Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)

Registration Statement No. 333-157562

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT NO. 3

(to Prospectus dated April 7, 2014)

 

First United Corporate Logo - Burgundy

 

30,000 SHARES OF FIXED RATE CUMULATIVE PERPETUAL PREFERRED STOCK, SERIES A

WARRANT TO PURCHASE 326,323 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

326,323 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

 

 

 

This Prospectus Supplement No. 3 supplements and amends our Prospectus dated April 7, 2014, as previously supplemented, and includes our attached Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 10, 2014.

 

The Prospectus, as previously supplemented, and this Prospectus Supplement No. 3 relate to the potential resale from time to time by selling security holders of some or all of the shares of our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, which we refer to as the “Series A Preferred Stock”, a warrant to purchase 326,323 shares of common stock, which we refer to as the “warrant”, and any shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the warrant. We are not selling any securities under the Prospectus, as previously supplemented and supplemented by this Prospectus Supplement No. 3, and we will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the securities by the selling security holders.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock is not listed on an exchange and, unless requested by the initial selling security holder, we do not intend to list the Series A Preferred Stock on any exchange. The warrant is not listed on an exchange and we do not intend to list the warrant on any exchange. Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FUNC”. On November 7, 2014, the closing sales price of our common stock as reported on The NASDAQ Global Select Market was $8.32 per share. You are urged to obtain current market quotations of our common stock.

 

This Prospectus Supplement No. 3 should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, as previously supplemented. Any statement contained in the Prospectus, as previously supplemented, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that information in this Prospectus Supplement No. 3 modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement that is modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part of the Prospectus, as previously supplemented, except as modified or superseded by this Prospectus Supplement No. 3.

 

Investing in our securities involves certain risks. You should review carefully the risks described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of the Prospectus and under similar headings in any amendments or supplements to the Prospectus.

 


 

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT DEPOSIT OR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR NON-BANK SUBSIDIARY OF FIRST UNITED CORPORATION, AND THEY ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY.


The date of this Prospectus Supplement No. 3 is November 10, 2014.

 

 
 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

TQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

 

£TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from _______________ to ________________

 

Commission file number 0-14237

 

First United Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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

 

19 South Second Street, Oakland, Maryland 21550-0009

(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)

 

(800) 470-4356

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes R No £

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 6,228,366 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, as of October 31, 2014.

 

 
 

 

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 3
   
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) 3
   
Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition – September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 3
   
Consolidated Statement of Operations - for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 4
   
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income – for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 6
   
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity - for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013 7
   
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 8
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9
   
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 49
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 71
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 71
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 72
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 72
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors 72
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 72
   
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 72
   
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 72
   
Item 5. Other Information 72
   
Item 6. Exhibits 72
   
SIGNATURES 72
   
EXHIBIT INDEX 73

 

2
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition

(In thousands, except per share and percentage data)

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited) 
Assets          
Cash and due from banks  $42,916   $32,895 
Interest bearing deposits in banks   8,224    10,168 
Cash and cash equivalents   51,140    43,063 
Investment securities – available-for-sale (at fair value)   222,835    336,589 
Investment securities – held to maturity (fair value $106,426 at September 30, 2014 and $3,590 at December 31, 2013)   106,961    3,900 
Restricted investment in bank stock, at cost   7,524    7,913 
Loans   824,925    810,240 
Allowance for loan losses   (12,068)   (13,594)
Net loans   812,857    796,646 
Premises and equipment, net   26,001    26,905 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net   11,004    11,004 
Bank owned life insurance   33,150    32,413 
Deferred tax assets   23,341    29,209 
Other real estate owned   11,588    17,031 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets   25,515    28,830 
Total Assets  $1,331,916   $1,333,503 
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
Liabilities:          
Non-interest bearing deposits  $197,612   $175,863 
Interest bearing deposits   775,421    801,540 
Total deposits   973,033    977,403 
           
Short-term borrowings   47,994    43,676 
Long-term borrowings   182,623    182,672 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities   15,996    28,412 
Total Liabilities   1,219,646    1,232,163 
           
Shareholders’ Equity:          
Preferred stock – no par value;
Authorized 2,000 shares of which 30 shares of Series A, $1,000 per share liquidation preference, 5% cumulative increasing to 9% cumulative on February 15, 2014, were issued and outstanding on September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (discount of $0 and $6, respectively)
   30,000    29,994 
Common Stock – par value $.01 per share;
Authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,228 shares at September 30, 2014 and 6,211 at December 31, 2013
   62    62 
Surplus   21,756    21,661 
Retained earnings   75,849    73,836 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (15,397)   (24,213)
Total Shareholders’ Equity   112,270    101,340 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity  $1,331,916   $1,333,503 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

3
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited) 
Interest income          
Interest and fees on loans  $28,144   $32,951 
Interest on investment securities          
Taxable   5,323    3,826 
Exempt from federal income tax   1,175    1,315 
Total investment income   6,498    5,141 
Other   276    254 
Total interest income   34,918    38,346 
Interest expense          
Interest on deposits   3,489    3,860 
Interest on short-term borrowings   46    45 
Interest on long-term borrowings   4,699    4,919 
Total interest expense   8,234    8,824 
Net interest income   26,684    29,522 
Provision for loan losses   1,629    (161)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   25,055    29,683 
Other operating income          
Changes in fair value on impaired securities   5,648    3,095 
Portion of gain recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)   (5,648)   (3,095)
Net securities impairment losses recognized in operations   0    0 
Net gains – other   1,127    254 
Total net gains   1,127    254 
Service charges   2,213    2,651 
Trust department   3,922    3,732 
Debit card income   1,516    1,471 
Bank owned life insurance   737    753 
Brokerage commissions   607    606 
Other   439    587 
Total other income   9,434    9,800 
Total other operating income   10,561    10,054 
Other operating expenses          
Salaries and employee benefits   14,613    14,730 
FDIC premiums   1,360    1,405 
Equipment   1,931    1,948 
Occupancy   1,868    2,016 
Data processing   2,379    2,263 
Other real estate owned   2,128    2,766 
Other   6,424    7,156 
Total other operating expenses   30,703    32,284 
Income before income tax expense   4,913    7,453 
Provision for income tax expense   975    1,853 
Net Income   3,938    5,600 
Accumulated preferred stock dividends and discount accretion   (1,925)   (1,326)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders  $2,013   $4,274 
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $0.32   $0.69 
Weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding   6,220    6,206 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

4
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited) 
Interest income          
Interest and fees on loans  $9,447   $11,930 
Interest on investment securities          
Taxable   1,579    1,529 
Exempt from federal income tax   371    447 
Total investment income   1,950    1,976 
Other   100    73 
Total interest income   11,497    13,979 
Interest expense          
Interest on deposits   1,154    1,251 
Interest on short-term borrowings   16    16 
Interest on long-term borrowings   1,502    1,666 
Total interest expense   2,672    2,933 
Net interest income   8,825    11,046 
Provision for loan losses   688    (1,107)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   8,137    12,153 
Other operating income          
Changes in fair value on impaired securities   578    742 
Portion of gain recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)   (578)   (742)
Net securities impairment losses recognized in operations   0    0 
Net gains /(losses)– other   166    (102)
Total net gains/(losses)   166    (102)
Service charges   747    894 
Trust department   1,354    1,343 
Debit card income   529    487 
Bank owned life insurance   249    254 
Brokerage commissions   201    245 
Other   79    231 
Total other income   3,159    3,454 
Total other operating income   3,325    3,352 
Other operating expenses          
Salaries and employee benefits   4,910    5,090 
FDIC premiums   478    476 
Equipment   625    657 
Occupancy   592    632 
Data processing   803    764 
Other real estate owned   514    2,814 
Other   1,977    2,558 
Total other operating expenses   9,899    12,991 
Income before income tax expense   1,563    2,514 
Provision for income tax expense   223    678 
Net Income   1,340    1,836 
Accumulated preferred stock dividends and discount accretion   (675)   (448)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders  $665   $1,388 
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $0.10   $0.22 
Weighted average number of basic and diluted shares outstanding   6,228    6,211 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

5
 

  

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

(In thousands)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
Comprehensive Income (in thousands)  (Unaudited) 
Net Income  $3,938   $5,600 
           
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax and reclassification adjustments:          
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   3,388    1,852 
           
Net unrealized gains/(losses) on all other AFS securities   8,255    (6,369)
           
Net unrealized losses on HTM securities   (2,315)   0 
           
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges   137    180 
           
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on Pension   (650)   525 
           
Net unrealized gains on SERP   1    11 
           
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax   8,816    (3,801)
           
Comprehensive income  $12,754   $1,799 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

(In thousands)

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
Comprehensive Income (in thousands)  (Unaudited) 
Net Income  $1,340   $1,836 
           
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax and reclassification adjustments:          
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   346    444 
           
Net unrealized losses on all other AFS securities   (87)   (640)
           
Net unrealized gains on HTM securities   57    0 
           
Net unrealized gains on cash flow hedges   26    42 
           
Net unrealized (losses)/gains on Pension   (687)   434 
           
Net unrealized gains on SERP   0    4 
           
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax   (345)   284 
           
Comprehensive income  $995   $2,120 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

6
 

  

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

 

   Preferred
Stock
   Common
Stock
   Surplus   Retained
Earnings
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
   Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
   (Unaudited) 
Balance at January 1, 2013  $29,925   $62   $21,573   $69,168   $(21,823)  $98,905 
                               
Net income                  6,446         6,446 
Other comprehensive loss                       (2,390)   (2,390)
Stock based compensation             88              88 
Preferred stock discount accretion   69              (69)        0 
Preferred stock dividends deferred                  (1,709)        (1,709)
                               
Balance at December 31, 2013   29,994    62    21,661    73,836    (24,213)   101,340 
                               
Net income                  3,938         3,938 
Other comprehensive income                       8,816    8,816 
Stock based compensation             95              95 
Preferred stock discount accretion   6              (6)        0 
Preferred stock dividends paid                  (1,919)        (1,919)
                               
Balance at September 30, 2014  $30,000   $62   $21,756   $75,849   $(15,397)  $112,270 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

7
 

  

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
   (Unaudited) 
Operating activities          
Net income  $3,938   $5,600 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities:          
Provision for loan losses   1,629    (161)
Depreciation   1,471    1,541 
Stock compensation   95    66 
Loss/(gain) on sales of other real estate owned   921    (80)
Write-downs of other real estate owned   885    2,889 
Gain on loan sales   (37)   (154)
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   3    24 
Net amortization of investment securities discounts and premiums- AFS   152    930 
Net amortization of investment securities discounts and premiums- HTM   19    0 
Loss/(gain) on sales of investment securities – available-for-sale   7    (124)
Gain on sales of investment securities – held for trading   (1,100)   0 
Amortization of deferred loan fees   (363)   (429)
Decrease in accrued interest receivable and other assets   2,229    4,128 
Decrease in deferred tax benefit   (4)   (1)
(Decrease)/increase in accrued interest payable and other liabilities   (5,685)   2,450 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance   (737)   (753)
Net cash provided by operating activities   3,423    15,926 
           
Investing activities          
Proceeds from maturities/calls of investment securities available-for-sale   122,291    27,160 
Proceeds from maturities/calls of investment securities held-to-maturity   3,275    140 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale   56,838    50,169 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities held for trading   1,100    0 
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale   (153,924)   (159,423)
Purchases of investment securities held-to-maturity   (2,421)   0 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   5,667    3,349 
Proceeds from loan sales   4,312    20,691 
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets   0    1,421 
Net decrease in FHLB stock   389    436 
Net (increase)/decrease in loans   (23,782)   12,151 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (570)   (864)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities   13,175    (44,770)
           
Financing activities          
Net decrease in deposits   (4,370)   (2,491)
Preferred stock dividends paid   (8,420)   0 
Net increase in short-term borrowings   4,318    19,849 
Payments on long-term borrowings   (49)   (47)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities   (8,521)   17,311 
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   8,077    (11,533)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year   43,063    83,068 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $51,140   $71,535 
           
Supplemental information          
Interest paid  $14,995   $7,199 
Non-cash investing activities:          
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned  $2,030   $5,627 
Security sold September 30, settled in October  $618   $0 
Transfers from securities available for sale to held-to-maturity  $103,934   $0 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

8
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

NoteS to Consolidated Financial Statements (UNAUDITED)

 

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of First United Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, including First United Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270, Interim Reporting, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, consisting of normal recurring items, have been included. Operating results for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or for any future interim period. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or equity.

 

First United Corporation has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the statement of financial condition date of September 30, 2014 for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in these financial statements as prescribed by ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events.

 

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

 

Note 2 – Earnings Per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share is derived by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period and does not include the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings per share is derived by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of outstanding common stock equivalents. There is no dilutive effect on earnings per share during loss periods. No common stock equivalents were outstanding during the nine- and three- month periods ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.

 

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2014   2013 
       Average   Per Share       Average   Per Share 
(in thousands, except for per share amount)  Income   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:                              
Net income  $3,938             $5,600           
Preferred stock dividends   (1,919)             (1,274)          
Discount accretion on preferred stock   (6)             (52)          
                               
Net income available to common shareholders  $2,013    6,220   $0.32   $4,274    6,206   $0.69 

 

9
 

  

   Three Months Ended September 30, 
   2014   2013 
       Average   Per Share       Average   Per Share 
(in thousands, except for per share amount)  Income   Shares   Amount   Income   Shares   Amount 
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share:                              
Net income  $1,340             $1,836           
Preferred stock dividends deferred   (675)             (430)          
Discount accretion on preferred stock   0              (18)          
                               
Net income available to common shareholders  $665    6,228   $0.10   $1,388    6,211   $0.22 

 

Note 3 – Net Gains/(Losses)

 

The following table summarizes the gain activity for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013   2014   2013 
Net gains/(losses) – other:                    
Available-for-sale securities:                    
Realized gains  $427   $447   $222   $35 
Realized losses   (434)   (323)   (75)   (138)
Held-for-trading:                    
Realized gains   1,100    0    0    0 
Gain on sale of consumer loans   37    154    19    23 
Loss on disposal of fixed assets   (3)   (24)   0    (22)
Net gains/(losses) – other  $1,127   $254   $166   $(102)

 

Note 4 – Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

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

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013 
Cash and due from banks, weighted average interest rate of 0.16% (at September 30, 2014)  $42,916   $32,895 

 

Interest bearing deposits in banks, which represent funds invested at a correspondent bank, are carried at cost which approximates fair value and, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, consisted of daily funds invested at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Atlanta, First Tennessee Bank (“FTN”), Merchants and Traders (“M&T”) and Community Bankers Bank (“CBB”).

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013 
FHLB daily investments, interest rate of 0.005% (at September 30, 2014)  $1,314   $1,677 
FTN daily investments, interest rate of 0.07% (at September 30, 2014)   850    1,350 
M&T daily investments, interest rate of 0.20% (at September 30, 2014)   5,050    5,043 
M&T daily investments, interest rate of 0.20% (at September 30, 2014)   1,010    1,008 
CBB Fed Funds sold, interest rate of 0.22% (at September 30, 2014)   0    1,090 
   $8,224   $10,168 

 

10
 

 

Note 5 – Investments

 

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

 

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

 

On June 1, 2014, management reclassified an amortized cost basis of $107.6 million of available-for-sale securities to held to maturity. The unrealized loss of approximately $4.0 million, at the date of transfer, will continue to be reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income and will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount.

