE 5 – LOANS

The following table details the Company’s loans at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
             
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 634,367     $ 536,620  
Real estate - construction
    159,564       172,055  
Real estate - mortgage:
               
Owner-occupied commercial
    303,204       270,767  
1-4 family mortgage
    209,439       199,236  
Other mortgage
    210,488       178,793  
Subtotal: Real estate - mortgage
    723,131       648,796  
Consumer
    43,912       37,347  
Total Loans
    1,560,974       1,394,818  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (19,516 )     (18,077 )
Net Loans
  $ 1,541,458     $ 1,376,741  
                 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    40.64 %     38.47 %
Real estate - construction
    10.22 %     12.34 %
Real estate - mortgage:
               
Owner-occupied commercial
    19.42 %     19.41 %
1-4 family mortgage
    13.42 %     14.28 %
Other mortgage
    13.49 %     12.82 %
Subtotal: Real estate - mortgage
    46.33 %     46.51 %
Consumer
    2.81 %     2.68 %
Total Loans
    100.00 %     100.00 %
 
Loans by credit quality indicator as of June 30, 2011 were as follows:

   
Pass
   
Special
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
                               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 607,662     $ 17,007     $ 9,698     $ -     $ 634,367  
Real estate - construction
    119,412       8,446       31,706       -       159,564  
Real estate - mortgage:
                                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    283,894       13,095       6,215       -       303,204  
1-4 family mortgage
    199,176       5,161       5,102       -       209,439  
other mortgage
    201,940       5,120       3,428       -       210,488  
Total real estate mortgage
    685,010       23,376       14,745       -       723,131  
Consumer
    43,130       -       782       -       43,912  
Total
  $ 1,455,214     $ 48,829     $ 56,931     $ -     $ 1,560,974  
 
 
11

 
 
Loans by performance status as of June 30, 2011 were as follows:

   
Performing
   
Nonperforming
   
Total
 
                   
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 633,311     $ 1,056     $ 634,367  
Real estate - construction
    142,028       17,536       159,564  
Real estate - mortgage:
                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    301,923       1,281       303,204  
1-4 family mortgage
    208,561       878       209,439  
other mortgage
    210,488       -       210,488  
Total real estate - mortgage
    720,972       2,159       723,131  
Consumer
    43,538       374       43,912  
Total
  $ 1,539,849     $ 21,125     $ 1,560,974  

Loans by past-due status as of June 30, 2011 were as follows:

   
Days Past Due Status (Accruing Loans)
                   
    30-59     60-89     90+    
Total
   
Nonaccrual
   
Current
   
Total Loans
 
                                                 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 683     $ 162     $ 542     $ 1,387     $ 514     $ 632,466     $ 634,367  
Real estate - construction
    701       2,147       -       2,848       17,536       139,180       159,564  
Real estate - mortgage:
                                                       
Owner-occupied
                                                       
commercial
    1,603       -       -       1,603       1,281       300,320       303,204  
1-4 family mortgage
    1,357       -       -       1,357       878       207,204       209,439  
Other mortgage
    731       -       -       731       -       209,757       210,488  
Total real estate - mortgage
    3,691       -       -       3,691       2,159       717,281       723,131  
Consumer
    1       3       -       4       374       43,534       43,912  
Total
  $ 5,076     $ 2,312     $ 542     $ 7,930     $ 20,583     $ 1,532,461     $ 1,560,974  
 
 
12

 

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  The total allowance for loan losses is disaggregated into those amounts associated with loans individually evaluated and those associated with loans collectively evaluated.

   
Commercial,
financial and
agricultural
 
Real estate -
construction
 
Real estate -
mortgage
 
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                               
   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
       
Allowance for loan losses:
                                   
Balance at March 31, 2011
  $ 6,226     $ 6,285     $ 2,523     $ 603     $ 3,589     $ 19,226  
Chargeoffs
    (310 )     (1,021 )     (15 )     (5 )     -       (1,351 )
Recoveries
    -       74       1       72       -       147  
Provision
    (107 )     1,130       676       (104 )     (101 )     1,494  
Balance at June 30, 2011
    5,809       6,468       3,185       566       3,488       19,516  
                                                 
   
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                               
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 5,348     $ 6,373     $ 2,443     $ 749     $ 3,164     $ 18,077  
Chargeoffs
    (860 )     (1,321 )     (15 )     (329 )     -       (2,525 )
Recoveries
    -       165       1       73       -       239  
Provision
    1,321       1,251       756       73       324       3,725  
Balance at June 30, 2011
    5,809       6,468       3,185       566       3,488       19,516  
                                                 
   
June 30, 2011
 
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,228     $ 2,497     $ 896     $ 324     $ -     $ 4,945  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    4,581       3,971       2,289       242       3,488       14,571  
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Ending balance
  $ 634,367     $ 159,564     $ 723,131     $ 43,912             $ 1,560,974  
Individually evaluated for impairment
    9,698       31,706       14,745       782               56,931  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    624,669       127,858       708,386       43,130               1,504,043  
                                                 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Commercial,
financial and
agricultural
 
Real estate –
construction
 
Real estate –
mortgage
 
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
                                                 
Allowance for loan losses
    5,348       6,373       2,443       749       3,164       18,077  
                                                 
Individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,602     $ 1,855     $ 415     $ 554     $ -     $ 4,426  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    3,746       4,518       2,028       195       3,164       13,651  
                                                 
Loans:
                                               
Ending balance
  $ 536,620     $ 172,055     $ 648,796     $ 37,347             $ 1,394,818  
Individually evaluated for impairment
    14,018       28,710       15,093       1,319               59,140  
Collectively evaluated for impairment
    522,602       143,345       633,703       36,028               1,335,678  

The following tables present details of the Company’s impaired loans as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  Loans which have been fully charged off do not appear in the tables.

 
13

 
 
June 30, 2011
 
   
                     
For the three months ended
June 30, 2011
   
For the six months ended
June 30, 2011
 
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
in Period
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
in Period
 
                                           
With no allowance recorded:
                                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 1,790     $ 2,563     $ -     $ 1,870     $ 21     $ 1,829     $ 40  
Real estate - construction
    18,631       19,124       -       18,823       107       18,975       215  
Real estate - mortgage:
                                                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    3,006       3,156       -       3,017       39       3,026       92  
1-4 family mortgage
    503       503       -       503       3       504       7  
Other mortgage
    2,177       2,177       -       2,130       29       2,025       60  
Total real estate - mortgage
    5,686       5,836       -       5,650       71       5,555       159  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total with no allowance recorded
    26,107       27,523       -       26,343       199       26,359       414  
                                                         
With an allowance recorded:
                                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    5,999       5,999       1,228       6,720       92       6,886       174  
Real estate - construction
    12,278       12,573       2,497       12,559       33       12,849       104  
Real estate - mortgage:
                                                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    2,858       2,858       84       2,822       51       2,811       69  
1-4 family mortgage
    3,608       3,608       812       3,705       58       3,738       77  
Other mortgage
    340       340       -       342       7       341       12  
Total real estate - mortgage
    6,806       6,806       896       6,869       116       6,890       158  
Consumer
    547       567       324       547       1       631       3  
Total with allowance recorded
    25,630       25,945       4,945       26,695       242       27,256       439  
                                                         
Total Impaired Loans:
                                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    7,789       8,562       1,228       8,590       113       8,715       214  
Real estate - construction
    30,909       31,697       2,497       31,382       140       31,824       319  
Real estate - mortgage:
                                                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    5,864       6,014       84       5,839       90       5,837       161  
1-4 family mortgage
    4,111       4,111       812       4,208       61       4,242       84  
Other mortgage
    2,517       2,517       -       2,472       36       2,366       72  
Total real estate - mortgage
    12,492       12,642       896       12,519       187       12,445       317  
Consumer
    547       567       324       547       1       631       3  
Total impaired loans
  $ 51,737     $ 53,468     $ 4,945     $ 53,038     $ 441     $ 53,615     $ 853  
 
 
14

 
December 31, 2010
 
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
 
                   
With no allowance recorded:
                 
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 2,345     $ 2,930     $ -  
Real estate - construction
    10,532       12,705       -  
Real estate - mortgage:
                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    1,614       1,801       -  
1-4 family mortgage
    511       511       -  
Other mortgage
    1,817       1,817       -  
Total real estate - mortgage
    3,942       4,129       -  
Consumer
    289       289       -  
Total with no allowance recorded
    17,108       20,053       -  
                         
With an allowance recorded:
                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    9,190       9,190       1,602  
Real estate - construction
    18,178       18,428       1,855  
Real estate - mortgage:
                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    3,373       3,373       55  
1-4 family mortgage
    2,995       2,995       360  
Other mortgage
    -       -       -  
Total real estate - mortgage
    6,368       6,368       415  
Consumer
    704       704       554  
Total with allowance recorded
    34,440       34,690       4,426  
                         
Total Impaired Loans:
                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    11,535       12,120       1,602  
Real estate - construction
    28,710       31,133       1,855  
Real estate - mortgage:
                       
Owner-occupied commercial
    4,988       5,174       55  
1-4 family mortgage
    3,506       3,506       360  
Other mortgage
    1,817       1,817       -  
Total real estate - mortgage
    10,311       10,497       415  
Consumer
    993       993       554  
Total impaired loans
  $ 51,549     $ 54,743     $ 4,426  
 
At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) totaled $5.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively.  At June 30, 2011, the Company had a related allowance for loan losses of $465,000 allocated to these TDRs, compared to $486,000 at December 31, 2010.  All loans classified as TDRs as of June 30, 2011 are performing as agreed under the terms of their restructured plans.
 
