UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

 

£TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
For the transition period from _______________ to ________________

 

Commission file number 0-14237

 

First United Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland   52-1380770
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)    

 

19 South Second Street, Oakland, Maryland   21550-0009

(Address of principal executive offices)       (Zip Code)

 

(800) 470-4356

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes R 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes R 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 definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer £ Accelerated filer £
Non-accelerated filer £ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company R

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 6,199,283 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, as of October 31, 2012.

 

 
 

 

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) 3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition – September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Income - for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 4
     
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 6
     
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and year ended December 31, 2011 8
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 9
     
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 10
     
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 40
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 62
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 62
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 63
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 63
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 63
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 63
     
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 63
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 63
     
Item 5. Other Information 63
   
Item 6. Exhibits 63
     
SIGNATURES 63
     
EXHIBIT INDEX 64

 

2
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

(In thousands, except per share and percentage data)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
Assets          
Cash and due from banks  $78,559   $52,049 
Interest bearing deposits in banks   9,929    13,058 
Cash and cash equivalents   88,488    65,107 
Investment securities – available-for-sale (at fair value)   235,331    245,023 
Investment securities – held to maturity (at cost)   4,040    0 
Restricted investment in bank stock, at cost   9,055    10,726 
Loans   889,990    938,694 
Allowance for loan losses   (16,349)   (19,480)
Net loans   873,641    919,214 
Premises and equipment, net   29,672    30,826 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net   11,004    14,432 
Bank owned life insurance   31,149    31,435 
Deferred tax assets   29,338    28,711 
Other real estate owned   20,631    16,676 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets   27,048    28,715 
Total Assets  $1,359,397   $1,390,865 
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Liabilities:          
Non-interest bearing deposits  $169,371   $149,888 
Interest bearing deposits   834,022    877,896 
Total deposits   1,003,393    1,027,784 
           
Short-term borrowings   52,367    36,868 
Long-term borrowings   182,750    207,044 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   22,408    22,513 
Total Liabilities   1,260,918    1,294,209 
           
Shareholders’ Equity:          
Preferred stock – no par value;          
Authorized 2,000 shares of which 30 shares of Series A, $1,000 per share liquidation preference, 5% cumulative increasing to 9% cumulative on February 15, 2014, were issued and outstanding on September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (discount of $91 and $140, respectively)   29,909    29,860 
Common Stock – par value $.01 per share;          
Authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,199 shares at September 30, 2012 and 6,183 shares at December 31, 2011   62    62 
Surplus   21,552    21,500 
Retained earnings   66,794    66,196 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (19,838)   (20,962)
Total Shareholders’ Equity   98,479    96,656 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  $1,359,397   $1,390,865 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

3
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
Interest income          
Interest and fees on loans  $35,504   $39,801 
Interest on investment securities          
Taxable   3,150    2,922 
Exempt from federal income tax   1,527    2,182 
Total investment income   4,677    5,104 
Other   207    327 
Total interest income   40,388    45,232 
Interest expense          
Interest on deposits   5,085    9,724 
Interest on short-term borrowings   115    177 
Interest on long-term borrowings   5,628    6,888 
Total interest expense   10,828    16,789 
Net interest income   29,560    28,443 
Provision for loan losses   9,276    5,939 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   20,284    22,504 
Other operating income          
Changes in fair value on impaired securities   346    204 
Portion of gain recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)   (346)   (223)
Net securities impairment losses recognized in operations   0    (19)
Net gains/(losses) – other   1,062    (125)
Total net gains/(losses)   1,062    (144)
Service charges   2,646    2,728 
Trust department   3,408    3,237 
Insurance commissions   9    1,936 
Debit card income   1,511    1,598 
Bank owned life insurance   1,520    769 
Other   1,432    930 
Total other income   10,526    11,198 
Total other operating income   11,588    11,054 
Other operating expenses          
Salaries and employee benefits   14,784    15,185 
FDIC premiums   1,482    1,818 
Equipment   1,986    2,310 
Occupancy   2,055    2,138 
Data processing   2,156    2,042 
Other   7,422    7,661 
Total other operating expenses   29,885    31,154 
Income before income tax expense   1,987    2,404 
Applicable income tax expense/(benefit)   128    (372)
Net Income   1,859    2,776 
Accumulated preferred stock dividends and discount accretion   (1,261)   (1,198)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders  $598   $1,578 
Basic net income per common share  $0.10   $0.26 
Diluted net income per common share  $0.10   $0.26 
Weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding   6,192    6,175 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

4
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
Interest income          
Interest and fees on loans  $11,550   $12,638 
Interest on investment securities          
Taxable   1,005    1,127 
Exempt from federal income tax   491    630 
Total investment income   1,496    1,757 
Other   73    88 
Total interest income   13,119    14,483 
Interest expense          
Interest on deposits   1,527    2,821 
Interest on short-term borrowings   18    50 
Interest on long-term borrowings   1,795    2,187 
Total interest expense   3,340    5,058 
Net interest income   9,779    9,425 
Provision for loan losses   40    1,334 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   9,739    8,091 
Other operating income          
Changes in fair value on impaired securities   389    (589)
Portion of loss/(gain) recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)   (389)   589 
Net securities impairment losses recognized in operations   0    0 
Net losses – other   (300)   (793)
Total net losses   (300)   (793)
Service charges   921    925 
Trust department   1,139    1,094 
Insurance commissions   1    648 
Debit card income   490    486 
Bank owned life insurance   256    260 
Other   521    205 
Total other income   3,328    3,618 
Total other operating income   3,028    2,825 
Other operating expenses          
Salaries and employee benefits   4,848    5,027 
FDIC premiums   505    431 
Equipment   645    735 
Occupancy   654    713 
Data processing   711    655 
Other   2,573    2,590 
Total other operating expenses   9,936    10,151 
Income before income tax expense   2,831    765 
Applicable income tax (benefit)/expense   (44)   79 
Net Income   2,875    686 
Accumulated preferred stock dividends and discount accretion   (415)   (404)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders  $2,460   $282 
Basic net income per common share  $0.40   $0.05 
Diluted net income per common share  $0.40   $0.05 
Weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding   6,199    6,183 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

5
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
Components of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)  2012   2011 
Net Income  $1,859   $2,776 
           
Available for sale (AFS) securities with OTTI:          
Securities with OTTI charges during the period   346    204 
Less:  OTTI charges recognized in income   0    (19)
Unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   346    223 
Taxes   (173)   (90)
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   173    133 
           
Available for sale securities – all other:          
Unrealized holding gains during the period   1,861    1,966 
Less:  securities with OTTI charges during the period   346    204 
Unrealized gains on all other AFS securities   1,515    1,762 
Taxes   (616)   (711)
Net unrealized gains on all other AFS securities   899    1,051 
           
Net unrealized gains on AFS securities   1,072    1,184 
           
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges   88    (310)
Taxes   (36)   125 
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges   52    (185)
           
Other comprehensive income, net of tax   1,124    999 
           
Comprehensive income   $2,983   $3,775 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

6
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
Components of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)  2012   2011 
Net Income  $2,875   $686 
           
Available for sale (AFS) securities with OTTI:          
Securities with OTTI charges during the period   389    (589)
Less:  OTTI charges recognized in income   0    0 
Unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   389    (589)
Taxes   (190)   239 
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   199    (350)
           
Available for sale securities – all other:          
Unrealized holding gains during the period   1,528    93 
Less:  securities with OTTI charges during the period   389    (589)
Unrealized gains on all other AFS securities   1,139    682 
Taxes   (465)   (276)
Net unrealized gains on all other AFS securities   674    406 
           
Net unrealized gains on AFS securities   873    56 
           
Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges   9    (226)
Taxes   (4)   91 
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges   5    (135)
           
Other comprehensive income, net of tax   878    (79)
           
Comprehensive income   $3,753   $607 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

7
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

                   Accumulated     
                   Other   Total 
   Preferred   Common       Retained   Comprehensive   Shareholders’ 
   Stock   Stock   Surplus   Earnings   Loss   Equity 
Balance at January 1, 2011  $29,798   $62   $21,422   $64,179   $(19,821)  $95,640 
                               
Net income                  3,626         3,626 
Other comprehensive loss                       (1,141)   (1,141)
Stock based compensation             78              78 
Preferred stock discount accretion   62              (62)        0 
Preferred stock dividends deferred                  (1,547)        (1,547)
                               
Balance at December 31, 2011   29,860    62    21,500    66,196    (20,962)   96,656 
                               
Net income                  1,859         1,859 
Other comprehensive income                       1,124    1,124 
Stock based compensation             52              52 
Preferred stock discount accretion   49              (49)        0 
Preferred stock dividends deferred                  (1,212)        (1,212)
                               
Balance at September 30, 2012  $29,909   $62   $21,552   $66,794   $(19,838)  $98,479 

 

 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

8
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

  

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited) 
Operating activities          
Net income  $1,859   $2,776 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses   9,276    5,939 
Depreciation   1,496    1,801 
Stock compensation   52    65 
Amortization of intangible assets   0    201 
Gain on sales of Insurance assets   (88)   0 
(Gain)/loss on sales of other real estate owned   (668)   244 
Write-downs of other real estate owned   278    1,875 
Gain on sale of loans held for sale   0    (1,366)
Gain on loan sales   (114)   (60)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale   0    33,902 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   92    8 
Net amortization of investment securities discounts and premiums   1,182    1,310 
Other-than-temporary-impairment loss on securities   0    19 
Gain on sales of investment securities – available-for-sale   (562)   (576)
Amortization of deferred Loan Fees   (454)   (414)
Decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets   1,757    4,883 
Deferred tax benefit   (1,454)   (1,392)
Decrease in accrued interest payable and other liabilities   (1,405)   (286)
Earnings on bank owned life insurance   (1,520)   (769)
Net cash provided by operating activities   9,727    48,160 
           
Investing activities          
Proceeds from maturities/calls of investment securities available-for-sale   54,007    61,236 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale   26,063    62,833 
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale   (73,177)   (170,969)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   3,739    3,561 
Proceeds from loan sales   16,949    7,390 
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets   567    0 
Proceeds from sale of insurance assets   3,604    0 
Proceeds from BOLI death benefit   1,806    0 
Net decrease in FHLB stock   1,671    1,209 
Net decrease in loans   12,612    38,220 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (1,001)   (162)
Net cash provided by investing activities   46,840    3,318 
           
Financing activities          
Net decrease in deposits   (24,391)   (235,426)
Net increase in short-term borrowings   15,499    5,323 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings   20,000    0 
Payments on long-term borrowings   (44,294)   (35,792)
Net cash used in financing activities   (33,186)   (265,895)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   23,381    (214,417)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year   65,107    299,313 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $88,488   $84,896 
           
Supplemental information          
Interest paid  $9,550   $14,448 
Non-cash investing activities:          
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned  $7,304   $5,116 
Transfers from loans to loans held for sale   0    32,536 
Transfers from securities available for sale to held-to-maturity  $4,040   $0 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

9
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

NoteS to Consolidated Financial Statements (UNAUDITED)

for the quarter ended SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of First United Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, including First United Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270, Interim Reporting, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, consisting of normal recurring items, have been included. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or for any future interim period. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or equity.

 

First United Corporation has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the statement of financial condition date of September 30, 2012 for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in these financial statements as prescribed by ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events.

 

As used in these notes to consolidated financial statements, First United Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Corporation”.

 

Note 2 – Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share is derived by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period and does not include the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings per share is derived by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of outstanding common stock equivalents. There were no common stock equivalents during the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011.

 

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   For the nine months ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
       Average   Per Share       Average   Per Share 
(in thousands, except for per share amount)  Income   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:                              
Net income  $1,859             $2,776           
Preferred stock dividends deferred   (1,212)             (1,152)          
Discount accretion on preferred stock   (49)             (46)          
Net income available to common shareholders  $598    6,192   $0.10   $1,578    6,175   $0.26 

 

10
 

 

   For the three months ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
       Average   Per Share       Average   Per Share 
(in thousands, except for per share amount)  Income   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:                              
Net income  $2,875             $686           
Preferred stock dividends deferred   (398)             (389)          
Discount accretion on preferred stock   (17)             (15)          
Net income available to common shareholders  $2,460    6,199   $0.40   $282    6,183   $0.05 

 

Note 3 – Net Gains/(Losses)

 

The following table summarizes the gain/(loss) activity for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   Nine months ended 
   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2012   2011 
Other-than-temporary impairment charges:          
Available-for-sale securities  $0   $(19)
           
Net gains/(losses) – other:          
Available-for-sale securities:          
Realized gains   754    773 
Realized losses   (192)   (197)
Gain/(loss) on sales of other real estate owned   668    (244)
Write-down of other real estate owned   (278)   (1,875)
Gain on sale of consumer loans   114    60 
Gain on sale of insurance assets   88    0 
Gain on sale of indirect auto loans   0    1,366 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   (92)   (8)
Net gains/(losses) – other   1,062    (125)
Net gains/(losses)  $1,062   $(144)

 

   Three months ended 
   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2012   2011 
Other-than-temporary impairment charges:          
Available-for-sale securities  $0   $0 
           
Net gains/(losses) – other:          
Available-for-sale securities:          
Realized gains   91    406 
Realized losses   (128)   (96)
Loss on sales of other real estate owned   (14)   (200)
Write-down of other real estate owned   (278)   (923)
Gain on sale of consumer loans   55    19 
Gain on sale of insurance assets   0    0 
Gain on sale of indirect auto loans   0    0 
(Loss)/gain on disposal of fixed assets   (26)   1 
Net losses – other   (300)   (793)
Net losses  $(300)  $(793)

 

11
 

 

Note 4 – Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and due from banks, which represents vault cash in the retail offices and invested cash balances at the Federal Reserve, is carried at fair value.

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
Cash and due from banks, weighted average interest rate of 0.18% (at September 30, 2012)  $78,559   $52,049 

 

Interest bearing deposits in banks, which represent funds invested at a correspondent bank, are carried at fair value and, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, consisted of daily funds invested at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Atlanta, First Tennessee Bank (“FTN”), Merchants and Traders (“M&T”) and Community Bankers Bank (“CBB”).

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
FHLB daily investments, interest rate of 0.05% (at September 30, 2012)  $1,460   $4,244 
FTN daily investments, interest rate of 0.09% (at September 30, 2012)   1,350    1,350 
M&T daily investments, interest rate of 0.25% (at September 30, 2012)   6,034    6,379 
CBB Fed Funds sold, interest rate of 0.21% (at September 30, 2012)   1,085    1,085 
   $9,929   $13,058 

 

Note 5 – Investments

 

The investment portfolio is classified and accounted for based on the guidance of ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.

 

The amortized cost of debt securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for the amortization of premiums to the first call date, if applicable, or to maturity, and for the accretion of discounts to maturity, or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated life of the security. Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income from investments. Interest and dividends are included in interest income from investments. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded using the specific identification method.

 

The following table shows a comparison of amortized cost and fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

       Gross   Gross         
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair   OTTI in 
(in thousands)  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value   AOCI 
September 30, 2012                         
Available for Sale:                         
U.S. government agencies  $32,909   $143   $3   $33,049   $0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   66,404    1,264    136    67,532    0 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   58,047    1,605    0    59,652    0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   61,576    3,491    1    65,066    0 
Collateralized debt obligations   36,672    0    26,640    10,032    17,381 
Total available for sale  $255,608   $6,503   $26,780   $235,331   $17,381 
Held to Maturity:                         
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   4,040    0    0    4,040    0 
                          
December 31, 2011                         
U.S. government agencies  $25,490   $107   $17   $25,580   $0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   94,332    1,494    135    95,691    0 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   44,850    217    135    44,932    0 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   680    0    123    557    0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   65,424    3,400    8    68,816    0 
Collateralized debt obligations   36,385    0    26,938    9,447    17,726 
Totals  $267,161   $5,218   $27,356   $245,023   $17,726 

 

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Proceeds from sales of securities and the realized gains and losses are as follows:

 

   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Proceeds  $26,063   $62,833   $15,609   $33,719 
Realized gains   754    773    91    406 
Realized losses   192    197    128    96 

 

The following table shows the Corporation’s securities with gross unrealized losses and fair values at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

  

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
(in thousands)  Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
September 30, 2012                    
U.S. government agencies  $3,497   $3   $0   $0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   10,838    95    1,951    41 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   3,278    1    0    0 
Collateralized debt obligations   0    0    10,032    26,640 
Totals  $17,613   $99   $11,983   $26,681 
                     
December 31, 2011                    
U.S. government agencies  $9,983   $17   $0   $0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   30,225    134    4,779    1 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   16,975    135    0    0 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   0    0    557    123 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   0    0    2,805    8 
Collateralized debt obligations   0    0    9,447    26,938 
Totals  $57,183   $286   $17,588   $27,070 

 

Management systematically evaluates securities for impairment on a quarterly basis. Management assesses whether (a) it has the intent to sell a security being evaluated and (b) it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated recovery. If neither applies, then declines in the fair values of securities below their cost that are considered other-than-temporary declines are split into two components. The first is the loss attributable to declining credit quality. Credit losses are recognized in earnings as realized losses in the period in which the impairment determination is made. The second component consists of all other losses, which are recognized in other comprehensive loss. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area, (3) the historic and implied volatility of the fair value of the security, (4) changes in the rating of the security by a rating agency, (5) recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date, (6) failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments, and (7) the payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future. Management also monitors cash flow projections for securities that are considered beneficial interests under the guidance of ASC Subtopic 325-40, Investments – Other – Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, (ASC Section 325-40-35). Further discussion about the evaluation of securities for impairment can be found in Item 2 of Part I of this report under the heading “Investment Securities”.