 

The following table shows a comparison of amortized cost and fair values of investment securities at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

(in thousands)  Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   OTTI in AOCI 
September 30, 2014                         
Available for Sale:                         
U.S. Treasuries  $29,631   $4   $17   $29,618   $0 
U.S. government agencies   39,088    82    411    38,759    0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   46,573    276    726    46,123    0 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   26,737    58    250    26,545    0 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   9,286    89    7    9,368    0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   46,784    1,466    234    48,016    0 
Collateralized debt obligations   37,066    1,223    13,883    24,406    7,056 
Total available for sale  $235,165   $3,198   $15,528   $222,835   $7,056 
                          
Held to Maturity:                         
U.S. government agencies  $24,476   $31   $109   $24,398   $0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   55,572    93    263    55,402    0 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   16,476    145    73    16,548    0 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   7,712    0    110    7,602    0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   2,725    0    249    2,476    0 
Total held to maturity  $106,961   $269   $804   $106,426   $0 
                          
December 31, 2013                         
Available for Sale:                         
U.S. government agencies  $97,242   $14   $5,221   $92,035   $0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   116,933    334    4,823    112,444    0 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   31,025    14    1,134    29,905    0 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   30,468    84    1,162    29,390    0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   55,505    895    1,123    55,277    0 
Collateralized debt obligations   37,146    778    20,386    17,538    12,703 
Total available for sale  $368,319   $2,119   $33,849   $336,589   $12,703 
Held to Maturity:                         
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $3,900   $249   $559   $3,590   $0 

 

11
 

  

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

 

   Nine Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013   2014   2013 
Proceeds  $56,838   $50,169   $616   $15,033 
Realized gains   1,527    447    222    35 
Realized losses   434    323    75    138 

 

The following table shows the Corporation’s securities with gross unrealized losses and fair values at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:

 

   Less than 12 months   12 months or more 
(in thousands)  Fair Value   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair Value   Unrealized Losses 
September 30, 2014                    
Available for Sale:                    
U.S. Treasuries  $10,078   $17   $0   $0 
U.S. government agencies   0    0    18,664    411 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   9,974    1    23,786    725 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   20,480    235    969    15 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   2,174    7    0    0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   0    0    12,450    234 
Collateralized debt obligations   0    0    19,394    13,883 
Total available for sale  $42,706   $260   $75,263   $15,268 
                     
Held to Maturity:                    
U.S. government agencies  $14,945   $109   $0   $0 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   47,209    263    0    0 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   9,660    73    0    0 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   7,602    110    0    0 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   0    0    2,476    249 
Total held to maturity  $79,416   $555   $2,476   $249 
                     

December 31, 2013                    
Available for Sale:                    
U.S. government agencies  $62,962   $3,154   $13,996   $2,067 
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   60,781    1,801    46,570    3,022 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   21,889    1,134    0    0 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   21,201    1,149    3,051    13 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   15,422    1,123    0    0 
Collateralized debt obligations   0    0    16,434    20,386 
Total available for sale  $182,255   $8,361   $80,051   $25,488 
Held to Maturity:                    
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $0   $0   $2,301   $559 

 

12
 

 

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

 

Management believes that the valuation of certain securities is a critical accounting policy that requires significant estimates in preparation of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. Management utilizes an independent third party to prepare both the impairment valuations and fair value determinations for the Corporation’s collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) portfolio consisting of pooled trust preferred securities. Based on management’s review of the assumptions and results of the third-party review, it does not believe that there were any material differences in the valuations between December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014.

 

U.S. Government Treasuries – Available for Sale - One U.S. government treasury has been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. The security is of the highest investment grade and the Corporation does not intend to sell it, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell it before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. There were no U.S. government treasuries in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more.

 

U.S. Government Agencies – Available for Sale – There were no U.S. government agencies in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. There were three U.S. government agencies in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The securities are of the highest investment grade and the Corporation does not intend to sell them, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell them before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.

 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Agencies – Available for Sale - There was one residential mortgage-backed agency in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. There were four residential mortgage-backed agency securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The securities are of the highest investment grade and the Corporation does not intend to sell them, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Agencies – Available for Sale – There were three commercial mortgage-backed agencies in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. There was one commercial mortgage-backed agency security in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. The securities are of the highest investment grade and the Corporation does not intend to sell them, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell them before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.

 

Collateralized Mortgage-Obligations – Available for Sale – There was one collateralized mortgage-obligation security in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. The security is of the highest investment grade and the Corporation does not intend to sell it, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell it before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. There were no collateralized mortgage-obligation securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more.

 

13
 

  

Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions – Available for Sale - No obligations of state and political subdivisions securities have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months at September 30, 2014. There were six securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. These investments are of investment grade as determined by the major rating agencies and management reviews the ratings of the underlying issuers and performs an in-depth credit analysis on the securities. Management believes that this portfolio is well-diversified throughout the United States, and all bonds continue to perform according to their contractual terms. The Corporation does not intend to sell these investments and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.

 

Collateralized Debt Obligations – Available for Sale - The $13.9 million in unrealized losses greater than 12 months at September 30, 2014 relates to 14 pooled trust preferred securities that are included in the CDO portfolio. See Note 9 for a discussion of the methodology used by management to determine the fair values of these securities. Based upon a review of credit quality and the cash flow tests performed by the independent third party, management determined that there were no securities that had credit-related non-cash OTTI charges during the first nine months of 2014. The unrealized losses on the remaining securities in the portfolio are primarily attributable to continued depression in market interest rates, marketability, liquidity and the current economic environment.

 

U.S. Government Agencies – Held to Maturity - Two U.S. government agencies have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. The Corporation has the intent and ability to hold the investments to maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. There were no U.S. government agencies in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more.

 

Residential Mortgage-Backed Agencies – Held to Maturity - Eighteen residential mortgage-backed agencies have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. The Corporation has the intent and ability to hold the investments to maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. There were no residential mortgage-backed agencies in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more.

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Agencies – Held to Maturity - One commercial mortgage-backed agency has been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. The Corporation has the intent and ability to hold this investment to maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. There were no commercial mortgage-backed agencies in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more.

 

Collateralized Mortgage-Obligations – Held to Maturity - One collateralized mortgage obligation has been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months as of September 30, 2014. The Corporation has the intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. There were no collateralized mortgage obligations in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more.

 

Obligations of State and Political Subdivisions – Held to Maturity – No obligations of state and political subdivisions securities have been in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months at September 30, 2014. There was one obligations of state and political subdivisions security that has been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. This bond is a Tax Increment Fund (TIF) bond. Management performs an in-depth credit analysis on this security. The Corporation has the intent and ability to hold the investment to maturity. Accordingly, management does not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014.

 

14
 

 

The following tables present a cumulative roll-forward of the amount of non-cash OTTI charges related to credit losses which have been recognized in earnings for the trust preferred securities in the CDO portfolio held and not intended to be sold for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013 
Balance of credit-related OTTI at January 1  $13,422   $13,959 
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected   (501)   (404)
Balance of credit-related OTTI at September 30  $12,921   $13,555 

 

   Three Months Ended September 30, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013 
Balance of credit-related OTTI at July 1  $13,091   $13,695 
Reduction for increases in cash flows expected to be collected   (170)   (140)
Balance of credit-related OTTI at September 30  $12,921   $13,555 

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2014 are shown in the following table. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

   September 30, 2014 
(in thousands)  Amortized Cost   Fair Value 
Contractual Maturity          
Available for sale:          
Due in one year or less  $19,536   $19,540 
Due after one year through five years   44,436   $44,475 
Due after five years through ten years   29,390    30,015 
Due after ten years   59,207    46,769 
    152,569    140,799 
           
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   46,573    46,123 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   26,737    26,545 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   9,286    9,368 
   $235,165   $222,835 
Held to Maturity:          
Due after five years through ten years  $15,442   $15,437 
Due after ten years   11,759    11,437 
    27,201    26,874 
           
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   55,572    55,402 
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   16,476    16,548 
Collateralized mortgage obligations   7,712    7,602 
   $106,961   $106,426 

 

15
 

 

Note 6 - Restricted Investment in Bank Stock

 

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

 

Management evaluates the restricted stock for impairment in accordance with ASC Industry Topic 942, Financial Services – Depository and Lending, (ASC Section 942-325-35). Management’s evaluation of potential impairment is based on management’s assessment of the ultimate recoverability of the cost of the restricted stock rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability is influenced by criteria such as (a) the significance of the decline in net assets of the issuing bank as compared to the capital stock amount for that bank and the length of time this situation has persisted, (b) commitments by the issuing bank to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of that bank, and (c) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the issuing bank. Management has evaluated the restricted stock for impairment and believes that no impairment charge is necessary as of September 30, 2014.

 

The Corporation recognizes dividends received on its restricted stock investments on a cash basis. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, dividends of $212,665 were recognized in earnings. For the comparable period of 2013, dividends of $145,578 were recognized in earnings.  For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, dividends of $68,329 and $48,844, respectively, were recognized in earnings.

 

Note 7 – Loans and Related Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The following table summarizes the primary segments of the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

(in thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
   Acquisition and
Development
   Commercial
and
Industrial
   Residential
Mortgage
   Consumer   Total 
September 30, 2014                              
                               
Individually evaluated for impairment  $12,425   $7,735   $1,882   $6,768   $0   $28,810 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $240,662   $89,251   $87,476   $354,597   $24,129   $796,115 
Total loans  $253,087   $96,986   $89,358   $361,365   $24,129   $824,925 
                               
December 31, 2013                              
                               
Individually evaluated for impairment  $11,740   $11,703   $2,299   $7,546   $21   $33,309 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $256,238   $95,547   $57,489   $343,360   $24,297   $776,931 
Total loans  $267,978   $107,250   $59,788   $350,906   $24,318   $810,240 

 

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

 

16
 

  

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

 

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

 

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate Pass and the criticized categories of Special Mention and Substandard within the internal risk rating system as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

(in thousands)  Pass   Special Mention   Substandard   Total 
September 30, 2014                    
Commercial real estate                    
Non owner-occupied  $105,951   $1,305   $25,355   $132,611 
All other CRE   91,792    8,755    19,929    120,476 
Acquisition and development                    
1-4 family residential construction   12,900    0    1,004    13,904 
All other A&D   68,586    1,398    13,098    83,082 
Commercial and industrial   86,641    886    1,831    89,358 
Residential mortgage                    
Residential mortgage - term   272,979    701    12,166    285,846 
Residential mortgage - home equity   73,857    97    1,565    75,519 
Consumer   24,036    0    93    24,129 
Total  $736,742   $13,142   $75,041   $824,925 
                     
December 31, 2013                    
Commercial real estate                    
Non owner-occupied  $103,556   $9,243   $24,745   $137,544 
All other CRE   100,461    8,479    21,494    130,434 
Acquisition and development                    
1-4 family residential construction   8,764    0    4,497    13,261 
All other A&D   73,198    1,787    19,004    93,989 
Commercial and industrial   55,768    140    3,880    59,788 
Residential mortgage                    
Residential mortgage - term   261,735    752    11,980    274,467 
Residential mortgage - home equity   73,901    628    1,910    76,439 
Consumer   24,143    5    170    24,318 
Total  $701,526   $21,034   $87,680   $810,240 

 

17
 

  

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

 

The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and non-accrual loans as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

(in thousands)  Current   30-59 Days
Past Due
   60-89 Days
Past Due
   90 Days+
Past Due
   Total Past
Due and
Accruing
   Non-Accrual   Total Loans 
September 30, 2014                                   
Commercial real estate                                   
Non owner-occupied  $128,145   $306   $3,179   $187   $3,672   $794   $132,611 
All other CRE   115,367    269    0    0    269    4,840    120,476 
Acquisition and development                                   
1-4 family residential construction   13,812    0    0    0    0    92    13,904 
All other A&D   78,020    0    419    87    506    4,556    83,082 
Commercial and industrial   89,102    6    22    0    28    228    89,358 
Residential mortgage                                   
Residential mortgage - term   279,157    569    2,263    957    3,789    2,900    285,846 
Residential mortgage - home equity   74,465    318    138    95    551    503    75,519 
Consumer   23,773    248    79    29    356    0    24,129 
Total  $801,841   $1,716   $6,100   $1,355   $9,171   $13,913   $824,925 
                                    
December 31, 2013                                   
Commercial real estate                                   
Non owner-occupied  $136,462   $191   $145   $65   $401   $681   $137,544 
All other CRE   121,985    1,490    207    0    1,697    6,752    130,434 
Acquisition and development                                   
1-4 family residential construction   12,018    0    139    0    139    1,104    13,261 
All other A&D   88,071    1,075    33    282    1,390    4,528    93,989 
Commercial and industrial   59,320    87    57    133    277    191    59,788 
Residential mortgage                                   
Residential mortgage - term   259,239    8,258    2,541    634    11,433    3,795    274,467 
Residential mortgage - home equity   74,917    656    439    96    1,191    331    76,439 
Consumer   23,802    350    128    24    502    14    24,318 
Total  $775,814   $12,107   $3,689   $1,234   $17,030   $17,396   $810,240 

 

Non-accrual loans which have been subject to a partial charge-off totaled $4.9 million as of September 30, 2014, compared to $1.9 million as of December 31, 2013.

 

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

 

18
 

  

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

 

The following table summarizes the primary segments of the ALL, segregated by the amount required for loans individually evaluated for impairment and the amount required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

(in thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
   Acquisition and
Development
   Commercial
and
Industrial
   Residential
Mortgage
   Consumer   Total 
September 30, 2014                              
                               
Individually evaluated for impairment  $0   $1,100   $0   $62   $0   $1,162 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $2,592   $2,610   $1,591   $3,917   $196   $10,906 
Total ALL  $2,592   $3,710   $1,591   $3,979   $196   $12,068 
                               
December 31, 2013                              
                               
Individually evaluated for impairment  $236   $1,967   $0   $80   $0   $2,283 
Collectively evaluated for impairment  $3,816   $2,205   $766   $4,240   $284   $11,311 
Total ALL  $4,052   $4,172   $766   $4,320   $284   $13,594 

 

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

 

Once the determination has been made that a loan is impaired, the determination of whether a specific allocation of the allowance is necessary is measured by comparing the recorded investment in the loan to the fair value of the loan using one of three methods: (a) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (b) the loan’s observable market price; or (c) the fair value of the collateral less selling costs. The method is selected on a loan-by-loan basis, with management primarily utilizing the fair value of collateral method. If the fair value of the collateral less selling costs method is utilized for collateral securing loans in the commercial segments, then an updated external appraisal is ordered on the collateral supporting the loan if the loan balance is greater than $500,000 and the existing appraisal is greater than 18 months old. If an updated appraisal has not been received and reviewed in time for the determination of estimated fair value at quarter (or year) end, or if the appraisal is found to be deficient in our internal appraisal review process and re-ordered, then the estimated fair value of the collateral is determined by adjusting the existing appraisal by the appropriate percentage from an internally prepared appraisal discount grid. This grid considers the age of a third party appraisal and the geographic region where the collateral is located. The discount rates in the appraisal discount grid are updated periodically to reflect the most current knowledge that management has available, including the results of current appraisals. A specific allocation of the ALL is recorded if there is any deficiency in collateral value determined by comparing the estimated fair value to the recorded investment of the loan. When updated appraisals are received and reviewed, adjustments are made to the specific allocation as needed.