 
15

 
 
NOTE 6 - EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR BENEFITS

Stock Options

At June 30, 2011, the Company had stock-based compensation plans, as described below. The compensation cost that has been charged to earnings for the plans was approximately $240,000 and $465,000 for three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and $180,000 and $314,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

The Company’s 2005 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan allows for the grant of stock options to purchase up to 1,025,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company’s 2009 Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of up to 425,000 shares and allows for the issuance of Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Stock Options, Non-stock Share Equivalents, Performance Shares or Performance Units.  Both plans allow for the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, and awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the estimated fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The maximum term of the options granted under the plans is ten years.

The Company has granted non-plan options to certain persons representing key business relationships to purchase up to an aggregate amount of 55,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at between $15.00 and $20.00 per share for 10 years. These options are non-qualified and not part of either Plan.

The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option award using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table.  Expected volatilities are based on an index of southeastern United States publicly traded banks. The expected term for options granted is based on the short-cut method and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U. S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

   
2011
   
2010
 
Expected volatility
    29.00 %     25.00 %
Expected dividends
    0.50 %     0.50 %
Expected term (in years)
 
7 years
   
7 years
 
Risk-free rate
    2.70 %     2.32 %

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $8.54 and $7.43, respectively.

 
16

 
 
The following table summarizes stock option activity during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
                     
(In Thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    881,000     $ 15.65       6.9     $ 8,238  
Granted
    166,500       26.05       9.6       -  
Exercised
    (5,000 )     10.50       4.4       -  
Forfeited
    -       -       -       -  
Outstanding at June 30, 2011
    1,042,500       17.34       6.2     $ 13,203  
                                 
Exercisable at June 30, 2011
    332,459     $ 12.71       4.8     $ 5,748  
                                 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                               
Outstanding at January 1, 2010
    833,500     $ 15.00       6.8     $ 8,333  
Granted
    11,000       25.00       9.6       -  
Exercised
    -       -       -       -  
Forfeited
    (10,000 )     15.00       6.7       -  
Outstanding at June 30, 2010
    834,500       15.13       6.4     $ 8,238  
                                 
Exercisable at June 30, 2010
    249,696     $ 11.33       5.5     $ 3,413  

Restricted Stock

The Company has issued restricted stock to a certain executive officer and five other employees, and currently has 26,000 non-vested shares issued.  The value of restricted stock awards is determined to be the current value of the Company’s stock, and this total value will be recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period, which is five years from the date of grant.  As of June 30, 2011, there was $510,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock.  The cost is expected to be recognized evenly over the remaining 3.5 years of the restricted stock’s vesting period.

Stock Warrants

In recognition of the efforts and financial risks undertaken by the organizers of ServisFirst Bank (the “Bank”) in 2005, the Bank granted warrants to organizers to purchase a total 60,000 shares of common stock at a price of $10, which was the fair market value of the Bank’s common stock at the date of the grant. The warrants became warrants to purchase a like number of shares of the Company’s common stock upon the formation of the Company as a holding company for the Bank.  The warrants vest in equal annual increments over a three-year period commencing on the first anniversary date of the Bank’s incorporation and will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the incorporation date. The total number of these warrants outstanding at June 30, 2011 and 2010 was 60,000.

The Company issued warrants for 75,000 shares of common stock at a price of $25 per share in the third quarter of 2008. These warrants were issued in connection with the trust preferred securities that are discussed in detail in Note 10.

 
17

 
 
The Company issued warrants for 15,000 shares of common stock at a price of $25 per share in the second quarter of 2009.  These warrants were issued in connection with the issuance and sale of the Bank’s 8.25% Subordinated Note discussed in detail in Note 12.

NOTE 7 - DERIVATIVES

During 2008, the Company entered into interest rate swaps (“swaps”) to facilitate customer transactions and meet customer financing needs. Upon entering into these swaps, the Company entered into offsetting positions with a regional correspondent bank in order to minimize the risk to the Company.  As of June 30, 2011, the Company was party to two swaps with notional amounts totaling approximately $11.7 million with customers, and two swaps with notional amounts totaling approximately $11.7 million with a regional correspondent bank.  These swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments.  The Company has recorded the value of these swaps at $724,000 in offsetting entries in other assets and other liabilities.

During 2010 the Company entered into an interest rate cap with a notional value of $100 million.  The cap has a strike rate of 2.00% and is indexed to the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).  The cap does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, and is marked to market, with changes in market value reflected in interest expense.  The Company recognized $38,000 and $99,000 of interest expense related to marking the cap to market for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.

The Company has entered into agreements with secondary market investors to deliver loans on a “best efforts delivery” basis. When a rate is committed to a borrower, it is based on the best price that day and locked with the investor for the customer for a 30-day period. In the event the loan is not delivered to the investor, the Company has no risk or exposure with the investor. The interest rate lock commitments related to loans that are originated for later sale are classified as derivatives. The fair values of the Company’s agreements with investors and rate lock commitments to customers as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were not material.

NOTE 8 - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring, which provides guidance on determining whether a restructuring of a receivable meets the criteria to be considered a TDR.  The new guidance is required to be adopted for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2011, and is to be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual reporting period of adoption.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements, which removes from the assessment of effective control the criterion relating to the transferor’s ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed-upon terms, even in the event of default by the transferee.  The amendments in this ASU also eliminate the requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possesses adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement assets.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2011, with prospective application to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The Company will adopt these amendments when required, and does not anticipate that the ASU will have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 
18

 
 
In May 2011, The FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS, which outlines the collaborative effort of the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) to consistently define fair value and to come up with a set of consistent disclosures for fair value.  The amendments in this ASU explain how to measure fair value. They do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices outside of financial reporting.  The amendments in this ASU are to be applied prospectively.  For public entities, the amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2011.  Early application is not permitted.  The Company will adopt these amendments when required, and does not believe the application will have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income, which amends existing standards to allow an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  Under both options, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income.  Any changes pursuant to the options allowed in the amendments should be applied retrospectively.  For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company is evaluating its timing of adoption, but will adopt it retrospectively by the effective date.

NOTE 9 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Measurement of fair value under U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value, as of the measurement date, into three broad levels, which are described below:

Level 1:
Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
Level 2:
Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.
Level 3:
Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, and also considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.
 
 
19

 

Securities – Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy.  Level 1 securities include highly liquid government securities such as U.S. Treasuries and exchange-traded equity securities.  For securities traded in secondary markets for which quoted market prices are not available, the Company generally relies on prices obtained from independent vendors.  Securities measured with these techniques are classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy and often involve using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flow calculations using inputs observable in the market where available.  Examples include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and certain corporate, asset-backed and other securities.  In cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified in Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Interest Rate Swap and Cap Agreements – The fair value is estimated by a third party using inputs that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy.  These fair value estimations include primarily market observable inputs such as yield curves and option volatilities, and include the value associated with counterparty credit risk.

Impaired Loans- Impaired loans are measured and reported at fair value when full payment under the loan terms is not expected.  Impaired loans are carried at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent.  Impaired loans are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustment upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment.  A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance.  The amount recognized as an impairment charge related to impaired loans that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis was $1,508,000 and $3,135,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $1,244,000 and $3,852,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  Impaired loans are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Other real estate owned – Other real estate assets (“OREO”) acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less selling costs.  Any write-downs to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO are charged to the allowance for loan losses subsequent to foreclosure.  Values are derived from appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis.  The amount charged to earnings was $144,000 and $91,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and $558,000 and $659,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.  These charges were for write-downs in the value of OREO subsequent to foreclosure and losses on the disposal of OREO.  OREO is classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

 
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The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2011 Using
 
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis:
 
(In Thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ -     $ 230,671     $ -     $ 230,671  
Interest rate swap agreements
    -       724       -       724  
Interest rate cap
    -       16               16  
Total assets at fair value
  $ -     $ 231,411     $ -     $ 231,411  
                                 
Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis:
                               
Interest rate swap agreements
  $ -     $ 724     $ -     $ 724  

   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 Using
 
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis:
 
(In Thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ -     $ 276,959     $ -     $ 276,959  
Interest rate swap agreements
    -       803               803  
Interest rate cap
    -       115       -       115  
Total assets at fair value
  $ -     $ 277,877     $ -     $ 277,877  
                                 
Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis:
                               
Interest rate swap agreements
  $ -     $ 803     $ -     $ 803  
 
 
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The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2011:

   
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2011 Using
 
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:
 
(In Thousands)
 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 6,417     $ 6,417  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       6,931       6,931  
Total assets at fair value
  $ -     $ -     $ 13,348     $ 13,348  

   
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010 Using
 
   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
 
Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:
 
(In Thousands)
 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 35,183     $ 35,183  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       6,966       6,966  
Total assets at fair value
  $ -     $ -     $ 42,149     $ 42,149  

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged in a sale between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation.  Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices.  However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Current U.S. GAAP excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its fair value disclosure requirements.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

 
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The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, including those that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis, at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were as follows:

   
June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Financial Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 197,455     $ 197,455     $ 231,978     $ 231,978  
Investment securities available for sale
    230,671       230,671       276,959       276,959  
Investment securities held to maturity
    13,895       14,232       5,234       4,963  
Restricted equity securities
    3,899       3,899       3,510       3,510  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    4,092       4,092       7,875       7,875  
Loans, net
    1,541,458       1,545,710       1,376,741       1,388,154  
Accrued interest and dividends receivable
    6,847       6,847       6,990       6,990  
Derivatives
    740       740       918       918  
                                 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
Deposits
  $ 1,803,874     $ 1,807,300     $ 1,758,716     $ 1,761,906  
Borrowings
    4,945       5,243       24,937       25,717  
Trust preferred securities
    30,490       27,384       30,420       27,989  
Accrued interest payable
    983       983       898       898  
Derivatives
    724       724       803       803  

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents:  The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents approximate those assets’ fair values.

