SSB 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2014 | Alphaminr

SSB 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2014

SOUTH STATE CORP
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10-Q 1 a14-19935_110q.htm 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 September 30, 2014

OR

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

For the transition period from                                            to

Commission file number 001-12669

SOUTH STATE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina

57-0799315

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

520 Gervais Street

Columbia, South Carolina

29201

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(800) 277-2175

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter 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 o

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 (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x No o

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

Large Accelerated Filer x

Accelerated Filer o

Non-Accelerated Filer o

Smaller Reporting Company o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class

Outstanding as of October 31, 2014

Common Stock, $2.50 par value

24,140,272



Table of Contents

South State Corporation and Subsidiary

September 30, 2014 Form 10-Q

INDEX

Page

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013

1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6-52

Item 2.

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

53-74

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

75

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

75

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

76-77

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

77

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

77

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

78

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

78

Item 5.

Other Information

78

Item 6.

Exhibits

79



Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

(Unaudited)

(Note 1)

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash and due from banks

$

269,480

$

184,611

$

292,625

Interest-bearing deposits with banks

7,382

32,632

4,720

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

226,166

262,218

347,821

Total cash and cash equivalents

503,028

479,461

645,166

Investment securities:

Securities held to maturity (fair value of $11,019, $12,891, and $12,992, respectively)

10,389

12,426

12,426

Securities available for sale, at fair value

805,114

786,791

626,798

Other investments

10,518

13,386

13,386

Total investment securities

826,021

812,603

652,610

Loans held for sale

56,595

30,586

51,207

Loans:

Acquired credit impaired (covered of $197,944, $289,123, and $321,969, respectively; non-covered of $782,548, $931,515 and $994,659, respectively), net of allowance for loan losses

980,492

1,220,638

1,316,628

Acquired non-credit impaired (covered of $9,459, $7,824, and $8,430, respectively; non-covered of $1,367,884, $1,593,111 and $1,656,904, respectively)

1,377,343

1,600,935

1,665,334

Non-acquired

3,304,708

2,865,216

2,741,242

Less allowance for non-acquired loan losses

(34,804

)

(34,331

)

(36,145

)

Loans, net

5,627,739

5,652,458

5,687,059

FDIC receivable for loss share agreements

30,983

86,447

108,149

Other real estate owned (covered of $18,961, $27,520, and $40,543, respectively; non-covered of $32,289, $37,398, and $35,330, respectively)

51,250

64,918

75,873

Premises and equipment, net

173,425

188,114

184,959

Bank owned life insurance

98,505

97,197

96,058

Deferred tax assets

60,322

72,914

73,135

Mortgage servicing rights

22,052

20,729

18,908

Core deposit and other intangibles

51,291

59,908

62,195

Goodwill

317,688

317,688

317,688

Other assets

61,189

48,475

55,434

Total assets

$

7,880,088

$

7,931,498

$

8,028,441

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing

$

1,654,308

$

1,487,798

$

1,477,793

Interest-bearing

4,863,920

5,067,699

5,181,315

Total deposits

6,518,228

6,555,497

6,659,108

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

231,229

211,401

233,792

Other borrowings

101,127

102,060

101,347

Other liabilities

62,509

81,071

64,168

Total liabilities

6,913,093

6,950,029

7,058,415

Shareholders’ equity:

Preferred stock - $.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; 0, 65,000, and 65,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

1

1

Common stock - $2.50 par value; authorized 40,000,000 shares; 24,135,220, 24,104,124, and 24,066,545 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

60,338

60,260

60,166

Surplus

700,579

762,354

760,507

Retained earnings

207,219

168,577

159,980

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(1,141

)

(9,723

)

(10,628

)

Total shareholders’ equity

966,995

981,469

970,026

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

7,880,088

$

7,931,498

$

8,028,441

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

1



Table of Contents

South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2014

2013

2014

2013

Interest income:

Loans, including fees

$

78,700

$

78,771

$

239,988

$

184,974

Investment securities:

Taxable

3,982

3,315

11,860

7,572

Tax-exempt

1,236

1,202

3,463

3,582

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell

430

505

1,331

1,366

Total interest income

84,348

83,793

256,642

197,494

Interest expense:

Deposits

2,395

2,711

7,056

5,733

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

87

92

277

343

Other borrowings

1,497

1,235

4,500

2,572

Total interest expense

3,979

4,038

11,833

8,648

Net interest income

80,369

79,755

244,809

188,846

Provision for loan losses

2,091

659

5,109

1,898

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

78,278

79,096

239,700

186,948

Noninterest income:

Service charges on deposit accounts

9,126

8,966

27,258

20,462

Bankcard services income

7,489

6,476

22,314

14,614

Trust and investment services income

4,490

3,593

13,845

8,345

Mortgage banking income

4,124

1,342

12,098

6,629

Securities gains

(90

)

(2

)

Amortization of FDIC indemnification assets, net

(4,825

)

(7,625

)

(17,718

)

(22,106

)

Other

4,139

2,418

11,602

5,229

Total noninterest income

24,453

15,170

69,397

33,173

Noninterest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits

40,029

34,463

119,398

81,461

Merger and branding related expense

6,846

10,397

19,341

13,220

Net occupancy expense

5,387

5,079

16,758

11,696

Information services expense

3,417

3,905

12,154

10,088

Furniture and equipment expense

3,166

3,513

10,171

8,296

Bankcard expense

2,141

1,865

6,520

4,264

Amortization of intangibles

2,080

1,738

6,268

3,794

OREO expense and loan related

3,374

3,461

9,313

9,383

FDIC assessment and other regulatory charges

1,268

1,521

4,111

3,841

Professional fees

1,068

1,329

3,501

2,780

Advertising and marketing

837

1,313

2,984

2,803

Other

5,445

6,824

17,843

15,109

Total noninterest expense

75,058

75,408

228,362

166,735

Earnings:

Income before provision for income taxes

27,673

18,858

80,735

53,386

Provision for income taxes

8,346

6,804

26,546

18,151

Net income

$

19,327

$

12,054

$

54,189

$

35,235

Preferred stock dividends

542

1,073

542

Net income available to common shareholders

$

19,327

$

11,512

$

53,116

$

34,693

Earnings per common share:

Basic

$

0.81

$

0.53

$

2.22

$

1.87

Diluted

$

0.80

$

0.52

$

2.20

$

1.85

Dividends per common share

$

0.21

$

0.19

$

0.60

$

0.55

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

Basic

23,899

21,894

23,890

18,518

Diluted

24,160

22,128

24,139

18,717

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

2



Table of Contents

South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2014

2013

2014

2013

Net income

$

19,327

$

12,054

$

54,189

$

35,235

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

(2,877

)

(1,676

)

13,287

(18,240

)

Tax effect

1,097

639

(5,066

)

6,955

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income

90

2

Tax effect

(34

)

(1

)

Net of tax amount

(1,724

)

(1,037

)

8,222

(11,285

)

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges:

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period

41

(77

)

(144

)

225

Tax effect

(16

)

29

55

(86

)

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in interest expense

78

77

232

229

Tax effect

(30

)

(29

)

(88

)

(87

)

Net of tax amount

73

55

281

Changes in pension plan obligation:

Reclassification adjustment for changes included in net income

165

495

Tax effect

(63

)

(190

)

Net of tax amount

102

305

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

(1,549

)

(1,037

)

8,582

(11,004

)

Comprehensive income

$

17,778

$

11,017

$

62,771

$

24,231

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

3



Table of Contents

South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Accumulated Other

Preferred Stock

Common Stock

Retained

Comprehensive

Shares

Amount

Shares

Amount

Surplus

Earnings

Income (Loss)

Total

Balance, December 31, 2012

$

16,937,464

$

42,344

$

328,843

$

135,986

$

376

$

507,549

Comprehensive income

35,235

(11,004

)

24,231

Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock at annual dividend rate of 5%

(542

)

(542

)

Cash dividends declared on common stock at $0.55 per share

(10,699

)

(10,699

)

Employee stock purchases

9,385

23

379

402

Stock options exercised

37,021

92

962

1,054

Restricted stock awards

77,354

194

(194

)

Common stock repurchased

(12,953

)

(32

)

(641

)

(673

)

Share-based compensation expense

2,332

2,332

Common stock issued in First Financial Holdings, Inc. acquisition

7,018,274

17,545

363,827

381,372

Preferred stock assumed in First Financial Holdings, Inc. acquisition

65,000

1

64,999

65,000

Balance, September 30, 2013

65,000

$

1

24,066,545

$

60,166

$

760,507

$

159,980

$

(10,628

)

$

970,026

Balance, December 31, 2013

65,000

$

1

24,104,124

$

60,260

$

762,354

$

168,577

$

(9,723

)

$

981,469

Comprehensive income

54,189

8,582

62,771

Cash dividends on Series A preferred stock at annual dividend rate of 9%

(1,073

)

(1,073

)

Cash dividends declared on common stock at $0.60 per share

(14,474

)

(14,474

)

Employee stock purchases

7,058

18

395

413

Stock options exercised

9,122

23

248

271

Restricted stock awards

21,560

54

(54

)

Repurchase of Series A preferred stock

(65,000

)

(1

)

(64,999

)

(65,000

)

Common stock repurchased

(6,644

)

(17

)

(387

)

(404

)

Share-based compensation expense

3,022

3,022

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

24,135,220

$

60,338

$

700,579

$

207,219

$

(1,141

)

$

966,995

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

4



Table of Contents

South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2014

2013

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$

54,189

$

35,235

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

Depreciation and amortization

15,846

11,811

Provision for loan losses

5,109

1,898

Deferred income taxes

7,301

11,712

Gain on sale of securities

2

Share-based compensation expense

3,022

2,332

Amortization on FDIC indemnification asset

17,718

22,106

Accretion of discount related to performing acquired loans

(7,580

)