 

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

 

19
 

 

The following table presents impaired loans by class, segregated by those for which a specific allowance was required and those for which a specific allowance was not necessary as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

   Impaired Loans with Specific
Allowance
   Impaired Loans
with No Specific
Allowance
   Total Impaired Loans 
(in thousands)  Recorded
Investment
   Related
Allowances
   Recorded
Investment
   Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
September 30, 2014                         
Commercial real estate                         
Non owner-occupied  $0   $0   $4,245   $4,245   $4,255 
All other CRE   0    0    8,180    8,180    8,308 
Acquisition and development                         
1-4 family residential construction   912    130    92    1,004    1,068 
All other A&D   3,162    970    3,569    6,731    12,999 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    1,882    1,882    2,691 
Residential mortgage                         
Residential mortgage - term   346    62    5,919    6,265    6,791 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    503    503    563 
Consumer   0    0    0    0    0 
Total impaired loans  $4,420   $1,162   $24,390   $28,810   $36,675 
                          
December 31, 2013                         
Commercial real estate                         
Non owner-occupied  $257   $59   $922   $1,179   $1,191 
All other CRE   1,080    177    9,481    10,561    10,689 
Acquisition and development                         
1-4 family residential construction   2,651    634    7    2,658    2,704 
All other A&D   4,037    1,333    5,008    9,045    13,394 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    2,299    2,299    2,299 
Residential mortgage                         
Residential mortgage - term   988    80    5,979    6,967    7,372 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    579    579    579 
Consumer   0    0    21    21    21 
Total impaired loans  $9,013   $2,283   $24,296   $33,309   $38,249 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

20
 

  

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

 

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

 

21
 

 

Activity in the ALL is presented for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:

 

(in thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
   Acquisition and
Development
   Commercial
and
Industrial
   Residential
Mortgage
   Consumer   Total 
ALL balance at January 1, 2014  $4,052   $4,172   $766   $4,320   $284   $13,594 
Charge-offs   (85)   (2,423)   (213)   (682)   (380)   (3,783)
Recoveries   11    104    22    183    308    628 
Provision   (1,386)   1,857    1,016    158    (16)   1,629 
ALL balance at September 30, 2014  $2,592   $3,710   $1,591   $3,979   $196   $12,068 
                               
ALL balance at January 1, 2013  $5,206   $5,029   $906   $4,507   $399   $16,047 
Charge-offs   (233)   (276)   (1,051)   (317)   (375)   (2,252)
Recoveries   1,004    33    68    154    258    1,517 
Provision   (1,509)   495    815    18    20    (161)
ALL balance at September 30, 2013  $4,468   $5,281   $738   $4,362   $302   $15,151 

 

(in thousands)  Commercial
Real Estate
   Acquisition and
Development
   Commercial
and
Industrial
   Residential
Mortgage
   Consumer   Total 
ALL balance at July 1, 2014  $2,839   $3,642   $1,553   $4,178   $251   $12,463 
Charge-offs   (64)   (903)   (5)   (116)   (117)   (1,205)
Recoveries   1    33    15    27    46    122 
Provision   (184)   938    28    (110)   16    688 
ALL balance at September 30, 2014  $2,592   $3,710   $1,591   $3,979   $196   $12,068 
                               
ALL balance at July 1, 2013  $5,261   $4,875   $753   $4,304   $329   $15,522 
Charge-offs   (49)   (14)   (47)   (61)   (100)   (271)
Recoveries   877    12    17    35    66    1,007 
Provision   (1,621)   408    15    84    7    (1,107)
ALL balance at September 30, 2013  $4,468   $5,281   $738   $4,362   $302   $15,151 

 

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

 

22
 

 

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

 

   Nine Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2014   September 30, 2013 
(in thousands)  Average
investment
   Interest
income
recognized on
an accrual
basis
   Interest
income
recognized on
a cash basis
   Average
investment
   Interest
income
recognized on
an accrual
basis
   Interest
income
recognized on
a cash basis
 
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied  $1,890   $28   $0   $4,161   $33   $1,454 
All other CRE   9,497    116    67    10,698    261    46 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   1,690    34    0    3,033    59    0 
All other A&D   8,108    129    0    18,614    394    575 
Commercial and industrial   2,065    70    2    2,844    88    0 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage - term   6,552    154    55    4,816    56    7 
Residential mortgage – home equity   640    4    4    555    18    0 
Consumer   11    0    0    75    0    0 
Total  $30,453   $535   $128   $44,796   $909   $2,082 

 

   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 2014   September 30, 2013 
(in thousands)  Average
investment
   Interest
income
recognized on
an accrual
basis
   Interest
income
recognized
on a cash
basis
   Average
investment
   Interest
income
recognized on
an accrual
basis
   Interest
income
recognized
on a cash
basis
 
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied  $2,591   $17   $0   $3,048   $10   $1,454 
All other CRE   8,506    35    23    10,704    83    0 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   1,016    9    0    3,237    17    0 
All other A&D   7,540    33    0    15,879    125    272 
Commercial and industrial   1,905    21    0    2,257    22    0 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage - term   6,225    47    3    5,684    23    5 
Residential mortgage – home equity   597    0    3    536    6    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    74    0    0 
Total  $28,380   $162   $29   $41,419   $286   $1,731 

 

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

 

23
 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

24
 

 

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

 

   Temporary Rate
Modification
   Extension of Maturity   Modification of Payment and
Other Terms
 
(in thousands)  Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014                              
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied   0   $0    2   $277    0   $0 
All other CRE   0    0    0    0    4    2,627 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   0    0    0    0    0    0 
All other A&D   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage – term   1    90    0    0    0    0 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Total   1   $90    2   $277    4   $2,627 

 

   Temporary Rate       Modification of Payment 
   Modification   Extension of Maturity   and Other Terms 
   Number of   Recorded   Number of   Recorded   Number of   Recorded 
(in thousands)  Contracts   Investment   Contracts   Investment   Contracts   Investment 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014                              
Commercial real estate                              
Non owner-occupied   0   $0    0   $0    0   $0 
All other CRE   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Acquisition and development                              
1-4 family residential construction   0    0    0    0    0    0 
All other A&D   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Commercial and industrial   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Residential mortgage                              
Residential mortgage – term   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Total   0   $0    0   $0    0   $0 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were two new TDRs. In addition, five existing TDRs which had reached their original modification maturity were re-modified. A $1,055 reduction of the ALL resulted from a change to the impairment evaluation of one loan, from evaluated collectively to being evaluated individually. The remaining new TDR was impaired at the time of modification, resulting in no impact to the ALL as a result of the modification. There was no impact to the recorded investment relating to the transfer of these loans.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, three A&D loans totaling $1.7 million, a $.2 million C&I loan and a $.4 million owner-occupied CRE loan that were modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months were transferred to non-accrual, and are considered payment defaults.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were three new TDRs. In addition, four existing TDRs which had reached their original modification maturity were re-modified. An $11,266 reduction of the ALL resulted from a change to the impairment evaluation of the three new loans, from being evaluated collectively to being evaluated individually. There was no impact to the recorded investment relating to the transfer of these loans.

 

25
 

  

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were three non-owner occupied CRE loans totaling $2.2 million that were transferred to non-accrual and two non-performing A&D loans totaling $.4 million that were transferred to OREO due to payment defaults.

 

Note 8 - Other Real Estate Owned

 

The following table presents the components of OREO as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

(in thousands)  September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Commercial real estate  $1,897   $5,306 
Acquisition and development   8,715    10,509 
Residential mortgage   976    1,216 
Total OREO  $11,588   $17,031 

 

The following table presents the activity in the OREO valuation allowance for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   For the Nine Months Ended   For the Three Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013   2014   2013 
Balance January 1  $4,047   $2,766   $3,742   $1,988 
Fair value write-down   885    2,889    442    2,852 
Sales of OREO   (1,155)   (1,016)   (407)   (201)
Balance at end of period  $3,777   $4,639   $3,777   $4,639 

 

The following table presents the components of OREO expenses, net for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   For the Nine Months Ended   For the Three Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(in thousands)  2014   2013   2014   2013 
Losses/(gains) on real estate, net  $921   $(80)  $(49)  $(18)
Fair value write-down, net   885    2,889    442    2,852 
Expenses, net   594    495    237    272 
Rental and other income   (272)   (538)   (116)   (292)
Total OREO expense, net  $2,128   $2,766   $514   $2,814 

 

Note 9 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

26
 

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Management believes that the Corporation’s valuation techniques are appropriate and consistent with the techniques used by other market participants. However, the use of different methodologies and assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair values at the reporting date. The valuation techniques used by the Corporation to measure, on a recurring and non-recurring basis, the fair value of assets as of September 30, 2014 are discussed in the paragraphs that follow.

 

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

 

The fair value of investments is determined using a market approach. As of September 30, 2014, the U.S. Treasuries, U.S. Government agencies, residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, and state and political subdivisions bonds segments are classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. Their fair values were determined based upon market-corroborated inputs and valuation matrices, which were obtained through third party data service providers or securities brokers through which the Corporation has historically transacted both purchases and sales of investment securities.

 

The CDO segment, which consists of pooled trust preferred securities issued by banks, thrifts and insurance companies, is classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. At September 30, 2014, the Corporation owned 17 pooled trust preferred securities with an amortized cost of $37.1 million and a fair value of $24.4 million. The market for these securities at September 30, 2014 is not active and markets for similar securities are also not active. The inactivity was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which these securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive, as few CDOs have been issued since 2007. There are currently very few market participants who are willing to effect transactions in these securities. The market values for these securities or any securities other than those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) are depressed relative to historical levels. Therefore, in the current market, a low market price for a particular bond may only provide evidence of stress in the credit markets in general rather than being an indicator of credit problems with a particular issue. Given the conditions in the current debt markets and the absence of observable transactions in the secondary and new issue markets, management has determined that (a) the few observable transactions and market quotations that are available are not reliable for the purpose of obtaining fair value at September 30, 2014, (b) an income valuation approach technique (i.e. present value) that maximizes the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs will be equally or more representative of fair value than a market approach, and (c) the CDO segment is appropriately classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy because management determined that significant adjustments were required to determine fair value at the measurement date.

 

Management utilizes an independent third party to prepare both the evaluations of OTTI as well as the fair value determinations for its CDO portfolio. Management does not believe that there were any material differences in the OTTI evaluations and pricing between September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

27
 

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2014, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:

 

(in thousands)  Fair Value at
September 30,
2014
   Valuation Technique  Significant
Unobservable Inputs
  Significant
Unobservable Input
Value
Recurring:              
               
Investment Securities – available for sale  $24,406   Discounted Cash Flow  Discount Rate  Range of Libor+ 5.00% to 12%
               
Cash Flow Hedge  $(228)  Discounted Cash Flow  Reuters Third Party Market Quote  99.9%
(weighted avg 99.9%)
               
Non-recurring:              
               
Impaired Loans  $8,099   Market Comparable Properties  Marketability Discount  10% (1)
(weighted avg 10%)
               
Other Real Estate Owned  $1,767   Market Comparable Properties  Marketability Discount  10% (1)
(weighted avg 10%)

 

NOTE:

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

 

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For assets measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

       Fair Value Measurements at September 30,
2014 Using
 
   Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(in thousands)  09/30/2014   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Recurring:                    
Investment securities available-for-sale:                    
U.S. Treasuries  $29,618        $29,618      
U.S. government agencies  $38,759        $38,759      
Residential mortgage-backed agencies  $46,123        $46,123      
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies  $26,545        $26,545      
Collateralized mortgage obligations  $9,368        $9,368      
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $48,016        $48,016      
Collateralized debt obligations  $24,406             $24,406 
Financial Derivative  $(228)            $(228)
Non-recurring:                    
Impaired loans  $8,099             $8,099 
Other real estate owned  $1,767             $1,767 

 

       Fair Value Measurements at December 31,
2013 Using
 
   Assets
Measured at
Fair Value
   Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(in thousands)  12/31/2013   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Recurring:                    
Investment securities available-for-sale:                    
U.S. government agencies  $92,035        $92,035      
Residential mortgage-backed agencies  $112,444        $112,444      
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies  $29,905        $29,905      
Collateralized mortgage obligations  $29,390        $29,390      
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $55,277        $55,277      
Collateralized debt obligations  $17,538             $17,538 
Financial Derivative  $(457)            $(457)
Non-recurring:                    
Impaired loans  $8,613             $8,613 
Other real estate owned  $5,591             $5,591 

 

There were no transfers of assets between any of the fair value hierarchy for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013.

 

29
 

  

The following tables show a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair valued assets measured on a recurring basis using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(In thousands)  Investment Securities
Available for Sale
   Cash Flow Hedge 
Beginning balance January 1, 2014  $17,538   $(457)
Total gains realized/unrealized:          
Included in other comprehensive income   6,868    229 
Ending balance September 30, 2014  $24,406   $(228)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $0   $0 

 

   Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(in thousands)  Investment Securities
Available for Sale
   Cash Flow Hedge 
Beginning balance January 1, 2013  $11,442   $(849)
Total gains realized/unrealized:          
Included in other comprehensive income   4,831    301 
Ending balance September 30, 2013  $16,273   $(548)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $0   $0 

 

30
 

  

   Fair Value Measurement Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(in thousands)  Investment Securities
Available for Sale
   Cash Flow Hedge 
Beginning balance July 1, 2014  $23,921   $(272)
Total gains realized/unrealized:          
Included in other comprehensive income   485    44 
Ending balance September 30, 2014  $24,406   $(228)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $0   $0 

 

   Fair Value Measurement Using Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(in thousands)  Investment Securities
Available for Sale
   Cash Flow Hedge 
Beginning balance July 1, 2013  $15,030   $(619)
Total gains realized/unrealized:          
Included in other comprehensive income   1,243    71 
Ending balance September 30, 2013  $16,273   $(548)
           
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in realized/unrealized gains or losses related to assets still held at the reporting date  $0   $0 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Securities held to maturity: Investments in debt securities classified as held to maturity are measured subsequently at amortized cost in the statement of financial position.