Investment securities:  Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available.  If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Restricted equity securities:  Fair values for other investments are considered to be their cost.

Loans:  For variable-rate loans that re-price frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair value is based on carrying amounts.  The fair value of other loans (for example, fixed-rate commercial real estate loans, mortgage loans, and industrial loans) is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of  similar credit quality.  Loan fair value estimates include judgments regarding future expected loss experience and risk characteristics.  The method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value as prescribed by FASB Accounting Standards Compilation (ASC) 820 and generally produces a higher value than an exit-price approach.  Fair value for impaired loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

Mortgage loans held for sale:  Loans are committed to be delivered to investors on a “best efforts delivery” basis within 30 days of origination.  Due to this short turn-around time, the carrying amounts of the Company’s agreements approximate their fair values.

 
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Derivatives:  The fair values of the derivative agreements are based on quoted prices from an outside third party.
 
Accrued interest and dividends receivable:  The carrying amount of accrued interest and dividends receivable approximates its fair value.

Deposits:  The fair values disclosed for demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts).  The carrying amounts of variable-rate, fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values.  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation.

Federal funds purchased:  The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased approximate their market value.

Other borrowings:  The fair values of other borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank for borrowings of similar terms as those being valued.

Trust preferred securities:  The fair values of trust preferred securities are estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered on the best alternative debt available at the measurement date.

Accrued interest payable:  The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

Loan commitments:  The fair values of the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements.  Since the majority of the Company’s other off-balance-sheet instruments consist of non-fee-producing, variable-rate commitments, the Company has determined they do not have a distinguishable fair value.

NOTE 10 - SUBORDINATED DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES

On September 2, 2008, ServisFirst Capital Trust I, a subsidiary of the Company (the “2008 Trust”), sold 15,000 shares of its 8.5% trust preferred securities to accredited investors for $15,000,000 or $1,000 per share and 463,918 shares of its common securities to the Company for $463,918 or $1.00 per share. The 2008 Trust invested the $15,463,918 of the proceeds from such sale in the Company’s 8.5% junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture due September 1, 2038 in the principal amount of $15,463,918 (the “Debenture”). The Debenture bears a fixed rate of interest at 8.5% per annum and is subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of the Company’s senior debt; provided, however, the Company will not incur any additional senior debt in excess of 0.5% of the Company’s average assets for the fiscal year immediately preceding, unless such incurrence is approved by a majority of the holders of the outstanding trust preferred securities.

Holders of the trust preferred securities are entitled to receive distributions accruing from the original date of issuance. The distributions are payable quarterly in arrears on December 1, March 1, June 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing December 1, 2008. The distributions accrue at an annual fixed rate of 8.5%. Payments of distributions on the trust preferred securities will be deferred in the event interest payments on the Debenture is deferred, which may occur at any time and from time to time, for up to 20 consecutive quarterly  periods.  During any deferral period, the Company may not pay dividends or make certain other distributions or payments as provided for in the Indenture.  If payments are deferred, holders accumulate additional distributions thereon at 8.5%, compounded quarterly, to the extent permitted by law.

 
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In addition, the Company issued a total of 75,000 warrants, each with the right to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock for a purchase price of $25.00. The warrants were issued in increments of 500 for each $100,000 of trust preferred securities purchased. Each warrant is exercisable for a period beginning upon its date of issuance and ending upon the later to occur of either (i) September 1, 2013 or (ii) 60 days following the date upon which the Company’s common stock becomes listed for trading upon a “national securities exchange” as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company estimated the fair value of each warrant using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model and determined the fair value per warrant to be $5.65. This total value of $423,000 was recorded as a discount and reduced the net book value of the debentures to $15,052,000 with an offsetting increase to the Company’s additional paid-in capital. The discount will be amortized over a three-year period.

The trust preferred securities are subject to mandatory redemption upon repayment of the Debenture at its maturity, September 1, 2038, or its earlier redemption. The Debenture is redeemable by the Company (i) prior to September 1, 2011, in whole upon the occurrence of a Special Event, as defined in the Indenture, or (ii) in whole or in part on or after September 1, 2011 for any reason. In the event of the redemption of the trust preferred securities prior to September 1, 2011, the holders of the trust preferred securities will be entitled to $1,050 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon (including accrued interest thereon), if any, to the date of payment. In the event of the redemption of the trust preferred securities on or after September 1, 2011, the holders of the trust preferred securities will be entitled to receive $1,000 per share plus accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon (including accrued interest thereon), if any, to the date of payment.

The Company has the right at any time to terminate the 2008 Trust and cause the Debenture to be distributed to the holders of the trust preferred securities in liquidation of the Trust. This right is optional and wholly within the Company’s discretion as set forth in the Indenture.

Payment of periodic cash distributions and payment upon liquidation or redemption with respect to the trust preferred securities are guaranteed by the Company to the extent of funds held by the Trust (the “Preferred Securities Guarantee”). The Preferred Securities Guarantee, when taken together with the Company’s other obligations under the debentures, constitutes a full and unconditional guarantee, on a subordinated basis, by the Company of payments due on the trust preferred securities.

The Company is required by the Federal Reserve Board to maintain certain levels of capital for bank regulatory purposes. The Federal Reserve Board has determined that certain cumulative preferred securities having the characteristics of trust preferred securities qualify as minority interests, which is included in Tier 1 capital for bank and financial holding companies. In calculating the amount of Tier 1 qualifying capital, the trust preferred securities can only be included up to the amount constituting 25% of total Tier 1 capital elements (including trust preferred securities). Such Tier 1 capital treatment provides the Company with a more cost-effective means of obtaining capital for bank regulatory purposes than if the Company were to issue preferred stock.

 
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NOTE 11 –
JUNIOR SUBORDINATED MANDATORY CONVERTIBLE DEFERRABLE INTEREST DEBENTURES DUE MARCH 15, 2040

On February 9, 2010 the Company established a new Delaware statutory trust subsidiary, ServisFirst Capital Trust II (the “2010 Trust”), which issued 15,000 shares of its 6.0% Mandatory Convertible Trust Preferred Securities (the “Preferred Securities”) for $15,000,000, or $1,000 per Preferred Security, on March 15, 2010. The 2010 Trust simultaneously issued 50,000 shares of its common securities to the Company for a purchase price of $50,000, or $1.00 per share, which together with the Preferred Securities, constitutes all of the issued and outstanding securities of the 2010 Trust (collectively, the “Trust Securities”).  The 2010 Trust invested all of the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities in the Company’s 6.0% Junior Subordinated Mandatory Convertible Deferrable Interest Debentures due March 15, 2040 in the principal amount of $15,050,000 (the “Subordinated Debentures”).  The Preferred Securities were offered and sold to accredited investors in a private placement.

Holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled to receive distributions accruing from March 15, 2010, and payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing June 15, 2010 unless the Company defers interest payments on the Subordinated Debentures.  Distributions accrue at an annual rate equal to 6.0% of the liquidation amount of $1,000 per Preferred Security.  The rate and the distribution dates for the Preferred Securities correspond to the interest rate and payment dates on the Subordinated Debentures, which constitute substantially all the assets of the 2010 Trust.  As a result, if principal or interest is not paid on the Subordinated Debentures, no corresponding amounts will be paid on the Preferred Securities.  The 2010 Trust also pays a distribution on the common securities at an annual rate of 6.0% of the purchase price of the common securities, but such payments are financially immaterial since they simply represent a return of funds to the Company.

The Subordinated Debentures are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of the Company’s senior debt, as defined in the Indenture (as defined below); provided, however, that, while any of the Preferred Securities remain outstanding, the Company shall not incur any additional senior debt in excess of 0.5% of the Company’s average assets for the fiscal year immediately preceding, unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Preferred Securities.  The Company has the right to defer payments of interest on the Subordinated Debentures from time to time, for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods for each deferral period.  During any deferral period, the Company may not (i) pay dividends on or redeem any of its capital stock, (ii) pay principal of or interest on any debt securities ranking pari passu with or subordinate to the Subordinated Debentures or (iii) make any guaranty payments with respect to any guaranty of the debt securities of any of the Company’s subsidiaries if such guaranty ranks pari passu with or junior in right of payment to the Subordinated Debentures.

If not previously redeemed or converted into common stock of the Company, the Preferred Securities will automatically and mandatorily convert into common stock of the Company on March 15, 2013 at a conversion price of $25 per share of common stock.  In addition to such mandatory conversion, the Preferred Securities may be converted into common stock of the Company at the option of the holder at any time prior to the earliest to occur of maturity, redemption or mandatory conversion at the same conversion price.

The Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption upon repayment of the Subordinated Debentures at their stated maturity (as defined in the Indenture), or upon earlier redemption of the Subordinated Debentures. The Subordinated Debentures are redeemable by the Company at any time in whole, but not in part, upon the occurrence of a special event, as defined in the Indenture.

 
26

 

The Company has the right at any time to terminate the 2010 Trust and cause the Subordinated Debentures to be distributed to the holders of the Preferred Securities in liquidation of the 2010 Trust. This right is optional and wholly within the Company’s discretion.

The Company is required by the Federal Reserve Board to maintain certain levels of capital for bank regulatory purposes. The Federal Reserve Board has determined that certain cumulative preferred securities having the characteristics of trust preferred securities qualify as minority interests, which is included in Tier 1 capital for bank and financial holding companies.  In calculating the amount of Tier 1 qualifying capital, the trust preferred securities can only be included up to the amount constituting 25% of total Tier 1 capital elements (including trust preferred securities). Such Tier 1 capital treatment provides the Company with a more cost-effective means of obtaining capital for bank regulatory purposes than if the Company were to issue preferred stock.

