ABCB 10-Q Quarterly Report June 30, 2014 | Alphaminr

ABCB 10-Q Quarter ended June 30, 2014

AMERIS BANCORP
10-Ks and 10-Qs
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
10-Q
10-Q
10-Q
10-K
PROXIES
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
DEF 14A
10-Q 1 d736698d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014

OR

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

Commission File Number: 001-13901

LOGO

AMERIS BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

GEORGIA 58-1456434
(State of incorporation) (IRS Employer ID No.)

310 FIRST STREET, S.E., MOULTRIE, GA 31768

(Address of principal executive offices)

(229) 890-1111

(Registrant’s telephone number)

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 period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x No ¨

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

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

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

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

There were 26,738,438 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of July 30, 2014.


Table of Contents

AMERIS BANCORP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013

1

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

2

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June  30, 2014 and 2013

3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

4

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

48

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

63

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

63

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

64

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

64

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

64

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

64

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

64

Item 5.

Other Information.

64

Item 6.

Exhibits.

64

Signatures

64


Table of Contents

Item 1. Financial Statements.

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013
(Unaudited) (Audited) (Unaudited)

Assets

Cash and due from banks

$ 80,986 $ 62,955 $ 50,343

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

44,800 204,984 43,904

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value

535,630 486,235 316,168

Other investments

10,971 16,828 7,764

Mortgage loans held for sale

81,491 67,278 62,580

Loans, net of unearned income

1,770,059 1,618,454 1,555,827

Purchased loans not covered by FDIC loss share agreements (“purchased non-covered loans”)

702,131 448,753

Purchased loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements (“covered loans”)

331,250 390,237 443,517

Less: allowance for loan losses related to non-purchased loans

(22,254 ) (22,377 ) (24,217 )

Loans, net

2,781,186 2,435,067 1,975,127

Other real estate owned, net

35,373 33,351 39,885

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned, net

16,598 4,276

Covered other real estate owned, net

38,426 45,893 62,178

Total other real estate owned, net

90,397 83,520 102,063

Premises and equipment, net

99,495 103,188 70,167

FDIC loss-share receivable

49,180 65,441 105,513

Other intangible assets, net

9,812 6,009 2,318

Goodwill

58,903 35,049 956

Cash value of bank owned life insurance

57,864 49,432 47,495

Other assets

72,420 51,663 24,277

Total assets

$ 3,973,135 $ 3,667,649 $ 2,808,675

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Liabilities

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing

$ 790,798 $ 668,531 $ 475,445

Interest-bearing

2,598,237 2,330,700 1,967,658

Total deposits

3,389,035 2,999,231 2,443,103

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

51,109 83,516 19,142

Other borrowings

100,293 194,572

Other liabilities

24,457 18,165 16,384

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

64,842 55,466 42,269

Total liabilities

3,629,736 3,350,950 2,520,898

Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred stock, stated value $1,000; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 0, 28,000 and 28,000 shares issued and outstanding

28,000 27,845

Common stock, par value $1; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 28,155,317; 26,461,769 and 25,257,669 issued

28,155 26,462 25,258

Capital surplus

223,888 189,722 165,484

Retained earnings

98,847 83,991 76,790

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

4,123 (294 ) 3,582

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,383,496; 1,363,342 and 1,363,342 shares

(11,614 ) (11,182 ) (11,182 )

Total stockholders’ equity

343,399 316,699 287,777

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 3,973,135 $ 3,667,649 $ 2,808,675

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

1


Table of Contents

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2014 2013 2014 2013

Interest income

Interest and fees on loans

$ 35,297 $ 29,859 $ 69,766 $ 58,575

Interest on taxable securities

2,953 1,719 5,938 3,416

Interest on nontaxable securities

312 344 647 719

Interest on deposits in other banks and federal funds sold

45 29 129 114

Total interest income

38,607 31,951 76,480 62,824

Interest expense

Interest on deposits

2,205 2,083 4,388 4,309

Interest on other borrowings

1,138 392 2,344 701

Total interest expense

3,343 2,475 6,732 5,010

Net interest income

35,264 29,476 69,748 57,814

Provision for loan losses

1,365 4,165 3,091 7,088

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

33,899 25,311 66,657 50,726

Noninterest income

Service charges on deposit accounts

5,847 4,695 11,433 9,532

Mortgage banking activity

7,002 5,001 12,166 9,465

Other service charges, commissions and fees

662 617 1,314 946

Gain (loss) on sale of securities

(1 ) 6 171

Other noninterest income

2,308 1,072 3,654 2,630

Total noninterest income

15,819 11,384 28,573 22,744

Noninterest expense

Salaries and employee benefits

16,942 13,381 34,336 27,187

Occupancy and equipment

4,071 2,978 8,135 5,909

Advertising and marketing expenses

718 327 1,428 582

Amortization of intangible assets

437 358 970 722

Data processing and telecommunications expenses

3,940 2,836 7,394 5,406

Other noninterest expenses

11,210 6,808 18,294 15,766

Total noninterest expense

37,318 26,688 70,557 55,572

Income before income tax expense

12,400 10,007 24,673 17,898

Income tax expense

4,270 3,329 8,193 5,935

Net income

8,130 6,678 16,480 11,963

Less preferred stock dividends and discount accretion

442 286 883

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 8,130 $ 6,236 $ 16,194 $ 11,080

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Unrealized holding gain (loss) arising during period on investment securities available for sale, net of tax

2,121 (3,689 ) 5,059 (4,118 )

Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in earnings, net of tax

1 (4 ) (111 )

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges arising during period, net of tax

(372 ) 995 (638 ) 1,204

Other comprehensive income (loss)

1,749 (2,693 ) 4,417 (3,025 )

Total comprehensive income

$ 9,879 $ 3,985 $ 20,897 $ 8,938

Basic earnings per common share

$ 0.32 $ 0.26 $ 0.64 $ 0.46

Diluted earnings per common share

$ 0.32 $ 0.26 $ 0.63 $ 0.46

Dividends declared per common share

$ 0.05 $ $ 0.05 $

Weighted average common shares outstanding

Basic

25,181 23,879 25,163 23,873

Diluted

25,572 24,288 25,552 24,282

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

2


Table of Contents

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014 June 30, 2013
Shares Amount Shares Amount

PREFERRED STOCK

Issued at beginning of period

28,000 $ 28,000 28,000 $ 27,662

Repurchase of preferred stock

(28,000 ) (28,000 ) 183

Accretion of fair value of warrant

183

Issued at end of period

$ 28,000 $ 27,845

COMMON STOCK

Issued at beginning of period

26,461,769 $ 26,462 25,154,818 $ 25,155

Issuance of restricted shares

68,047 68 83,400 83

Issuance of common stock

1,598,987 1,599

Cancellation of restricted shares

(1,000 ) (1 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

26,514 26 20,451 21

Issued at end of period

28,155,317 $ 28,155 25,257,669 $ 25,258

CAPITAL SURPLUS

Balance at beginning of period

$ 189,722 $ 164,949

Stock-based compensation

1,012 395

Issuance of common stock

32,875

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

347 222

Issuance of restricted shares

(68 ) (83 )

Cancellation of restricted shares

1

Balance at end of period

$ 223,888 $ 165,484

RETAINED EARNINGS

Balance at beginning of period

$ 83,991 $ 65,710

Net income

16,480 11,963

Cash dividends declared, $0.05 per share

(1,338 )

Dividends on preferred shares

(286 ) (700 )

Accretion of fair value of warrant

(183 )

Balance at end of period

$ 98,847 $ 76,790

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX

Unrealized gains on securities and derivatives:

Balance at beginning of period

$ (294 ) $ 6,607

Other comprehensive income (loss)

4,417 (3,025 )

Balance at end of period

$ 4,123 $ 3,582

TREASURY STOCK

Balance at beginning of period

(1,363,342 ) $ (11,182 ) (1,355,050 ) $ (11,066 )

Purchase of treasury shares

(20,154 ) (432 ) (8,292 ) (116 )

Balance at end of period

(1,383,496 ) $ (11,614 ) (1,363,342 ) $ (11,182 )

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$ 343,399 $ 287,777

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended
June 30,
2014 2013

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$ 16,480 $ 11,963

Adjustments reconciling net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation

3,709 2,468

Stock based compensation expense

1,012 395

Net (gains)/losses on sale or disposal of premises and equipment

1 (221 )

Net losses or write-downs on sale of other real estate owned

1,985 3,599

Provision for loan losses

3,091 7,088

Accretion of covered loans

(15,432 ) (25,841 )

Accretion of purchased non-covered loans

(3,153 )

Accretion of FDIC loss-share receivable, net of amortization of FDIC clawback payable

5,685 8,607

Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI

(620 ) (565 )

Amortization of intangible assets

970 722

Net amortization of investment securities available for sale

1,525 1,785

Net change in mortgage loans held for sale

(6,925 ) (13,794 )

Net gains on securities available for sale

(6 ) (171 )

Change attributable to other operating activities

7,585 12,210

Net cash provided by operating activities

15,907 8,245

Cash flows from investing activities, net of effect of business combinations:

Net increase in federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits

176,107 149,773

Proceeds from maturities of s ecurities available for sale

22,493 32,072

Purchase of securities available for sale

(68,632 ) (41,722 )

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

69,768 31,340

Purchase of bank owned life insurance

(30,000 )

Net increase in loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans

(160,626 ) (116,430 )

Payments received on purchased non-covered loans

27,791

Payments received on covered loans

64,743 65,971

Payments received from FDIC under loss share agreements

10,576 45,604

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned

17,420 38,534

Decrease in restricted equity securities, net

6,832

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment

56 1,928

Purchases of premises and equipment

(2,223 ) (2,117 )

Net cash proceeds received from acquisitions

1,099

Net cash provided by investing activities

165,404 174,953

Cash flows from financing activities, net of effect of business combinations:

Net increase/(decrease) in deposits

20,780 (181,560 )

Net decrease in securities sold under agreements to repurchase

(37,835 ) (30,978 )

Repayment of other borrowings

(174,005 )

Proceeds from other borrowings

57,463

Redemption of preferred stock

(28,000 )

Dividends paid - preferred stock

(286 ) (700 )

Dividends paid - common stock

(1,338 )

Purchase of treasury shares

(432 ) (116 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

373 243

Net cash used in financing activities

(163,280 ) (213,111 )

Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks

18,031 (29,913 )

Cash and due from banks at beginning of period

62,955 80,256

Cash and due from banks at end of period

$ 80,986 $ 50,343

4


Table of Contents
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2014 2013

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid/(received) during the period for:

Interest

$ 6,740 $ 5,371

Income taxes

$ 5,583 $ 8,356

Loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans) transferred to other real estate owned

$ 6,400 $ 5,564

Purchased non-covered loans transferred to other real estate owned

$ 1,425 $

Covered loans transferred to other real estate owned

$ 9,083 $ 23,275

Issuance of common stock in acquisitions

$ 34,474 $

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JUNE 30, 2014

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Ameris Bancorp (the “Company” or “Ameris”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia. Ameris conducts substantially all of its operations through its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Ameris Bank (the “Bank”). At June 30, 2014, the Bank operated 74 branches in select markets in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. Our business model capitalizes on the efficiencies of a large financial services company while still providing the community with the personalized banking service expected by our customers. We manage our Bank through a balance of decentralized management responsibilities and efficient centralized operating systems, products and loan underwriting standards. The Company’s Board of Directors and senior managers establish corporate policy, strategy and administrative policies. Within the Company’s established guidelines and policies, the banker closest to the customer responds to the differing needs and demands of their his or her market.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for Ameris have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statement presentation. The interim consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto and the report of our registered independent public accounting firm included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective prospectively, for annual and interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

ASU 2014-04 – Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (“ASU 2014-04”). ASU 2014-04 clarifies when a creditor should reclassify mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate from loans to other real estate owned. It defines when an
in-substance repossession or foreclosure has occurred and when a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate collateralizing a mortgage loan. ASU 2014-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2014, and early adoption is permitted. It can be applied either prospectively or using a modified retrospective transition method. The Company is evaluating the impact this standard may have on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

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 (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward. However, if a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of these revisions did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or disclosures.

6


Table of Contents

NOTE 2 – BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On June 30, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of The Coastal Bankshares, Inc. (“Coastal”), a bank holding company headquartered in Savannah, Georgia. Upon consummation of the acquisition, Coastal was merged with and into the Company, with Ameris as the surviving entity in the merger. At that time, Coastal’s wholly owned banking subsidiary, The Coastal Bank, was also merged with and into the Bank. The acquisition grew the Company’s existing market presence, as Coastal Bank had a total of six banking locations in Chatham, Liberty and Effingham Counties, Georgia. Coastal’s common shareholders received 0.4671 of a share of the Company’s common stock in exchange for each share of Coastal’s common stock. As a result, the Company issued 1,598,987 common shares at a fair value of $34.5 million and paid $2.8 million cash in exchange for outstanding warrants.

The acquisition of Coastal was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations . Assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values. Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values. Fair values are preliminary and subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information regarding the closing date fair values becomes available. Management continues to evaluate fair value adjustments related to loans, other real estate owned and deferred tax assets. Management is in the process of estimating the deferred tax assets resulting from differences in the carrying values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their basis for income tax purposes. This estimate will also reflect acquired net operating loss carryforwards and other acquired assets with built-in losses that are expected to be settled or otherwise recovered in future periods where the realization of such benefits would be subject to section 382 limitations. Accordingly, as of the date of acquisition, the Company has not established a deferred tax asset, as management is still performing its assessment of the realization of the benefits from the settlement or recovery of certain of these acquired assets and net operating losses are expected to be subject to section 382 limitations.

The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities of Coastal assumed as of June 30, 2014 and their initial fair value estimates. The fair value adjustments shown in the following table continue to be evaluated by management and may be subject to further adjustment:

(Dollars in Thousands) As Recorded by
Coastal
Fair Value
Adjustments
As Recorded
by Ameris

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 3,895 $ $ 3,895

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing balances

15,923 15,923

Investment securities

67,266 (500 )(a) 66,766

Other investments

975 975

Mortgage loans held for sale

7,288 7,288

Loans

296,141 (16,700 )(b) 279,441

Less allowance for loan losses

(3,218 ) 3,218 (c)

Loans, net

292,923 (13,482 ) 279,441

Other real estate owned

14,992 (3,528 )(d) 11,464

Premises and equipment

11,882 11,882

Intangible assets

507 4,266 (e) 4,773

Other assets

22,710 22,710

Total assets

$ 438,361 $ (13,244 ) $ 425,117

Liabilities

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing

$ 80,012 $ $ 80,012

Interest-bearing

289,012 289,012

Total deposits

369,024 369,024

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

5,428 5,428

Other borrowings

22,005 22,005

Other liabilities

6,192 6,192

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

15,465 (6,413 )(f) 9,052

Total liabilities

418,114 (6,413 ) 411,701

Net identifiable assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed

20,247 (6,831 ) 13,416

Goodwill

23,854 23,854

Net assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed

$ 20,247 $ 17,023 $ 37,270

Consideration:

Ameris Bancorp common shares issued

1,598,987

Purchase price per share of the Company’s common stock

$ 21.56

Company common stock issued

34,474

Cash exchanged for shares

2,796

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 37,270

Explanation of fair value adjustments

(a) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments of the available for sale portfolio as of the acquisition date.

7


Table of Contents
(b) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio.
(c) Adjustment reflects the elimination of Coastal’s allowance for loan losses.
(d) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired OREO portfolio.
(e) Adjustment reflects the recording of core deposit intangible on the acquired core deposit accounts.
(f) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment to the subordinated deferrable interest debentures at the acquisition date.

On December 23, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of The Prosperity Banking Company (“Prosperity”), a bank holding company headquartered in Saint Augustine, Florida. Upon consummation of the acquisition, Prosperity was merged with and into the Company, with Ameris as the surviving entity in the merger. At that time, Prosperity’s wholly owned banking subsidiary, Prosperity Bank, was also merged with and into the Bank. Prosperity Bank had a total of 12 banking locations, with the majority of the franchise concentrated in northeast Florida. Prosperity’s common shareholders were entitled to elect to receive either 3.125 shares of the Company’s common stock or $41.50 in cash in exchange for each share of Prosperity’s voting common stock. As a result of Prosperity shareholders’ elections, the Company issued 1,168,918 common shares at a fair value of $24.6 million.

The acquisition of Prosperity was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations . Assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values. Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values. Fair values are preliminary and subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information regarding the closing date fair values becomes available.