(3,505

)

Loss on sale of premises and equipment

1,402

5

Gain on sale of OREO

(6,826

)

(8,809

)

Net amortization of premium on investment securities

3,057

3,014

OREO write downs

8,673

5,180

Originations and purchases of mortgage loans for sale

(560,000

)

(674,295

)

Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans for sale

533,982

706,971

Net change in:

Accrued interest receivable

(4,129

)

(3,462

)

Prepaid assets

4,845

4,166

FDIC Loss Share Receivable

37,567

37,629

Accrued interest payable

(1,154

)

(1,629

)

Accrued income taxes

(5,813

)

33,144

Miscellaneous assets and liabilities

(12,542

)

(12,642

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

94,669

170,861

Cash flows from investing activities:

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale

9,315

177,468

Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities held to maturity

1,535

3,014

Proceeds from maturities and calls of investment securities available for sale

114,441

121,535

Proceeds from sales of investment securities held to maturity

411

Proceeds from sales of other investment securities

2,868

17,019

Purchases of investment securities available for sale

(131,823

)

(121,018

)

Purchases of other investments

(6,186

)

Net decrease (increase) in loans

(21,877

)

113,143

Net cash received from acquisitions

173,502

Purchases of premises and equipment

(13,258

)

(7,291

)

Proceeds from sale of credit card loans

20,350

Proceeds from sale of OREO

48,102

44,578

Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment

3,914

50

Net cash provided by investing activities

27,792

522,000

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net decrease in deposits

(37,269

)

(157,066

)

Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings

19,828

(4,829

)

Repayment of other borrowings

(1,186

)

(256,072

)

Common stock issuance

413

402

Preferred stock repurchase

(65,000

)

Common stock repurchase

(404

)

(673

)

Dividends paid on preferred stock

(1,073

)

(542

)

Dividends paid on common stock

(14,474

)

(10,699

)

Stock options exercised

271

1,054

Net cash used in financing activities

(98,894

)

(428,425

)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

23,567

264,436

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

479,461

380,730

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

503,028

$

645,166

Supplemental Disclosures:

Cash Flow Information:

Cash paid for:

Interest

$

12,988

$

5,199

Income taxes

$

22,239

$

8,408

Schedule of Noncash Investing Transactions:

Real estate acquired in full or in partial settlement of loans (covered of $13,393 and $17,499, respectively; and non-covered of $22,888 and $22,106, respectively)

$

36,281

$

39,605

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.

5



Table of Contents

South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

On June 30, 2014, First Financial Holdings, Inc. changed its name to South State Corporation, and SCBT, the wholly-owned bank subsidiary of South State Corporation, changed its name to South State Bank.  Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, references herein to “South State,” the “Company” “we,” “us,” “our” or similar references mean South State Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.  References to the “Bank” means South State Bank, a South Carolina banking corporation.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, and these reclassifications had no impact on net income or equity as previously reported.  Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The information contained in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 28, 2014,  should be referenced when reading these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for accounting and disclosure purposes through the date the financial statements are issued.

Note 3 — Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-14: Receivables Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40)—Classification of Certain Government Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (“ASU 2014-14”) . ASU 2014-14 provides clarifying guidance related to how creditors classify government-guaranteed loans upon foreclosure.  ASU 2014-14 requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and a separate receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. Upon foreclosure, the separate receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. ASU 2014-14 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The amendments can be applied using either a prospective transition method or a modified retrospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-14 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity may apply the standards (1) prospectively to all share-based payment awards that are granted or modified on or after the effective date, or (2) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Earlier application is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

6



Table of Contents

Note 3 — Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements (Continued )

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures (“ASU 2014-11”). ASU 2014-11 aligns the accounting for repurchase to maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. Going forward, these transactions would all be accounted for as secured borrowings. ASU 2014-11 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. In addition the disclosure of certain transactions accounted for as a sale is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014, and the disclosure for transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Topic 606 (“ASU 2014-09”). The new standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under existing guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The amendments can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this new guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements, but the Company does not expect it to have a material impact.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU 2014-04”). ASU 2014-04 clarifies that an in-substance foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. ASU 2014-04 also requires disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. ASU 2014-04 is effective for public companies for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Once adopted, an entity can elect either (i) a modified retrospective transition method or (ii) a prospective transition method. The modified retrospective transition method is applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to residential mortgage loans and foreclosed residential real estate properties existing as of the beginning of the period for which the amendments of ASU 2014-04 are effective, with real estate reclassified to loans measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption and loans reclassified to real estate measured at the lower of net carrying value of the loan or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. The prospective transition method is applied by means of applying the amendments of ASU 2014-04 to all instances of receiving physical possession of residential real estate properties that occur after the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2014-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (“ASU 2014-01”). ASU 2014-01 amends FASB ASC 323, Investments — Equity Method and Joint Ventures , to permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). ASU 2014-01 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements, but the Company does not expect it to have a material impact.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (“ASU 2013-10”). The amendments in this update permit the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) to be used as a benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting in addition to UST and LIBOR. The amendments also remove the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. ASU 2013-10 is effective prospectively for qualifying new or re-designated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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Table of Contents

Note 4 — Mergers and Acquisitions

The following mergers and acquisitions are referenced throughout this Form 10-Q:

· Community Bank & Trust (“CBT”) — January 29, 2010 — Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) purchase and assumption agreement

· Habersham Bank (“Habersham”) — February 18, 2011 — FDIC purchase and assumption agreement

· BankMeridian, N.A. (“BankMeridian”) — July 29, 2011 — FDIC purchase and assumption agreement

· Peoples Bancorporation, Inc. (“Peoples”) — April 24, 2012 — Whole bank acquisition

· The Savannah Bancorp, Inc. (“Savannah”) — December 13, 2012 — Whole bank acquisition

· Former First Financial Holdings, Inc. (“FFHI”) — July 26, 2013 — Whole bank acquisition with FDIC purchase and assumption agreements of Cape Fear Bank (“Cape Fear”) — April 10, 2009 and Plantation Federal Bank (“Plantation”) — April 27, 2012

“FDIC purchase and assumption agreement” means that only certain assets and liabilities were acquired by the bank from the FDIC.  A “whole bank acquisition” means that the two parties in the transaction agreed to the transaction, and there was no involvement of the FDIC.  A “whole bank acquisition with FDIC purchase and assumption agreements” means that the two parties in the transaction agreed to the merger, and there were existing FDIC purchase and assumption agreements.

First Financial Holdings, Inc. Merger

On July 26, 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of FFHI, of Charleston, South Carolina, the bank holding company for First Federal Bank (“First Federal”), in a stock transaction.  FFHI common shareholders received 0.4237 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for each share of FFHI common stock, resulting in the Company issuing 7,018,274 shares of its common stock. Each outstanding share of FFHI Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (“FFHI Preferred Stock”), was converted into the right to receive one share of preferred stock of the Company, designated Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock and having such rights, preferences and privileges as are not materially less favorable than the rights, preferences and privileges of the FFHI Preferred Stock. In total, the purchase price for the FFHI acquisition was $447.0 million including $65.0 million in preferred stock and the value of “in the money” outstanding stock options (i.e., stock options for which the exercise price of the stock option is below the market price of the underlying stock) totaling $530,000. On March 28, 2014, the Company redeemed all 65,000 outstanding shares of the Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. The shares had a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share and dividends were accruing at 9% per annum.

The FFHI transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date.

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Table of Contents

Note 4 — Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 26, 2013, as recorded by FFHI on the acquisition date and initial and subsequent fair value adjustments.

Initial

Subsequent

As Recorded by

Fair Value

Fair Value

As Recorded

(Dollars in thousands)

FFHI

Adjustments

Adjustments

by the Company

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

174,082

$

$

$

174,082

Investment securities

313,200

(1,388

)(a)

311,812

Loans held for sale

19,858

6

(b)

19,864

Loans

2,355,527

(92,720

)(b)

12,875

(b)

2,275,682

Premises and equipment

82,399

(5,435

)(c)

(597

)(c)

76,367

Intangible assets

7,037

33,738

(d)

(2,542

)(d)

38,233

Mortgage servicing rights

19,156

19,156

Other real estate owned

13,271

(2,065

)(e)

1,972

(e)

13,178

FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreement

47,459

(18,122

)(f), (k)

(7,624

)(f)

21,713

Bank owned life insurance

51,513

(493

)(m)

51,020

Deferred tax asset

(5,279

)

42,741

(g)

(4,585

)(g)

32,877

Other assets

47,257

(6,125

)(h)

4,248

(l)

45,380

Total assets

$

3,125,480

$

(49,370

)

$

3,254

$

3,079,364

Liabilities

Deposits:

Noninterest-bearing

$

430,517

$

$

$

430,517

Interest-bearing

2,083,495

7,801

(i)

2,091,296

Total deposits

2,514,012

7,801

2,521,813

Other borrowings

280,187

21,526

(j)

301,713

Other liabilities

25,584

(2,059

)(k)

(245

)(k)

23,280

Total liabilities

2,819,783

27,268

(245

)

2,846,806

Net identifiable assets acquired over (under) liabilities assumed

305,697

(76,638

)

3,499

232,558

Goodwill

217,894

(3,499

)

214,395

Net assets acquired over liabilities assumed

$

305,697

$

141,256

$

$

446,953

Consideration:

Common shares issued

7,018,274

Purchase price per share of the Company’s common stock

$

54.34

Company common stock issued and cash exchanged for fractional shares

381,423

Cash paid for stock options outstanding

530

Assumption of preferred stock

65,000

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$

446,953


Explanation of fair value adjustments

(a)—Adjustment reflects marking the securities portfolio to fair value as of the acquisition date.