 

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Management believes that the valuation of certain securities is a critical accounting policy that requires significant estimates in preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Management utilizes an independent third party to prepare both the impairment valuations and fair value determinations for its collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) portfolio consisting of pooled trust preferred securities. Based on management’s review of the assumptions and results of the third-party review, it does not believe that there were any material differences in the valuations between September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

U.S. Government Agencies - One U.S. government agency has been in a slight unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2012. There were no U.S. government agencies in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The security is of the highest investment grade and the Corporation does not intend to sell it, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell it before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Therefore, no OTTI exists at September 30, 2012.

 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Agencies - Three residential mortgage-backed agencies have been in a slight unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2012. There were two residential mortgage-backed agency securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The securities are of the highest investment grade and the Corporation does not intend to sell them, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Therefore, no OTTI exists at September 30, 2012.

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Agencies - No commercial mortgage-backed agencies were in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months or more than 12 months as of September 30, 2012. Therefore, no OTTI exists at September 30, 2012

 

Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions – The unrealized losses on the Corporation’s investments in state and political subdivisions were $1,055 at September 30, 2012. One security has been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. There are no securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. This investment is of investment grade as determined by the major rating agencies and management reviews the ratings of the underlying issuers. Management believes that this portfolio is well-diversified throughout the United States, and all bonds continue to perform according to their contractual terms. The Corporation does not intend to sell this investment and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2012.

 

Collateralized Debt Obligations - The $26.6 million in unrealized losses greater than 12 months at September 30, 2012 relates to 18 pooled trust preferred securities that comprise the CDO portfolio. See Note 8 for a discussion of the methodology used by management to determine the fair values of these securities. Based upon a review of credit quality and the cash flow tests performed by the independent third party, management determined that there were no securities that had credit-related non-cash OTTI charges during the first nine months of 2012. The unrealized losses on the remaining securities in the portfolio are primarily attributable to continued depression in market interest rates, marketability, liquidity and the current economic environment.

 

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The following tables present a cumulative roll-forward of the amount of non-cash OTTI charges related to credit losses which have been recognized in earnings for the trust preferred securities in the CDO portfolio held and not intended to be sold for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

  

   Nine months ended 
(in thousands)  September 30,
2012
   September 30,
2011
 
Balance of credit-related OTTI at January 1  $14,424   $14,653 
Additions for credit-related OTTI not previously recognized   0    0 
Additional increases for credit-related OTTI previously recognized when there is no intent to sell and no requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost basis   0    19 
Decreases for previously recognized credit-related OTTI because there was an intent to sell   0    0 
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected   (346)   (159)
Balance of credit-related OTTI at September 30  $14,078   $14,513 

 

   Three months ended 
(in thousands)  September 30,
2012
   September 30,
2011
 
Balance of credit-related OTTI at July 1  $14,200   $14,571 
Additions for credit-related OTTI not previously recognized   0    0 
Additional increases for credit-related OTTI previously recognized when there is no intent to sell and no requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost basis   0    0 
Decreases for previously recognized credit-related OTTI because there was an intent to sell   0    0 
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected   (122)   (58)
Balance of credit-related OTTI at September 30  $14,078   $14,513 

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2012 is shown in the following table. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

  

   September 30, 2012 
   Amortized   Fair 
(in thousands)  Cost   Value 
Contractual Maturity          
Available for sale:          
Due in one year or less  $0   $0 
Due after one year through five years   0    0 
Due after five years through ten years   46,897    48,363 
Due after ten years   84,260    59,784 
    131,157    108,147 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   66,404    67,532 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   58,047    59,652 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   0    0 
   $255,608   $235,331 
Held to Maturity:          
Due after ten years  $4,040   $4,040 

 

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Note 6 - Restricted Investment in Bank Stock

 

Restricted stock, which represents required investments in the common stock of the FHLB of Atlanta, Atlantic Central Bankers Bank (“ACBB”) and CBB, is carried at cost and is considered a long-term investment.

 

Management evaluates the restricted stock for impairment in accordance with ASC Industry Topic 942, Financial Services – Depository and Lending, (ASC Section 942-325-35). Management’s evaluation of potential impairment is based on management’s assessment of the ultimate recoverability of the cost of the restricted stock rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability is influenced by criteria such as (a) the significance of the decline in net assets of the issuing bank as compared to the capital stock amount for that bank and the length of time this situation has persisted, (b) commitments by the issuing bank to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of that bank, and (c) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the issuing bank. Management has evaluated the restricted stock for impairment and believes that no impairment charge is necessary as of September 30, 2012.

 

The Corporation recognizes dividends on a cash basis. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, dividends of $110,376 were recognized in earnings. For the comparable period of 2011, dividends of $73,490 were recognized in earnings.

 

Note 7 – Loans and Related Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table summarizes the primary segments of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

       Acquisition   Commercial             
   Commercial   and   and   Residential         
(in thousands)  Real Estate   Development   Industrial   Mortgage   Consumer   Total 
September 30, 2012                              
Total loans  $307,447   $138,513   $64,616   $346,879   $32,535   $889,990 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $18,328   $31,438   $4,222   $5,243   $52   $59,283 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $289,119   $107,075   $60,394   $341,636   $32,483   $830,707 
                               
December 31, 2011                              
Total loans  $336,234   $142,871   $78,697   $347,220   $33,672   $938,694 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $16,942   $25,699   $13,048   $6,116   $21   $61,826 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $319,292   $117,172   $65,649   $341,104   $33,651   $876,868 

 

The segments of the Bank’s loan portfolio are disaggregated to a level that allows management to monitor risk and performance. The commercial real estate (“CRE”) loan segment is then segregated into two classes. Non-owner occupied CRE loans, which include loans secured by non-owner occupied, nonfarm, and nonresidential properties, generally have a greater risk profile than all other CRE loans, which include loans secured by farmland, multifamily structures and owner-occupied commercial structures. The acquisition and development (“A&D”) loan segment is segregated into two classes. One-to-four family residential construction loans are generally made to individuals for the acquisition of and/or construction on a lot or lots on which a residential dwelling is to be built. All other A&D loans are generally made to developers or investors for the purpose of acquiring, developing and constructing residential or commercial structures. These loans have a higher risk profile because the ultimate buyer, once development is completed, is generally not known at the time of the A&D loan. The commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loan segment consists of loans made for the purpose of financing the activities of commercial customers. The residential mortgage loan segment is segregated into two classes: (a) amortizing term loans, which are primarily first liens; and (b) home equity lines of credit, which are generally second liens. The consumer loan segment consists primarily of installment loans (direct and indirect) and overdraft lines of credit connected with customer deposit accounts.

 

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Management uses a 10-point internal risk rating system to monitor the credit quality of the overall loan portfolio. The first six categories are considered not criticized, and are aggregated as “Pass” rated. The criticized rating categories utilized by management generally follow bank regulatory definitions. The Special Mention category includes assets that are currently protected but are potentially weak, resulting in an undue and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a Substandard classification. Loans in the Substandard category have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt, and have a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if the weaknesses are not corrected. All loans greater than 90 days past due are considered Substandard. The portion of a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses that management believes is associated with a pending event that could trigger loss in the short-term will be classified in the Doubtful category. Any portion of a loan that has been charged off is placed in the Loss category.

 

To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay a loan as agreed, the Bank has a structured loan rating process with several layers of internal and external oversight. Generally, consumer and residential mortgage loans are included in the Pass categories unless a specific action, such as bankruptcy, repossession, or death occurs to raise awareness of a possible credit event. The Bank’s Commercial Loan Officers are responsible for the timely and accurate risk rating of the loans in the commercial segments at origination and on an ongoing basis. The Bank’s experienced Credit Quality and Loan Review Department performs an annual review of all commercial relationships $500,000 or greater. Confirmation of the appropriate risk grade is included as part of the review process on an ongoing basis. The Credit Quality and Loan Review Department continually reviews and assesses loans within the portfolio. In addition, the Bank engages an external consultant to conduct loan reviews on at least an annual basis. Generally, the external consultant reviews commercial relationships greater than $750,000 and/or criticized relationships greater than $500,000. Detailed reviews, including plans for resolution, are performed on loans classified as Substandard on a quarterly basis. Loans in the Special Mention and Substandard categories that are collectively evaluated for impairment are given separate consideration in the determination of the allowance.

 

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate Pass and the criticized categories of Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful within the internal risk rating system as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

       Special             
(in thousands)  Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
September 30, 2012                         
Commercial real estate                         
Non owner-occupied  $127,523   $7,336   $19,227   $0   $154,086 
All other CRE   109,460    8,616    35,285    0    153,361 
Acquisition and development                         
1-4 family residential construction   9,251    2,644    4,514    0    16,409 
All other A&D   79,368    1,079    41,657    0    122,104 
Commercial and industrial   56,180    2,070    6,366    0    64,616 
Residential mortgage                         
Residential mortgage - term   254,597    2,348    11,547    0    268,492 
Residential mortgage – home equity   76,230    791    1,366    0    78,387 
Consumer   32,213    28    294    0    32,535 
Total  $744,822   $24,912   $120,256   $0   $889,990 
                          
December 31, 2011                         
Commercial real estate                         
Non owner-occupied  $119,574   $4,222   $32,212   $0   $156,008 
All other CRE   123,713    18,307    38,206    0    180,226 
Acquisition and development                         
1-4 family residential construction   11,512    0    5,572    0    17,084 
All other A&D   81,268    935    43,584    0    125,787 
Commercial and industrial   62,152    697    15,848    0    78,697 
Residential mortgage                         
Residential mortgage - term   250,701    1,817    15,408    0    267,926 
Residential mortgage – home equity   75,517    34    3,743    0    79,294 
Consumer   33,147    34    491    0    33,672 
Total  $757,584   $26,046   $155,064   $0   $938,694 

 

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Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. A loan is considered to be past due when a payment has not been received for 30 days past its contractual due date. For all loan segments, the accrual of interest is discontinued when principal or interest is delinquent for 90 days or more unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. All non-accrual loans are considered to be impaired. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. The Corporation’s policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans does not differ from its overall policy for interest recognition.

 

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and non-accrual loans as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

                   Total Past         
       30-59 Days   60-89 Days   90 Days+   Due and still         
(in thousands)  Current   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   accruing   Non-Accrual   Total Loans 
September 30, 2012                                   
Commercial real estate                                   
Non owner-occupied  $147,616   $453   $734   $0   $1,187   $5,283   $154,086 
All other CRE   145,325    60    0    5,185    5,245    2,791    153,361 
Acquisition and development                                   
1-4 family residential construction   16,398    0    11    0    11    0    16,409 
All other A&D   103,956    0    266    0    266    17,882    122,104 
Commercial and industrial   63,989    66    218    0    284    343    64,616 
Residential mortgage                                   
Residential mortgage - term   260,247    1,011    4,002    608    5,621    2,624    268,492 
Residential mortgage – home equity   77,138    854    204    85    1,143    106    78,387 
Consumer   31,230    883    327    43    1,253    52    32,535 
Total  $845,899   $3,327   $5,762   $5,921   $15,010   $29,081   $889,990 
December 31, 2011                                   
Commercial real estate                                   
Non owner-occupied  $146,150   $359   $209   $0   $568   $9,290   $156,008 
All other CRE   173,342    558    5,547    0    6,105    779    180,226 
Acquisition and development                                   
1-4 family residential construction   17,009    0    75    0    75    0    17,084 
All other A&D   109,351    840    530    128    1,498    14,938    125,787 
Commercial and industrial   69,119    182    32    0    214    9,364    78,697 
Residential mortgage                                   
Residential mortgage - term   249,719    10,106    3,753    1,386    15,245    2,962    267,926 
Residential mortgage – home equity   77,486    476    375    123    974    834    79,294 
Consumer   31,478    1,560    471    142    2,173    21    33,672 
Total  $873,654   $14,081   $10,992   $1,779   $26,852   $38,188   $938,694 

  

Non-accrual loans which have been subject to a partial charge-off totaled $9.6 million as of September 30, 2012, compared to $13.4 million as of December 31, 2011.

 

An allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) is maintained to absorb losses from the loan portfolio. The ALL is based on management’s continuing evaluation of the risk characteristics and credit quality of the loan portfolio, assessment of current economic conditions, diversification and size of the portfolio, adequacy of collateral, past and anticipated loss experience, and the amount of non-performing loans.

 

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The Bank’s methodology for determining the ALL is based on the requirements of ASC Section 310-10-35, Receivables-Overall-Subsequent Measurement, for loans individually evaluated for impairment and ASC Subtopic 450-20, Contingencies-Loss Contingencies, for loans collectively evaluated for impairment, as well as the Interagency Policy Statement on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and other bank regulatory guidance. The total of the two components represents the Bank’s ALL.

 

The following table summarizes the primary segments of the ALL, segregated by the amount required for loans individually evaluated for impairment and the amount required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

       Acquisition   Commercial             
   Commercial   and   and   Residential         
(in thousands)  Real Estate   Development   Industrial   Mortgage   Consumer   Total 
September 30, 2012                              
Total ALL  $6,021   $5,635   $577   $3,748   $368   $16,349 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $183   $1,584   $0   $0   $0   $1,767 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $5,838   $4,051   $577   $3,748   $368   $14,582 
                               
December 31, 2011                              
Total ALL  $6,218   $7,190   $2,190   $3,430   $452   $19,480 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $92   $2,718   $1,139   $2   $0   $3,951 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $6,126   $4,472   $1,051   $3,428   $452   $15,529 

 

Management evaluates individual loans in all of the commercial segments for possible impairment, if the loan is greater than $500,000 or is part of a relationship that is greater than $750,000 and is either (a) in nonaccrual status or (b) risk-rated Substandard and greater than 60 days past due. Loans are considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in evaluating impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The Bank does not separately evaluate individual consumer and residential mortgage loans for impairment, unless such loans are part of larger relationship that is impaired; otherwise loans in these segments are considered impaired when they are classified as non-accrual.

 

Once the determination has been made that a loan is impaired, the determination of whether a specific allocation of the allowance is necessary is measured by comparing the recorded investment in the loan to the fair value of the loan using one of three methods: (a) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (b) the loan’s observable market price; or (c) the fair value of the collateral less selling costs. The method is selected on a loan-by-loan basis, with management primarily utilizing the fair value of collateral method. If the fair value of the collateral less selling costs method is utilized for collateral securing loans in the commercial segments, then an updated external appraisal is ordered on the collateral supporting the loan if the loan balance is greater than $500,000 and the existing appraisal is greater than 18 months old. If an appraisal is less than 12 months old (the age at which the internal appraisal grid begins) and if management believes that general market conditions in that geographic market have changed considerably, the property has deteriorated or perhaps lost an income stream, or a recent appraisal for a similar property indicates a significant change, then management may adjust the fair value indicated by the existing appraisal until a new appraisal is obtained. If the most recent appraisal is greater than 12 months old or if an updated appraisal has not been received and reviewed in time for the determination of estimated fair value at quarter (or year) end, then the estimated fair value of the collateral is determined by adjusting the existing appraisal by the appropriate percentage from an internally prepared appraisal discount grid. This grid considers the age of a third party appraisal and the geographic region where the collateral is located in order to discount an appraisal that is greater than 12 months old. The discount rates in the appraisal discount grid are updated quarterly to reflect the most current knowledge that management has available, including the results of current appraisals. If there is a delay in receiving an updated appraisal or if the appraisal is found to be deficient in our internal appraisal review process and re-ordered, then the Bank continues to use a discount factor from the appraisal discount grid based on the collateral location and current appraisal age in order to determine the estimated fair value. A specific allocation of the ALL is recorded if there is any deficiency in collateral value determined by comparing the estimated fair value to the recorded investment of the loan. When updated appraisals are received and reviewed, adjustments are made to the specific allocation as needed.

 

19
 

 

The evaluation of the need and amount of a specific allocation of the ALL and whether a loan can be removed from impairment status is made on a quarterly basis.