 

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

 

31
 

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

   September 30, 2014   Fair Value Measurements 
   Carrying   Fair   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(in thousands)  Amount   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and due from banks  $42,916   $42,916   $42,916           
Interest bearing deposits in banks   8,224    8,224    8,224           
Investment securities - AFS   222,835    222,835        $198,429   $24,406 
Investment securities - HTM   106,961    106,426         103,950    2,476 
Restricted bank stock   7,524    7,524         7,524      
Loans, net   812,857    816,589              816,589 
Accrued interest receivable   3,785    3,785         3,785      
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits – non-maturity   670,602    670,602         670,602      
Deposits – time deposits   302,431    308,014         308,014      
Short-term borrowed funds   47,994    41,372         41,372      
Long-term borrowed funds   182,623    187,646         187,646      
Accrued interest payable   886    886         886      
Financial derivative   228    228              228 
Off balance sheet financial instruments   0    0    0           

 

32
 

  

   December 31, 2013   Fair Value Measurements 
   Carrying   Fair   Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(in thousands)  Amount   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and due from banks  $32,895   $32,895   $32,895           
Interest bearing deposits in banks   10,168    10,168    10,168           
Investment securities - AFS   336,589    336,589        $319,051   $17,538 
Investment securities - HTM   3,900    3,590              3,590 
Restricted bank stock   7,913    7,913         7,913      
Loans, net   796,646    799,937              799,937 
Accrued interest receivable   4,342    4,342         4,342      
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits- non-maturity   650,761    650,761         650,761      
Deposits- time deposits   326,642    333,256         333,256      
Short-term borrowed funds   43,676    43,676         43,676      
Long-term borrowed funds   182,672    189,135         189,135      
Accrued interest payable   7,647    7,647         7,647      
Financial derivative   457    457              457 
Off balance sheet financial instruments   0    0    0           

 

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

 

33
 

 

Note 10 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the 12 months ended December 31, 2013 and each of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2014:

 

(in thousands)  Investment
securities-
with OTTI
AFS
   Investment
securities-
all other
AFS
   Investment
securities-
HTM
   Cash Flow
Hedge
   Pension
Plan
   SERP   Total 
Accumulated OCL, net:                                   
Balance - January 1, 2013  $(10,036)  $(2,966)  $0   $(507)  $(8,262)  $(52)  $(21,823)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications   2,735    (8,279)   0    233    2,871    102    (2,338)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   (322)   (47)   0    0    303    14    (52)
Balance - December 31, 2013  $(7,623)  $(11,292)  $0   $(274)  $(5,088)  $64   $(24,213)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications   2,730    2,995    0    55    (179)   0    5,601 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   (96)   41    0    0    52    1    (2)
Balance – March 31, 2014  $(4,989)  $(8,256)  $0   $(219)  $(5,215)  $65   $(18,614)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications   511    5,254    (2,391)   56    112    0    3,542 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   (103)   52    19    0    52    0    20 
Balance – June 30, 2014  $(4,581)  $(2,950)  $(2,372)  $(163)  $(5,051)  $65   $(15,052)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications   448    1    0    26    (739)   0    (264)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income   (102)   (88)   57    0    52    0    (81)
Balance - September 30,2014  $(4,235)  $(3,037)  $(2,315)  $(137)  $(5,738)  $65   $(15,397)

 

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The following tables present the components of comprehensive income for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

Components of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)  Before Tax
Amount
   Tax (Expense)
Benefit
   Net 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014               
Available for sale (AFS) securities with OTTI:               
Unrealized holding gains  $6,149   $(2,460)  $3,689 
Less:  accretable yield recognized in income   501    (200)   301 
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   5,648    (2,260)   3,388 
                
Available for sale securities – all other:               
Unrealized holding gains   13,746    (5,496)   8,250 
Less:  losses recognized in income   (7)   2    (5)
Net unrealized gains on all other AFS securities   13,753    (5,498)   8,255 
                
Held to maturity securities:               
Unrealized holding losses   (3,984)   1,593    (2,391)
Less:  amortization recognized in income   (127)   51    (76)
Net unrealized losses on HTM securities   (3,857)   1,542    (2,315)
                
Cash flow hedges:               
Unrealized holding gains   229    (92)   137 
                
Pension Plan:               
Unrealized net actuarial loss   (1,345)   539    (806)
Less: amortization of unrecognized loss   (280)   112    (168)
Less: amortization of transition asset   30    (12)   18 
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (9)   3    (6)
Net pension plan liability adjustment   (1,086)   436    (650)
                
SERP:               
Unrealized net actuarial loss   0    0    0 
Less: amortization of unrecognized gain   13    (5)   8 
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (15)   6    (9)
Net SERP liability adjustment   2    (1)   1 
Other comprehensive income  $14,689   $(5,873)  $8,816 

 

35
 

  

Components of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (in thousands)  Before Tax
Amount
   Tax (Expense)
Benefit
   Net 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2013               
Available for sale (AFS) securities with OTTI:               
Unrealized holding gains  $3,500   $(1,405)  $2,095 
Less:  accretable yield recognized in income   406    (163)   243 
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   3,094    (1,242)   1,852 
                
Available for sale securities – all other:               
Unrealized holding losses   (10,520)   4,225    (6,295)
Less:  gains recognized in income   124    (50)   74 
Net unrealized losses on all other AFS securities   (10,644)   4,275    (6,369)
                
Cash flow hedges:               
Unrealized holding gains   301    (121)   180 
                
Pension Plan:               
Unrealized net actuarial gain   499    (200)   299 
Less: amortization of unrecognized loss   (399)   160    (239)
Less: amortization of transition asset   30    (12)   18 
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (9)   4    (5)
Net pension plan liability adjustment   877    (352)   525 
                
SERP:               
Unrealized net actuarial loss   0    0    0 
Less: amortization of unrecognized loss   (3)   1    (2)
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (15)   6    (9)
Net SERP liability adjustment   18    (7)   11 
Other comprehensive loss  $(6,354)  $2,553   $(3,801)

 

36
 

  

Components of Comprehensive Income (in thousands)  Before Tax
Amount
   Tax (Expense)
Benefit
   Net 
For the three months ended September 30, 2014               
Available for sale (AFS) securities with OTTI:               
Unrealized holding gains  $748   $(300)  $448 
Less:  accretable yield recognized in income   170    (68)   102 
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   578    (232)   346 
                
Available for sale securities – all other:               
Unrealized holding gains   3    (2)   1 
Less:  losses recognized in income   147    (59)   88 
Net unrealized losses on all other AFS securities   (144)   57    (87)
                
Held to maturity securities:               
Unrealized holding losses   0    0    0 
Less:  amortization recognized in income   (95)   38    (57)
Net unrealized gains on HTM securities   95    (38)   57 
                
Cash flow hedges:               
Unrealized holding gains   44    (18)   26 
                
Pension Plan:               
Unrealized net actuarial loss   (1,233)   494    (739)
Less: amortization of unrecognized loss   (93)   37    (56)
Less: amortization of transition asset   10    (4)   6 
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (3)   1    (2)
Net pension plan liability adjustment   (1,147)   460    (687)
                
SERP:               
Unrealized net actuarial loss   0    0    0 
Less: amortization of unrecognized gain   4    (1)   3 
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (5)   2    (3)
Net SERP liability adjustment   1    (1)   0 
Other comprehensive loss  $(573)  $228   $(345)

 

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Components of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (in thousands)  Before Tax
Amount
   Tax (Expense)
Benefit
   Net 
For the three months ended September 30, 2013               
Available for sale (AFS) securities with OTTI:               
Unrealized holding gains  $882   $(354)  $528 
Less:  accretable yield recognized in income   140    (56)   84 
Net unrealized gains on investments with OTTI   742    (298)   444 
                
Available for sale securities – all other:               
Unrealized holding losses   (1,174)   472    (702)
Less:  gains recognized in income   (103)   41    (62)
Net unrealized losses on all other AFS securities   (1,071)   431    (640)
                
Cash flow hedges:               
Unrealized holding gains   71    (29)   42 
                
Pension Plan:               
Unrealized net actuarial gain   599    (241)   358 
Less: amortization of unrecognized loss   (133)   53    (80)
Less: amortization of transition asset   10    (4)   6 
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (3)   1    (2)
Net pension plan liability adjustment   725    (291)   434 
                
SERP:               
Unrealized net actuarial loss   0    0    0 
Less: amortization of unrecognized loss   (1)   0    (1)
Less: amortization of prior service costs   (5)   2    (3)
Net SERP liability adjustment   6    (2)   4 
Other comprehensive income  $473   $(189)  $284 

 

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The following table presents the details of accumulated other comprehensive income components for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014:

 

   Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income
    
Details of Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income Components (in thousands)
  For the Nine
months ended
September 30,
2014
   For the Three
months ended
September 30,
2014
   Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income is
Presented
Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities with OTTI:             
Accretable Yield  $501   $170   Interest income on taxable investment securities
Taxes   (200)   (68)  Tax benefit
   $301   $102   Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale investment securities - all others:             
(Gains)/losses on sales  $(7)  $147   Net gains - other
Taxes   2    (59)  Tax expense/(benefit)
   $(5)  $88   Net of tax
Unrealized gains and losses on held to maturity securities:             
Amortization  $(127)  $(95)  Interest income on taxable investment securities
Taxes   51    38   Tax expense
   $(76)  $(57)  Net of tax
              
Net pension plan liability adjustment:             
Amortization of unrecognized loss   (280)   (93)  Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of transition asset   30    10   Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of prior service costs   (9)   (3)  Salaries and employee benefits
Taxes   103    34   Tax expense
   $(156)  $(52)  Net of tax
Net SERP liability adjustment:             
Amortization of unrecognized gain   13    4   Salaries and employee benefits
Amortization of prior service costs   (15)   (5)  Salaries and employee benefits
Taxes   1    1   Tax expense
   $(1)  $0   Net of tax
              
Total reclassifications for the period  $63   $81   Net of tax

 

Note 11 – Junior Subordinated Debentures and Restrictions on Dividends

 

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

 

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

 

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$20.6 million—floating rate payable quarterly based on three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points (2.98% at September 30, 2014), maturing in 2034, became redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

$10.3 million—floating rate payable quarterly based on three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points (2.98% at September 30, 2014) maturing in 2034, became redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

In December 2004, First United Corporation issued $5.0 million of junior subordinated debentures to third-party investors that were not tied to preferred securities. The debentures had a fixed rate of 5.88% for the first five years, payable quarterly, and converted to a floating rate in March 2010 based on the three month LIBOR plus 185 basis points (2.08% at September 30, 2014). The debentures mature in 2015, but became redeemable five years after issuance at First United Corporation’s option.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

At the request of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Reserve Bank”) in December 2010, First United Corporation’s Board of Directors elected to defer quarterly interest payments under the TPS Debentures beginning with the payments due in March 2011. In February 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to terminate this deferral by making the quarterly interest payments due to the Trusts in March 2014 and paying all deferred interest for prior quarters. In connection with this deferral termination, deferred interest of approximately $1.024 million as well as $77,166 of current interest was paid to Trust I on March 17, 2014, deferred interest of approximately $2.048 million as well as $154,325 in current interest was paid to Trust II on March 17, 2014, and deferred interest of approximately $3.763 million as well as $266,650 in current interest was paid to Trust III on March 15, 2014. In April 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to make the quarterly interest payments due in June 2014, and interest of $78,604 was paid to Trust I on June 17, 2014, $157,202 in interest was paid to Trust II on June 17, 2014, and $266,650 in interest was paid to Trust III on June 16, 2014. In July 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to make the quarterly interest payments due in September 2014 and interest of $78,572 was paid to Trust I on September 17, 2014, $157,136 in interest was paid to Trust II on September 17, 2014, and $266,650 in interest was paid to Trust III on September 15, 2014. In November 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to make the quarterly interest payments due in December 2014. Until further notice from the Reserve Bank, First United Corporation is required to obtain the Reserve Bank’s prior approval before making any future interest payments under the TPS Debentures. In considering a request for approval, the Reserve Bank will consider, among other things, the Corporation’s financial condition and its quarterly results of operations. In addition to this pre-approval requirement, First United Corporation’s ability to make future quarterly interest payments under the TPS Debentures will depend in large part on its receipt of dividends from the Bank, and the Bank may make dividend payments only with the prior approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation (the “Maryland Commissioner”). As a result of these limitations, no assurance can be given that First United Corporation will make the quarterly interest payments due under the TPS Debentures in any future quarter. In the event that First United Corporation and/or the Bank do not receive the approvals necessary for First United Corporation to make future quarterly interest payments, First United Corporation will have to again elect to defer interest payments. The terms of the TPS Debentures permit First United Corporation to elect to defer payments of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods, provided that no event of default exists under the TPS Debentures at the time of the election. An election to defer interest payments is not considered a default under the TPS Debentures.

 

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

 

The terms of First United Corporation’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A Preferred Stock”) call for the payment, if declared by the Board of Directors of First United Corporation, of cash dividends on February 15th, May 15th, August 15th and November 15th of each year. On November 15, 2010, at the request of the Reserve Bank, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation voted to suspend quarterly cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock beginning with the dividend payment due November 15, 2010. During the suspension, dividends of $.4 million per dividend period continued to accrue. In April 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to terminate this deferral by making the quarterly dividend payment due to the Treasury in May 2014 and paying all unpaid dividends that accrued during the suspension period. Cumulative deferred dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock of approximately $6.5 million were paid on May 15, 2014. In July 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to make the quarterly dividend payment due in August 2014. A dividend payment of $.7 million was paid on August 15, 2014. In November 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to make the quarterly dividend payment due in November 2014. Until further notice from the Reserve Bank, First United Corporation is required to obtain the Reserve Bank’s prior approval before making any future quarterly dividend payment. In considering a request for approval, the Reserve Bank will consider, among other things, the Corporation’s financial condition and its quarterly results of operations. In addition, First United Corporation’s ability to make future quarterly dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock will depend in large part on its receipt of dividends from the Bank, the declaration and payment of which, as discussed above, are subject to the prior approval of the FDIC and the Maryland Commissioner. If First United Corporation and/or the Bank do not obtain the regulatory approvals required for a particular quarterly dividend, then First United Corporation would have to again suspend quarterly dividend payments, which would result in a prohibition against paying any dividends or other distributions on the outstanding shares of First United Corporation’s common stock during the suspension period.

 

First United Corporation’s Board of Directors suspended the payment of dividends on the common stock in December 2010 when it approved the above-mentioned deferral of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, and this suspension remains in effect.

 

Note 12 – Borrowed Funds

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014
   Year Ended December
31, 2013
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:          
Outstanding at end of period  $47,994   $43,676 
Weighted average interest rate at end of period   0.12%   0.14%
Maximum amount outstanding as of any month end  $53,370   $61,354 
Average amount outstanding  $44,646   $47,777 
Approximate weighted average rate during the period   0.13%   0.13%

 

At September 30, 2014, the repurchase agreements were secured by $74.2 million in investment securities.

 

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

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2014   2013 
FHLB advances, bearing fixed interest at rates ranging from 1.00% to 3.69% at September 30, 2014  $135,893   $135,942 
Junior subordinated debt, bearing variable interest rates ranging from 2.08% to 2.98% at September 30, 2014   35,929    35,929 
Junior subordinated debt, bearing fixed interest rate of 9.88% at September 30, 2014   10,801    10,801 
Total long-term debt  $182,623   $182,672 

 

At September 30, 2014, the long-term FHLB advances were secured by $147.6 million in loans, $.9 million in cash and $.5 million in investment securities.

 

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

 

   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
(In thousands)  Fixed Rate   Floating Rate   Total   Total 
Due in 2014  $0   $0   $0   $0 
Due in 2015   30,000    5,000    35,000    35,000 
Due in 2016   0    0    0    0 
Due in 2017   0    0    0    0 
Due in 2018   70,000    0    70,000    70,000 
Due in 2019   0    0    0    0 
Thereafter   46,694    30,929    77,623    77,672 
Total long-term debt  $146,694   $35,929   $182,623   $182,672 

 

Note 13 - Pension and SERP Plans

 

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

 

Pension  For the Nine months ended   For the Three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(In thousands)  2014   2013   2014   2013 
Service cost  $193   $170   $64   $56 
Interest cost   1,106    934    369    299 
Expected return on assets   (1,990)   (1,780)   (662)   (592)
Amortization of transition asset   (30)   (30)   (10)   (10)
Amortization of net actuarial loss   280    399    93    133 
Amortization of prior service cost   9    9    3    3 
Net pension credit included in employee benefits  $(432)  $(298)  $(143)  $(111)

 

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SERP  For the Nine months ended   For the Three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
(In thousands)  2014   2013   2014   2013 
Service cost  $71   $91   $23   $31 
Interest cost   172    192    58    64 
Amortization of recognized (gain)/loss   (13)   3    (4)   1 
Amortization of prior service cost   15    15    5    5 
Net SERP expense included in employee benefits  $245   $301   $82   $101 

 

Effective April 30, 2010, the Pension Plan was amended, resulting in a “soft freeze”. The effects of the amendment were to prohibit new entrants into the plan and to cease crediting additional years of service after that date. Effective January 1, 2013, the plan was amended to unfreeze the plan for those employees for whom the sum of (a) their ages, at their closest birthday, plus (b) years of service for vesting purposes equal 80 or greater. The “soft freeze” continues to apply to all other plan participants. Pension benefits for these participants will be managed through discretionary contributions to the 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. The Corporation anticipates that the plan changes will have a minimal impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

The Corporation will assess the need for future annual contributions to the pension plan based upon its funded status and an evaluation of the future benefits to be provided thereunder. The Corporation expects to fund the annual projected benefit payments for the SERP from operations.