(b)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired loan portfolio and excludes the allowance for loan losses recorded by FFHI.

(c)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired premises and equipment.

(d)—Adjustment reflects the recording of the core deposit intangible on the acquired deposit accounts and other intangibles for credit cards and customer lists.

(e)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments to OREO based on the Company’s evaluation of the acquired OREO portfolio. (f)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments to the FDIC receivable for loss sharing agreements based on the Company’s evaluation of the losses on the acquired assets covered under loss share agreements with the FDIC net of any clawback.

(g) —Adjustment to record deferred tax asset related to fair value adjustments.

(h)—Adjustment reflects uncollectible portion of accrued interest receivable and loan fees receivable.

(i)—Adjustment arises since the rates on interest-bearing deposits are higher than rates available on similar deposits as of the acquisition date.

(j)— Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustment which was equal to the prepayment fee paid to fully pay off the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) advances on July 26, 2013.  This fair value adjustment and the fair value adjustment of the junior subordinated debt were determined based upon interest rates.

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Table of Contents

Note 4 — Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

(k)— Adjustment reflects the reclassification of the clawback to net against the FDIC receivable, the incremental accrual for employee related benefits, lease liabilities, and adjustment of other miscellaneous accruals.

(l)— Adjustment reflects the change in insurance-related receivable and increase in the current income tax receivable for the short-period income tax returns filed.

(m)—Adjustment reflects the fair value adjustments to bank owned life insurance based on the Company’s evaluation of the policies.

The operating results of the Company for the period ended September 30, 2014 include the operating results of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities since the acquisition date of July 26, 2013.  Merger and branding related charges of $6.8 million and $19.3 million were recorded in the consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively; and include incremental costs related to the closing of certain branch locations, employment related cost, professional cost (legal, accounting and audit related), travel, printing and supplies, and other related costs.

The following table discloses the impact of the merger with FFHI (excluding the impact of merger and branding related expenses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The table also presents comparative pro forma information as if FFHI had been acquired on January 1, 2013.  These results combine the historical results of FFHI in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and, while certain adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2013.

Merger-related costs of $35,000 and $2.9 million from the acquisition of Savannah were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and are not included in the pro forma information below.  The Company expects to incur additional expenses related to systems conversions and other costs of integration during the remainder of 2014 related to the acquisition of FFHI.  The Company also expects to achieve further operating cost savings and other business synergies as a result of the systems conversion and integration effort which are not reflected in the pro forma amounts below:

Pro Forma

Pro Forma

Three Months

Three Months

Nine Months

Nine Months

Ended

Ended

Ended

Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

September 30, 2014

September 30, 2013

September 30, 2014

September 30, 2013

Total revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income)

$

104,822

$

107,069

$

314,206

$

329,046

Net operating income available to common shareholders

$

24,108

$

19,092

$

66,098

$

58,163

Note 5 — Investment Securities

The following is the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities held to maturity:

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

Gains

Losses

Value

September 30, 2014:

State and municipal obligations

$

10,389

$

630

$

$

11,019

December 31, 2013:

State and municipal obligations

$

12,426

$

480

$

(15

)

$

12,891

September 30, 2013:

State and municipal obligations

$

12,426

$

579

$

(13

)

$

12,992

10



Table of Contents

Note 5 — Investment Securities (Continued)

The following is the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available for sale:

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

Gains

Losses

Value

September 30, 2014:

Government-sponsored entities debt *

$

140,438

$

127

$

(3,106

)

137,459

State and municipal obligations

137,733

3,834

(309

)

141,258

Mortgage-backed securities **

519,569

5,608

(2,168

)

523,009

Corporate stocks

3,161

538

(311

)

3,388

$

800,901

$

10,107

$

(5,894

)

$

805,114

December 31, 2013:

Government-sponsored entities debt *

$

149,708

$

185

$

(6,899

)

$

142,994

State and municipal obligations

142,934

1,798

(4,081

)

140,651

Mortgage-backed securities **

500,000

4,394

(4,915

)

499,479

Corporate stocks

3,161

638

(132

)

3,667

$

795,803

$

7,015

$

(16,027

)

$

786,791

September 30, 2013:

Government-sponsored entities debt *

$

107,906

$

282

$

(5,515

)

$

102,673

State and municipal obligations

144,359

2,161

(3,942

)

142,578

Mortgage-backed securities **

376,030

5,027

(2,431

)

378,626

Corporate stocks

2,661

263

(3

)

2,921

$

630,956

$

7,733

$

(11,891

)

$

626,798


* - The Company’s government-sponsored entities holdings are comprised of debt securities offered by Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) or Freddie Mac, Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) or Fannie Mae, FHLB, and Federal Farm Credit Banks (“FFCB”).  Also included in the Company’s government-sponsored entities are debt securities offered by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which have the full faith and credit backing of the United States Government.

** - All of the mortgage-backed securities are issued by government-sponsored entities; there are no private-label holdings.

The following is the amortized cost and fair value of other investment securities:

Gross

Gross

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

Gains

Losses

Value

September 30, 2014:

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

$

7,484

$

$

$

7,484

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

3,034

3,034

$

10,518

$

$

$

10,518

December 31, 2013:

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

$

10,352

$

$

$

10,352

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

3,034

3,034

$

13,386

$

$

$

13,386

September 30, 2013:

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

$

10,352

$

$

$

10,352

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries

3,034

3,034

$

13,386

$

$

$

13,386

The Company has determined that the investment in FHLB stock is not other than temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2014 and ultimate recoverability of the par value of these investments is probable.

11



Table of Contents

Note 5 — Investment Securities (Continued)

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at September 30, 2014 by contractual maturity are detailed below.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

Securities

Securities

Held to Maturity

Available for Sale

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

Due in one year or less

$

730

$

735

$

6,990

$

7,078

Due after one year through five years

986

1,019

23,994

24,262

Due after five years through ten years

8,673

9,265

234,954

235,857

Due after ten years

534,963

537,917

$

10,389

$

11,019

$

800,901

$

805,114

Information pertaining to the Company’s securities with gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position is as follows:

Less Than Twelve Months

Twelve Months or More

Gross

Gross

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

(Dollars in thousands)

Losses

Value

Losses

Value

September 30, 2014:

Securities Available for Sale

Government-sponsored entities debt

$

71

$

18,422

$

3,035

$

81,384

State and municipal obligations

1

831

308

11,558

Mortgage-backed securities

811

147,160

1,357

62,638

Corporate Stocks

311

1,919

$

1,194

$

168,332

$

4,700

$

155,580

December 31, 2013:

Securities Held to Maturity

State and municipal obligations

$

15

$

486

$

$

Securities Available for Sale

Government-sponsored entities debt

$

6,899

$

112,085

$

$

State and municipal obligations

3,901

87,060

180

3,900

Mortgage-backed securities

4,874

263,383

41

2,125

Corporate stocks

132

2,099

$

15,806

$

464,627

$

221

$

6,025

September 30, 2013:

Securities Held to Maturity

State and municipal obligations

$

13

$

488

$

$

Securities Available for Sale

Government-sponsored entities debt

$

5,515

$

85,500

$

$

State and municipal obligations

3,942

88,497

Mortgage-backed securities

2,404

112,833

27

2,225

Corporate stocks

3

7

$

11,864

$

286,837

$

27

$

2,225

12



Table of Contents

Note 5 — Investment Securities (Continued)

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation.  Consideration is given to (1) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (2) the outlook for receiving the contractual cash flows of the investments, (3) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (4) 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 or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value, and (5) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates.  All securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 continue to perform as scheduled.  As part of the Company’s evaluation of its intent and ability to hold investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market, the Company considers its investment strategy, cash flow needs, liquidity position, capital adequacy and interest rate risk position.  The Company does not currently intend to sell the securities within the portfolio and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt securities; therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2014. Management continues to monitor all of these securities with a high degree of scrutiny.  There can be no assurance that the Company will not conclude in future periods that conditions existing at that time indicate some or all of these securities may be sold or are other than temporarily impaired, which would require a charge to earnings in such periods.

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following is a summary of non-acquired loans:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Non-acquired loans:

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

Construction and land development

$

385,318

$

299,951

$

288,199

Commercial non-owner occupied

318,470

291,171

282,678

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

703,788

591,122

570,877

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

702,521

548,170

498,734

Home equity loans

276,341

257,139

255,291

Total consumer real estate

978,862

805,309

754,025

Commercial owner occupied real estate

881,403

833,513

814,259

Commercial and industrial

355,580

321,824

301,845

Other income producing property

154,822

143,204

140,024

Consumer

183,451

136,410

116,312

Other loans

46,802

33,834

43,900

Total non-acquired loans

3,304,708

2,865,216

2,741,242

Less allowance for loan losses

(34,804

)

(34,331

)

(36,145

)

Non-acquired loans, net

$

3,269,904

$

2,830,885

$

2,705,097

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Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following is a summary of acquired non-credit impaired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20, net of related discount:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

FASB ASC Topic 310-20 acquired loans:

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

Construction and land development

$

27,705

$

58,396

$

55,259

Commercial non-owner occupied

50,307

58,598

65,181

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

78,012

116,994

120,440

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

673,099

745,481

769,086

Home equity loans

242,720

264,150

274,893

Total consumer real estate

915,819

1,009,631

1,043,979

Commercial owner occupied real estate

65,420

73,714

83,133

Commercial and industrial

35,072

58,773

64,069

Other income producing property

68,557

74,566

78,344

Consumer

214,463

267,257

275,369

Total FASB ASC Topic 310-20 acquired loans

$

1,377,343

$

1,600,935

$

1,665,334

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-30, the Company aggregated acquired loans that have common risk characteristics into pools of loan categories as described in the table below.