The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities of Prosperity assumed as of December 23, 2013 and their initial fair value estimates:

(Dollars in Thousands) As Recorded by
Prosperity
Fair Value
Adjustments
As Recorded
by Ameris

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 4,285 $ $ 4,285

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing balances

21,687 21,687

Investment securities

151,863 411 (a) 152,274

Other investments

8,727 8,727

Loans

487,358 (37,662 )(b) 449,696

Less allowance for loan losses

(6,811 ) 6,811 (c)

Loans, net

480,547 (30,851 ) 449,696

Other real estate owned

6,883 (1,260 )(d) 5,623

Premises and equipment

36,293 36,293

Intangible assets

174 4,383 (e) 4,557

Other assets

26,600 1,192 (f) 27,792

Total assets

$ 737,059 $ (26,125 ) $ 710,934

Liabilities

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing

$ 149,242 $ $ 149,242

Interest-bearing

324,441 324,441

Total deposits

473,683 473,683

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

21,530 21,530

Other borrowings

185,000 12,313 (g) 197,313

Other liabilities

14,058 455 (h) 14,513

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

29,500 (16,303 )(i) 13,197

Total liabilities

723,771 (3,535 ) 720,236

Net identifiable assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed

13,288 (22,590 ) (9,302 )

Goodwill

34,093 34,093

Net assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed

$ 13,288 $ 11,503 $ 24,791

Consideration:

Ameris Bancorp common shares issued

1,168,918

Purchase price per share of the Company’s common stock

$ 21.07

Company common stock issued

24,629

Cash exchanged for shares

162

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 24,791

8


Table of Contents

Explanation of fair value adjustments

(a) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments of the available for sale portfolio as of the acquisition date.
(b) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio.
(c) Adjustment reflects the elimination of Prosperity’s allowance for loan losses.
(d) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired OREO portfolio.
(e) Adjustment reflects the recording of core deposit intangible on the acquired core deposit accounts.
(f) Adjustment reflects the adjustment to write-off the non-realizable portion of Prosperity’s deferred tax asset of ($6.644 million), to record the deferred tax asset generated by purchase accounting adjustments of $8.435 million and to record the fair value adjustment of other assets of ($0.599 million) at the acquisition date.
(g) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment (premium) to the FHLB borrowings of $12.741 million and the fair value adjustment to the subordinated debt of $0.428 million.
(h) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment of other liabilities at the acquisition date.
(i) Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment to the subordinated deferrable interest debentures at the acquisition date.

On the dates of acquisition, the Company estimated the future cash flows on each individual loan and made the necessary adjustments to reflect the asset at fair value. At each quarter end subsequent to the acquisition dates, the Company revises the estimates of future cash flows based on current information and makes the necessary adjustments to carrying value. The adjustments are performed on a loan-by-loan basis. No adjustments have been made for the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013.

A rollforward of purchased non-covered loans with deterioration of credit quality for the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013 is shown below:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Balance, January 1

$ 67,165 $ $

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

(2,218 )

Additions due to acquisitions

29,280 67,165

Other (loan payments, transfers, etc.)

(970 )

Ending balance

$ 93,257 $ 67,165 $

A rollforward of purchased non-covered loans without deterioration of credit quality for the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013 is shown below:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Balance, January 1

$ 381,588 $ $

Additions due to acquisitions

249,520 382,531

Loan payments, transfers, etc.

(22,234 ) (943 )

Ending balance

$ 608,874 $ 381,588 $

The following is a summary of changes in the accretable discounts of purchased non-covered loans during the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Balance, January 1

$ 26,189 $ $

Additions due to acquisitions

7,799 26,189

Accretion

(3,153 )

Other activity, net

1,486

Ending balance

$ 32,321 $ 26,189 $

9


Table of Contents

NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The Company’s investment policy blends the Company’s liquidity needs and interest rate risk management with its desire to increase income and provide funds for expected growth in loans. The investment securities portfolio consists primarily of U.S. government sponsored mortgage-backed securities and agencies, state, county and municipal securities and corporate debt securities. The Company’s portfolio and investing philosophy concentrate activities in obligations where the credit risk is limited. For the small portion of the Company’s portfolio found to present credit risk, the Company has reviewed the investments and financial performance of the obligors and believes the credit risk to be acceptable.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 are presented below:

Amortized
Cost
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30, 2014:

U. S. government agencies

$ 14,950 $ $ (505 ) $ 14,445

State, county and municipal securities

143,507 3,136 (863 ) 145,780

Corporate debt securities

10,805 284 (131 ) 10,958

Mortgage-backed securities

361,194 5,435 (2,182 ) 364,447

Total securities

$ 530,456 $ 8,855 $ (3,681 ) $ 535,630

December 31, 2013:

U. S. government agencies

$ 14,947 $ $ (1,021 ) $ 13,926

State, county and municipal securities

112,659 2,269 (2,174 ) 112,754

Corporate debt securities

10,311 275 (261 ) 10,325

Collateralized debt obligations

1,480 1,480

Mortgage-backed securities

349,441 2,347 (4,038 ) 347,750

Total securities

$ 488,838 $ 4,891 $ (7,494 ) $ 486,235

June 30, 2013:

U. S. government agencies

$ 14,944 $ $ (609 ) $ 14,335

State, county and municipal securities

109,793 3,708 (742 ) 112,759

Corporate debt securities

10,543 311 (764 ) 10,090

Mortgage-backed securities

177,196 3,824 (2,036 ) 178,984

Total securities

$ 312,476 $ 7,843 $ (4,151 ) $ 316,168

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2014 by contractual maturity are summarized in the table below. Expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because in certain cases borrowers can prepay obligations without prepayment penalties. Therefore, these securities are not included in the following maturity summary:

Amortized
Cost
Fair
Value
(Dollars in Thousands)

Due in one year or less

$ 5,055 $ 5,123

Due from one year to five years

41,290 42,911

Due from five to ten years

66,456 66,794

Due after ten years

56,461 56,355

Mortgage-backed securities

361,194 364,447

$ 530,456 $ 535,630

Securities with a carrying value of approximately $228.3 million serve as collateral to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law at June 30, 2014, compared to $399.0 million and $224.5 million at December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively.

10


Table of Contents

The following table details the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities aggregated by category and duration of continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013.

Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total
Description of Securities Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30, 2014:

U. S. government agencies

$ $ $ 14,445 $ (505 ) $ 14,445 $ (505 )

State, county and municipal securities

4,088 (35 ) 29,203 (828 ) 33,291 (863 )

Corporate debt securities

4,945 (131 ) 4,945 (131 )

Mortgage-backed securities

25,107 (65 ) 51,039 (2,117 ) 76,146 (2,182 )

Total temporarily impaired securities

$ 29,195 $ (100 ) $ 99,632 $ (3,581 ) $ 128,827 $ (3,681 )

December 31, 2013:

U. S. government agencies

$ 13,926 $ (1,021 ) $ $ $ 13,926 $ (1,021 )

State, county and municipal securities

47,401 (1,882 ) 3,794 (292 ) 51,195 (2,174 )

Corporate debt securities

4,826 (261 ) 4,826 (261 )

Collateralized debt obligations

Mortgage-backed securities

94,989 (2,493 ) 23,388 (1,545 ) 118,377 (4,038 )

Total temporarily impaired securities

$ 156,316 $ (5,396 ) $ 32,008 $ (2,098 ) $ 188,324 $ (7,494 )

June 30, 2013:

U. S. government agencies

$ 14,335 $ (609 ) $ $ $ 14,335 $ (609 )

State, county and municipal securities

36,268 (726 ) 497 (16 ) 36,765 (742 )

Corporate debt securities

4,333 (764 ) 4,333 (764 )

Mortgage-backed securities

68,031 (2,036 ) 925 68,956 (2,036 )

Total temporarily impaired securities

$ 118,634 $ (3,371 ) $ 5,755 $ (780 ) $ 124,389 $ (4,151 )

Management and the Company’s Asset and Liability Committee (the “ALCO Committee”) evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. While the majority of the unrealized losses on debt securities relate to changes in interest rates, corporate debt securities have also been affected by reduced levels of liquidity and higher risk premiums. Occasionally, management engages independent third parties to evaluate the Company’s position in certain corporate debt securities to aid management and the ALCO Committee in its determination regarding the status of impairment. The Company believes that each investment poses minimal credit risk and further, that the Company does not intend to sell these investment securities at an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery or maturity. Therefore, at June 30, 2014, these investments are not considered impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, all of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities were obligations of government-sponsored agencies.

The following table is a summary of sales activities in the Company’s investment securities available for sale for the six months ended June 30, 2014, year ended December 31, 2013 and six months ended June 30, 2013:

June 30, 2014 December 31, 2013 June 30, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Gross gains on sales of securities

$ 8 $ 353 $ 353

Gross losses on sales of securities

(2 ) (182 ) (182 )

Net realized gains on sales of securities available for sale

$ 6 $ 171 $ 171

Sales proceeds

$ 69,768 $ 36,669 $ 31,340

11


Table of Contents

NOTE 4 – LOANS

The Company engages in a full complement of lending activities, including real estate-related loans, agriculture-related loans, commercial and financial loans and consumer installment loans within select markets in Georgia, Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. Ameris concentrates the majority of its lending activities in real estate loans. While risk of loss in the Company’s portfolio is primarily tied to the credit quality of the various borrowers, risk of loss may increase due to factors beyond the Company’s control, such as local, regional and/or national economic downturns. General conditions in the real estate market may also impact the relative risk in the real estate portfolio.

Commercial, financial and agricultural loans include both secured and unsecured loans for working capital, expansion, crop production, and other business purposes. Short-term working capital loans are secured by non-real estate collateral such as accounts receivable, crops, inventory and equipment. The Company evaluates the financial strength, cash flow, management, credit history of the borrower and the quality of the collateral securing the loan. The Bank often requires personal guarantees and secondary sources of repayment on commercial, financial and agricultural loans.

Real estate loans include construction and development loans, commercial and farmland loans and residential loans. Construction and development loans include loans for the development of residential neighborhoods, construction of one-to-four family residential construction loans to builders and consumers, and commercial real estate construction loans, primarily for owner-occupied properties. The Company limits its construction lending risk through adherence to established underwriting procedures. Commercial real estate loans include loans secured by owner-occupied commercial buildings for office, storage, retail, farmland and warehouse space. They also include non-owner occupied commercial buildings such as leased retail and office space. Commercial real estate loans may be larger in size and may involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Payments on such loans are often dependent on successful operation or management of the properties. The Company’s residential loans represent permanent mortgage financing and are secured by residential properties located within the Bank’s market areas.

Consumer installment loans and other loans include automobile loans, boat and recreational vehicle financing, and both secured and unsecured personal loans. Consumer loans carry greater risks than other loans, as the collateral can consist of rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles and equipment that may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the loan in the case of default.

Loans are stated at unpaid balances, net of unearned income and deferred loan fees. Balances within the major loans receivable categories are presented in the following table, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$ 304,588 $ 244,373 $ 208,424

Real estate – construction and development

149,346 146,371 134,607

Real estate – commercial and farmland

850,000 808,323 788,654

Real estate – residential

422,731 366,882 357,685

Consumer installment

31,902 34,249 36,923

Other

11,492 18,256 29,534

$ 1,770,059 $ 1,618,454 $ 1,555,827

Purchased non-covered loans are defined as loans that were acquired in bank acquisitions that are not covered by a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC. Purchased non-covered loans totaling $702.1 million and $448.8 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, are not included in the above schedule. There were no purchased non-covered loans at June 30, 2013.

Purchased non-covered loans are shown below according to major loan type as of the end of the periods shown:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$ 41,583 $ 32,141 $

Real estate – construction and development

64,084 31,176

Real estate – commercial and farmland

311,748 179,898

Real estate – residential

278,451 200,851

Consumer installment

6,265 4,687

$ 702,131 $ 448,753 $

12


Table of Contents

Covered loans are defined as loans that were acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions that are covered by a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC. Covered loans totaling $331.3 million, $390.2 million and $443.5 million at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively, are not included in the above schedule.

Covered loans are shown below according to loan type as of the end of the periods shown:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$ 25,209 $ 26,550 $ 27,371

Real estate – construction and development

31,600 43,179 52,972

Real estate – commercial and farmland

188,643 224,451 255,102

Real estate – residential

85,518 95,173 107,107

Consumer installment

280 884 965

$ 331,250 $ 390,237 $ 443,517

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s judgment, the collection of the interest income appears doubtful. Interest receivable that has been accrued and is subsequently determined to have doubtful collectability is charged against interest income. Interest payments on nonaccrual loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Nonaccrual loans are loans whose principal or interest is past due 90 days or more. In some cases, where borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties, loans may be restructured to provide terms significantly different from the original contractual terms.

The following table presents an analysis of loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$ 1,596 $ 4,103 $ 4,326

Real estate – construction and development

3,452 3,971 5,448

Real estate – commercial and farmland

8,831 8,566 8,963

Real estate – residential

7,795 12,152 12,423

Consumer installment

437 411 651

$ 22,111 $ 29,203 $ 31,811

The following table presents an analysis of purchased non-covered loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$ 143 $ 11 $

Real estate – construction and development

2,273 325

Real estate – commercial and farmland

6,647 1,653

Real estate – residential

6,658 4,658

Consumer installment

49 12

$ 15,770 $ 6,659 $

The following table presents an analysis of covered loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$ 12,254 $ 7,257 $ 8,729

Real estate – construction and development

8,028 14,781 17,039

Real estate – commercial and farmland

17,027 33,495 47,427

Real estate – residential

8,702 13,278 15,459

Consumer installment

127 341 285

$ 46,138 $ 69,152 $ 88,939

13


Table of Contents

The following table presents an aging analysis of loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered past due loans as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2014:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 1,180 $ 966 $ 1,077 $ 3,223 $ 301,365 $ 304,588 $

Real estate – construction & development

3,942 296 3,449 7,687 141,659 149,346

Real estate – commercial & farmland

4,622 1,860 7,404 13,886 836,114 850,000

Real estate – residential

5,806 3,829 7,197 16,832 405,899 422,731

Consumer installment loans

345 176 310 831 31,071 31,902

Other

11,492 11,492

Total

$ 15,895 $ 7,127 $ 19,437 $ 42,459 $ 1,727,600 $ 1,770,059 $

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 10,893 $ 272 $ 4,081 $ 15,246 $ 229,127 $ 244,373 $

Real estate – construction & development

1,026 69 3,935 5,030 141,341 146,371

Real estate – commercial & farmland

3,981 1,388 7,751 13,120 795,203 808,323

Real estate – residential

5,422 1,735 11,587 18,744 348,138 366,882

Consumer installment loans

568 197 305 1,070 33,179 34,249

Other

18,256 18,256

Total

$ 21,890 $ 3,661 $ 27,659 $ 53,210 $ 1,565,244 $ 1,618,454 $

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 1,449 $ 502 $ 4,013 $ 5,964 $ 202,460 $ 208,424 $

Real estate – construction & development

1,638 104 5,418 7,160 127,447 134,607

Real estate – commercial & farmland

5,392 1,580 5,333 12,305 776,349 788,654

Real estate – residential

4,735 5,256 11,745 21,736 335,949 357,685

Consumer installment loans

432 175 548 1,155 35,768 36,923

Other

29,534 29,534

Total

$ 13,646 $ 7,617 $ 27,057 $ 48,320 $ 1,507,507 $ 1,555,827 $

14


Table of Contents

The following table presents an aging analysis of purchased non-covered past due loans based on the recorded basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. There were no purchased non-covered loans as of June 30, 2013:

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2014:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 137 $ 26 $ 143 $ 306 $ 41,277 $ 41,583 $

Real estate – construction & development

712 168 2,165 3,045 61,039 64,084

Real estate – commercial & farmland

1,263 1,605 6,647 9,515 302,233 311,748

Real estate – residential

6,952 983 6,144 14,079 264,372 278,451

Consumer installment loans

23 29 47 99 6,166 6,265

Total

$ 9,087 $ 2,811 $ 15,146 $ 27,044 $ 675,087 $ 702,131 $

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 370 $ 70 $ 11 $ 451 $ 31,690 $ 32,141 $

Real estate – construction & development

1,008 89 325 1,422 29,754 31,176

Real estate – commercial & farmland

6,851 2,064 1,516 10,431 169,467 179,898

Real estate – residential

4,667 1,074 3,428 9,169 191,682 200,851

Consumer installment loans

7 17 9 33 4,654 4,687

Total

$ 12,903 $ 3,314 $ 5,289 $ 21,506 $ 427,247 $ 448,753 $

15


Table of Contents

The following table presents an aging analysis of covered loans as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2014:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 16 $ 467 $ 6,909 $ 7,392 $ 17,817 $ 25,209 $

Real estate – construction & development

551 459 7,708 8,718 22,882 31,600

Real estate – commercial & farmland

6,399 139 10,443 16,981 171,662 188,643

Real estate – residential

2,490 690 5,939 9,119 76,399 85,518

Consumer installment loans

49 56 105 175 280

Total

$ 9,456 $ 1,804 $ 31,055 $ 42,315 $ 288,935 $ 331,250 $

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 3,966 $ 12 $ 6,165 $ 10,143 $ 16,407 $ 26,550 $

Real estate – construction & development

843 144 14,055 15,042 28,137 43,179

Real estate – commercial & farmland

8,482 4,350 26,428 39,260 185,191 224,451 346

Real estate – residential

7,648 1,914 10,244 19,806 75,367 95,173

Consumer installment loans

51 14 305 370 514 884

Total

$ 20,990 $ 6,434 $ 57,197 $ 84,621 $ 305,616 $ 390,237 $ 346

Loans
30-59
Days Past
Due
Loans
60-89
Days
Past Due
Loans 90
or More
Days Past
Due
Total
Loans
Past Due
Current
Loans
Total
Loans
Loans 90
Days or
More Past
Due and
Still
Accruing
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 529 $ 441 $ 7,333 $ 8,303 $ 19,068 $ 27,371 $ 63

Real estate – construction & development

2,672 743 15,911 19,326 33,646 52,972 348

Real estate – commercial & farmland

4,020 3,929 41,250 49,199 205,903 255,102 636

Real estate – residential

6,283 772 12,155 19,210 87,897 107,107 60

Consumer installment loans

68 6 255 329 636 965

Total

$ 13,572 $ 5,891 $ 76,904 $ 96,367 $ 347,150 $ 443,517 $ 1,107

16


Table of Contents

Impaired Loans

Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreements. When determining if the Company will be unable to collect all principal and interest payments due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, the Company considers the borrower’s capacity to pay, which includes such factors as the borrower’s current financial statements, an analysis of global cash flow sufficient to pay all debt obligations and an evaluation of secondary sources of repayment, such as guarantor support and collateral value. Impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and troubled debt restructurings. The Company individually assesses for impairment all nonaccrual loans greater than $200,000 and rated substandard or worse and all troubled debt restructurings greater than $100,000. If a loan is deemed impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis.

