UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark one)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

 

¨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 001-36452

 

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.)

 

850 Shades Creek Parkway, Birmingham, Alabama 35209
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
   

(205) 949-0302

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

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

 

Title of each class   Name of exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $.001 per share   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

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

None

(Title of Class)

 

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 x 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 “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ 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 April 28, 2016
Common stock, $.001 par value   26,211,948

 

 

 

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements 3
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 23
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 36
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 37
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 37
Item 1 Legal Proceedings 37
Item 1A. Risk Factors 37
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 37
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 37
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 38
Item 5. Other Information 38
Item 6. Exhibits 38
 
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

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   (Unaudited)   (1) 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $56,714   $46,614 
Interest-bearing balances due from depository institutions   440,513    270,836 
Federal funds sold   28,410    34,785 
Cash and cash equivalents   525,637    352,235 
Available for sale debt securities, at fair value   334,567    342,938 
Held to maturity debt securities (fair value of $28,409 and $27,910 at          
March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)   27,539    27,426 
Equity securities   5,667    4,954 
Mortgage loans held for sale   5,090    8,249 
Loans   4,340,900    4,216,375 
Less allowance for loan losses   (45,145)   (43,419)
Loans, net   4,295,755    4,172,956 
Premises and equipment, net   20,989    19,434 
Accrued interest and dividends receivable   13,416    13,698 
Deferred tax assets   22,697    23,425 
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets   4,044    5,392 
Bank owned life insurance contracts   92,218    91,594 
Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets   15,239    15,330 
Other assets   15,741    17,878 
Total assets  $5,378,599   $5,095,509 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Liabilities:          
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing  $1,070,275   $1,053,467 
Interest-bearing   3,269,472    3,170,421 
Total deposits   4,339,747    4,223,888 
Federal funds purchased   497,885    352,360 
Other borrowings   55,543    55,637 
Accrued interest payable   3,643    2,369 
Other liabilities   10,841    12,108 
Total liabilities   4,907,659    4,646,362 
Stockholders' equity:          
Preferred stock, Series A Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual, par value $.001 (liquidation preference $1,000), net of discount; 40,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015   -    - 
Preferred stock, par value $.001 per share; 1,000,000 shares authorized and 960,000 currently undesignated   -    - 
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 26,182,698 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and 25,972,698 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015   26    26 
Additional paid-in capital   215,948    211,546 
Retained earnings   249,704    234,150 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   4,885    3,048 
Total stockholders' equity attributable to ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.   470,563    448,770 
Noncontrolling interest   377    377 
Total stockholders' equity   470,940    449,147 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $5,378,599   $5,095,509 

 

(1)derived from audited financial statements

 

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 March 31, 
   2016   2015 
Interest income:          
Interest and fees on loans  $47,247   $38,646 
Taxable securities   1,269    1,128 
Nontaxable securities   858    860 
Federal funds sold   73    77 
Other interest and dividends   514    72 
Total interest income   49,961    40,783 
Interest expense:          
Deposits   4,361    3,270 
Borrowed funds   1,421    476 
Total interest expense   5,782    3,746 
Net interest income   44,179    37,037 
Provision for loan losses   2,059    2,405 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   42,120    34,632 
Noninterest income:          
Service charges on deposit accounts   1,307    1,207 
Mortgage banking   668    454 
Securities gains   -    29 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   624    648 
Other operating income   1,127    739 
Total noninterest income   3,726    3,077 
Noninterest expense:          
Salaries and employee benefits   11,067    9,008 
Equipment and occupancy expense   1,985    1,661 
Professional services   738    568 
FDIC and other regulatory assessments   750    620 
OREO expense   449    214 
Merger expense   -    2,096 
Other operating expense   4,592    4,584 
Total noninterest expense   19,581    18,751 
Income before income taxes   26,265    18,958 
Provision for income taxes   8,616    5,903 
Net income   17,649    13,055 
Preferred stock dividends   -    100 
Net income available to common stockholders  $17,649   $12,955 
           
Basic earnings per common share  $0.68   $0.51 
           
Diluted earnings per common share  $0.66   $0.49 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 4 

 

 

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2016   2015 
Net income  $17,649   $13,055 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:          
Unrealized holding gains arising during period from securities available for sale, net of tax of $984 and $401 for 2016 and 2015, respectively   1,837    745 
Reclassification adjustment for net gain on sale of securities in net income, net of tax of $10   -    (19)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax   1,837    726 
Comprehensive income  $19,486   $13,781 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 5 

 

 

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 AND 2015

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

                   Accumulated         
           Additional       Other       Total 
   Preferred   Common   Paid-in   Retained   Comprehensive   Noncontrolling   Stockholders' 
   Stock   Stock   Capital   Earnings   Income   Interest   Equity 
Balance, December 31, 2015  $-   $26   $211,546   $234,150   $3,048   $377   $449,147 
Common dividends declared, $0.08 per share   -    -    -    (2,095)   -    -    (2,095)
Issue 205,500 shares of common stock upon exercise and vesting of stock options   -    -    1,752    -    -    -    1,752 
Excess tax benefit on exercise of stock options   -    -    2,307    -    -    -    2,307 
Stock-based compensation expense   -    -    343    -    -    -    343 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    1,837    -    1,837 
Net income   -    -    -    17,649    -    -    17,649 
Balance, March 31, 2016  $-   $26   $215,948   $249,704   $4,885   $377   $470,940 
                                    
Balance, December 31, 2014  $39,958   $25   $185,397   $177,091   $4,490   $252   $407,213 
Common dividends declared, $0.06 per share   -    -    -    (1,539)   -    -    (1,539)
Preferred dividends paid   -    -    -    (100)   -    -    (100)
Issue 636,592 shares of common stock as consideration for Metro Bancshares, Inc. acquisition   -    1    19,355    -    -    -    19,356 
Issue 215,500 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards   -    -    1,326    -    -    -    1,326 
Excess tax benefit on exercise and vesting of stock options   -    -    995    -    -    -    995 
Stock-based compensation expense   -    -    301    -    -    -    301 
Issue 125 shares of REIT preferred stock   -    -    -    -    -    125    125 
Other comprehensive income   -    -    -    -    726    -    726 
Net income   -    -    -    13,055    -    -    13,055 
Balance, March 31, 2015  $39,958   $26   $207,374   $188,507   $5,216   $377   $441,458 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 6 

 

 

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 AND 2015

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

   2016   2015 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net income  $17,649   $13,055 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Deferred tax (benefit) expense   (255)   3,941 
Provision for loan losses   2,059    2,405 
Depreciation   730    512 
Accretion on acquired loans   (290)   (369)
Amortization of core deposit intangible   91    74 
Net amortization of debt securities available for sale   634    634 
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest and dividends receivable   282    (293)
Stock-based compensation expense   343    301 
Increase in accrued interest payable   1,274    576 
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale   27,918    24,475 
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale   (24,091)   (30,421)
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale   (668)   (454)
Gain on sale of debt securities available for sale   -    (29)
Net loss (gain) on sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets   19    (20)
Write down of other real estate owned   373    125 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance contracts   (624)   (648)
Losses of tax credit partnerships   38    38 
Excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options and vesting of stock awards   (2,307)   (995)
Net change in other assets, liabilities, and other operating activities   1,792    (1,029)
Net cash provided by operating activities   24,967    11,878 
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES          
Purchase of debt securities available for sale   (10,069)   (5,334)
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of debt securities available for sale   21,119    9,688 
Proceeds from sale of debt securities available for sale   -    16,548 
Purchase of debt securities held to maturity   (439)   - 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of debt securities held to maturity   326    229 
Increase in loans   (124,622)   (100,510)
Purchase of premises and equipment   (2,285)   (301)
Purchase of equity securities   (708)   (533)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned and repossessed assets   1,013    1,928 
Expenditures to complete construction of other real estate owned   (3)   - 
Net cash paid in acquisition of Metro Bancshares, Inc.   -    (12,883)
Net cash used in investing activities   (115,668)   (91,168)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Increase in noninterest-bearing deposits   16,808    9,005 
Increase in interest-bearing deposits   99,051    55,844 
Increase in federal funds purchased   145,525    14,410 
Paydown of Federal Home Loan Bank advance   (100)   (100)
Proceeds from sale of preferred shares   -    125 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants   1,752    1,326 
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options and warrants   2,307    995 
Dividends on common stock   (1,240)   - 
Dividends on preferred stock   -    (100)
Net cash provided by financing activities   264,103    81,505 
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   173,402    2,215 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   352,235    297,464 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $525,637   $299,679 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE          
Cash paid for:          
Interest  $4,508   $3,081 
Income taxes   674    530 
Income tax refund for Metro Bancshares, Inc. loss carryback   (867)   - 
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS          
Other real estate acquired in settlement of loans   1,076    1,202 
Internally financed sales of other real estate owned and repossessed assets   1,022    452 
Dividends declared  $2,095   $1,539 
Fair value of assets and liabilities from acquisition:          
Fair value of tangible assets acquired  $-   $201,821 
Other intangible assets acquired   -    18,143 
Fair value of liabilities assumed   -    (179,682)
Net identifiable assets acquired over liabilities assumed  $-   $40,282 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 7 

 

  

SERVISFIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2016

(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, 2015.

