Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may adversely impact our business operations. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Risks Related to Economic Conditions, Including as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The global COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the ultimate effect of the pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future developments and other factors that are highly uncertain.
The global COVID-19 pandemic and related government-imposed and other measures intended to control the spread of the disease, including restrictions on travel and the conduct of business, such as stay-at-home orders, quarantines, travel bans, border closings, business and school closures and other similar measures, have had a significant impact on global economic conditions and have negatively impacted certain aspects of our business, financial condition and results of operations, and may continue to do so in the future. The governmental and social response to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented slow-down in economic activity and a related increase in unemployment. The COVID-19 pandemic, and related efforts to contain it, have also caused significant disruptions in the functioning of the financial markets and have increased economic and market uncertainty and volatility.
Given the ongoing, dynamic and unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to predict the full impact the pandemic will have on our business. While certain factors point to improving economic conditions, uncertainty remains regarding the path of the economic recovery, the mitigating impacts of government interventions, the success of vaccine distribution and the efficacy of administered vaccines, as well as the effects of the change in leadership resulting from the recent elections. The COVID-19 pandemic may subject us to any of the following risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, risk-weighted assets and regulatory capital:
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because the incidence of reported COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations and deaths varies significantly by state and locality, the economic downturn caused by the pandemic may be deeper and more sustained in certain areas, including those in which we do business, relative to other areas of the country;
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our ability to market our products and services may be impaired by a variety of external factors, including a prolonged reduction in economic activity and continued economic and financial market volatility, which could cause demand for our products and services to decline, in turn making it difficult for us to grow assets and income;
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if the economy is unable to substantially reopen and high levels of unemployment continue for an extended period of time, loan delinquencies, problem assets, and foreclosures may increase, resulting in increased charges and reduced income;
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collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, which may reduce our ability to liquidate such collateral and could cause loan losses to increase and impair our ability over the long run to maintain our targeted loan origination volume;
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our allowance credit losses may have to be increased if borrowers experience financial difficulties beyond forbearance periods, which will adversely affect our net income;
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an increase in non-performing loans due to the COVID-19 pandemic would result in a corresponding increase in the risk-weighting of assets and therefore an increase in required regulatory capital;
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the net worth and liquidity of borrowers and loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us;
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as the result of the reduction of the Federal Reserve’s target federal funds rate to near 0%, the yield on our assets may decline to a greater extent than the decline in our cost of interest-bearing liabilities, reducing our net interest margin and spread and reducing net income;
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deposits could decline if customers need to draw on available balances as a result of the economic downturn;
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a material decrease in net income or a net loss over several quarters could result in a decrease in the rate of our quarterly cash dividend;
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the borrowing needs of our clients may increase, especially during this challenging economic environment, which could result in increased borrowing against our contractual obligations to extend credit;
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we face heightened cybersecurity risk in connection with our operation of a remote working environment, which risks include, among others, greater phishing, malware, and other cybersecurity attacks, vulnerability to disruptions of our information technology infrastructure and telecommunications systems, increased risk of unauthorized dissemination of confidential information, limited ability to restore our systems in the event of a systems failure or interruption, greater risk of a security breach resulting in destruction or misuse of valuable information, and potential impairment of our ability to perform critical functions—all of which could expose us to risks of data or financial loss, litigation and liability and could seriously disrupt our operations and the operations of any impacted customers;
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we rely on third party vendors for certain services and the unavailability of a critical service or limitations on the business capacities of our vendors for extended periods of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic could have an adverse effect on our operations; and
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as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be unexpected developments in financial markets, legislation, regulations and consumer and customer behavior.
Even after the COVID-19 outbreak has subsided, we may continue to experience materially adverse impacts to our business as a result of the virus’s global economic impact, including the availability of credit, adverse impacts on our liquidity and any recession that has occurred or may occur in the future. There are no comparable recent events that provide guidance as to the effect the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic may have, and, as a result, the ultimate impact of the outbreak is highly uncertain and subject to change. We do not yet know the full extent of the impacts on our business, our operations or the global economy as a whole. However, the effects could have a material impact on our results of operations and heighten many of our known risks described herein.
Our business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.
Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer and whose success we rely on to drive our growth, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the primary markets where we operate and in the United States as a whole. Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, we are a regional bank that provides banking and financial services to customers primarily in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina; Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia. The economic conditions in these local markets may be different from, and in some instances worse than, the economic conditions in the United States as a whole.
Some elements of the business environment that affect our financial performance include short-term and long-term interest rates, the prevailing yield curve, inflation and price levels, monetary and trade policy, unemployment and the strength of the domestic economy and the local economy in the markets in which we operate. Unfavorable market conditions can result in a deterioration in the credit quality of our borrowers and the demand for our products and services, an increase in the number of loan delinquencies, defaults, charge-offs, foreclosures, additional provisions for loan losses, adverse asset values of the collateral securing our loans and an overall material adverse effect on the quality of our loan portfolio. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment; natural disasters; epidemics and pandemics (such as COVID-19); or a combination of these or other factors.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and continues to evolve and there is pervasive uncertainty surrounding the future economic conditions that will emerge in the months and years following the onset of the pandemic. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, the U.S. economy will likely require some time to recover from its effects, the length of which is unknown, and during which we may experience a recession. In addition, there are continuing concerns related to, among other things, the level of U.S. government debt and fiscal actions that may be taken to address that debt, depressed oil prices and a potential resurgence of economic and political tensions with China that may have a destabilizing effect on financial markets and economic activity. Economic pressure on consumers and overall economic uncertainty may result in changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and saving habits. These economic conditions and/or other negative developments in the domestic or international credit markets or economies may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Declines in real estate values and sales volumes and high unemployment or underemployment may also result in higher than expected loan delinquencies, increases in our levels of nonperforming and classified assets and a decline in demand for our products and services. These negative events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our capital, liquidity and financial condition.
Our small- to medium-sized business target markets may have fewer financial resources to weather a downturn in the economy.
We target the banking and financial services needs of small- and medium-sized businesses. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital borrowing capacity than larger entities. If general economic conditions negatively affect these businesses in the markets in which we operate, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively affect the real estate market could hurt our business.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 84.6% of our loans had real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. A weakening of the real estate market in our primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing their loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our profitability and asset quality. Deterioration in the real estate market could cause us to adjust our opinion of the level of credit quality in our loan portfolio. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings and capital could be adversely affected. Acts of nature, including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires and floods, which may cause uninsured damage and other loss of value to real estate that secures these loans, may also negatively affect our financial condition.
Risks Related to Lending Activities
Our loan portfolio contains a number of real estate loans with relatively large balances.
Because our loan portfolio contains a number of real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in nonperforming loans, which could result in a net loss of earnings, an increase in the provision for loan losses and an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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Commercial real estate loans increase our exposure to credit risk.
At December 31, 2020, 50.4% of our loan portfolio was secured by commercial real estate. Loans secured by commercial real estate are generally viewed as having more risk of default than loans secured by residential real estate or consumer loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property, the income stream of the borrowers, the accuracy of the estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction, and the estimated cost of construction. Such loans are generally more risky than loans secured by residential real estate or consumer loans because those loans are typically not secured by real estate collateral. An adverse development with respect to one lending relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared with a single-family residential mortgage loan because we typically have more than one loan with such borrowers. Additionally, these loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared with single-family residential mortgage loans. Therefore, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant decline in the related asset quality. A return of recessionary conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic could result in a sharp increase in loans charged-off and could require us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
Environmental liability associated with commercial lending could result in losses.
In the course of business, the Bank may acquire, through foreclosure, or deed in lieu of foreclosure, properties securing loans it has originated or purchased which are in default. Particularly in commercial real estate lending, there is a risk that hazardous substances could be discovered on these properties. In this event, the Bank may be required to remove these substances from the affected properties at our sole cost and expense. The cost of this removal could substantially exceed the value of affected properties. We may not have adequate remedies against the prior owner or other responsible parties and could find it difficult or impossible to sell the affected properties. These events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Imposition of limits by the bank regulators on commercial and multi-family real estate lending activities could curtail our growth and adversely affect our earnings.
In 2006, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). Although the CRE Guidance did not establish specific lending limits, it provides that a bank’s commercial real estate lending exposure could receive increased supervisory scrutiny where total non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, including loans secured by apartment buildings, investor commercial real estate, and construction and land loans, represent 300% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital, and the outstanding balance of the commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the preceding 36 months. Our level of commercial real estate and multi-family loans represents 218.5% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital at December 31, 2020.
In December 2015, the regulatory agencies released a new statement on prudent risk management for commercial real estate lending (the “2015 Statement”). In the 2015 Statement, the regulatory agencies, among other things, indicate the intent to continue “to pay special attention” to commercial real estate lending activities and concentrations going forward. If the FDIC, our primary federal regulator, were to impose restrictions on the amount of commercial real estate loans we can hold in our portfolio, for reasons noted above or otherwise, our earnings would be adversely affected.
Repayment of our commercial business loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.
At December 31, 2020, commercial business loans comprised 14.4% of our total loan portfolio. Our commercial business loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flow and general liquidity of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower and/or repayment capacity of any guarantor. The borrower’s cash flow may be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use. In addition, business assets may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. Accordingly, the repayment of commercial business loans depends primarily on the cash flow and credit worthiness of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral value provided by the borrower and liquidity of the guarantor. If these borrowers do not have sufficient cash flows or resources to pay these loans as they come due or the value of the underlying collateral is insufficient to fully secure these loans, we may suffer losses on these loans that exceed our allowance for loan losses.
We may have higher loan losses than we have allowed for in our allowance for loan losses.