 

Note 14 - Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

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

 

On June 18, 2008, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation adopted a Long-Term Incentive Program (the “LTIP”). This program was adopted as a sub-plan of the Omnibus Plan to reward participants for increasing shareholder value, align executive interests with those of shareholders, and serve as a retention tool for key executives. Under the LTIP, participants are granted shares of restricted common stock of First United Corporation. The amount of an award is based on a specified percentage of the participant’s salary as of the date of grant. These shares will vest if the Corporation meets or exceeds certain performance thresholds. There were no grants of restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2014.

 

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

 

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

 

Stock-based awards were made to non-employee directors in May 2014 pursuant to First United Corporation’s director compensation policy. Beginning May 2014, each director’s annual retainer is paid in 1,000 shares of common stock, with the remainder of $10,000 paid in cash or any portion thereof, in shares of stock. Prior to May 2014, the retainer of the 1,000 shares of stock was paid in shares of stock in the amount of $5,000. A total of 17,779 fully-vested shares of common stock were issued to directors in 2014, which had a fair market value of $8.78 per share. Director stock compensation expense was $95,035 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $65,806 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Stock compensation expense was $39,025 and $22,495 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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Note 15 – Letters of Credit and Off Balance Sheet Liabilities

 

The Corporation does not issue any guarantees that would require liability recognition or disclosure other than the standby letters of credit issued by the Bank.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Generally, the Bank’s letters of credit are issued with expiration dates within one year.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Bank generally holds collateral and/or personal guarantees supporting these commitments.  The Bank had $.9 million of outstanding standby letters of credit at September 30, 2014 and $1.1 million as of December 31, 2013. Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of collateral and the enforcement of guarantees would be sufficient to cover the potential amount of future payment required by the letters of credit.  Management does not believe that the amount of the liability associated with guarantees under standby letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is material.

 

Note 16 – Derivative Financial Instruments

 

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

 

In July 2009, the Corporation entered into three interest rate swap contracts totaling $20.0 million notional amount, hedging future cash flows associated with floating rate trust preferred debt. As of September 30, 2014, swap contracts totaling $5.0 million notional amount remained, as the three-year $5.0 million contract matured on June 15, 2012 and the five-year $10.0 million contract matured on June 17, 2014. The seven-year $5 million contract matures June 17, 2016. The fair value of the interest rate swap contract was ($228) thousand at September 30, 2014 and ($457) thousand at December 31, 2013 and was reported in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. Cash in the amount of $.9 million was posted as collateral as of September 30, 2014.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Corporation recorded an increase in the value of the derivatives of $229 thousand and the related deferred tax benefit of $92 thousand in net accumulated other comprehensive loss to reflect the effective portion of cash flow hedges. ASC Subtopic 815-30 requires this amount to be reclassified to earnings if the hedge becomes ineffective or is terminated. There was no hedge ineffectiveness recorded for the nine months ending September 30, 2014. The Corporation does not expect any losses relating to these hedges to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

 

Interest rate swap agreements are entered into with counterparties that meet established credit standards and the Corporation believes that the credit risk inherent in these contracts is not significant as of September 30, 2014.

 

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The table below discloses the impact of derivative financial instruments on the Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the nine- and three- months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

 

Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging

 

(In thousands)  Amount of gain
recognized in OCI on
derivative (effective
portion)
   Amount of gain or (loss)
reclassified from accumulated
OCI into income (effective
portion) (a)
   Amount of gain or (loss)
recognized in income or
derivative (ineffective
portion and amount
excluded from
effectiveness testing) (b)
 
Interest rate contracts:               
Nine months ended:               
September 30, 2014  $137   $0   $0 
September 30, 2013   180    0    0 
Three months ended:               
September 30, 2014  $26   $0   $0 
September 30, 2013   42    0    0 

 

Notes:

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

 

Note 17 – Variable Interest Entities (VIE)

 

As noted in Note 11, First United Corporation created the Trusts for the purposes of raising regulatory capital through the sale of mandatorily redeemable preferred capital securities to third party investors and common equity interests to First United Corporation. The Trusts are considered Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”), but are not consolidated because First United Corporation is not the primary beneficiary of the Trusts. At September 30, 2014, the Corporation reported all of the $41.7 million of TPS Debentures issued in connection with these offerings as long-term borrowings (along with the $5.0 million of stand-alone junior subordinated debentures), and it reported its $1.3 million equity interest in the Trusts as “Other Assets”.

 

In November 2009, the Bank became a 99.99% limited partner in Liberty Mews Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”), a Maryland limited partnership formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing and operating low-income housing units in Garrett County, Maryland. The Partnership was financed with a total of $10.6 million of funding, including a $6.1 million equity contribution from the Bank as the limited partner. The Partnership used the proceeds from these sources to purchase the land and construct a 36-unit low income housing rental complex at a total cost of $10.6 million. The total assets of the Partnership were approximately $9.5 million at September 30, 2014 and $9.7 million at December 31, 2013.

 

As of December 31, 2011, the Bank had made contributions to the Partnership totaling $6.1 million. The project was completed in June 2011, and the Bank is entitled to $8.4 million in federal investment tax credits over a 10-year period as long as certain qualifying hurdles are maintained. The Bank will also receive the benefit of tax operating losses from the Partnership to the extent of its capital contribution. The investment in the Partnership assists the Bank in achieving its community reinvestment initiatives.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Corporation included its total investment in the Partnership in “Other Assets” in its Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. As of September 30, 2014, the Corporation’s commitment in the Partnership was fully funded. The following table presents details of the Bank’s involvement with the Partnership at the dates indicated:

  

   September 30,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2014   2013 
Investment in LIHTC Partnership          
Carrying amount on Balance Sheet of:          
Investment (Other Assets)  $4,570   $4,980 
Maximum exposure to loss   4,570    4,980 

 

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Note 18 – Assets and Liabilities Subject to Enforceable Master Netting Arrangements

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (“Swap Agreements”)

 

The Corporation has entered into interest rate swap agreements to modify the re-pricing characteristics of certain interest-bearing liabilities as a part of managing interest rate risk. The swap agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges, and accordingly, the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts is reported in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The swap agreements were entered into with a third party financial institution. The Corporation is party to master netting arrangements with its financial institution counterparty; however the Corporation does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements for financial statement presentation purposes. The master netting arrangements provide for a single net settlement of all swap agreements, as well as collateral, in the event of default on, or termination of, any one contract. Collateral, in the form of cash, is pledged by the Corporation as the counterparty with net liability positions in accordance with contract thresholds. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

 

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (“Repurchase Agreements”)

 

The Bank enters into agreements under which it sells interests in U.S. securities to certain customers subject to an obligation to repurchase, and on the part of the customers to resell, such interests. Under these arrangements, the Bank may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Bank to repurchase the assets. As a result, these repurchase agreements are accounted for as collateralized financing arrangements (i.e. secured borrowings) and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Consolidated Statement of Condition, while the securities underlying the repurchase agreements remain in the respective investment securities asset accounts. There is no offsetting or netting of the investment securities assets with the repurchase agreement liabilities. In addition, as the Bank does not enter into reverse repurchase agreements, there is no such offsetting to be done with the repurchase agreements. The right of setoff for a repurchase agreement resembles a secured borrowing, whereby the collateral would be used to settle the fair value of the repurchase agreement should the Bank be in default (i.e. fails to repurchase the U.S. securities on the maturity date of the agreement). The investment security collateral is held by a third party financial institution in the counterparty’s custodial account.

 

The following table presents the liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or repurchase agreements as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

 

               Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Condition
     
(In thousands)  Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
   Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Condition
   Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in the
Statement of
Condition
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Pledged
   Net Amount 
September 30, 2014                              
Interest Rate Swap Agreements  $228   $0   $228   $(228)  $0   $0 
                               
Repurchase Agreements  $47,994   $0   $47,994   $(47,994)  $0   $0 
December 31, 2013                              
Interest Rate Swap Agreements  $457   $0   $457   $(457)  $0   $0 
                               
Repurchase Agreements  $43,676   $0   $43,676   $(43,676)  $0   $0 

 

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Note 19 – Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-14, Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans Upon Foreclosure, an amendment of ASC Subtopic 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors. ASU 2014-14 specifies that a mortgage loan be derecognized and a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure; and at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under the amount of the claim, which must be a fixed amount determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments in ASU 2014-14 using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. ASU 2014-14 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Corporation is evaluating the provisions of ASU 2014-14, but believes that its adoption will not have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Repurchase-to Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures, an amendment of ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. The amendments in ASU 2014-11 require repurchase-to-maturity transactions to be accounted for as secured borrowing transactions on the balance sheet, rather than sales; and for repurchase financing arrangements, require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with (or in contemplation of) a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which also will generally result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The ASU also introduces new disclosures to increase transparency about the types of collateral pledged for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings, and requires a transferor to disclose information about transactions accounted for as a sale in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets through an agreement with the transferee. For public entities, the accounting changes and disclosure for certain transactions accounted for as a sale are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. The disclosure for transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. Earlier application for a public entity is prohibited. The Corporation is evaluating the provisions of ASU 2014-11, but believes that its adoption will not have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes a comprehensive revenue recognition standard for virtually all industries under U.S. GAAP, including those that previously followed industry-specific guidance such as the real estate, construction and software industries. ASU 2014-09 specifies that an entity shall recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a promised good or service (i.e. an asset) to a customer. An asset is transferred when, or as, the customer obtains control of the asset. Entities are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information on the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption not permitted. The Corporation is evaluating the provisions of ASU 2014-09, but believes that its adoption will not have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure, which provides guidance clarifying when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs that would require a loan receivable to be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU 2014-04 specifies the circumstances when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of the residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, and requires interim and annual disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate that are in the process of foreclosure. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments in ASU 2014-04 using either a modified or a retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method. ASU 2014-04 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Corporation is evaluating the provisions of ASU 2014-04, but believes that its adoption will not have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

48
 

 

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, which provides amendments and guidance on accounting for investments by a reporting entity in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. The amendments permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The amendments in ASU 2014-01 should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. A reporting entity that uses the effective yield method to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects before the date of adoption may continue to apply the effective yield method for those preexisting investments. Additional disclosure requirements are applicable to all reporting entities, regardless of whether the election is made. ASU 2014-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. At December 31, 2013, the Corporation had a single investment in a flow-through limited liability entity that invests in an affordable housing project, for which it currently utilizes the effective yield method to account for its investment. The Corporation is evaluating whether to change its method of accounting as permitted by ASU 2014-01, but believes that the adoption of ASU 2014-01 will not have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which provides guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The ASU is intended to eliminate diversity in practice resulting from a lack of guidance on this topic in current GAAP. Under the ASU, an entity generally must present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for an NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The Corporation adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-11 effective January 1, 2014. As the Corporation has no unrecognized tax benefits, the adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have any impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

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

 

INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

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

 

49
 

 

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION

 

First United Corporation is a Maryland corporation chartered in 1985 and a bank holding company registered under the Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Until September 24, 2014, First United Corporation operated as a financial holding company under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Effective on that date, First United Corporation terminated its financial holding company election because the Corporation is not engaged, and does not anticipate engaging in the foreseeable future, in any activity that requires the election. Accordingly, the termination is not expected to have any material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. First United Corporation’s primary business is serving as the parent company of First United Bank & Trust, a Maryland trust company (the “Bank”), First United Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”) and First United Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), both Connecticut statutory business trusts, and First United Statutory Trust III, a Delaware statutory business trust (“Trust III” and together with Trust I and Trust II, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed for the purpose of selling trust preferred securities that qualified as Tier 1 capital. First United Corporation is also the parent company of First United Insurance Group, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (the “Insurance Agency”) that, through the close of business on December 31, 2011, operated as a full service insurance agency. Effective on January 1, 2012, the Insurance Agency sold substantially all of its assets, net of cash, to a third-party and is no longer an active subsidiary. The Bank has three wholly-owned subsidiaries: OakFirst Loan Center, Inc., a West Virginia finance company; OakFirst Loan Center, LLC, a Maryland finance company (collectively, the “OakFirst Loan Centers”); and First OREO Trust, a Maryland statutory trust formed for the purposes of servicing and disposing of the real estate that the Bank acquires through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure. Until March 27, 2013, the Bank also owned a majority interest in Cumberland Liquidation Trust, a Maryland statutory trust formed for the purposes of servicing and disposing of real estate that secured a loan made by another bank and in which the Bank held a participation interest, but this entity was dissolved on such date. The Bank also owns 99.9% of the limited partnership interests in Liberty Mews Limited Partnership, a Maryland limited partnership formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing and operating low-income housing units in Garrett County, Maryland.

 

At September 30, 2014, the Corporation had total assets of $1.3 billion, net loans of $812.9 million, and deposits of $973.0 million. Shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2014 was $112.3 million.

 

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

 

ESTIMATES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. (See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013). On an on-going basis, management evaluates estimates, including those related to loan losses and intangible assets, other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) of investment securities, income taxes, fair value of investments and pension plan assumptions. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

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

 

50
 

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, establishes standards for the amortization of acquired intangible assets and impairment assessment of goodwill.  The $11 million recorded as goodwill at September 30, 2014 is primarily related to the Bank’s 2003 acquisition of Huntington National Bank branches and is not subject to periodic amortization. 

 

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

 

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

 

Accounting for Income Taxes

 

We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. Under this guidance, deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates that will apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

Management regularly reviews the carrying amount of the Corporation’s net deferred tax assets to determine if the establishment of a valuation allowance is necessary. If management determines, based on the available evidence, that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of our net deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods, then a deferred tax valuation allowance will be established. Consideration is given to various positive and negative factors that could affect the realization of the deferred tax assets. In evaluating this available evidence, management considers, among other things, historical performance, expectations of future earnings, the ability to carry back losses to recoup taxes previously paid, length of statutory carry forward periods, experience with utilization of operating loss and tax credit carry forwards not expiring, tax planning strategies and timing of reversals of temporary differences. Significant judgment is required in assessing future earnings trends and the timing of reversals of temporary differences. Management’s evaluation is based on current tax laws as well as management’s expectations of future performance.

 

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

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investment Securities

 

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

 

51
 

 

Fair Value of Investments

 

We have determined the fair value of our investment securities in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements required under other accounting pronouncements. The Corporation measures the fair market values of its investments based on the fair value hierarchy established in Topic 820. The determination of fair value of investments and other assets is discussed further in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.