NOTE 12 - SUBORDINATED NOTE DUE SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

On June 23, 2009, the Bank issued $5,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 8.25% Subordinated Note due June 1, 2016 to an accredited investor at 100% of par.  The note is subordinate and junior in right of payment upon any liquidation of the Bank as to principal, interest and premium to obligations to the Bank’s depositors and other obligations to its general and secured creditors.  Interest payments are due and payable on each September 1, December 1, March 1 and June 1, commencing on September 1, 2009.  Interest accrues at an annual rate of 8.25%.  The proceeds from the note payable are included in Tier 2 capital of the Bank and the Company.

In addition, the Company issued to the investor a total of 15,000 warrants, each representing the right to purchase one share of the Company’s common stock for a purchase price of $25.00. Each warrant is exercisable for a period beginning upon its date of issuance and ending on June 1, 2016.  The Company estimated the fair value of each warrant using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model and determined the fair value per warrant to be $5.41. This total value of $86,000 was recorded as a discount and reduced the net book value of the debentures to $4,914,000 with an offsetting increase to the Company’s additional paid-in capital. The discount will be amortized over a five-year period.

NOTE 13 – PARTICIPATION IN THE SMALL BUSINESS LENDING FUND OF THE U.S. TREASURY DEPARTMENT

On June 21, 2011, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold to the Treasury 40,000 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $40,000,000.  The issuance was pursuant to the Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion.  The Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends payable quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 2011.  The dividend rate, which is calculated on the aggregate Liquidation Amount, has been initially set at 1% per annum based upon the current level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” (“QSBL”) by the Bank.  The dividend rate for future dividend periods will be set based upon the percentage change in qualified lending between each dividend period and the baseline QSBL level established at the time the Agreement was entered into.  Such dividend rate may vary from 1% per annum to 5% per annum for the second through tenth dividend periods, from 1% per annum to 7% per annum for the eleventh through the first half of the nineteenth dividend periods.  If the Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding for more than four-and-one-half years, the dividend rate will be fixed at 9%.  Prior to that time, in general, the dividend rate decreases as the level of the Bank’s QSBL increases.  Such dividends are not cumulative, but the Company may only declare and pay dividends on its common stock (or any other equity securities junior to the Series A Preferred Stock) if it has declared and paid dividends for the current dividend period on the Series A Preferred Stock, and will be subject to other restrictions on its ability to repurchase or redeem other securities.  In addition, if (i) the Company has not timely declared and paid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for six dividend periods or more, whether or not consecutive, and (ii) shares of Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of at least $25,000,000 are still outstanding, the Treasury (or any successor holder of Series A Preferred Stock) may designate two additional directors to be elected to the Company’s Board of Directors.

 
27

 

As more completely described in the Certificate of Designation, holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have the right to vote as a separate class on certain matters relating to the rights of holders of Series A Preferred Stock and on certain corporate transactions.  Except with respect to such matters and, if applicable, the election of the additional directors described above, the Series A Preferred Stock does not have voting rights.

The Company may redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the sum of the Liquidation Amount per share and the per-share amount of any unpaid dividends for the then-current period, subject to any required prior approval by the Company’s primary federal banking regulator.

NOTE 14 – PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF COMMON STOCK

 On June 30, 2011, the Company completed the sale of 340,000 shares of its common stock in a private placement to 105 accredited investors and 20 non-accredited investors for $30.00 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $10,200,000.  The private placement was in conjunction with the Company’s entry into the Pensacola, Florida market.  The offering, completed on June 30, 2011, was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, and no underwriter or placement agent was involved in the private placement.

NOTE 15 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date of this filing to ensure that this Form 10-Q includes appropriate disclosure of events both recognized in the financial statements as of June 30, 2011, and events which occurred subsequent to June 30, 2011 but were not recognized in the financial statements.  As of the date of this filing, there were no subsequent events which required recognition or disclosure.

 
28

 

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

The following discussion and analysis is designed to provide a better understanding of various factors relating to the results of operations and financial condition of ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, ServisFirst Bank (the “Bank”). This discussion is intended to supplement and highlight information contained in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2011 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements concerning future operations, results or performance, are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “might” and similar expressions often signify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. cautions that such forward-looking statements, wherever they occur in this press release or in other statements attributable to ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc., are necessarily estimates reflecting the judgment of ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.’s senior management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors that could affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements, including: general economic conditions, especially in the credit markets and in the Southeast; the performance of the capital markets; changes in interest rates, yield curves and interest rate spread relationships; changes in accounting and tax principles, policies or guidelines; changes in legislation or regulatory requirements; changes in our loan portfolio and the deposit base, possible changes in laws and regulations and governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including, but not limited to, economic stimulus initiatives and so-called “bailout” initiatives; the cost and other effects of legal and administrative cases and similar contingencies; possible changes in the creditworthiness of customers and the possible impairment of the collectability of loans and the value of collateral; the effect of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, in our geographic markets; and increased competition from both banks and non-banks.  The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, please refer to “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other SEC filings. If one or more of the factors affecting our forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements contained herein. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.

Business

We are a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 incorporated in Delaware and headquartered at 850 Shades Creek Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama 35209 (Jefferson County). Through the Bank, we operate ten full-service banking offices, with nine offices located in Jefferson, Shelby, Madison, Montgomery and Houston counties in the metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) of Birmingham-Hoover, Huntsville, Montgomery and Dothan, Alabama, and one office located in Escambia County in the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, Florida MSA, which opened April 1, 2011.  These MSAs constitute our primary service areas.

 
29

 
 
 
Our principal business is to accept deposits from the public and to make loans and other investments. Our principal sources of funds for loans and investments are demand, time, savings, and other deposits (including negotiable orders of withdrawal, or NOW accounts). Our principal sources of income are interest and fees collected on loans, interest and dividends collected on other investments and service charges. Our principal expenses are interest paid on savings and other deposits (including NOW accounts), interest paid on our other borrowings, employee compensation, office expenses and other overhead expenses.

Overview

As of June 30, 2011, we had consolidated total assets of $2,024,597,000, an increase of $89,431,000, or 4.62%, from $1,935,166,000 at December 31, 2010.  Total loans were $1,560,974,000 at June 30, 2011, up $166,156,000, or 11.91%, over $1,394,818,000 at December 31, 2010. Total deposits were $1,803,874,000 at June 30, 2011, an increase of $45,158,000, or 2.57%, from $1,758,716,000 at December 31, 2010.

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 was $5,845,000, an increase of $1,824,000, or 45.36%, from $4,021,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.  Basic and fully diluted earnings per common share were $1.02 and $0.89, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared with $0.73 and $0.65, respectively, for the same period in 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to a $343,986,000, or 22.47%, increase in average earning assets from the second quarter of 2010 to the second quarter of 2011, and a $1,043,000, or 41.11%, decrease in the provision for loan losses from the second quarter of 2010 to the second quarter of 2011.

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $10,716,000, an increase of $2,682,000, or 33.38%, from $8,034,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  Basic and fully diluted earnings per common share were $1.88 and $1.65, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with $1.46 and $1.33, respectively, for the same period in 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to a $340,432,000, or 22.60%, increase in average earning assets in 2011 from 2010, and a $1,350,000, or 26.60%, decrease in the provision for loan losses from 2010 to 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and financial policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general practices within the banking industry. To prepare consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and future results could differ. The allowance for loan losses, valuation of foreclosed real estate, deferred taxes, and fair value of financial instruments are particularly subject to change.  Information concerning our accounting policies with respect to these items is available in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

 
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Financial Condition

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 At June 30, 2011, we had $94,541,000 in federal funds sold and other investments, compared with $346,000 at December 31, 2010.  We assess our risk-weighted capital ratios at each quarter end and determine if excess funds need to be maintained at correspondent banks versus the Federal Reserve. We determined as of March 31, 2011 that excess funds could remain at correspondent banks, but had determined as of December 31, 2010 that it was preferable to keep excess funds at the Federal Reserve at that time.

Investment Securities

Investment securities available for sale totaled $230,671,000 at June 30, 2011 and $276,959,000 at December 31, 2010.  Investment securities held to maturity totaled $13,895,000 at June 30, 2011 and $5,234,000 at December 31, 2010.  Approximately $30,007,000 in U.S. Treasury Notes and $33,263,000 in mortgage-backed securities, government agency securities and corporate bonds were sold during the first half of 2011, and were partially replaced by the purchase of approximately $28,348,000 in mortgage-backed securities and $5,360,000 in municipal securities.  The purchased securities will increase the portfolio yield and will also provide higher monthly principal cash flow.

Each quarter, management assesses whether there have been events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is other-than-temporarily impaired.  Management considers several factors, including the amount and duration of the impairment; the intent and ability of the Company to hold the security for a period sufficient for a recovery in value; and known recent events specific to the issuer or its industry.  In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by agencies of the federal government, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and industry analysts’ reports, among other things. As we currently have the ability to hold our investment securities for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.  We will continue to evaluate our investment securities for possible other-than-temporary impairment, which could result in non-cash charges to earnings in one or more future periods.