 

The following table presents impaired loans by class, segregated by those for which a specific allowance was required and those for which a specific allowance was not necessary as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

           Impaired         
       Loans with No     
   Impaired Loans with   Specific         
   Specific Allowance   Allowance   Total Impaired Loans 
                   Unpaid 
   Recorded   Related   Recorded   Recorded   Principal 
(in thousands)  Investment   Allowances   Investment   Investment   Balance 
September 30, 2012                         
Commercial real estate                         
Non owner-occupied  $0   $0   $6,367   $6,367   $9,870 
All other CRE   2,311    183    9,650    11,961    12,170 
Acquisition and development                         
1-4 family residential construction   2,125    545    0    2,125    2,125 
All other A&D   5,436    1,039    23,877    29,313    33,539 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    4,222    4,222    4,222 
Residential mortgage                         
Residential mortgage - term   0    0    4,692    4,692    5,045 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    551    551    551 
Consumer   0    0    52    52    63 
Total impaired loans  $9,872   $1,767   $49,411   $59,283   $67,585 
                          
December 31, 2011                         
Commercial real estate                         
Non owner-occupied  $448   $92   $9,129   $9,577   $14,765 
All other CRE   0    0    7,365    7,365    7,390 
Acquisition and development                         
1-4 family residential construction   2,489    859    0    2,489    2,577 
All other A&D   7,850    1,859    15,360    23,210    27,712 
Commercial and industrial   9,043    1,139    4,005    13,048    13,137 
Residential mortgage                         
Residential mortgage - term   218    2    4,816    5,034    5,488 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    1,082    1,082    1,177 
Consumer   0    0    21    21    33 
Total impaired loans  $20,048   $3,951   $41,778   $61,826   $72,279 

 

20
 

 

Loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment are analyzed with general allowances being made as appropriate. For general allowances, historical loss trends are used in the estimation of losses in the current portfolio. These historical loss amounts are modified by other qualitative factors.

 

The classes described above, which are based on the Federal call code assigned to each loan, provide the starting point for the ALL analysis. Management tracks the historical net charge-off activity (full and partial charge-offs, net of full and partial recoveries) at the call code level. A historical charge-off factor is calculated utilizing a defined number of consecutive historical quarters. Consumer pools currently utilize a rolling 12 quarters, while Commercial pools currently utilize a rolling eight quarters.

 

“Pass” rated credits are segregated from “Criticized” credits for the application of qualitative factors. The un-criticized (“pass”) pools for commercial and residential real estate are further segmented based upon the geographic location of the underlying collateral. There are seven geographic regions utilized – six that represent the Bank’s lending footprint and a seventh for all out-of-market credits. Different economic environments and resultant credit risks exist in each region that are acknowledged in the assignment of qualitative factors. Loans in the criticized pools, which possess certain qualities or characteristics that may lead to collection and loss issues, are closely monitored by management and subject to additional qualitative factors.

 

Management supplements the historical charge-off factor with a number of additional qualitative factors that are likely to cause estimated credit losses associated with the existing loan pools to differ from historical loss experience. The additional factors, which are evaluated quarterly and updated using information obtained from internal, regulatory, and governmental sources, are: (a) national and local economic trends and conditions; (b) levels of and trends in delinquency rates and non-accrual loans; (c) trends in volumes and terms of loans; (d) effects of changes in lending policies; (e) experience, ability, and depth of lending staff; (f) value of underlying collateral; and (g) concentrations of credit from a loan type, industry and/or geographic standpoint.

 

Management reviews the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis using a defined, consistently applied process in order to make appropriate and timely adjustments to the ALL. When information confirms all or part of specific loans to be uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged off against the ALL. Residential mortgage and consumer loans are charged off after they are 120 days contractually past due. All other loans are charged off based on an evaluation of the facts and circumstances of each individual loan. When the Bank believes that its ability to collect is solely dependent on the liquidation of the collateral, a full or partial charge-off is recorded promptly to bring the recorded investment to an amount that the Bank believes is supported by an ability to collect on the collateral. The circumstances that may impact the Bank’s decision to charge-off all or a portion of a loan include default or non-payment by the borrower, scheduled foreclosure actions, and/or prioritization of the Bank’s claim in bankruptcy. There may be circumstances where, due to pending events, the Bank will place a specific allocation of the ALL on a loan for which a partial charge-off has been previously recognized. This specific allocation may be either charged off or removed depending upon the outcome of the pending event. Full or partial charge-offs are not recovered until full principal and interest on the loan have been collected, even if a subsequent appraisal supports a higher value. Loans with partial charge-offs remain in non-accrual status. Both full and partial charge-offs reduce the recorded investment of the loan and the ALL and are considered to be charge-offs for purposes of all credit loss metrics and trends, including the historical rolling charge-off rates used in the determination of the ALL.

 

21
 

 

Activity in the ALL is presented for the nine- and three-months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011:

 

       Acquisition   Commercial             
   Commercial   and   and   Residential         
(in thousands)  Real Estate   Development   Industrial   Mortgage   Consumer   Total 
ALL balance at January 1, 2012  $6,218   $7,190   $2,190   $3,430   $452   $19,480 
Charge-offs   (2,280)   (768)   (9,217)   (1,029)   (522)   (13,816)
Recoveries   58    413    445    161    332    1,409 
Provision   2,025    (1,200)   7,159    1,186    106    9,276 
ALL balance at September 30, 2012  $6,021   $5,635   $577   $3,748   $368   $16,349 
                               
ALL balance at January 1, 2011  $8,658   $6,345   $1,345   $4,211   $1,579   $22,138 
Charge-offs   (5,508)   (1,048)   (515)   (1,403)   (673)   (9,147)
Recoveries   91    278    15    415    406    1,205 
Provision   3,993    949    1,352    471    (826)   5,939 
ALL balance at September 30, 2011  $7,234   $6,524   $2,197   $3,694   $486   $20,135 

 

       Acquisition   Commercial             
   Commercial   and   and   Residential         
(in thousands)  Real Estate   Development   Industrial   Mortgage   Consumer   Total 
ALL balance at July 1, 2012  $5,856   $6,209   $860   $3,457   $388   $16,770 
Charge-offs   0    (98)   (76)   (364)   (175)   (713)
Recoveries   0    10    113    38    91    252 
Provision   165    (486)   (320)   617    64    40 
ALL balance at September 30, 2012  $6,021   $5,635   $577   $3,748   $368   $16,349 
                               
ALL balance at July 1, 2011  $6,112   $8,440   $2,235   $3,714   $500   $21,001 
Charge-offs   (978)   (327)   (267)   (601)   (197)   (2,370)
Recoveries   13    7    5    24    121    170 
Provision   2,087    (1,596)   224    557    62    1,334 
ALL balance at September 30, 2011  $7,234   $6,524   $2,197   $3,694   $486   $20,135 

 

The ALL is based on estimates, and actual losses will vary from current estimates. Management believes that the granularity of the homogeneous pools and the related historical loss ratios and other qualitative factors, as well as the consistency in the application of assumptions, result in an ALL that is representative of the risk found in the components of the portfolio at any given date.

 

22
 

 

The following tables present the average recorded investment in impaired loans by class and related interest income recognized for the periods indicated:

 

   Nine months ended   Nine months ended 
   September 30, 2012   September 30, 2011 
       Interest   Interest       Interest   Interest 
       income   income       income   income 
       recognized   recognized       recognized   recognized 
   Average   on an   on a cash   Average   on an   on a cash 
(in thousands)  investment   accrual basis   basis   investment   accrual basis   basis 
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied  $7,720   $22   $0   $13,409   $41   $91 
All other CRE   9,073    220    0    6,636    204    50 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   2,295    67    0    2,921    69    0 
All other A&D   24,510    327    0    26,520    444    81 
Commercial and industrial   6,322    111    0    11,688    117    0 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage - term   5,007    93    38    6,761    117    14 
Residential mortgage – home equity   898    11    7    635    10    4 
Consumer   48    0    0    61    0    0 
Total  $55,873   $851   $45   $68,631   $1,002   $240 

 

   Three months ended   Three months ended 
   September 30, 2012   September 30, 2011 
       Interest   Interest       Interest   Interest 
       income   income       income   income 
       recognized   recognized       recognized   recognized 
   Average   on an   on a cash   Average   on an   on a cash 
(in thousands)  investment   accrual basis   basis   investment   accrual basis   basis 
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied  $6,540   $10   $0   $11,650   $6   $30 
All other CRE   10,010    86    0    8,202    74    0 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   2,127    21    0    2,592    16    0 
All other A&D   25,897    120    0    25,158    154    0 
Commercial and industrial   4,130    39    0    13,925    40    0 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage - term   5,020    26    2    5,251    33    8 
Residential mortgage – home equity   739    4    4    618    3    1 
Consumer   47    0    0    23    0    0 
Total  $54,510   $306   $6   $67,419   $326   $39 

 

23
 

 

In the normal course of business, the Bank modifies loan terms for various reasons. These reasons may include as a retention strategy to compete in the current interest rate environment, and to re-amortize or extend a loan term to better match the loan’s payment stream with the borrower’s cash flows. A modified loan is considered to be a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when the Bank has determined that the borrower is troubled (i.e. experiencing financial difficulties). The Bank evaluates the probability that the borrower will be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without modification. To make this determination, the Bank performs a global financial review of the borrower and loan guarantors to assess their current ability to meet their financial obligations.

 

When the Bank restructures a loan to a troubled borrower, the loan terms (i.e., interest rate, payment amount, amortization period, and/or maturity date) are modified in such a way as to enable the borrower to cover the modified debt service payments based on current financials and cash flow adequacy. If a borrower’s hardship is thought to be temporary, then modified terms are only offered for that time period. Where possible, the Bank obtains additional collateral and/or secondary payment sources at the time of the restructure in order to put the Bank in the best possible position if the borrower is not able to meet the modified terms. To date, the Bank has not forgiven any principal as a restructuring concession. The Bank will not offer modified terms if it believes that modifying the loan terms will only delay an inevitable permanent default.

 

All loans designated as TDRs are considered impaired loans and may be in either accruing or non-accruing status. The Corporation’s policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans does not differ from its overall policy for interest recognition. Accordingly, the accrual of interest is discontinued when principal or interest is delinquent for 90 days or more unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. If the loan was accruing at the time of the modification, then it continues to be in accruing status subsequent to the modification. Non-accrual TDRs may return to accruing status when there has been sufficient payment performance for a period of at least six months. Loans may be removed from TDR status in the calendar year following the modification if the interest rate at the time of modification was consistent with the interest rate for a loan with comparable credit risk and the loan has performed according to its modified terms for at least six months.

 

The volume and type of TDR activity is considered in the assessment of the local economic trends qualitative factor used in the determination of the ALL for loans that are evaluated collectively for impairment.

 

The following table presents the volume and recorded investment at the time of modification of TDRs by class and type of modification that occurred during the periods indicated:

 

   Temporary Rate           Modification of Payment 
   Modification   Extension of Maturity   and Other Terms 
   Number of   Recorded   Number of   Recorded   Number of   Recorded 
(in thousands)  Contracts   Investment   Contracts   Investment   Contracts   Investment 
Nine months ended September 30, 2012                              
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied   0   $0    0   $0    0   $0 
All other CRE   1    3,110    0    0    4    2,634 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   0    0    0    0    1    2,125 
All other A&D   0    0    0    0    1    1,889 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    0    0    1    247 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage – term   1    513    1    477    1    284 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Total   2   $3,623    1   $477    8   $7,179 

 

24
 

 

   Temporary Rate       Modification of Payment 
   Modification   Extension of Maturity   and Other Terms 
   Number of   Recorded   Number of   Recorded   Number of   Recorded 
(in thousands)  Contracts   Investment   Contracts   Investment   Contracts   Investment 
Three months ended September 30, 2012                              
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied   0   $0    0   $0    0   $0 
All other CRE   0    0    0    0    4    2,634 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   0    0    0    0    1    2,125 
All other A&D   0    0    0    0    1    1,889 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    0    0    1    247 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage – term   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Total   0   $0    0   $0    7   $6,895 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were 11 new TDRs. A $54,750 reduction of the ALL resulted from the movement of seven of the loans being evaluated collectively for impairment to being evaluated individually for impairment. There was no impact to the recorded investment relating to the transfer of these loans. The remaining four new TDRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were impaired at the time of modification, resulting in no impact to the recorded investment or to the ALL as a result of the modifications. During the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2012, there were no receivables modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months for which there was a payment default during the periods indicated.

 

Note 8 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Corporation complies with the guidance of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements required under other accounting pronouncements. The Corporation also follows the guidance on matters relating to all financial instruments found in ASC Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments – Overall.

 

Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants as of the measurement date. Fair value is best determined by values quoted through active trading markets. Active trading markets are characterized by numerous transactions of similar financial instruments between willing buyers and willing sellers. Because no active trading market exists for various types of financial instruments, many of the fair values disclosed were derived using present value discounted cash flows or other valuation techniques described below. As a result, the Corporation’s ability to actually realize these derived values cannot be assumed.

 

The Corporation measures fair values based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC Paragraph 820-10-35-37. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value under the hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets and liabilities. This level is the most reliable source of valuation.

 

Level 2: Quoted prices that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves at commonly quoted intervals, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates). It also includes inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market-corroborated inputs). Several sources are utilized for valuing these assets, including a contracted valuation service, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) evaluations and pricing services, and other valuation matrices.

 

25
 

 

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the valuation assumptions and not readily observable in the market (i.e. supported with little or no market activity). Level 3 instruments are valued based on the best available data, some of which is internally developed, and consider risk premiums that a market participant would require.

 

The level established within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The Corporation believes that its valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with the techniques used by other market participants. However, the use of different methodologies and assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair values at the reporting date. The valuation techniques used by the Corporation to measure, on a recurring and non-recurring basis, the fair value of assets as of September 30, 2012 are discussed in the paragraphs that follow.

 

Securities available-for-sale: The fair value of investments available-for-sale is determined using a market approach. As of September 30, 2012, the U.S. Government agencies, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds segments are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. Their fair values were determined based upon market-corroborated inputs and valuation matrices, which were obtained through third party data service providers or securities brokers through which the Corporation has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities.

 

The CDO segment, which consists of pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks, thrifts and insurance companies, is classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. At September 30, 2012, the Corporation owned 18 pooled trust preferred securities with an amortized cost of $36.7 million and a fair value of $10.0 million. The market for these securities at September 30, 2012 is not active and markets for similar securities are also not active. The inactivity was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which these securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive, as few CDOs have been issued since 2007. There are currently very few market participants who are willing to effect transactions in these securities. The market values for these securities or any securities other than those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) are very depressed relative to historical levels. Therefore, in the current market, a low market price for a particular bond may only provide evidence of stress in the credit markets in general rather than being an indicator of credit problems with a particular issue. Given the conditions in the current debt markets and the absence of observable transactions in the secondary and new issue markets, management has determined that (a) the few observable transactions and market quotations that are available are not reliable for the purpose of obtaining fair value at September 30, 2012, (b) an income valuation approach technique (i.e. present value) that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs will be equally or more representative of fair value than a market approach, and (c) the CDO segment is appropriately classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy because management determined that significant adjustments were required to determine fair value at the measurement date.

 

Management utilizes an independent third party to prepare both the evaluations of other-than-temporary impairment as well as the fair value determinations for its CDO portfolio. Management does not believe that there were any material differences in the impairment evaluations and pricing between September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

The approach of the third party to determine fair value involves several steps, including detailed credit and structural evaluation of each piece of collateral in each bond, default, recovery and prepayment/amortization probabilities for each piece of collateral in the bond, and discounted cash flow modeling. The discount rate methodology used by the third party combines a baseline current market yield for comparable corporate and structured credit products with adjustments based on evaluations of the differences found in structure and risks associated with actual and projected credit performance of each CDO being valued. Currently, the only active and liquid trading market that exists is for stand-alone trust preferred securities. Therefore, adjustments to the baseline discount rate are also made to reflect the additional leverage found in structured instruments.

 

Derivative financial instruments The Corporation’s open derivative positions are interest rate swaps that are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. Open derivative positions are valued using externally developed pricing models based on observable market inputs provided by a third party and validated by management. The Corporation has considered counterparty credit risk in the valuation of its interest rate swap assets.