Our actual loans losses could exceed our allowance for loan losses and therefore our historic allowance for loan losses may not be adequate. As of December 31, 2020, 50.4% of our loan portfolio was secured by commercial real estate. Repayment of such loans is generally considered more subject to market risk than residential mortgage loans. Industry experience shows that a portion of loans will become delinquent and a portion of loans will require partial or entire charge-off. Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond our control, including among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of loan collateral, the cash flows of our borrowers and problems affecting borrower credit. If we suffer loan losses that exceed our allowance for loans losses, our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
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While the fiscal stimulus and relief programs appear to have delayed any materially adverse financial impact to the Bank, once these stimulus programs have been exhausted, we believe our credit metrics could worsen and loan losses could ultimately materialize. Any potential loan losses will be contingent upon a number of factors beyond our control, such as the resurgence of the virus, including any new strains, offset by the potency of the vaccine along with its extensive distribution, and the ability for customers and businesses to return to their pre-pandemic routines.
Our decisions regarding allowance for loan losses and credit risk may materially and adversely affect our business.
Making loans and other extensions of credit is an essential element of our business. Although we seek to mitigate risks inherent in lending by adhering to specific underwriting practices, our loans and other extensions of credit may not be repaid. The risk of nonpayment is affected by a number of factors, including:
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the duration of the credit;
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credit risks of a particular client;
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changes in economic and industry conditions; and
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in the case of a collateralized loan, risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of the collateral.
We attempt to maintain an appropriate allowance for loan losses to provide for probable losses in our loan portfolio. We periodically determine the amount of the allowance based on consideration of several factors, including but not limited to:
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an ongoing review of the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio;
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our historical loan loss experience;
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evaluation of economic conditions;
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regular reviews of loan delinquencies and loan portfolio quality;
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ongoing review of financial information provided by borrowers; and
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the amount and quality of collateral, including guarantees, securing the loans.
The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Continuing deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Lack of seasoning of our loan portfolio may increase the risk of credit defaults in the future.
Due to the growth of the Bank and expansion into new markets over the past several years, a portion of the loans in our loan portfolio and our lending relationships are of relatively recent origin. In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been outstanding for some period of time, a process we refer to as “seasoning.” As a result, a portfolio of older loans will usually behave more predictably than a newer portfolio. Because our loan portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and defaults may not be representative of the level that will prevail when the portfolio becomes more seasoned, which may be higher than current levels. If delinquencies and defaults increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
A percentage of the loans in our portfolio currently include exceptions to our loan policies and supervisory guidelines.
All of the loans that we make are subject to written loan policies adopted by our board of directors and to supervisory guidelines imposed by our regulators. Our loan policies are designed to reduce the risks associated with the loans that we make by requiring our loan officers to take certain steps that vary depending on the type and amount of the loan, prior to closing a loan. These steps include, among other things, making sure the proper liens are documented and perfected on property securing a loan, and requiring proof of adequate insurance coverage on property securing loans. Loans that do not fully comply with our loan policies are known as “exceptions.” We categorize exceptions as policy exceptions, financial statement exceptions and document exceptions. As a result of these exceptions, such loans may have a higher risk of loan loss than the other loans in our portfolio that fully comply with our loan policies. In addition, we may be subject to regulatory action by federal or state banking authorities if they believe the number of exceptions in our loan portfolio represents an unsafe banking practice.
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Risks Related to Capital and Liquidity
Liquidity needs could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Dividends from the Bank provide the primary source of funds for the Company. The primary sources of funds of the Bank are client deposits and loan repayments. While scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, they are subject to the ability of borrowers to repay the loans. The ability of borrowers to repay loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups, reductions in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, natural disasters and international instability.
Additionally, deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, regulatory capital requirements, returns available to clients on alternative investments and general economic conditions. Accordingly, we may be required from time to time to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Such sources include proceeds from FHLB advances, sales of investment securities and loans, and federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks, as well as out-of-market time deposits. While we believe that these sources are currently adequate, there can be no assurance they will be sufficient to meet future liquidity demands, particularly if we continue to grow and experience increasing loan demand. We may be required to slow or discontinue loan growth, capital expenditures or other investments or liquidate assets should such sources not be adequate.
The Company is a stand-alone entity with its own liquidity needs to service its debt or other obligations. Other than dividends from the Bank, the Company does not have additional means of generating liquidity without obtaining additional debt or equity funding. If we are unable to receive dividends from the Bank or obtain additional funding, we may be unable to pay our debt or other obligations.
We may be subject to more stringent capital requirements in the future.
We are subject to regulatory requirements specifying minimum amounts and types of capital that we must maintain. From time to time, the regulators change these regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. If we fail to meet these minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements, we or our subsidiaries may be restricted in the types of activities we may conduct and we may be prohibited from taking certain capital actions, such as paying dividends and repurchasing or redeeming capital securities.
In particular, the capital requirements applicable to the Bank under the Basel III rules become fully phased-in on January 1, 2019. The Bank is now required to satisfy additional, more stringent, capital adequacy standards than it had in the past. While we expect to meet the requirements of the Basel III rules, we may fail to do so. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an adverse material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, these requirements could have a negative impact on our ability to lend, grow deposit balances, make acquisitions or make capital distributions in the form of dividends or share repurchases. Higher capital levels could also lower our return on equity.
Legal, Accounting, Regulatory and Compliance Risks
We are subject to extensive regulation that could restrict our activities, have an adverse impact on our operations, and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business.
We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various regulatory agencies. We are subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by our primary federal regulator, the FDIC, the regulating authority that insures client deposits, and by our primary state regulator, the S.C. Board. Also, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Bank must comply with applicable regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Board and the Federal Home Loan Bank. Regulation by these agencies is intended primarily for the protection of our depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the benefit of our shareholders. The Bank’s activities are also regulated under consumer protection laws applicable to our lending, deposit, and other activities. A sufficient claim against us under these laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
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Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could also result in heightened regulatory scrutiny and in sanctions by regulatory agencies (such as a memorandum of understanding, a written supervisory agreement or a cease and desist order), civil money penalties and/or reputation damage. Any of these consequences could restrict our ability to expand our business or could require us to raise additional capital or sell assets on terms that are not advantageous to us or our shareholders and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, such violations may occur despite our best efforts.
We face risks related to the adoption of future legislation and potential changes in federal regulatory agency leadership, policies, and priorities.
With a new Congress taking office in January 2021, Democrats have retained control of the U.S. House of Representatives, and have gained control of the U.S. Senate, albeit with a majority found only in the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Harris. However slim the majorities, though, the net result is unified Democratic control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, and consequently Democrats will be able to set the agenda both legislatively and in the Administration. We expect that Democratic-led Congressional committees will pursue greater oversight and will also pay increased attention to the banking sector’s role in providing COVID-19-related assistance. The prospects for the enactment of major banking reform legislation under the new Congress are unclear at this time.
Moreover, the turnover of the presidential administration has produced, and likely will continue to produce, certain changes in the leadership and senior staffs of the federal banking agencies, the CFPB, SEC, and the Treasury Department. These changes could impact the rulemaking, supervision, examination and enforcement priorities and policies of the agencies. Of note, promptly after taking office, President Biden issued an Executive Order instituting a “freeze” of certain recently-finalized and pending regulations to allow for review by incoming Administration officials. As a result of this Executive Order, recently-adopted regulations may be subject to further notice-and-comment rulemaking and, more broadly, agency rulemaking agendas may be disrupted. The potential impact of any changes in agency personnel, policies and priorities on the financial services sector, including the Bank, cannot be predicted at this time. Regulations and laws may be modified at any time, and new legislation may be enacted that will affect us. Any future changes in federal and state laws and regulations, as well as the interpretation and implementation of such laws and regulations, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways, including those listed above or other ways that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.
The federal Bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, established by the U.S. Treasury to administer the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by OFAC. Federal and state bank regulators also focus on compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering regulations. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we have already acquired or may acquire in the future are deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans, which would negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us.
Federal, state and local consumer lending laws may restrict our ability to originate certain mortgage loans or increase our risk of liability with respect to such loans and could increase our cost of doing business.
Federal, state and local laws have been adopted that are intended to eliminate certain lending practices considered “predatory.” These laws prohibit practices such as steering borrowers away from more affordable products, selling unnecessary insurance to borrowers, repeatedly refinancing loans and making loans without a reasonable expectation that the borrowers will be able to repay the loans irrespective of the value of the underlying property. Loans with certain terms and conditions and that otherwise meet the definition of a “qualified mortgage” may be protected from liability to a borrower for failing to make the necessary determinations. In either case, we may find it necessary to tighten our mortgage loan underwriting standards in response to the CFPB rules, which may constrain our ability to make loans consistent with our business strategies. It is our policy not to make predatory loans and to determine borrowers' ability to repay, but the law and related rules create the potential for increased liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities. They increase our cost of doing business and, ultimately, may prevent us from making certain loans and cause us to reduce the average percentage rate or the points and fees on loans that we do make.
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We are subject to federal and state fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.
Federal and state fair lending laws and regulations, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice, CFPB and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. A successful challenge to our performance under the fair lending laws and regulations could adversely impact our rating under the Community Reinvestment Act and result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on merger and acquisition activity and restrictions on expansion activity, which could negatively affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.
The Federal Reserve requires a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. Under the “source of strength” doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal bank regulators to require that all companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as a source of strength for the institution. Under these requirements, in the future, we could be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank if the Bank experiences financial distress.