The following table shows the amortized cost of our investment securities by their stated maturity at June 30, 2011:

   
Less Than
One Year
   
One Year to
Five Years
   
Five Years to
Ten Years
   
More Than
Ten Years
   
Total
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies
  $ -     $ 31,274     $ 3,444     $ 693     $ 35,411  
Mortgage-backed securities
    265       1,568       34,846       74,247       110,926  
State and municipal securities
    -       14,291       60,200       14,117       88,608  
Corporate debt
    -       -       1,025       -       1,025  
    $ 265     $ 47,133     $ 99,515     $ 89,057     $ 235,970  
                                         
Taxable-equivalent Yield
    4.47 %     3.03 %     4.63 %     4.38 %     4.22 %
 
 
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All securities held are traded in liquid markets. As of June 30, 2011, we owned certain restricted securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank with an aggregate book value and market value of $3,649,000 and certain securities of First National Bankers Bank in which we invested $250,000.  We had no investments in any one security, restricted or liquid, in excess of 10% of our stockholders’ equity.

The Bank does not invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). All tax-exempt securities currently held are issued by government issuers within the State of Alabama. All corporate bonds had a Standard and Poor’s or Moody’s rating of A-1 or better when purchased.  The June 30, 2011 total investment portfolio has a combined average credit rating of AA.

The carrying value of investment securities pledged to secure public funds on deposit and for other purposes as required by law was $176,536,000 and $111,347,000 as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Loans

We had total loans of $1,560,974,000 at June 30, 2011, an increase of $166,156,000, or 11.91%, compared to $1,394,818,000 at December 31, 2010.  At June 30, 2011, 51% of our loans were in our Birmingham offices, 22% in our Huntsville offices, 12% in our Montgomery offices, 14% in our Dothan offices, and 1% in our Pensacola, Florida office.

Asset Quality

The allowance for loan losses is established and maintained at levels management deems adequate to absorb anticipated credit losses from identified and otherwise inherent risks in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses management considers its evaluation of the loan portfolio, past due loan experience, collateral values, current economic conditions and other factors considered necessary to maintain the allowance at an adequate level.  Our management feels that the allowance was adequate at June 30, 2011.

 
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The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses for each respective loan category with the corresponding percentage of loans in each category to total loans.  The comprehensive allowance analysis developed by our credit administration group is in compliance with all current regulatory guidelines.

June 30, 2011
 
Amount
   
Percentage
of loans in
each
category to
total loans
 
             
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 5,809       40.64 %
Real estate - construction
    6,468       10.22 %
Real estate - mortgage
    3,185       46.33 %
Consumer
    566       2.81 %
Other
    3,488       -  
Total
  $ 19,516       100.00 %

December 31, 2010
 
Amount
   
Percentage
of loans in
each
category to
total loans
 
             
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 5,348       38.47 %
Real estate - construction
    6,373       12.34 %
Real estate - mortgage
    2,443       46.51 %
Consumer
    749       2.68 %
Other
    3,164       -  
Total
  $ 18,077       100.00 %

Nonperforming Assets

Total nonperforming loans, which include nonaccrual loans and loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing, increased to $21.1 million as of June 30, 2011, compared to $14.3 million at December 31, 2010. Of this total, nonaccrual loans of $20.6 million at June 30, 2011, represented a net increase of $6.2 million over nonaccrual loans of $14.3 million at December 31, 2010.  The largest change to nonaccrual loans was the addition of $8.3 million in loans related to two residential land developers. The Bank had one loan 90 days past due and still accruing at June 30, 2011 in the amount of $542,000, compared to zero loans 90 days past due at December 31, 2010. However, the bank’s net exposure in this loan is only $54,200 due to a 90% Small Business Administration guaranty. Troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) at June 30, 2011, were $5.1 million compared to $2.4 million at December 31, 2010.  The majority of this increase is attributable to a single commercial relationship. All of the Bank’s TDR loans at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 have been performing as agreed under the terms of their restructuring plans.

 
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Other real estate owned (OREO) decreased slightly to $6.9 million at June 30, 2011, from $7.0 million at December 31, 2010.  The total number of OREO accounts decreased from 39 to 29 over the same period due to increased sales activity.  However, the dollar value of this reduction was largely offset by foreclosures on two common-ownership residential land developments.

The following table summarizes our nonperforming assets and TDRs at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010:

 
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June 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Balance
   
Number of
Loans
   
Balance
   
Number
of Loans
 
                         
Nonaccrual loans:
                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 514       8     $ 2,164       8  
Real estate - construction
    17,536       36       10,722       24  
Real estate - mortgage:
                               
Owner-occupied commercial
    1,281       2       635       1  
1-4 family mortgage
    878       5       202       1  
Other mortgage
    -       -       -       -  
Total real estate - mortgage
    2,159       7       837       2  
Consumer
    374       1       624       1  
Total nonaccrual loans:
  $ 20,583       52     $ 14,347       35  
                                 
90+ days past due and accruing:
                               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 542       1     $ -       -  
Real estate - construction
    -       -       -       -  
Real estate - mortgage:
                               
Owner-occupied commercial
    -       -       -       -  
1-4 family mortgage
    -       -       -       -  
Other mortgage
    -       -       -       -  
Total real estate - mortgage
    -       -       -       -  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -  
Total 90+ days past due and accruing:
  $ 542       1     $ -       -  
                                 
Total nonperforming loans:
  $ 21,125       53     $ 14,347       35  
                                 
Plus: Other real estate owned
    6,931       29       6,966       39  
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 28,056       82     $ 21,313       74  
                                 
Restructured accruing loans (TDRs):
                               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 2,440       10     $ 2,398       9  
Real estate - construction
                    -       -  
Real estate - mortgage:
                               
Owner-occupied commercial
    2,357       1       -       -  
1-4 family mortgage
    -       -       -       -  
Other mortgage
    340       1       -       -  
Total real estate - mortgage
    2,697       2       -       -  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -  
Total restructured accruing loans:
  $ 5,137       12     $ 2,398       9  
                                 
Total nonperforming assets and
                               
restructured accruing loans
  $ 33,193       94     $ 23,711       83  
                                 
Ratios:
                               
Nonperforming loans to total loans
    1.35 %             1.03 %        
Nonperforming assets to total loans plus other real estate owned
    1.79 %             1.52 %        
Nonperforming loans plus restructured accruing loans to total loans plus other real estate owned
    1.67 %             1.19 %        
 
 
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The balance of nonperforming assets can fluctuate due to changes in economic conditions.  We have established a policy to discontinue accruing interest on a loan (i.e., place the loan on nonaccrual status) after it has become 90 days delinquent as to payment of principal or interest, unless the loan is considered to be well collateralized and is actively in the process of collection. In addition, a loan will be placed on nonaccrual status before it becomes 90 days delinquent unless management believes that the collection of interest is expected. Interest previously accrued but uncollected on such loans is reversed and charged against current income when the receivable is determined to be uncollectible. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized only as received. If we believe that a loan will not be collected in full, we will increase the allowance for loan losses to reflect management’s estimate of any potential exposure or loss.  Generally, payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied directly to principal.

Impaired Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

We have allocated approximately $6.5 million of our allowance for loan losses to real estate construction, including acquisition and development and lot loans, $5.8 million to commercial, financial and agricultural loans, and $3.7 million to other loan types. We have a total loan loss reserve as of June 30, 2011 allocable to specific loan types of $16.0 million.  Another $3.5 million of our allowance for loan losses is based on our judgments regarding various external and internal factors, including macroeconomic trends, our assessment of the Bank’s loan growth prospects, and evaluations of internal risk controls.  The total resulting loan loss reserve is $19.5 million.  Based upon historical performance, known factors, overall judgment, and regulatory methodologies, including consideration for the effect of current residential housing market defaults and business failures plaguing financial institutions in general, management believes that the current methodology used to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reasonable.

As of June 30, 2011, we had impaired loans of $51.7 million inclusive of nonaccrual loans, a slight increase of $0.2 million from $51.5 million as of December 31, 2010.  We allocated $4.9 million of our allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2011 to these impaired loans. A loan is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement.  Impairment does not always indicate credit loss, but provides an indication of collateral exposure based on prevailing market conditions and third-party valuations.  Impaired loans are measured by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. The amount of impairment, if any, and subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses. Interest on accruing impaired loans is recognized as long as such loans do not meet the criteria for nonaccrual status.  Our credit risk management team performs verification and testing to ensure appropriate identification of impaired loans and that proper reserves are held on these loans.

Of the $51.7 million of impaired loans reported as of June 30, 2011, $30.9 million were real estate – construction loans, $7.8 million were commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, $5.9 million were commercial real estate loans, and $4.1 million were residential real estate loans.  The remaining $3.0 million of impaired loans consisted of other mortgages and consumer loans. Of the $30.9 million of impaired real estate – construction loans, $15.3 million (a total of 27 loans with 13 builders) were residential construction loans, and $6.2 million consisted of various residential lot loans to nine builders.

Deposits

Total deposits increased $45,158,000, or 2.57%, to $1,803,874,000 at June 30, 2011 compared to $1,758,716,000 at December 31, 2010.  We anticipate long-term sustainable growth in deposits through continued development of market share in our less mature markets and through organic growth in our mature markets.

 
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For amounts and rates of our deposits by category, see the table “Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis on a Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis” under the subheading “Net Interest Income”

Other Borrowings

We have paid off our two advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.  The payoffs occurred in March and June 2011.  As discussed more fully under “Noninterest Expense” below, we incurred prepayment penalties totaling $738,000 by repaying these advances early.  As discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we borrowed $15.5 million through the issuance of trust preferred securities and the related debenture on September 2, 2008.  Both financial instruments bear an identical annual rate of interest of 8.50% and pay interest on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year.  The current book value of this borrowing is $15.4 million as a result of amortization of the discount associated with 75,000 warrants issued to the holders of the Preferred Securities.  As discussed in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we borrowed $15.0 million through the issuance of trust preferred securities and the related debenture on March 15, 2010.  Both financial instruments bear an identical rate of interest of 6.00% and pay interest on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year.  As discussed in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, on June 23, 2009, the Bank issued a $5.0 million subordinated note due June 1, 2016 in a private placement.  The note bears interest at an annual rate of 8.25% payable on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year.