 

26
 

 

Impaired loans – Loans included in the table below are those that are considered impaired with a specific allocation or with a partial charge-off, based upon the guidance of the loan impairment subsection of the Receivables Topic, ASC Section 310-10-35, under which the Corporation has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. Fair value consists of the loan balance less its valuation allowance and is generally determined based on independent third-party appraisals of the collateral or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

 

Other real estate owned – Other real estate owned included in the table below are considered impaired with specific write-downs. Fair value of other real estate owned is based on independent third-party appraisals of the properties. These values were determined based on the sales prices of similar properties in the approximate geographic area. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2012, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

   Fair Value at
September 30,
2012
   Valuation Technique  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
  Significant
Unobservable Input
Value
Recurring:              
Investment Securities – available for
sale
  $10,032   Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate  Swap+19%; Range of
Libor+ 9% to 20%
Cash Flow Hedge  $(946)  Discounted Cash Flow  Reuters Third Party Market Quote  99.90%
               
Non-recurring:              
               
Impaired Loans  $17,660   Market Comparable Properties  Marketability Discount  10% to 30% (1)
               
OREO  $790   Market Comparable Properties  Marketability Discount  10% to 30% (1)

 

(1) Range would include discounts taken since appraisal and estimated values

 

27
 

 

 

For assets measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are as follows:

 

       Fair Value Measurements at 
       September 30, 2012 Using 
       (In Thousands) 
   Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description  09/30/2012   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Recurring:                    
Investment securities available-for-sale:                    
U.S. government agencies  $33,049        $33,049      
Residential mortgage-backed agencies  $67,532        $67,532      
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies  $59,652        $59,652      
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $65,066        $65,066      
Collateralized debt obligations  $10,032             $10,032 
Financial Derivative  $(946)            $(946)
Non-recurring:                    
Impaired loans  $17,660             $17,660 
Other real estate owned  $790             $790 

  

       Fair Value Measurements at 
       December 31, 2011 Using 
       (In Thousands) 
   Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description  12/31/2011   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Recurring:                    
Investment securities available-for-sale:                    
U.S. government agencies  $25,580        $25,580      
Residential mortgage-backed agencies  $95,691        $95,691      
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies  $44,932        $44,932      
Collateralized mortgage obligations  $557        $557      
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $68,816        $68,816      
Collateralized debt obligations  $9,447             $9,447 
Financial Derivative  $(1,034)            $(1,034)
Non-recurring:                    
Impaired loans  $30,320             $30,320 
Other real estate owned  $3,449             $3,449 

 

28
 

 

There were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 or September 30, 2011.

 

The following tables show a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair valued assets measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs for the nine- and three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   Fair Value Measurements Using Significant 
   Unobservable Inputs 
   (Level 3) 
   (In Thousands) 
   Investment Securities   Cash Flow 
   Available for Sale   Hedge 
Beginning balance January 1, 2012  $9,447   $(1,034)
Total gains/(losses) realized/unrealized:          
Included in other comprehensive income   585    88 
Ending balance September 30, 2012  $10,032   $(946)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $0   $0 

 

   Fair Value Measurements Using Significant 
   Unobservable Inputs 
   (Level 3) 
   (In Thousands) 
   Investment Securities   Cash Flow 
   Available for Sale   Hedge 
Beginning balance July 1, 2012  $9,339   $(955)
Total gains/(losses) realized/unrealized:          
Included in other comprehensive income   693    9 
Ending balance September 30, 2012  $10,032   $(946)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $0   $0 

 

29
 

 

   Fair Value Measurements Using Significant 
   Unobservable Inputs 
   (Level 3) 
   (In Thousands) 
   Investment Securities   Cash Flow 
   Available for Sale   Hedge 
Beginning balance January 1, 2011  $9,838   $(832)
Total gains/(losses) realized/unrealized:          
Included in earnings   (19)   0 
Included in other comprehensive income   (447)   (310)
Ending balance September 30, 2011  $9,372   $(1,142)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $(19)  $0 

 

   Fair Value Measurements Using Significant 
   Unobservable Inputs 
   (Level 3) 
   (In Thousands) 
   Investment Securities   Cash Flow 
   Available for Sale   Hedge 
Beginning balance July 1, 2011  $10,726   $(916)
Total gains/(losses) realized/unrealized:          
Included in earnings   0    0 
Included in other comprehensive income   (1,354)   (226)
Ending balance September 30, 2011  $9,372   $(1,142)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $0   $0 

 

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the periods above are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in Other Operating Income.

 

The fair values disclosed may vary significantly between institutions based on the estimates and assumptions used in the various valuation methodologies. The derived fair values are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and significant judgment. Therefore, they cannot be determined with precision. Changes in the assumptions could significantly impact the derived estimates of fair value. Disclosure of non-financial assets such as buildings as well as certain financial instruments such as leases is not required. Accordingly, the aggregate fair values presented do not represent the underlying value of the Corporation.

 

30
 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Corporation to estimate its fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

 

Cash and due from banks: The carrying amounts as reported in the statement of financial condition for cash and due from banks approximate their fair values.

 

Interest bearing deposits in banks: The carrying amount of interest bearing deposits approximates their fair values.

 

Securities held to maturity: Investments in debt securities classified as held to maturity are measured subsequently at amortized cost in the statement of financial position. These assets are included as Level 3 fair values based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.

 

Restricted Investment in Bank stock: The carrying value of stock issued by the FHLB of Atlanta, ACBB and CBB approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the stock.

 

Loans (excluding impaired loans with specific loss allowances): For variable-rate loans that re-price frequently or “in one year or less”, and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for fixed-rate loans that do not re-price frequently are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current market interest rates being offered on the various loan products.

 

Deposits: The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, savings, and certain types of money market accounts, etc.) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on the various certificates of deposit to the cash flow stream.

 

Borrowed funds: The fair value of the Bank’s FHLB borrowings and junior subordinated debt is calculated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows, using rates currently existing for borrowings with similar remaining maturities. The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate their fair values.

 

Accrued Interest: The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable and payable approximates their fair values.

 

Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments: In the normal course of business, the Bank makes commitments to extend credit and issues standby letters of credit. The Bank expects most of these commitments to expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Due to the uncertainty of cash flows and difficulty in the predicting the timing of such cash flows, fair values were not estimated for these instruments.

 

31
 

 

The following tables present fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The actual carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments that are included in the statement of financial condition are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2012   Fair Value Measurements 
   Carrying   Fair   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(in thousands)  Amount   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and due from banks  $78,559   $78,559   $78,559           
Interest bearing deposits in banks   9,929    9,929    9,929           
Investment securities - AFS   235,331    235,331        $225,299   $10,032 
Investment securities - HTM   4,040    4,040              4,040 
Restricted Bank stock   9,055    9,055    9,055           
Loans, net   873,641    872,263              872,263 
Accrued interest receivable   4,335    4,335    4,335           
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits – non-maturity   612,356    612,356    612,356           
Deposits – time deposits   391,037    395,598         395,598      
Short-term borrowed funds   52,367    52,367    52,367           
Long-term borrowed funds   182,750    194,824         194,824      
Accrued interest payable   4,790    4,790    4,790           
Financial derivative   946    946              946 
Off balance sheet financial instruments   0    0    0           

 

32
 

 

Loans are measured using a discounted cash flow method. The significant unobservable inputs used in the Level 3 fair value measurements of the Corporation’s loans included in the table above are calculated based on the Corporation’s internal new volume rate.

 

   December 31, 2011 
   Carrying   Fair 
(in thousands)  Amount   Value 
Financial Assets:          
Cash and due from banks  $52,049   $52,049 
Interest bearing deposits in banks   13,058    13,058 
Investment securities-AFS   245,023    245,023 
Restricted Bank stock   10,726    10,726 
Loans, net   919,214    918,156 
Accrued interest receivable   5,058    5,058 
           
Financial Liabilities:          
Deposits   1,027,784    994,165 
Borrowed funds   243,912    251,850 
Accrued interest payable   3,512    3,512 
Financial derivative   1,034    1,034 
Off balance sheet financial instruments   0    0 

 

Note 9 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the 12 months ended December 31, 2011 and the three months ended March 31, 2012, June 30, 2012 and September 30, 2012:

 

   Investment   Investment                 
   securities-   securities-   Cash Flow   Pension         
(in thousands)  with OTTI   all other   Hedge   Plan   SERP   Total 
Accumulated OCI, net:                              
Balance-December 31, 2010  $(10,825)  $(3,956)  $(496)  $(4,203)  $(341)  $(19,821)
Net gain/(loss) during period   253    1,323    (120)   (2,742)   145    (1,141)
Balance - December 31, 2011   (10,572)   (2,633)   (616)   (6,945)   (196)   (20,962)
Net gain/(loss) during period   196    (122)   27    0    0    101 
Balance - March 31, 2012   (10,376)   (2,755)   (589)   (6,945)   (196)   (20,861)
Net gain/(loss) during period   (221)   346    20    0    0    145 
Balance – June 30, 2012   (10,597)   (2,409)   (569)   (6,945)   (196)   (20,716)
Net gain during period   199    674    5    0    0    878 
Balance – September 30, 2012  $(10,398)  $(1,735)  $(564)  $(6,945)  $(196)  $(19,838)

 

Note 10 – Junior Subordinated Debentures and Restrictions on Dividends

 

First United Corporation is the parent company to three statutory trust subsidiaries - First United Statutory Trust I and First United Statutory Trust II, both of which are Connecticut statutory trusts (“Trust I” and “Trust II”, respectively), and First United Statutory Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust (“Trust III” and, together with Trust I and Trust II, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed for the purposes of selling preferred securities to investors and using the proceeds to purchase junior subordinated debentures from First United Corporation (“TPS Debentures”) that would qualify as regulatory capital.

 

33
 

 

In March 2004, Trust I and Trust II issued preferred securities with an aggregate liquidation amount of $30.0 million to third-party investors and issued common equity with an aggregate liquidation amount of $.9 million to First United Corporation. Trust I and Trust II used the proceeds of these offerings to purchase an equal amount of TPS Debentures, as follows:

 

$20.6 million—floating rate payable quarterly based on three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points (3.14% at September 30, 2012), maturing in 2034, became redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

$10.3 million--floating rate payable quarterly based on three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points (3.14% at September 30, 2012) maturing in 2034, became redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

In December 2004, First United Corporation issued $5.0 million of junior subordinated debentures to third-party investors that were not tied to preferred securities. The debentures had a fixed rate of 5.88% for the first five years, payable quarterly, and converted to a floating rate in March 2010 based on the three month LIBOR plus 185 basis points (2.24% at September 30, 2012). The debentures mature in 2015, but became redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

In December 2009, Trust III issued 9.875% fixed-rate preferred securities with an aggregate liquidation amount of approximately $7.0 million to private investors and issued common securities to First United Corporation with an aggregate liquidation amount of approximately $.2 million. Trust III used the proceeds of the offering to purchase approximately $7.2 million of 9.875% fixed-rate TPS Debentures. Interest on these TPS Debentures are payable quarterly, and the TPS Debentures mature in 2040 but are redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

In January 2010, Trust III issued an additional $3.5 million of 9.875% fixed-rate preferred securities to private investors and issued common securities to First United Corporation with an aggregate liquidation amount of $.1 million. Trust III used the proceeds of the offering to purchase $3.6 million of 9.875% fixed-rate TPS Debentures. Interest on these TPS Debentures are payable quarterly, and the TPS Debentures mature in 2040 but are redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

The TPS Debentures issued to each of the Trusts represent the sole assets of that Trust, and payments of the TPS Debentures by First United Corporation are the only sources of cash flow for the Trust. First United Corporation has the right, without triggering a default, to defer interest on all of the TPS Debentures for up to 20 quarterly periods, in which case distributions on the preferred securities will also be deferred. Should this occur, the Corporation may not pay dividends or distributions on, or repurchase, redeem or acquire any shares of its capital stock.

 

At the request of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “FRBR”), First United Corporation elected to defer quarterly interest payments under its TPS Debentures beginning with the payment that was due in March 2011. As of September 30, 2012, this deferral election remained in effect. Cumulative deferred interest on all TPS Debentures was approximately $3.9 million, which must be paid in full when First United Corporation terminates the deferral of interest payments. Management cannot predict when the deferral will be terminated. First United Corporation’s ability to resume quarterly interest payments will depend primarily on our earnings in future periods.

 

Interest payments on the $5.0 million junior subordinated debentures that were issued outside of trust preferred securities offerings cannot be, and have not been, deferred.

 

The terms of First United Corporation’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A Preferred Stock”) call for the payment, if declared by the Board of Directors of First United Corporation, of cash dividends on February 15th, May 15th, August 15th and November 15th of each year. On November 15, 2010, at the request of the FRBR, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation voted to suspend quarterly cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock beginning with the November 15, 2010 dividend payment date. Dividends of $.4 million per dividend period continue to accrue, and First United Corporation will be required to pay all accrued and unpaid dividends if and when the Board of Directors declares the next quarterly cash dividend. Cumulative deferred dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock was approximately $3.1 million as of September 30, 2012. Management cannot predict whether or when First United Corporation will resume the payment of quarterly dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. First United Corporation’s ability to pay cash dividends in the future will depend primarily on our earnings in future periods.

 

34
 

 

In December 2010, in connection with the above-mentioned deferral of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation voted to suspend the payment of quarterly cash dividends on the common stock starting in 2011.

 

Note 11 – Borrowed Funds

 

The following is a summary of short-term borrowings with original maturities of less than one year:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
   Year Ended December
31, 2011
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:          
Outstanding at end of period  $52,367   $36,868 
Weighted average interest rate at end of period   0.29%   0.64%
Maximum amount outstanding as of any month end  $52,367   $51,403 
Average amount outstanding  $37,299   $41,728 
Approximate weighted average rate during the period   0.40%   0.56%

 

At September 30, 2012, the repurchase agreements were secured by $71.1 million in available-for-sale investment securities.

 

The following is a summary of long-term borrowings with original maturities exceeding one year:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2012   2011 
FHLB advances, bearing fixed interest at rates ranging from 1.00% to 3.69% at September 30, 2012  $136,020   $160,314 
Junior subordinated debt, bearing variable interest rates ranging from 2.24% to 3.14% at September 30, 2012   35,929    35,929 
Junior subordinated debt, bearing fixed interest rate of 9.88% at September 30, 2012   10,801    10,801 
Total long-term debt  $182,750   $207,044 

 

35
 

 

 

At September 30, 2012, the long-term FHLB advances were secured by $153.4 million in loans and $7.4 million in investment securities.

 

The contractual maturities of all long-term borrowings are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Fixed   Floating         
   Rate   Rate   Total   Total 
Due in 2012  $0   $0   $0   $44,250 
Due in 2013   0    0    0    0 
Due in 2014   0    0    0    0 
Due in 2015   30,000    5,000    35,000    35,000 
Due in 2016   0    0    0    0 
Due in 2017   0    0    0    0 
Thereafter   116,821    30,929    147,750    127,794 
Total long-term debt  $146,821   $35,929   $182,750   $207,044 

 

Note 12 - Pension and SERP Plans

 

The following table presents the components of the net periodic pension plan cost for First United Corporation’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan and the Bank’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) for the periods indicated:

 

Pension  For the nine months ended   For the three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(In thousands)  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Service cost  $0   $0   $0   $0 
Interest cost   1,035    1,072    344    412 
Expected return on assets   (1,659)   (1,669)   (552)   (549)
Amortization of transition asset   (30)   (30)   (10)   (10)
Recognized net actuarial loss   285    209    95    9 
Amortization of prior service cost   9    9    3    5 
Net pension credit included in employee benefits  $(360)  $(409)  $(120)  $(133)

 

SERP  For the nine months ended   For the three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(In thousands)  2012   2011   2012   2011 
Service cost  $90   $119   $30   $39 
Interest cost   189    171    63    57 
Amortization of recognized loss   9    0    3    0 
Amortization of prior service cost   93    95    31    32 
Net pension expense included in employee benefits  $381   $385   $127   $128 

 

Effective April 30, 2010, the Pension Plan was amended, resulting in a “soft freeze”. The effects of the amendment were to prohibit new entrants into the plan and to cease crediting additional years of service after that date.

 

36
 

 

The Corporation does not intend to contribute to the Pension Plan in 2012 based upon its fully funded status and an evaluation of the future benefits provided under the Pension Plan. The Corporation expects to fund the annual projected benefit payments for the SERP from operations.

 

Note 13 - Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

At the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, First United Corporation’s shareholders approved the First United Corporation Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), which authorizes the issuance of up to 185,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, stock units, performance units, dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards to employees or directors.

 

On June 18, 2008, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation adopted a Long-Term Incentive Program (the “LTIP”). This program was adopted as a sub-plan of the Omnibus Plan to reward participants for increasing shareholder value, align executive interests with those of shareholders, and serve as a retention tool for key executives. Under the LTIP, participants are granted shares of restricted common stock of First United Corporation. The amount of an award is based on a specified percentage of the participant’s salary as of the date of grant. These shares will vest if the Corporation meets or exceeds certain performance thresholds. There were no grants of restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2012.

 

The Corporation complies with the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, in measuring and disclosing stock compensation cost. The measurement objective in ASC Paragraph 718-10-30-6 requires public companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized in expense over the period in which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period). The performance-related shares granted in connection with the LTIP are expensed ratably from the date that the likelihood of meeting the performance measures is probable through the end of a three year vesting period.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Recovery Act”) imposes restrictions on the type and timing of bonuses and incentive compensation that may be accrued for or paid to certain employees of institutions that participated in Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program. The Recovery Act generally limits bonuses and incentive compensation to grants of long-term restricted stock that, among other requirements, cannot fully vest until the Capital Purchase Program assistance is repaid.