A capital injection may be required at times when we do not have the resources to provide it, and therefore we may be required to borrow the funds. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the holding company's general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any borrowing that must be done by the holding company in order to make the required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive and will adversely impact the holding company's cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
A new accounting standard will result in a significant change in how we recognize credit losses and may have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces the current “incurred loss” model for recognizing credit losses with an “expected loss” model referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. Under the CECL model, we will be required to present certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as loans held for investment and held-to-maturity debt securities, at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is to be based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. This measurement will take place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and periodically thereafter. This differs significantly from the “incurred loss” model required under current generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred. Accordingly, we expect that the adoption of the CECL model will materially affect how we determine our allowance for loan losses and could require us to significantly increase our allowance. Moreover, the CECL model may create more volatility in the level of our allowance for loan losses. If we are required to materially increase our level of allowance for loan losses for any reason, such increase could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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The new CECL standard will become effective for us on January 1, 2023 and for interim periods within that year. We are currently evaluating the impact the CECL model will have on our accounting, but we expect to recognize a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to our allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, consistent with regulatory expectations set forth in interagency guidance issued at the end of 2016. We cannot yet determine the magnitude of any such one-time cumulative adjustment or of the overall impact of the new standard on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Operations
Competition with other financial institutions may have an adverse effect on our ability to retain and grow our client base, which could have a negative effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
The banking and financial services industry is very competitive and includes services offered from other banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, other lenders, and institutions offering uninsured investment alternatives. Legal and regulatory developments have made it easier for new and sometimes unregulated competitors to compete with us. The financial services industry has and is experiencing an ongoing trend towards consolidation in which fewer large national and regional banks and other financial institutions are replacing many smaller and more local banks. These larger banks and other financial institutions hold a large accumulation of assets and have significantly greater resources and a wider geographic presence or greater accessibility. In some instances, these larger entities operate without the traditional brick and mortar facilities that restrict geographic presence. Some competitors have more aggressive marketing campaigns and better brand recognition, and are able to offer more services, more favorable pricing or greater customer convenience than the Bank. In addition, competition has increased from new banks and other financial services providers that target our existing or potential clients. As consolidation continues among large banks, we expect other smaller institutions to try to compete in the markets we serve. This competition could reduce our net income by decreasing the number and size of the loans that we originate and the interest rates we charge on these loans. Additionally, these competitors may offer higher interest rates, which could decrease the deposits we attract or require us to increase rates to retain existing deposits or attract new deposits. Increased deposit competition could adversely affect our ability to generate the funds necessary for lending operations which could increase our cost of funds.
The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge as part of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Technological developments have allowed competitors, including some non-depository institutions, to compete more effectively in local markets and have expanded the range of financial products, services and capital available to our target clients. If we are unable to implement, maintain and use such technologies effectively, we may not be able to offer products or achieve cost-efficiencies necessary to compete in the industry. In addition, some of these competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and lower cost structures.
We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure.
Third parties provide key components of our business operations such as data processing, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, internet connections and network access. While we have selected these third party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any problem caused by these third parties, including poor performance of services, data breaches, failure to provide services, disruptions in communication services provided by a vendor and failure to handle current or higher volumes, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our clients and otherwise conduct our business, and may harm our reputation. Financial or operational difficulties of a third party vendor could also hurt our operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor’s ability to serve us. Replacing these third party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Accordingly, use of such third parties creates an unavoidable inherent risk to our business operations.
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We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.
Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Bank cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to the Bank. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to losses due to errors, omissions or fraudulent behavior by our employees, clients, counterparties or other third parties.
We are exposed to many types of operational risk, including the risk of fraud by employees and third parties, clerical recordkeeping errors and transactional errors. Our business is dependent on our employees as well as third-party service providers to process a large number of increasingly complex transactions. We could be materially and adversely affected if employees, clients, counterparties or other third parties caused an operational breakdown or failure, either as a result of human error, fraudulent manipulation or purposeful damage to any of our operations or systems.
In deciding whether to extend credit or to enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties, we may rely on information furnished to us by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information, which we do not independently verify. We also may rely on representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For example, in deciding whether to extend credit to clients, we may assume that a client’s audited financial statements conform with GAAP and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the client. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected to the extent we rely on financial statements that do not comply with GAAP or are materially misleading, any of which could be caused by errors, omissions, or fraudulent behavior by our employees, clients, counterparties, or other third parties.
Our operational or security systems may experience an interruption or breach in security, including as a result of cyber-attacks.
We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems, including as a result of cyber-attacks, could result in failures or disruptions in our client relationship management, deposit, loan, and other systems and also the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information. While we have systems, policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of client business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, information security risks for financial institutions have generally increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists, and other external parties. Our technologies, systems, networks, and our customers’ devices may become the target of cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our or our customers’ confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our or our customers’ or other third parties’ business operations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may also be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.
While we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches to date, we may suffer such losses in the future and any information security breach could result in significant costs to us, which may include fines and penalties, potential liabilities from governmental or third party investigations, proceedings or litigation, legal, forensic and consulting fees and expenses, costs and diversion of management attention required for investigation and remediation actions, and the negative impact on our reputation and loss of confidence of our customers and others, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.
Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.
We regularly review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect our business.
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.
Our profitability is dependent on our banking activities.
Because we are a bank holding company, our profitability is directly attributable to the success of the Bank. Our banking activities compete with other banking institutions on the basis of products, service, convenience and price, among others. Due in part to both regulatory changes and consumer demands, banks have experienced increased competition from other entities offering similar products and services. We rely on the profitability of the Bank and dividends received from the Bank for payment of our operating expenses and satisfaction of our obligations. As is the case with other similarly situated financial institutions, our profitability will be subject to the fluctuating cost and availability of funds, changes in the prime lending rate and other interest rates, changes in economic conditions in general, and other factors.
Risks Related to Our Industry
We are subject to interest rate risk, which could adversely affect our financial condition and profitability.
A significant portion of our banking assets are subject to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 81% of our loan portfolio was in fixed rate loans, while only 19% was in variable rate loans. Like most financial institutions, our earnings significantly depend on our net interest income, the principal component of our earnings, which is the difference between interest earned by us from our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest paid by us on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, this “gap” will negatively impact our earnings. Many factors beyond our control impact interest rates, including economic conditions, governmental monetary policies, inflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply, and disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. Changes in monetary policies of the various government agencies could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and securities and the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, and the average duration of our assets and liabilities.
In a declining interest rate environment, there may be an increase in prepayments on loans as borrowers refinance their loans at lower rates. Interest rate increases often result in larger payment requirements for our floating interest rate borrowers, which increases the potential for default. At the same time, the marketability of the property securing a loan may be adversely affected by any reduced demand resulting from higher interest rates. An increase (or decrease) in interest rates may also require us to increase (or decrease) the interest rates that we pay on our deposits. Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans, securities and other assets. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to increases in nonperforming assets, charge-offs and delinquencies, further increases to the allowance for loan losses, and a reduction of income recognized, among others, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on non-accrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. At the same time, we continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets could have a material adverse impact on our net interest income.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FOMC cut short-term interest rates to a record low range of 0% to 0.25%, and the Federal Reserve has indicated it expects rates to remain within this range through 2023 and possibly longer. If short-term interest rates continue to remain at their historically low levels for a prolonged period and assuming longer-term interest rates fall further, we could experience net interest margin compression as our interest-earning assets would continue to reprice downward while our interest-bearing liability rates could fail to decline in tandem, which would have an adverse effect on our net interest income.
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In addition, our mortgage operations provide a portion of our noninterest income. We generate mortgage revenues primarily from gains on the sale of residential mortgage loans pursuant to programs currently offered by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae or Freddie Mac. In a rising or higher interest rate environment, our originations of mortgage loans may decrease, resulting in fewer loans that are available to be sold to investors, which would decrease mortgage revenues in noninterest income. In addition, our results of operations are affected by the amount of noninterest expenses associated with mortgage activities, such as salaries and employee benefits, other loan expense, and other costs. During periods of reduced loan demand, our results of operations may be adversely affected to the extent that we are unable to reduce expenses commensurate with the decline in loan originations.
Higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely affect our financial condition.
Our deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain deposit insurance. As an FDIC-insured institution, we are required to pay quarterly deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. Although we cannot predict what the insurance assessment rates will be in the future, either deterioration in our risk-based capital ratios or adjustments to the base assessment rates could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
The phase-out of LIBOR could negatively impact our net interest income and require significant operational work.
The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), has announced that it will not compel panel banks to contribute to LIBOR after 2021. The discontinuance of LIBOR has resulted in significant uncertainty regarding the transition to suitable alternative reference rates and could adversely impact our business, operations, and financial results.
The Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, has endorsed replacing the U.S. dollar LIBOR with a new index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities (“SOFR”). SOFR is observed and backward looking, which stands in contrast with LIBOR under the current methodology, which is an estimated forward-looking rate and relies, to some degree, on the expert judgment of submitting panel members. Given that SOFR is a secured rate backed by government securities, it will be a rate that does not take into account bank credit risk (as is the case with LIBOR). In November 2020, the federal banking agencies issued a statement that says that banks may use any reference rate for its loans that the bank determines to be appropriate for its funding model and customer needs.
We have exposure to LIBOR-based products, including loans and securities, and we are preparing to transition away from the widespread use of LIBOR to alternative rates. As of December 31, 2020, $82.7 million, or 3.9% of our loan portfolio, was tied to LIBOR. We continue to monitor market developments and regulatory updates, including recent announcements from the ICE Benchmark Administrator to extend the cessation date for several USD LIBOR tenors to June 30, 2023, as well as collaborate with regulators and industry groups on the transition. The manner and impact of this transition, as well as the effect of these developments on our funding costs, loan and investment and trading securities portfolios, asset-liability management, and business, is uncertain.
Negative public opinion surrounding the Company and the financial institutions industry generally could damage our reputation and adversely impact our earnings.
Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion surrounding the Company and the financial institutions industry generally, is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect our ability to keep and attract clients and employees and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Although we take steps to minimize reputation risk in dealing with our clients and communities, this risk will always be present given the nature of our business.
Consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions.
Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds or general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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Risks Related to Our Strategic Plans
We are dependent on key individuals and the loss of one or more of these key individuals could curtail our growth and adversely affect our prospects.
R. Arthur Seaver, Jr., our chief executive officer and Michael D. Dowling, our chief financial officer and chief operating officer, both have extensive and long-standing ties within our primary market area and substantial experience with our operations, and each has contributed significantly to our growth. If we lose the services of any of these individuals, they would be difficult to replace and our business and development could be materially and adversely affected.
Our success also depends, in part, on our continued ability to attract and retain experienced loan originators, as well as other management personnel, including other executive vice presidents. Competition for personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting or retaining qualified personnel. Our failure to compete for these personnel, or the loss of the services of several of such key personnel, could adversely affect our growth strategy and materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The success of our growth strategy depends on our ability to identify and retain individuals with experience and relationships in the markets in which we intend to expand.
To expand our franchise successfully, we must identify and retain experienced key management members with local expertise and relationships in these markets. We expect that competition for qualified management in the markets in which we may expand will be intense and that there will be a limited number of qualified persons with knowledge of and experience in the community banking industry in these markets. Even if we identify individuals that we believe could assist us in establishing a presence in a new market, we may be unable to recruit these individuals away from more established financial institutions. In addition, the process of identifying and recruiting individuals with the combination of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategy requires both management and financial resources and is often lengthy. Our inability to identify, recruit, and retain talented personnel to manage new offices effectively would limit our growth and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We will face risks with respect to future expansion.
We routinely evaluate opportunities to expand into new markets, as we did in Columbia, South Carolina in 2007, Charleston, South Carolina in 2012, Raleigh, North Carolina in 2017, Atlanta, Georgia in 2017, Summerville, South Carolina and Greensboro, North Carolina in 2018 and Charlotte, North Carolina in 2021. We may also expand our lines of business or offer new products or services as well as seek to acquire other financial institutions or parts of those institutions. Our merger and acquisition activities could be material and could require us to use a substantial amount of common stock, cash, other liquid assets, and/or incur debt. Moreover, these types of expansions involve various risks, including:
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the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring or retaining experienced local management, and opening new offices and the time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;
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the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition and possible adverse effects on our results of operations;
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the potential inaccuracy of the estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to a target institution;
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incurring the time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential merger or acquisition targets and other expansion opportunities and negotiating potential transactions, resulting in management’s attention being diverted from the operation of our existing business;
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the possibility that the expected benefits of a transaction may not materialize in the timeframe expected or at all, or may be costlier to achieve;
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the risk that we may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining deposits and originating high quality loans in new markets;
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difficulty or unanticipated expense associated with converting the operating systems of an acquired or merged company into ours;
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delay in completing a merger, acquisition or other expansion activities due to litigation, closing conditions or the regulatory approval process; and
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the risk of loss of key employees and clients of the Company or the acquired or merged company.
There is no assurance that existing branches or future branches will maintain or achieve deposit levels, loan balances or other operating results necessary to avoid losses or produce profits. Our growth may entail an increase in overhead expenses as we add new branches and staff. There are considerable costs involved in opening branches, and new branches generally do not generate sufficient revenues to offset their costs until they have been in operation for at least a year or more. Accordingly, any new branches we establish can be expected to negatively impact our earnings for some period of time until they reach certain economies of scale. Our historical results may not be indicative of future results or results that may be achieved, particularly if we continue to expand.
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Failure to successfully address these and other issues related to our expansion could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including short-term and long-term liquidity, and could adversely affect our ability to successfully implement our business strategy.
New lines of business or new products and services may subject us to additional risk.
From time to time, we may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business and/or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business and/or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our ability to pay cash dividends is limited, and we may be unable to pay future dividends even if we desire to do so.
The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. Further, under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.
Statutory and regulatory limitations apply to the Bank’s payment of dividends to the Company. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the S.C. Board, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the S.C. Board. The FDIC also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of a dividend under certain circumstances. If the Bank is not permitted to pay cash dividends to the Company, it is unlikely that we would be able to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, and if declared by our board of directors.
Our stock price may be volatile, which could result in losses to our investors and litigation against us.
Our stock price has been volatile in the past and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. These factors include but are not limited to: actual or anticipated variations in earnings, changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections, our announcement of developments related to our businesses, operations and stock performance of other companies deemed to be peers, new technology used or services offered by traditional and non-traditional competitors, news reports of trends, irrational exuberance on the part of investors, new federal banking regulations, and other issues related to the financial services industry. Our stock price may fluctuate significantly in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to our performance. General market declines or market volatility in the future, especially in the financial institutions sector, could adversely affect the price of our common stock, and the current market price may not be indicative of future market prices. Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to resell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. Moreover, in the past, securities class action lawsuits have been instituted against some companies following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We could in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our normal business.
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Future sales of our stock by our shareholders or the perception that those sales could occur may cause our stock price to decline.
Although our common stock is listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Market, the trading volume in our common stock is lower than that of other larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the relatively low trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that those sales may occur, could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline or to be lower than it otherwise might be in the absence of those sales or perceptions.
Economic and other circumstances may require us to raise capital at times or in amounts that are unfavorable to us. If we have to issue shares of common stock, they will dilute the percentage ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock and adversely affect the terms on which we may obtain additional capital.
We may need to incur additional debt or equity financing in the future to make strategic acquisitions or investments or to strengthen our capital position. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control and our financial performance. We cannot provide assurance that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all, or if we do raise additional capital that it will not be dilutive to existing shareholders.
If we determine, for any reason, that we need to raise capital, subject to applicable NASDAQ rules, our board generally has the authority, without action by or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of any authorized but unissued shares of stock for any corporate purpose, including issuance of equity-based incentives under or outside of our equity compensation plans. Additionally, we are not restricted from issuing additional common stock or preferred stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock or preferred stock or any substantially similar securities. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales by us of a large number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or similar securities in the market or from the perception that such sales could occur. If we issue preferred stock that has a preference over the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of the common stock, the rights of holders of the common stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. Any issuance of additional shares of stock will dilute the percentage ownership interest of our shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock. Shares we issue in connection with any such offering will increase the total number of shares and may dilute the economic and voting ownership interest of our existing shareholders.
Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws, South Carolina law, and state and federal banking regulations, could delay or prevent a takeover by a third party.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws could delay, defer, or prevent a third party takeover, despite possible benefit to the shareholders, or otherwise adversely affect the price of our common stock. Our governing documents:
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authorize a class of preferred stock that may be issued in series with terms, including voting rights, established by the board of directors without shareholder approval;
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authorize 10,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock that may be issued by the board of directors without shareholder approval;
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classify our board with staggered three year terms, preventing a change in a majority of the board at any annual meeting;
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require advance notice of proposed nominations for election to the board of directors and business to be conducted at a shareholder meeting;
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grant the board of directors the discretion, when considering whether a proposed merger or similar transaction is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders, to take into account the effect of the transaction on the employees, clients and suppliers of the Company and upon the communities in which offices of the Company are located, to the extent permitted by South Carolina law;
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provide that the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the directors then in office, but may not consist of fewer than five nor more than 25 members; and
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provide that no individual who is or becomes a "business competitor" or who is or becomes affiliated with, employed by, or a representative of any individual, corporation, or other entity which the board of directors, after having such matter formally brought to its attention, determines to be in competition with us or any of our subsidiaries (any such individual, corporation, or other entity being a "business competitor") shall be eligible to serve as a director if the board of directors determines that it would not be in our best interests for such individual to serve as a director (any financial institution having branches or affiliates within Greenville County, South Carolina is presumed to be a business competitor unless the board of directors determines otherwise).
In addition, the South Carolina business combinations statute provides that a 10% or greater shareholder of a resident domestic corporation cannot engage in a "business combination" (as defined in the statute) with such corporation for a period of two years following the date on which the 10% shareholder became such, unless the business combination or the acquisition of shares is approved by a majority of the disinterested members of such corporation's board of directors before the 10% shareholder's share acquisition date. This statute further provides that at no time (even after the two-year period subsequent to such share acquisition date) may the 10% shareholder engage in a business combination with the relevant corporation unless certain approvals of the board of directors or disinterested shareholders are obtained or unless the consideration given in the combination meets certain minimum standards set forth in the statute. The law is very broad in its scope and is designed to inhibit unfriendly acquisitions but it does not apply to corporations whose articles of incorporation contain a provision electing not to be covered by the law. Our articles of incorporation do not contain such a provision. An amendment of our articles of incorporation to that effect would, however, permit a business combination with an interested shareholder even though that status was obtained prior to the amendment.
Finally, the Change in Bank Control Act and the Bank Holding Company Act generally require filings and approvals prior to certain transactions that would result in a party acquiring control of the Company or the Bank.
Our common stock is not an insured deposit and is not guaranteed by the FDIC.
Shares of our common stock are not a bank deposit and, therefore, losses in value are not insured by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in shares of our common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described herein and our shareholders will bear the risk of loss if the value or market price of our common stock is adversely affected.
General Risk Factors
We may be subject to claims and litigation asserting lender liability.
From time to time, clients and others make claims and take legal action pertaining to our performance of fiduciary responsibilities. These claims are often referred to as “lender liability” claims and are sometimes brought in an effort to produce or increase leverage against us in workout negotiations or debt collection proceedings. Lender liability claims frequently assert one or more of the following allegations: breach of fiduciary duties, fraud, economic duress, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and similar claims. Whether customer claims and legal action related to the performance of our responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a favorable manner, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect our market reputation, products and services, as well as potentially affecting customer demand for those products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
From time to time we are, or may become, involved in suits, legal proceedings, information-gatherings, investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies that may lead to adverse consequences.