Liquidity

Liquidity is defined as our ability to generate sufficient cash to fund current loan demand, deposit withdrawals, and other cash demands and disbursement needs, and otherwise to operate on an ongoing basis.

 The retention of existing deposits and attraction of new deposit sources through new and existing customers is critical to our liquidity position. If our liquidity were to decline due to a run-off in deposits, we have procedures that provide for certain actions under varying liquidity conditions. These actions include borrowing from existing correspondent banks, selling or participating loans, and curtailing loan commitments and funding.  At June 30, 2011, liquid assets, which are represented by cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and unpledged available-for-sale securities, totaled $317 million.  Additionally, the Bank had additional borrowing availability of approximately $416 million in unused federal funds lines of credit with regional banks, subject to certain restrictions and collateral requirements. We believe these sources of funding are adequate to meet immediate anticipated funding needs, but we will need additional capital to maintain our current growth. Our management meets on a quarterly basis to review sources and uses of funding to determine the appropriate strategy to ensure an appropriate level of liquidity. At the current time, our long-term liquidity needs primarily relate to funds required to support loan originations and commitments and deposit withdrawals. Our regular sources of funding are from the growth of our deposit base, repayment of principal and interest on loans, the sale of loans and the renewal of time deposits.  In addition, we have issued debt as described above under “Other Borrowings”.

We are subject to general FDIC guidelines that require a minimum level of liquidity. Management believes our liquidity ratios meet or exceed these guidelines. Our management is not currently aware of any trends or demands that are reasonably likely to result in liquidity materially increasing or decreasing.

 
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The following table reflects the contractual maturities of our term liabilities as of June 30, 2011. The amounts shown do not reflect any early withdrawal or prepayment assumptions.

   
Payments due by Period
 
   
Total
   
1 year or less
   
Over 1 - 3
years
   
Over 3 - 5
years
   
Over 5 years
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Contractual Obligations (1)
                             
                               
Deposits without a stated maturity
  $ 1,473,035     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Certificates of deposit (2)
    330,839       194,386       106,041       30,390       22  
Subordinated debentures
    30,000       -       -       -       30,000  
Subordinated note payable
    5,000       -       -       -       5,000  
Operating lease commitments
    18,009       2,193       3,952       3,914       7,950  
Total
  $ 1,856,883     $ 196,579     $ 109,993     $ 34,304     $ 42,972  

(1)  Excludes interest
(2)  Certificates of deposit give customers the right to early withdrawal.  Early withdrawals may be subject to penalties.
The penalty amount depends on the remaining time to maturity at the time of early withdrawal.

Capital Adequacy

In the first quarter of 2010, we formed ServisFirst Capital Trust II, which issued 15,000 shares of its 6.0% Mandatory Convertible Trust Preferred Securities (the “Preferred Securities”) for $15,000,000 on March 15, 2010.  The Trust invested all of the proceeds from the sale of the Trust Securities in the Company’s 6.0% Junior Subordinated Mandatory Convertible Deferrable Interest Debentures due March 15, 2040 in the principal amount of $15,050,000 (the “Subordinated Debentures”).  The Preferred Securities were offered and sold to accredited investors in a private placement.  The Federal Reserve Board has deemed these securities to qualify as Tier 1 capital of the Company up to 25% of Tier 1 capital elements.  See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the issuance and sale of the Preferred Securities.

On June 30, 2011, we completed the sale of 340,000 shares of our common stock in a private placement to 105 accredited investors and 20 non-accredited investors for $30.00 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $10,200,000.  The private placement was in conjunction with our entry into the Pensacola, Florida market.  The offering, completed on June 30, 2011, was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, and no underwriter or placement agent was involved in the private placement.

 
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On June 21, 2011, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to which we issued and sold to the Treasury 40,000 shares of our Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $40,000,000.  The issuance was pursuant to the Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion.  The Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends payable quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 2011.  The dividend rate, which is calculated on the aggregate Liquidation Amount, has been initially set at 1% per annum based upon the current level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” (“QSBL”) by the Bank.  The dividend rate for future dividend periods will be set based upon the percentage change in qualified lending between each dividend period and the baseline QSBL level established at the time the Agreement was entered into.  Such dividend rate may vary from 1% per annum to 5% per annum for the second through tenth dividend periods, from 1% per annum to 7% per annum for the eleventh through the first half of the nineteenth dividend periods.  If the Series A Preferred Stock remains outstanding for more than four-and-one-half years, the dividend rate will be fixed at 9%.  Prior to that time, in general, the dividend rate decreases as the level of the Bank’s QSBL increases.  Such dividends are not cumulative, but the Company may only declare and pay dividends on its common stock (or any other equity securities junior to the Series A Preferred Stock) if it has declared and paid dividends for the current dividend period on the Series A Preferred Stock, and will be subject to other restrictions on its ability to repurchase or redeem other securities.  In addition, if (i) we have not timely declared and paid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for six dividend periods or more, whether or not consecutive, and (ii) shares of Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate liquidation preference of at least $25,000,000 are still outstanding, the Treasury (or any successor holder of Series A Preferred Stock) may designate two additional directors to be elected to our Board of Directors.

As more completely described in the Certificate of Designation, holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have the right to vote as a separate class on certain matters relating to the rights of holders of Series A Preferred Stock and on certain corporate transactions.  Except with respect to such matters and, if applicable, the election of the additional directors described above, the Series A Preferred Stock does not have voting rights.

We may redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the sum of the Liquidation Amount per share and the per-share amount of any unpaid dividends for the then-current period, subject to any required prior approval by our primary federal banking regulator.

As of June 30, 2011, our most recent notification from the FDIC categorized us as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To remain categorized as well-capitalized, we must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as disclosed in the table below. Our management believes that we are well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action provisions as of June 30, 2011.

 
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The following table sets forth (i) the capital ratios required by the FDIC and the Alabama Banking Department’s leverage ratio requirement and (ii) our actual ratios of capital to total regulatory or risk-weighted assets, as of June 30, 2011, December 31, 2010, and June 30, 2010:

   
Actual
   
For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   
To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of June 30, 2011:
                                   
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets:
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 230,075       14.50 %   $ 126,967       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    226,026       14.24 %     126,956       8.00 %     158,695       10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
    205,614       12.96 %     63,484       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    201,565       12.70 %     63,478       4.00 %     95,217       6.00 %
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
    205,614       10.67 %     77,113       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    201,565       10.47 %     77,006       4.00 %     96,257       5.00 %
                                                 
As of December 31, 2010:
                                               
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 166,850       11.82 %   $ 112,927       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    166,721       11.81 %     112,978       8.00 %     141,222       10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
    144,263       10.22 %     56,464       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    144,117       10.20 %     56,489       4.00 %     84,733       6.00 %
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
    144,263       7.77 %     74,266       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    144,117       7.77 %     74,236       4.00 %     92,795       5.00 %
                                                 
As of June 30, 2010:
                                               
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 155,039       11.80 %   $ 105,221       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    154,786       11.78 %     105,165       8.00 %     131,457       10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
    134,397       10.23 %     52,611       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    134,144       10.21 %     52,583       4.00 %     78,874       6.00 %
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:
                                               
Consolidated
    134,397       8.48 %     63,423       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
ServisFirst Bank
    134,144       8.46 %     63,409       4.00 %     79,262       5.00 %

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business we are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit beyond current fundings, credit card arrangements, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in our balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement we have in those particular financial instruments.

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to such financial instruments is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.

 
40

 

As part of our mortgage operations, we originate and sell certain loans to investors in the secondary market.  We continue to experience a manageable level of investor repurchase demands.  For loans sold, we have an obligation to either repurchase the outstanding principal balance of a loan or make the purchaser whole for the economic benefits of a loan if it is determined that the loans sold were in violation of representations and warranties made by ServisFirst at the time of the sale.  Representations and warranties typically include those made regarding loans that had missing or insufficient file documentation or loans obtained through fraud by borrowers or other third parties such as appraisers.  There were no expenses incurred as part of these buyback obligations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to $104,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk at June 30, 2011 are as follows:

   
(In Thousands)
 
Commitments to extend credit
  $ 604,929  
Credit card arrangements
    18,069  
Standby letters of credit
    52,469  
Federal fund lines of credit
    13,200  
    $ 688,667  

Commitments to extend credit beyond current funded amounts are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the applicable loan agreement. Such commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit is based on our management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. All letters of credit are due within one year or less of the original commitment date. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

Federal funds lines of credit are uncommitted lines issued to downstream correspondent banks for the purpose of providing liquidity to them.  The lines are unsecured, and we have no obligation to sell federal funds to the correspondent, nor does the correspondent have any obligation to request or accept purchases of federal funds from us.