 

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

 

NOTE 2 - ACQUISITION

 

On January 31, 2015, the Company completed its acquisition of Metro and Metro Bank, its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, for an aggregate of $20.9 million in cash and 636,592 shares of Company common stock. The acquisition of Metro was the Company’s entrance into the greater Atlanta, Georgia area and added two banking offices.

 

The following table provides a summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as recorded by Metro, the fair value adjustments necessary to adjust those acquired assets and assumed liabilities to estimated fair value, and the resultant fair values of those assets and liabilities as recorded by the Company.

 

   January 31, 2015 
   As recorded by
Metro
   Fair value
adjustment (1)
       As recorded by
the Company
 
Assets acquired:                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $8,543   $-        $8,543 
Debt securities   28,833    (41)   a    28,792 
Equity securities   499    -         499 
Loans   152,869    (3,874)   b    148,995 
Allowance for loan losses   (1,621)   1,621    b    - 
Premises and equipment, net   7,606    762    c    8,368 
Accrued interest receivable   484    -         484 
Deferred taxes   754    3,153    d    3,907 
Other real estate owned   2,373    (25)   e    2,348 
Bank owned life insurance contracts   2,685    -         2,685 
Core deposit intangible   -    2,090    f    2,090 
Other assets   364    -         364 
Total assets acquired  $203,389   $3,686        $207,075 
Liabilities assumed:                    
Deposits   175,236    518    g    175,754 
Federal funds purchased   2,175    -         2,175 
Other borrowings   1,400    (4)   h    1,396 
Accrued interest payable   89    -         89 
Other liabilities   996    -         996 
Total liabilities assumed  $179,896   $514        $180,410 
Net assets acquired  $23,493   $3,172        $26,665 
Consideration Paid:                    
Cash                 $(20,926)
Stock                  (19,356)
Total consideration paid                 $(40,282)
Goodwill                 $13,617 

 

 8 

 

  

(1)The Company’s acquisition of Metro closed on January 31, 2015. Accordingly, each of the fair value adjustments shown are preliminary estimates of the purchase accounting adjustments. Management is continuing to evaluate each of these fair value adjustments and may revise one or more of them in future periods based on this continuing evaluation. To the extent that any of the preliminary fair value adjustments are revised in future periods, the resultant fair values and the amount of goodwill recorded by the Company will change.

 

Explanation of preliminary fair value adjustments:

 

a-Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s pricing of the acquired debt securities portfolio.
b-Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio and to eliminate the recorded allowance for loan losses.
c-Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the premises and equipment acquired.
d-Adjustment reflects the differences in the carrying values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities for financial statement purposes and their basis for federal income tax purposes.
e-Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the other real estate owned acquired.
f-Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment for the core deposit intangible asset recorded as a result of the acquisition.
g-Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired deposits.
h-Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the assumed debt.

 

The estimated fair value of the purchased credit impaired loans acquired in the Metro transaction on January 31, 2015 was $5.1 million and is immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Pro forma financial information is not provided because such amounts are immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

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 4 - 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.

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2016   2015 
   (In Thousands, Except Shares and
Per Share Data)
 
Earnings per common share        
Weighted average common shares outstanding   26,097,363    25,396,241 
Net income available to common stockholders  $17,649   $12,955 
Basic earnings per common share  $0.68   $0.51 
           
Weighted average common shares outstanding   26,097,363    25,396,241 
Dilutive effects of assumed conversions and exercise of stock options and warrants   469,447    841,739 
Weighted average common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding   26,566,810    26,237,980 
Net income, available to common stockholders  $17,649   $12,955 
Diluted earnings per common share  $0.66   $0.49 

 

 9 

 

  

NOTE 5 - SECURITIES

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

 

   Amortized Cost   Gross
Unrealized Gain
   Gross
Unrealized Loss
   Fair Value 
  (In Thousands) 
March 31, 2016    
Securities Available for Sale                    
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies  $42,566   $1,022   $-   $43,588 
Mortgage-backed securities   128,912    3,429    (13)   132,328 
State and municipal securities   140,659    3,058    (29)   143,688 
Corporate debt   14,920    76    (33)   14,963 
Total  $327,057   $7,585   $(75)  $334,567 
Securities Held to Maturity                    
Mortgage-backed securities  $21,339   $472   $(72)  $21,739 
State and municipal securities   6,200    471    (1)   6,670 
Total  $27,539   $943   $(73)  $28,409 
                     
December 31, 2015                    
Securities Available for Sale                    
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies  $44,581   $569   $(141)  $45,009 
Mortgage-backed securities   135,363    1,945    (354)   136,954 
State and municipal securities   143,403    2,731    (101)   146,033 
Corporate debt   14,902    67    (27)   14,942 
Total  $338,249   $5,312   $(623)  $342,938 
Securities Held to Maturity                    
Mortgage-backed securities  $21,666   $368   $(332)  $21,702 
State and municipal securities   5,760    449    (1)   6,208 
Total  $27,426   $817   $(333)  $27,910 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of March 31, 2016 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities of mortgage-backed securities since the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or prepaid with or without penalty. Therefore, these securities are not included in the maturity categories along with the other categories of debt securities.

 

   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value   Amortized
Cost
   Fair Value 
   (In thousands) 
Debt securities available for sale                    
Due within one year  $22,124   $22,282   $16,770   $16,868 
Due from one to five years   146,175    149,370    153,880    156,311 
Due from five to ten years   29,846    30,587    32,236    32,805 
Due after ten years   -    -    -    - 
Mortgage-backed securities   128,912    132,328    135,363    136,954 
   $327,057   $334,567   $338,249   $342,938 
                     
Debt securities held to maturity                    
Due from five to ten years  $627   $660   $627   $659 
Due after ten years   5,573    6,010    5,133    5,549 
Mortgage-backed securities   21,339    21,739    21,666    21,702 
   $27,539   $28,409   $27,426   $27,910 

 

 10 

 

  

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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2016, 11 of the Company’s 750 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 March 31, 2016. 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       Gross       Gross     
   Unrealized       Unrealized       Unrealized     
   Losses   Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value   Losses   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
March 31, 2016:                        
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
Mortgage-backed securities   -    -    (85)   8,669    (85)   8,669 
State and municipal securities   (23)   5,988    (7)   1,109    (30)   7,097 
Corporate debt   (33)   7,936    -    -    (33)   7,936 
Total  $(56)  $13,924   $(92)  $9,778   $(148)  $23,702 
                               
December 31, 2015:                              
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies  $(141)  $3,886   $-   $-   $(141)  $3,886 
Mortgage-backed securities   (354)   56,609    (332)   11,712    (686)   68,321 
State and municipal securities   (55)   15,464    (47)   4,531    (102)   19,995 
Corporate debt   (27)   2,961    -    -    (27)   2,961 
Total  $(577)  $78,920   $(379)  $16,243   $(956)  $95,163 

 

NOTE 6 – LOANS

 

The following table details the Company’s loans at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2016   2015 
   (Dollars In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $1,799,133   $1,760,479 
Real estate - construction   254,254    243,267 
Real estate - mortgage:          
Owner-occupied commercial   1,055,852    1,014,669 
1-4 family mortgage   458,031    444,134 
Other mortgage   723,542    698,779 
Subtotal: Real estate - mortgage   2,237,425    2,157,582 
Consumer   50,088    55,047 
Total Loans   4,340,900    4,216,375 
Less: Allowance for loan losses   (45,145)   (43,419)
Net Loans  $4,295,755   $4,172,956 
           
Commercial, financial and agricultural   41.45%   41.75%
Real estate - construction   5.86%   5.77%
Real estate - mortgage:          
Owner-occupied commercial   24.32%   24.07%
1-4 family mortgage   10.55%   10.53%
Other mortgage   16.67%   16.57%
Subtotal: Real estate - mortgage   51.54%   51.17%
Consumer   1.15%   1.31%
Total Loans   100.00%   100.00%

 

 11 

 

  

The credit quality of the loan portfolio is summarized no less frequently than quarterly using categories similar to the standard asset classification system used by the federal banking agencies. The following table presents credit quality indicators for the loan loss portfolio segments and classes. These categories are utilized to develop the associated allowance for loan losses using historical losses adjusted for current economic conditions defined as follows:

 

·Pass – loans which are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor(s) or by the fair value, less cost to acquire and sell, of any underlying collateral.

 

·Special Mention – loans with potential weakness that may, if not reversed or corrected, weaken the credit or inadequately protect the Company’s position at some future date. These loans are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant an adverse classification.