The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans:

As of and For the Period Ended
June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Nonaccrual loans

$ 22,111 $ 29,203 $ 31,811

Troubled debt restructurings not included above

17,337 17,214 18,015

Total impaired loans

$ 39,448 $ 46,417 $ 49,826

Impaired loans not requiring a related allowance

$ $ $

Impaired loans requiring a related allowance

$ 39,448 $ 46,417 $ 49,826

Allowance related to impaired loans

$ 3,619 $ 3,871 $ 5,072

Average investment in impaired loans

$ 43,814 $ 51,721 $ 54,481

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

$ 42 $ 522 $ 451

Foregone interest income on impaired loans

$ 23 $ 418 $ 172

The following table presents an analysis of information pertaining to impaired loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013.

Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2014:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 3,398 $ $ 1,852 $ 1,852 $ 298 $ 3,397

Real estate – construction & development

9,336 5,532 5,532 798 5,811

Real estate – commercial & farmland

19,215 16,421 16,421 1,629 16,394

Real estate – residential

18,313 15,131 15,131 884 17,698

Consumer installment loans

638 512 512 10 514

Total

$ 50,900 $ $ 39,448 $ 39,448 $ 3,619 $ 43,814

17


Table of Contents
Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 6,240 $ $ 4,618 $ 4,618 $ 435 $ 4,844

Real estate – construction & development

11,363 5,867 5,867 512 8,341

Real estate – commercial & farmland

18,456 15,479 15,479 1,443 17,559

Real estate – residential

24,342 19,970 19,970 1,472 20,335

Consumer installment loans

623 483 483 9 642

Total

$ 61,024 $ $ 46,417 $ 46,417 $ 3,871 $ 51,721

Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 7,723 $ $ 5,384 $ 5,384 $ 1,018 $ 4,960

Real estate – construction & development

15,324 7,394 7,394 687 9,894

Real estate – commercial & farmland

19,759 16,491 16,491 1,657 18,692

Real estate – residential

23,373 19,893 19,893 1,692 20,178

Consumer installment loans

808 664 664 18 757

Total

$ 66,987 $ $ 49,826 $ 49,826 $ 5,072 $ 54,481

The following is a summary of information pertaining to purchased non-covered impaired loans:

As of and For the Period Ended
June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Nonaccrual loans

$ 15,770 $ 6,659 $

Troubled debt restructurings not included above

Total impaired loans

$ 15,770 $ 6,659 $

Impaired loans not requiring a related allowance

$ 15,770 $ 6,659 $

Impaired loans requiring a related allowance

$ $ $

Allowance related to impaired loans

$ $ $

Average investment in impaired loans

$ 12,582 $ 128 $

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

$ 16 $ $

Foregone interest income on impaired loans

$ 158 $ $

18


Table of Contents

The following table presents an analysis of information pertaining to impaired purchased non-covered loans as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. There were no purchased non-covered loans as of June 30, 2013:

Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2014:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 550 $ 143 $ $ 143 $ $ 90

Real estate – construction & development

4,649 2,273 2,273 1,243

Real estate – commercial & farmland

9,848 6,647 6,647 5,043

Real estate – residential

10,598 6,658 6,658 6,175

Consumer installment loans

65 49 49 31

Total

$ 25,710 $ 15,770 $ $ 15,770 $ $ 12,582

Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 19 $ 11 $ $ 11 $ $

Real estate – construction & development

542 325 325 6

Real estate – commercial & farmland

2,673 1,653 1,653 32

Real estate – residential

7,712 4,658 4,658 90

Consumer installment loans

20 12 12

Total

$ 10,996 $ 6,659 $ $ 6,659 $ $ 128

The following is a summary of information pertaining to covered impaired loans:

As of and For the Period Ended
June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Nonaccrual loans

$ 46,138 $ 69,152 $ 88,939

Troubled debt restructurings not included above

9,221 8,409 10,253

Total impaired loans

$ 55,359 $ 77,561 $ 99,192

Impaired loans not requiring a related allowance

$ 55,359 $ 77,561 $ 99,192

Impaired loans requiring a related allowance

$ $ $

Allowance related to impaired loans

$ $ $

Average investment in impaired loans

$ 70,932 $ 94,873 $ 104,473

Interest income recognized on impaired loans

$ 214 $ 968 $ 784

Foregone interest income on impaired loans

$ 94 $ 330 $ 242

19


Table of Contents

The following table presents an analysis of information pertaining to impaired covered loans as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2014:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 14,617 $ 12,254 $ $ 12,254 $ $ 10,525

Real estate – construction & development

9,780 8,028 8,028 13,380

Real estate – commercial & farmland

21,236 18,093 18,093 27,174

Real estate – residential

18,662 16,857 16,857 19,641

Consumer installment loans

161 127 127 212

Total

$ 64,456 $ 55,359 $ $ 55,359 $ $ 70,932

Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 9,598 $ 7,257 $ $ 7,257 $ $ 8,676

Real estate – construction & development

17,540 14,781 14,781 17,909

Real estate – commercial & farmland

39,056 34,074 34,074 44,652

Real estate – residential

24,819 21,108 21,108 23,332

Consumer installment loans

394 341 341 304

Total

$ 91,407 $ 77,561 $ $ 77,561 $ $ 94,873

Unpaid
Contractual
Principal
Balance
Recorded
Investment
With No
Allowance
Recorded
Investment
With
Allowance
Total
Recorded
Investment
Related
Allowance
Average
Recorded
Investment
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2013:

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 12,151 $ 8,769 $ $ 8,769 $ $ 9,417

Real estate – construction & development

24,044 19,198 19,198 19,394

Real estate – commercial & farmland

58,538 48,000 48,000 50,508

Real estate – residential

27,794 22,940 22,940 24,877

Consumer installment loans

340 285 285 277

Total

$ 122,867 $ 99,192 $ $ 99,192 $ $ 104,473

Credit Quality Indicators

The Company uses a nine category risk grading system to assign a risk grade to each loan in the portfolio. Every loan is assigned a risk rating, with the exception of credit card receivables and overdraft protection loans which are treated as pools for risk rating purposes. Relationships greater than $250,000 are reviewed annually by the Bank’s independent internal loan review department or an independent third party loan review firm. The following is a description of the general characteristics of the grades:

Grade 10 – Prime Credit – This grade represents loans to the Company’s most creditworthy borrowers or loans that are secured by cash or cash equivalents.

Grade 15 – Good Credit – This grade includes loans that exhibit one or more characteristics better than that of a Satisfactory Credit . Generally, the debt service coverage and borrower’s liquidity is materially better than required by the Company’s loan policy.

Grade 20 – Satisfactory Credit – This grade is assigned to loans to borrowers who exhibit satisfactory credit histories, contain acceptable loan structures and demonstrate ability to repay.

Grade 23 – Performing, Under-Collateralized Credit – This grade is assigned to loans that are currently performing and supported by adequate financial information that reflects repayment capacity but exhibit a loan-to-value ratio greater than 110%, based on a documented collateral valuation.

20


Table of Contents

Grade 25 – Minimum Acceptable Credit – This grade includes loans which exhibit all the characteristics of a Satisfactory Credit , but warrant more than normal level of banker supervision due to (i) circumstances which elevate the risks of performance (such as start-up operations, untested management, heavy leverage and interim losses); (ii) adverse, extraordinary events that have affected, or could affect, the borrower’s cash flow, financial condition, ability to continue operating profitability or refinancing (such as death of principal, fire and divorce); (iii) loans that require more than the normal servicing requirements (such as any type of construction financing, acquisition and development loans, accounts receivable or inventory loans and floor plan loans); (iv) existing technical exceptions which raise some doubts about the Bank’s perfection in its collateral position or the continued financial capacity of the borrower; or (v) improvements in formerly criticized borrowers, which may warrant banker supervision.

Grade 30 – Other Asset Especially Mentioned – This grade includes loans that exhibit potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Company’s credit position at some future date.

Grade 40 – Substandard – This grade represents loans which are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. These assets exhibit a well-defined weakness or are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. These weaknesses may be characterized by past due performance, operating losses or questionable collateral values.

Grade 50 – Doubtful – This grade includes loans which exhibit all of the characteristics of a substandard loan with the added provision that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable or improbable.

Grade 60 – Loss – This grade is assigned to loans which are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as active assets of the Bank is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loss has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing it off.

The following table presents the loan portfolio, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by risk grade as of June 30, 2014.

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ 103,726 $ $ 255 $ 505 $ 6,356 $ $ 110,842

15

24,620 4,678 141,846 54,388 1,120 226,652

20

102,278 48,008 460,715 226,149 17,714 11,492 866,356

23

123 9,215 9,318 9,479 294 28,429

25

65,882 77,973 197,381 103,846 5,281 450,363

30

4,004 2,680 12,914 13,568 194 33,360

40

3,955 6,792 27,571 14,786 943 54,047

50

10 10

60

Total

$ 304,588 $ 149,346 $ 850,000 $ 422,731 $ 31,902 $ 11,492 $ 1,770,059

The following table presents the loan portfolio, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by risk grade as of December 31, 2013.

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ 66,983 $ $ 265 $ 419 $ 6,714 $ $ 74,381

15

24,789 4,655 147,157 52,335 1,276 230,212

20

93,852 45,195 431,790 165,339 18,619 18,256 773,051

23

127 8,343 10,219 12,641 274 31,604

25

50,373 78,736 181,645 103,427 6,310 420,491

30

2,111 2,876 11,849 13,558 197 30,591

40

6,011 6,566 25,398 19,153 859 57,987

50

127 10 137

60

Total

$ 244,373 $ 146,371 $ 808,323 $ 366,882 $ 34,249 $ 18,256 $ 1,618,454

21


Table of Contents

The following table presents the loan portfolio, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by risk grade as of June 30, 2013:

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ 37,173 $ $ 298 $ 498 $ 6,883 $ $ 44,852

15

17,783 4,934 154,369 63,078 1,527 241,691

20

82,636 36,654 402,677 137,518 19,586 29,534 708,605

23

108 6,878 9,575 13,104 165 29,830

25

60,981 75,273 189,109 110,244 7,497 443,104

30

3,154 3,183 12,104 10,666 159 29,266

40

5,991 7,685 20,522 22,577 1,104 57,879

50

598 598

60

2 2

Total

$ 208,424 $ 134,607 $ 788,654 $ 357,685 $ 36,923 $ 29,534 $ 1,555,827

The following table presents the purchased non-covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of June 30, 2014:

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ 3,494 $ $ $ 293 $ 557 $ $ 4,344

15

4,728 245 14,191 15,839 537 35,540

20

11,567 12,905 94,598 64,937 2,683 186,690

23

165 165

25

18,251 42,127 175,427 178,523 2,343 416,671

30

3,162 4,722 16,078 8,326 21 32,309

40

381 4,085 11,454 10,368 124 26,412

50

60

Total

$ 41,583 $ 64,084 $ 311,748 $ 278,451 $ 6,265 $ $ 702,131

The following table presents the purchased non-covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of December 31, 2013:

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ 1,865 $ $ $ 289 $ 451 $ $ 2,605

15

4,606 7 12,998 16,160 703 34,474

20

5,172 3,960 43,802 34,576 1,383 88,893

23

25

19,638 20,733 102,260 129,923 1,888 274,442

30

576 1,760 9,554 10,878 194 22,962

40

284 4,716 11,284 9,025 68 25,377

50

60

Total

$ 32,141 $ 31,176 $ 179,898 $ 200,851 $ 4,687 $ $ 448,753

There were no purchased non-covered loans as of June 30, 2013.

22


Table of Contents

The following table presents the covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of June 30, 2014:

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

15

2 822 629 1,453

20

1,133 5,524 33,050 17,143 68 56,918

23

124 555 15,528 5,557 21,764

25

6,569 9,251 94,504 36,507 40 146,871

30

4,398 4,802 9,959 8,326 2 27,487

40

12,985 11,466 34,780 17,356 170 76,757

50

60

Total

$ 25,209 $ 31,600 $ 188,643 $ 85,518 $ 280 $ $ 331,250

The following table presents the covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of December 31, 2013:

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

15

16 1,048 638 1,702

20

2,184 8,549 34,674 21,363 193 66,963

23

134 1,085 17,037 4,748 51 23,055

25

7,508 9,611 101,657 38,427 235 157,438

30

5,125 2,006 21,297 6,979 17 35,424

40

11,599 21,912 48,738 23,018 388 105,655

50

60

Total

$ 26,550 $ 43,179 $ 224,451 $ 95,173 $ 884 $ $ 390,237

The following table presents the covered loan portfolio by risk grade as of June 30, 2013:

Risk

Grade

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans
Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

10

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

15

27 1,571 634 2,232

20

2,815 10,533 36,360 25,277 231 75,216

23

69 1,666 11,323 2,671 15,729

25

8,469 11,574 118,867 41,408 348 180,666

30

1,999 3,505 26,144 9,175 25 40,848

40

14,019 25,667 60,837 27,942 361 128,826

50

60

Total

$ 27,371 $ 52,972 $ 255,102 $ 107,107 $ 965 $ $ 443,517

23


Table of Contents

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the Company has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions to below market interest rates, principal forgiveness, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. The Company has exhibited the greatest success for rehabilitation of a loan by a reduction in the rate alone (maintaining the amortization of the debt) or a combination of a rate reduction and the forbearance of previously past due interest or principal. This has most typically been evidenced in certain commercial real estate loans whereby a disruption in the borrower’s cash flow resulted in an extended past due status, of which the borrower was unable to catch up completely as the cash flow of the property ultimately stabilized at a level lower than its original level. A reduction in rate, coupled with a forbearance of unpaid principal and/or interest, allowed the net cash flows to service the debt under the modified terms.

The Company’s policy requires a restructure request to be supported by a current, well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and a collateral evaluation that is no older than six months from the date of the restructure. Key factors of that evaluation include the documentation of current, recurring cash flows, support provided by the guarantor(s) and the current valuation of the collateral. If the appraisal on file is older than six months, an evaluation must be made as to the continued reasonableness of the valuation. For certain income-producing properties, current rent rolls and/or other income information can be utilized to support the appraisal valuation, when coupled with documented cap rates within our markets and a physical inspection of the collateral to validate the current condition.

The Company’s policy states in the event a loan has been identified as a troubled debt restructuring, it should be assigned a grade of substandard and placed on nonaccrual status until such time that the borrower has demonstrated the ability to service the loan payments based on the restructured terms – generally defined as six months of satisfactory payment history. Missed payments under the original loan terms are not considered under the new structure; however, subsequent missed payments are considered non-performance and are not considered toward the six month required term of satisfactory payment history. The Company’s loan policy states that a nonaccrual loan may be returned to accrual status when (i) none of its principal and interest is due and unpaid, and the Company expects repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest, or (ii) it otherwise becomes well secured and in the process of collection. Restoration to accrual status on any given loan must be supported by a well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and the prospects for full repayment, approved by the Company’s Senior Credit Officer.

In the normal course of business, the Company renews loans with a modification of the interest rate or terms that are not deemed as troubled debt restructurings because the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulty. The Company modified loans in the first six months of 2014 and 2013 totaling $8.4 million and $20.7 million, respectively, under such parameters. In addition, the Company offers consumer loan customers an annual skip-a-pay program that is based on certain qualifying parameters and not based on financial difficulties. The Company does not treat these as troubled debt restructurings.

As of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, the Company had a balance of $21.1 million, $20.9 million and $20.6 million, respectively, in troubled debt restructurings, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans. The Company has recorded $3.0 million, $2.1 million and $2.0 million in previous charge-offs on such loans at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively. The Company’s balance in the allowance for loan losses allocated to such troubled debt restructurings was $398,000, $432,000 and $482,000 at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively. At June 30, 2014, the Company did not have any commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified in troubled restructurings. Troubled debt restructurings with an outstanding balance of $130,218 at December 31, 2013 defaulted during the first six months of 2014 and these defaults did not have a material impact on the Company’s allowance for loan loss.