 

Pension Plan Assumptions

 

Our pension plan costs are calculated using actuarial concepts, as discussed within the requirements of ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. Pension expense and the determination of our projected pension liability are based upon two critical assumptions: the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets. We evaluate each of these critical assumptions annually. Other assumptions impact the determination of pension expense and the projected liability including the primary employee demographics, such as retirement patterns, employee turnover, mortality rates, and estimated employer compensation increases. These factors, along with the critical assumptions, are carefully reviewed by management each year in consultation with our pension plan consultants and actuaries. Further information about our pension plan assumptions, the plan’s funded status, and other plan information is included in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report.

 

Other than as discussed above, management does not believe that any material changes in our critical accounting policies have occurred since December 31, 2013.

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following table sets forth certain selected financial data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information and unaudited financial statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this quarterly report.

 

   As of or For the Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2014   2013 
Per Share Data          
Basic and diluted net income per common share  $0.32   $0.69 
Book Value  $13.21   $11.18 
           
Significant Ratios          
Return on Average Assets (a)   0.39%   0.56%
Return on Average Equity (a)   4.79%   7.52%
Average Equity to Average Assets   8.18%   7.50%

 

Note: (a) Annualized

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

Consolidated net income available to common shareholders was $2.0 million for the first nine months of 2014, compared to $4.3 million for the same period of 2013. Basic and diluted net income per common share for the first nine months of 2014 was $.32, compared to basic and diluted net income per common share of $.69 for the same period of 2013. The decrease in earnings was due to a decrease of $3.4 million in interest income, primarily interest on loans, and an increase in provision expense of $1.8 million, offset by an increase of $.5 million in other operating income, a decrease of $.6 million in interest expense, and a $1.6 million decrease in other operating expenses. The increase in other operating income was primarily attributable to an increase of $.9 million in gains on sales of securities. The decrease in other operating expenses was due to a decrease of $.6 million in Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) expenses and a decrease of $.7 million in other miscellaneous expenses. The net interest margin for the first nine months of 2014, on a fully tax equivalent (“FTE”) basis, decreased to 3.02% from 3.37% for the first nine months of 2013 due primarily to loans repricing at lower rates and new loans booked at lower rates due to the continued low rate environment and pricing competition in our market areas. The net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2013, on an FTE basis, was 3.25%.

 

The provision for loan losses increased to $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $(.2) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was driven by rolling historical loss rates and the qualitative factors as well as a $.8 million recovery on a large commercial real estate credit during the third quarter of 2013. Specific allocations have been made for impaired loans where management has determined that the collateral supporting the loans is not adequate to cover the loan balance, and the qualitative factors affecting the ALL have been adjusted based on the current economic environment and the characteristics of the loan portfolio.

 

Interest expense on our interest-bearing liabilities decreased $.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013 due to a decrease of $10.1 million in average interest-bearing deposits as well as a 5 basis point decrease in the average rate and a decrease of 15 basis points on long-term borrowings. During the first nine months of 2014, our management and retail staff focus has shifted our deposit mix away from higher cost certificates of deposit and towards lower cost money market and transaction accounts. We expect this shift to continue through the remainder of 2014.

 

Other operating income increased $.5 million during the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. This increase was primarily attributable to $1.1 million in gains on the sale of securities for the first nine months of 2014 compared to $.3 million for the first nine months of 2013. This increase was offset by a reduction in OREO rental income of $.3 million due to the sale of a property.

 

Operating expenses decreased $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. This decrease was due to a decrease of $.6 million in OREO expenses relating to an increase in the valuation allowance during the first nine months of 2013 in order to better position the properties for retail sale. Declines in other miscellaneous expenses such as miscellaneous loan fees, deferred compensation, and personnel related expenses also contributed to the decrease.

 

Consolidated net income available to common shareholders was $.7 million, or $.10 per common share, for the third quarter of 2014, compared to $1.4 million, or $.22 per common share, for the same period of 2013. The decrease in earnings for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 was due to a decrease in net interest income of $2.2 million, a $1.8 million increase in provision expense, and an increase of $.2 million in dividends attributable to the increase in rate from 5.0% to 9.0% on the Series A Preferred Stock. These items were offset by a $3.1 million decrease in other operating expenses. The decrease in other operating expenses for the third quarter of 2014 was primarily attributable to a $2.3 million reduction in OREO expenses as discussed above. Declines in other miscellaneous expenses such as miscellaneous loan fees, deferred compensation, and personnel related expenses also contributed to the decrease. The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2014, on a FTE basis, was 2.96%, compared to 3.77% for the same period of 2013. The decline in the net interest margin for the third quarter was due primarily to the decline in loan yields from loans repricing at lower rates and new loans booked at lower rates due to pricing competition in our market areas.

 

Other operating income remained consistent during the third quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. The increase in gains on sales of securities was offset by reductions in other income such as OREO rental income.

 

Operating expenses decreased $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. This decrease was due primarily to a decrease of $2.3 million in OREO expenses relating to the valuation allowance in OREO in the third quarter of 2013 as noted above. Declines in other miscellaneous expenses such as miscellaneous loan fees, deferred compensation, and personnel related expenses also contributed to the decrease.

 

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Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income is the largest source of operating revenue and is the difference between the interest earned on interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. For analytical and discussion purposes, net interest income is adjusted to an FTE basis to facilitate performance comparisons between taxable and tax-exempt assets. FTE income is determined by increasing tax-exempt income by an amount equal to the federal income taxes that would have been paid if this income were taxable at the statutorily applicable rate.

 

The following table sets forth the average balances, net interest income and expense, and average yields and rates of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2014   2013 
(in thousands)  Average Balance   Interest   Average
Rate
   Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Rate
 
Interest-earning assets:                              
Loans  $816,144   $28,172    4.62%  $851,559   $32,977    5.17%
Investment securities   343,288    7,204    2.81%   273,470    5,848    2.84%
Other interest earning assets   52,839    276    0.70%   76,675    254    0.44%
Total earning assets  $1,212,271    35,652    3.93%  $1,201,704    39,079    4.34%
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing deposits  $791,534    3,489    0.59%  $801,644    3,860    0.64%
Short-term borrowings   45,009    46    0.14%   46,532    45    0.12%
Long-term borrowings   182,646    4,699    3.44%   182,710    4,919    3.59%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  $1,019,189    8,234    1.08%  $1,030,886    8,824    1.13%
                               
Net interest income and spread       $27,418    2.85%       $30,255    3.21%
Net interest margin             3.02%             3.37%

 

Note: Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 40% tax rate.

 

Net interest income on an FTE basis decreased $2.8 million (9.4%) during the first nine months of 2014 over the same period in 2013 due to a $3.4 million (8.8%) decrease in interest income, which was partially offset by a $.6 million (6.7%) decrease in interest expense. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to the $35.4 million (4.2%) reduction in the average balance of loans and a decrease of 55 basis points on yields when comparing the first nine months of 2014 to the same period of 2013. The reduction in loan yields is attributable to loans repricing at lower rates and new loans booked at lower rates. The decline in interest income was partially offset by a decline in interest expense due to the reduction in the average rate on interest-bearing deposits and a decrease of 15 basis points on long-term borrowings. We saw a decrease in the net interest margin in the first nine months of 2014 to 3.02% when compared to 3.25% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 3.37% for the first nine months of 2013.

 

When comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2014 to the same period of 2013, there was an overall $10.6 million increase in average interest-earning assets, driven by an increase of $69.8 million in investment securities, offset by a $35.4 million reduction in loans and a $23.8 million decrease in other interest-earning assets, primarily cash.

 

Interest expense decreased during the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013 due primarily to an overall reduction in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The overall effect was a 5 basis point decrease in the average rate paid and a decrease of $11.7 million on our average interest-bearing liabilities, from 1.13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to 1.08% for the same period of 2014. 

 

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The following table sets forth the average balances, net interest income and expense, and average yields and rates of our interest-bearing assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30, 
   2014   2013 
(in thousands)  Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Rate
   Average
Balance
   Interest   Average
Rate
 
Interest-Earning Assets:                              
Loans  $824,268   $9,456    4.55%  $834,576   $11,940    5.67%
Investment securities   318,491    2,175    2.71%   300,790    2,216    2.92%
Other interest earning assets   71,795    100    0.55%   58,168    73    0.16%
Total earning assets  $1,214,554    11,731    3.83%  $1,193,534    14,229    4.72%
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Interest-bearing deposits  $786,638    1,154    0.58%  $818,902    1,251    0.59%
Short-term borrowings   47,181    16    0.13%   51,383    16    0.11%
Long-term borrowings   182,631    1,502    3.26%   182,697    1,666    3.61%
Total interest-bearing liabilities  $1,016,450    2,672    1.04%  $1,052,982    2,933    1.11%
                               
Net interest income and spread       $9,059    2.79%       $11,296    3.61%
Net interest margin             2.96%             3.77%

 

Note: Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 40% tax rate.

 

Net interest income on an FTE basis decreased $2.2 million (19.8%) during the third quarter of 2014 over the same period in 2013 due to a $2.5 million (17.5%) decrease in interest income, offset by a decrease of $.3 million (8.9%) in interest expense. The decrease in interest income was impacted by the decrease in loan balances as well as a 112 basis point decrease in the average rate of loans when comparing the two periods. The decrease in average rate is primarily attributable to loans repricing at lower rates and new loans booked at lower rates due to the continued low rate environment as well as pricing competition in our market areas. We saw a decrease in the net interest margin in the third quarter of 2014 to 2.96% when compared to 3.77% for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Interest expense decreased during the third quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013 due to the overall reduction in average interest-bearing liabilities of $36.5 million and the 35 basis point reduction in the average rate paid on long-term borrowings. This reduction in balances was due to the reduction of $32.3 million in interest-bearing deposits as management continued to focus on shifting the deposit mix and reducing certificates of deposit and a $4.2 million decrease in short-term borrowings. The overall effect was a 7 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on our average interest-bearing liabilities, from 1.11% for the three months ended September 30, 2013 to 1.04% for the same period of 2014. 

 

Provision for Loan Losses

 

The provision for loan losses was $1.6 million for the first nine months of 2014 compared to $(.2) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Although, through the first nine months of 2014, we continued to experience a reduction in our total rolling historical loss rates and the qualitative factors utilized in the determination of the ALL, as well as continued reduction in the level of classified and impaired assets (discussed below in the section entitled “FINANCIAL CONDITION” under the heading “Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses”), provision expense was higher due to the recovery of $.8 million on a large commercial real estate loan during the first nine months of 2013. Management strives to ensure that the ALL reflects a level commensurate with the risk inherent in our loan portfolio.

 

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Other Operating Income

 

Other operating income, exclusive of gains, decreased $.4 million during the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. Service charge income decreased $.4 million in the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the first nine months of 2013 due to reduced NSF fees. The reduction in NSF fees is due to the increased regulations on fees.

 

Net gains of $1.1 million were reported through other income in the first nine months of 2014, compared to net gains of $.3 million during the same period of 2013. The increase in net gains during the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013 was due to a net gain of $1.1 million realized on sales of investment securities.

 

Other operating income, exclusive of gains, decreased $.3 million during the third quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013 due to a decline in service charge income of $.2 million primarily from a reduction in NSF fee income and a reduction of other income of $.1 million.

 

Net gains of $.2 million were reported through other income in the third quarter of 2014, compared to net losses of $.1 million during the same period of 2013. This increase in gains was due to the gain on the sale of one CDO investment. As a result of the activity spurred by the Volcker Rule, which was clarified during the first quarter of 2014, we had the opportunity to take advantage of the market and sell this security at a gain to book value.

 

The following table shows the major components of other operating income for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, exclusive of net gains:

 

   Income as % of Total Other Operating
Income
   Income as % of Total Other Operating
Income
 
   For the Nine months ended   For the Three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Service charges   23%   27%   24%   26%
Trust department   42%   38%   43%   39%
Debit card Income   16%   15%   17%   14%
Bank owned life insurance   8%   8%   8%   7%
Brokerage income   6%   6%   6%   7%
Other income   5%   6%   2%   7%
    100%   100%   100%   100%

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

Operating expenses decreased $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. This decrease was due to a decrease of $.6 million in OREO expenses relating to an increase in the valuation allowance during the first nine months of 2013 in order to better position the properties for retail sale. Declines in other miscellaneous expenses such as miscellaneous loan fees, deferred compensation, and personnel related expenses also contributed to the decrease.

 

Operating expenses decreased $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2014 when compared to the same period of 2013. This decrease was due primarily to a decrease of $2.3 million in OREO expenses relating to the valuation allowance in OREO in the third quarter of 2013 as noted above. Declines in other miscellaneous expenses such as miscellaneous loan fees, deferred compensation, and personnel related expenses also contributed to the decrease.

 

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The composition of other operating expenses for the nine- and three-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is illustrated in the following table.

 

   Expense as % of Total Other
Operating Expenses
   Expense as % of Total Other
Operating Expenses
 
   For the Nine months ended   For the Three months ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
Salaries and employee benefits   48%   46%   50%   39%
FDIC premiums   4%   4%   5%   4%
Occupancy, equipment and data processing   20%   19%   20%   16%
Other real estate owned   7%   9%   5%   22%
Other   21%   22%   20%   19%
    100%   100%   100%   100%

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

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

 

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2014 was 19.8%, compared to an effective tax rate of 24.9% for the first nine months of 2013. Our effective income tax rates differed from the 35% federal statutory rate due to the effects of tax-exempt income on loans, securities and bank-owned life insurance, as well as the low income housing tax credits.

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Balance Sheet Overview

 

Total assets remained stable at $1.3 billion at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. During the first nine months of 2014, cash and interest-bearing deposits in other banks increased $8.1 million, the investment portfolio decreased $10.7 million, and gross loans increased $14.7 million. We sold investments during this time period in order to reduce interest rate volatility and to provide funding for higher yielding loans. OREO balances decreased $5.4 million due to sales of properties. Total liabilities decreased by approximately $12.5 million during the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to a decrease of $12.4 million in other liabilities. Other liabilities decreased as a result of cash payments of accrued dividends and interest on the Trust Preferred debentures and Series A Preferred Stock dividend. Comparing September 30, 2014 to December 31, 2013, shareholders’ equity increased $10.9 million as a result of a decrease of $8.8 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

 

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Loan Portfolio

 

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

 

(dollars in thousands)  September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Commercial real estate  $253,087    30%  $267,978    33%
Acquisition and development   96,986    12%   107,250    13%
Commercial and industrial   89,358    11%   59,788    7%
Residential mortgage   361,365    44%   350,906    44%
Consumer   24,129    3%   24,318    3%
Total Loans  $824,925    100%  $810,240    100%

 

Comparing September 30, 2014 to December 31, 2013, outstanding loans increased by $14.7 million (1.8%). Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) loans decreased $14.9 million as a result of the payoff of two large loans of approximately $15 million during the third quarter. Acquisition and development (“A&D”) loans decreased $10.3 million due to regularly scheduled principal payments and payoffs. Commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans increased $29.6 million due to new loan relationships, primarily one large relationship in the first quarter of 2014. Residential mortgages increased by $10.5 million due to increased production of loans primarily in our 10/1 and 7/1 adjustable rate mortgage program. The Bank continues to use Fannie Mae for the majority of new, longer-term, fixed-rate residential loan originations. The consumer portfolio decreased slightly by $.2 million due to repayment activity in the indirect auto portfolio offsetting new production. At September 30, 2014, approximately 47% of the commercial loan portfolio was collateralized by real estate, compared to approximately 57% at December 31, 2013.