 

Stock-based awards were made to non-employee directors in May 2012 pursuant to First United Corporation’s director compensation policy. Five thousand dollars of each director’s annual retainer is paid in shares of stock, with the remainder paid in cash. Beginning in 2011, each non-employee director was given the option to receive the remainder of his or her retainer, or any portion thereof, in shares of stock. A total of 16,526 fully-vested shares of common stock were issued to directors in 2012, which had a fair market value of $5.14 per share. Director stock compensation expense was $52,453 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $65,114 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

Note 14 – Letters of Credit and Off Balance Sheet Liabilities

 

The Corporation does not issue any guarantees that would require liability recognition or disclosure other than the standby letters of credit issued by the Bank.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Generally, the Bank’s letters of credit are issued with expiration dates within one year.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Bank generally holds collateral and/or personal guarantees supporting these commitments.  The Bank had $1.5 million of outstanding standby letters of credit at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of collateral and the enforcement of guarantees would be sufficient to cover the potential amount of future payment required by the letters of credit.  Management does not believe that the amount of the liability associated with guarantees under standby letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is material.

 

Note 15 – Derivative Financial Instruments

 

As a part of managing interest rate risk, the Bank entered into interest rate swap agreements to modify the re-pricing characteristics of certain interest-bearing liabilities. The Corporation has designated these interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges under the guidance of ASC Subtopic 815-30, Derivatives and Hedging – Cash Flow Hedges. Cash flow hedges have the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative, net of taxes, recorded in net accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

37
 

 

In July 2009, the Bank entered into three interest rate swap contracts totaling $20.0 million notional amount, hedging future cash flows associated with floating rate trust preferred debt. As of September 30, 2012 swap contracts totaling $15.0 million notional amount remained, as the three-year $5.0 million contract matured on June 15, 2012. The fair value of the interest rate swap contracts was ($946) thousand at September 30, 2012 and ($1.0) million at December 31, 2011 and was reported in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Cash in the amount of $1.4 million was posted as collateral as of September 30, 2012.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Corporation recorded an increase in the value of the derivatives of $88 thousand and the related deferred tax benefit of $36 thousand in net accumulated other comprehensive loss to reflect the effective portion of cash flow hedges. ASC Subtopic 815-30 requires this amount to be reclassified to earnings if the hedge becomes ineffective or is terminated. There was no hedge ineffectiveness recorded for the nine months ending September 30, 2012. The Corporation does not expect any losses relating to these hedges to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

 

Interest rate swap agreements are entered into with counterparties that meet established credit standards and the Corporation believes that the credit risk inherent in these contracts is not significant as of September 30, 2012.

 

The table below discloses the impact of derivative financial instruments on the Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the nine- and three-months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

 

           Amount of gain or 
           (loss) recognized in 
Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging      Amount of gain or   income on derivative 
Relationships  Amount of gain or   (loss) reclassified from   (ineffective portion 
   (loss) recognized in OCI   accumulated OCI into   and amount excluded 
   on derivative   income   from effectiveness 
(In thousands)  (effective portion)   (effective portion) (a)   testing) (b) 
Interest rate contracts:               
Nine months ended:               
September 30, 2012  $88   $0   $0 
September 30, 2011   (310)   0    0 
Three months ended:               
September 30, 2012  $9   $0   $0 
September 30, 2011   (226)   0    0 

 

Notes:

(a)Reported as interest expense
(b)Reported as other income

 

Note 16 – Variable Interest Entities (VIE)

 

As noted in Note 10, First United Corporation created the Trusts for the purposes of raising regulatory capital through the sale of mandatorily redeemable preferred capital securities to third party investors and common equity interests to First United Corporation. The Trusts are considered Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”), but are not consolidated because First United Corporation is not the primary beneficiary of the Trusts. At September 30, 2012, the Corporation reported all of the $41.7 million of TPS Debentures issued in connection with these offerings as long-term borrowings (along with the $5.0 million of stand-alone junior subordinated debentures), and it reported its $1.3 million equity interest in the Trusts as “Other Assets”.

 

In November 2009, the Bank became a 99.99% limited partner in Liberty Mews Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”); a Maryland limited partnership formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing and operating low-income housing units in Garrett County, Maryland. The Partnership was financed with a total of $10.6 million of funding, including a $6.1 million equity contribution from the Bank as the limited partner. The Partnership used the proceeds from these sources to purchase the land and construct a 36-unit low income housing rental complex at a total cost of $10.6 million. The total assets of the Partnership were approximately $10.1 million at September 30, 2012 and $10.9 million at December 31, 2011.

 

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As of December 31, 2011, the Bank had made contributions to the Partnership totaling $6.1 million. The project was completed in June 2011, and the Bank is entitled to $8.6 million in federal investment tax credits over a 10-year period as long as certain qualifying hurdles are maintained. The Bank will also receive the benefit of tax operating losses from the Partnership to the extent of its capital contribution. The investment in the Partnership assists the Bank in achieving its community reinvestment initiatives.

 

Because the Partnership is considered to be a VIE, management performed an analysis to determine whether its involvement with the Partnership would lead it to determine that it must consolidate the Partnership. In performing its analysis, management evaluated the risks creating the variability in the Partnership and identified which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Finally, it examined each of the variable interest holders to determine which, if any, of the holders was the primary beneficiary based on their power to direct the most significant activities and their obligation to absorb potentially significant losses of the Partnership.

 

The Bank, as a limited partner, generally has no voting rights. The Bank is not in any way involved in the daily management of the Partnership and has no other rights that provide it with the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Partnership’s economic performance, which are to develop and operate the housing project in such a manner that complies with specific tax credit guidelines. As a limited partner, there is no recourse to the Bank by the creditors of the Partnership. The tax credits that result from the Bank’s investment in the Partnership are generally subject to recapture should the partnership fail to comply with the applicable government regulations. The Bank has not provided any financial or other support to the Partnership beyond its required capital contributions and does not anticipate providing such support in the future. Management currently believes that no material losses are probable as a result of the Bank’s investment in the Partnership.

 

On the basis of management’s analysis, the general partner is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the Partnership. Because the Bank is not the primary beneficiary, the Partnership has not been included in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

 

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Corporation included its total investment in the Partnership in “Other Assets” in its Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. As of September 30, 2012, the Corporation’s commitment in the Partnership was fully funded. The following table presents details of the Bank’s involvement with the Partnership at the dates indicated:

  

   September 30,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2012   2011 
Investment in LIHTC Partnership          
Carrying amount on Balance Sheet of:          
Investment (Other Assets)  $5,614   $5,980 
Maximum exposure to loss   5,614    5,980 

 

Note 17 – Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

 

There were no new accounting pronouncements affecting the Corporation during the period that were not previously disclosed.

 

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Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The following discussion and analysis is intended as a review of material changes in and significant factors affecting the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods indicated. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in Item 1 of Part I of this report. Unless the context clearly suggests otherwise, references in this report to “us”, “we”, “our”, and “the Corporation” are to First United Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers of this report should be aware of the speculative nature of “forward-looking statements.” Statements that are not historical in nature, including those that include the words “anticipate”, “estimate”, “should”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, and similar expressions, are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about, among other things, the industry and the markets in which we operate, and they are not guarantees of future performance. Whether actual results will conform to expectations and predictions is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties discussed in this report; general economic, market, or business conditions; changes in interest rates, deposit flow, the cost of funds, and demand for loan products and financial services; changes in our competitive position or competitive actions by other companies; changes in the quality or composition of our loan and investment portfolios; our ability to manage growth; changes in laws or regulations or policies of federal and state regulators and agencies; and other circumstances beyond our control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results anticipated will be realized, or if substantially realized, will have the expected consequences on our business or operations. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the periodic reports that First United Corporation files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (see Item 1A of Part II of this report for further information). Except as required by applicable laws, we do not intend to publish updates or revisions of any forward-looking statements we make to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

 

First United Corporation is a Maryland corporation chartered in 1985 and a financial holding company registered under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. First United Corporation’s primary business is serving as the parent company of First United Bank & Trust, a Maryland trust company (the “Bank”), First United Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”) and First United Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), both Connecticut statutory business trusts, and First United Statutory Trust III, a Delaware statutory business trust (“Trust III” and together with Trust I and Trust II, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed for the purpose of selling trust preferred securities that qualified as Tier 1 capital. First United Corporation is also the parent company of First United Insurance Group, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (the “Insurance Agency”) that, through the close of business on December 31, 2011, operated as a full service insurance provider. Effective on January 1, 2012, the Insurance Agency sold substantially all of its assets, net of cash, to a third-party and is no longer an active subsidiary. The Bank has three wholly-owned subsidiaries: OakFirst Loan Center, Inc., a West Virginia finance company; OakFirst Loan Center, LLC, a Maryland finance company (collectively, the “OakFirst Loan Centers”), and First OREO Trust, a Maryland statutory trust formed for the purposes of servicing and disposing of the real estate that the Bank acquires through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure. The Bank owns a majority interest in Cumberland Liquidation Trust, a Maryland statutory trust formed for the purposes of servicing and disposing of real estate that secured a loan made by another bank and in which the Bank held a participation interest. The Bank also owns 99.9% of the limited partnership interests in Liberty Mews Limited Partnership; a Maryland limited partnership formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing and operating low-income housing units in Garrett County, Maryland. The Bank provides a complete range of retail and commercial banking services to a customer base serviced by a network of 28 offices and 29 automated teller machines.

 

At September 30, 2012, the Corporation had total assets of approximately $1.4 billion, net loans of $873.6 million, and deposits of approximately $1.0 billion. Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2012 was approximately $98.5 million.

 

The Corporation maintains an Internet site at www.mybank4.com on which it makes available, free of charge, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

 

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ESTIMATES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. (See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.) On an on-going basis, management evaluates estimates, including those related to loan losses and intangible assets, other-than–temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, income taxes, fair value of investments and pension plan assumptions. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

One of our most important accounting policies is that related to the monitoring of the loan portfolio. A variety of estimates impact the carrying value of the loan portfolio, including the calculation of the allowance for loan losses (the “ALL”), the valuation of underlying collateral, the timing of loan charge-offs and the placement of loans on non-accrual status. The allowance is established and maintained at a level that management believes is adequate to cover losses resulting from the inability of borrowers to make required payment on loans. Estimates for loan losses are arrived at by analyzing risks associated with specific loans and the loan portfolio, current and historical trends in delinquencies and charge-offs, and changes in the size and composition of the loan portfolio. The analysis also requires consideration of the economic climate and direction, changes in lending rates, political conditions, legislation impacting the banking industry and economic conditions specific to Western Maryland and Northeastern West Virginia. Because the calculation of the ALL relies on management’s estimates and judgments relating to inherently uncertain events, actual results may differ from management’s estimates.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, establishes standards for the amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment assessment of goodwill.  The $11 million in recorded goodwill is primarily related to the acquisition of Huntington National Bank branches that occurred in 2003 and is not subject to periodic amortization. 

 

Goodwill arising from business combinations represents the value attributable to unidentifiable intangible elements in the business acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. Impairment testing requires that the fair value of each of the Corporation’s reporting units be compared to the carrying amount of its net assets, including goodwill.  If the estimated current fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no additional testing is required and an impairment loss is not recorded. Otherwise, additional testing is performed, and to the extent such additional testing results in a conclusion that the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized.

 

Our goodwill relates to value inherent in the banking business, and that value is dependent upon our ability to provide quality, cost effective services in a highly competitive local market.  This ability relies upon continuing investments in processing systems, the development of value-added service features and the ease of use of our services.  As such, goodwill value is supported ultimately by revenue that is driven by the volume of business transacted.  A decline in earnings as a result of a lack of growth or the inability to deliver cost effective services over sustained periods can lead to impairment of goodwill, which could adversely impact earnings in future periods.  ASC Topic 350 requires an annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment.  The determination of whether or not these assets are impaired involves significant judgments and estimates. 

 

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Accounting for Income Taxes

 

The Corporation accounts for income taxes by recording deferred income taxes that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Management exercises significant judgment in the evaluation of the amount and timing of the recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. The judgments and estimates required for the evaluation are updated based upon changes in business factors and the tax laws.

 

A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce any deferred tax assets when, based upon available information, management concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that all, or any portion, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.  Assessing the need for, and amount of, a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets requires significant judgment and analysis of evidence regarding realization of the deferred tax assets.  In most cases, the realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and generating a sufficient level of taxable income in future periods, which can be difficult to predict.  Our largest deferred tax assets involve differences related to ALL and unrealized losses on investment securities.  Given the nature of our deferred tax assets, management determined that no valuation allowances were needed at September 30, 2012 except for a state valuation allowance for certain state deferred tax assets associated with First United Corporation.

 

Management expects that the Corporation’s adherence to the required accounting guidance may result in increased volatility in quarterly and annual effective income tax rates because of changes in judgment or measurement including changes in actual and forecasted income before taxes, tax laws and regulations, and tax planning strategies.

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities

 

Securities available-for-sale: Securities available-for-sale are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in the accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) component in shareholders’ equity.

 

The amortized cost of debt securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums to the first call date, if applicable, or to maturity, and for accretion of discounts to maturity, or in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated life of the security. Such amortization and accretion, plus interest and dividends, are included in interest income from investments. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded using the specific identification method.

 

Management systematically evaluates securities for impairment on a quarterly basis. Based upon application of accounting guidance for subsequent measurement in ASC Topic 320 (Section 320-10-35), management assesses whether (a) it has the intent to sell a security being evaluated and (b) it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated recovery. If neither applies, then declines in the fair values of securities below their cost that are considered other-than-temporary declines are split into two components. The first is the loss attributable to declining credit quality. Credit losses are recognized in earnings as realized losses in the period in which the impairment determination is made. The second component consists of all other losses, which are recognized in other comprehensive loss. In estimating OTTI losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area, (3) the historic and implied volatility of the fair value of the security, (4) changes in the rating of the security by a rating agency, (5) recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date, (6) failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest or principal payments, and (7) the payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future. Management also monitors cash flow projections for securities that are considered beneficial interests under the guidance of ASC Subtopic 325-40, Investments – Other – Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, (ASC Section 325-40-35). This process is described more fully in the Investment Securities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet Review.

 

Fair Value of Investments

 

We have determined the fair value of our investment securities in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements required under other accounting pronouncements. The Corporation measures the fair market values of its investments based on the fair value hierarchy established in Topic 820. The determination of fair value of investments and other assets is discussed further in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.

 

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Pension Plan Assumptions

 

Our pension plan costs are calculated using actuarial concepts, as discussed within the requirements of ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. Pension expense and the determination of our projected pension liability are based upon two critical assumptions: the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. We evaluate each of these critical assumptions annually. Other assumptions impact the determination of pension expense and the projected liability including the primary employee demographics, such as retirement patterns, employee turnover, mortality rates, and estimated employer compensation increases. These factors, along with the critical assumptions, are carefully reviewed by management each year in consultation with our pension plan consultants and actuaries. Further information about our pension plan assumptions, the plan’s funded status, and other plan information is included in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.

 

Other than as discussed above, management does not believe that any material changes in our critical accounting policies have occurred since December 31, 2011.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table sets forth certain selected financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 and is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information and unaudited financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this quarterly report.

  

   As of or For the nine months 
   ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
Per Share Data        
Basic net (loss)/income per common share  $0.10   $0.26 
Diluted net (loss)/income per common share  $0.10   $0.26 
Book Value  $11.07   $11.08 
           
Significant Ratios          
Return on Average Assets (a)   0.18%   0.25%
Return on Average Equity (a)   2.57%   3.80%
Average Equity to Average Assets   7.06%   6.52%

 

Note: (a) Annualized

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

Consolidated net income available to common shareholders was $.6 million for the first nine months of 2012, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $1.6 million for the same period of 2011. Basic and diluted net income per common share for the first nine months of 2012 was $.10, compared to net income per common share of $.26 for the same period of 2011. The decrease in net income for the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the first nine months of 2011 was primarily due to a $3.3 million increase in the provision for loan losses during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same time period of 2011. The increase in provision expense was partially offset by an increase in other operating income due to a one-time, tax free death benefit of approximately $.7 million received under a policy of bank owned life insurance and net gains of $1.1 million in the first nine months of 2012, compared to $.1 million of net losses for the same time period of 2011. Net gains for the first nine months of 2012 were driven by net gains realized on sales of investment securities of $.6 million and $.7 million in gains on the sale of other real estate owned (“OREO”). Net interest income increased slightly during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same time period of 2011. The net interest margin for the first nine months of 2012, on a fully tax equivalent (“FTE”) basis, increased to 3.31% from 2.89% for the first nine months of 2011. The net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2011, on an FTE basis, was 2.96%. Our margin should continue to improve as we decrease cash levels, reduce non-accrual loans and continue to shift the deposit mix towards lower cost deposits.