The following is a summary of acquired credit impaired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-30 (identified as credit impaired at the time of acquisition), net of related discount:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

FASB ASC Topic 310-30 acquired loans:

Commercial loans greater than or equal to $1 million-CBT

$

17,097

$

24,109

$

25,934

Commercial real estate

354,715

439,785

477,968

Commercial real estate—construction and development

73,322

114,126

130,967

Residential real estate

406,276

481,247

504,707

Consumer

90,038

103,998

108,420

Commercial and industrial

46,988

68,862

80,778

Single pay

88

129

114

Total FASB ASC Topic 310-30 acquired loans

988,524

1,232,256

1,328,888

Less allowance for loan losses

(8,032

)

(11,618

)

(12,260

)

FASB ASC Topic 310-30 acquired loans, net

$

980,492

$

1,220,638

$

1,316,628

14



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The table below reflects refined contractual loan payments (principal and interest), estimates of the amounts not expected to be collected (non-accretable difference), accretable yield (interest income recognized over time), and the resulting fair values at the acquisition date for FFHI (July 26, 2013).  These refinements did not materially change the carrying value of these pools of loans.  The changes were the result of the conversion to one loan system and a better projection of the timing of cash flows for these acquired credit impaired loans.

July 26, 2013

Loans

Loans Impaired

Not Impaired

(Dollars in thousands)

at Acquisition

at Acquisition

Total

Contractual principal and interest

$

662,273

$

238,166

$

900,439

Non-accretable difference

(110,069

)

(11,905

)

(121,974

)

Cash flows expected to be collected

552,204

226,261

778,465

Accretable yield

(129,834

)

(52,122

)

(181,956

)

Carrying value

$

422,370

$

174,139

$

596,509

The table above excludes $1.67 billion ($1.71 billion in contractual principal less a $40.6 million fair value adjustment) in acquired loans at fair value that were identified as either performing with no discount related to credit or as revolving lines of credit (commercial or consumer) as of the acquisition date and are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20.

Contractual loan payments receivable, estimates of amounts not expected to be collected, other fair value adjustments and the resulting carrying values of acquired credit impaired loans as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013 are as follows:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Contractual principal and interest

$

1,416,207

$

1,727,417

$

1,871,569

Non-accretable difference

(161,465

)

(193,645

)

(231,865

)

Cash flows expected to be collected

1,254,742

1,533,772

1,639,704

Accretable yield

(266,218

)

(301,516

)

(310,816

)

Carrying value

$

988,524

$

1,232,256

$

1,328,888

Allowance for acquired loan losses

$

(8,032

)

$

(11,618

)

$

(12,260

)

Income on acquired credit impaired loans that are not impaired at the acquisition date is recognized in the same manner as loans impaired at the acquisition date. A portion of the fair value discount on acquired non-impaired loans has been ascribed as an accretable difference that is accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loans. The remaining nonaccretable difference represents cash flows not expected to be collected.

The following are changes in the carrying value of acquired credit impaired loans:

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

Balance at beginning of period

$

1,220,638

$

969,395

Fair value of acquired loans

596,509

Net reductions for payments, foreclosures, and accretion

(243,732

)

(248,284

)

Change in the allowance for loan losses on acquired loans

3,586

(992

)

Balance at end of period, net of allowance for loan losses on acquired loans

$

980,492

$

1,316,628

15



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The table below reflects refined accretable difference for acquired credit impaired loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (see the discussion on the previous page for more information):

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

Balance at beginning of period

$

301,516

$

160,849

Addition from the FFHI acquisition

181,956

Accretion

(79,579

)

(72,004

)

Reclass of nonaccretable difference due to improvement in expected cash flows

46,960

48,244

Other changes, net

(2,679

)

(8,229

)

Balance at end of period

$

266,218

$

310,816

Our loan loss policy adheres to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States as well as interagency guidance.  The allowance for loan losses is based upon estimates made by management. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level that we believe is appropriate to cover estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans that are determined to be impaired as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of our loan portfolio. Arriving at the allowance involves a high degree of management judgment and results in a range of estimated losses. We regularly evaluate the adequacy of the allowance through our internal risk rating system, outside credit review, and regulatory agency examinations to assess the quality of the loan portfolio and identify problem loans. The evaluation process also includes our analysis of current economic conditions, composition of the loan portfolio, past due and nonaccrual loans, concentrations of credit, lending policies and procedures, and historical loan loss experience. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on, among other factors, changes in economic conditions in our markets. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowances for losses on loans. These agencies may require management to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these and other factors, it is possible that the allowances for losses on loans may change. The provision for loan losses is charged to expense in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level.

The allowance for loan losses on non-acquired loans consists of general and specific reserves. The general reserves are determined by applying loss percentages to the portfolio that are based on historical loss experience for each class of loans and management’s evaluation and “risk grading” of the loan portfolio. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are included in this evaluation. Currently, these adjustments are applied to the non-acquired loan portfolio when estimating the level of reserve required. The specific reserves are determined on a loan-by-loan basis based on management’s evaluation of our exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. These are loans classified by management as doubtful or substandard. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Generally, the need for specific reserve is evaluated on impaired loans greater than $250,000, and once a specific reserve is established for a loan, a charge off of that amount occurs in the quarter subsequent to the establishment of the specific reserve. Loans that are determined to be impaired are provided a specific reserve, if necessary, and are excluded from the calculation of the general reserves.

With the FFHI acquisition, the Company segregated the loan portfolio into performing loans (“non-credit impaired”) and acquired credit impaired loans. The performing loans and revolving type loans are accounted for under FASB ASC 310-20, with each loan being accounted for individually. The allowance for loan losses on these loans will be measured and recorded consistent with non-acquired loans. The acquired credit impaired loans will follow the description in the next paragraph.

16



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

In determining the acquisition date fair value of acquired credit impaired loans, and in subsequent accounting, the Company generally aggregates purchased loans into pools of loans with common risk characteristics. Expected cash flows at the acquisition date in excess of the fair value of loans are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans using a level yield method if the timing and amount of the future cash flows of the pool is reasonably estimable. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are reclassified from the non-accretable difference to accretable difference and recognized as interest income prospectively. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses. Management analyzes the acquired loan pools using various assessments of risk to determine an expected loss. The expected loss is derived based upon a loss given default based upon the collateral type and/or detailed review by loan officers and the probability of default that is determined based upon historical data at the loan level. Trends are reviewed in terms of accrual status, past due status, and weighted-average grade of the loans within each of the accounting pools. In addition, the relationship between the change in the unpaid principal balance and change in the mark is assessed to correlate the directional consistency of the expected loss for each pool. Offsetting the impact of the provision established for acquired loans covered under FDIC loss share agreements, the receivable from the FDIC is adjusted to reflect the indemnified portion of the post-acquisition exposure with a corresponding credit to the provision for loan losses.

An aggregated analysis of the changes in allowance for loan losses is as follows:

Acquired

Acquired

Non-acquired

Non-credit

Credit Impaired

(Dollars in thousands)

Loans

Impaired Loans

Loans

Total

Three months ended September 30, 2014:

Balance at beginning of period

$

35,422

$

$

9,159

$

44,581

Loans charged-off

(2,713

)

(879

)

(3,592

)

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

575

441

1,016

Net charge-offs

(2,138

)

(438

)

(2,576

)

Provision for loan losses

1,520

438

(658

)

1,300

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

791

791

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

1,520

438

133

2,091

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(791

)

(791

)

Reduction due to loan removals

(469

)

(469

)

Balance at end of period

$

34,804

$

$

8,032

$

42,836

Three months ended September 30, 2013:

Balance at beginning of period

$

38,625

$

$

14,461

$

53,086

Loans charged-off

(4,294

)

(4,294

)

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

1,249

1,249

Net charge-offs

(3,045

)

(3,045

)

Provision for loan losses

565

(456

)

109

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

550

550

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

565

94

659

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(550

)

(550

)

Reduction due to loan removals

(1,745

)

(1,745

)

Balance at end of period

$

36,145

$

$

12,260

$

48,405

17



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

Acquired

Acquired

Non-acquired

Non-credit

Credit Impaired

(Dollars in thousands)

Loans

Impaired Loans

Loans

Total

Nine months ended September 30, 2014:

Balance at beginning of period

$

34,331

$

$

11,618

$

45,949

Loans charged-off

(5,972

)

(879

)

(6,851

)

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

2,170

441

2,611

Net charge-offs

(3,802

)

(438

)

(4,240

)

Provision for loan losses

4,275

438

(1,792

)

2,921

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

2,188

2,188

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

4,275

438

396

5,109

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(2,188

)

(2,188

)

Reduction due to loan removals

(1,794

)

(1,794

)

Balance at end of period

$

34,804

$

$

8,032

$

42,836

Nine months ended September 30, 2013:

Balance at beginning of period

$

44,378

$

$

17,218

$

61,596

Loans charged-off

(12,121

)

(12,121

)

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

2,870

2,870

Net charge-offs

(9,251

)

(9,251

)

Provision for loan losses

1,018

(991

)

27

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

1,871

1,871

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

1,018

880

1,898

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(1,871

)

(1,871

)

Reduction due to loan removals

(3,967

)

(3,967

)

Balance at end of period

$

36,145

$

$

12,260

$

48,405

18



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for non-acquired loans:

Construction

Commercial

Commercial

Consumer

Other Income

& Land

Non-owner

Owner

Owner

Home

Commercial

Producing

Other

(Dollars in thousands)