 

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Risk Elements of Loan Portfolio

 

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

 

(dollars in thousands)  September 30,
2014
   % of Applicable
Portfolio
   December 31,
2013
   % of
Applicable
Portfolio
 
Non-accrual loans:                    
Commercial real estate  $5,634    2.23%  $7,433    2.77%
Acquisition and development   4,648    4.79%   5,632    5.25%
Commercial and industrial   228    0.26%   191    0.32%
Residential mortgage   3,403    0.94%   4,126    1.18%
Consumer   0    0.00%   14    0.06%
Total non-accrual loans  $13,913    1.69%  $17,396    2.15%
                     
Accruing Loans Past Due 90 days or more:                    
Commercial real estate  $187        $65      
Acquisition and development   87         282      
Commercial and industrial   0         133      
Residential mortgage   1,052         730      
Consumer   29         24      
Total loans past due 90 days or more  $1,355        $1,234      
                     
Total non-accrual and accruing loans past due 90 days or more  $15,268        $18,630      
                     
Restructured Loans (TDRs):                    
Performing  $7,702        $10,567      
Non-accrual (included above)   7,678         7,380      
Total TDRs  $15,380        $17,947      
                     
Other real estate owned  $11,588        $17,031      
                     
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance  $24,390        $24,296      
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance   4,420         9,013      
Total impaired loans  $28,810        $33,309      
                     
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans  $1,162        $2,283      

 

Performing loans considered to be impaired (including performing troubled debt restructurings, or TDRs), as defined and identified by management, amounted to $14.9 million at September 30, 2014 and $15.9 million at December 31, 2013. Loans are identified as impaired when, based on current information and events, management determines that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to contractual terms. These loans consist primarily of A&D loans and CRE loans. The fair values are generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the collateral or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds. Specific allocations have been made where management believes there is insufficient collateral to repay the loan balance if liquidated and there is no secondary source of repayment available.

 

The level of performing impaired loans (other than performing TDRs) increased $1.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, due to payoffs and principal reductions of $1.2 million, as well as the reclassification of two mortgage loans totaling $.3 million out of impaired status due to improved performance, offset by the addition of a $3.1 million non-owner occupied real estate loan, as well as two mortgage loans totaling $.2 million that were formerly reported as TDRs. Management will continue to monitor all loans that have been removed from an impaired status and take appropriate steps to ensure that satisfactory performance is sustained.

 

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The following table presents the details of impaired loans that are TDRs by class as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
(in thousands)  Number of
Contracts
   Recorded
Investment
   Number of
Contracts
   Recorded Investment 
Performing                    
  Commercial real estate                    
Non owner-occupied   2   $272    2   $257 
All other CRE   1    2,871    2    3,313 
  Acquisition and development                    
1-4 family residential construction   1    912    1    1,547 
All other A&D   4    2,175    7    3,867 
  Commercial and industrial   1    366    2    614 
  Residential mortgage                    
Residential mortgage – term   6    1,106    6    969 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0 
  Consumer   0    0    0    0 
Total performing   15   $7,702    20   $10,567 
                     
Non-accrual                    
  Commercial real estate                    
Non owner-occupied   1   $458    1   $448 
All other CRE   4    2,493    3    2,217 
  Acquisition and development                    
1-4 family residential construction   0    0    0    0 
All other A&D   7    4,277    4    4,075 
  Commercial and industrial   1    228    0    0 
  Residential mortgage                    
Residential mortgage – term   1    222    3    640 
Residential mortgage – home equity   0    0    0    0 
  Consumer   0    0    0    0 
Total non-accrual   14    7,678    11    7,380 
Total TDRs   29   $15,380    31   $17,947 

 

The level of TDRs decreased $2.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. One loan totaling $.1 million was added to performing TDRs, one loan totaling $.4 million was added to non-performing TDRs, and seven loans already in performing TDRs were re-modified. Two loans totaling $.2 million that had been modified prior to December 31, 2013 are no longer reported as performing TDRs because the borrowers had made at least six consecutive payments and were current at the time of reclassification. There were charge-offs totaling $1.3 million to three non-performing A&D loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $1.6 million in net principal payments and payoffs were received during the same time period.

 

Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(dollars in thousands)  2014   2013 
Balance, January 1  $13,594   $16,047 
Charge-offs:          
Commercial real estate   (85)   (233)
Acquisition and development   (2,423)   (276)
Commercial and industrial   (213)   (1,051)
Residential mortgage   (682)   (317)
Consumer   (380)   (375)
Total charge-offs   (3,783)   (2,252)
Recoveries:          
Commercial real estate   11    1,004 
Acquisition and development   104    33 
Commercial and industrial   22    68 
Residential mortgage   183    154 
Consumer   308    258 
Total recoveries   628    1,517 
Net credit losses   (3,155)   (735)
Provision for loan losses   1,629    (161)
Balance at end of period  $12,068   $15,151 
           
Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding (as %)   1.46%   1.81%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period, annualized (as %)   0.52%   0.12%

 

The ALL decreased to $12.1 million at September 30, 2014, from $13.6 million at December 31, 2013 and $15.2 million at September 30, 2013. The provision for loan losses increased to $1.6 million for the first nine months of 2014 compared to $(.2) for the same period of 2013. Net charge-offs increased to $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The ratio of the ALL to loans outstanding as of September 30, 2014 was 1.46%, which was less than the 1.81% for the same period last year, due primarily to improving historical and qualitative factors.

 

The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was an annualized .52%, compared to an annualized .12% for the same period in 2013 and .34% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The CRE portfolio had an annualized net charge-off rate as of September 30, 2014 of .04% compared to an annualized net recovery rate of .27% as of December 31, 2013. The annualized net charge-off rate for A&D loans as of September 30, 2014 was 3.03% due to partial charge-offs of several consumer lot loans and one commercial A&D loan, compared to an annualized net charge-off rate of 1.78% as of December 31, 2013. The ratio for C&I loans improved to .34% at September 30, 2014 compared to 1.53% for December 31, 2013. The residential mortgage ratios were .19% and .08% for September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and the consumer loan ratios were .40% and .83% for September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

Accruing loans past due 30 days or more declined to 1.11% of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2014, compared to 2.10% at December 31, 2013. The decrease for the first nine months of 2014 was primarily due to a decrease of $7.6 million in past-due accruing residential mortgage term loans. Other improvements in the levels of past-due loans were attributable to a combination of a slowly improving economy and vigorous collection efforts by the Bank.

 

Comparing the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, total non-accrual loan balances have declined. Non-accrual loans totaled $13.9 million as of September 30, 2014, compared to $17.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and $14.8 million as of September 30, 2013. Non-accrual loans which have been subject to a partial charge-off totaled $4.9 million as of September 30, 2014, compared to $1.9 million as of December 31, 2013.

 

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Management believes that the ALL at September 30, 2014 is adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Amounts that will be recorded for the provision for loan losses in future periods will depend upon trends in the loan balances, including the composition of the loan portfolio, changes in loan quality and loss experience trends, potential recoveries on previously charged-off loans and changes in other qualitative factors. Management also applies interest rate risk, collateral value and debt service sensitivity analyses to the Commercial real estate loan portfolio and obtains new appraisals on specific loans under defined parameters to assist in the determination of the periodic provision for loan losses.

 

Investment Securities

 

At September 30, 2014, the total amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale investment portfolio was $235.2 million, compared to a fair value of $222.8 million. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders’ equity. The amortized cost basis of the held to maturity portfolio was $107.0 million compared to a fair value of $106.4 million.

 

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

 

   September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
   Amortized   Fair Value   FV as %   Amortized   Fair Value   FV as % 
(dollars in thousands)  Cost   (FV)   of Total   Cost   (FV)   of Total 
Securities Available-for-Sale:                              
U.S. Treasury Bills  $29,631   $29,618    13%  $0   $0    0%
U.S. government agencies   39,088    38,759    17%   97,242    92,035    27%
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   46,573    46,123    21%   116,933    112,444    33%
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   26,737    26,545    12%   31,025    29,905    9%
Collateralized mortgage obligations   9,286    9,368    4%   30,468    29,390    9%
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   46,784    48,016    22%   55,505    55,277    17%
Collateralized debt obligations   37,066    24,406    11%   37,146    17,538    5%
Total available for sale  $235,165   $222,835    100%  $368,319   $336,589    100%
Securities Held to Maturity:                              
U.S. government agencies  $24,476   $24,398    23%  $0   $0    0%
Residential mortgage-backed agencies   55,572    55,402    52%   0    0    0%
Commercial mortgage-backed agencies   16,476    16,548    16%   0    0    0%
Collateralized mortgage obligations   7,712    7,602    7%   0    0    0%
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   2,725    2,476    2%   3,900    3,590    100%
Total held to maturity  $106,961   $106,426    100%  $3,900   $3,590    100%

 

Total investment securities available-for-sale decreased $113.8 million since December 31, 2013. At September 30, 2014, the securities classified as available-for-sale included a net unrealized loss of $12.3 million, which represents the difference between the fair value and amortized cost of securities in the portfolio. The decline in available-for-sale securities was due to the movement of approximately $107.0 million of securities classified as available-for-sale to the held to maturity category during the second quarter, as well as sales and maturities within the available-for-sale category.

 

During the second quarter of 2014, management completed an analysis on the investment portfolio and identified the securities that had the most price volatility particularly in the hypothetical scenario in which the interest rate change by 300 basis points. These securities were reclassified to the held to maturity category, which at that time, locked in an unrealized loss of approximately $4.0 million. This unrealized loss will continue to be reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income and will be amortized over the remaining life of the securities as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of any premium or discount.

 

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As discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report, the Corporation measures fair market values based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). Level 3 prices or valuation techniques require inputs that are both significant to the valuation assumptions and are not readily observable in the market (i.e. supported with little or no market activity). These Level 3 instruments are valued based on both observable and unobservable inputs derived from the best available data, some of which is internally developed, and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require.

 

Approximately $198.4 million of the available-for-sale portfolio was valued using Level 2 pricing, and had net unrealized gains of $.3 million at September 30, 2014. The remaining $24.4 million of the securities available-for-sale represents the entire collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) portfolio, which was valued using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 assets). The $13.9 million in unrealized losses associated with this portfolio relates to 14 of the 17 pooled trust preferred securities that comprise the CDO portfolio. Unrealized losses of $8.3 million represent non-credit related OTTI charges on 13 of the securities, while $5.6 million of unrealized losses relates to five securities which have had no credit related OTTI. The unrealized losses on these securities were primarily attributable to continued depression in the marketability and liquidity associated with CDOs.

 

The following table provides a summary of the trust preferred securities in the CDO portfolio and the credit status of these securities as of September 30, 2014.

 

Level 3 Investment Securities Available for Sale

(Dollars in Thousands) 

Investment Description  First United Level 3 Investments  Security Credit Status
Deal  Class  Amortized Cost   Fair Market
Value
   Unrealized
Gain/(Loss)
   Lowest
Credit
Rating
  Original
Collateral
   Deferrals/
Defaults as
% of
Original
Collateral
   Performing
Collateral
   Collateral
Support
   Collateral
Support as
% of
Performing
Collateral
   Number of
Performing
Issuers/Total
Issuers
Preferred Term Security XI*  B-1   1,337    741    (596)  C   635,775    16.44%   386,605    (53,228)   -13.77%  44 / 57
Preferred Term Security XVI*  C   439    1,418    979   C   606,040    32.43%   336,800    (101,787)   -30.22%  37 / 54
Preferred Term Security XVIII*  C   3,055    1,567    (1,488)  C   676,565    22.51%   440,984    (41,011)   -9.30%  51 / 71
Preferred Term Security XVIII  C   2,177    1,045    (1,132)  C   676,565    22.51%   440,984    (41,011)   -9.30%  51 / 71
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C   3,094    1,611    (1,483)  C   700,535    14.22%   478,061    (73,086)   -15.29%  50 / 62
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C   1,341    691    (650)  C   700,535    14.22%   478,061    (73,086)   -15.29%  50 / 62
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C   1,339    691    (648)  C   700,535    14.22%   478,061    (73,086)   -15.29%  50 / 62
Preferred Term Security XIX*  C   2,248    1,151    (1,097)  C   700,535    14.22%   478,061    (73,086)   -15.29%  50 / 62
Preferred Term Security XXII*  C-1   4,067    2,718    (1,349)  C   1,386,600    20.12%   967,100    (46,411)   -4.80%  65 / 88
Preferred Term Security XXII*  C-1   1,627    1,087    (540)  C   1,386,600    20.12%   967,100    (46,411)   -4.80%  65 / 88
Preferred Term Security XXIII  C-1   1,966    955     (1,011  C   1,467,000    20.45%   892,411    (35,452)   -3.97%  87 / 109
Preferred Term Security XXIII*  D-1   2,512    2,695    183   C   1,467,000    20.45%   892,411    (35,452)   -3.97%  87 / 109
Preferred Term Security XXIII*  D-1   837    899    62   C   1,467,000    20.45%   892,411    (152,401)   -17.08%  87 / 109
Preferred Term Security XXIV*  C-1   1,027    598    (429   C   1,050,600    32.70%   638,304    (184,301)   -28.87%  56 / 85
Preferred Term Security I-P-I  B-2   2,000    1,507    (493)  CCC-   351,000    9.26%   155,800    13,966    8.96%  14 / 16
Preferred Term Security I-P-IV  B-1   3,000    1,887    (1,113)  CCC-   325,000    0.00%   158,000    34,691    21.96%  17 / 17
Preferred Term Security I-P-IV  B-1   5,000    3,145    (1,855)  CCC-   325,000    0.00%   158,000    34,691    21.96%  17 / 17
                                                  
Total Level 3 Securities Available for Sale   37,066    24,406    (12,660)                               

 

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

 

The terms of the debentures underlying trust preferred securities allow the issuer of the debentures to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters, and, in such case, the terms of the related trust preferred securities allow their issuers to defer dividend payments for up to 20 quarters. Some of the issuers of the trust preferred securities in our investment portfolio have defaulted and/or deferred payments ranging from 9.26% to 32.70% of the total collateral balances underlying the securities. The securities were designed to include structural features that provide investors with credit enhancement or support to provide default protection by subordinated tranches. These features include over-collateralization of the notes or subordination, excess interest or spread which will redirect funds in situations where collateral is insufficient, and a specified order of principal payments. There are securities in our portfolio that are under-collateralized, which does represent additional stress on our tranche. However, in these cases, the terms of the securities require excess interest to be redirected from subordinate tranches as credit support, which provides additional support to our investment.

 

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

 

The market for these securities as of September 30, 2014 is not active and markets for similar securities are also not active. The inactivity was evidenced first by a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets in which these securities trade and then by a significant decrease in the volume of trades relative to historical levels. The new issue market is also inactive, as no new CDOs have been issued since 2007. There are currently very few market participants who are willing to effect transactions in these securities. The market values for these securities, or any securities other than those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), are very depressed relative to historical levels. Therefore, in the current market, a low market price for a particular bond may only provide evidence of stress in the credit markets in general rather than being an indicator of credit problems with a particular issue. Given the conditions in the current debt markets and the absence of observable transactions in the secondary and new issue markets, management has determined that (a) the few observable transactions and market quotations that are available are not reliable for the purpose of obtaining fair value at September 30, 2014, (b) an income valuation approach technique (i.e. present value) that maximizes the use of relevant unobservable inputs and minimizes the use of observable inputs will be equally or more representative of fair value than a market approach, and (c) the CDO segment is appropriately classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy because management determined that significant adjustments were required to determine fair value at the measurement date.