 

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The provision for loan losses increased to $9.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $5.9 million for the same period of 2011. The higher provision expense was primarily due to a loan charge-off of $9.0 million on a shared national credit for an ethanol plant in western Pennsylvania during the first quarter of 2012. In addition to this charge-off, we charged off $1.1 million on a participation loan for a hotel located in Hazleton, Pennsylvania and $.9 million on a motel located in Salisbury, Maryland. Other than these specific charge-offs, there has been a leveling in the credit quality of our loan portfolio as we are experiencing fewer loan downgrades and delinquency levels have improved. Specific allocations have been made for impaired loans where management has determined that the collateral supporting the loans is not adequate to cover the loan balance, and the qualitative factors affecting the ALL have been adjusted based on the current economic environment and the characteristics of the loan portfolio.

 

Interest expense on our interest-bearing liabilities decreased $6.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011 due primarily to a planned decrease of $165.7 million in average interest-bearing deposits and a $20.4 million decrease in average debt outstanding. The decline in expense was also due to the continued low interest rate environment. The Bank’s treasury team continues to monitor rates on our deposits and increases special pricing only for full relationship customers. Our retail staff is focused on shifting our deposit mix away from higher cost certificates of deposit and towards lower cost money market and transaction accounts.

 

Other operating income increased $.5 million during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. This increase was primarily attributable to net gains realized on OREO of $.4 million in the current period when compared to a $2.1 million loss in the prior year period, and the $.7 million one-time, tax free death benefit that accrued in March 2012. The gains were offset by a $1.9 million decline in insurance commissions, as a result of the sale of the assets of the Corporation’s insurance agency subsidiary, First United Insurance Group, LLC, effective January 1, 2012 and a $1.4 million gain on the sale of indirect auto loans in the prior year period which had no comparable activity in the current period.

 

Operating expenses decreased $1.3 million in the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. This decrease was due primarily to a $.3 million decline in FDIC premiums attributable to the repayment of brokered deposits and a decline of $.4 million in salary expense. Other miscellaneous expenses declined by $.2 million primarily due to reductions in expenses such as marketing, legal and professional, consulting and postage during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the first nine months of 2011.

 

Consolidated net income available to common shareholders was $2.5 million, or $.40 per common share, for the third quarter of 2012, compared to net income available to common shareholders of $.3 million, or $.05 per common share, for the same period of 2011. The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2012, on an FTE basis, was 3.28%, compared to 2.97% for the same period of 2011.

 

Other operating income increased $.2 million during the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. This increase was primarily attributable to the decrease in net losses recognized during the third quarter of 2012 on other real estate owned when compared to the same period of 2011. This was offset by the decline in insurance commission due to the sale of the assets of the insurance agency effective January 1, 2012.

 

Operating expenses decreased $.2 million in the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. This decrease was due to the decrease in salary expense during the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the third quarter of 2011. This decrease was primarily a result of reduced head count and lower incentive compensation due to reduced production in commercial lending.

 

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Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income is the largest source of operating revenue and is the difference between the interest earned on interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. For analytical and discussion purposes, net interest income is adjusted to a FTE basis to facilitate performance comparisons between taxable and tax-exempt assets. FTE income is determined by increasing tax-exempt income by an amount equal to the federal income taxes that would have been paid if this income were taxable at the statutorily applicable rate. The following table sets forth the average balances, net interest income and expense, and average yields and rates of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

 

   For the nine months ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   Average       Average   Average       Average 
(in thousands)  Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate 
Interest-Earning Assets:                              
Loans  $916,166   $35,545   5.18%  $961,986   $39,838   5.54%
Investment securities   234,228    5,500    3.14    247,829    6,277    3.39 
Other interest earning assets   77,075    207    0.36    164,102    327    0.27 
Total earning assets  $1,227,469    41,252    4.49%  $1,373,917    46,442    4.52%
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing deposits  $853,594   5,085    0.80%  $1,019,294    9,724    1.28%
Short-term borrowings   37,374    115    0.41    41,170    177    0.57 
Long-term borrowings   203,846    5,628    3.69    220,453    6,888    4.18 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  $1,094,814    10,828    1.32%  $1,280,917    16,789    1.75%
                               
Net interest income and spread       $30,424   3.17%       $29,653  2.77%
Net interest margin             3.31%             2.89%

 

Note: Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate.

 

Net interest income on a FTE basis increased $.8 million during the first nine months of 2012 over the same period in 2011 due to a $6.0 million (35.5%) decrease in interest expense, which was partially offset by a $5.2 million (11.2%) decrease in interest income. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to the reduction in the average balances of interest-bearing deposits and average debt outstanding as well as the reduction in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The slightly lower yield on both loans and investment securities, as funds were reinvested, contributed to the decline in interest income when comparing the two periods. The reduction in the average rates on interest-bearing liabilities was the primary driver of the increase in the net interest margin of 42 basis points, as it increased to 3.31% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 2.89% for the same period of 2011. The net interest margin was 2.96% for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

There was an overall $146.4 million decrease in average interest-earning assets, driven by the $45.8 million reduction in loans and the $87.0 million reduction in other interest earning assets, primarily cash. The reduction in cash contributed to the relatively stable yield on our average earning assets.

 

Interest expense decreased during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011 due to an overall reduction in interest rates on deposit products driven by our net-interest margin strategy implemented during 2011 and continuing into 2012, our decision to only increase special rates on time deposits for full relationship customers, the reduction in the average balance of total interest-bearing liabilities and the shorter duration of the portfolio. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $186.1 million as management implemented a strategy to right-size the balance sheet by using cash to repay brokered deposits and wholesale long-term borrowings during 2011. The overall effect was a 43 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on our average interest-bearing liabilities, from 1.75% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to 1.32% for the same period of 2012. 

 

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The following table sets forth the average balances, net interest income and expense, and average yields and rates of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   For the three months ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
   Average       Average   Average       Average 
(in thousands)  Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate 
Interest-Earning Assets:                              
Loans  $903,310   $11,562    5.09%  $928,852   $12,650    5.40%
Investment securities   230,852    1,762    3.04    263,225    2,095    3.16 
Other interest earning assets   83,909    73    0.34    113,796    88    0.31 
Total earning assets  $1,218,071    13,397    4.37%  $1,305,873    14,833    4.51%
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing deposits  $851,991    1,527    0.71%  $954,458    2,821    1.17%
Short-term borrowings   41,160    18    0.17    42,962    50    0.46 
Long-term borrowings   198,022    1,795    3.61    207,453    2,187    4.18 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  $1,091,173    3,340    1.22%  $1,204,873    5,058    1.67%
                               
Net interest income and spread       $10,057    3.15%       $9,775    2.84%
Net interest margin             3.28%             2.97%

 

Note: Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate.

 

Net interest income on a FTE basis increased $.3 million during the third quarter of 2012 over the same period in 2011 due to a $1.7 million (34.0%) decrease in interest expense, which was partially offset by a $1.4 million (9.7%) decrease in interest income. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to the reduction in the average balances of interest-bearing deposits and average debt outstanding as well as the reduction in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The slightly lower yield on both loans and investment securities, as funds were reinvested, as well as the lower average balances outstanding, contributed to the decline in interest income when comparing the two periods. The reduction in the average rates on interest-bearing liabilities was the primary driver of the increase in the net interest margin of 31 basis points, as it increased to 3.28% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from 2.97% for the same period of 2011.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

The provision for loan losses was $9.3 million for the first nine months of 2012, compared to $5.9 million for the same period of 2011.  The higher provision expense was primarily due to the aforementioned $9.0 million charge-off of the shared national credit for an ethanol plant (included in Commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans) during the first quarter of 2012. Absent this charge-off, we experienced a continued stabilization in our total rolling historical loss rates and the qualitative factors utilized in the determination of the ALL, as well as stabilization in the level of classified assets (discussed below in the section entitled “FINANCIAL CONDITION” under the heading “Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses”). Management strives to ensure that the ALL reflects a level commensurate with the risk inherent in our loan portfolio.

 

Other Operating Income

 

Other operating income, exclusive of gains, decreased $.7 million during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. Service charge income and debit card income both remained stable when comparing the first nine months of 2012 and 2011. Bank owned life insurance income increased due to the $.7 million one-time, tax free death benefit that accrued in March 2012. Insurance commissions decreased $1.9 million due to the sale of the assets of First United Insurance Group, LLC effective January 1, 2012. The sale did not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. We also realized an increase of approximately $.5 million in other income primarily due to increased rental income on OREO. Trust department income increased $.2 million when comparing the first nine months of 2012 to the same period of 2011. Trust assets under management were $630 million at September 30, 2012 and $582 at September 30, 2011.

 

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Net gains of $1.1 million were reported through other income in the first nine months of 2012, compared to net losses of $.1 million during the same period of 2011. The change from net losses to net gains in the first nine months of 2012 was a result of $.4 million realized on OREO in the current period when compared to $2.1 million loss in the prior year period. There were no non-cash OTTI charges on the investment portfolio for the first nine months of 2012, compared to $19,000 in OTTI charges during the first nine months of 2011. The reduction in OTTI charges throughout 2011 and the first nine months of 2012 resulted from improvements in the financial industry, as the collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) portfolio is made up primarily of securities issued by financial institutions.

 

Other operating income, exclusive of gains, decreased $.3 million during the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. Service charge income and debit card income both remained stable when comparing the third quarters of 2012 and 2011. Insurance commissions decreased $.6 million due to the sale of the assets of the Insurance Agency on January 1, 2012. This decrease was offset by an increase of $.3 million in other miscellaneous income.

 

Net losses of $.3 million were reported through other income in the third quarter of 2012, compared to net losses of $.8 million during the same period of 2011. The decrease in the net losses in the third quarter of 2012 was primarily the result of the decrease in losses on OREO. There were no non-cash OTTI charges on the investment portfolio for the third quarters of 2012 or 2011.

 

The following table shows the major components of other operating income for the nine- and three-months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, exclusive of net gains/(losses):

 

   Income as % of Total Other Operating
Income
   Income as % of Total Other Operating
Income
 
   For the nine months ended   For the three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Service charges   25%   25%   28%   26%
Trust department   32%   29%   34%   30%
Insurance commissions   0%   17%   0%   18%
Debit card Income   15%   14%   15%   13%
Bank owned life insurance   14%   7%   8%   7%
Other income   14%   8%   15%   6%
    100%   100%   100%   100%

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

Other operating expenses decreased $1.3 million (4.1%) for the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the first nine months of 2011. The decrease was due to a decline of $.4 million in salaries and benefits resulting primarily from a reduction of full-time equivalent employees through attrition within the Corporation throughout 2011 and the sale of the assets of the insurance company. A decline of $.3 million in FDIC premiums attributable to the repayment of brokered deposits also impacted the reduced expenses. A decrease of $.3 million in equipment expense is the result of normal depreciation during the nine months of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. Other miscellaneous expenses, such as legal and professional, marketing, consulting and postage, were also reduced when comparing the first nine months of 2012 to the same time period of 2011.

 

Other operating expenses decreased $.2 million for the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period of 2011. The decrease was due to a decrease of $.2 million in salary expense attributable to reduced staffing and lower incentive pay due to reduced production in commercial lending.

 

47
 

 

The composition of other operating expenses for the nine- and three-months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is illustrated in the following table.

 

 

   Expense as % of Total Other
Operating Expenses
   Expense as % of Total Other
Operating Expenses
 
   For the nine months ended   For the three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Salaries and employee benefits   49%   49%   49%   50%
FDIC premiums   5%   6%   5%   4%
Occupancy, equipment and data processing   21%   21%   20%   21%
Other   25%   24%   26%   25%
    100%   100%   100%   100%

 

Applicable Income Taxes

 

In reporting interim financial information, income tax provisions should be determined under the procedures set forth in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (Section 740-270-30). This guidance provides that at the end of each interim period, an entity should make its best estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. The rate so determined should be used in providing for income taxes on a current year-to-date basis. The effective tax rate should reflect anticipated investment tax credits, capital gains rates, and other available tax planning alternatives. In arriving at this effective tax rate, however, no effect should be included for the tax related to significant, unusual or extraordinary items that will be separately reported or reported net of their related tax effect in reports for the interim period or for the fiscal year.

 

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2012 was 6.4%, compared to an effective tax benefit rate of 15.5% for the first nine months of 2011. Our effective income tax rates differed from the 35% federal statutory rate due to the effects of tax-exempt income on loans, securities and bank-owned life insurance, as well as the low income housing tax credits.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Balance Sheet Overview

 

Total assets were $1.4 billion at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $31.5 million since December 31, 2011. During this time period, cash and interest-bearing deposits in other banks increased $23.4 million, the investment portfolio decreased $5.7 million, and gross loans decreased $48.7 million. Total liabilities decreased by approximately $33.3 million during the first nine months of 2012, reflecting a decrease in total deposits of $24.4 million and a $24.3 million decrease in long-term borrowings, due to paybacks and principal amortization on our FHLB advances. Short-term borrowings increased $15.5 million. Shareholders’ equity increased $1.8 million from December 31, 2011 to September 30, 2012 as a result of the net income recognized during the first nine months of 2012.

 

48
 

 

Loan Portfolio

 

The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

 

(In thousands)  September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Commercial real estate  $307,447    35%  $336,234    36%
Acquisition and development   138,513    15    142,871    15 
Commercial and industrial   64,616    7    78,697    8 
Residential mortgage   346,879    39    347,220    37 
Consumer   32,535    4    33,672    4 
Total Loans  $889,990    100%  $938,694    100%

 

Comparing loans at September 30, 2012 to loans at December 31, 2011, outstanding loans decreased by $48.7 million (5.2%). Commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans decreased $28.8 million as a result of the payoff of several large loans, charge-offs of loan balances and ongoing scheduled principal payments. Acquisition and development (“A&D”) loans decreased $4.4 million. C&I loans decreased $14.1 million primarily as a result of the aforementioned $9.0 million charge-off on a shared national credit for an ethanol plant. Residential mortgages decreased by $.3 million. The decrease in the residential mortgage portfolio was attributable to regularly scheduled principal payments on existing loans and management’s continued use of the secondary market outlets such as Fannie Mae for the majority of new, longer-term, fixed-rate residential loan originations. The consumer portfolio decreased $1.1 million due primarily to repayment activity in the indirect auto portfolio slightly offsetting new production. At September 30, 2012, approximately 60% of the commercial loan portfolio was collateralized by real estate, compared to approximately 64% at December 31, 2011.

 

49
 

 

Risk Elements of Loan Portfolio

 

The following table presents the risk elements of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated. Management is not aware of any potential problem loans other than those listed in this table or discussed below.

  

       % of       % of 
   September 30,   Applicable   December 31,   Applicable 
(In thousands)  2012   Portfolio   2011   Portfolio 
Non-accrual loans:                    
Commercial real estate  $8,074    2.63%  $10,069    3.00%
Acquisition and development   17,882    12.91%   14,938    10.50%
Commercial and industrial   343    0.53%   9,364    11.90%
Residential mortgage   2,730    0.79%   3,796    1.10%
Consumer   52    0.16%   21    0.06%
Total non-accrual loans  $29,081    3.27%  $38,188    4.10%
                     
Accruing Loans Past Due 90 days or more:                    
Commercial real estate  $5,185       $0     
Acquisition and development   0        128     
Commercial and industrial   0        0     
Residential mortgage   693        1,509     
Consumer   43        142     
Total loans past due 90 days or more  $5,921       $1,779     
                   
Total non-accrual and accruing loans past due 90 days or more  $35,002       $39,967     
                   
Restructured Loans (TDRs):                  
Performing  $13,361       $10,657     
Non-accrual (included above)   7,491        7,385     
Total TDRs  $20,852       $18,042     
                   
Other Real Estate Owned  $20,631       $16,676     
                   
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance  $49,411       $41,778     
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance   9,872        20,048     
Total impaired loans  $59,283       $61,826     
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans  $1,767       $3,951     

 

50
 

 

Other Real Estate Owned

 

The following table presents the components of OREO as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

  

   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Commercial real estate  $5,825   $2,913 
Acquisition and development   11,489    12,602 
Residential mortgage   3,317    1,161 
Total OREO  $20,631   $16,676 

 

The following table presents the components of OREO expenses, net for the nine- and three-months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   For the nine months ended   For the three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2012   2011   2012   2011 
(Gains)/losses on real estate, net  $(668)  $244   $14   $200 
Fair value write-down   278    1,875    278    923 
Expenses, net   795    445    380    270 
Rental income   (180)   (64)   (54)   (54)
Total OREO expenses, net  $225   $2,500   $618   $1,339 

 

Performing loans considered to be impaired (including performing troubled debt restructurings, or TDRs), as defined and identified by management, amounted to $30.3 million at September 30, 2012 and $23.6 million at December 31, 2011. Loans are identified as impaired when, based on current information and events, management determines that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to contractual terms. These loans consist primarily of A&D loans and CRE loans. The fair values are generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the collateral or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. Specific allocations have been made where management believes there is insufficient collateral to repay the loan balance if liquidated and there is no secondary source of repayment available.

 

The level of performing impaired loans (other than performing TDRs) increased $4.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, due to the addition of $5.3 million of loans added to performing accrued status, partially offset by $1.3 million of net principal repayments received in the year-to-date period. The new performing impaired balances were related to three relationships. Management will continue to monitor all loans that have been removed from an impaired status and take appropriate steps to ensure that satisfactory performance is sustained.