 

·Substandard – loans that exhibit well-defined weakness or weaknesses that presently jeopardize debt repayment. These loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

·Doubtful – loans that have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard, plus the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable and improbable.

 

Loans by credit quality indicator as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

       Special             
March 31, 2016  Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $1,736,917   $42,155   $20,061   $-   $1,799,133 
Real estate - construction   242,654    6,884    4,716    -    254,254 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   1,032,774    6,371    16,707    -    1,055,852 
1-4 family mortgage   452,482    2,596    2,953    -    458,031 
Other mortgage   708,749    11,263    3,530    -    723,542 
Total real estate - mortgage   2,194,005    20,230    23,190    -    2,237,425 
Consumer   50,028    30    30    -    50,088 
Total  $4,223,604   $69,299   $47,997   $-   $4,340,900 

 

       Special             
December 31, 2015  Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $1,701,591   $47,393   $11,495   $-   $1,760,479 
Real estate – construction   233,046    6,221    4,000    -    243,267 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   988,762    18,169    7,738    -    1,014,669 
1-4 family mortgage   437,834    3,301    2,999    -    444,134 
Other mortgage   683,157    11,086    4,536    -    698,779 
Total real estate - mortgage   2,109,753    32,556    15,273    -    2,157,582 
Consumer   54,973    42    32    -    55,047 
Total  $4,099,363   $86,212   $30,800   $-   $4,216,375 

 

 12 

 

  

Loans by performance status as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

March 31, 2016  Performing   Nonperforming   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $1,797,280   $1,853   $1,799,133 
Real estate - construction   250,838    3,416    254,254 
Real estate - mortgage:               
Owner-occupied commercial   1,055,852    -    1,055,852 
1-4 family mortgage   457,589    442    458,031 
Other mortgage   722,737    805    723,542 
Total real estate - mortgage   2,236,178    1,247    2,237,425 
Consumer   50,054    34    50,088 
Total  $4,334,350   $6,550   $4,340,900 

 

December 31, 2015  Performing   Nonperforming   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $1,758,561   $1,918   $1,760,479 
Real estate - construction   239,267    4,000    243,267 
Real estate - mortgage:               
Owner-occupied commercial   1,014,669    -    1,014,669 
1-4 family mortgage   443,936    198    444,134 
Other mortgage   697,160    1,619    698,779 
Total real estate - mortgage   2,155,765    1,817    2,157,582 
Consumer   55,015    32    55,047 
Total  $4,208,608   $7,767   $4,216,375 

 

Loans by past due status as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

March 31, 2016  Past Due Status (Accruing Loans)             
               Total Past             
   30-59 Days   60-89 Days   90+ Days   Due   Non-Accrual   Current   Total Loans 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $39   $-   $-   $39   $1,853   $1,797,241   $1,799,133 
Real estate - construction   110    -    -    110    3,416    250,728    254,254 
Real estate - mortgage:                                   
Owner-occupied commercial   1,041    -    -    1,041    -    1,054,811    1,055,852 
1-4 family mortgage   592    -    250    842    192    456,997    458,031 
Other mortgage   -    -    163    163    642    722,737    723,542 
Total real estate - mortgage   1,633    -    413    2,046    834    2,234,545    2,237,425 
Consumer   19    32    4    55    30    50,003    50,088 
Total  $1,801   $32   $417   $2,250   $6,133   $4,332,517   $4,340,900 

 

December 31, 2015  Past Due Status (Accruing Loans)             
               Total Past             
   30-59 Days   60-89 Days   90+ Days   Due   Non-Accrual   Current   Total Loans 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $50   $35   $-   $85   $1,918   $1,758,476   $1,760,479 
Real estate - construction   198    12    -    210    4,000    239,057    243,267 
Real estate - mortgage:                                   
Owner-occupied commercial   -    -    -    -    -    1,014,669    1,014,669 
1-4 family mortgage   -    210    -    210    198    443,726    444,134 
Other mortgage   -    -    -    -    1,619    697,160    698,779 
Total real estate - mortgage   -    210    -    210    1,817    2,155,555    2,157,582 
Consumer   45    6    1    52    31    54,964    55,047 
Total  $293   $263   $1   $557   $7,766   $4,208,052   $4,216,375 

 

 13 

 

  

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, economic conditions, and other risks inherent in the portfolio. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of the estimated cash flows. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense, and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

The methodology utilized for the calculation of the allowance for loan losses is divided into four distinct categories. Those categories include allowances for non-impaired loans (ASC 450), impaired loans (ASC 310), external qualitative factors, and internal qualitative factors. A description of each category of the allowance for loan loss methodology is listed below.

 

Non-Impaired Loans. Non-impaired loans are grouped into the following homogeneous loan pools by loan type: commercial and industrial, construction and development, commercial real estate, second lien home equity lines of credit, and all other loans. Each loan pool is stratified by internal risk rating and multiplied by a loss allocation percentage derived from the loan pool historical loss rate. The historical loss rate is based on an age weighted five year history of net charge-offs experienced by pool, with the most recent net charge-off experience given a greater weighting. This results in the expected loss rate per year, adjusted by a qualitative adjustment factor and a years-to-impairment factor, for each pool of loans to derive the total amount of allowance for non-impaired loans.

 

Impaired Loans. Loans are considered impaired when based on current information and events it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the loan agreement. The collection of all amounts due according to contractual terms means that both the contractual interest and principal payments of a loan will be collected as scheduled in the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of collateral, reduced by costs to sell on a discounted basis, is used if a loan is collateral-dependent. Fair value estimates for specifically impaired collateral-dependent loans are derived from appraised values based on the current market value or “as is” value of the property, normally from recently received and reviewed appraisals. Appraisals are obtained from certified and licensed appraisers and are based on certain assumptions, which may include construction or development status and the highest and best use of the property. These appraisals are reviewed by our credit administration department, and values are adjusted downward to reflect anticipated disposition costs. Once this estimated net realizable value has been determined, the value used in the impairment assessment is updated for each impaired loan. As subsequent events dictate and estimated net realizable values decline, required reserves may be established or further adjustments recorded.

 

External Qualitative Factors. The determination of the portion of the allowance for loan losses relating to external qualitative factors is based on consideration of the following factors: gross domestic product growth rate, changes in prime rate, delinquency trends, peer delinquency trends, year over year loan growth and state unemployment rate trends. Data for the three most recent periods is utilized in the calculation for each external qualitative component. The factors have a consistent weighted methodology to calculate the amount of allowance due to external qualitative factors.

 

Internal Qualitative Factors. The determination of the portion of the allowance for loan losses relating to internal qualitative factors is based on the consideration of criteria which includes the following: number of extensions and deferrals, single pay and interest only loans, current financial information, credit concentrations and risk grade accuracy. A self-assessment for each of the criteria is made with a consistent weighted methodology used to calculate the amount of allowance required for internal qualitative factors.

 

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015. 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   Real estate -   Real estate -         
   agricultural   construction   mortgage   Consumer   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
   Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Balance at December 31, 2015  $21,495   $5,432   $16,061   $431   $43,419 
Charge-offs   (50)   (381)   -    (18)   (449)
Recoveries   3    16    97    -    116 
Provision   1,391    (62)   743    (13)   2,059 
Balance at March 31, 2016  $22,839   $5,005   $16,901   $400   $45,145 

 

 14 

 

  

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Balance at December 31, 2014  $16,079   $6,395   $12,112   $1,043   $35,629 
Charge-offs   (77)   (382)   (433)   (5)   (897)
Recoveries   19    99    101    -    219 
Provision   836    (223)   1,766    26    2,405 
Balance at March 31, 2015  $16,857   $5,889   $13,546   $1,064   $37,356 

 

   As of March 31, 2016 
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $3,645   $793   $1,733   $30   $6,201 
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   19,194    4,212    15,168    370    38,944 
                          
Loans:                         
Ending Balance  $1,799,133   $254,254   $2,237,425   $50,088   $4,340,900 
Individually Tested for Impairment   20,075    4,767    25,762    39    50,643 
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   1,779,058    249,487    2,211,663    50,049    4,290,257 

 

   As of December 31, 2015 
Allowance for loan losses:                         
Individually Evaluated for Impairment  $2,698   $1,223   $1,730   $32   $5,683 
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   18,797    4,209    14,331    399    37,736 
                          
Loans:                         
Ending Balance  $1,760,479   $243,267   $2,157,582   $55,047   $4,216,375 
Individually Evaluated for Impairment   11,513    4,052    17,880    46    33,491 
Collectively Evaluated for Impairment   1,748,966    239,215    2,139,702    55,001    4,182,884 

 

The following table presents details of the Company’s impaired loans as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Loans which have been fully charged off do not appear in the table.