Many aspects of the banking business involve a substantial risk of legal liability. From time to time, we are, or may become, the subject of information-gathering requests, reviews, investigations and proceedings, and other forms of regulatory inquiry, including by bank regulatory agencies, self-regulatory agencies, the SEC and law enforcement authorities. The results of such proceedings could lead to significant civil or criminal penalties, including monetary penalties, damages, adverse judgements, settlements, fines, injunctions, restrictions on the way we conduct our business or reputational harm.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
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Item 2. Properties.
Our principal executive offices and the Bank's main office is located at 100 Verdae Boulevard, Suite 100, Greenville, South Carolina 29607. In addition, we currently operate seven additional offices located in Greenville, Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina, one office in Raleigh, North Carolina, one office in Greensboro, North Carolina, and one office in Atlanta, Georgia. We recently received regulatory approval to open a retail office in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well. We lease six of our offices and own the remaining five locations. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we consolidated our three Columbia, South Carolina locations into one and subsequently sold the two remaining offices. In addition, the Company owns a piece of property in Greenville, South Carolina on which it is currently constructing a new bank headquarters. Management believes the terms of the various leases are consistent with market standards and were arrived at through arm's-length bargaining.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
In the ordinary course of operations, we may be a party to various legal proceedings from time to time. We do not believe that there is any pending or threatened proceeding against us, which, if determined adversely, would have a material effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information and Holders of Record
Our common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SFST.” We had approximately 2,600 shareholders of record on February 10, 2021.
Dividends
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since our inception. For the foreseeable future, we do not intend to declare cash dividends. We intend to retain earnings to grow our business and strengthen our capital base. Our ability to pay cash dividends depends primarily on the ability of our subsidiary, the Bank to pay dividends to us. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the S.C. Board, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the S.C. Board. The FDIC also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of a dividend under certain circumstances.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth equity compensation plan information at December 31, 2020. The number of shares and the exercise prices for options have been adjusted for the 10% stock dividends in 2006, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
2016 Equity Incentive Plan – restricted stock - - 25,524
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Stock Performance Graph
The performance graph below compares the Company’s cumulative total return over the most recent five-year period with the SNL Southeast Bank Index, a banking industry performance index for the southeastern United States, and the Russell 2000 Index, a small-cap stock market index which the Company was added to in June 201z6. Returns are shown on a total return basis, assuming the reinvestment of dividends and a beginning stock index value of $100 per share.
Period Ending
On March 11, 2020, the Company announced a share repurchase plan allowing us to repurchase up to 383,650 shares of our common stock (the “Repurchase Plan”). As of December 31, 2020, we have not repurchased any of the shares authorized for repurchase under the Repurchase Plan. The Company is not obligated to purchase any such shares under the Repurchase Plan, and the Repurchase Plan may be discontinued, suspended or restarted at any time; however, repurchases under the Repurchase Plan after December 31, 2020 would require additional approval of our Board of Directors and the Federal Reserve.
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The following table reflects share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter of 2020:
(d) Maximum
(c) Total Number (or
Number of Approximate
Shares (or Dollar Value) of
Units) Shares (or
(a) Total Purchased as Units) that May
Number of Part of Publicly Yet Be
Shares (or (b) Average Announced Purchased
Units) Price Paid per Plans or Under the Plans
Period Purchased Share (or Unit) Programs or Programs
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Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial information for the periods and as of the dates indicated. We derived our balance sheet and income statement data for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 from our audited consolidated financial statements. You should read this information together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Years Ended December 31,
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Preferred stock - - - - -
SELECTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
Preferred stock dividends - - - - -
PER COMMON SHARE DATA
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOS
Performance Ratios:
Asset Quality Ratios:
Holding Company Capital Ratios:
Growth Ratios:
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Footnotes to table:
(1) Excludes loans held for sale.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis identifies significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements. We encourage you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes and the other statistical information also included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
Our business model continues to be client-focused, utilizing relationship teams to provide our clients with a specific banker contact and support team responsible for all of their banking needs. The purpose of this structure is to provide a consistent and superior level of professional service, and we believe it provides us with a distinct competitive advantage. We consider exceptional client service to be a critical part of our culture, which we refer to as "ClientFIRST."
At December 31, 2020, we had total assets of $2.48 billion, a 9.5% increase from total assets of $2.27 billion at December 31, 2019. The largest components of our total assets are loans which were $2.14 billion and $1.94 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our liabilities and shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2020 totaled $2.25 billion and $228.3 million, respectively, compared to liabilities of $2.06 billion and shareholders’ equity of $205.9 million at December 31, 2019. The principal component of our liabilities is deposits which were $2.14 billion and $1.88 billion at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Like most community banks, we derive the majority of our income from interest received on our loans and investments. Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Another key measure is the difference between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, which is called our net interest spread. In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other charges to our clients.
Our net income available to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $18.3 million and $27.9 million, or diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $2.34 and $3.58 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from increases in our provision for loan loss and noninterest expense, partially offset by an increase in net interest income and noninterest income. In addition, our net income available to shareholders was $22.3 million, or EPS of $2.88 for the year ended December 31, 2018.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create extensive disruptions to the global economy and financial markets and to businesses and the lives of individuals throughout the world. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely restricted the level of economic activity in our markets. Federal and state governments have taken, and may continue to take, unprecedented actions to contain the spread of the disease, including quarantines, travel bans, shelter-in-place orders, closures of businesses and schools, fiscal stimulus, and legislation designed to deliver monetary aid and other relief to businesses and individuals impacted by the pandemic. Although in various locations certain activity restrictions have been relaxed and businesses and schools have reopened with some level of success, in many states and localities the number of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 has increased significantly, which may cause a freezing or, in certain cases, a reversal of previously announced relaxation of activity restrictions and may prompt the need for additional aid and other forms of relief.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and continues to evolve, adversely affecting many of the Bank’s clients. The unprecedented and rapid spread of COVID-19 and its associated impacts on trade (including supply chains and export levels), travel, employee productivity, unemployment, consumer spending, and other economic activities has resulted in less economic activity, lower equity market valuations and significant volatility and disruption in financial markets. In addition, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, market interest rates have declined significantly, with the 10-year Treasury bond falling below 1.00% on March 3, 2020, for the first time, although bond yields have recently begun to rise, nearing where they were before the pandemic in February 2020. In March 2020, the Federal Open Market Committee reduced the targeted federal funds interest rate range to 0% to 0.25%. These reductions in interest rates and the other effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have had, and are expected to continue to have, possibly materially, an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For instance, the pandemic has had negative effects on the Bank’s interest income, provision for loan losses, and certain transaction-based line items of noninterest income. The ultimate extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition and results of operations is currently uncertain and will depend on various developments and other factors, including, the effect of governmental and private sector initiatives, the effect of the recent rollout of vaccinations for the virus, whether such vaccinations will be effective against any resurgence of the virus, including any new strains, and the ability for customers and businesses to return to their pre-pandemic routine.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations generally rely upon the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, the value of collateral underlying our secured loans, and demand for loans and other products and services we offer, which are highly dependent on the business environment in our primary markets where we operate and in the United States as a whole.
As we progress through the pandemic, the majority of our team has returned to working in the office at this time; however, we maintain the ability to shift to working remotely as needed. Our offices continue to operate in a drive-thru only mode with “in-person” client meetings available by appointment to maintain the safety of our team and our clients. We believe this strategy, combined with our digital technology, has been extremely effective in serving our clients, and allowed us to consolidate our three Columbia, South Carolina offices into one location. The sale of our two Columbia office buildings was completed on October 9, 2020.
We are focused on servicing the financial needs of our commercial and consumer clients and have offered flexible loan payment arrangements, including short-term loan modifications or forbearance payments, and reduced or waived certain fees on deposit accounts. We continue to assist clients with these accommodations on a case by case basis. Future governmental actions may require these and other types of client-related responses. In response to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, we became a small business administration approved lender in an effort to assist our clients through this challenging time. In 2020, we processed 853 loans under the PPP for a total of $97.5 million, receiving lender fee income of $3.9 million. As the regulations and guidance for PPP loans and the forgiveness process continued to change and evolve, management recognized the operational risk and complexity associated with this portfolio and decided to pursue the sale of the PPP loan portfolio to a third party better suited to support and serve our PPP clients through the loan forgiveness process. We believe this loan sale allowed our team to focus on serving our clients and proactively monitoring and addressing credit risk brought on by the pandemic. On June 26, 2020, we completed the sale of our PPP loan portfolio to The Loan Source Inc., together with its servicing partner, ACAP SME LLC, and immediately recognized SBA lender fee income of $2.2 million, net of sale and processing costs, which is included in other noninterest income in the consolidated financial statements.
Through December 31, 2020, we had granted deferrals on loan payments for 864 loans, with aggregate outstanding loan principal balances of approximately $599.6 million as of December 31, 2020, of which 91% were commercial loans. As of December 31, 2020, 98% of these loans have reached the end of their deferral period and have begun to resume normal payments.
The table below provides a breakdown of loan modification requests due to the COVID-19 pandemic by type of concession. At December 31, 2020, there were two modified loan totaling $13.5 million with a remaining deferral period.
(dollars in thousands) # Loans Amount % of Total Portfolio
Financial difficulty (TDR) 9 3,154 0.1 %
In accordance with the CARES Act, the Company implemented loan modification programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Company elected the accounting policy in the CARES Act to not apply TDR accounting to loans modified for borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company granted short-term loan deferrals to six client relationships, with loans totaling $3.2 million at December 31, 2020, which were considered TDRs due to the client experiencing financial difficulty before the pandemic. In certain cases, we have made a second three-month deferral to our clients based on individual circumstances for the borrower.