24


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

3 $ 257 3 $ 465

Real estate – construction & development

12 2,080 2 32

Real estate – commercial & farmland

19 7,590 4 2,151

Real estate – residential

38 7,335 8 1,044

Consumer installment

14 75 5 51

Total

86 $ 17,337 22 $ 3,743

As of December 31, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

4 $ 515 3 $ 525

Real estate – construction & development

8 1,896 2 32

Real estate – commercial & farmland

17 6,913 4 2,273

Real estate – residential

37 7,818 8 834

Consumer installment

6 72 3 19

Total

72 $ 17,214 20 $ 3,683

As of June 30, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

7 $ 1,059 $

Real estate – construction & development

7 1,946 1 29

Real estate – commercial & farmland

16 7,529 2 1,493

Real estate – residential

30 7,468 6 1,046

Consumer installment

1 13

Total

61 $ 18,015 9 $ 2,568

25


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, classified separately as those currently paying under restructured terms and those that have defaulted (defined as 30 days past due) under restructured terms at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Loans Currently
Paying Under
Restructured Terms
Loans that have
Defaulted Under
Restructured Terms

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

5 $ 272 1 $ 449

Real estate – construction & development

10 2,042 4 69

Real estate – commercial & farmland

20 7,895 3 1,846

Real estate – residential

34 6,582 12 1,798

Consumer installment

14 92 5 35

Total

83 $ 16,883 25 $ 4,197

As of December 31, 2013 Loans Currently
Paying Under
Restructured Terms
Loans that have
Defaulted Under
Restructured Terms

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

4 $ 515 3 $ 525

Real estate – construction & development

8 1,896 2 32

Real estate – commercial & farmland

16 6,396 5 2,789

Real estate – residential

32 6,699 13 1,953

Consumer installment

7 90 2 2

Total

67 $ 15,596 25 $ 5,301

As of June 30, 2013 Loans Currently
Paying Under
Restructured Terms
Loans that have
Defaulted Under
Restructured Terms

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

7 $ 1,059 $

Real estate – construction & development

7 1,946 1 29

Real estate – commercial & farmland

16 7,529 2 1,493

Real estate – residential

31 7,788 5 726

Consumer installment

1 13

Total

62 $ 18,335 8 $ 2,248

26


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by types of concessions made, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Type of concession:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Forbearance of interest

12 $ 2,145 $

Forgiveness of principal

5 2,448

Rate reduction only

14 6,842 5 1,176

Rate reduction, forbearance of interest

38 3,204 14 2,522

Rate reduction, forbearance of principal

17 2,698 2 16

Rate reduction, payment modification

1 29

Total

86 $ 17,337 22 $ 3,743

As of December 31, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Type of concession:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Forbearance of interest

10 $ 2,170 2 $ 97

Forgiveness of principal

3 1,467 1 145

Payment modification only

1 280 1 88

Rate reduction only

14 7,069 3 913

Rate reduction, forbearance of interest

26 3,252 12 2,411

Rate reduction, forbearance of principal

18 2,976

Rate reduction, payment modification

1 29

Total

72 $ 17,214 20 $ 3,683

As of June 30, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Type of concession:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Forbearance of interest

9 $ 2,168 2 $ 105

Forgiveness of principal

3 1,493 1 145

Payment modification only

2 373

Rate reduction only

12 6,924 2 496

Rate reduction, forbearance of interest

18 4,724 1 222

Rate reduction, forbearance of principal

17 2,333 2 1,571

Rate reduction, payment modification

1 29

Total

61 $ 18,015 9 $ 2,568

27


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, by collateral types, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Collateral type:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Warehouse

4 $ 1,385 2 $ 469

Raw land

5 1,279 1 29

Agricultural land

2 374

Hotel & motel

3 2,101

Office

4 1,644

Retail, including strip centers

5 1,722 2 1,682

1-4 family residential

46 8,144 10 1,063

Church

1 364

Automobile/equipment/inventory

15 84 7 500

Unsecured

1 240

Total

86 $ 17,337 22 $ 3,743

As of December 31, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Collateral type:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Warehouse

4 $ 1,346 2 $ 592

Raw land

11 2,345 2 32

Hotel & motel

3 2,185

Office

4 1,909

Retail, including strip centers

4 1,095 2 1,680

1-4 family residential

36 7,747 9 852

Life insurance policy

1 250

Automobile/equipment/inventory

8 92 4 479

Unsecured

1 245 1 48

Total

72 $ 17,214 20 $ 3,683

As of June 30, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Collateral type:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Warehouse

2 $ 345 2 $ 1,493

Raw land

3 1,354 1 29

Agricultural land

1 66

Hotel & motel

3 2,233

Office

4 2,085

Retail, including strip centers

6 2,800

1-4 family residential

34 8,061 6 1,046

Life insurance policy

1 249

Automobile/equipment/inventory

5 522

Unsecured

2 300

Total

61 $ 18,015 9 $ 2,568

As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any troubled debt restructurings included in purchased non-covered loans.

28


Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, the Company had a balance of $9.8 million, $9.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively, in troubled debt restructurings included in covered loans. The Company has recorded $42,000, $64,000 and $36,000 in previous charge-offs on such loans at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively. At June 30, 2014, the Company did not have any commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose terms have been modified in troubled restructurings.

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of covered loans, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 1 $ 24

Real estate – construction & development

1 14

Real estate – commercial & farmland

5 1,066 2 152

Real estate – residential

82 8,155 7 403

Consumer installment

1 4

Total

87 $ 9,221 12 $ 597

As of December 31, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

$ 2 $ 67

Real estate – construction & development

1 16

Real estate – commercial & farmland

4 579 1 134

Real estate – residential

72 7,830 6 464

Consumer installment

1 5

Total

76 $ 8,409 11 $ 686

As of June 30, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

1 $ 40 $

Real estate – construction & development

2 2,159 1 10

Real estate – commercial & farmland

4 573 1 19

Real estate – residential

63 7,481 2 122

Consumer installment

Total

70 $ 10,253 4 $ 151

29


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings by loan class of covered loans, classified separately as those currently paying under restructured terms and those that have defaulted under restructured terms at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

1 $ 24 $

Real estate – construction & development

1 14

Real estate – commercial & farmland

7 1,217

Real estate – residential

76 7,297 13 1,262

Consumer installment

1 4

Total

85 $ 8,542 14 $ 1,276

As of December 31, 2013 Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

1 $ 27 1 $ 40

Real estate – construction & development

1 16

Real estate – commercial & farmland

5 713

Real estate – residential

58 5,830 20 2,463

Consumer installment

1 6

Total

66 $ 6,592 21 $ 2,503

As of June 30, 2013 Loans Currently Paying
Under Restructured Terms
Loans that have Defaulted
Under Restructured Terms

Loan class:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Commercial, financial & agricultural

1 $ 40 $

Real estate – construction & development

2 2,159 1 11

Real estate – commercial & farmland

5 592

Real estate – residential

57 5,808 8 1,794

Consumer installment

Total

65 $ 8,599 9 $ 1,805

30


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings included in covered loans, by types of concessions made, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Type of Concession:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Forbearance of Interest

$ 1 $ 24

Forbearance of Principal

1 26

Rate Reduction Only

78 7,835 6 374

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

3 88 3 45

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

6 1,298 1 128

Total

87 $ 9,221 12 $ 597

As of December 31, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Type of Concession:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Rate Reduction Only

68 $ 7,510 6 $ 457

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

3 88 4 96

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

5

811

1 133

Total

76 $ 8,409 11 $ 686

As of June 30, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Type of Concession:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Forbearance of Interest

4 $ 260 1 $ 11

Rate Reduction Only

57 9,051 3 140

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Interest

4 129

Rate Reduction, Forbearance of Principal

5 813

Total

70 $ 10,253 4 $ 151

31


Table of Contents

The following table presents the amount of troubled debt restructurings included in covered loans, by collateral types, classified separately as accrual and non-accrual at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

As of June 30, 2014 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Collateral type:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Raw Land

$ 2 $ 38

Hotel & Motel

1 175

Office

1 488

Retail, including Strip Centers

2 280 1 128

1-4 Family Residential

83 8,278 8 407

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

1 24

Total

87 $ 9,221 12 $ 597

As of December 31, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Collateral type:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Raw Land

$ 1 $ 16

Hotel & Motel

1 172

Retail, including Strip Centers

2 283 1 134

1-4 Family Residential

73 7,954 7 469

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

2 67

Total

76 $ 8,409 11 $ 686

As of June 30, 2013 Accruing Loans Non-Accruing Loans

Collateral type:

# Balance
(in thousands)
# Balance
(in thousands)

Raw Land

1 $ 366 1 $ 10

Hotel & Motel

1 170

Retail, including Strip Centers

2 277 1 19

1-4 Family Residential

65 9,400 2 122

Automobile/Equipment/Inventory

1 40

Total

70 $ 10,253 4 $ 151

32


Table of Contents

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses represents an allowance for probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated periodically based on a review of all significant loans, with a particular emphasis on non-accruing, past due and other loans that management believes might be potentially impaired or warrant additional attention. The Company segregates the loan portfolio by type of loan and utilizes this segregation in evaluating exposure to risks within the portfolio. In addition, based on internal reviews and external reviews performed by independent auditors and regulatory authorities, the Company further segregates the loan portfolio by loan grades based on an assessment of risk for a particular loan or group of loans. Certain reviewed loans are assigned specific allowances when a review of relevant data determines that a general allocation is not sufficient or when the review affords management the opportunity to adjust the amount of exposure in a given credit. In establishing allowances, management considers historical loan loss experience but adjusts this data with a significant emphasis on data such as current loan quality trends, current economic conditions and other factors in the markets where the Company operates. Factors considered include, among others, current valuations of real estate in their markets, unemployment rates, the effect of weather conditions on agricultural related entities and other significant local economic events.

The Company has developed a methodology for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses which is monitored by the Company’s Chief Credit Officer. Procedures provide for the assignment of a risk rating for every loan included in the total loan portfolio, with the exception of credit card receivables and overdraft protection loans which are treated as pools for risk rating purposes. The risk rating schedule provides nine ratings of which five ratings are classified as pass ratings and four ratings are classified as criticized ratings. Each risk rating is assigned a percentage factor to be applied to the loan balance to determine the adequate amount of reserve. Relationships greater than $250,000 are reviewed annually by the Bank’s independent internal loan review department or an independent third party loan review firm. As a result of these loan reviews, certain loans may be identified as having deteriorating credit quality. Other loans that surface as problem loans may also be assigned specific reserves. Past due loans are assigned risk ratings based on the number of days past due. The calculation of the allowance for loan losses, including underlying data and assumptions, is reviewed regularly by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and the loan review department.

Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the collection of a loan’s principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries are credited to the allowance. Consumer loans are charged-off in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s (“FFIEC”) Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy. Commercial loans are charged-off when they are deemed uncollectible, which usually involves a triggering event within the collection effort. If the loan is collateral dependent, the loss is more easily identified and is charged-off when it is identified, usually based upon receipt of an appraisal. However, when a loan has guarantor support, the Company may carry the estimated loss as a reserve against the loan while collection efforts with the guarantor are pursued. If, after collection efforts with the guarantor are complete, the deficiency is still considered uncollectible, the loss is charged-off and any further collections are treated as recoveries. In all situations, when a loan is downgraded to an Asset Quality Rating of 60 (Loss per the regulatory guidance), the uncollectible portion is charged-off.

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded provision for loan loss expense of $593,000, $1.5 million and $790,000, respectively, to account for losses where the initial estimate of cash flows was found to be excessive on loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions. These amounts are excluded from the rollforwards below but are reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income. Charge-offs on purchased covered loans are recorded when impairment is recorded and provision expense is recorded net of the indemnification by the FDIC loss-share agreements.

33


Table of Contents

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans and
Other
Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2014

$ 1,823 $ 5,538 $ 8,393 $ 6,034 $ 589 $ 22,377

Provision for loan losses

1,087 (89 ) 1,074 (66 ) 492 2,498

Loans charged off

(908 ) (222 ) (1,302 ) (933 ) (214 ) (3,579 )

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

183 204 152 131 288 958

Balance, June 30, 2014

$ 2,185 $ 5,431 $ 8,317 $ 5,166 $ 1,155 $ 22,254

Period-end amount allocated to:

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$ 282 $ 710 $ 1,652 $ 801 $ $ 3,445

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

1,903 4,721 6,665 4,365 1,155 18,809

Ending balance

$ 2,185 $ 5,431 $ 8,317 $ 5,166 $ 1,155 $ 22,254

Loans:

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 855 $ 3,264 $ 16,865 $ 11,538 $ $ 32,522

Collectively evaluated for impairment

303,733 146,082 833,135 411,193 43,394 1,737,537

Ending balance

$ 304,588 $ 149,346 $ 850,000 $ 422,731 $ 43,394 $ 1,770,059

Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &
development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans and
Other
Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2013

$ 2,439 $ 5,343 $ 9,157 $ 5,898 $ 756 $ 23,593

Provision for loan losses

711 1,742 2,777 4,463 254 9,947

Loans charged off

(1,759 ) (2,020 ) (3,571 ) (5,215 ) (719 ) (13,284 )

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

432 473 30 888 298 2,121

Balance, December 31, 2013

$ 1,823 $ 5,538 $ 8,393 $ 6,034 $ 589 $ 22,377

Period-end amount allocated to:

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$ 356 $ 407 $ 1,427 $ 1,395 $ $ 3,585

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

1,467 5,131 6,966 4,639 589 18,792

Ending balance

$ 1,823 $ 5,538 $ 8,393 $ 6,034 $ 589 $ 22,377

Loans:

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 3,457 $ 3,581 $ 15,240 $ 16,925 $ $ 39,203

Collectively evaluated for impairment

240,916 142,790 793,083 349,957 52,505 1,579,251

Ending balance

$ 244,373 $ 146,371 $ 808,323 $ 366,882 $ 52,505 $ 1,618,454

34


Table of Contents
Commercial,
financial &
agricultural
Real estate -
construction &

development
Real estate -
commercial &
farmland
Real estate -
residential
Consumer
installment
loans and
Other
Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2013

$ 2,439 $ 5,343 $ 9,157 $ 5,898 $ 756 $ 23,593

Provision for loan losses

1,118 1,526 1,420 2,340 (106 ) 6,298

Loans charged off

(734 ) (1,231 ) (1,793 ) (2,107 ) (371 ) (6,236 )

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

128 4 13 229 188 562

Balance, June 30, 2013

$ 2,951 $ 5,642 $ 8,797 $ 6,360 $ 467 $ 24,217

Period-end amount allocated to:

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$ 876 $ 467 $ 1,629 $ 1,573 $ $ 4,545

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

2,075 5,175 7,168 4,787 467 19,672

Ending balance

$ 2,951 $ 5,642 $ 8,797 $ 6,360 $ 467 $ 24,217

Loans:

Individually evaluated for impairment

$ 3,705 $ 3,935 $ 15,842 $ 15,329 $ $ 38,811

Collectively evaluated for impairment

204,719 130,672 772,812 342,356 66,457 1,517,016

Ending balance

$ 208,424 $ 134,607 $ 788,654 $ 357,685 $ 66,457 $ 1,555,827

NOTE 5 – ASSETS ACQUIRED IN FDIC-ASSISTED ACQUISITIONS

From October 2009 through July 2012, the Company participated in ten FDIC-assisted acquisitions whereby the Company purchased certain failed institutions out of the FDIC’s receivership. These institutions include the following:

Bank Acquired

Location: Branches: Date Acquired
American United Bank (“AUB”) Lawrenceville, Ga. 1 October 23, 2009
United Security Bank (“USB”) Sparta, Ga. 2 November 6, 2009
Satilla Community Bank (“SCB”) St. Marys, Ga. 1 May 14, 2010
First Bank of Jacksonville (“FBJ”) Jacksonville, Fl. 2 October 22, 2010
Tifton Banking Company (“TBC”) Tifton, Ga. 1 November 12, 2010
Darby Bank & Trust (“DBT”) Vidalia, Ga. 7 November 12, 2010
High Trust Bank (“HTB”) Stockbridge, Ga. 2 July 15, 2011
One Georgia Bank (“OGB”) Midtown Atlanta, Ga. 1 July 15, 2011
Central Bank of Georgia (“CBG”) Ellaville, Ga. 5 February 24, 2012
Montgomery Bank & Trust (“MBT”) Ailey, Ga. 2 July 6, 2012

The determination of the initial fair values of loans at the acquisition date and the initial fair values of the related FDIC indemnification assets involves a high degree of judgment and complexity. The carrying values of the acquired loans and the FDIC indemnification assets reflect management’s best estimate of the fair value of each of these assets as of the date of acquisition. However, the amount that the Company realizes on these assets could differ materially from the carrying values reflected in the financial statements included in this report, based upon the timing and amount of collections on the acquired loans in future periods. Because of the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC on these assets, the Company does not expect to incur any significant losses. To the extent the actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the estimates, the indemnification assets will generally be affected in an offsetting manner due to the loss-sharing support from the FDIC.