Development

Occupied

Occupied

Occupied

Equity

& Industrial

Property

Consumer

Loans

Total

Three months ended September 30, 2014

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, June 30, 2014

$

6,652

$

3,398

$

7,958

$

6,537

$

2,975

$

3,640

$

2,588

$

1,270

$

404

$

35,422

Charge-offs

(825

)

(3

)

(501

)

(4

)

(83

)

(1,297

)

(2,713

)

Recoveries

120

5

68

20

18

93

13

238

575

Provision

464

(307

)

123

(83

)

346

(187

)

70

1,120

(26

)

1,520

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

6,411

$

3,096

$

8,146

$

6,474

$

2,838

$

3,542

$

2,588

$

1,331

$

378

$

34,804

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

402

$

30

$

100

$

121

$

$

12

$

711

$

1

$

$

1,377

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

$

6,009

$

3,066

$

8,046

$

6,353

$

2,838

$

3,530

$

1,877

$

1,330

$

378

$

33,427

Loans:

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

4,876

$

3,784

$

9,436

$

2,427

$

$

1,110

$

6,380

$

50

$

$

28,063

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

380,442

314,686

871,967

700,094

276,341

354,470

148,442

183,401

46,802

3,276,645

Total non-acquired loans

$

385,318

$

318,470

$

881,403

$

702,521

$

276,341

$

355,580

$

154,822

$

183,451

$

46,802

$

3,304,708

Three months ended September 30, 2013

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, June 30, 2013

$

8,431

$

4,866

$

7,984

$

6,438

$

2,974

$

4,039

$

3,260

$

426

$

207

$

38,625

Charge-offs

(1,244

)

(652

)

(219

)

(888

)

(206

)

(154

)

(179

)

(751

)

(4,293

)

Recoveries

650

18

1

104

75

187

12

201

1,248

Provision

(108

)

(462

)

(53

)

448

91

(301

)

(58

)

955

53

565

Balance, September 30, 2013

$

7,729

$

3,770

$

7,713

$

6,102

$

2,934

$

3,771

$

3,035

$

831

$

260

$

36,145

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

558

$

$

19

$

21

$

$

$

703

$

$

$

1,301

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

$

7,171

$

3,770

$

7,694

$

6,081

$

2,934

$

3,771

$

2,332

$

831

$

260

$

34,844

Loans:

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

8,201

$

2,804

$

14,683

$

575

$

$

707

$

2,614

$

$

$

29,584

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

279,998

279,874

799,576

498,159

255,291

301,138

137,410

116,312

43,900

2,711,658

Total non-acquired loans

$

288,199

$

282,678

$

814,259

$

498,734

$

255,291

$

301,845

$

140,024

$

116,312

$

43,900

$

2,741,242

The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for non-acquired loans:

Construction

Commercial

Commercial

Consumer

Other Income

& Land

Non-owner

Owner

Owner

Home

Commercial

Producing

Other

(Dollars in thousands)

Development

Occupied

Occupied

Occupied

Equity

& Industrial

Property

Consumer

Loans

Total

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, December 31, 2013

$

6,789

$

3,677

$

7,767

$

6,069

$

2,782

$

3,592

$

2,509

$

937

$

209

$

34,331

Charge-offs

5

(236

)

(531

)

(299

)

(917

)

(1,024

)

(251

)

(2,719

)

(5,972

)

Recoveries

362

352

85

262

58

221

172

658

2,170

Provision

(745

)

(697

)

825

442

915

753

158

2,455

169

4,275

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

6,411

$

3,096

$

8,146

$

6,474

$

2,838

$

3,542

$

2,588

$

1,331

$

378

$

34,804

Nine months ended September 30, 2013

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, December 31, 2012

$

10,836

$

4,921

$

8,743

$

6,568

$

3,626

$

4,939

$

3,747

$

781

$

217

$

44,378

Charge-offs

(4,457

)

(652

)

(1,622

)

(1,276

)

(868

)

(781

)

(652

)

(1,813

)

(12,121

)

Recoveries

1,043

345

16

234

174

324

123

611

2,870

Provision

307

(844

)

576

576

2

(711

)

(183

)

1,252

43

1,018

Balance, September 30, 2013

$

7,729

$

3,770

$

7,713

$

6,102

$

2,934

$

3,771

$

3,035

$

831

$

260

$

36,145

19



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

Construction

Commercial

Commercial

Consumer

Other Income

& Land

Non-owner

Owner

Owner

Home

Commercial

Producing

(Dollars in thousands)

Development

Occupied

Occupied

Occupied

Equity

& Industrial

Property

Consumer

Total

Three months ended September 30, 2014

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, June 30, 2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Charge-offs

(60

)

(22

)

(363

)

(273

)

(14

)

(147

)

(879

)

Recoveries

1

79

347

14

441

Provision

60

21

284

(74

)

14

133

438

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Loans:

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

169

$

$

$

$

$

55

$

$

$

224

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

27,536

50,307

65,420

673,099

242,720

35,017

68,557

214,463

1,377,119

Total non-acquired loans

$

27,705

$

50,307

$

65,420

$

673,099

$

242,720

$

35,072

$

68,557

$

214,463

$

1,377,343

The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

Construction

Commercial

Commercial

Consumer

Other Income

& Land

Non-owner

Owner

Owner

Home

Commercial

Producing

(Dollars in thousands)

Development

Occupied

Occupied

Occupied

Equity

& Industrial

Property

Consumer

Total

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, December 31, 2013

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Charge-offs

(60

)

(22

)

(363

)

(273

)

(14

)

(147

)

(879

)

Recoveries

1

79

347

14

441

Provision

60

21

284

(74

)

14

133

438

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

As of September 30, 2013, the Company had not recorded an allowance for loan losses for acquired non-credit impaired loans.

20



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for acquired credit impaired loans:

Commercial

Commercial

Loans Greater

Real Estate-

Than or Equal

Commercial

Construction and

Residential

Commercial

(Dollars in thousands)

to $1 Million-CBT

Real Estate

Development

Real Estate

Consumer

and Industrial

Single Pay

Total

Three months ended September 30, 2014

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, June 30, 2014

$

201

$

1,616

$

815

$

5,118

$

385

$

950

$

74

$

9,159

Provision for loan losses before benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

(6

)

(132

)

(9

)

(279

)

(39

)

(191

)

(2

)

(658

)

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

6

144

9

394

40

198

791

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

12

115

1

7

(2

)

133

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(6

)

(144

)

(9

)

(394

)

(40

)

(198

)

(791

)

Reduction due to loan removals

(405

)

(32

)

(16

)

(16

)

(469

)

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

195

$

1,484

$

401

$

4,807

$

330

$

743

$

72

$

8,032

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

$

195

$

1,484

$

401

$

4,807

$

330

$

743

$

72

$

8,032

Loans:*

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

17,097

354,715

73,322

406,276

90,038

46,988

88

988,524

Total acquired loans

$

17,097

$

354,715

$

73,322

$

406,276

$

90,038

$

46,988

$

88

$

988,524

Three months ended September 30, 2013:

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, June 30, 2013

$

1,855

$

821

$

4,392

$

4,727

$

475

$

2,100

$

91

$

14,461

Provision for loan losses before benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

(1,284

)

331

(39

)

485

1

(55

)

105

(456

)

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

1,220

(264

)

31

(390

)

(1

)

53

(99

)

550

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

(64

)

67

(8

)

95

(2

)

6

94

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(1,220

)

264

(31

)

390

1

(53

)

99

(550

)

Reduction due to loan removals

(436

)

(1,209

)

2

(102

)

(1,745

)

Balance, September 30, 2013

$

135

$

1,152

$

3,144

$

5,214

$

476

$

1,943

$

196

$

12,260

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

$

135

$

1,152

$

3,144

$

5,214

$

476

$

1,943

$

196

$

12,260

Loans:*

Loans individually evaluated for impairment

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment

25,934

477,968

130,967

504,707

108,420

80,778

114

1,328,888

Total acquired loans

$

25,934

$

477,968

$

130,967

$

504,707

$

108,420

$

80,778

$

114

$

1,328,888


*—The carrying value of acquired credit impaired loans includes a non-accretable difference which is primarily associated with the assessment of credit quality of acquired loans.

21



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for acquired credit impaired loans:

Commercial

Commercial

Loans Greater

Real Estate-

Than or Equal

Commercial

Construction and

Residential

Commercial

(Dollars in thousands)

to $1 Million-CBT

Real Estate

Development

Real Estate

Consumer

and Industrial

Single Pay

Total

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, December 31, 2013

$

303

$

1,816

$

2,244

$

5,132

$

538

$

1,481

$

104

$

11,618

Provision for loan losses before benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

(129

)

(328

)

(623

)

(205

)

(144

)

(366

)

3

(1,792

)

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

182

364

795

338

141

372

(4

)

2,188

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

53

36

172

133

(3

)

6

(1

)

396

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(182

)

(364

)

(795

)

(338

)

(141

)

(372

)

4

(2,188

)

Reduction due to loan removals

21

(4

)

(1,220

)

(120

)

(64

)

(372

)

(35

)

(1,794

)

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

195

$

1,484

$

401

$

4,807

$

330

$

743

$

72

$

8,032

Nine months ended September 30, 2013:

Allowance for loan losses:

Balance, December 31, 2012

$

5,337

$

1,517

$

1,628

$

4,207

$

96

$

4,139

$

294

$

17,218

Provision for loan losses before benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

(3,263

)

(365

)

2,725

1,018

380

(1,408

)

(78

)

(991

)

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

3,098

240

(2,067

)

(494

)

(318

)

1,337

75

1,871

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

(165

)

(125

)

658

524

62

(71

)

(3

)

880

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(3,098

)

(240

)

2,067

494

318

(1,337

)

(75

)

(1,871

)

Reduction due to loan removals

(1,939

)

(1,209

)

(11

)

(788

)

(20

)

(3,967

)

Balance, September 30, 2013

$

135

$

1,152

$

3,144

$

5,214

$

476

$

1,943

$

196

$

12,260

As part of the ongoing monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators, including trends related to (i) the level of classified loans, (ii) net charge-offs, (iii) non-performing loans (see details below), and (iv) the general economic conditions of the markets that we serve.

The Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans. A description of the general characteristics of the risk grades is as follows:

· Pass—These loans range from minimal credit risk to average, however, still acceptable credit risk.

· Special mention—A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or the institution’s credit position at some future date.

· Substandard—A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. A substandard loan is characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

· Doubtful—A doubtful loan has all of the weaknesses inherent in one classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of the currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

22



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of commercial loans for non-acquired loans:

Construction & Development

Commercial Non-owner Occupied

Commercial Owner Occupied

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

358,474

$

263,698

$

244,321

$

292,231

$

259,120

$

238,940

$

827,322

$

785,406

$

764,267

Special mention

16,433

20,814

24,775

20,412

24,779

35,052

39,261

26,148

23,871

Substandard

10,411

15,439

19,103

5,827

7,272

8,686

14,820

21,959

26,121

Doubtful

$

385,318

$

299,951

$

288,199

$

318,470

$

291,171

$

282,678

$

881,403

$

833,513

$

814,259

Commercial & Industrial

Other Income Producing Property

Commercial Total

September 30,

December 31,

September
30,

September
30,

December 31,

September
30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

346,394

$

309,360

$

288,945

$

139,946

$

124,519

$

121,565

$

1,964,367

$

1,742,103

$

1,658,038

Special mention

7,786

10,376

9,734

8,078

9,903

9,282

91,970

92,020

102,714

Substandard

1,400

2,088

3,135

6,798

8,753

9,177

39,256

55,511

66,222

Doubtful

31

29

29

31

$

355,580

$

321,824

$

301,845

$

154,822

$

143,204

$

140,024

$

2,095,593

$

1,889,663

$

1,827,005

The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of consumer loans for non-acquired loans:

Consumer Owner Occupied

Home Equity

Consumer

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

660,578

$

500,999

$

454,368

$

262,080

$

243,615

$

241,624

$

182,489

$

135,476

$

115,163

Special mention

24,144

25,317

21,444

9,097

8,437

8,218

636

646

849

Substandard

16,899

21,854

22,922

5,142

5,064

5,426

326

288

300

Doubtful

900

22

23

23

$

702,521

$

548,170

$

498,734

$

276,341

$

257,139

$

255,291

$

183,451

$

136,410

$

116,312

Other

Consumer Total

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

46,802

$

33,834

$

43,900

$

1,151,949

$

913,924

$

855,055

Special mention

33,877

34,400

30,511

Substandard

22,367

27,206

28,648

Doubtful

922

23

23

$

46,802

$

33,834

$

43,900

$

1,209,115

$

975,553

$

914,237

The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of total non-acquired loans:

Total Non-acquired Loans

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

3,116,316

$

2,656,027

$

2,513,093

Special mention

125,847

126,420

133,225

Substandard

61,623

82,717

94,870

Doubtful

922

52

54

$

3,304,708

$

2,865,216

$

2,741,242

23



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of commercial loans for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

Construction & Development

Commercial Non-owner Occupied

Commercial Owner Occupied

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

25,855

$

57,389

$

54,863

$

42,087

$

56,539

$

63,362

$

64,283

$

71,984

$

81,973

Special mention

805

109

7,982

1,565

1,332

363

318

325

Substandard

1,045

898

396

238

494

487

774

1,412

835

Doubtful

$

27,705

$

58,396

$

55,259

$

50,307

$

58,598

$

65,181

$

65,420

$

73,714

$

83,133

Commercial & Industrial

Other Income Producing Property

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

33,163

$

56,777

$

61,025

$

66,202

$

70,812

$

75,624

Special mention

869

924

2,280

899

2,177

1,869

Substandard

1,040

1,072

764

1,456

1,577

851

Doubtful

$

35,072

$

58,773

$

64,069

$

68,557

$

74,566

$

78,344

The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of consumer loans for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

Consumer Owner Occupied

Home Equity

Consumer

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

666,517

$

742,778

$

767,359

$

229,377

$

246,274

$

257,631

$

211,709

$

266,645

$

270,728

Special mention

2,200

417

425

5,490

6,733

6,517

600

127

1,899

Substandard

4,382

2,286

1,302

7,853

11,143

10,745

2,154

485

2,741

Doubtful

$

673,099

$

745,481

$

769,086

$

242,720

$

264,150

$

274,893

$

214,463

$

267,257

$

275,368

24



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of acquired credit impaired loans (identified as credit-impaired at the time of acquisition), net of the related discount (this table should be read in conjunction with the allowance for acquired credit impaired loan losses table found on page 21):

Commercial Loans Greater Than

Commercial Real Estate—

or Equal to $1 million-CBT

Commercial Real Estate

Construction and Development

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

12,431

$

12,047

$

12,603

$

218,900

$

244,293

$

220,307

$

28,135

$

38,748

$

41,115

Special mention

1,041

2,513

2,635

41,711

46,159

69,406

10,346

13,762

19,672

Substandard

3,625

9,549

10,696

94,104

149,333

188,255

34,841

61,616

70,180

Doubtful

$

17,097

$

24,109

$

25,934

$

354,715

$

439,785

$

477,968

$

73,322

$

114,126

$

130,967

Residential Real Estate

Consumer

Commercial & Industrial

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

185,636

$

203,296

$

208,086

$

8,150

$

8,804

$

8,639

$

27,211

$

38,450

$

41,031

Special mention

78,683

91,468

93,537

30,616

38,322

40,038

2,853

3,968

4,173

Substandard

141,957

186,405

203,084

51,272

56,872

59,743

16,924

26,444

35,458

Doubtful

78

116

$

406,276

$

481,247

$

504,707

$

90,038

$

103,998

$

108,420

$

46,988

$

68,862

$

80,778

Single Pay

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

Pass

$

60

$

52

$

46

Special mention

Substandard

28

77

68

Doubtful

$

88

$

129

$

114

The risk grading of acquired credit impaired loans is determined utilizing a loan’s contractual balance, while the amount recorded in the financial statements and reflected above is the carrying value. In an FDIC-assisted acquisition, covered acquired loans are initially recorded at their fair value, including a credit discount due to the high concentration of substandard and doubtful loans. In addition to the credit discount and the allowance for loan losses on covered acquired loans, the Company’s risk of loss is mitigated by the FDIC loss share arrangement.

25



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table presents an aging analysis of past due loans, segregated by class for non-acquired loans:

Total

30-59 Days

60-89 Days

90+ Days

Past

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Past Due

Past Due

Past Due

Due

Current

Loans

September 30, 2014

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

510

$

195

$

1,208

$

1,913

$

383,405

$

385,318

Commercial non-owner occupied

878

2,819

3,697

314,773

318,470

Commercial owner occupied

177

4,079

2,149

6,405

874,998

881,403

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

1,842

646

2,293

4,781

697,740

702,521

Home equity loans

1,178

291

404

1,873

274,468

276,341

Commercial and industrial

408

121

113

642

354,938

355,580

Other income producing property

264

219

2,202

2,685

152,137

154,822

Consumer

442

153

117

712

182,739

183,451

Other loans

105

32

38

175

46,627

46,802

$

5,804

$

5,736

$

11,343

$

22,883

$

3,281,825

$

3,304,708

December 31, 2013

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

557

$

476

$

2,707

$

3,740

$

296,211

$

299,951

Commercial non-owner occupied

1,780

1

2,684

4,465

286,706

291,171

Commercial owner occupied

457

650

3,601

4,708

828,805

833,513

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

1,526

1,107

2,621

5,254

542,916

548,170

Home equity loans

780

214

422

1,416

255,723

257,139

Commercial and industrial

390

105

370

865

320,959

321,824

Other income producing property

950

19

2,634

3,603

139,601

143,204

Consumer

337

142

28

507

135,903

136,410

Other loans

33

36

30

99

33,735

33,834

$

6,810

$

2,750

$

15,097

$

24,657

$

2,840,559

$

2,865,216

September 30, 2013

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

2,239

$

2,181

$

4,834

$

9,254

$

278,945

$

288,199

Commercial non-owner occupied

1,658

15

2,493

4,166

278,512

282,678

Commercial owner occupied

1,009

334

5,924

7,267

806,992

814,259

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

2,806

1,449

2,755

7,010

491,724

498,734

Home equity loans

767

168

503

1,438

253,853

255,291

Commercial and industrial

139

103

672

914

300,931

301,845

Other income producing property

818

218

2,395

3,431

136,593

140,024

Consumer

300

201

61

562

115,750

116,312

Other loans

53

24

32

109

43,791

43,900

$

9,789

$

4,693

$

19,669

$

34,151

$

2,707,091

$

2,741,242

26



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table presents an aging analysis of past due loans, segregated by class for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