 
41

 

Results of Operations

Summary of Net Income

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $5,845,000, compared to net income of $4,021,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $10,716,000, compared to net income of $8,034,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  The increase in net income was primarily attributable to increased net interest income as a result of growth in average earning assets and a decrease in the provision for loan losses.  Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased to $18,048,000, or 17.90%, compared to $15,308,000 for the same period in 2010.  Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased to $35,024,000, or 15.92%, compared to $30,214,000 for the same period in 2010.  Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased to $9,369,000, or 23.91%, compared to $7,561,000 in 2010, and for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased to $17,966,000, or 19.83%, compared to $14,993,000 in 2010.  The provision for loan losses decreased $1,043,000 to $1,494,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, and decreased $1,350,000 to $3,725,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.  This decrease in provision for loan loss was primarily due to a decline in net charge-offs compared to recent historical levels, leading to a lower overall reserve requirement.  In addition, improvements in risk ratings and pay-downs on other loans lead to smaller than normal increases in specific allocations of loan loss reserves for the first half of 2011.  Noninterest income increased $778,000 to $1,782,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, and increased $917,000 to $3,053,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. A portion of the increase in noninterest expense was the result of a $738,000 prepayment fee relating to the prepayment of our two $10,000,000 notes payable to the Federal Home Loan Bank, which is more fully explained in “Other Borrowings” above.  The addition of staff in our new Pensacola location, which opened April 1, and the addition of a correspondent banking team during the first quarter of 2011 also contributed to the increase in operating expenses.  Basic and diluted net income per common share were $1.02 and $0.89, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2011, compared to $0.73 and $0.65, respectively, for the same period in 2010.  Basic and diluted net income per common share were $1.88 and $1.65, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared to $1.46 and $1.33, respectively, for the same period in 2010.  Return on average assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was 1.22% and 1.14%, respectively, compared to 1.02% and 1.04% in 2010, and return on average stockholders’ equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was 17.30% and 16.56%, respectively, compared to 15.34% and 15.77% in 2010.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between the income earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities used to support such assets. The major factors which affect net interest income are changes in volumes, the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. Our management’s ability to respond to changes in interest rates by effective asset-liability management techniques is critical to maintaining the stability of the net interest margin and the momentum of our primary source of earnings.

Taxable-equivalent net interest income increased $2,852,000, or 18.35%, to $18,391,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $15,539,000 in 2010, and increased $5,588,000, or 18.20%, to $36,293,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $30,705,000 in 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to growth in average earning assets.  The taxable-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets decreased to 4.79% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from 5.04% for the same period in 2010, and decreased to 4.77% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from 5.09% for the same period in 2010.  The yield on loans for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was 5.25% compared to 5.33% for the same period in 2010, and 5.27% compared to 5.36% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Loan fees included in the yield calculation decreased to $153,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from $211,000 for the same period in 2010, and decreased to $304,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from $398,000 for the same period in 2010.  Loan fees decreased due to the origination of fewer real estate construction loans.  The cost of total interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 1.07% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from 1.16% for the same period in 2010, and to 1.00% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from 1.16% for the same period in 2010.

 
42

 

The following tables show, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the average balances of each principal category of our assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, and an analysis of net interest revenue.  The accompanying tables reflect changes in our net interest margin as a result of changes in the volume and rate of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the same periods.  Changes as a result of mix or the number of days in the periods have been allocated to the volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.  The tables are presented on a taxable-equivalent basis where applicable:

 
43

 
 
   
Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
On a Fully Taxable-Equivalent Basis
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
 
             
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
Earned /
Paid
   
Average
Yield / Rate
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
Earned /
Paid
   
Average
Yield / Rate
 
Assets:
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans, net of unearned income (1)
  $ 1,512,972     $ 19,813       5.25 %   $ 1,256,458     $ 16,708       5.33 %
Mortgage loans held for sale
    3,385       31       3.67       4,294       42       3.92  
Investment securities:
                                               
Taxable
    165,402       1,441       3.49       175,088       1,669       3.82  
Tax-exempt (2)
    78,509       1,047       5.35       55,120       776       5.65  
Total investment securities (3)
    243,911       2,488       4.09       230,208       2,445       4.26  
Federal funds sold
    78,504       36       0.18       28,171       16       0.23  
Restricted equity securities
    4,499       18       1.60       4,024       13       1.30  
Interest-bearing balances with banks
    31,491       19       0.24       7,621       3       0.16  
Total interest-earning assets
  $ 1,874,762     $ 22,405       4.79 %   $ 1,530,776     $ 19,227       5.04 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    29,208                       25,371                  
Net fixed assets and equipment
    4,900                       5,019                  
Allowance for loan losses, accrued interest and other assets
    17,294                       23,675                  
Total assets
  $ 1,926,164                     $ 1,584,841                  
                                                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 289,996     $ 299       0.41 %   $ 241,929     $ 314       0.52 %
Savings deposits
    8,162       10       0.49       2,379       3       0.51  
Money market accounts
    861,238       1,730       0.81       737,956       1,383       0.75  
Time deposits
    308,016       1,224       1.59       240,317       1,129       1.88  
Federal funds purchased
    -       -       0.00       1,142       3       1.05  
Other borrowings
    42,229       751       7.13       55,260       856       6.21  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 1,509,641     $ 4,014       1.07     $ 1,278,983     $ 3,688       1.16  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    274,906                       195,753                  
Other liabilities
    6,062                       4,937                  
Stockholders' equity
    131,463                       102,294                  
Unrealized gains on securities and derivatives
    4,092                       2,874                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,926,164                     $ 1,584,841                  
Net interest spread
                    3.73 %                     3.88 %
Net interest margin
                    3.93 %                     4.07 %

 
(1)
Non-accrual loans are included in average loan balances in all periods.  Loan fees of $153,000 and $211,000 are included in interest income in 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
(2)
Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%.
 
(3)
Unrealized gains of $6,295,000 and $4,356,000 are excluded from the yield calculation in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
44

 

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
       
   
2011 Compared to 2010 Increase (Decrease)
in Interest Income and Expense Due to
Changes in:
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Loans, net of unearned income
    3,363       (258 )     3,105  
Mortgages held for sale
    (8 )     (3 )     (11 )
Investment securities:
                       
Securities - taxable
    (89 )     (139 )     (228 )
Securities - non taxable
    314       (43 )     271  
Federal funds sold
    24       (4 )     20  
Restricted equity securities
    2       3       5  
Interest-bearing balances with banks
    13       3       16  
Total interest-earning assets
    3,619       (441 )     3,178  
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    57       (72 )     (15 )
Savings
    7       -       7  
Money market accounts
    243       104       347  
Time deposits
    286       (191 )     95  
Federal funds purchased
    (2 )     (1 )     (3 )
Other borrowed funds
    (220 )     115       (105 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    371       (45 )     326  
Increase in net interest income
    3,248       (396 )     2,852  
 
 
45

 
 
   
Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
On a Fully Taxable-Equivalent Basis
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
 
             
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned /
Paid
   
Average
Yield / Rate
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Earned /
Paid
   
Average
Yield / Rate
 
Assets:
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans, net of unearned income (1)
  $ 1,468,728     $ 38,406       5.27 %   $ 1,237,864     $ 32,877       5.36 %
Mortgage loans held for sale
    3,769       69       3.69       3,810       77       4.08  
Investment securities:
                                               
Taxable
    175,407       2,986       3.43       181,681       3,422       3.80  
Tax-exempt (2)
    77,775       2,086       5.41       55,168       1,559       5.70  
Total investment securities (3)
    253,182       5,072       4.04       236,849       4,981       4.24  
Federal funds sold
    75,676       72       0.19       15,902       18       0.23  
Restricted equity securities
    4,283       35       1.65       3,886       25       1.30  
Interest-bearing balances with banks
    40,940       49       0.24       7,835       11       0.28  
Total interest-earning assets
  $ 1,846,578     $ 43,703       4.77 %   $ 1,506,146     $ 37,989       5.09 %
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Cash and due from banks
    27,518                       23,790                  
Net fixed assets and equipment
    4,873                       5,130                  
Allowance for loan losses, accrued interest and other assets
    15,523                       21,968                  
Total assets
  $ 1,894,492                     $ 1,557,034                  
                                                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 301,111     $ 625       0.42 %   $ 232,905     $ 621       0.54 %
Savings deposits
    7,423       19       0.52       2,140       5       0.47  
Money market accounts
    849,291       3,404       0.81       722,272       2,680       0.75  
Time deposits
    295,190       2,350       1.61       245,927       2,376       1.95  
Federal funds purchased
    -       -       0.00       9,883       31       0.63  
Other borrowings
    48,379       1,012       4.22       49,003       1,571       6.46  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
  $ 1,501,394     $ 7,410       1.00     $ 1,262,130     $ 7,284       1.16  
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
    260,137                       188,305                  
Other liabilites
    2,503                       3,884                  
Stockholders' equity
    126,950                       100,220                  
Unrealized gains on securities and derivatives
    3,508                       2,495                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,894,492                     $ 1,557,034                  
Net interest spread
                    3.78 %                     3.92 %
Net interest margin
                    3.96 %                     4.11 %

(1)
Non-accrual loans are included in average loan balances in all periods.  Loan fees of $304,000 and $398,000 are included
 
in interest income in 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)
Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%.
(3)
Unrealized gains of $5,396,000 and $3,781,000 are excluded from the yield calculation in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
46

 

   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
       
   
2011 Compared to 2010 Increase (Decrease)
in Interest Income and Expense Due to
Changes in:
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Loans, net of unearned income
    6,044       (515 )     5,529  
Mortgages held for sale
    (1 )     (7 )     (8 )
Investment securities:
                       
Taxable
    (115 )     (321 )     (436 )
Tax-exempt
    610       (83 )     527  
Federal funds sold
    57       (3 )     54  
Restricted equity securities
    2       8       10  
Interest-bearing balances with banks
    40       (2 )     38  
Total interest-earning assets
    6,637       (923 )     5,714  
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    159       (155 )     4  
Savings
    14       -       14  
Money market accounts
    497       227       724  
Time deposits
    431       (457 )     (26 )
Federal funds purchased
    (31 )     -       (31 )
Other borrowed funds
    (20 )     (539 )     (559 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,050       (924 )     126  
Increase in net interest income
    5,587       1       5,588  