 

51
 

 

The following table presents the details of impaired loans that are TDRs by class as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Number of   Recorded   Number of   Recorded 
(in thousands)  Contracts   Investment   Contracts   Investment 
Performing                    
Commercial real estate                    
Non owner-occupied   2   $276    2   $287 
All other CRE   5    5,718    1    3,162 
Acquisition and development                    
1-4 family residential construction   1    2,125    1    2,489 
All other A&D   4    2,352    4    2,645 
Commercial and industrial   2    946    1    693 
Residential mortgage                    
Residential mortgage – term   4    1,944    5    1,381 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    0 
Total performing   18   $13,361    14   $10,657 
                     
Non-accrual                    
Commercial real estate                    
Non owner-occupied   1   $448    1   $448 
All other CRE   0    0    0    0 
Acquisition and development                    
1-4 family residential construction   0    0    0    0 
All other A&D   6    6,546    7    6,719 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    0    0 
Residential mortgage                    
Residential mortgage – term   2    497    1    218 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    0 
Total non-accrual   9    7,491    9    7,385 
Total TDRs   27   $20,852    23   $18,042 

 

The level of TDRs increased $2.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, reflecting the addition of seven loans totaling $3.9 million to performing TDRs and one loan totaling $.3 million to non-accrual TDRs, as well as the re-modification of three loans already in performing TDRs. Principal payments of $1.0 million were received on performing TDRs and a $.2 million non-performing TDR was paid-off during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012. Three loans totaling $.3 million that had been modified at market rates prior to December 31, 2011 were removed from performing TDRs during 2012 because the borrowers had made at least six consecutive payments and were current at the time of reclassification.

 

Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses

 

The ALL is maintained to absorb losses from the loan portfolio. The ALL is based on management’s continuing evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio, assessment of current economic conditions, diversification and size of the portfolio, adequacy of collateral, past and anticipated loss experience, and the amount of non-performing loans.

 

The ALL is also based on estimates, and actual losses will vary from current estimates. These estimates are reviewed quarterly, and as adjustments, either positive or negative, become necessary, a corresponding increase or decrease is made in the ALL. The methodology used to determine the adequacy of the ALL is consistent with prior years. An estimate for probable losses related to unfunded lending commitments, such as letters of credit and binding but unfunded loan commitments is also prepared. This estimate is computed in a manner similar to the methodology described above, adjusted for the probability of actually funding the commitment.

 

52
 

 

The following table presents a summary of the activity in the ALL for the nine months ended September 30:

 

(in thousands)  2012   2011 
Balance, January 1  $19,480   $22,138 
Charge-offs:          
Commercial real estate   (2,280)   (5,508)
Acquisition and development   (768)   (1,048)
Commercial and industrial   (9,217)   (515)
Residential mortgage   (1,029)   (1,403)
Consumer   (522)   (673)
Total charge-offs   (13,816)   (9,147)
Recoveries:          
Commercial real estate   58    91 
Acquisition and development   413    278 
Commercial and industrial   445    15 
Residential mortgage   161    415 
Consumer   332    406 
Total recoveries   1,409    1,205 
Net credit losses   (12,407)   (7,942)
Provision for loan losses   9,276    5,939 
Balance at end of period  $16,349   $20,135 
           
Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding (as %)   1.84%   2.19%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period, annualized (as %)   1.83%   1.10%

 

The ALL decreased to $16.3 million at September 30, 2012, compared to $19.5 million at December 31, 2011 and $20.1 million at September 30, 2011. The provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2012 increased to $9.3 million from $5.9 million for the same period in 2011. Net charge-offs rose to $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Included in the net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were the aforementioned $9.0 million charge-off on a shared national credit for an ethanol plant, a $1.1 million charge-off for a participation loan, and a $.9 million charge-off for a non owner-occupied commercial real estate loan. The increased provision expense was primarily due to these three large charge-offs. The ratio of the ALL to loans outstanding as of September 30, 2012 was 1.84%, which was lower than the 2.19% for the same period last year due to charging off specific allocations as necessitated by changing circumstances and due to lower nonperforming loan balances.

 

The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was an annualized 1.83%, compared to an annualized 1.10% for the same period in 2011 and 1.24% for the year ended December 31, 2011. Relative to December 31, 2011, all segments of loans, with the exception of C&I and residential mortgage loans, showed improvement. The annualized net charge-off ratio for CRE loans as of September 30, 2012 was .92%, compared to 2.02% as of December 31, 2011. The annualized net charge-off ratio for A&D loans as of September 30, 2012 was .34%, compared to 1.91% as of December 31, 2011. The ratios for C&I loans were 16.32% and .99% for September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, as a result of annualizing the $9.0 million full charge-off described above. The residential mortgage ratios were .33% and .32% for September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, and the consumer loan ratios were .77% and 1.17%, for September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

Accruing loans past due 30 days or more declined to 1.69% of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2012, compared to 2.86% at December 31, 2011. The decrease for the first nine months of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease of $9.6 million in the residential mortgage – term loans. Other improvements in the levels of past-due loans were attributable to a combination of a slowly improving economy and vigorous collection efforts by the Bank.

 

Comparing the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, total non-accrual loan balances have declined. Non-accrual loans totaled $29.1 million as of September 30, 2012, compared to $38.2 million as of December 31, 2011 and $37.5 million as of September 30, 2011. Non-accrual loans which have been subject to a partial charge-off totaled $9.6 million as of September 30, 2012, compared to $13.4 million as of December 31, 2011.

 

53
 

 

Management believes that the ALL at September 30, 2012 is adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Amounts that will be recorded for the provision for loan losses in future periods will depend upon trends in the loan balances, including the composition of the loan portfolio, changes in loan quality and loss experience trends, potential recoveries on previously charged-off loans and changes in other qualitative factors. Management also applies interest rate risk, collateral value and debt service sensitivity analyses to the Commercial real estate loan portfolio and obtains new appraisals on specific loans under defined parameters to assist in the determination of the periodic provision for loan losses.

 

Investment Securities

 

At September 30, 2012, the total amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale investment portfolio was $255.6 million, compared to a fair value of $235.3 million. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders’ equity.

 

The following table presents the composition of our securities portfolio at amortized cost and fair values at the dates indicated:

 

   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Amortized   Fair Value   FV as %   Amortized   Fair Value   FV as % 
(Dollars in thousands)  Cost   (FV)   of Total   Cost   (FV)   of Total 
Securities Available-for-Sale:                              
U.S. government agencies  $32,909   $33,049    14%  $25,490   $25,580    11%
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   66,404    67,532    29%   94,332    95,691    39%
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   58,047    59,652    25%   44,850    44,932    18%
Collateralized mortgage obligations   0    0    0%   680    557    0%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   61,576    65,066    28%   65,424    68,816    28%
Collateralized debt obligations   36,672    10,032    4%   36,385    9,447    4%
Total Investment Securities  $255,608   $235,331    100%  $267,161   $245,023    100%
Securities Held to Maturity:                              
Obligations of state and policitcal subdivisions  $4,040   $4,040    100%  $0   $0   $0 

  

Total investment securities available-for-sale decreased $9.7 million since December 31, 2011. At September 30, 2012, the securities classified as available-for-sale included a net unrealized loss of $20.3 million, which represents the difference between the fair value and amortized cost of securities in the portfolio. Two tax increment fund bonds were moved to held to maturity during the first quarter reflecting management’s intent to hold the securities until the earlier of their full repayment or maturity.

 

As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report, the Corporation measures fair market values based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Level 3 prices or valuation techniques require inputs that are both significant to the valuation assumptions and are not readily observable in the market (i.e. supported with little or no market activity). These Level 3 instruments are valued based on both observable and unobservable inputs derived from the best available data, some of which is internally developed, and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require.

 

Approximately $225.3 million of the available-for-sale portfolio was valued using Level 2 pricing, and had net unrealized gains of $6.4 million at September 30, 2012. The remaining $10.0 million of the securities available-for-sale represents the entire CDO portfolio, which was valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 assets). The $26.6 million in unrealized losses associated with this portfolio relates to 18 pooled trust preferred securities that comprise the CDO portfolio. Unrealized losses of $17.4 million represent non-credit related OTTI charges on 13 of the securities, while $9.2 million of unrealized losses relates to five securities which have had no credit related OTTI. The unrealized losses on these securities were primarily attributable to continued depression in the marketability and liquidity associated with CDOs.

 

54
 

 

The following table provides a summary of the trust preferred securities in the CDO portfolio and the credit status of these securities as of September 30, 2012.

 

Level 3 Investment Securities Available for Sale

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Investment Description First United Level 3 Investments  Security Credit Status
Deal  Class   Amortized
Cost
   Fair
Market
Value
   Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
   Lowest
Credit
Rating
  Original
Collateral
   Deferrals/
Defaults
as % of
Original
Collateral
   Performing
Collateral
   Collateral
Support
   Collateral
Support as
% of
Performing

Collateral
   Number of
Performing
Issuers/Total
Issuers
Preferred Term Security I  Mezz    669    483    (186)  C   303,112    22.76%   108,000    (23,122)   -21.41%  12/17
Preferred Term Security XI*  B-1    1,359    476    (883)  C   635,775    29.14%   388,075    (121,475)   -31.30%  41/62
Preferred Term Security XVI*  C    222    147    (75)  C   606,040    45.13%   299,880    (191,896)   -63.99%  33/56
Preferred Term Security XVIII  C    2,106    460    (1,646)  C   676,565    29.43%   460,579    (121,560)   -24.44%  48/75
Preferred Term Security XVIII*  C    3,030    689    (2,341)  C   676,565    29.43%   460,579    (121,560)   -24.44%  48/75
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C    3,039    380    (2,659)  C   700,535    26.00%   462,731    (147,512)   -31.88%  45/67
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C    1,315    162    (1,153)  C   700,535    26.00%   462,731    (147,512)   -31.88%  45/67
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C    1,317    163    (1,154)  C   700,535    26.00%   462,731    (147,512)   -31.88%  45/67
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C    2,208    271    (1,937)  C   700,535    26.00%   462,731    (147,512)   -31.88%  45/67
Preferred Term Security XXII*  C-1    1,580    412    (1,168)  C   1,386,600    27.98%   893,600    (186,824)   -20.91%  60/92
Preferred Term Security XXII*  C-1    3,949    1,030    (2,919)  C   1,386,600    27.98%   893,600    (186,824)   -20.91%  60/92
Preferred Term Security XXIII*  C-1    2,074    620    (1,454)  C   1,467,000    22.05%   947,500    (104,842)   -11.07%  88/114
Preferred Term Security XXIII*  D-1    2,165    556    (1,609)  C   1,467,000    22.05%   947,500    (216,649)   -22.87%  88/114
Preferred Term Security XXIII*  D-1    722    186    (539)  C   1,467,000    22.05%   947,500    (216,649)   -22.87%  88/114
Preferred Term Security XXIV*  C-1    917    157    (760)  C   1,050,600    33.25%   658,815    (218,274)   -33.13%  56/87
Preferred Term Security I-P-I  B-2    2,000    912    (1,088)  CCC-   351,000    9.29%   156,000    6,586    4.22%  14/16
Preferred Term Security I-P-IV  B-1    3,000    1,098    (1,902)  CCC-   325,000    11.08%   223,600    16,646    7.44%  24/27
Preferred Term Security I-P-IV  B-1    5,000    1,830    (3,170)  CCC-   325,000    11.08%   223,600    16,646    7.44%  24/27
                                                   
Total Level 3 Securities Available for Sale       36,672    10,032    (26,640)                               

 

* Security has been deemed other-than-temporarily impaired and loss has been recognized in accordance with ASC Section 320-10-35.

 

The terms of the debentures underlying trust preferred securities allow the issuer of the debentures to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters, and, in such case, the terms of the related trust preferred securities allow their issuers to defer dividend payments for up to 20 quarters. Some of the issuers of the trust preferred securities in our investment portfolio have defaulted and/or deferred payments ranging from 9.26% to 45.13% of the total collateral balances underlying the securities. The securities were designed to include structural features that provide investors with credit enhancement or support to provide default protection by subordinated tranches. These features include over-collateralization of the notes or subordination, excess interest or spread which will redirect funds in situations where collateral is insufficient, and a specified order of principal payments. There are securities in our portfolio that are under-collateralized, which does represent additional stress on our tranche. However, in these cases, the terms of the securities require excess interest to be redirected from subordinate tranches as credit support, which provides additional support to our investment.

 

Management systematically evaluates securities for impairment on a quarterly basis. Based upon application of ASC Topic 320 (Section 320-10-35), management must assess whether (a) it has the intent to sell the security and (b) it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security prior to its anticipated recovery. If neither applies, then declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are considered other-than-temporary declines are split into two components. The first is the loss attributable to declining credit quality. Credit losses are recognized in earnings as realized losses in the period in which the impairment determination is made. The second component consists of all other losses. The other losses are recognized in other comprehensive income. In estimating OTTI charges, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) adverse conditions specifically related to the security, an industry, or a geographic area, (3) the historic and implied volatility of the security, (4) changes in the rating of a security by a rating agency, (5) recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date, (6) failure of the issuer of the security to make scheduled interest payments, and (7) the payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments that increase in the future. Due to the duration and the significant market value decline in the pooled trust preferred securities held in our portfolio, we performed more extensive testing on these securities for purposes of evaluating whether or not an OTTI has occurred.

 

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The market for these securities as of September 30, 2012 is not active and markets for similar securities are also not active. The inactivity was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which these securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive, as no new CDOs have been issued since 2007. There are currently very few market participants who are willing to effect transactions in these securities. The market values for these securities, or any securities other than those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), are very depressed relative to historical levels. Therefore, in the current market, a low market price for a particular bond may only provide evidence of stress in the credit markets in general rather than being an indicator of credit problems with a particular issue. Given the conditions in the current debt markets and the absence of observable transactions in the secondary and new issue markets, management has determined that (a) the few observable transactions and market quotations that are available are not reliable for the purpose of obtaining fair value at September 30, 2012, (b) an income valuation approach technique (i.e. present value) that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of observable inputs will be equally or more representative of fair value than a market approach, and (c) the CDO segment is appropriately classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy because management determined that significant adjustments were required to determine fair value at the measurement date.

 

Management utilizes an independent third party to prepare both the evaluations of OTTI and the fair value determinations for the CDO portfolio. Management does not believe that there were any material differences in the impairment evaluations and pricing between December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012.

 

The approach of the third party to determine fair value involved several steps, including detailed credit and structural evaluation of each piece of collateral in each bond, default, recovery and prepayment/amortization probabilities for each piece of collateral in the bond, and discounted cash flow modeling. The discount rate methodology used by the third party combines a baseline current market yield for comparable corporate and structured credit products with adjustments based on evaluations of the differences found in structure and risks associated with actual and projected credit performance of each CDO being valued. Currently, the only active and liquid trading market that exists is for stand-alone trust preferred securities. Therefore, adjustments to the baseline discount rate are also made to reflect the additional leverage found in structured instruments.

 

Based upon a review of credit quality and the cash flow tests performed by the independent third party, management determined that no securities had credit-related OTTI during the first nine months of 2012.

 

The risk-based capital ratios require that banks set aside additional capital for securities that are rated below investment grade. Securities rated one level below investment grade require a 200% risk weighting. Additional methods are applicable to securities rated more than one level below investment grade. Management believes that, as of September 30, 2012, we maintain sufficient capital and liquidity to cover the additional capital requirements of these securities and future operating expenses. Additionally, we do not anticipate any material commitments or expected outlays of capital in the near term.

 

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Deposits

 

The following table presents the composition of our deposits as of the dates indicated:

 

 

(In thousands)  September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits  $169,371    17%  $149,888    15%
Interest-bearing deposits:                    
Demand   121,752    12    101,492    10 
Money Market:                    
Retail   211,724    21    219,488    21 
Brokered   0    0    0    0 
Savings deposits   109,509    11    102,561    10 
Time deposits less than $100,000   193,788    19    216,324    21 
Time deposits $100,000 or more:                    
Retail   166,474    17    185,045    18 
Brokered/CDARS   30,775    3    52,986    5 
Total Deposits  $1,003,393    100%  $1,027,784    100%

 

Total deposits decreased $24.4 million during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to deposits at December 31, 2011. Non-interest bearing deposits increased $19.5 million. Traditional savings accounts increased $6.9 million due to continued growth in our Prime Saver product. Total demand deposits increased $20.3 million and total money market accounts decreased $7.8 million due primarily to a shift of our investment sweep accounts to an in-house demand product. Time deposits less than $100,000 declined $22.5 million and time deposits greater than $100,000 decreased $40.8 million. The decrease in time deposits greater than $100,000 was a result of our strategy to reduce higher cost funding to municipalities and single service certificate of deposit customers. Our internal treasury team continues to promote the strategy of increasing our net interest margin by changing the mix of our deposit base and focusing on customers with full banking relationships.