FASB ASC 310 – 30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310”), applies to a loan with evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination, acquired by completion of a transfer for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the investor will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable. ASC 310 prohibits carrying over or creating an allowance for loan losses upon initial recognition for loans which fall under the scope of this statement. At the acquisition dates, a majority of these loans were valued based on the liquidation value of the underlying collateral because the future cash flows are primarily based on the liquidation of underlying collateral. There was no allowance for credit losses established related to these ASC 310 loans at the acquisition dates, based on the provisions of this statement. Over the life of the acquired loans, the Company continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected. If the expected cash flows expected to be collected increases, then the Company adjusts the amount of accretable discount recognized on a prospective basis over the loan’s remaining life. If the expected cash flows expected to be collected decreases, then the Company records a provision for loan loss in its consolidated statement of operations.

35


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes components of all covered assets at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 and their origin:

Covered
loans
Less: Fair
value
adjustments
Total
covered
loans
OREO Less: Fair
value
adjustments
Total
covered
OREO
Total
covered
assets
FDIC
indemnification
asset
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2014:

AUB

$ 9,106 $ 133 $ 8,973 $ 1,690 $ $ 1,690 $ 10,663 $ 1,676

USB

14,030 805 13,225 2,927 62 2,865 16,090 920

SCB

30,545 954 29,591 3,332 308 3,024 32,615 3,073

FBJ

23,264 2,696 20,568 1,734 135 1,599 22,167 2,752

DBT

81,700 8,774 72,926 12,766 913 11,853 84,779 10,119

TBC

28,363 1,853 26,510 4,493 758 3,735 30,245 3,543

HTB

59,267 6,535 52,732 4,130 1,349 2,781 55,513 9,000

OGB

49,501 4,937 44,564 7,964 2,984 4,980 49,544 7,268

CBG

71,959 9,798 62,161 7,432 1,533 5,899 68,060 10,829

Total

$ 367,735 $ 36,485 $ 331,250 $ 46,468 $ 8,042 $ 38,426 $ 369,676 $ 49,180

Covered
loans
Less: Fair
value
adjustments
Total
covered
loans
OREO Less: Fair
value
adjustments
Total
covered
OREO
Total
covered
assets
FDIC
indemnification
asset
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of December 31, 2013:

AUB

$ 15,787 $ 231 $ 15,556 $ 4,264 $ $ 4,264 $ 19,820 $ 1,452

USB

18,504 1,427 17,077 2,865 141 2,724 19,801 889

SCB

34,637 1,483 33,154 3,461 303 3,158 36,312 3,175

FBJ

25,891 3,730 22,161 1,880 242 1,638 23,799 3,689

DBT

105,157 17,819 87,338 17,023 1,282 15,741 103,079 18,724

TBC

32,590 2,354 30,236 4,844 745 4,099 34,335 3,721

HTB

67,126 7,359 59,767 6,374 2,304 4,070 63,837 9,325

OGB

58,512 5,067 53,445 7,506 2,984 4,522 57,967 9,645

CBG

85,118 13,615 71,503 7,610 1,933 5,677 77,180 14,821

Total

$ 443,322 $ 53,085 $ 390,237 $ 55,827 $ 9,934 $ 45,893 $ 436,130 $ 65,441

36


Table of Contents
Covered
loans
Less: Fair
value
adjustments
Total
covered
loans
OREO Less: Fair
value
adjustments
Total
covered
OREO
Total
covered
assets
FDIC
indemnification
asset
(Dollars in Thousands)

As of June 30, 2013:

AUB

$ 23,721 $ 2,114 $ 21,607 $ 4,847 $ $ 4,847 $ 26,454 $ 4,526

USB

23,298 2,552 20,746 4,127 140 3,987 24,733 5,802

SCB

38,478 2,882 35,596 4,655 306 4,349 39,945 4,603

FBJ

29,154 5,086 24,068 2,037 209 1,828 25,896 5,632

DBT

132,707 27,386 105,321 23,594 2,003 21,591 126,912 27,957

TBC

37,560 3,299 34,261 7,069 1,650 5,419 39,680 6,083

HTB

74,867 9,747 65,120 10,868 3,436 7,432 72,552 13,314

OGB

70,644 11,568 59,076 10,244 3,948 6,296 65,372 14,591

CBG

99,363 21,641 77,722 8,519 2,090 6,429 84,151 23,005

Total

$ 529,792 $ 86,275 $ 443,517 $ 75,960 $ 13,782 $ 62,178 $ 505,695 $ 105,513

On the dates of acquisition, the Company estimated the future cash flows on each individual loan and made the necessary adjustments to reflect the asset at fair value. At each quarter end subsequent to the acquisition dates, the Company revises the estimates of future cash flows based on current information and makes the necessary adjustments to carrying value. Amounts reflected in the Company’s statement of earnings are net of indemnification provided under loss share agreements with the FDIC. The adjustments are performed on a loan-by-loan basis and have resulted in the following adjustments for the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013:

Total Amounts

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Adjustments needed where the Company’s initial estimate of cash flows were underestimated: (recorded with a reclassification from non-accretable difference to accretable discount to be accreted into income over remaining term of the loan)

$ 5,850 $ 51,003 $ 39,278

Adjustments needed where the Company’s initial estimate of cash flows were overstated: (recorded through a provision for loan losses)

2,965 7,695 3,950

Amounts reflected in the Company’s Statement of Operations

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013
(Dollars in Thousands)

Adjustments needed where the Company’s initial estimate of cash flows were underestimated: (recorded with a reclassification from non-accretable difference to accretable discount to be accreted into income over remaining term of the loan)

$ 1,170 $ 10,201 $ 2,942

Adjustments needed where the Company’s initial estimate of cash flows were overstated: (recorded through a provision for loan losses)

593 1,539 790

37


Table of Contents

A rollforward of covered loans with deterioration of credit quality for the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013 is shown below:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Balance, January 1

$ 217,047 $ 282,737 $ 282,737

Charge-offs, net of recoveries

(1,364 ) 35,306 (8,464 )

Additions due to acquisitions

Other (loan payments, transfers, etc.)

(37,053 ) (100,996 ) (24,658 )

Ending balance

$ 178,630 $ 217,047 $ 249,615

A rollforward of covered loans without deterioration of credit quality for the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013 is shown below:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Balance, January 1

$ 173,190 $ 228,602 $ 228,602

Additions due to acquisitions

Loan payments, transfers, etc.

(20,570 ) (55,412 ) (34,404 )

Ending balance

$ 152,620 $ 173,190 $ 194,198

The following is a summary of changes in the accretable discounts of covered loans during the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Balance, January 1

$ 25,493 $ 16,698 $ 16,698

Additions due to acquisitions

Accretion

(15,432 ) (42,208 ) (25,841 )

Other activity, net

5,850 51,003 39,278

Ending balance

$ 15,911 $ 25,493 $ 30,135

The shared-loss agreements are subject to the servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC. The expected reimbursements under the shared-loss agreements were recorded as an indemnification asset at their estimated fair values on the acquisition dates. As of June 30, 2014, the Company has recorded a clawback liability of $5.2 million, which represents the obligation of the Company to reimburse the FDIC should actual losses be less than certain thresholds established in each loss share agreement. Changes in the FDIC shared-loss receivable for the six months ended June 30, 2014, for the year ended December 31, 2013 and for the six months ended June 30, 2013 are as follows:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Balance, January 1

$ 65,441 $ 159,724 $ 159,724

Indemnification asset recorded in acquisitions

Payments received from FDIC

(10,576 ) (68,822 ) (45,604 )

Effect of change in expected cash flows on covered assets

(5,685 ) (25,461 ) (8,607 )

Ending balance

$ 49,180 $ 65,441 $ 105,513

38


Table of Contents

NOTE 6 – WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING

Earnings per share have been computed based on the following weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
2014 2013 2014 2013
(Share Data in
Thousands)
(Share Data in
Thousands)

Basic shares outstanding

25,181 23,879 25,163 23,873

Plus: Dilutive effect of ISOs

120 346 118 346

Plus: Dilutive effect of Restricted grants

271 63 271 63

Diluted shares outstanding

25,572 24,288 25,552 24,282

For the three month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company has excluded 119,000 and 233,000, respectively, potential common shares with strike prices that would cause them to be anti-dilutive. For the six month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company has excluded 120,000 and 246,000, respectively, potential common shares with strike prices that would cause them to be anti-dilutive.

NOTE 7 – OTHER BORROWINGS

The Company has, from time to time, utilized certain borrowing arrangements with various financial institutions to fund growth in earning assets or provide additional liquidity when appropriate spreads can be realized. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were $100.3 million and $194.6 million, respectively, outstanding borrowings with the Company’s correspondent banks. At June 30, 2013, there were no outstanding borrowings with the Company’s correspondent banks.

Details of other borrowings, including contractual interest rates and maturity dates are included in the following table:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Daily Rate Credit from Federal Home Loan Bank with a fixed interest rate of 0.36%

$ 40,000 $ $

Advance from Federal Home Loan Bank with a fixed interest rate of 0.20%, due July 2, 2014

5,000

Advance from Federal Home Loan Bank with a fixed interest rate of 0.21%, due July 16, 2014

5,000

Advance from Federal Home Loan Bank with a fixed interest rate of 0.19%, due July 23, 2014

3,000

Advance from Federal Home Loan Bank with a fixed interest rate of 0.17%, due January 24, 2014

165,000

Advances under revolving credit agreement with a regional bank with interest at 90-day LIBOR plus 4.00% (4.23% at June 30, 2014) due in August 2016, secured by subsidiary bank stock

22,500 10,000

Advance from correspondent bank with a fixed interest rate of 4.50%, due November 27, 2017, secured by subsidiary bank loan receivable

4,936

Subordinated debt issued by Prosperity Bank due June 2016 with an interest rate of 90-day LIBOR plus 1.60% (1.84% at June 30, 2014)

5,000 5,000

Subordinated debt issued by The Prosperity Banking Company due September 2016 with an interest rate of 90-day LIBOR plus 1.75% (1.98% at June 30, 2014)

14,857 14,572

Total

$ 100,293 $ 194,572 $

39


Table of Contents

NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as are used for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

The Company issues standby letters of credit, which are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements and expire in decreasing amounts with varying terms. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds various assets as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, residential real estate and income-producing commercial properties.

The Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are presented in the following table:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commitments to extend credit

$ 285,071 $ 257,195 $ 193,515

Standby letters of credit

$ 8,392 $ 7,665 $ 7,142

NOTE 9 – ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company consists of changes in net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale and interest rate swap derivatives. The following tables present a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax, as of June 30, 2014 and 2013:

(Dollars in Thousands)

Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Derivatives
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Securities
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Balance, January 1, 2014

$ 1,397 $ (1,691 ) $ (294 )

Reclassification for gains included in net income

(4 ) (4 )

Current year changes

(638 ) 5,059 4,421

Balance, June 30, 2014

$ 759 $ 3,364 $ 4,123

(Dollars in Thousands)

Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Derivatives
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Securities
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Balance, January 1, 2013

$ (23 ) $ 6,630 $ 6,607

Reclassification for gains included in net income

(111 ) (111 )

Current year changes

1,204 (4,118 ) (2,914 )

Balance, June 30, 2013

$ 1,181 $ 2,401 $ 3,582

40


Table of Contents

NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

The Company has elected to record mortgage loans held-for-sale at fair value in order to eliminate the complexities and inherent difficulties of achieving hedge accounting and to better align reported results with the underlying economic changes in value of the loans and related hedge instruments. This election impacts the timing and recognition of origination fees and costs, as well as servicing value, which are now recognized in earnings at the time of origination. Interest income on mortgage loans held-for-sale is recorded on an accrual basis in the consolidated statement of earnings and comprehensive income under the heading “Interest income – interest and fees on loans”. The servicing value is included in the fair value of the Interest Rate Lock Commitments (“IRLCs”) with borrowers. The mark to market adjustments related to loans held-for-sale and the associated economic hedges are captured in mortgage banking activities.

The fair value hierarchy describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

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

Cash and Due From Banks, Federal Funds Sold and Interest-Bearing Accounts: The carrying amount of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts approximates fair value.

Investment Securities Available for Sale: The fair value of securities available for sale is determined by various valuation methodologies. Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored enterprises and municipal bonds. The Level 2 fair value pricing is provided by an independent third-party and is based upon similar securities in an active market. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy and include certain residual municipal securities and other less liquid securities.

Other Investments: Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock is included in other investments at its original cost basis. It is not practical to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: The Company records mortgage loans held for sale at fair value. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined on outstanding commitments from third party investors in the secondary markets and is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Loans: The carrying amount of variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate loans is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated based on discounted expected future cash flows or underlying collateral values, where applicable. A loan is determined to be impaired if the Company believes it is probable that all principal and interest amounts due according to the terms of the loan will not be collected as scheduled. The fair value of impaired loans is determined in accordance with accounting standards and generally results in a specific reserve established through a charge to the provision for loan losses. Losses on impaired loans are charged to the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed. Management has determined that the majority of impaired loans are Level 3 assets due to the extensive use of market appraisals.

41


Table of Contents

Other Real Estate Owned: The fair value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) is determined using certified appraisals that value the property at its highest and best uses by applying traditional valuation methods common to the industry. The Company does not hold any OREO for profit purposes and all other real estate is actively marketed for sale. In most cases, management has determined that additional write-downs are required beyond what is calculable from the appraisal to carry the property at levels that would attract buyers. Because this additional write-down is not based on observable inputs, management has determined that other real estate owned should be classified as Level 3.

Covered Assets: Covered assets include loans and other real estate owned on which the majority of losses would be covered by loss-sharing agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). Management initially valued these assets at fair value using mostly unobservable inputs and, as such, has classified these assets as Level 3.

FDIC Loss-Share Receivable: The fair value of the FDIC loss-share receivable is based on the net present value of projected future cash flows expected to be received from the FDIC under the provision of the loss-share agreements using a discount rate that is based on current market rates.

Deposits: The carrying amount of demand deposits, savings deposits and variable-rate certificates of deposit approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate certificates of deposit is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows using interest rates currently offered for certificates with similar maturities.

Securities Sold under Agreements to Repurchase and Other Borrowings: The carrying amount of variable rate borrowings and securities sold under repurchase agreements approximates fair value. The fair value of fixed rate other borrowings is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows using the current incremental borrowing rates for similar borrowing arrangements.

Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures: The fair value of the Company’s variable rate trust preferred securities is based primarily upon discounted cash flows using rates for securities with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments: Because commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are typically made using variable rates and have short maturities, the carrying value and fair value are immaterial for disclosure.

Derivatives: The Company has entered into derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivatives. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value of the derivatives is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts and the discounted expected variable cash payments. The variable cash payments are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves derived from observable market interest rate curves).

The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting any applicable credit enhancements such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts and guarantees.

Although the Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by itself or the counterparty. However, as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustment is not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuation in its entirety is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

42


Table of Contents

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, not shown elsewhere in these financial statements, were as follows:

Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2014 Using:
Carrying
Amount
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Financial assets:

Cash and due from banks

$ 80,986 $ 80,986 $ $ $ 80,986

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

$ 44,800 $ 44,800 $ $ $ 44,800

Loans, net

$ 2,745,897 $ $ 2,754,953 $ $ 2,754,953

FDIC loss-share receivable

$ 49,180 $ $ $ 46,242 $ 46,242

Financial liabilities:

Deposits

3,389,035 3,389,880 3,389,880

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

51,109 51,109 51,109

Other borrowings

100,293 100,293 100,293

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

64,842 45,864 45,864

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 Using:
Carrying
Amount
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Financial assets:

Cash and due from banks

$ 62,955 $ 62,955 $ $ $ 62,995

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

$ 204,984 $ 204,984 $ $ $ 204,984

Loans, net

$ 2,392,521 $ $ 2,404,909 $ $ 2,404,909

FDIC loss-share receivable

$ 65,441 $ $ $ 61,317 $ 61,317

Financial liabilities:

Deposits

2,999,231 3,000,061 3,000,061

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

83,516 83,516 83,516

Other borrowings

194,572 194,572 194,572

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

55,466 36,277 36,277

43


Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2013 Using:
Carrying
Amount
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Financial assets:

Cash and due from banks

$ 50,343 $ 50,343 $ $ $ 50,343

Federal funds sold and interest-bearing accounts

$ 43,904 $ 43,904 $ $ $ 43,904

Loans, net

$ 1,930,373 $ $ 1,956,198 $ $ 1,956,198

FDIC loss-share receivable

$ 105,513 $ $ $ 99,558 $ 99,558

Financial liabilities:

Deposits

2,443,103 2,444,263 2,444,263

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

19,142 19,412 19,412

Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures

42,269 23,231 23,231

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
As of June 30, 2014
Fair Value Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

U.S. government agencies

$ 14,445 $ $ 14,445 $

State, county and municipal securities

145,780 145,780

Corporate debt securities

10,958 8,958 2,000

Mortgage-backed securities

364,447 364,447

Mortgage loans held for sale

81,491 81,491

IRLCs and forward contracts

2,625 2,625

Total recurring assets at fair value

$ 619,746 $ $ 617,746 $ 2,000

Derivative financial instruments

$ 1,142 $ $ 1,142 $

Total recurring liabilities at fair value

$ 1,142 $ $ 1,142 $

44


Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
As of December 31, 2013
Fair Value Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

U.S. government agencies

$ 13,926 $ $ 13,926 $

State, county and municipal securities

112,754 112,754

Collateralized debt obligations

1,480 1,480

Corporate debt securities

10,325 8,325 2,000

Mortgage-backed securities

347,750 182,461 165,289

Mortgage loans held for sale

67,278 67,278

IRLCs and forward contracts

1,180 1,180

Total recurring assets at fair value

$ 554,693 $ 183,941 $ 368,752 $ 2,000

Derivative financial instruments

$ 370 $ $ 370 $

Total recurring liabilities at fair value

$ 370 $ $ 370 $

Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
As of June 30, 2013
Fair Value Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

U.S. government agencies

$ 14,335 $ $ 14,335 $

State, county and municipal securities

112,759 2,447 110,312

Corporate debt securities

10,090 8,090 2,000

Mortgage-backed securities

178,984 178,984

Mortgage loans held for sale

62,580 62,580

IRLCs and forward contracts

1,600 1,600

Total recurring assets at fair value

$ 380,348 $ 2,447 $ 375,901 $ 2,000

Derivative financial instruments

$ 916 $ $ 916 $

Total recurring liabilities at fair value

$ 916 $ $ 916 $

The following table is a presentation of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy as of June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
As of June 30, 2014
Fair
Value
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Impaired loans carried at fair value

$ 35,829 $ $ $ 35,829

Other real estate owned

35,373 35,373

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned

16,598 16,598

Covered other real estate owned

38,426 38,426

Total nonrecurring assets at fair value

$ 126,226 $ $ $ 126,226

45


Table of Contents
Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
As of December 31, 2013
Fair
Value
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Impaired loans carried at fair value

$ 42,546 $ $ $ 42,546

Other real estate owned

33,351 33,351

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned

4,276 4,276

Covered other real estate owned

45,893 45,893

Total nonrecurring assets at fair value

$ 126,066 $ $ $ 126,066

Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
As of June 30, 2013
Fair
Value
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Impaired loans carried at fair value

$ 44,754 $ $ $ 44,754

Other real estate owned

39,885 39,885

Covered other real estate owned

62,178 62,178

Total nonrecurring assets at fair value

$ 146,817 $ $ $ 146,817

The inputs used to determine estimated fair value of impaired loans include market conditions, loan terms, underlying collateral characteristics and discount rates. The inputs used to determine fair value of other real estate owned, purchased non-covered other real estate owned and covered other real estate owned include market conditions, estimated marketing period or holding period, underlying collateral characteristics and discount rates.