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses represents the amount determined by management to be necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level capable of absorbing inherent losses in the loan portfolio.  Our management reviews the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.  The allowance for loan losses calculation is segregated into various segments that include classified loans, loans with specific allocations and pass rated loans.  A pass rated loan is generally characterized by a very low to average risk of default and in which management perceives there is a minimal risk of loss.  Loans are rated using a nine-point risk grade scale with loan officers having the primary responsibility for assigning risk grades and for the timely reporting of changes in the risk grades.  These processes, and the assigned risk grades, the criticized and classified loans in the portfolio are segregated into the following regulatory classifications:  Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful or Loss, with some general allocation of reserve based on these grades.  At June 30, 2011, total loans rated Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful were $105.8 million, or 6.8% of total loans, compared to $98.3 million, or 7.1% of total loans, at December 31, 2010.  Impaired loans are reviewed specifically and separately under FASB ASC 310-30-35, Subsequent Measurement of Impaired Loans, to determine the appropriate reserve allocation.  Our management compares the investment in an impaired loan with the present value of expected future cash flow discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral-dependent, to determine the specific reserve allowance.  Reserve percentages assigned to non-impaired loans are based on historical charge-off experience adjusted for other risk factors.  To evaluate the overall adequacy of the allowance to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio, our management considers historical loss experience based on volume and types of loans, trends in classifications, volume and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals, economic conditions and other pertinent information.  Based on future evaluations, additional provisions for loan losses may be necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level.
 
 
47

 
 
The provision for loan losses was $1,494,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011, a decrease of $1,043,000 from $2,537,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2010.  The provision for loan losses was $3,725,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011, a $1,350,000 decrease compared to $5,075,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2010.  Our management continues to maintain a proactive approach to credit risk management. Nonperforming loans increased to $21.1 million, or 1.35% of total loans, at June 30, 2011 from $14,300,000, or 1.02% of total loans, at December 31, 2010, and were also higher than $8,038,000, or 0.62% of total loans, at June 30, 2010.  Impaired loans increased slightly to $51.7 million, or 3.3% of total loans at June 30, 2011, compared with $51.5 million, or 3.7% of total loans at December 31, 2010.  The allowance for loan losses totaled $19.5 million, or 1.25% of loans, net of unearned income, at June 30, 2011, compared to $18.1 million, or 1.31% of loans, net of unearned income, at December 31, 2010 and $18.1 million, or 1.30% of loans, net of unearned income, at June 30, 2010.
 
Noninterest Income

Noninterest income totaled $1,782,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011, an increase of $778,000, or 77.49%, compared to the same period in 2010, and totaled $3,053,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011, an increase of $917,000, or 42.93%, compared to the same period in 2010. These increases were primarily attributable to gains on the sale of available-for-sale securities in 2011. Income from mortgage banking operations for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $476,000, up $143,000, or 42.94%, from $333,000 for the same period in 2010, and for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $827,000, up $80,000, or 10.71%, from $747,000 for the same period in 2010.  Income from customer service charges and fees for the three months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $41,000, or 6.97%, to $547,000 from $588,000 for the same period in 2010, and for the six months ended June 30, 2011 decreased $40,000, or 3.47%, to $1,114,000 from $1,154,000 for the same period in 2010.  Merchant service fees were $26,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011, a decrease of $73,000, or 73.74%, compared to $99,000 for the same period in 2010, and were $101,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011, a decrease of $99,000, or 49.50%, compared to $200,000 for the same period in 2010. The sale of OREO resulted in a gain of $1,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to a loss of $123,000 during the same period in 2010, and was $32,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to a loss of $175,000 during the same period in 2010.

 
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Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense totaled $9,369,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011, an increase of $1,808,000, or 23.91%, compared to $7,561,000 in 2010, and totaled $17,966,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011, an increase of $2,973,000, or 19.83%, compared to $14,993,000 in 2010.   The increase was primarily attributable to increased salary and benefit costs and occupancy expense associated with opening a new office in Dothan in 2010, entering the Pensacola, Florida market with a new office in April 2011, and entering the correspondent banking business during the first quarter of 2011.  Salary and benefit expense increased $1,879,000, or 59.71%, to $5,026,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from $3,147,000 for the same period in 2010, and increased $2,611,000, or 39.39%, to $9,240,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from $6,629,000 for the same period in 2010.  We had 195 full-time equivalent employees at June 30, 2011 compared to 162 at June 30, 2010, a 20.37% increase.  Most of this increase in number of employees was due to our expansion into the Pensacola, Florida market and our addition of new business units in Birmingham.  Occupancy expense increased $160,000, or 20.67%, to $934,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from $774,000 for the same period in 2010 and increased $266,000, or 17.12%, to $1,820,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from $1,554,000 for the same period in 2010.  Data processing expenses decreased $67,000, or 12.62%, to $464,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 from $531,000 for the same period in 2010 but increased $34,000, or 3.36%, to $1,047,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from $1,013,000 for the same period in 2010.  The increase for the six months periods was due to payment of a de-conversion fee of $83,000 to our prior credit card vendor in March 2011.  Our FDIC assessment for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $224,000, a decrease of $761,000, or 77.26%, from $985,000 in assessments during the same period in 2010.  Our FDIC assessment for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $956,000, a decrease of $663,000, or 40.95%, from $1,619,000 in assessments during the same period in 2010.  The decreases in assessments are due to the combined impact of adjustments made in 2010 related to the prepaid assessments mandated by the FDIC at the end of 2009 and decreases in the assessment rates starting in the second quarter of 2011.  Expenses related to OREO decreased $620,000  to $135,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011, from $755,000 for the same period in 2010 and decreased $671,000 to $389,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from $1,060,000 for the same period in 2010.  ORE expenses decreased due to lower write-downs of values, which dropped to approximately $107,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from approximately $533,000 for the same period in 2010, and lower costs to complete in-process construction, which dropped to approximately $62,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 from approximately $234,000 for the same period in 2010.  We also incurred prepayment penalties in connection with the prepayment of our two fixed rate advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.  The penalty for the first advance paid off during the first quarter of 2011 was $256,000, and the penalty for the second advance paid off in the second quarter of 2011 was $482,000, for a total cost of $738,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $3,122,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2011 versus $2,193,000 for the same period in 2010, and was $5,670,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 versus $4,248,000 for the same period in 2010.  Our effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was 34.82% and 34.60%, respectively, compared to 35.29% and 34.59%, respectively, for the same period in 2010.  Our primary permanent differences are related to SFAS 123(R) option expenses and tax-free income.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Like all financial institutions, we are subject to market risk from changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is inherent in the balance sheet due to the mismatch between the maturities of rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities. If rates are rising, and the level of rate-sensitive liabilities exceeds the level of rate-sensitive assets, the net interest margin will be negatively impacted. Conversely, if rates are falling, and the level of rate-sensitive liabilities is greater than the level of rate-sensitive assets, the impact on the net interest margin will be favorable. Managing interest rate risk is further complicated by the fact that all rates do not change at the same pace; in other words, short-term rates may be rising while longer-term rates remain stable. In addition, different types of rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities react differently to changes in rates.
 
To manage interest rate risk, we must take a position on the expected future trend of interest rates. Rates may rise, fall or remain the same. Our asset-liability committee develops its view of future rate trends and strives to manage rate risk within a targeted range by monitoring economic indicators, examining the views of economists and other experts, and understanding the current status of our balance sheet. Our annual budget reflects the anticipated rate environment for the next 12 months. The asset-liability committee conducts a quarterly analysis of the rate sensitivity position and reports its results to our board of directors.

 
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The asset-liability committee thoroughly analyzes the maturities of rate-sensitive assets and liabilities. This analysis measures the “gap”, which is defined as the difference between the dollar amount of rate-sensitive assets repricing during a period and the volume of rate-sensitive liabilities repricing during the same period. The gap is also expressed as the ratio of rate-sensitive assets divided by rate-sensitive liabilities. If the ratio is greater than one, the dollar value of assets exceeds the dollar value of liabilities; the balance sheet is “asset-sensitive.” Conversely, if the value of liabilities exceeds the value of assets, the ratio is less than one and the balance sheet is “liability-sensitive.” Our internal policy requires management to maintain the gap such that net interest margins will not change more than 10% if interest rates change 100 basis points or more than 15% if interest rates change 200 basis points.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

CEO and CFO Certification.

Appearing as exhibits to this report are Certifications of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). The Certifications are required to be made by Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). This item contains the information about the evaluation that is referred to in the Certifications, and the information set forth below in this Item 4 should be read in conjunction with the Certifications for a more complete understanding of the Certifications.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

We conducted an evaluation (the “Evaluation”) of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, as of June 30, 2011. Based upon the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of June 30, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries is made known to management, including the CEO and CFO, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared.

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting, except as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time we may be a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings except as disclosed in Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and there has been no material change in any matter described therein.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business is influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict, involve uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and are often beyond our control. We have identified a number of these risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, which should be taken into consideration when reviewing the information contained in this report. There have been no material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K. For other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement or projection contained in this report, see “Forward-Looking Statements” under Part 1, Item 2 above.

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

All information required by this Item has previously been reported on Form 8-K.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibit:
31.01
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31.02
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
32.01
Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.02
Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

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

 
SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
 
       
Date: August 3, 2011
By
/s/ Thomas A. Broughton III
 
   
Thomas A. Broughton III
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
       
Date: August 3, 2011
By
/s/ William M. Foshee
 
   
William M. Foshee
   
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
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