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As we closely monitor credit risk and our exposure to increased loan losses resulting from the impact of COVID-19 on our commercial clients, we have identified two industries considered to be at higher risk for credit loss. The table below identifies the outstanding and committed loan balances for each of these industries. Of the $61.5 million of loans modified in these industries as of December 31, 2020, 78% have begun to resume normal payments.
We continue to monitor unfunded commitments through the pandemic, including home equity lines of credit, for evidence of increased credit exposure as borrowers utilize these lines for liquidity purposes.
We are also monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operations and value of our investments. We mark to market our publicly traded investments and review our investment portfolio for impairment at each period end. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers, we may be required to recognize further impairments on the securities we hold as well as reductions in other comprehensive income. We cannot currently determine the ultimate impact of the pandemic on the long-term value of our investment portfolio.
We believe there could be potential stresses on liquidity management as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, as clients manage their own liquidity stress, we could experience an increase in the utilization of existing lines of credit.
As of December 31, 2020, all of our capital ratios, and the Bank’s capital ratios, were in excess of all regulatory requirements. While we believe that we have sufficient capital to withstand an extended economic recession brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our reported and regulatory capital ratios could be adversely impacted by further credit losses. We maintain access to multiple sources of liquidity, including a $15.0 million holding company line of credit with another bank which could be used to support capital ratios at the Bank.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2020.
Certain accounting policies inherently involve a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported, which could have a material impact on the carrying values of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations. We consider these accounting policies and estimates to be critical accounting policies. We have identified the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the fair valuation of financial instruments and income taxes to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective or complex judgments and, as such, could be most subject to revision as new or additional information becomes available or circumstances change, including overall changes in the economic climate and/or market interest rates. Therefore, management has reviewed and approved these critical accounting policies and estimates and has discussed these policies with the Company’s Audit Committee.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan loss is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
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We have an established process to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that assesses the losses inherent in our portfolio. While we attribute portions of the allowance to specific portfolio segments, the entire allowance is available to absorb credit losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. Our process involves procedures to appropriately consider the unique risk characteristics of our commercial and consumer loan portfolio segments. For each portfolio segment, impairment is measured individually for each impaired loan. Our allowance levels are influenced by loan volume, loan grade or delinquency status, historic loss experience and other economic conditions.
The allowance consists of general and specific components.
Commercial loans are assessed for estimated losses by grading each loan using various risk factors identified through periodic reviews. We apply historic grade-specific loss factors to each loan class. In the development of our statistically derived loan grade loss factors, we observe historical losses over 20 quarters for each loan grade. These loss estimates are adjusted as appropriate based on additional analysis of external loss data or other risks identified from current economic conditions and credit quality trends. For consumer loans, we determine the allowance on a collective basis utilizing historical losses over 20 quarters to represent our best estimate of inherent loss. We pool loans, generally by loan class with similar risk characteristics.
Included in the general component of the allowance for loan losses for both portfolio segments is a margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating general losses in the portfolio. Uncertainties and subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity or problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight, concentrations of credit, and peer group comparisons are qualitative and environmental factors considered.
The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the value of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and consumer loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The specific component also includes an amount for the estimated impairment on commercial and consumer loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), whether on accrual or nonaccrual status.
While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
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Fair Valuation of Financial Instruments
We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. Additionally, we may be required to record other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. Further, we include in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used, and the related impact to income. Additionally, for financial instruments not recorded at fair value, we disclose the estimate of their fair value.
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market-derived or market-based information obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates about market data. The three levels of inputs that are used to classify fair value measurements are as follows:
•
Level 1 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 instruments generally include securities traded on active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Instruments we classify as Level 1 are instruments that have been priced directly from dealer trading desks and represent actual prices at which such securities have traded within active markets.
•
Level 2 — Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques, such as matrix pricing, for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market. Instruments we classify as Level 2 include securities that are valued based on pricing models that use relevant observable information generated by transactions that have occurred in the market place that involve similar securities.
•
Level 3 — Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates of assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.
We attempt to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. Specifically, we use independent pricing services to obtain fair values based on quoted prices. Quoted prices are subject to our internal price verification procedures. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon models that use primarily market-based or independently-sourced market parameters. Most of our financial instruments use either of the foregoing methodologies, collectively Level 1 and Level 2 measurements, to determine fair value adjustments recorded to our financial statements. However, in certain cases, when market observable inputs for model-based valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use in estimating the fair value of the financial instrument.
The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of an instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management’s judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. In addition, changes in market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. When significant adjustments are required to available observable inputs, it may be appropriate to utilize an estimate based primarily on unobservable inputs. When an active market for a security does not exist, the use of management estimates that incorporate current market participant expectations of future cash flows, and include appropriate risk premiums, is acceptable.
Significant judgment may be required to determine whether certain assets measured at fair value are included in Level 2 or Level 3. If fair value measurement is based upon recent observable market activity of such assets or comparable assets (other than forced or distressed transactions) that occur in sufficient volume and do not require significant adjustment using unobservable inputs, those assets are classified as Level 2. If not, they are classified as Level 3. Making this assessment requires significant judgment.
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Income Taxes
The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis. When income and expenses are recognized in different periods for financial reporting purposes versus for the purposes of computing income taxes currently payable, deferred taxes are provided on such temporary differences. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The Company believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken on its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Interest Income and Margin
Our level of net interest income is determined by the level of earning assets and the management of our net interest margin. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, our net interest income was $79.8 million, $67.3 million, and $60.2 million, respectively. The $12.5 million, or 18.6%, increase in net interest income during 2020, compared to 2019, was driven by a $328.1 million increase in average earning assets, partially offset by a $152.2 million increase in our average interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in average earning assets was primarily related to an increase in average loans, while the increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was primarily driven by an increase in interest-bearing deposits. During 2019, our net interest income increased $7.1 million, or 11.8%, compared to 2018, while average interest-earning assets increased $281.1 million and average interest-bearing liabilities increased $190.4 million.
Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $94.8 million, $92.7 million, and $76.7 million, respectively. A significant portion of our interest income relates to our strategy to maintain a large portion of our assets in higher earning loans compared to lower yielding investments and federal funds sold. As such, 98.2% of our interest income related to interest on loans during 2020, compared to 96.0% during 2019 and 96.2% during 2018. Also, included in interest income on loans was $1.4 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million related to the net amortization of loan fees and capitalized loan origination costs for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Interest expense was $15.0 million, $25.4 million, and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Interest expense on deposits for 2020 represented 87.0% of total interest expense, compared to 93.5% for 2019, and 89.9% for 2018, while interest expense on borrowings represented 13.0% of total interest expense for 2020, compared to 6.5% for 2019, and 10.1% for 2018. The decrease in interest expense on deposits during 2020 resulted from a decrease in deposit rates.
We have included a number of tables to assist in our description of various measures of our financial performance. For example, the “Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates” table shows the average balance of each category of our assets and liabilities as well as the yield we earned or the rate we paid with respect to each category during 2020, 2019, and 2018. Similarly, the “Rate/Volume Analysis” table demonstrates the effect of changing interest rates and changing volume of assets and liabilities on our financial condition during the periods shown. We also track the sensitivity of our various categories of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates, and we have included tables to illustrate our interest rate sensitivity with respect to interest-earning and interest-bearing accounts.
The following table sets forth information related to our average balance sheet, average yields on assets, and average costs of liabilities at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. We derived these yields or costs by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. We derived average balances from the daily balances throughout the periods indicated. During the same periods, we had no securities purchased with agreements to resell. All investments were owned at an original maturity of over one year. Nonaccrual loans are included in earning assets in the following tables. Loan yields have been reduced to reflect the negative impact on our earnings of loans on nonaccrual status. The net of capitalized loan costs and fees are amortized into interest income on loans.
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Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates
For the Year Ended December 31,
Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/ Average Income/ Yield/
Interest-earning assets
Interest-bearing liabilities
Less: tax-equivalent adjustment (1) (48 ) (42 ) (53 )
(2) Includes loans held for sale.
Our net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis (TE), was 3.48%, 3.43% and 3.58% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our net interest margin (TE) increased five basis points in 2020, compared to 2019, as the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities decreased quicker than the yield on our interest-earning assets due to our deposits repricing more frequently to market prices than our loan yields. During 2019, our net interest margin decreased 15 basis points, compared to 2018, as the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increased by 43 basis points, while the yield on our interest-earning assets increased by 16 basis points.
Our average interest-earning assets increased by $328.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, while the related yield on our interest-earning assets decreased by 58 basis points. The increase in average interest-earning assets was driven primarily by a $293.3 million increase in average loan balances combined with a $33.5 million increase in federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks. In addition, the reduction in yield on our interest earning assets was driven by a 48 basis point decrease in loan yield as the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by 225 basis points since August 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2019, our average interest-earning assets increased by $281.1 million, compared to 2018, while the yield on our interest-earning assets increased by 16 basis points. The increase in average interest-earning assets was driven primarily by a $261.9 million increase in average loan balances during 2019, compared to 2018. In addition, our loan yield increased 15 basis points during 2019.
Our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $152.2 million during 2020 while the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 80 basis points. The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was driven primarily by a $126.3 million increase in average interest-bearing deposits at an average rate of 0.84%, an 82 basis point decrease when compared to 2019. During 2019, our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $190.4 million, compared to 2018, while the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increased by 43 basis points.
Our net interest spread was 3.22% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 3.00% for the same period in 2019 and 3.27% for 2018. The net interest spread is the difference between the yield we earn on our interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. The 80 basis point decrease in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities partially offset by a 58 basis point decrease in yield on our interest-earning assets resulted in a 22 basis point increase in our net interest spread for the 2020 period. We anticipate pressure on our net interest spread and net interest margin in future periods as our loan yield continues to decline due to new and renewed loans pricing at rates lower than our current portfolio rate.