Total

30-59 Days

60-89 Days

90+ Days

Past

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Past Due

Past Due

Past Due

Due

Current

Loans

September 30, 2014

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

1,216

$

$

41

$

1,257

$

26,448

$

27,705

Commercial non-owner occupied

17

17

50,290

50,307

Commercial owner occupied

1,054

37

1,091

64,329

65,420

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

7,429

664

2,338

10,431

662,668

673,099

Home equity loans

1,124

403

945

2,472

240,248

242,720

Commercial and industrial

218

56

240

514

34,558

35,072

Other income producing property

276

75

85

436

68,121

68,557

Consumer

1,488

283

637

2,408

212,055

214,463

$

12,822

$

1,481

$

4,323

$

18,626

$

1,358,717

$

1,377,343

December 31, 2013

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

371

$

$

464

$

835

$

57,561

$

58,396

Commercial non-owner occupied

105

17

122

58,476

58,598

Commercial owner occupied

71

272

343

73,371

73,714

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

3,368

393

1,196

4,957

740,524

745,481

Home equity loans

857

67

625

1,549

262,601

264,150

Commercial and industrial

827

894

282

2,003

56,770

58,773

Other income producing property

431

431

74,135

74,566

Consumer

291

213

154

658

266,599

267,257

$

6,250

$

1,638

$

3,010

$

10,898

$

1,590,037

$

1,600,935

September 30, 2013

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

$

78

$

409

$

487

$

54,772

$

55,259

Commercial non-owner occupied

17

17

65,164

65,181

Commercial owner occupied

1,250

62

1,312

81,821

83,133

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

26

714

740

768,346

769,086

Home equity loans

1,262

483

309

2,054

272,839

274,893

Commercial and industrial

381

147

528

63,541

64,069

Other income producing property

414

414

77,930

78,344

Consumer

231

92

78

401

274,967

275,368

$

3,581

$

1,367

$

1,005

$

5,953

$

1,659,380

$

1,665,333

27



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table presents an aging analysis of past due loans, segregated by class for acquired credit impaired loans:

Total

30-59 Days

60-89 Days

90+ Days

Past

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

Past Due

Past Due

Past Due

Due

Current

Loans

September 30, 2014

Commercial loans greater than or equal to $1 million-CBT

$

$

$

3,625

$

3,625

$

13,472

$

17,097

Commercial real estate

7,352

2,723

16,462

26,537

328,178

354,715

Commercial real estate—construction and development

700

529

9,930

11,159

62,163

73,322

Residential real estate

17,424

4,784

15,678

37,886

368,390

406,276

Consumer

5,070

1,517

2,166

8,753

81,285

90,038

Commercial and industrial

1,058

456

4,628

6,142

40,846

46,988

Single pay

88

88

$

31,604

$

10,009

$

52,489

$

94,102

$

894,422

$

988,524

December 31, 2013

Commercial loans greater than or equal to $1 million-CBT

$

$

$

7,217

$

7,217

$

16,892

$

24,109

Commercial real estate

4,493

3,728

24,362

32,583

407,202

439,785

Commercial real estate—construction and development

4,847

9,166

17,567

31,580

82,546

114,126

Residential real estate

13,794

3,792

27,061

44,647

436,600

481,247

Consumer

2,390

552

2,050

4,992

99,006

103,998

Commercial and industrial

3,875

634

3,829

8,338

60,524

68,862

Single pay

46

46

83

129

$

29,399

$

17,872

$

82,132

$

129,403

$

1,102,853

$

1,232,256

September 30, 2013

Commercial loans greater than or equal to $1 million-CBT

$

$

787

$

6,761

$

7,548

$

18,386

$

25,934

Commercial real estate

11,992

2,552

29,451

43,995

433,973

477,968

Commercial real estate—construction and development

2,616

671

18,682

21,969

108,998

130,967

Residential real estate

10,994

4,054

27,640

42,688

462,019

504,707

Consumer

1,754

477

2,036

4,267

104,153

108,420

Commercial and industrial

1,439

882

4,628

6,949

73,829

80,778

Single pay

19

22

41

73

114

$

28,795

$

9,442

$

89,220

$

127,457

$

1,201,431

$

1,328,888

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Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired non-acquired and acquired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20:

Gross

Unpaid

Recorded

Recorded

Contractual

Investment

Investment

Total

Principal

With No

With

Recorded

Related

(Dollars in thousands)

Balance

Allowance

Allowance

Investment

Allowance

September 30, 2014

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

7,386

$

2,229

$

2,647

$

4,876

$

402

Commercial non-owner occupied

4,846

2,700

1,084

3,784

30

Commercial owner occupied

13,097

5,576

3,860

9,436

100

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

2,972

2,427

2,427

121

Home equity loans

Commercial and industrial

1,447

693

417

1,110

12

Other income producing property

7,066

914

5,466

6,380

711

Consumer

81

50

50

1

Other loans

Total impaired loans

$

36,895

$

12,112

$

15,951

$

28,063

$

1,377

December 31, 2013

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

7,341

$

3,555

$

2,184

$

5,739

$

704

Commercial non-owner occupied

3,592

2,681

2,681

Commercial owner occupied

14,017

10,441

1,119

11,560

10

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

3,063

3,013

3,013

271

Home equity loans

Commercial and industrial

477

405

405

Other income producing property

2,794

554

2,095

2,649

646

Consumer

Other loans

Total impaired loans

$

31,284

$

17,636

$

8,411

$

26,047

$

1,631

September 30, 2013

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

15,447

$

4,986

$

3,215

$

8,201

$

558

Commercial non-owner occupied

4,543

1,269

1,535

2,804

Commercial owner occupied

17,826

12,166

2,517

14,683

19

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

625

575

575

21

Home equity loans

Commercial and industrial

954

707

707

Other income producing property

3,073

253

2,361

2,614

703

Consumer

Other loans

Total impaired loans

$

42,468

$

19,381

$

10,203

$

29,584

$

1,301

Acquired credit impaired loans are accounted for in pools as shown on page 21 rather than being individually evaluated for impairment; therefore, the table above excludes acquired credit impaired loans.

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Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following summarizes the average investment in impaired loans, non-acquired and acquired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20, and interest income recognized on these loans:

Three Months Ended September 30,

2014

2013

Average

Average

Investment in

Interest Income

Investment in

Interest Income

(Dollars in thousands)

Impaired Loans

Recognized

Impaired Loans

Recognized

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

5,277

$

23

$

9,028

$

42

Commercial non-owner occupied

4,966

8

3,779

Commercial owner occupied

10,294

27

16,004

33

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

2,480

30

1,066

Home equity loans

Commercial and industrial

929

2

1,253

Other income producing property

6,377

52

2,993

14

Consumer

68

1

Other loans

Total Impaired Loans

$

30,391

$

143

$

34,123

$

89

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2014

2013

Average

Average

Investment in

Interest Income

Investment in

Interest Income

(Dollars in thousands)

Impaired Loans

Recognized

Impaired Loans

Recognized

Commercial real estate:

Construction and land development

$

5,308

$

58

$

11,151

$

69

Commercial non-owner occupied

3,469

36

4,325

1

Commercial owner occupied

10,242

103

15,791

94

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

2,720

63

1,093

7

Home equity loans

Commercial and industrial

757

15

1,329

Other income producing property

4,515

112

3,856

22

Consumer

25

4

Other loans

Total Impaired Loans

$

27,036

$

391

$

37,545

$

193

30



Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following is a summary of information pertaining to non-acquired nonaccrual loans by class, including restructured loans:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

Construction and land development

$

2,851

$

5,819

$

8,058

Commercial non-owner occupied

2,483

2,912

2,804

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

5,334

8,731

10,862

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

1,481

8,382

10,579

Home equity loans

4,034

1,128

1,255

Total consumer real estate

5,515

9,510

11,834

Commercial owner occupied real estate

6,532

7,753

10,184

Commercial and industrial

648

586

987

Other income producing property

2,235

4,704

4,701

Consumer

155

49

63

Other loans

Restructured loans

9,633

10,690

10,837

Total loans on nonaccrual status

$

30,052

$

42,023

$

49,468

The following is a summary of information pertaining to acquired non-credit impaired nonaccrual loans by class, including restructured loans:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

Construction and land development

$

$

$

Commercial non-owner occupied

14

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

14

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

2,733

Home equity loans

1,228

Total consumer real estate

3,961

Commercial owner occupied real estate

38

Commercial and industrial

165

Other income producing property

318

Consumer

863

Restructured loans

Total loans on nonaccrual status

$

5,359

$

$

In the course of resolving delinquent loans, the Bank may choose to restructure the contractual terms of certain loans. Any loans that are modified are reviewed by the Bank to determine if a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR” or “restructured loan”) has occurred. A TDR is a modification in which the Bank grants a concession to a borrower that it would not otherwise consider due to economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties. The concessions granted on TDRs generally include terms to reduce the interest rate, extend the term of the debt obligation, or modify the payment structure on the debt obligation.

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Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The Bank designates loan modifications as TDRs when it grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulty (FASB ASC Topic 310-40). Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual TDRs. Loans on accruing status at the date of concession are initially classified as accruing TDRs if the note is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is expected in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the concession date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. Nonaccrual TDRs are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months).