 

   March 31, 2016 
               For the three months 
               ended March 31, 2016 
                   Interest 
       Unpaid       Average   Income 
   Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded   Recognized 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment   in Period 
   (In Thousands) 
With no allowance recorded:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $2,176   $2,184   $-   $2,182   $24 
Real estate - construction   776    1,640    -    1,242    1 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   11,384    11,545    -    11,925    166 
1-4 family mortgage   2,105    2,272    -    2,335    42 
Other mortgage   3,085    3,078    -    3,100    43 
Total real estate - mortgage   16,574    16,895    -    17,360    251 
Consumer   9    13    -    9    - 
Total with no allowance recorded   19,535    20,732    -    20,793    276 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural   17,899    19,899    3,645    18,009    280 
Real estate - construction   3,991    3,991    793    3,966    19 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   7,895    7,895    1,253    7,948    94 
1-4 family mortgage   848    848    345    846    5 
Other mortgage   445    445    135    451    4 
Total real estate - mortgage   9,188    9,188    1,733    9,245    103 
Consumer   30    30    30    31    - 
Total with allowance recorded   31,108    33,108    6,201    31,251    402 
                          
Total Impaired Loans:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural   20,075    22,083    3,645    20,191    304 
Real estate - construction   4,767    5,631    793    5,208    20 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   19,279    19,440    1,253    19,873    260 
1-4 family mortgage   2,953    3,120    345    3,181    47 
Other mortgage   3,530    3,523    135    3,551    47 
Total real estate - mortgage   25,762    26,083    1,733    26,605    354 
Consumer   39    43    30    40    - 
Total impaired loans  $50,643   $53,840   $6,201   $52,044   $678 

 

 15 

 

  

   December 31, 2015 
               For the twelve months 
               ended December 31, 2015 
                   Interest 
       Unpaid       Average   Income 
   Recorded   Principal   Related   Recorded   Recognized 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance   Investment   In Period 
   (In Thousands) 
With no allowance recorded:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $478   $487   $-   $482   $24 
Real estate - construction   161    163    -    370    1 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   3,980    4,140    -    3,815    214 
1-4 family mortgage   2,396    2,572    -    2,409    147 
Other mortgage   4,079    4,694    -    4,559    222 
Total real estate - mortgage   10,455    11,406    -    10,783    583 
Consumer   14    20    -    18    1 
Total with no allowance recorded   11,108    12,076    -    11,653    609 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural   11,035    13,035    2,698    13,882    672 
Real estate - construction   3,891    4,370    1,223    3,920    - 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   6,365    6,365    1,328    9,958    568 
1-4 family mortgage   603    603    263    567    19 
Other mortgage   457    457    139    880    17 
Total real estate - mortgage   7,425    7,425    1,730    11,405    604 
Consumer   32    32    32    34    - 
Total with allowance recorded   22,383    24,862    5,683    29,241    1,276 
                          
Total Impaired Loans:                         
Commercial, financial and agricultural   11,513    13,522    2,698    14,364    696 
Real estate - construction   4,052    4,533    1,223    4,290    1 
Real estate - mortgage:                         
Owner-occupied commercial   10,345    10,505    1,328    13,773    782 
1-4 family mortgage   2,999    3,175    263    2,976    166 
Other mortgage   4,536    5,151    139    5,439    239 
Total real estate - mortgage   17,880    18,831    1,730    22,188    1,187 
Consumer   46    52    32    52    1 
Total impaired loans  $33,491   $36,938   $5,683   $40,894   $1,885 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) at March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015 totaled $6.8 million, $7.7 million and $8.3 million, respectively. At March 31, 2016, the Company had a related allowance for loan losses of $0.9 million allocated to these TDRs, compared to $0.9 million at December 31, 2015 and $1.2 million at March 31, 2015. All loans classified as TDRs were performing as agreed under the terms of their restructured plans as of March 31, 2016 and 2015. There were no modifications made to new TDRs or renewals of existing TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

No TDRs which were modified in the previous twelve months (i.e., the twelve months prior to default) defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2016 or 2015. For purposes of this disclosure, default is defined as 90 days past due and still accruing or placement on nonaccrual status.

 

 16 

 

  

NOTE 7 - EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR BENEFITS

 

Stock Options

 

At March 31, 2016, the Company had stock incentive plans as described below. The compensation cost that has been charged to earnings for the plans was approximately $343,000 and $301,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

The Company’s 2005 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan allows for the grant of stock options to purchase up to 3,075,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company’s 2009 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of up to 2,775,000 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 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 estimates the fair value of each stock option award using a Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model which incorporates 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.

 

   2016   2015 
Expected volatility   29.00%   24.00%
Expected dividends   0.60%   0.75%
Expected term (in years)   6 years    6 years 
Risk-free rate   1.92%   1.71%

 

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015 was $11.53 and $7.61, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015:

 

           Weighted     
       Weighted   Average     
       Average   Remaining     
       Exercise   Contractual   Aggregate 
   Shares   Price   Term (years)   Intrinsic Value 
               (In Thousands) 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016:                    
Outstanding at January 1, 2016   1,249,417   $13.32    6.3   $42,743 
Granted   99,000    38.21    9.8    - 
Exercised   (205,500)   8.53    4.6    7,372 
Forfeited   (4,500)   39.04    9.3    24 
Outstanding at March 31, 2016   1,138,417    16.24    6.7   $32,058 
                     
Exercisable at March 31, 2016   391,418   $9.47    5.2   $13,672 
                     
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015:                    
Outstanding at January 1, 2015   1,622,917   $9.38    5.9   $38,256 
Granted   85,500    30.77    9.9    - 
Exercised   (215,500)   6.19    3.1    5,774 
Forfeited   -    -    -    - 
Outstanding at March 31, 2015   1,492,917    11.06    6.3   $32,737 
                     
Exercisable at March 31, 2015   383,418   $8.64    4.5   $9,335 

 

As of March 31, 2016, there was $2,651,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options. The cost is expected to be recognized on the straight-line method over the next 2.6 years.

 

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Restricted Stock

 

The Company has issued 241,588 shares of restricted stock to certain employees. The value of restricted stock awards is determined to be the current value of the Company’s stock at the time of grant, 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 March 31, 2016, there was $633,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense. The expense is expected to be recognized evenly over the remaining 2.3 years of the restricted stock’s vesting period.

 

NOTE 8 - DERIVATIVES

 

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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were not material.

 

NOTE 9 – RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Under the ASU, an entity presents debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. For public entities, the amendments in ASU 2015-03 were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company early adopted the amendments in ASU 2015-03. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had reported its $34.75 million of 5.50% Subordinated Notes due November 9, 2022 net of unamortized issue costs of $105,000 and recognized $6,000 of amortization in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

In August 2015, the FASB issue ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements: Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting, to clarify the SEC staff’s position on presenting and measuring debt issuance costs incurred in connection with line-of-credit arrangements given the lack of guidance on this topic in ASU 2015-03. The SEC staff has announced that it would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. ASU 2015-15 was effective upon issuance for all entities. The Company, having early adopted the amendments in ASU 2015-03, considers the amendments in this ASU to have no effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.  The amendments modify the evaluation reporting organizations must perform to determine if certain legal entities should be consolidated as VIEs. Specifically, the amendments: (1) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities; (2) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (3) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (4) provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. ASU No. 2015-02 became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company has adopted the provisions these amendments, and they have no impact on the Company’s financial reporting.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The amendments in ASU 2015-16 require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to estimated amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the estimated amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments also require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the estimated amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. Adoption of these amendments had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTE 10 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date. This ASU defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606), issued in May 2014, by one year. ASU 2014-09 is discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the date of the original effective date, for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2015-14 and ASU 2014-09.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-1, Financial Instruments Overall (Topic 825): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in ASU 2016-1: (a) require equity investments (except for those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (b) simplify the impairment assessment of equity securities without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (c) eliminate the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (d) require public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (e) require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income, the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (f) require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial assets on the balance sheet or the notes to the financial statements; and (g) clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The FASB issued this ASU to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under current U.S. GAAP and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application of this ASU is permitted for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The amendments eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. The amendments require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increase the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue versus Net) (“ASU 2016-08”), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations in the new revenue recognition standard. ASU 2016-08 clarifies how an entity should identify the unit of accounting (i.e. the specified good or service) for the principal versus agent evaluation and how it should apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements. The amendments in ASU 2016-08 affect the guidance in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and have similar effective dates and transition requirements (i.e., effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new revenue recognition guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 11 - 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.

 

Debt 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 pricing services provided by independent vendors. Such independent pricing services are to advise the Company on the carrying value of the securities available for sale portfolio. As part of the Company’s procedures, the price provided from the service is evaluated for reasonableness given market changes. When a questionable price exists, the Company investigates further to determine if the price is valid. If needed, other market participants may be utilized to determine the correct fair value. The Company has also reviewed and confirmed its determinations in discussions with the pricing source regarding their methods of price discovery. 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.