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Rate/Volume Analysis
Net interest income can be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume. The following tables set forth the effect which the varying levels of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable rates have had on changes in net interest income for the periods presented.
Years Ended
Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in Increase (Decrease) Due to Change in
Rate/ Rate/
(dollars in thousands) Volume Rate Volume Total Volume Rate Volume Total
Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income, the largest component of our income, was $79.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a $12.5 million increase from net interest income of $67.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in net interest income was driven by a $10.4 million decrease in interest expense and a $2.2 million increase in interest income. Reduced rates on our interest-bearing liabilities was the primary driver of the decrease in interest expense which was partially offset by a $152.2 million increase in the average balance of those liabilities. Interest income increased $2.2 million driven by an increase in average loan balances that was partially offset by a decrease in yield across all interest earning assets.
During 2019, our average interest-earning assets increased $281.1 million as compared to 2018, resulting in $12.9 million of additional interest income while higher rates on our interest-earning assets also increased interest income by $2.7 million from the prior year. In addition, our average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $190.4 million during 2019 resulting in $2.2 million of additional interest expense. In addition, higher rates on our interest-bearing deposits, subordinated debt, and FHLB advances and other borrowings resulted in an increase of $5.8 million of additional interest expense from the prior year.
Provision for Loan Losses
We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged as an expense on our statements of income. We review our loan portfolio periodically to evaluate our outstanding loans and to measure both the performance of the portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Please see the discussion below under “Results of Operations – Allowance for Loan Losses” for a description of the factors we consider in determining the amount of the provision we expense each period to maintain this allowance.
Following is a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses.
December 31,
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For the year ended December 31, 2020, we incurred a noncash expense related to the provision for loan losses of $29.6 million, bringing the allowance for loan losses to $44.1 million, or 2.06% of gross loans. In comparison, we added $2.3 million and $1.9 million to the provision for loan losses during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, resulting in an allowance for loan losses of $16.6 million, or 0.86% of gross loans, as of December 31, 2019, and an allowance for loan losses of $15.8 million, or 0.94% of gross loans, as of December 31, 2018. The increased provision during 2020 was driven by an increase to our qualitative environmental factors related to the uncertain economic and business conditions at both the national and regional levels at December 31, 2020. Factors such as the continued impact on the tourism and hospitality industries due to the pandemic, an increase in permanent job losses and unemployment rates as well as uncertainty in the political realm have driven this increase. We expect economic uncertainty to continue for at least the next few quarters which may result in a continued increase to the allowance for loan losses during 2021, however, should economic conditions improve, we could determine that the qualitative environmental factors indicate that a release of our provision is appropriate, similar to recent determinations made by a number of other insured depository institutions.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, our net charge-offs were $2.1 million, representing 0.10% of average loans, and consisted of $3.4 million in loans charged-off, partially offset by $1.3 million of recoveries on loans previously charged-off. In addition, nonperforming assets increased to 0.37% of total assets while our level of classified assets increased to 8.3% at December 31, 2020.
We reported net charge-offs of $1.4 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, including recoveries of $95,000 and $485,000 in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The net charge-offs of $1.4 million and $1.7 million during 2019 and 2018, respectively, represented 0.08% and 0.11% of the average outstanding loan portfolios for 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Noninterest Income
The following table sets forth information related to our noninterest income.
Year ended December 31,
Gain on sale of investment securities 3 727 7
Loss on extinguishment of debt (37 ) (1,496 ) -
Net lender fees on PPP loan sale 2,247 - -
Noninterest income was $27.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a $12.4 million, or 82.6%, increase compared to noninterest income of $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in noninterest income during 2020, compared to 2019, resulted primarily from the following:
•
Mortgage banking income increased $9.9 million, or 99.4%, driven by higher mortgage origination volume during 2020 due to the favorable interest rate environment for mortgage loans.
•
Loss on extinguishment of debt decreased as a result of fewer prepayment penalties related to the paydown of FHLB Advances. More detail on these transactions is included in the 2019 discussion below.
•
Net lender fees on PPP loan sale totaled $2.2 million and related to the net fee income on the PPP loans we originated and then sold to a third party during the second quarter of 2020.
Offsetting these increases were decreases in service fees on deposit accounts and other income. The decrease in service fees on deposit accounts is directly related to the impact of COVID-19 as we have waived certain fees in an effort to assist our clients during this time.
Noninterest income was $15.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a $4.8 million, or 46.9%, increase compared to noninterest income of $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in noninterest income during 2019, compared to 2018 resulted primarily from the following:
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•
Mortgage banking income increased $4.4 million, or 79.0%, driven by higher mortgage origination volume during 2019 due in part to the favorable interest rate environment for mortgage loans.
•
ATM and debit card income increased $238,000, or 16.0%, driven by higher transaction volume when compared to 2018.
•
Gain on sale of investment securities increased $720,000 primarily due to the sale of investments during the fourth quarter. See paragraph immediately below.
•
Loss on extinguishment of debt resulted from the prepayment penalty related to the paydown of FHLB advances. See paragraph immediately below.
•
Other income increased by $797,000, or 64.2%, due primarily to the sale of our Health Savings Account (“HSA”) deposit accounts during the fourth quarter. See paragraph immediately below.
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company sold its Health Savings Account (“HSA”) deposit accounts, which totaled $6.2 million, to a nationwide HSA servicer and recognized a gain of approximately $745,000 from the sale. Also during the fourth quarter, the Company sold $29.5 million of investment securities from its existing investment portfolio, recognizing a gain of approximately $720,000 and paid off $25.0 million of FHLB advances that resulted in a prepayment penalty of $1.5 million.
Noninterest Expenses
The following table sets forth information related to our noninterest expenses.
Years ended December 31,
Other real estate owned (income) expenses, net 1,223 (26 ) 116
Noninterest expenses were $53.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a $9.3 million, or 20.8%, increase from noninterest expense of $44.5 million for 2019.
The increase in total noninterest expenses during 2020, compared to 2019, resulted primarily from the following:
•
Compensation and benefits expense increased $2.5 million, or 10.3%, during 2020 relating primarily to a $1.3 million increase in benefits expense, which includes insurance, 401k expenses and executive retirement plans. Base and incentive compensation also increased by $1.1 million as we continue to grow our existing markets.
•
Mortgage production costs, which primarily includes compensation and benefits, professional fees, software licensing costs and credit bureau fees, increased $3.5 million, or 53.8%, driven by higher mortgage commissions as a result of the increased origination volume during 2020.
•
Occupancy expenses increased $713,000, or 12.9%, driven by increased rent expense primarily due to office expansion in Atlanta, Georgia as well as additional depreciation, insurance, property taxes and maintenance expenses related to all of our owned properties.
•
Other real estate owned expenses increased $1.2 million due to a valuation adjustment on one commercial property.
•
Outside service and data processing costs increased $441,000, or 11.7%, primarily due to increased electronic banking, software licensing costs and ATM card related expenses.
•
Insurance expenses increased $567,000, or 69.7%, resulting primarily from higher FDIC assessments during the year.
•
Professional fees increased $444,000, or 33.5%, driven by increased audit, legal and various consulting fees.
Noninterest expenses were $44.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, a $4.7 million, or 11.8%, increase from noninterest expense of $39.8 million for 2018.
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The increase in total noninterest expenses during 2019, compared to 2018, resulted primarily from the following:
•
Compensation and benefits expense increased $3.5 million, or 13.6%, during 2019 relating primarily to an increase in base compensation, partially offset by a decrease in benefits expense. Base compensation expense increased by $4.1 million driven by the addition of 14 new employees - of which 12 were hired to support our new offices in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Benefits expense, which includes insurance and 401k expenses, decreased by $485,000 primarily due to lower group insurance costs related to lower claims expense in 2019.
•
Occupancy expenses increased $478,000, or 9.5%, driven by increased rent expense primarily due to two new offices in Summerville, South Carolina and Greensboro, North Carolina as well as additional depreciation, insurance, property taxes and maintenance expenses related to all of our owned properties.
•
Outside service and data processing costs increased $885,000, or 26.8%, primarily due to increased electronic banking and software licensing costs.
Partially offsetting these increases in noninterest expenses during 2019 was a $471,000 decrease in insurance expenses which was driven by a reduction in FDIC premiums in the fourth quarter.
Our efficiency ratio was 50.2% for 2020 compared to 54.1% for 2019. The efficiency ratio represents the percentage of one dollar of expense required to be incurred to earn a full dollar of revenue and is computed by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. The improvement during the 2020 period relates primarily to the increase in interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by the increase in noninterest expense compared to the prior year.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $5.5 million, $7.6 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 23.1% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 21.5% for 2019, and 22.3% for 2018. The increase in the effective rate for the 2020 period is related to the greater impact of various employee stock option transactions that occurred during the 2019 period.
Investment Securities
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our investment securities portfolio was $98.4 million and $74.6 million, respectively, and represented approximately 4.0% and 3.3% of our total assets, respectively. Our available for sale investment portfolio included U.S. agency securities, SBA securities, state and political subdivisions, mortgage-backed securities, and asset-backed securities with a fair value of $94.7 million and amortized cost of $93.4 million for an unrealized gain of $1.3 million at December 31, 2020 compared to a fair value of $67.7 million and amortized cost of $68.1 million for an unrealized loss of $377,000 at December 31, 2019.
The amortized costs and the fair value of our investments are as follows.
December 31,
Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair
(dollars in thousands) Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value
Available for Sale
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Contractual maturities and yields on our investments are shown in the following table. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Less Than One Year One to Five Years Five to Ten Years Over Ten Years Total
Available for Sale
Other investments are comprised of the following and are recorded at cost which approximates fair value.