 

Management utilizes an independent third party to prepare both the evaluations of OTTI and the fair value determinations for the CDO portfolio. Management does not believe that there were any material differences in the OTTI evaluations and pricing between December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014.

 

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

 

Based upon a review of credit quality and the cash flow tests performed by the independent third party, management determined that no securities had credit-related OTTI during the first nine months of 2014.

 

On December 10, 2013, to implement Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the four federal banking regulatory agencies and the SEC adopted the Volcker Rule. The Volcker Rule prohibits a banking institution from acquiring or retaining an “ownership interest” in a “covered fund”. A “covered fund” is (i) an entity that would be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, but for the exemptions contained in Section 3(c)(1) or Section 3(c)(7) of that Act, (ii) a commodity pool with certain characteristics, and/or (iii) a non-US entity with certain characteristics that is sponsored or owned by a banking entity located or organized in the US. The term “ownership interest” is defined as “any equity, partnership, or other similar interest.”

 

On January 14, 2014, the federal banking agencies adopted a final interim rule that exempts CDOs from the scope of the Volcker Rule if they were issued in offerings in which, among other things, the proceeds were used primarily to purchase securities issued by depository institutions and their affiliates. In connection with that final interim rule, the agencies published a non-exclusive list of exempt offerings. Of the 18 CDOs held by the Bank, 15 were issued in exempt offerings. The three remaining CDOs are collateralized primarily by securities issued by insurance companies and are not included in the agencies’ list of exempt offerings, which fact required management to make a determination as to whether the CDOs constituted an “ownership interest” in a “covered fund”, such that the Bank would be required to dispose of them pursuant to the Volcker Rule. To make this determination, management conducted a thorough review of the Indentures that govern the CDOs and the other offering materials used by the issuers to offer and sell the CDOs.

 

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The Volcker Rule defines an “ownership interest” as an equity, partnership or other similar interest. The CDOs are debt securities (promissory notes) issued by corporations that call for regularly-scheduled payments of principal and interest, with interest calculated either at a fixed-rate or at a rate that is tied to LIBOR. Accordingly, none of the CDOs represent an equity or partnership interest in the issuers. In their adopting rule release, the agencies stated that debt securities evidencing “typical extensions of credit” – those that “provide for payment of stated principal and interest calculated at a fixed rate or at a floating rate based on an index or interbank rate” – do not generally meet the definition of “other similar interest”. To be considered an “other similar interest”, a debt security must exhibit one or more of the following characteristics on a current, future, or contingent basis:

 

1.It has the right to participate in the selection or removal of a general partner, managing member, member of the board of directors or trustees, investment manager, investment adviser, or commodity trading advisor of the covered fund;

 

2.It has the right under the terms of the interest to receive a share of the income, gains or profits of the covered fund, regardless of whether the right is pro rata with other owners or holders of interests;

 

3.It has the right to receive the underlying assets of the covered fund after all other interests have been redeemed and/or paid in full, excluding the rights of a creditor to exercise remedies upon the occurrence of an event of default or an acceleration event;

 

4.It has the right to receive all or a portion of excess spread;

 

5.Its terms provide that the amounts payable by the covered fund with respect to the interest could be reduced based on losses arising from the underlying assets of the covered fund;

 

6.It receives income on a pass-through basis from the covered fund, or has a rate of return that is determined by reference to the performance of the underlying assets of the covered fund; or

 

7.It is any synthetic right to have, receive or be allocated any of the rights above.

 

Based on its review, management concluded that the three CDOs evidence “typical extensions of credit” and do not exhibit any of the seven characteristics discussed above. Accordingly, management concluded that none of these CDOs constitutes an “ownership interest” as defined by the Volcker Rule and that, therefore, the Corporation has the current intent and ability to hold these CDOs until maturity.

 

In conclusion, as of December 31, 2013, all CDO securities owned by the Company are not subject to application of the Volcker Rule and therefore reaffirm our intent of the ability to hold.

 

During the first quarter of 2014 and following the promulgation of the Volcker Rule, the fair value of the CDO portfolio improved significantly. The improvement was due to several factors including improved financial condition of the underlying bank issuers, improved cash flows and a lower discount rate. As banks resumed payments of previously deferred interest during the quarter, cash flow projections for the securities increased. In addition, the discount rate utilized in the cash flow models was reduced as the base line current market yield for comparable corporate and structured products improved and the projected credit performance of the CDOs improved with favorable market conditions. The resulting increase in cash flow projections over the remaining life of the securities yielded a higher fair market value.

 

The risk-based capital ratios require that banks set aside additional capital for securities that are rated below investment grade. Securities rated one level below investment grade require a 200% risk weighting. Additional methods are applicable to securities rated more than one level below investment grade. As of September 30, 2014, the Company did not hold any investments that require the 200% risk weighting.

 

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Deposits

 

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

 

(dollars in thousands)  September 30, 2014   December 31, 2013 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits  $197,612    20%  $175,863    18%
Interest-bearing deposits:                    
Demand   132,951    14%   142,346    14%
Money Market:                    
Retail   213,183    22%   215,842    22%
Savings deposits   126,856    13%   116,710    12%
Time deposits less than $100,000:                    
Retail   151,906    16%   169,136    17%
Brokered/CDARS   525    0%   0    0%
Time deposits $100,000 or more:                    
Retail   145,394    15%   151,928    16%
Brokered/CDARS   4,606    0%   5,578    1%
Total Deposits  $973,033    100%  $977,403    100%

 

Total deposits decreased $4.4 million during the first nine months of 2014 when compared to deposits at December 31, 2013. With the continued focus of our retail staff to change the mix of the deposit portfolio, we have seen increases in core deposits and reductions in certificates of deposit. Non-interest bearing deposits increased $21.7 million. Traditional savings accounts increased $10.2 million due to continued growth in our Prime Saver product. Total demand deposits decreased $9.4 million and total money market accounts decreased $2.7 million. Time deposits less than $100,000 declined $16.7 million and time deposits greater than $100,000 decreased $7.5 million.

 

Borrowed Funds

 

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

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2014   2013 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase  $47,994   $43,676 
Total short-term borrowings  $47,994   $43,676 
           
FHLB advances  $135,893   $135,942 
Junior subordinated debt   46,730    46,730 
Total long-term borrowings  $182,623   $182,672 

 

Total short-term borrowings increased by approximately $4.3 million during the first nine months of 2014 due primarily to increases in our Treasury Management products. Long-term borrowings decreased by $49.0 thousand during the first nine months of 2014 due to the scheduled monthly amortization of long-term advances.

 

Liquidity Management

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Market Risk and Interest Sensitivity

 

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

 

At September 30, 2014, we were asset sensitive.

 

Our interest rate risk management goals are:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Capital Resources

 

We require capital to fund loans, satisfy our obligations under the Bank’s letters of credit, meet the deposit withdrawal demands of the Bank’s customers, and satisfy our other monetary obligations. To the extent that deposits are not adequate to fund our capital requirements, we can rely on the funding sources identified above under the heading “Liquidity Management”. At September 30, 2014, the Bank had $70.0 million available through unsecured lines of credit with correspondent banks, $28.9 million through a secured line of credit with the Fed Discount Window and approximately $.1 million at the FHLB. Management is not aware of any demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are likely to materially affect our ability to meet our future capital requirements.

 

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

 

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

 

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The following table presents our capital ratios:

 

   September 30,
2014
   December 31, 2013   Required for
Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   Required to be
Well Capitalized
 
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                    
Consolidated   15.43%   15.29%   8.00%   10.00%
First United Bank & Trust   15.73%   16.17%   8.00%   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                    
Consolidated   14.06%   13.65%   4.00%   6.00%
First United Bank & Trust   14.56%   14.89%   4.00%   6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)                    
Consolidated   11.04%   10.97%   4.00%   5.00%
First United Bank & Trust   11.42%   11.93%   4.00%   5.00%

 

As of September 30, 2014, the most recent notification from the regulators categorized First United Corporation and the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. On a consolidated basis, all capital ratios increased from December 31, 2013 to September 30, 2014. The consolidated total risk-based capital ratios include $39.7 million of TPS Debentures which qualified as Tier 1 capital at September 30, 2014 under guidance issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

 

At the Bank level, the ratios declined slightly from December 31, 2013 to September 30, 2014 primarily because of the Bank’s payment of approximately $9.8 million in cash dividends to First United Corporation, which were used to make quarterly interest payments under First United Corporation’s junior subordinated debentures (“TPS Debentures”) and quarterly dividends on its outstanding shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A Preferred Stock”) in the first, second and third quarters of 2014.

 

The recently-adopted Basel III capital rules include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which will be phased in from 2015 to 2019, and which refine the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating those ratios. The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Corporation under the final rules will be: (a) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (b) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (c) a total capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (d) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions. The final rules also establish a “capital conservation buffer” above the new regulatory minimum capital requirements, which must consist entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital. The capital conservation buffer will be phased-in over four years beginning on January 1, 2016, as follows: the maximum buffer will be 0.625% of risk-weighted assets for 2016, 1.25% for 2017, 1.875% for 2018, and 2.5% for 2019 and thereafter. This will result in the following minimum ratios beginning in 2019: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (2) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and (3) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Under the final rules, institutions are subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions. These rules are discussed in detail in the Annual Report of First United Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. We believe that we would be in compliance with these requirements as set forth in the final rules if they were currently effective.

 

In January 2009, pursuant to the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program, First United Corporation sold 30,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock and a Warrant to purchase 326,323 shares of its common stock, having an exercise price of $13.79 per share, to the Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $30 million. The proceeds from this transaction count as Tier 1 capital and the Warrant qualifies as tangible common equity. Information about the terms of these securities is provided in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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The terms of the Series A Preferred Stock call for the payment, if declared by the Board of Directors of First United Corporation, of a quarterly cash dividend on February 15th, May 15th, August 15th and November 15th of each year. On November 15, 2010, at the request of the Reserve Bank, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation voted to suspend quarterly cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock beginning with the dividend payment due November 15, 2010. During the suspension, dividends of $.4 million per dividend period continued to accrue. In April 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to terminate this deferral by making the quarterly dividend payment due to the Treasury in May 2014 and paying all unpaid dividends that accrued during the suspension period. Cumulative deferred dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock of approximately $6.5 million were paid on May 15, 2014. In July 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to make the quarterly dividend payment due in August 2014. A dividend payment of $.7 million was paid on August 15, 2014. In November 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to make the quarterly dividend payment due in November 2014. Until further notice from the Reserve Bank, First United Corporation is required to obtain the Reserve Bank’s prior approval before making any future quarterly dividend payment. In considering a request for approval, the Reserve Bank will consider, among other things, the Corporation’s financial condition and its quarterly results of operations. In addition, First United Corporation’s ability to make future quarterly dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock will depend in large part on its receipt of dividends from the Bank, and the Bank may make dividend payments only with the prior approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation (the “Maryland Commissioner”). If First United Corporation and/or the Bank do not obtain the regulatory approvals required for a particular quarterly dividend, then First United Corporation would have to again suspend quarterly dividend payments, which would result in a prohibition against paying any dividends or other distributions on the outstanding shares of First United Corporation’s common stock during the suspension period. As a result of these limitations, no assurance can be given that First United Corporation will make any future quarterly dividend payment on the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

At the request of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (the “Reserve Bank”) in December 2010, First United Corporation’s Board of Directors elected to defer quarterly interest payments under the TPS Debentures beginning with the payments due in March 2011. In February 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Reserve Bank to terminate this deferral by making the quarterly interest payments due to the Trusts in March 2014 and paying all deferred interest for prior quarters. In connection with this deferral termination, deferred interest of approximately $1.024 million as well as $77,166 of current interest was paid to Trust I on March 17, 2014, deferred interest of approximately $2.048 million as well as $154,325 in current interest was paid to Trust II on March 17, 2014, and deferred interest of approximately $3.763 million as well as $266,650 in current interest was paid to Trust III on March 15, 2014. In April 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to make the quarterly interest payments due in June 2014, and interest of $78,604 was paid to Trust I on June 17, 2014, $157,202 in interest was paid to Trust II on June 17, 2014, and $266,650 in interest was paid to Trust III on June 16, 2014. In July 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to make the quarterly interest payments due in September 2014 and interest of $78,572 was paid to Trust I on September 17, 2014, $157,136 in interest was paid to Trust II on September 17, 2014, and $266,650 in interest was paid to Trust III on September 15, 2014. In November 2014, First United Corporation received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to make the quarterly interest payments due in December 2014. Until further notice from the Reserve Bank, First United Corporation is required to obtain the Reserve Bank’s prior approval before making any future interest payments under the TPS Debentures. In considering a request for approval, the Reserve Bank will consider, among other things, the Corporation’s financial condition and its quarterly results of operations. In addition to this pre-approval requirement, First United Corporation’s ability to make future quarterly interest payments under the TPS Debentures will depend in large part on its receipt of dividends from the Bank, and the Bank may make dividend payments only with the prior approval of the FDIC and the Maryland Commissioner. As a result of these limitations, no assurance can be given that First United Corporation will make the quarterly interest payments due under the TPS Debentures in any future quarter. In the event that First United Corporation and/or the Bank do not receive the approvals necessary for First United Corporation to make future quarterly interest payments, First United Corporation will have to again elect to defer interest payments. The terms of the TPS Debentures permit First United Corporation to elect to defer payments of interest for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods, provided that no event of default exists under the TPS Debentures at the time of the election. An election to defer interest payments is not considered a default under the TPS Debentures.

 

First United Corporation’s Board of Directors suspended the payment of dividends on the common stock in December 2010 when it approved the above-mentioned deferral of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, and this suspension remains in effect.

 

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Loan commitments are made to accommodate the financial needs of our customers. Letters of credit commit us to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. The credit risks inherent in loan commitments and letters of credit are essentially the same as those involved in extending loans to customers, and these arrangements are subject to our normal credit policies. Loan commitments and letters of credit totaled $104.1 million and $.9 million, respectively, at September 30, 2014, compared to $97.7 million and $1.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2013. We are not a party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements presented elsewhere in this report for further disclosure on Borrowed Funds. There have been no other significant changes to contractual obligations as presented at December 31, 2013.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our primary market risk is interest rate fluctuation and we have procedures in place to evaluate and mitigate this risk. This market risk and our procedures are described above in Item 2 of Part I of this report under the caption “Market Risk and Interest Sensitivity”, and in Item 7 of Part II of First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 under the caption “Market Risk and Interest Sensitivity”. Management believes that no material changes in our procedures used to evaluate and mitigate these risks have occurred since December 31, 2013. We believe the investment portfolio restructuring has better positioned the Corporation for a rising interest rate environment.

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

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

 

An evaluation of the effectiveness of these disclosure controls as of September 30, 2014 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the CEO and the CFO. Based on that evaluation, management, including the CEO and the CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are, in fact, effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

During the first nine months of 2014, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

The risks and uncertainties to which our financial condition and operations are subject are discussed in detail in Item 1A of Part I of the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and Item 1A of Part II of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Management does not believe that any material changes in our risk factors have occurred since they were last disclosed.

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 5.Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

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

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  FIRST UNITED CORPORATION  
     
Date:   November 10, 2014 /s/ William B. Grant  
  William B. Grant, Chairman of the Board and  
  Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date   November 10, 2014 /s/ Carissa L. Rodeheaver   
  Carissa L. Rodeheaver, President,  
  Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary  
  (Principal Accounting Officer)  

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

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

 

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