For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, there was not a change in the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value.

The following table shows significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of Level 3 assets and liabilities.

Measurements

Fair Value at
June 30,
2014

Valuation Technique

Unobservable Inputs

Range
(Dollars in Thousands)

Nonrecurring:

Impaired loans

$ 35,289 Third party appraisals and discounted cash flows Collateral discounts and discount rates 4.00% - 75.00%

Other real estate owned

$ 35,373 Third party appraisals Collateral discounts and estimated costs to sell 10.00% - 74.00%

Purchased non-covered other real estate owned

$ 16,598 Third party appraisals Collateral discounts and estimated costs to sell 21.00% - 70.00%

Covered real estate owned

$ 38,426 Third party appraisals Collateral discounts and estimated costs to sell 10.00% - 90.00%

Recurring:

Investment securities available for sale

$ 2,000 Discounted par values Credit quality of underlying issuer 0.00%

46


Table of Contents

NOTE 11 – SEGMENT REPORTING

The following tables present selected financial information with respect to the Company’s reportable business segments for the three- month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2014
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2013
Retail
Banking
Mortgage
Banking
Total Retail
Banking
Mortgage
Banking
Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Net interest income

$ 33,925 $ 1,339 $ 35,264 $ 28,517 $ 959 $ 29,476

Provision for loan losses

1,365 1,365 4,165 4,165

Noninterest income

8,817 7,002 15,819 6,383 5,001 11,384

Noninterest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits

13,005 3,937 16,942 10,478 2,903 13,381

Equipment and occupancy expenses

3,771 300 4,071 2,781 197 2,978

Data processing and telecommunications expenses

3,597 343 3,940 2,634 202 2,836

Other expenses

11,053 1,312 12,365 6,444 1,049 7,493

Total noninterest expense

31,426 5,892 37,318 22,337 4,351 26,688

Income before income tax expense

9,951 2,449 12,400 8,398 1,609 10,007

Income tax expense

3,413 857 4,270 2,766 563 3,329

Net income

6,538 1,592 8,130 5,632 1,046 6,678

Less preferred stock dividends

442 442

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 6,538 $ 1,592 $ 8,130 $ 5,190 $ 1,046 $ 6,236

Total assets

$ 3,797,850 $ 175,285 $ 3,973,135 $ 2,695,554 $ 113,121 $ 2,808,675

Stockholders’ equity

345,256 1,857 343,399 286,127 1,650 287,777

The following tables present selected financial information with respect to the Company’s reportable business segments for the six- month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
Retail
Banking
Mortgage
Banking
Total Retail
Banking
Mortgage
Banking
Total
(Dollars in Thousands)

Net interest income

$ 67,309 $ 2,439 $ 69,748 $ 56,283 $ 1,531 $ 57,814

Provision for loan losses

3,091 3,091 7,088 7,088

Noninterest income

16,407 12,166 28,573 13,279 9,465 22,744

Noninterest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits

26,831 7,505 34,336 21,515 5,672 27,187

Equipment and occupancy expenses

7,533 602 8,135 5,546 363 5,909

Data processing and telecommunications expenses

6,929 465 7,394 5,105 301 5,406

Other expenses

18,565 2,127 20,692 15,334 1,736 17,070

Total noninterest expense

59,858 10,699 70,557 47,500 8,072 55,572

Income before income tax expense

20,767 3,906 24,673 14,974 2,924 17,898

Income tax expense

6,826 1,367 8,193 4,912 1,023 5,935

Net income

13,941 2,539 16,480 10,062 1,901 11,963

Less preferred stock dividends

286 286 883 883

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 13,655 $ 2,539 $ 16,194 $ 9,179 $ 1,901 $ 11,080

47


Table of Contents

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Any Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “predict,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future. These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, legislative and regulatory initiatives; additional competition in our markets; potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or internal restructuring, that may be pursued by Ameris; state and federal banking regulations; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and regulations to which Ameris is subject; political, legal and economic conditions and developments; financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts; changes in commodity prices and interest rates; weather, natural disasters and other catastrophic events; and other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act.

All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. Our forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this report or the respective date of the document from which they are incorporated herein by reference. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report, or after the respective dates on which such statements otherwise are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview

The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors which have affected the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as reflected in the unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013 and operating results for the three-and six-month periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. These comments should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere herein.

The following table sets forth unaudited selected financial data for the previous five quarters, which should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the information contained in this Item 2.

48


Table of Contents
(in thousands, except share data, taxable equivalent) Second
Quarter 2014
First
Quarter 2014
Fourth
Quarter 2013
Third
Quarter 2013
Second
Quarter 2013
For Six Months Ended
June 30, 2014 June 30, 2013

Results of Operations:

Net interest income

$ 35,264 $ 34,484 $ 29,051 $ 29,320 $ 29,476 $ 69,748 $ 57,814

Net interest income (tax equivalent)

35,626 34,808 29,325 29,542 29,666 70,434 58,360

Provision for loan losses

1,365 1,726 1,478 2,920 4,165 3,091 7,088

Non-interest income

15,819 12,754 11,517 12,288 11,384 28,573 22,744

Non-interest expense

37,318 33,239 37,624 28,749 26,688 70,557 55,572

Income tax expense

4,270 3,923 88 3,262 3,329 8,193 5,935

Preferred stock dividends

286 412 443 442 286 883

Net income available to common shareholders

8,130 8,064 966 6,234 6,236 16,194 11,080

Selected Average Balances:

Mortgage loans held for sale

$ 54,517 $ 49,397 $ 65,683 $ 61,249 $ 48,890 $ 51,884 $ 40,765

Loans, net of unearned income

1,706,564 1,639,672 1,602,942 1,564,311 1,572,544 1,673,493 1,489,902

Purchased non-covered loans

433,249 441,138 43,900 437,068

Covered loans

354,766 379,460 401,045 427,482 444,616 367,045 468,024

Investment securities

468,129 462,343 327,993 312,541 321,582 465,252 331,021

Earning assets

3,075,204 3,091,546 2,625,178 2,439,771 2,397,834 3,081,909 2,413,192

Assets

3,494,466 3,521,588 2,937,434 2,806,799 2,820,863 3,507,952 2,853,494

Deposits

3,010,142 2,975,305 2,552,819 2,439,150 2,448,171 2,992,821 2,479,667

Common shareholders’ equity

309,696 290,462 248,429 246,489 251,240 304,222 251,227

Period-End Balances:

Mortgage loans held for sale

$ 81,491 $ 51,693 $ 67,278 $ 69,634 $ 62,580 $ 81,491 $ 62,580

Loans, net of unearned income

1,770,059 1,695,382 1,618,454 1,589,267 1,555,827 1,770,059 1,555,827

Purchased non-covered loans

702,131 437,269 448,753 702,131

Covered loans

331,250 372,694 390,237 417,649 443,517 331,250 443,517

Earning assets

3,465,361 3,062,428 3,215,941 2,462,697 2,421,996 3,465,361 2,421,996

Total assets

3,973,135 3,487,984 3,667,649 2,818,502 2,808,675 3,973,135 2,808,675

Total deposits

3,389,035 3,010,647 2,999,231 2,443,421 2,443,103 3,389,035 2,443,103

Common shareholders’ equity

343,399 300,030 288,699 262,418 259,932 343,399 259,932

Per Common Share Data:

Earnings per share - basic

$ 0.32 $ 0.32 $ 0.04 $ 0.26 $ 0.26 $ 0.64 $ 0.46

Earnings per share - diluted

0.32 0.32 0.04 0.26 0.26 0.63 0.46

Common book value per share

12.83 11.93 11.50 10.98 10.88 12.83 10.88

End of period shares outstanding

26,771,821 25,159,073 25,098,427 23,907,509 23,894,327 26,771,821 23,894,327

Weighted average shares outstanding

Basic

25,180,665 25,144,342 24,021,447 23,900,665 23,878,898 25,162,604 23,873,325

Diluted

25,572,405 25,573,320 24,450,619 24,315,821 24,287,628 25,552,469 24,282,055

Market Price:

High closing price

$ 23.90 $ 24.00 $ 21.42 $ 19.79 $ 16.94 24.00 16.94

Low closing price

19.73 19.86 17.69 17.35 13.16 19.73 12.79

Closing price for quarter

21.56 23.30 21.11 18.38 16.85 21.56 16.85

Average daily trading volume

79,038 103,279 94,636 75,545 53,403 90,963 52,669

Closing price to book value

1.68 1.95 1.84 1.67 1.55 1.68 1.55

Performance Ratios:

Return on average assets

0.93 % 0.96 % 0.19 % 0.94 % 0.95 % 0.95 % 0.85 %

Return on average common equity

10.53 % 11.66 % 2.20 % 10.75 % 10.66 % 11.32 % 9.60 %

Average loans to average deposits

84.68 % 84.35 % 82.79 % 84.17 % 82.39 % 84.52 % 80.60 %

Average equity to average assets

8.86 % 9.04 % 9.41 % 9.78 % 9.93 % 8.67 % 9.80 %

Net interest margin (tax equivalent)

4.65 % 4.57 % 4.43 % 4.80 % 4.96 % 4.61 % 4.88 %

Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent)

73.05 % 70.36 % 92.74 % 69.09 % 65.32 % 71.76 % 68.98 %

49


Table of Contents

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

Consolidated Earnings and Profitability

Ameris reported net income available to common shareholders of $8.1 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, compared to $6.2 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the same period in 2013. The Company’s return on average assets and average shareholders’ equity of 0.93% and 10.53%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2014, compared to 0.95% and 10.66%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2013. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of Coastal Bankshares, Inc. (“Coastal”) and recorded approximately $1.9 million of after-tax merger related charges. The Company’s mortgage banking activities have had a significant impact on the overall financial results of the Company. Below is a more detailed analysis of the retail banking activities and mortgage banking activities of the Company during the second quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively:

Retail Banking Mortgage Banking Total
(in thousands)

For the three months ended June 30, 2014:

Net interest income

$ 33,925 $ 1,339 $ 35,264

Provision for loan losses

1,365 1,365

Non-interest income

8,817 7,002 15,819

Non-interest expense

Salaries and employee benefits

13,005 3,937 16,942

Occupancy

3,771 300 4,071

Data processing

3,597 343 3,940

Other expenses

11,053 1,312 12,365

Total non-interest expense

31,426 5,892 37,318

Income before income taxes

9,951 2,449 12,400

Income tax expense

3,413 857 4,270

Net income

6,538 1,592 8,130

Preferred stock dividends

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 6,538 $ 1,592 $ 8,130

Retail Banking Mortgage Banking Total
(in thousands)

For the three months ended June 30, 2013:

Net interest income

$ 28,517 $ 959 $ 29,476

Provision for loan losses

4,165 4,165

Non-interest income

6,383 5,001 11,384

Non-interest expense

Salaries and employee benefits

10,478 2,903 13,381

Occupancy

2,781 197 2,978

Data processing

2,634 202 2,836

Other expenses

6,444 1,049 7,493

Total non-interest expense

22,337 4,351 26,688

Income before income taxes

8,398 1,609 10,007

Income tax expense

2,766 563 3,329

Net income

5,632 1,046 6,678

Preferred stock dividends

442 442

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 5,190 $ 1,046 $ 6,236

50


Table of Contents

Net Interest Income and Margins

The following tables set forth the amount of our interest income or interest expense for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the average interest rate for total interest-earning assets and total interest-bearing liabilities, net interest spread and net interest margin on average interest-earning assets. Federally tax-exempt income is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 35% federal tax rate.

Quarter Ended June 30,
2013 2012
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/
Expense
Average
Yield/
Rate Paid
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/
Expense
Average
Yield/
Rate Paid
( in Thousands)

ASSETS

Interest-earning assets:

Loans

$ 2,549,096 $ 35,550 5.59 % $ 2,017,160 $ 29,929 5.95 %

Investment securities

474,758 3,374 2.85 328,584 2,183 2.66

Short-term assets

51,350 45 0.35 52,090 29 0.22

Total interest- earning assets

3,075,204 38,969 5.08 2,397,834 32,141 5.38

Noninterest-earning assets

419,262 423,029

Total assets

$ 3,494,466 $ 2,820,863

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Interest-bearing liabilities:

Savings and interest-bearing demand deposits

$ 1,606,928 $ 1,053 0.26 % $ 1,295,408 $ 834 0.26 %

Time deposits

723,156 1,152 0.64 673,709 1,249 0.74

Other borrowings

35,280 415 4.72

FHLB advances

28,626 26 0.36

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

40,008 31 0.31 20,530 29 0.57

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

55,789 666 4.79 42,269 363 3.44

Total interest-bearing liabilities

2,489,787 3,343 0.54 2,031,916 2,475 0.49

Demand deposits

680,058 479,054

Other liabilities

14,925 21,380

Stockholders’ equity

309,696 288,513

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 3,494,466 $ 2,820,863

Interest rate spread

4.54 % 4.89 %

Net interest income

$ 35,626 $ 29,666

Net interest margin

4.65 % 4.96 %

On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for the second quarter of 2014 was $35.6 million, an increase of $5.9 million compared to $29.7 million reported in the same quarter in 2013. The higher net interest income is a result of the acquisition of The Prosperity Banking Company during the fourth quarter of 2013, along with steady yields on the loan portfolio, lower levels of excess liquidity than in previous quarters and steady decreases in the Company’s cost of funds. The Company’s net interest margin increased during the second quarter of 2014 to 4.65%, compared to 4.57% during the first quarter of 2014, but decreased compared to 4.96% reported in the second quarter of 2013.

51


Table of Contents

Total interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, during the second quarter of 2014 was $39.0 million compared to $32.1 million in the same quarter of 2013. Yields on earning assets fell slightly to 5.08%, compared to 5.38% reported in the second quarter of 2013. During the second quarter of 2014, loans comprised 82.9% of earning assets, compared to 84.1% in the same quarter of 2013. Increased lending activities have provided opportunities to grow the legacy loan portfolio. Yields on legacy loans decreased to 5.17% in the second quarter of 2014, compared to 5.37% in the same period of 2013. Covered loan yields declined from 8.18% in the second quarter of 2013 to 5.84% in the second quarter of 2014. The yield on purchased non-covered loans was 7.34% for the second quarter of 2014. Management anticipates improving economic conditions and increased loan demand will provide consistent interest income.