 

Borrowed Funds

 

The following table presents the composition of our borrowings at the dates indicated:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2012   2011 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  $52,367   $36,868 
Total short-term borrowings  $52,367   $36,868 
           
FHLB advances  $136,020   $160,314 
Junior subordinated debt   46,730    46,730 
Total long-term borrowings  $182,750   $207,044 

 

Total short-term borrowings increased by approximately $15.5 million during the first nine months of 2012 due to increases in treasury management customer deposits. Long-term borrowings decreased by $24.3 million during the first nine months of 2012 due to the repayment of $23.5 million in FHLB advances and scheduled monthly amortization of long-term advances.

 

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Liquidity Management

 

Liquidity is a financial institution’s capability to meet customer demands for deposit withdrawals while funding all credit-worthy loans. The factors that determine the institution’s liquidity are:

 

·Reliability and stability of core deposits;
·Cash flow structure and pledging status of investments; and
·Potential for unexpected loan demand.

 

We actively manage our liquidity position through weekly meetings of a sub-committee of executive management, known as the Treasury Sub-Committee, which looks forward 12 months at 30-day intervals. The measurement is based upon the projection of funds sold or purchased position, along with ratios and trends developed to measure dependence on purchased funds and core growth. Monthly reviews by management and quarterly reviews by the Asset and Liability Committee under prescribed policies and procedures are designed to ensure that we will maintain adequate levels of available funds.

 

It is our policy to manage our affairs so that liquidity needs are fully satisfied through normal Bank operations. That is, the Bank will manage its liquidity to minimize the need to make unplanned sales of assets or to borrow funds under emergency conditions. The Bank will use funding sources where the interest cost is relatively insensitive to market changes in the short run (periods of one year or less) to satisfy operating cash needs. The remaining normal funding will come from interest-sensitive liabilities, either deposits or borrowed funds. When the marginal cost of needed wholesale funding is lower than the cost of raising this funding in the retail markets, the Corporation may supplement retail funding with external funding sources such as:

 

1.Unsecured Fed Funds lines of credit with upstream correspondent banks (M&T Bank, Atlantic Central Banker’s Bank, Community Banker’s Bank).
2.Secured advances with the FHLB of Atlanta, which are collateralized by eligible one to four family residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, and various securities. Cash may also be pledged as collateral.
3.Secured line of credit with the Fed Discount Window for use in borrowing funds up to 90 days, using municipal securities as collateral.
4.Brokered deposits, including CDs and money market funds, provide a method to generate deposits quickly. These deposits are strictly rate driven but often provide the most cost effective means of funding growth.
5.One Way Buy CDARS funding – a form of brokered deposits that has become a viable supplement to brokered deposits obtained directly.

 

During 2011 and throughout the first nine months of 2012, management implemented a strategic plan to utilize excess liquidity to repay brokered deposits, non-relationship certificates of deposit and wholesale FHLB advances at their stated maturities. Reduction in these liabilities, deemed to be volatile funding by regulatory definition, has not had an impact on our levels of liquidity.

 

Management believes that we have adequate liquidity available to respond to current and anticipated liquidity demands and is not aware of any trends or demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are likely to materially affect our ability to maintain liquidity at satisfactory levels.

 

Market Risk and Interest Sensitivity

 

Our primary market risk is interest rate fluctuation. Interest rate risk results primarily from the traditional banking activities that we engage in, such as gathering deposits and extending loans. Many factors, including economic and financial conditions, movements in interest rates and consumer preferences affect the difference between the interest earned on our assets and the interest paid on our liabilities. Interest rate sensitivity refers to the degree that earnings will be impacted by changes in the prevailing level of interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from mismatches in the repricing or maturity characteristics between interest-bearing assets and liabilities. Management seeks to minimize fluctuating net interest margins, and to enhance consistent growth of net interest income through periods of changing interest rates. Management uses interest sensitivity gap analysis and simulation models to measure and manage these risks. The interest rate sensitivity gap analysis assigns each interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability to a time frame reflecting its next repricing or maturity date. The differences between total interest-sensitive assets and liabilities at each time interval represent the interest sensitivity gap for that interval. A positive gap generally indicates that rising interest rates during a given interval will increase net interest income, as more assets than liabilities will reprice. A negative gap position would benefit us during a period of declining interest rates.

 

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Throughout 2011, we continued to shift our focus from a shorter duration balance sheet to a more neutral to slightly asset sensitive position as we anticipate a rising rate environment in the future. As of September 30, 2012, we were asset sensitive.

 

Our interest rate risk management goals are:

 

·Ensure that the Board of Directors and senior management will provide effective oversight and ensure that risks are adequately identified, measured, monitored and controlled;
·Enable dynamic measurement and management of interest rate risk;
·Select strategies that optimize our ability to meet our long-range financial goals while maintaining interest rate risk within policy limits established by the Board of Directors;
·Use both income and market value oriented techniques to select strategies that optimize the relationship between risk and return; and
·Establish interest rate risk exposure limits for fluctuation in net interest income (“NII”), net income and economic value of equity.

 

In order to manage interest sensitivity risk, management formulates guidelines regarding asset generation and pricing, funding sources and pricing, and off-balance sheet commitments. These guidelines are based on management’s outlook regarding future interest rate movements, the state of the regional and national economy, and other financial and business risk factors. Management uses computer simulations to measure the effect on net interest income of various interest rate scenarios. Key assumptions used in the computer simulations include cash flows and maturities of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities, changes in asset volumes and pricing, and management’s capital plans. This modeling reflects interest rate changes and the related impact on net interest income over specified periods.

 

We evaluate the effect of a change in interest rates of +/-100 basis points to +/-400 basis points on both NII and Net Portfolio Value (“NPV”) / Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”). We concentrate on NII rather than net income as long as NII remains the significant contributor to net income.

 

NII modeling allows management to view how changes in interest rates will affect the spread between the yield paid on assets and the cost of deposits and borrowed funds. Unlike traditional Gap modeling, NII modeling takes into account the different degree to which installments in the same repricing period will adjust to a change in interest rates. It also allows the use of different assumptions in a falling versus a rising rate environment. The period considered by the NII modeling is the next eight quarters.

 

NPV / EVE modeling focuses on the change in the market value of equity. NPV / EVE is defined as the market value of assets less the market value of liabilities plus/minus the market value of any off-balance sheet positions. By effectively looking at the present value of all future cash flows on or off the balance sheet, NPV / EVE modeling takes a longer-term view of interest rate risk. This complements the shorter-term view of the NII modeling.

 

Measures of NII at risk produced by simulation analysis are indicators of an institution’s short-term performance in alternative rate environments. These measures are typically based upon a relatively brief period, usually one year. They do not necessarily indicate the long-term prospects or economic value of the institution.

 

Capital Resources

 

The Bank and First United Corporation are subject to risk-based capital regulations, which were adopted and are monitored by federal banking regulators. These guidelines are used to evaluate capital adequacy and are based on an institution’s asset risk profile and off-balance sheet exposures, such as unused loan commitments and stand-by letters of credit. The regulatory guidelines require that a portion of total capital be Tier 1 capital, consisting of common shareholders’ equity, qualifying portion of trust issued preferred securities, and perpetual preferred stock, less goodwill and certain other deductions. The remaining capital, or Tier 2 capital, consists of elements such as subordinated debt, mandatory convertible debt, remaining portion of trust issued preferred securities, and grandfathered senior debt, plus the ALL, subject to certain limitations.

 

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Under the risk-based capital regulations, banking organizations are required to maintain a minimum total risk-based capital ratio (total qualifying capital divided by risk-weighted assets) of 8% (10% for well capitalized banks), including a Tier 1 ratio of at least 4% (6% for well capitalized banks). The risk-based capital rules have been further supplemented by a leverage ratio, defined as Tier I capital divided by average assets, after certain adjustments. The minimum leverage ratio is 4% (5% for well capitalized banks) for banking organizations that do not anticipate significant growth and have well-diversified risk (including no undue interest rate risk exposure), excellent asset quality, high liquidity and good earnings, and between 4% and 5% for other institutions depending on their particular condition and growth plans. Regulators may require higher capital ratios when warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profile of a given banking organization. In the current regulatory environment, banking organizations must stay well capitalized in order to receive favorable regulatory treatment on acquisition and other expansion activities and favorable risk-based deposit insurance assessments. Our capital policy establishes guidelines meeting these regulatory requirements and takes into consideration current or anticipated risks as well as potential future growth opportunities.

 

The following table presents our capital ratios:

 

           Required for     
           Capital   Required To 
   September 30,   December 31,   Adequacy   Be Well 
   2012   2011   Purposes   Capitalized 
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                    
Consolidated   13.58%   13.05%   8.00%   10.00%
First United Bank & Trust   13.95%   13.38%   8.00%   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                    
Consolidated   11.93%   11.30%   4.00%   6.00%
First United Bank & Trust   12.67%   12.11%   4.00%   6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)                    
Consolidated   9.95%   9.10%   4.00%   5.00%
First United Bank & Trust   10.57%   9.75%   4.00%   5.00%

 

As of September 30, 2012, the most recent notification from the regulators categorized First United Corporation and the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. All capital ratios increased at September 30, 2012 when compared to December 31, 2011. The increase was due to the reduction in the goodwill associated with the sale of the assets for First United Insurance Group, a change in composition of risk based assets as well as net income for the first nine months of 2012.

 

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel”) is a committee of central banks and bank regulators from major industrialized countries that develops broad policy guidelines for use by each country’s regulators with the purpose of ensuring that financial institutions have adequate capital given the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet financial instruments.

 

In December 2010, Basel released a framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulations, referred to as Basel III. Basel III includes defined minimum capital ratios, which must be met when implementation occurs on January 1, 2013. An additional “capital conservation buffer” will be phased-in beginning January 1, 2016 and, when fully phased-in three years later, the minimum ratios will be 2.5% higher. Fully phased-in capital standards under Basel III will require banks to maintain more capital than the minimum levels required under current regulatory capital standards. As Basel III is only a framework, the specific changes in capital requirements are to be determined by each country’s banking regulators.

 

In June 2012, U.S. Federal banking regulators adopted two notices of proposed rulemaking (“NPRs”) that would implement in the United States the Basel III regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. A third adopted NPR related to banks that are internationally active or that are subject to market risk rules is not applicable to the Company. Comments on the NPRs were accepted through September 7, 2012.

 

The first NPR, “Regulatory Capital Rules: Regulatory Capital, Implementation of Basel III, Minimum Regulatory Capital Ratios, Capital Adequacy, and Transition Provisions,” would apply to all depository institutions, bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more, and savings and loan holding companies (collectively, “banking organizations”). Consistent with the international Basel framework, this NPR would:

 

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·Increase the quantity and quality of capital required by proposing a new minimum Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.50% of risk-weighted assets and raising the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.00% to 6.00% of risk-weighted assets;

 

·Retain the current minimum Total capital ratio of 8.00% of risk-weighted assets and the minimum Tier 1 leverage capital ratio at 4.00% of average assets;

 

·Introduce a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.50% above the minimum risk-based capital requirements, which must be maintained to avoid restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments; and

 

·Revise the definition of capital to improve the ability of regulatory capital instruments to absorb losses.

 

The new minimum regulatory capital requirements would be phased in from January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2016. The capital conservation buffer would be phased in from January 1, 2016 through January 1, 2019.

 

The second NPR, “Regulatory Capital Rules: Standardized Approach for Risk-weighted Assets; Market Discipline and Disclosure Requirement,” also would apply to all banking organizations. This NPR would revise and harmonize the rules for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity and address weaknesses that have been identified over the past several years. Banks and regulators use risk weighting to assign different levels of risk to different classes of assets and off balance sheet exposures - riskier items require higher capital cushions and less risky items require smaller capital cushions.

 

As of September 30, 2012, the Corporation is reviewing the NPRs to determine the impact that they might have if they are adopted.

 

The total risk based capital ratios of First United Corporation include $39.4 million of junior subordinated debentures which qualified as Tier 1 capital at September 30, 2012, under guidance issued by the FRB. The Company will monitor the finalization of the Basel III Capital Rules, including whether its junior subordinated debentures will continue to qualify for Tier 1 capital under the final rules.

 

In January 2009, pursuant to the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Purchase Program Capital Purchase Program, First United Corporation sold 30,000 shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A Preferred Stock”) and a related warrant to purchase 326,323 shares of its common stock for an exercise price of $13.79 per share to the Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $30 million. The proceeds from this transaction count as Tier 1 capital and the warrant qualifies as tangible common equity.

 

The terms of the Series A Preferred Stock call for the payment, if declared by the Board of Directors of First United Corporation, of a quarterly cash dividend on February 15th, May 15th, August 15th and November 15th of each year. At the request of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “FRBR”), First United Corporation has not declared or paid cash dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock since August 15, 2010. Dividends of $.4 million per dividend period continue to accrue, aggregating $3.1 million at September 30, 2012. First United Corporation will be required to pay all accrued and unpaid dividends if and when the Board of Directors declares the next quarterly cash dividend. Management cannot predict whether or when the Board of Directors will resume the declaration of quarterly dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. First United Corporation’s ability to make dividend payments in the future will depend primarily on our earnings in future periods.

 

On December 15, 2010, also at the request of the FRBR, First United Corporation elected to defer quarterly interest payments under the junior subordinated debentures issued to the Trusts (the “TPS Debentures”) beginning with the payment that was due in March 2011. As of September 30, 2012, this deferral election remained in effect and cumulative deferred interest was approximately $3.9 million, which must be paid in full when First United Corporation terminates the deferral. First United Corporation’s ability to resume quarterly interest payments will depend primarily on our earnings in future periods. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to if or when First United Corporation will resume the payment of interest under the TPS Debentures.

 

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In connection with, and as a result of, the aforementioned deferrals, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation voted to suspend the payment of quarterly cash dividends on the common stock until further notice. The payment of cash dividends on the common stock is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is dependent on our earnings in future periods. In addition, cash dividends on the common stock may be paid only if all accrued and unpaid interest due under the TPS Debentures and all accrued and unpaid dividends due under the Series A Preferred Stock have been paid in full. There can be no assurance as to if or when First United Corporation will resume the payment of cash dividends on the common stock.

 

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Loan commitments are made to accommodate the financial needs of our customers. Letters of credit commit us to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. The credit risks inherent in loan commitments and letters of credit are essentially the same as those involved in extending loans to customers, and these arrangements are subject to our normal credit policies. Loan commitments and letters of credit totaled $83.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, at September 30, 2012, compared to $86.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. We are not a party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report for further disclosure on Borrowed Funds. There have been no other significant changes to contractual obligations as presented at December 31, 2011.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our primary market risk is interest rate fluctuation and we have procedures in place to evaluate and mitigate this risk. This market risk and our procedures are described above in Item 2 of Part I of this report under the caption “Market Risk and Interest Sensitivity”, and in Item 7 of Part II of First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 under the caption “Market Risk and Interest Sensitivity”. Management believes that no material changes in our procedures used to evaluate and mitigate these risks have occurred since December 31, 2011. We believe the investment portfolio restructuring has better positioned the Corporation for a rising interest rate environment.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with the SEC, such as this Quarterly Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in those rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

An evaluation of the effectiveness of these disclosure controls as of September 30, 2012 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of Management, including the CEO and the CFO. Based on that evaluation, Management, including the CEO and the CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are, in fact, effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

During the first nine months of 2012, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

The risks and uncertainties to which our financial condition and operations are subject are discussed in detail in Item 1A of Part I of the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Management does not believe that any material changes in our risk factors have occurred since December 31, 2011

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

As previously reported in First United Corporation’s SEC reports and as discussed in Item 7 of Part I of this report, the terms of First United Corporation’s Series A Preferred Stock call for the payment, if declared by the Board of Directors of First United Corporation, of a quarterly cash dividend on February 15th, May 15th, August 15th and November 15th of each year. At the request of the FRBR, First United Corporation has not declared or paid cash dividends on its Series A Preferred Stock since August 15, 2010. Dividends of $.4 million per dividend period continue to accrue, aggregating $3.1 million at September 30, 2012. First United Corporation will be required to pay all accrued and unpaid dividends if and when the Board of Directors declares the next quarterly cash dividend.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5.Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

The exhibits filed or furnished with this quarterly report are listed in the Exhibit Index that follows the signatures, which index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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.

 

      FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
       
Date: November 13, 2012   /s/ William B. Grant  
      William B. Grant, Chairman of the Board,
      Chief Executive Officer and President
      (Principal Executive Officer)
       
Date November 13, 2012   /s/ Carissa L. Rodeheaver  
      Carissa L. Rodeheaver, Executive Vice President,
      Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
      (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

  

Exhibit   Description
     
31.1   Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith)
     
31.2   Certifications of the Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith)
     
32   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Accounting Office pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (furnished herewith)
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document (furnished herewith)
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema (furnished herewith)
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase (furnished herewith)
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase (furnished herewith)
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase (furnished herewith)
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase (furnished herewith)

 

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