 

Impaired Loans. Impaired loans are measured and reported at fair value when full payment under the loan terms is not probable. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate in a discounted cash flow calculation, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent. Expected cash flows are based on internal inputs reflecting expected default rates on contractual cash flows. This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value described in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820-10 and would generally result in a higher value than the exit-price approach. For loans measured using the estimated fair value of collateral less costs to sell, fair value is generally determined based on appraisals performed by certified and licensed appraisers using inputs such as absorption rates, capitalization rates, and market comparables, adjusted for estimated costs to sell. Management modifies the appraised values, if needed, to take into account recent developments in the market or other factors, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition. Such modifications to the appraised values could result in lower valuations of such collateral. Estimated costs to sell are based on current amounts of disposal costs for similar assets. These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. 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. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly based on the same factors identified above. The amount recognized as an impairment charge related to impaired loans that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis was $911,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2016, and $1,301,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

 

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. Appraisals are performed by certified and licensed appraisers. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically and assets are marked to current fair value, not to exceed the new cost basis. In the determination of fair value subsequent to foreclosure, management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates and market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in adjustment to lower the property value estimates indicated in the appraisals. These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. A loss on the sale and write-downs of OREO of $392,000 and $105,000 was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and during the three months ended March 31, 2015, 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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Residential real estate loan foreclosures classified as OREO totaled $715,000 as of March 31, 2016 and $1,141,000 as of December 31, 2015.

 

No residential real estate loans were in the process of being foreclosed as of March 31, 2016 and as of December 31, 2015.

 

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016 Using     
   Quoted Prices in             
   Active Markets   Significant Other   Significant     
   for Identical   Observable Inputs   Unobservable     
   Assets (Level 1)   (Level 2)   Inputs (Level 3)   Total 
  (In Thousands) 
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis:    
Available for sale debt securities:                    
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies  $-   $43,588   $-   $43,588 
Mortgage-backed securities   -    132,328    -    132,328 
State and municipal securities   -    143,688    -    143,688 
Corporate debt   -    14,963    -    14,963 
Total assets at fair value  $-   $334,567   $-   $334,567 

 

   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using     
   Quoted Prices in             
   Active Markets   Significant Other   Significant     
   for Identical   Observable Inputs   Unobservable     
   Assets (Level 1)   (Level 2)   Inputs (Level 3)   Total 
  (In Thousands) 
Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis:    
Available for sale debt securities:                    
U.S. Treasury and government sponsored agencies  $-   $45,009   $-   $45,009 
Mortgage-backed securities   -    136,954    -    136,954 
State and municipal securities   -    146,033    -    146,033 
Corporate debt   -    14,942    -    14,942 
Total assets at fair value  $-   $342,938   $-   $342,938 

 

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

   Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2016 Using     
   Quoted Prices in             
   Active Markets   Significant Other   Significant     
   for Identical   Observable   Unobservable     
   Assets (Level 1)   Inputs (Level 2)   Inputs (Level 3)   Total 
  (In Thousands) 
Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:    
Impaired loans  $-   $-   $44,442   $44,442 
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets   -    -    4,044    4,044 
Total assets at fair value  $-   $-   $48,486   $48,486 

 

   Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015 Using     
   Quoted Prices in             
   Active Markets   Significant Other   Significant     
   for Identical   Observable   Unobservable     
   Assets (Level 1)   Inputs (Level 2)   Inputs (Level 3)   Total 
  (In Thousands) 
Assets Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis:    
Impaired loans  $-   $-   $27,808   $27,808 
Other real estate owned   -    -    5,392    5,392 
Total assets at fair value  $-   $-   $33,200   $33,200 

 

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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.

 

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

 

Cash and Due from banks: The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition approximate those assets’ fair values.

 

Debt 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. Such independent pricing services are to advise the Company on the carrying value of the securities available for sale portfolio. As part of the Company’s procedures, the price provided from the service is evaluated for reasonableness given market changes. When a questionable price exists, the Company investigates further to determine if the price is valid. If needed, other market participants may be utilized to determine the correct fair value. The Company has also reviewed and confirmed its determinations in discussions with the pricing service regarding their methods of price discovery. 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 fair value hierarchy.

 

Equity securities: Fair values for other investments are considered to be their cost as they are redeemed at par value.

 

Federal funds sold: The carrying amounts reported in the statements of financial condition approximate those assets’ fair values.

 

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.

 

Bank owned life insurance contracts: The carrying amounts in the statements of financial condition approximate these assets’ fair value.

 

Loans, net: 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 ASC 820 and generally produces a higher value than an exit-price approach. The measurement of the fair value of loans is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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 using interest rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The fair value of the Company’s time deposits do not take into consideration the value of the Company’s long-term relationships with depositors, which may have significant value. Measurements of the fair value of certificates of deposit are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Federal funds purchased: The carrying amounts in the statements of condition approximate those assets’ fair value.

 

Other borrowings: The fair values of 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. These measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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 financial instruments consists of non-fee-producing, variable-rate commitments, the Company has determined they do not have a distinguishable fair value.

 

The carrying amount, estimated fair value, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented in the following table. This table includes those financial assets and liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis.

 

   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
   Carrying       Carrying     
   Amount   Fair Value   Amount   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Financial Assets:                    
Level 1 inputs:                    
Cash and due from banks  $497,227   $497,227   $317,450   $317,450 
                     
Level 2 inputs:                    
Available for sale debt securities  $334,567   $334,567   $342,938   $342,938 
Held to maturity debt securities   27,539    28,409    27,426    27,910 
Equity securities   5,667    5,667    4,954    4,954 
Federal funds sold   28,410    28,410    34,785    34,785 
Mortgage loans held for sale   5,090    5,139    8,249    8,295 
Bank owned life insurance contracts   92,218    92,218    91,594    91,594 
                     
Level 3 Inputs:                    
Loans, net  $4,295,755   $4,326,975   $4,172,956   $4,179,835 
                     
Financial Liabilities:                    
Level 2 inputs:                    
Deposits  $4,339,747   $4,341,021   $4,223,888   $4,223,181 
Federal funds purchased   497,885    497,885    352,360    352,360 
Other borrowings   55,543    54,307    55,637    52,521 

 

NOTE 12 – 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 March 31, 2016, and events which occurred subsequent to March 31, 2016 but were not recognized in the financial statements. As of the date of this filing, there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure.

 

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 March 31, 2016 and for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015.

 

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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. The Company cautions that such forward-looking statements, wherever they occur in this quarterly report or in other statements attributable to the Company, are necessarily estimates reflecting the judgment of the Company’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; 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 and tornados, 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 “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements” and “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. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements that are made from time to time.

 

Business

 

We are a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and are headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ServisFirst Bank, an Alabama banking corporation, provides commercial banking services through nineteen full-service banking offices located in Alabama, the Tampa Bay area of Florida, the panhandle of Florida, the greater Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area, Charleston, South Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee. Through the bank, we originate commercial, consumer and other loans and accept deposits, provide electronic banking services, such as online and mobile banking, including remote deposit capture, deliver treasury and cash management services and provide correspondent banking services to other financial institutions.

 

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. 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, interest paid on our other borrowings, employee compensation, office expenses and other overhead expenses.

 

Overview

 

As of March 31, 2016, we had consolidated total assets of $5.38 billion, up $0.28 billion, or 5.6%, from total assets of $5.10 billion at December 31, 2015. Total loans were $4.34 billion at March 31, 2016, up $0.12 billion, or 3.0%, from $4.22 billion at December 31, 2015. Total deposits were $4.34 billion at March 31, 2016, up $0.12 billion, or 2.7%, from $4.22 billion at December 31, 2015.

 

Net income available to common stockholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 was $17.6 million, an increase of $4.6 million, or 35.4%, from $13.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.68 and $0.66, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.51 and $0.49, respectively, for the corresponding period in 2015. This increase in net income was primarily attributable to increased net interest income of $6.2 million resulting from a $650.1 million, or 19.4%, increase in average interest-earning assets from the quarter ended March 31, 2015 to the corresponding period in 2016. This increase in net interest income and average interest-earning assets is further explained in “Results of Operations - Net Interest Income” below.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The accounting and financial policies of the Company conform to U.S. GAAP 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, 2015.

 24 

 

  

Financial Condition

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

At March 31, 2016, we had $28.4 million in federal funds sold, compared to $34.8 million at December 31, 2015. We also maintain balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, which earn interest. At March 31, 2016, we had $438.9 million in balances at the Federal Reserve, compared to $269.4 million at December 31, 2015.

 

Investment Securities

 

Debt securities available for sale totaled $334.6 million at March 31, 2016 and $342.9 million at December 31, 2015. Investment securities held to maturity totaled $27.5 million at March 31, 2016 and $27.4 million at December 31, 2015. We had pay downs of $6.6 million on mortgage-backed securities, calls and maturities of $5.1 million on municipal securities, and one agency call of $2.0 million during the first three months of 2016. We bought $2.6 million of municipal securities and $8.3 of mortgage-backed securities during the first three months of 2016. One municipal security bought during the first three months of 2016 was classified as held to maturity. All other securities bought during the period are classified as available for sale.