December 31,
Federal Home Loan Bank stock $ 3,103 6,386
Investment in Trust Preferred subsidiaries 403 403
Loans
Since loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of interest-earning assets, a substantial percentage of our earning assets are invested in our loan portfolio. Average loans for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $2.11 billion and $1.81 billion, respectively. Before allowance for loan losses, total loans outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $2.14 billion and $1.94 billion, respectively.
The principal component of our loan portfolio is loans secured by real estate mortgages. As of December 31, 2020, our loan portfolio included $1.81 billion, or 84.6%, of real estate loans, compared to $1.61 billion, or 82.8%, as of December 31, 2019. Most of our real estate loans are secured by residential or commercial property. We obtain a security interest in real estate, in addition to any other available collateral, in order to increase the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan. Generally, we limit the loan-to-value ratio on loans to coincide with the appropriate regulatory guidelines. We attempt to maintain a relatively diversified loan portfolio to help reduce the risk inherent in concentration in certain types of collateral and business types. In addition to traditional residential mortgage loans, we issue second mortgage residential real estate loans and home equity lines of credit. Home equity lines of credit totaled $157.0 million as of December 31, 2020, of which approximately 45% were in a first lien position, while the remaining balance was second liens, compared to $179.7 million as of December 31, 2019, of which approximately 44% were in first lien positions and the remaining balance was in second liens. The average home equity loan had a balance of approximately $83,000 and a loan to value of approximately 62% as of December 31, 2020, compared to an average loan balance of $90,000 and a loan to value of approximately 68% as of December 31, 2019. Further, 0.2% and 0.4% of our total home equity lines of credit were over 30 days past due as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Following is a summary of our loan composition for each of the five years ended December 31, 2020. Of the $199.3 million in loan growth in 2020, $89.3 million of growth was in commercial related loans, while $110.0 million of growth was in consumer related loans, specifically consumer real estate mortgages which grew by $138.1 million during 2020. The increase in consumer real estate loans is related to our focus to continue to originate high quality 1-4 family consumer real estate loans. Our average consumer real estate loan currently has a principal balance of $429,000, a term of nineteen years, and an average rate of 3.82%.
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December 31,
%of %of %of %of %of
Commercial
Consumer
Maturities and Sensitivity of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates
The information in the following table is based on the contractual maturities of individual loans, including loans which may be subject to renewal at their contractual maturity. Renewal of such loans is subject to review and credit approval, as well as modification of terms upon maturity. Actual repayments of loans may differ from the maturities reflected below because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
The following table summarizes the loan maturity distribution by type and related interest rate characteristics.
After one
One year but within After five
(dollars in thousands) or less five years years Total
Commercial
Consumer
Loans maturing – after one year with
Floating interest rates 365,523
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Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets include real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed taken in lieu of foreclosure and loans on nonaccrual status. The following table shows the nonperforming assets and the related percentage of nonperforming assets to total assets and gross loans for the five years ended December 31, 2020. Generally, a loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest, or when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of the loan is doubtful. A payment of interest on a loan that is classified as nonaccrual is recognized as a reduction in principal when received. Our policy with respect to nonperforming loans requires the borrower to make a minimum of six consecutive payments in accordance with the loan terms before that loan can be placed back on accrual status. Further, the borrower must show capacity to continue performing into the future prior to restoration of accrual status. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing.
December 31,
Commercial
Owner occupied RE $ - - - - 276
Construction 139 - - - -
Consumer
Construction - - - - -
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing - - - - -
(1) Loans over 90 days are included in nonaccrual loans
At December 31, 2020, nonperforming assets were $9.2 million, or 0.37% of total assets and 0.43% of gross loans, compared to $6.8 million, or 0.30% of total assets and 0.35% of gross loans at December 31, 2019. Nonaccrual loans increased $1.3 million to $8.1 million at December 31, 2020 from $6.8 million at December 31, 2019. During 2020, we added $10.0 million (consisting of 27 new loans) to nonaccrual, removed eight loans totaling $4.8 million that were paid off, transferred 1 loan totaling $2.2 million to other real estate owned and charged off $1.3 million of nonaccrual loans. The amount of foregone interest income on the nonaccrual loans for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was approximately $61,000 and $23,000, respectively.
At December 31, 2020, our allowance for loan losses represented 547.08% of nonaccrual loans, compared to 245.0% at year-end 2019 and 270.4% at year-end 2018. A significant portion, or 97.6%, of nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2020 were secured by real estate. We have evaluated the underlying collateral on these loans and believe that the collateral on these loans is sufficient to minimize future losses. As a result of this level of coverage on nonaccrual loans, we believe the allowance for loan losses of $44.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 is adequate.
As a general practice, most of our commercial loans and a portion of our consumer loans are originated with relatively short maturities of less than ten years. As a result, when a loan reaches its maturity we frequently renew the loan and thus extend its maturity using similar credit standards as those used when the loan was first originated. Due to these loan practices, we may, at times, renew loans which are classified as nonaccrual after evaluating the loan’s collateral value and financial strength of its guarantors. Nonaccrual loans are renewed at terms generally consistent with the ultimate source of repayment and rarely at reduced rates. In these cases, we will generally seek additional credit enhancements, such as additional collateral or additional guarantees to further protect the loan. When a loan is no longer performing in accordance with its stated terms, we will typically seek performance under the guarantee.
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In addition, approximately 85% of our loans are collateralized by real estate and approximately 89% of our impaired loans are secured by real estate. We use third party appraisers to determine the fair value of collateral dependent loans. Our current loan and appraisal policies require us to review impaired loans at least annually and determine whether it is necessary to obtain an updated appraisal, either through a new external appraisal or an internal appraisal evaluation. We individually review our impaired loans on a quarterly basis to determine the level of impairment. As of December 31, 2020, we do not have any impaired loans carried at a value in excess of the appraised value. We typically charge-off a portion or create a specific reserve for impaired loans when we do not expect repayment to occur as agreed upon under the original terms of the loan agreement.
At December 31, 2020, impaired loans totaled approximately $13.0 million for which $5.1 million of these loans have a reserve of approximately $1.7 million allocated in the allowance. During 2020, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $14.6 million. At December 31, 2019, impaired loans totaled approximately $12.0 million for which $4.7 million of these loans had a reserve of approximately $1.4 million allocated in the allowance. During 2019, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $12.3 million.
We consider a loan to be a TDR when the debtor experiences financial difficulties and we provide concessions such that we will not collect all principal and interest in accordance with the original terms of the loan agreement. Concessions can relate to the contractual interest rate, maturity date, or payment structure of the note. As part of our workout plan for individual loan relationships, we may restructure loan terms to assist borrowers facing challenges in the current economic environment. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had $8.4 million and $9.3 million, respectively, in loans that we considered TDRs. As permitted by the CARES Act, we do not consider loan modifications to borrowers affected by COVID-19 to be TDRs unless the borrower was 30 days or more past due before December 31, 2019. See Notes 1 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on TDRs.
In addition, potential problem loans, which are loans rated substandard and not included in nonperforming loans or TDRs, amounted to approximately $19.6 million, or 0.92% of gross loans at December 31, 2020, compared to $9.0 million, or 0.46% of gross loans at December 31, 2019. Potential problem loans represent those loans with a well-defined weakness and where information about possible credit problems of borrowers has caused management to have serious doubts about the borrower’s ability to comply with present repayment terms. The increase in potential problem loans since December 31, 2019 is primarily the result of two loans that increased total potential problem loans by approximately $13.5 million, partially offset by one loan partially charged-off and transferred to other real estate owned (“OREO”).
Allowance for Loan Losses
At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the allowance for loan losses was $44.1 million and $16.6 million, respectively, or 2.06% and 0.86% of outstanding loans, respectively. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of our outstanding loan portfolio increased from the prior year primarily due to an increase to our qualitative environmental factors related to the uncertain economic and business conditions at the national, regional and local levels at December 31, 2020. Factors such as the continued impact on the tourism and hospitality industries due to the pandemic, an increase in permanent job losses and unemployment rates as well as uncertainty in the political realm have driven this increase. We expect economic uncertainty to continue for at least the next few quarters which may result in a continued increase to the allowance for loan losses during 2021. Our nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets increased to 0.37% at December 31, 2020 compared to 0.30% at December 31, 2019 and our classified assets increased to 8.2% of capital as of December 31, 2020, compared to 7.9% of capital as of December 31, 2019. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our allowance for loan losses.
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The following table summarizes the activity related to our allowance for loan losses for the five years ended December 31, 2020.
Year ended December 31,
Loan charge-offs:
Commercial
Owner occupied RE (94 ) (110 ) - - (5 )
Construction - - - - (42 )
Consumer
Construction - - - - -
Loan recoveries:
Commercial
Owner occupied RE 65 - - - -
Construction - - - - -
Consumer
Construction - - - - -
Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities
Our primary source of funds for loans and investments is our deposits and advances from the FHLB. In the past, we have chosen to obtain a portion of our certificates of deposits from areas outside of our market in order to obtain longer term deposits than are readily available in our local market. Our internal guidelines regarding the use of brokered CDs limit our brokered CDs to 20% of total deposits. In addition, we do not obtain time deposits of $100,000 or more through the Internet. These guidelines allow us to take advantage of the attractive terms that wholesale funding can offer while mitigating the related inherent risk.
Our retail deposits represented $2.12 billion, or 99.0% of total deposits at December 31, 2020, while our out-of-market, or brokered deposits, represented $22.0 million, or 1.0% of our total deposits at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2019, retail deposits represented $1.81 billion, or 96.4% of our total deposits, and brokered deposits were $67.4 million, representing 3.6% of our total deposits, at December 31, 2019. Our loan-to-deposit ratio was 100%, 104%, and 102% at December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
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The following table shows the average balance amounts and the average rates paid on deposits held by us.
December 31,
(dollars in thousands) Amount Rate Amount Rate Amount Rate