Total funding costs increased slightly to 0.42% in the second quarter of 2014, compared to 0.40% during the second quarter of 2013. Deposit costs decreased from 0.34% in the second quarter of 2013 to 0.29% in the second quarter of 2014, while non- deposit funding costs increased from 2.50% in the second quarter of 2013 to 2.86% in the second quarter of 2014. Continued shifts in the funding mix toward noninterest-bearing demand and other lower cost deposit categories were the primary reason for the decline in deposit costs. Ongoing efforts to maintain the percentage of funding from transaction deposits have succeeded such that non-CD deposits averaged 76.0% of total deposits in the second quarter of 2014, compared to 72.5% during the second quarter of 2013. Lower costs on deposits were realized due mostly to the lower rate environment and the Company’s ability to rely less on higher priced CDs due to its larger than normal position in short-term assets. Further opportunity to realize savings on deposits exists but may be limited due to current costs. Average balances of interest bearing deposits and their respective costs for the second quarter of 2014 and 2013 are shown below:

June 30, 2014 June 30, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands) Average
Balance
Average
Cost
Average
Balance
Average
Cost

NOW

$ 691,353 0.17 % $ 579,312 0.17 %

MMDA

770,047 0.38 % 611,562 0.36 %

Savings

145,528 0.11 % 104,534 0.11 %

Retail CDs < $100,000

356,483 0.54 % 298,553 0.59 %

Retail CDs > $100,000

360,703 0.70 % 358,980 0.75 %

Brokered CDs

5,970 3.22 % 16,176 3.40 %

Interest-bearing deposits

$ 2,330,084 0.38 % $ 1,969,117 0.42 %

Provision for Loan Losses and Credit Quality

The Company’s provision for loan losses during the second quarter of 2014 amounted to $1.4 million, compared to $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2014 and $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2013. Although the Company has experienced improving trends in criticized and classified assets for several quarters, provision for loan losses continues to be required to account for loan growth and continued devaluation of real estate collateral. At June 30, 2014, classified loans still accruing totaled $42.6 million, compared to $26.3 million at June 30, 2013. This increase is predominately due to the addition of classified loans in the Prosperity Bank and Coastal Bank acquisitions. Non-accrual loans, excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans, totaled $22.1 million at June 30, 2014, a 30.5% decrease from $31.8 million reported at the end of the second quarter of 2013. Nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans totaled $15.8 million at June 30, 2014. There were no nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans at the end of the second quarter of 2013.

At June 30, 2014, other real estate owned (excluding purchased non-covered and covered OREO) totaled $35.4 million, compared to $33.8 million at March 31, 2014 and $39.9 million at June 30, 2013. Management regularly assesses the valuation of OREO through periodic reappraisal and through inquiries received in the marketing process. The Company has found that with a marketing window of three to six months, the liquidation of properties occurs between 85% and 100% of current book value. Certain properties, mostly raw land and subdivision lots, have extended marketing periods because of excessive inventory and record low home building activity. At the end of the second quarter of 2014, total non-performing assets were 2.26% of total assets, compared to 2.00% at December 31, 2013 and 2.55% at June 30, 2013. This increase is due to the Prosperity and Coastal acquisitions completed in the fourth quarter of 2013 and second quarter of 2014, respectively. Management continues to aggressively identify and resolve problem assets while seeking quality credits to grow the loan portfolio.

52


Table of Contents

Net charge-offs on loans during the second quarter of 2014 were $1.5 million, or 0.34% of loans on an annualized basis, compared to $2.9 million, or 0.74% of loans, in the second quarter of 2013. The Company’s allowance for loan losses at June 30, 2014 was $22.3 million, or 1.26% of loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans), compared to $24.2 million, or 1.56% of loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans), at June 30, 201.

Noninterest Income

Total non-interest income for the second quarter of 2014 was $15.8 million, compared to $11.4 million in the second quarter of 2013. Income from mortgage related activities continued to increase as a result of the Company’s increased number of mortgage bankers and higher levels of production. Service charges on deposit accounts in the second quarter of 2014 increased to $5.8 million, compared to $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2013. This increase was driven by the growth of core accounts through the acquisition of Prosperity Bank during the fourth quarter of 2013, along with higher balances in accounts subject to service charges.

Noninterest Expense

Total non-interest expenses for the second quarter of 2014 increased to $37.3 million, compared to $26.7 million in the same quarter in 2013. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded $2.9 million of merger charges related to the Coastal acquisition. Other increases in noninterest expenses were primarily the result of the acquisition of Prosperity Bank during the fourth quarter of 2013 and additional expenses related to increases in mortgage volume. Salaries and benefits increased $3.6 million when compared to the second quarter of 2013. Occupancy and equipment expense increased during the quarter from $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2013 to $4.1 million in the second quarter of 2014. Data processing and telecommunications expenses increased to $3.9 million for the second quarter of 2014 from $2.8 million for the same period in 2013. Credit resolution related expenses, including problem loan and OREO expense and OREO write-downs and losses, increased to $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2014, compared to $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2013.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense is influenced by the amount of taxable income, the amount of tax-exempt income and the amount of non-deductible expenses. For the second quarter of 2014, the Company reported income tax expense of $4.3 million, compared to $3.3 million in the same period of 2013. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ending June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 34.4% and 33.3%, respectively.

53


Table of Contents

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

Ameris reported net income available to common shareholders of $16.2 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $11.1 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the same period in 2013. The Company’s mortgage banking activities have had a significant impact on the overall financial results of the Company. Below is a more detailed analysis of the retail banking activities and mortgage banking activities of the Company during the first six months of 2014 and 2013, respectively:

Retail Banking Mortgage Banking Total
(in thousands)

For the six months ended June 30, 2014:

Net interest income

$ 67,309 $ 2,439 $ 69,748

Provision for loan losses

3,091 3,091

Non-interest income

16,407 12,166 28,573

Non-interest expense

Salaries and employee benefits

26,831 7,505 34,336

Occupancy

7,533 602 8,135

Data processing

6,929 465 7,394

Other expenses

18,565 2,127 20,692

Total non-interest expense

59,858 10,699 70,557

Income before income taxes

20,767 3,906 24,673

Income tax expense

6,826 1,367 8,193

Net income

13,941 2,539 16,480

Preferred stock dividends

286 286

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 13,655 $ 2,539 $ 16,194

Retail Banking Mortgage Banking Total
(in thousands)

For the six months ended June 30, 2013:

Net interest income

$ 56,283 $ 1,531 $ 57,814

Provision for loan losses

7,088 7,088

Non-interest income

13,279 9,465 22,744

Non-interest expense

Salaries and employee benefits

21,515 5,672 27,187

Occupancy

5,546 363 5,909

Data processing

5,105 301 5,406

Other expenses

15,334 1,736 17,070

Total non-interest expense

47,500 8,072 55,572

Income before income taxes

14,974 2,924 17,898

Income tax expense

4,912 1,023 5,935

Net income

10,062 1,901 11,963

Preferred stock dividends

883 883

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 9,179 $ 1,901 $ 11,080

Interest Income

Interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $77.2 million, an increase of $14.6 million when compared to $62.6 million for the same period in 2013. Average earning assets for the six-month period increased $668.7 million to $3.08 billion as of June 30, 2014, compared to $2.41 billion as of June 30, 2013. The increase in average earning assets is due to the Prosperity acquisition completed in December 2013. Yield on average earning assets was 5.05% for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to 5.23% in the first six months of 2013.

Interest Expense

Total interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 amounted to $6.7 million, reflecting a $1.7 million increase from the $5.0 million expense recorded in the same period of 2013. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2014, the Company’s funding costs increased slightly to 0.43% from 0.40% reported in 2013. Deposit costs decreased to 0.30% during the six month period ended June 30, 2014, compared to 0.35% during the same period in 2013. Total non-deposit funding costs increased from 2.14% during the first six months of 2013 to 2.56% during the first six months of 2014.

54


Table of Contents

Net Interest Income

The following tables set forth the amount of our interest income or interest expense for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the average interest rate for total interest-earning assets and total interest-bearing liabilities, net interest spread and net interest margin on average interest-earning assets. Federally tax-exempt income is presented on a taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 35% federal tax rate.

Six Months Ended June 30,
2013 2012
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/
Expense
Average
Yield/
Rate Paid
Average
Balance
Interest
Income/
Expense
Average
Yield/
Rate Paid
( in Thousands)

ASSETS

Interest-earning assets:

Loans

$ 2,529,490 $ 70,226 5.60 % $ 1,998,691 $ 58,097 5.86 %

Investment securities

473,296 6,811 2.90 337,866 4,386 2.62

Short-term assets

79,123 129 0.33 76,635 114 0.30

Total interest- earning assets

3,081,909 77,166 5.05 2,413,192 62,597 5.23

Noninterest-earning assets

426,043 440,302

Total assets

$ 3,507,952 $ 2,853,494

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Interest-bearing liabilities:

Savings and interest-bearing demand deposits

$ 1,587,303 $ 2,059 0.26 % $ 1,311,880 $ 1,687 0.26 %

Time deposits

732,205 2,329 0.64 687,387 2,622 0.77

Other borrowings

32,657 823 5.08

FHLB advances

48,370 63 0.26

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

48,513 84 0.35 23,842 68 0.58

Subordinated deferrable interest debentures

55,442 1,374 5.00 42,269 633 3.02

Total interest-bearing liabilities

2,504,490 6,732 0.54 2,065,378 5,010 0.49

Demand deposits

673,313 480,400

Other liabilities

14,511 21,715

Stockholders’ equity

315,638 286,001

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 3,507,952 $ 2,853,494

Interest rate spread

4.51 % 4.74 %

Net interest income

$ 70,434 $ 57,587

Net interest margin

4.61 % 4.81 %

For the year-to-date period ending June 30, 2014, the Company reported $70.4 million of net interest income on a tax equivalent basis, compared to $57.6 million of net interest income for the same period in 2013. The average balance of earning assets increased 27.7%, from $2.4 billion during the first six months of 2013 to $3.1 billion during the first six months of 2014. The Company’s net interest margin decreased to 4.61% in the six month period ending June 30, 2014, compared to 4.88% in the same period in 2013.

55


Table of Contents

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses decreased to $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, compared to $7.1 million in the same period in 2013. Non-performing assets (excluding covered assets) totaled $89.9 million at June 30, 2014, compared to $71.7 million at June 30, 2013. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2014, the Company had net charge-offs totaling $2.6 million, compared to $5.7 million for the same period in 2013. Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans) decreased to 0.30% during the first six months of 2014, compared to 0.74% during the first six months of 2013.

Noninterest Income

Non-interest income for the first six months of 2014 was $28.6 million, compared to $22.7 million in the same period in 2013. Service charges on deposit accounts increased approximately $1.9 million to $11.4 million in the first six months of 2014, compared to $9.5 million in the same period in 2013. This increase was driven by the growth of core accounts through the acquisition of Prosperity Bank during the fourth quarter of 2013, along with higher balances in accounts subject to service charges. Income from mortgage banking activity increased from $9.5 million in the first six months of 2013 to $12.0 million in the first half of 2014, due to an increased number of mortgage bankers and higher levels of production.

Noninterest Expense

Total operating expenses for the first six months of 2014 increased to $70.6 million, compared to $55.6 million in the same period in 2013. During the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded $2.9 million of merger charges related to the Coastal acquisition. Other increases in noninterest expenses were primarily the result of the acquisition of Prosperity Bank during the fourth quarter of 2013 and additional expenses related to increases in mortgage volume. Salaries and benefits increased $7.1 million when compared to the first half of 2013. Occupancy and equipment expenses for the first six months of 2014 amounted to $8.1 million, representing an increase of $2.2 million from the same period in 2013. Data processing and telecommunications expenses increased from $5.4 million in the first six months of 2013 to $7.4 million in the first six months of 2014. Credit resolution related expenses, including problem loan and OREO expense and OREO write-downs and losses, decreased to $5.0 million in the first six months of 2014, compared to $7.2 million in the first half of 2013.

Income Taxes

In the first six months of 2014, the Company recorded income tax expense of $8.2 million, compared to $5.9 million in the same period of 2013. The Company’s effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was 33.2%.

Financial Condition as of June 30, 2014

Securities

Debt securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale and recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred tax effect. Equity securities, including restricted equity securities, are classified as other investments and are recorded at cost.

The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the life of the securities. Realized gains and losses, determined on the basis of the cost of specific securities sold, are included in earnings on the settlement date. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses.

In determining whether other-than-temporary impairment losses exist, management considers: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least quarterly, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Substantially all of the unrealized losses on debt securities are related to changes in interest rates and do not affect the expected cash flows of the issuer or underlying collateral. All unrealized losses are considered temporary because each security carries an acceptable investment grade and the Company does not intend to sell these investment securities at an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities prior to recovery or maturity. Therefore, at June 30, 2014, these investments are not considered impaired on an other-than temporary basis.

56


Table of Contents

The following table illustrates certain information regarding the Company’s investment portfolio with respect to yields, sensitivities and expected cash flows over the next twelve months assuming constant prepayments and maturities:

Book Value Fair Value Yield Modified
Duration
Estimated Cash
Flows
12 months
Dollars in Thousands

June 30, 2014:

U.S. government agencies

$ 14,950 $ 14,445 1.85 % 5.34 $

State and municipal securities

143,507 145,780 4.14 % 6.49 5,272

Corporate debt securities

10,805 10,958 6.40 % 7.44 1,250

Mortgage-backed securities

361,194 364,447 2.43 % 3.86 62,447

Total debt securities

$ 530,456 $ 535,630 2.96 % 4.69 $ 68,969

June 30, 2013:

U.S. government agencies

$ 14,944 $ 14,335 1.85 % 6.13 $

State and municipal securities

109,793 112,759 3.69 % 5.55 7,599

Corporate debt securities

10,543 10,090 6.63 % 7.13

Mortgage-backed securities

177,196 178,984 2.49 % 3.61 35,741

Total debt securities

$ 312,476 $ 316,168 3.03 % 4.53 $ 43,340

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

At June 30, 2014, gross loans outstanding (including mortgage loans held for sale and purchased non-covered and covered loans) were $2.88 billion, an increase from $2.52 billion reported at December 31, 2013 and $2.06 billion reported at June 30, 2013. Mortgage loans held for sale increased from $67.3 million at December 31, 2013 to $81.5 million at June 30, 2014. Legacy loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans) increased $151.6 million, from $1.62 billion at December 31, 2013 to $1.77 billion at June 30, 2014. Purchased non-covered loans increased $253.4 million, from $448.8 million at December 31, 2013 to $702.1 million at June 30, 2014. Covered loans decreased $58.9 million, from $390.2 million at December 31, 2013 to $331.3 million at June 30, 2014.

The Company regularly monitors the composition of the loan portfolio to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in light of the impact that changes in the economic environment may have on the loan portfolio. The Company focuses on the following loan categories: (1) commercial, financial and agricultural; (2) residential real estate; (3) commercial and farmland real estate; (4) construction and development related real estate; and (5) consumer. The Company’s management has strategically located its branches in select markets in south and southeast Georgia, north Florida, southeast Alabama and throughout South Carolina to take advantage of the growth in these areas.

The Company’s risk management processes include a loan review program designed to evaluate the credit risk in the loan portfolio and ensure credit grade accuracy. Through the loan review process, the Company conducts (1) a loan portfolio summary analysis, (2) charge-off and recovery analysis, (3) trends in accruing problem loan analysis, and (4) problem and past due loan analysis. This analysis process serves as a tool to assist management in assessing the overall quality of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Loans classified as “substandard” are loans which are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged. These assets exhibit a well-defined weakness or are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. These weaknesses may be characterized by past due performance, operating losses and/or questionable collateral values. Loans classified as “doubtful” are those loans that have characteristics similar to substandard loans but have an increased risk of loss. Loans classified as “loss” are those loans which are considered uncollectible and are in the process of being charged-off.

The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the size and composition of the loan portfolio, the level of non-performing and past due loans, historical trends of charged-off loans and recoveries, prevailing economic conditions and other factors management deems appropriate. The Company’s management has established an allowance for loan losses which it believes is adequate for the probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Based on a credit evaluation of the loan portfolio, management presents a monthly review of the allowance for loan losses to the Company’s Board of Directors. The review that management has developed primarily focuses on risk by evaluating individual loans in certain risk categories. These categories have also been established by management and take the form of loan grades. By grading the loan portfolio in this manner the Company’s management is able to effectively evaluate the portfolio by risk, which management believes is the most effective way to analyze the loan portfolio and thus analyze the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

57


Table of Contents

The allowance for loan losses is established by examining (1) the large classified loans, nonaccrual loans and loans considered impaired and evaluating them individually to determine the specific reserve allocation, and (2) the remainder of the loan portfolio to allocate a portion of the allowance based on past loss experience and the economic conditions for the particular loan category. The Company also considers other factors such as changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in national, regional, and/or local economic and business conditions; changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; changes in the experience, ability and depth of either the bank president or lending staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due and classified loans; changes in the quality of the Company’s corporate loan review system; and other factors management deems appropriate.

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2014, the Company recorded net charge-offs totaling $2.6 million, compared to $5.7 million for the period ended June 30, 2013. The provision for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 decreased to $3.1 million, compared to $7.1 million during the six-month period ended June 30, 2013. At the end of the second quarter of 2014, the allowance for loan losses totaled $22.3 million, or 1.26% of total legacy loans, compared to $22.4 million, or 1.38% of total legacy loans, at December 31, 2013 and $24.2 million, or 1.56% of total legacy loans, at June 30, 2013. The decrease in the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-covered loans reflects the improving credit quality trends in the loan portfolio.