 

The objective of our investment policy is to invest funds not otherwise needed to meet our loan demand to earn the maximum return, yet still maintain sufficient liquidity to meet fluctuations in our loan demand and deposit structure. In doing so, we balance the market and credit risks against the potential investment return, make investments compatible with the pledge requirements of any deposits of public funds, maintain compliance with regulatory investment requirements, and assist certain public entities with their financial needs. The investment committee has full authority over the investment portfolio and makes decisions on purchases and sales of securities. The entire portfolio, along with all investment transactions occurring since the previous board of directors meeting, is reviewed by the board at each monthly meeting. The investment policy allows portfolio holdings to include short-term securities purchased to provide us with needed liquidity and longer term securities purchased to generate level income for us over periods of interest rate fluctuations.

 

Each quarter, management assesses whether there have been events or economic circumstances indicating 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 do not have the intent to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity, 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.

 

All securities held are traded in liquid markets. As of March 31, 2016, we owned certain restricted securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank with an aggregate book value and market value of $4.7 million and certain securities of First National Bankers Bank in which we invested $0.4 million. We had no investments in any one security, restricted or liquid, in excess of 10% of our stockholders’ equity.

 

The Company does not invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). All corporate bonds had a Standard and Poor’s or Moody’s rating of A-1 or better when purchased. The total investment portfolio as of March 31, 2016 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 $258.9 million and $245.5 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

 

 25 

 

  

Loans

 

We had total loans of $4.34 billion at March 31, 2016, up of $0.12 billion, or 3.0%, compared to $4.22 billion at December 31, 2015. At March 31, 2016, the percentage of our total loans in each of our markets was as follows:

 

   Percentage of
Total Loans in
MSA
 
Birmingham-Hoover, AL MSA   45.91%
Huntsville, AL MSA   10.44%
Dothan, AL MSA   9.91%
Montgomery, AL MSA   8.29%
Mobile, AL MSA   5.51%
Total Alabama MSAs   80.06%
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL MSA   7.17%
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA   0.04%
Total Florida MSAs   7.21%
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA MSA   3.88%
Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN MSA   6.80%
Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA   2.05%

 

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 believes that the allowance was adequate at March 31, 2016.

 

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. Management believes that the comprehensive allowance analysis developed by our credit administration group is in compliance with all current regulatory guidelines.

 

       Percentage 
       of loans in 
       each 
       category to 
March 31, 2016  Amount   total loans 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $22,839    41.45%
Real estate - construction   5,005    5.86%
Real estate - mortgage   16,901    51.54%
Consumer   400    1.15%
Total  $45,145    100.00%

 

       Percentage 
       of loans in 
       each 
       category to 
December 31, 2015  Amount   total loans 
   (In Thousands) 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $21,495    41.75%
Real estate - construction   5,432    5.77%
Real estate - mortgage   16,061    51.17%
Consumer   431    1.31%
Total  $43,419    100.00%

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

Total nonperforming loans, which include nonaccrual loans and loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing, decreased to $6.6 million at March 31, 2016 compared to $7.8 million at December 31, 2015. Of this total, nonaccrual loans of $6.1 million at March 31, 2016 represented a net decrease of $1.7 million from nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2015. There were four loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing totaling $417,000 at March 31, 2016, compared to one loan 90 or more days past due and still accruing totaling $1,000 at December 31, 2015. Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $6.8 million and $7.7 million, respectively. There were no loans newly classified as a TDR or renewals of existing TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2016 or 2015.

 

 26 

 

  

OREO and repossessed assets decreased to $4.0 million at March 31, 2016, from $5.4 million at December 31, 2015. The total number of OREO and repossessed asset accounts decreased to 13 at March 31, 2016, from 18 at December 31, 2015. The following table summarizes OREO and repossessed asset activity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:

 

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2016   2015 
   (In thousands) 
Balance at beginning of period  $5,392   $6,840 
OREO acquired - Metro   -    2,628 
Transfers from loans and capitalized expenses   1,079    1,203 
Proceeds from sales   (1,013)   (1,928)
Internally financed sales   (1,022)   - 
Write-downs / net loss on sales   (392)   (105)
Balance at end of period  $4,044   $8,638 

 

The following table summarizes our nonperforming assets and TDRs at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

   March 31, 2016   December 31, 2015 
       Number of       Number of 
   Balance   Loans   Balance   Loans 
   (Dollar Amounts In Thousands) 
Nonaccrual loans:                    
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $1,853    6   $1,918    7 
Real estate - construction   3,416    7    4,000    7 
Real estate - mortgage:                    
Owner-occupied commercial   -    -    -    - 
1-4 family mortgage   192    2    198    2 
Other mortgage   642    3    1,619    5 
Total real estate - mortgage   834    5    1,817    7 
Consumer   30    1    31    1 
Total Nonaccrual loans:  $6,133    19   $7,766    22 
                     
90+ days past due and accruing:                    
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $-    -   $-    - 
Real estate - construction   -    -    -    - 
Real estate - mortgage:                    
Owner-occupied commercial   -    -    -    - 
1-4 family mortgage   250    2    -    - 
Other mortgage   163    1    -    - 
Total real estate - mortgage   413    3    -    - 
Consumer   4    2    1    1 
Total 90+ days past due and accruing:  $417    5   $1    1 
                     
Total Nonperforming Loans:  $6,550    24   $7,767    23 
                     
Plus: Other real estate owned and repossessions   4,044    13    5,392    18 
Total Nonperforming Assets  $10,594    37   $13,159    41 
                     
Restructured accruing loans:                    
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $6,525    8   $6,618    8 
Real estate - construction   -    -    -    - 
Real estate - mortgage:                    
Owner-occupied commercial   -    -    -    - 
1-4 family mortgage   -    -    -    - 
Other mortgage   238    1    253    1 
Total real estate - mortgage   238    1    253    1 
Consumer   -    -    -    - 
Total restructured accruing loans:  $6,763    9   $6,871    9 
Total Nonperforming assets and restructured accruing loans  $17,357   46   $20,030   50 
                     
Ratios:                    
Nonperforming loans to total loans   0.15%        0.18%     
Nonperforming assets to total loans plus other real estate owned and repossessions   0.24%        0.31%     
Nonperforming assets plus restructured accruing loans to total loans plus other real estate owned and repossessions   0.40%        0.47%     

  

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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

 

As of March 31, 2016, we had impaired loans of $50.6 million inclusive of nonaccrual loans, an increase of $17.1 million from $33.5 million as of December 31, 2015. This increase is attributable to loans totaling $19.2 million newly classified as specifically impaired, partially offset by OREO transfers of $1.0 million, net loan pay downs of $0.7 million and loan charge-offs of $0.4 million. We allocated $6.2 million of our allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2016 to these impaired loans, an increase of $0.5 million compared to $5.7 million as of December 31, 2015. 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 each 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 $50.6 million of impaired loans reported as of March 31, 2016, $20.0 million were commercial, financial and agricultural loans, $4.8 million were real estate – construction loans, and $25.8 million were real estate - mortgage loans.

 

Deposits

 

Total deposits increased by $.12 billion to $4.34 billion at March 31, 2016 compared to $4.22 billion at December 31, 2015. 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.

 

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” below.

 

Borrowings

 

Our borrowings consist of federal funds purchased and subordinated notes payable. We had $497.9 million and $352.4 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, in federal funds purchased from correspondent banks that are clients of our correspondent banking unit. The average rate paid on these borrowings was 0.64% for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Other borrowings consist of the following:

 

·$20.0 million of 5.50% Subordinated Notes due November 9, 2022, which were issued in a private placement in November 2012;
·$34.75 million of 5% Subordinated Notes due July 15, 2025, which were issued in a private placement in July 2015; and
·$0.9 million of principal reducing advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, which have an interest rate of 0.75% and require quarterly principal payments of $100,000 until maturity on May 22, 2018.
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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 was 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 March 31, 2016, liquid assets, which are represented by cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and unpledged available-for-sale securities, totaled $629.8 million. Additionally, the Bank had borrowing availability of approximately $320.0 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 may need additional funding if we are able to maintain our current growth rate into the future. 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 “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.

 

The following table reflects the contractual maturities of our term liabilities as of March 31, 2016. The amounts shown do not reflect any early withdrawal or prepayment assumptions.

 

   Payments due by Period 
   Total   1 year or less   1 - 3 years   3 - 5 years   Over 5 years 
   (In Thousands) 
Contractual Obligations (1)                         
                          
Deposits without a stated maturity  $3,834,884   $-   $-   $-   $- 
Certificates of deposit (2)   504,863    301,074    148,279    55,330    180 
Federal funds purchased   497,885    497,885    -    -    - 
Subordinated note payable   55,650    400    500    -    54,750 
Operating lease commitments   18,107    3,379    6,183    3,977    4,568 
Total  $4,911,389   $802,738   $154,962   $59,307   $59,498 

 

(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

 

As of March 31, 2016, 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 common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 risk-based, total 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 March 31, 2016.

 

Beginning on January 1, 2016, we and the bank must maintain a capital conservation buffer to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments. This buffer must consist solely of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, but the buffer applies to all three measurements (Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 capital and total capital) in addition to the minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer required for 2016 is common equity equal to .625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase by .625% per year until reaching 2.5% beginning January 1, 2019.

 

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 March 31, 2016, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2015:

 

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   Actual   For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   To Be Well Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective Action
Provisions
 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
As of March 31, 2016:                              
CET 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated  $451,402    9.90%  $205,210    4.50%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   461,663    10.13%   205,152    4.50%  $296,331    6.50%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated   451,779    9.91%   273,613    6.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   462,040    10.13%   273,537    6.00%   364,715    8.00%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated   552,569    12.12%   364,818    8.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   507,685    11.14%   364,715    8.00%   455,894    10.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:                              
Consolidated   451,779    8.65%   208,832    4.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   462,040    8.85%   208,814    4.00%   261,018    5.00%
                               
As of December 31, 2015:                              
CET 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated  $431,642    9.72%  $199,836    4.50%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   439,279    9.89%   199,806    4.50%  $288,608    6.50%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated   432,019    9.73%   266,448    6.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   439,656    9.90%   266,407    6.00%   355,210    8.00%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated   530,688    11.95%   355,264    8.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   483,575    10.89%   355,210    8.00%   444,012    10.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:                              
Consolidated   432,019    8.55%   202,043    4.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   439,656    8.71%   202,023    4.00%   252,529    5.00%
                               
As of March 31, 2015:                              
CET 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated  $379,307    10.10%  $168,996    4.50%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   400,142    10.66%   168,931    4.50%  $244,012    6.50%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated   419,642    11.17%   225,327    6.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   400,519    10.67%   225,242    6.00%   300,322    8.00%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets:                              
Consolidated   476,979    12.70%   300,437    8.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   437,875    11.66%   300,322    8.00%   375,403    10.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets:                              
Consolidated   419,642    10.07%   166,766    4.00%   N/A    N/A 
ServisFirst Bank   400,519    9.61%   166,733    4.00%   208,416    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. During the first quarter of 2016, we funded an initial reserve for losses on such off-balance sheet arrangements consistent with guidance in the Federal Reserve Bank’s Interagency Policy Statement SR 06-17. As of March 31, 2016, we had total reserves of $0.5 million.

 

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 the Bank 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. We had a reserve of $96,000 as of March 31, 2016 and $91,000 as of December 31, 2015 for the settlement of any repurchase demands by investors. We had a request by an investor to repurchase a $0.3 million mortgage loan in December 2014. We refinanced this loan during the first quarter 2016 and have subsequently sold the loan to a second investor and replenished the reserve with the proceeds.

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 Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk at March 31, 2016 are as follows:

 

   March 31, 2016 
   (In Thousands) 
Commitments to extend credit  $1,477,551 
Credit card arrangements   77,330 
Standby letters of credit   32,823 
   $1,587,704 

 

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.

 

Results of Operations

 

Summary of Net Income

 

Net income and net income available to common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $17.6 million compared to net income of $13.1 million and net income available to common stockholders of $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to a $7.2 million increase in net interest income as a result of growth in average earning assets and a $0.6 million increase in non-interest income, offset by a $0.8 million increase in non-interest expense.

 

Basic and diluted net income per common share were $0.68 and $0.66, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $0.51 and $0.49, respectively, for the corresponding period in 2015. Return on average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 1.35% compared to 1.26% for the corresponding period in 2015, and return on average stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 15.38% compared to 12.38% for the corresponding period in 2015.

 

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 $7.2 million, or 19.2%, to $44.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $37.5 million for the corresponding period in 2015. This increase was primarily attributable to a $1.032 billion increase in average earning assets, or 25.8%, year over year. The taxable-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets decreased 15 basis points to 4.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 4.18% for the corresponding period in 2015. The yield on loans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 4.48% compared to 4.48% for the corresponding period in 2015. The cost of total interest-bearing liabilities increased to 0.63% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 0.52% for the corresponding period in 2015. Net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2016 decreased 23 basis points to 3.57% from 3.80% for the corresponding period in 2015.

 

The following table shows, for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, 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:

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Average Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis

On a Fully Taxable-Equivalent Basis

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollar Amounts In Thousands)

 

   2016   2015 
       Interest   Average       Interest   Average 
   Average   Earned /   Yield /   Average   Earned /   Yield / 
   Balance   Paid   Rate   Balance   Paid   Rate 
Assets:                              
Interest-earning assets:                              
Loans, net of unearned income (1) (2)                              
Taxable  $4,230,057   $47,079    4.48%  $3,492,363   $38,522    4.47%
Tax-exempt (3)   10,281    143    5.56    10,180    128    5.10 
Total loans, net of unearned income   4,240,338    47,222    4.48    3,502,543    38,650    4.48 
Mortgage loans held for sale   6,084    70    4.63    6,884    36    2.12 
Investment securities:                              
Taxable   221,722    1,267    2.29    198,104    1,128    2.31 
Tax-exempt (3)   137,763    1,304    3.79    129,525    1,301    4.07 
Total investment securities (4)   359,485    2,571    2.86    327,629    2,429    3.01 
Federal funds sold   48,390    73    0.61    39,438    26    0.27 
Equity securities   4,962    47    3.81    4,354    39    3.63 
Interest-bearing balances with banks   373,339    469    0.51    119,195    83    0.28 
Total interest-earning assets  $5,032,598   $50,452    4.03%  $4,000,043   $41,263    4.18%
Non-interest-earning assets:                              
Cash and due from banks   61,578              61,911           
Net premises and equipment   21,023              13,847           
Allowance for loan losses, accrued interest and other assets   126,491              117,612           
Total assets  $5,241,690             $4,193,413           
                               
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:                              
Interest-bearing liabilities:                              
Interest-bearing demand deposits  $665,039   $581    0.35%  $553,569   $353    0.26%
Savings deposits   41,055    30    0.29    36,128    25    0.28 
Money market accounts   1,979,727    2,490    0.51    1,618,715    1,742    0.44 
Time deposits (5)   507,605    1,260    1.00    446,084    1,150    1.05 
Total interest-bearing deposits   3,193,426    4,361    0.55    2,654,496    3,270    0.50 
Federal funds purchased   441,309    703    0.64    270,549    190    0.28 
Other borrowings   55,630    718    5.19    20,455    285    5.65 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  $3,690,365   $5,782    0.63   $2,945,500   $3,745    0.52 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:                              
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits   1,077,613              813,340           
Other liabilities   12,194              6,745           
Stockholders' equity   457,218              422,847           
Unrealized gains on securities and derivatives   4,300              4,981           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $5,241,690             $4,193,413           
Net interest income       $44,670             $37,518      
Net interest spread             3.40%             3.67%
Net interest margin             3.57%             3.80%

 

(1) Non-accrual loans are included in average loan balances in all periods. Loan fees of $409,000 and $193,000 are included in interest income in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(2) Accretion on acquired loan discounts of $290,000 and $369,000 are included in interest income in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(3) Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%.

(4) Unrealized gains of $6,615,000 and $7,663,000 are excluded from the yield calculation in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(5) Accretion on acquired CD premiums of $92,000 and $63,000 are included in interest expense in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

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   For the Three Months Ended March 31, 
   2016 Compared to 2015 Increase (Decrease) in Interest
Income and Expense Due to Changes in:
 
   Volume   Rate   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
Interest-earning assets:               
Loans, net of unearned income               
Taxable  $8,531   $26   $8,557 
Tax-exempt   1    14    15 
Total loans, net of unearned income   8,532    40    8,572 
Mortgages held for sale   (4)   38    34 
Debt securities:               
Taxable   144    (5)   139 
Tax-exempt   86    (83)   3 
Federal funds sold   7    40    47 
Equity securities   6    2    8 
with banks   282    104    386 
Total interest-earning assets   9,053    136    9,189 
                
Interest-bearing liabilities:               
Interest-bearing demand deposits   82    146    228 
Savings   4    1    5 
Money market accounts   437    311    748 
Time deposits   162    (52)   110 
Total interest-bearing deposits   685    406    1,091 
Federal funds purchased   172    341    513 
Other borrowed funds   458    (25)   433 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,315    722    2,037 
Increase in net interest income  $7,738   $(586)  $7,152 

 

Our growth in loans continues to drive favorable volume component change and overall change. However, we have experienced an unfavorable variance relating to the interest rate component because yields on loans have remained flat while rates paid on deposits have increased. Accordingly, the prolonged low interest rate environment has resulted in a compression of the net interest margin percentage. Growth in non-interest bearing deposits has also contributed to our growth in net interest income.