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
June 30,
2013

Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of period

$ 22,377 $ 23,593

Provision charged to operating expense

2,498 6,298

Charge-offs:

Commercial, financial and agricultural

908 734

Real estate – residential

933 2,107

Real estate – commercial and farmland

1,302 1,793

Real estate – construction and development

222 1,231

Consumer installment

214 371

Other

Total charge-offs

3,579 6,236

Recoveries:

Commercial, financial and agricultural

183 128

Real estate – residential

131 229

Real estate – commercial and farmland

152 13

Real estate – construction and development

204 4

Consumer installment

288 188

Other

Total recoveries

958 562

Net charge-offs

2,621 5,674

Balance of allowance for loan losses at end of period

$ 22,254 $ 24,217

Net annualized charge-offs as a percentage of average loans

0.30 % 0.74 %

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans at end of period

1.26 % 1.56 %

Assets Covered by Loss-Sharing Agreements with the FDIC

Loans that were acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions that are covered by the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC (“covered loans”) totaled $331.3 million, $390.2 million and $443.5 million at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively. OREO that is covered by the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC totaled $38.4 million, $45.9 million and $62.2 million at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively. The loss-sharing agreements are subject to the servicing procedures as specified in the agreements with the FDIC. The expected reimbursements under the loss-sharing agreements were recorded as an indemnification asset at their estimated fair value on the acquisition dates. The FDIC loss-share receivable reported at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 was $49.2 million, $65.4 million and $105.5 million, respectively.

58


Table of Contents

The Bank initially recorded the loans at their fair values, taking into consideration certain credit quality, risk and liquidity marks. The Company believes its estimation of credit risk and its adjustments to the carrying balances of the acquired loans is adequate. If the Company determines that a loan or group of loans has deteriorated from its initial assessment of fair value, a reserve for loan losses will be established to account for that difference. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the year ended December 31, 2013 and the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded provision for loan loss expense of $593,000, $1.5 million and $790,000, respectively, to account for losses where the initial estimate of cash flows was found to be excessive on loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions. If the Company determines that a loan or group of loans has improved from its initial assessment of fair value, then the increase in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date is recognized as interest income prospectively, with an associated write off of the remaining indemnification asset over the shorter of the life of the loan or the loss share agreement.

Covered loans are shown below according to loan type as of the end of the periods shown:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$ 25,209 $ 26,550 $ 27,371

Real estate – construction and development

31,600 43,179 52,972

Real estate – commercial and farmland

188,643 224,451 255,102

Real estate – residential

85,518 95,173 107,107

Consumer installment

280 884 965

$ 331,250 $ 390,237 $ 443,517

Non-Performing Assets

Non-performing assets include nonaccrual loans, accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more, repossessed personal property and other real estate owned. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when management has concerns relating to the ability to collect the principal and interest and generally when such loans are 90 days or more past due. Management performs a detailed review and valuation assessment of impaired loans on a quarterly basis and recognizes losses when permanent impairment is identified. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that not all principal and interest amounts will be collected according to the loan contract. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current income.

As of June 30, 2014, nonaccrual loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans) totaled $22.1 million, a decrease of approximately $7.1 million since December 31, 2013. The decrease in nonaccrual loans is due to the success in the foreclosure and resolution process and a significant slowdown in the formation of new problem credits. Nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans totaled $15.8 million, an increase of approximately $9.1 million since December 31, 2013 due to the Coastal acquisition. Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 2.26%, 2.00% and 2.55% at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively.

Non-performing assets at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 were as follows:

(Dollars in Thousands)

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Total nonaccrual loans (excluding purchased non-covered and covered loans)

$ 22,111 $ 29,203 $ 31,811

Nonaccrual purchased non-covered loans

15,770 6,659

Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or more

Foreclosed assets (excluding purchased assets)

35,373 33,351 39,885

Purchased, non-covered other real estate owned

16,598 4,276

Total non-performing assets

$ 89,852 $ 73,489 $ 71,696

59


Table of Contents

Commercial Lending Practices

On December 12, 2006, the Federal Bank Regulatory Agencies released guidance on Concentration in Commercial Real Estate Lending . This guidance defines commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans as loans secured by raw land, land development and construction (including 1-4 family residential construction), multi-family property and non-farm nonresidential property where the primary or a significant source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property, excluding owner occupied properties (loans for which 50% or more of the source of repayment is derived from the ongoing operations and activities conducted by the party, or affiliate of the party, who owns the property) or the proceeds of the sale, refinancing or permanent financing of the property. Loans for owner occupied CRE are generally excluded from the CRE guidance.

The CRE guidance is applicable when either:

(1) total loans for construction, land development, and other land, net of owner occupied loans, represent 100% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital; or

(2) total loans secured by multifamily and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land, net of owner occupied loans, represent 300% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital.

Banks that are subject to the CRE guidance criteria are required to implement enhanced strategic planning, CRE underwriting policies, risk management and internal controls, portfolio stress testing, risk exposure limits, and other policies, including management compensation and incentives, to address the CRE risks. Higher allowances for loan losses and capital levels may also be appropriate.

As of June 30, 2014, the Company exhibited a concentration in the CRE loan category based on Federal Reserve Call codes. The primary risks of CRE lending are:

(1) within CRE loans, construction and development loans are somewhat dependent upon continued strength in demand for residential real estate, which is reliant on favorable real estate mortgage rates and changing population demographics;

(2) on average, CRE loan sizes are generally larger than non-CRE loan types; and

(3) certain construction and development loans may be less predictable and more difficult to evaluate and monitor.

The following table outlines CRE loan categories and CRE loans as a percentage of total loans as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The loan categories and concentrations below are based on Federal Reserve Call codes and include purchased on-covered and covered loans:

June 30, 2014 December 31, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands) Balance % of Total
Loans
Balance % of Total
Loans

Construction and development loans

$ 245,030 9 % $ 220,726 9 %

Multi-family loans

73,412 3 % 67,607 3 %

Nonfarm non-residential loans

1,276,979 45 % 1,145,065 46 %

Total CRE Loans

1,595,421 57 % 1,433,398 58 %

All other loan types

1,208,019 43 % 1,024,046 42 %

Total Loans

$ 2,803,440 100 % $ 2,457,444 100 %

The following table outlines the percentage of total CRE loans, net owner occupied loans to total risk-based capital, and the Company’s internal concentration limits as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

Internal
Limit
June 30, 2014 December 31, 2013
Actual Actual

Construction and development

100 % 71 % 70 %

Commercial real estate

300 % 241 % 232 %

Short-Term Investments

The Company’s short-term investments are comprised of federal funds sold and interest-bearing balances. At June 30, 2014, the Company’s short-term investments were $44.8 million, compared to $205.0 million and $43.9 million at December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively. The decrease in short-term investments during the first six months of 2014 is mostly due to the Company’s repayment of other borrowings that were recorded in the Prosperity acquisition. At June 30, 2014, $44.3 million of the balance was comprised of interest-bearing balances, the majority of which were at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

60


Table of Contents

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company had a cash flow hedge that matures September 15, 2020 with a notional amount of $37.1 million at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 for the purpose of converting the variable rate on the junior subordinated debentures to a fixed rate of 4.11%. The fair value of these instruments amounted to a liability of approximately $1.1 million, $370,000 and $916,000 at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively. The Company also had forward contracts and IRLCs to hedge changes in the value of the mortgage inventory due to changes in market interest rates. The fair value of these instruments amounted to an asset with a fair value of approximately $2.6 million, $1.2 million and $1.6 million at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013, respectively, No hedge ineffectiveness from cash flow hedges was recognized in the statement of earnings. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss are included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Capital

Capital management consists of providing equity to support both current and anticipated future operations. The Company is subject to capital adequacy requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”) and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (the “GDBF”), and the Bank is subject to capital adequacy requirements imposed by the FDIC and the GDBF.

The FRB, the FDIC and the GDBF have adopted risk-based capital requirements for assessing bank holding company and bank capital adequacy. These standards define and establish minimum capital requirements in relation to assets and off-balance sheet exposure, adjusted for credit risk. The risk-based capital standards currently in effect are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among bank holding companies and banks and to account for off-balance sheet exposure. The regulatory capital standards are defined by the following three key measurements:

a) The “Leverage Ratio” is defined as Tier 1 capital to average assets. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under this measurement, a bank must maintain a leverage ratio greater than or equal to 4.00%. For a bank to be considered “well capitalized”, it must maintain a leverage ratio greater than or equal to 5.00%.

b) The “Core Capital Ratio” is defined as Tier 1 capital to total risk weighted assets. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under this measurement, a bank must maintain a core capital ratio greater than or equal to 4.00%. For a bank to be considered “well capitalized”, it must maintain a core capital ratio greater than or equal to 6.00%.

c) The “Total Capital Ratio” is defined as total capital to total risk weighted assets. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under this measurement, a bank must maintain a total capital ratio greater than or equal to 8.00%. For a bank to be considered “well capitalized”, it must maintain a total capital ratio greater than or equal to 10.00%.

As of June 30, 2014, under the regulatory capital standards, the Bank was considered “well capitalized” under all capital measurements. On July 2, 2013, the FRB adopted a new regulatory capital framework as a part of the Basel III regulatory capital reforms. Management currently believes that Ameris will be in compliance with the revised capital requirements when they become applicable to the Company on January 1, 2015. The following table sets forth the regulatory capital ratios of Ameris at June 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013:

June 30,
2014
December 31,
2013
June 30,
2013

Leverage Ratio (tier 1 capital to average assets)

Consolidated

9.25 % 11.33 % 11.43 %

Ameris Bank

9.77 11.93 11.32

Core Capital Ratio (tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets)

Consolidated

13.32 14.35 18.04

Ameris Bank

14.11 15.06 17.91

Total Capital Ratio (total capital to risk weighted assets)

Consolidated

14.26 15.32 19.30

Ameris Bank

15.04 16.03 19.16

61


Table of Contents

Capital Purchase Program

On November 21, 2008, the Company, pursuant to the Capital Purchase Program established in connection with the Troubled Asset Relief Program, issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury, for an aggregate cash purchase price of $52 million, (i) 52,000 shares (the “Preferred Shares”) of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 679,443 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $11.48 per share. On June 14, 2012, the Preferred Shares were sold by the Treasury through a registered public offering. On August 22, 2012, the Company repurchased the Warrant from the Treasury for $2.67 million. In December 2012, the Company repurchased 24,000 outstanding Preferred Shares, and in March 2014, the Company redeemed the remaining 28,000 outstanding Preferred Shares.

Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

The Company’s primary market risk exposures are credit risk, interest rate risk, and to a lesser degree, liquidity risk. The Bank operates under an Asset Liability Management Policy approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the Asset and Liability Committee (the “ALCO Committee”). The policy outlines limits on interest rate risk in terms of changes in net interest income and changes in the net market values of assets and liabilities over certain changes in interest rate environments. These measurements are made through a simulation model which projects the impact of changes in interest rates on the Bank’s assets and liabilities. The policy also outlines responsibility for monitoring interest rate risk, and the process for the approval, implementation and monitoring of interest rate risk strategies to achieve the Bank’s interest rate risk objectives.

The ALCO Committee is comprised of senior officers of Ameris and two outside members of the Company’s Board of Directors. The ALCO Committee makes all strategic decisions with respect to the sources and uses of funds that may affect net interest income, including net interest spread and net interest margin. The objective of the ALCO Committee is to identify the interest rate, liquidity and market value risks of the Company’s balance sheet and use reasonable methods approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and executive management to minimize those identified risks.

The normal course of business activity exposes the Company to interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is managed within an overall asset and liability framework for the Company. The principal objectives of asset and liability management are to predict the sensitivity of net interest spreads to potential changes in interest rates, control risk and enhance profitability. Funding positions are kept within predetermined limits designed to properly manage risk and liquidity. The Company employs sensitivity analysis in the form of a net interest income simulation to help characterize the market risk arising from changes in interest rates. In addition, fluctuations in interest rates usually result in changes in the fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments, cash flows and net interest income. The Company’s interest rate risk position is managed by the ALCO Committee.

The Company uses a simulation modeling process to measure interest rate risk and evaluate potential strategies. Interest rate scenario models are prepared using software created and licensed from an outside vendor. The Company’s simulation includes all financial assets and liabilities. Simulation results quantify interest rate risk under various interest rate scenarios. Management then develops and implements appropriate strategies. The ALCO Committee has determined that an acceptable level of interest rate risk would be for net interest income to decrease no more than 5.00% given a change in selected interest rates of 200 basis points over any 24-month period.

Liquidity management involves the matching of the cash flow requirements of customers, who may be either depositors desiring to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs, and the ability of the Company to manage those requirements. The Company strives to maintain an adequate liquidity position by managing the balances and maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities so that the balance it has in short-term investments at any given time will adequately cover any reasonably anticipated immediate need for funds. Additionally, the Bank maintains relationships with correspondent banks, which could provide funds on short notice, if needed. The Company has invested in FHLB stock for the purpose of establishing credit lines with the FHLB. The credit availability to the Bank is equal to 20% of the Bank’s total assets as reported on the most recent quarterly financial information submitted to the regulators subject to the pledging of sufficient collateral. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were $100.3 million and $194.6 million, respectively, outstanding borrowings with the Company’s correspondent banks. There were no outstanding borrowings with the Company’s correspondent banks at June 30, 2013.

62


Table of Contents

The following liquidity ratios compare certain assets and liabilities to total deposits or total assets:

June 30,
2014
March 31,
2014
December 31,
2013
September 30,
2013
June 30,
2013

Investment securities available for sale to total deposits

15.80 % 15.17 % 16.21 % 12.78 % 12.94 %

Loans (net of unearned income) to total deposits

82.72 % 83.22 % 81.94 % 82.14 % 81.84 %

Interest-earning assets to total assets

87.22 % 87.80 % 87.68 % 87.38 % 86.23 %

Interest-bearing deposits to total deposits

76.67 % 76.79 % 77.71 % 80.54 % 80.54 %

The liquidity resources of the Company are monitored continuously by the ALCO Committee and on a periodic basis by state and federal regulatory authorities. As determined under guidelines established by these regulatory authorities, the Company’s and the Bank’s liquidity ratios at June 30, 2014 were considered satisfactory. The Company is aware of no events or trends likely to result in a material change in liquidity.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company is exposed only to U.S. dollar interest rate changes, and, accordingly, the Company manages exposure by considering the possible changes in the net interest margin. The Company does not have any trading instruments nor does it classify any portion of the investment portfolio as held for trading. The Company’s hedging activities are part of the Company’s program to manage interest rate sensitivity. At June 30, 2014, the Company had one effective LIBOR rate swap with a notional amount of $37.1 million. The LIBOR rate swap exchanges fixed rate payments of 4.15% for floating rate payments based on the three month LIBOR and matures December 2018. The Company also had forward contracts with a fair value of approximately $2.6 million at June 30, 2014 to hedge changes in the value of the mortgage inventory due to changes in market interest rates. Finally, the Company has no exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and other market risks.

Interest rates play a major part in the net interest income of a financial institution. The sensitivity to rate changes is known as “interest rate risk”. The repricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities can influence the changes in net interest income. As part of the Company’s asset/liability management program, the timing of repriced assets and liabilities is referred to as “gap management”.

The Company uses simulation analysis to monitor changes in net interest income due to changes in market interest rates. The simulation of rising, declining and flat interest rate scenarios allows management to monitor and adjust interest rate sensitivity to minimize the impact of market interest rate swings. The analysis of the impact on net interest income over a twelve-month period is subjected to a gradual and shock 200 basis point increase or decrease in market rates on net interest income and is monitored on a quarterly basis.

Additional information required by Item 305 of Regulation S-K is set forth under Part I, Item 2 of this report.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report, as required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

63


Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Nothing to report with respect to the period covered by this report.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. of Part 1 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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 required to be furnished with this report are listed on the exhibit index attached hereto.

SIGNATURE

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.

Date: August 8, 2014 AMERIS BANCORP

/s/ Dennis J. Zember Jr.

Dennis J. Zember Jr., Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer (duly authorized signatory

and principal accounting and financial officer)

64


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
No.

Description

3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Regulation A Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed with the Commission on August 14, 1987).
3.2 Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 28, 1996).
3.3 Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Ameris Bancorp’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on July 17, 1996).
3.4 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 25, 1998).
3.5 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 1999).
3.6 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 31, 2003).
3.7 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 1, 2005).
3.8 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on November 21, 2008).
3.9 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 1, 2011).
3.10 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Ameris Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).
4.1 Indenture between Ameris Bancorp (as successor to Coastal Bankshares, Inc.) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association dated as of August 27, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 2014).
4.2 First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2014 by and between Ameris Bancorp and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 2014).
4.3 Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2033 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 2014).
4.4 Indenture between Ameris Bancorp (as successor to Coastal Bankshares, Inc.) and U.S. Bank National Association dated as of December 14, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 2014).
4.5 First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2014 by and among Ameris Bancorp, Coastal Bankshares, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 2014).
4.6 Form of Junior Subordinated Debt Security Due 2035 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 1, 2014).
10.1 Executive Employment Agreement with James A. LaHaise dated as of June 30, 2014. t
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.
32.1 Section 1350 Certification by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
32.2 Section 1350 Certification by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

t Management contract or other compensatory plan or arrangement.

65


Table of Contents
101 The following financial statements from Ameris Bancorp’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, formatted as interactive data files in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

66

TABLE OF CONTENTS