 

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. Based on 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 various internal and external factors. At March 31, 2016, total loans rated Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful were $117.3 million, or 2.7% of total loans, compared to $117.0 million, or 2.8% of total loans, at December 31, 2015. 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.

 

 33 

 

  

The provision for loan losses was $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.3 million from $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Nonperforming loans decreased to $6.6 million, or 0.15% of total loans, at March 31, 2016 from $7.8 million, or 0.18% of total loans, at December 31, 2015, and were also lower than $8.9 million, or 0.25% of total loans, at March 31, 2015. Impaired loans increased to $50.6 million, or 1.2% of total loans, at March 31, 2016, compared to $33.5 million, or 0.8% of total loans, at December 31, 2015. The allowance for loan losses totaled $45.1 million, or 1.04% of total loans, net of unearned income, at March 31, 2016, compared to $43.4 million, or 1.03% of loans, net of unearned income, at December 31, 2015.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income totaled $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $0.6 million, or 19.4%, compared to the corresponding period in 2015. Service charges on deposit accounts increased to $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $1.2 million during the corresponding period in 2015. Mortgage banking income increased $0.2 million to $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $0.5 million during the corresponding period in 2015, as a result of increased originations and improved pricing margins. Credit card income increased $0.4 million to $0.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the corresponding period in 2015, primarily as a result of increases in volume of activity on existing accounts. The number of credit card accounts increased by 411, or 8.4%, year over year.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

Noninterest expense totaled $19.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of $0.8 million, or 4.3%, compared to $18.8 million for the corresponding period in 2015. Excluding merger expenses related to our acquisition of Metro during the first quarter of 2015, non-interest expense increased $2.9 million, or 17.4%, from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016. Increases in expenses primarily relate to our continued expansion, both within existing markets and into our newer markets, the Tampa Bay area of Florida, Atlanta, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.

 

Further details of expenses are as follows:

 

·Salary and benefit expense increased $2.1 million, or 23.3%, to $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $9.0 million for the corresponding period in 2015. Eight new sales officers were added during the first quarter of 2016, with five of these comprising our team in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, our newest region. Total FTE were 387 as of March 31, 2016 compared to 347 as of March 31, 2015, an 11.5% increase.

 

·Occupancy expense increased $0.3 million, or 17.6%, to $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $1.7 million for the corresponding period in 2015. New main offices were opened in our Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, South Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee regions during the first quarter of 2016. Also, we accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements for our headquarters building in Birmingham, Alabama to coincide with the date we move into our new headquarters building, which we anticipate will be in 2017.

 

·Expenses related to other real estate owned increased to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $0.2 million for the corresponding period in 2015.

 

·Merger expenses related to the acquisition of Metro were $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2015.

 

·Excluding $0.5 million in expense for the initial funding of reserves for unfunded loan commitments as of March 31, 2015, consistent with guidance provided in the Federal Reserve Bank’s Inter-agency Policy Statement SR 06-17, other operating expense increased by 12.4% from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016. Increases in service charges from the Federal Reserve of $0.1 million from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016 are the result of continued increases in clearing services for our correspondent bank clients.
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   Three Months Ended March 31,         
   2016   2015   $ change   % change 
   (Dollars In Thousands)         
Non-interest income:                    
Service charges on deposit accounts  $1,307   $1,207   $100    8.3%
Mortgage banking   668    454    214    47.1%
Securities gains   -    29    (29)   NM 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   624    648    (24)   (3.7)%
Other operating income   1,127    739    388    52.5%
Total non-interest income  $3,726   $3,077   $649    21.1%
                     
Non-interest expense:                    
Salaries and benefits  $11,067   $9,008   $2,059    22.9%
Equipment and occupancy expense   1,985    1,661    324    19.5%
Professional services   738    568    170    29.9%
FDIC and other regulatory assessments   750    620    130    21.0%
Other real estate owned expense   449    214    235    109.8%
Merger expense   -    2,096    (2,096)   NM 
Other operating expense   4,592    4,584    8    0.2%
Total non-interest expense  $19,581   $18,751   $830    4.4%

 

Income Tax Expense

 

Income tax expense was $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 versus $5.9 million for the same period in 2015. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 32.80%, compared to 31.14% for the corresponding period in 2015. Our primary permanent differences are related to tax exempt income on securities, state income tax benefit on real estate investment trust dividends, various qualifying tax credits and change in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance.

 

We own real estate investment trusts for the purpose of holding and managing participations in residential mortgages and commercial real estate loans originated by the Bank. The trusts are wholly-owned subsidiaries of a trust holding company, which in turn is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. The trusts earn interest income on the loans they hold and incur operating expenses related to their activities. They pay their net earnings, in the form of dividends, to the Bank, which receives a deduction for state income taxes.

 

GAAP Reconciliation and Management Explanation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

As discussed in more detail in the section titled “Non-interest Expense,” we recorded expenses of $2.1 million for the first quarter of 2015 related to the acquisition of Metro and the merger of Metro Bank with and into the Bank, and recorded an expense of $500,000 resulting from the initial funding of reserves for unfunded loan commitments as of March 31, 2015, consistent with guidance provided in the Federal Reserve Bank’s Inter-agency Policy Statement SR 06-17. The non-GAAP financial measures included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of our results for the first quarter of 2015 are “core net income,” “core net income available to common stockholders,” “core diluted earnings per share,” “core return on average assets” and “core return on average common stockholders’ equity.” Each of these five core financial measures excludes the impact of the merger expenses and the initial funding of a reserve for unfunded loan commitments. None of the other periods included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are affected by such non-routine expenses.

 

“Core net income” is defined as net income, adjusted by the net effect of the non-routine expense.

 

“Core net income available to common stockholders” is defined as net income available to common stockholders, adjusted by the net effect of the non-routine expense.

 

“Core diluted earnings per share” is defined as net income available to common stockholders, adjusted by the net effect of the non-routine expense, divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

 

“Core return on average assets” is defined as net income, adjusted by the net effect of the non-routine expense, divided by average total assets.

 

“Core return on average common stockholders’ equity” is defined as net income, adjusted by the net effect of the non-routine expense, divided by average common stockholders’ equity.

 

We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP; however, we acknowledge that these non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these disclosures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies, including those in our industry, use. The following reconciliation table provides a more detailed analysis of the non-GAAP financial measures for the first quarter of 2015. Dollars are in thousands, except share and per share data.

 

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   As Of and For the
Period Ended
March 31, 2016
   As Of and For the
Period Ended
March 31, 2015
 
Provision for income taxes - GAAP       $5,903 
Adjustments:          
Adjustment for non-routine expense        829 
Core provision for income taxes       $6,732 
           
Return on average assets - GAAP        1.26%
Net income - GAAP       $13,055 
Adjustments:          
Adjustment for non-routine expense        1,767 
Core net income       $14,822 
Average assets       $4,193,413 
Core return on average assets        1.43%
           
Return on average common stockholders' equity        13.55%
Net income available to common stockholders - GAAP       $12,955 
Adjustments:          
Adjustment for non-routine expense        1,767 
Core net income available to common stockholders       $14,722 
Average common stockholders' equity       $387,870 
Core return on average common stockholders' equity        15.39%
           
Earnings per share - diluted - GAAP       $0.49 
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted        26,237,980 
Core diluted earnings per share       $0.56 

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES 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.

 

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 and 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. There have been no changes to our policies or procedures for analyzing our interest rate risk since December 31, 2015, and there are no significant changes to our sensitivity to changes in interest rates since December 31, 2015 as disclosed in our Form 10-K.

 

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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 March 31, 2016. Based upon the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of March 31, 2016, 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.

 

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. Management, based upon the advice of legal counsel, does not believe the Company or the Bank is 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, 2015, 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, 2015, 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

 

On May 13, 2014, the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-193401), which related to the Company’s initial public offering, was declared effective by the SEC. Under that registration statement, we registered and sold an aggregate of 1,875,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $30.333 per share, generating gross offering proceeds of approximately $56.9 million. The net proceeds of the sale of such shares, after underwriting commissions and offering expenses, were approximately $52.1 million. There has been no material change in the planned use of proceeds from the initial public offering as described in the final prospectus filed with the SEC on May 14, 2014 under Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We applied approximately $20.9 million of the proceeds from the initial public offering toward the acquisition of Metro Bank on January 31, 2015.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

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.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

  

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: May 3, 2016 By /s/ Thomas A. Broughton III
    Thomas A. Broughton III
    President and Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: May 3, 2016 By /s/ William M. Foshee
    William M. Foshee
    Chief Financial Officer.01, Doc:

 

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