The following table presents non-acquired and acquired non-credit impaired loans designated as TDRs segregated by class and type of concession that were restructured during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

Three Months Ended September 30,

2014

2013

Pre-

Post-

Pre-

Post-

Modification

Modification

Modification

Modification

Outstanding

Outstanding

Outstanding

Outstanding

Number

Recorded

Recorded

Number

Recorded

Recorded

(Dollars in thousands)

of loans

Investment

Investment

of loans

Investment

Investment

Interest rate modification

Construction and land development

1

$

170

$

170

$

$

Consumer owner occupied

1

121

121

Total interest rate modifications

2

291

291

Term modification

Other income producing property

1

1,243

1,232

Total term modifications

1

1,243

1,232

3

$

1,534

$

1,523

$

$

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2014

2013

Pre-

Post-

Pre-

Post-

Modification

Modification

Modification

Modification

Outstanding

Outstanding

Outstanding

Outstanding

Number

Recorded

Recorded

Number

Recorded

Recorded

(Dollars in thousands)

of loans

Investment

Investment

of loans

Investment

Investment

Interest rate modification

Construction and land development

3

$

773

$

745

$

$

Commercial non-owner occupied

1

247

247

Commercial owner occupied

1

750

750

Consumer owner occupied

3

407

398

1

124

122

Other income producing property

1

147

136

Total interest rate modifications

7

1,327

1,279

3

1,121

1,119

Term modification

Construction and land development

1

99

97

Commercial and industrial

1

696

134

Other income producing property

1

1,243

1,232

Total term modifications

2

1,342

1,329

1

696

134

9

$

2,669

$

2,608

4

$

1,817

$

1,253

At September 30, 2014 and 2013, the balance of accruing TDRs was $6.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

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Table of Contents

Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table presents the changes in status of non-acquired loans restructured within the previous 12 months as of September 30, 2014 by type of concession:

Paying Under

Restructured Terms

Converted to Nonaccrual

Foreclosures and Defaults

Number

Recorded

Number

Recorded

Number

Recorded

(Dollars in thousands)

of Loans

Investment

of Loans

Investment

of Loans

Investment

Interest rate modification

8

$

1,394

$

$

Term modification

3

3,288

11

$

4,682

$

$

The amount of specific reserve associated with non-acquired restructured loans was $1.2 million at September 30, 2014, none of which was related to the restructured loans that had subsequently defaulted. The Company had $12,000 remaining availability under commitments to lend additional funds on these restructured loans at September 30, 2014.

Note 7—FDIC Indemnification Asset

The following table provides changes in FDIC indemnification asset:

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

Balance at beginning of period

$

86,447

$

146,171

FDIC indemnification asset recorded for First Federal’s FDIC loss share agreements

21,713

Decrease in expected losses on loans

(2,188

)

(1,871

)

Additional losses (recoveries) on OREO

(3,710

)

(547

)

Reimbursable expenses

1,947

3,855

Amortization of discounts and premiums, net

(17,718

)

(22,106

)

Reimbursements from FDIC

(33,795

)

(39,066

)

Balance at end of period

$

30,983

$

108,149

The FDIC indemnification asset is measured separately from the related covered assets.  At September 30, 2014, the projected cash flows related to the FDIC indemnification asset for losses on assets acquired were approximately $18.8 million less than the current carrying value.  This amount is being recognized as amortization (in non-interest income) over the shorter of the underlying asset’s remaining life or remaining term of the loss share agreements. Subsequent to September 30, 2014, the Company expects to receive $5.0 million from loss share claims filed, including reimbursable expenses.

Included in the FDIC indemnification asset is an expected “true up” with the FDIC related to both the BankMeridian and Plantation acquisitions.  This amount is determined each reporting period and at September 30, 2014 was estimated to be approximately $4.1 million related to the BankMeridian acquisition at the end of the loss share agreement (July 2021) and $3.1 million related to the Plantation acquisition at the end of the loss share agreement (April 2017).  The actual payment to the FDIC will be determined at the end of the loss sharing agreement term for each of the five FDIC-assisted acquisitions and is based on the negative bid, expected losses, intrinsic loss estimate, and assets covered under loss share.  There was no true up expected from the CBT, Cape Fear, or Habersham FDIC-assisted transactions as of September 30, 2014.

Effective June 30, 2014, the Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement with the FDIC expired for Cape Fear and losses on assets covered under this agreement are no longer claimable after filing the second quarter of 2014 commercial loss share certificate. The Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement for CBT will expire March 31, 2015 and losses on assets covered under this agreement will no longer be claimable after this date.

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Table of Contents

Note 8—Other Real Estate Owned

The following is a summary of information pertaining to OREO at September 30, 2014:

(Dollars in thousands)

OREO

Covered
OREO

Total

Balance, December 31, 2013

$

37,398

$

27,520

$

64,918

Additions

22,888

13,393

36,281

Write-downs

(4,375

)

(4,298

)

(8,673

)

Sold

(23,622

)

(17,654

)

(41,276

)

Balance, September 30, 2014

$

32,289

$

18,961

$

51,250

The following is a summary of information pertaining to OREO at September 30, 2013:

(Dollars in thousands)

OREO

Covered
OREO

Total

Balance, December 31, 2012

$

32,248

$

34,257

$

66,505

Acquired in FFHI acquisition

4,801

$

6,405

11,206

Additions

22,106

17,499

39,605

Write-downs

(5,446

)

(247

)

(5,693

)

Sold

(18,379

)

(17,371

)

(35,750

)

Balance, September 30, 2013

$

35,330

$

40,543

$

75,873

The covered OREO above is covered pursuant to the FDIC loss share agreements and is presented net of the related fair value discount.  At September 30, 2014, there were 336 properties included in OREO, with 174 uncovered and 162 covered by loss share agreement with the FDIC.  At September 30, 2013, there were 519 properties included in OREO, with 202 uncovered and 317 covered by loss share agreement with the FDIC.

Note 9 — Deposits

The Company’s total deposits are comprised of the following:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Certificates of deposit

$

1,300,580

$

1,525,567

$

1,674,205

Interest-bearing demand deposits

2,900,140

2,893,646

2,851,575

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

1,654,308

1,487,798

1,477,793

Savings deposits

658,903

647,648

651,727

Other time deposits

4,297

838

3,808

Total deposits

$

6,518,228

$

6,555,497

$

6,659,108

At September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, the Company had $136.8 million, $166.1 million, and $108.9 million in certificates of deposits greater than $250,000, respectively.  At September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, the Company had $24.7 million, $34.8 million and $42.9 million, in traditional, out-of-market brokered deposits, respectively.

Note 10 — Retirement Plans

The Company and the Bank provide certain retirement benefits to their employees in the form of a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan and an employees’ savings plan.  The non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covers all employees hired on or before December 31, 2005, who have attained age 21, and who have completed a year of eligible service.  Employees hired on or after January 1, 2006 are not eligible to participate in the non-contributory defined benefit pension plan.  On this date, a new benefit formula applies only to participants who have not attained age 45 or who do not have five years of service.

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Table of Contents

Note 10 — Retirement Plans (Continued)

Effective July 1, 2009, the Company suspended the accrual of benefits for pension plan participants under the non-contributory defined benefit plan.  The pension plan remained suspended as of September 30, 2014.

The components of net periodic pension expense recognized are as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Interest cost

$

(277

)

$

(250

)

$

(833

)

$

(750

)

Expected return on plan assets

487

430

1,463

1,291

Recognized net actuarial loss

(165

)

(301

)

(495

)

(903

)

Net periodic pension benefit (expense)

$

45

$

(121

)

$

135

$

(362

)

The Company contributed $600,000 to the pension plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  The Company did not contribute to the pension plan for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and does not expect to make any additional contributions during the remainder of 2014.  The plans assets currently exceed the projected benefit obligation of the plan, and no additional contributions are required for 2014.

Electing employees are eligible to participate in the employees’ savings plan, under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k), after attaining age 21.  Plan participants elect to contribute portions of their annual base compensation as a before tax contribution.  Employer contributions may be made from current or accumulated net profits. Participants may elect to contribute 1% to 50% of annual base compensation as a before tax contribution. Effective September 1, 2012, employees participating in the plan receive a 100% matching of their 401(k) plan contribution, up to 5% of salary. Prior to September 1, 2012, participating employees received a 50% matching of their 401(k) plan contribution, up to 6% of salary.  The Company expensed $1.2 million and $871,000 for the 401(k) plan during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company expensed $3.6 million and $2.1 million for the 401(k) plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Employees hired on January 1, 2006 or thereafter will not participate in the defined benefit pension plan, but are eligible to participate in the employees’ savings plan.

Employees can enter the savings plan on or after the first day of each month.  The employee may enter into a salary deferral agreement at any time to select an alternative deferral amount or to elect not to defer in the plan.  If the employee does not elect an investment allocation, the plan administrator will select a retirement-based portfolio according to the employee’s number of years until normal retirement age.  The plan’s investment valuations are generally provided on a daily basis.

Note 11 — Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period, excluding non-vested shares.  The Company’s diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during each period plus the maximum dilutive effect of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted shares.  The weighted-average number of shares and equivalents are determined after giving retroactive effect to stock dividends and stock splits.

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Table of Contents

Note 11 — Earnings Per Share (Continued)

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Basic earnings per share:

Net income available to common shareholders

$

19,327

$

11,512

$

53,116

$

34,693

Weighted-average basic shares

23,899

21,894

23,890

18,518

Basic earnings per share

$

0.81

$

0.53

$

2.22

$

1.87

Diluted earnings per share:

Net income available to common shareholders

$

19,327

$

11,512

$

53,116

$

34,693

Weighted-average basic shares

23,899

21,894

23,890

18,518

Effect of dilutive securities

261

234

249

199

Weighted-average dilutive shares

24,160

22,128

24,139

18,717

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.80

$

0.52

$

2.20

$

1.85

The calculation of diluted earnings per common share excludes outstanding stock options for which the results would have been anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Shares in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Number of shares

22,497

22,497

21,361

Range of exercise prices

$61.49-$66.32

$

$61.49-$66.32

$41.45-$41.45

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Table of Contents

Note 12 — Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s 2004 and 2012 share-based compensation programs are long-term retention programs intended to attract, retain, and provide incentives for key employees and non-employee directors in the form of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).

Stock Options

With the exception of non-qualified stock options granted to directors under the 2004 and 2012 plans, which in some cases may be exercised at any time prior to expiration and in some other cases may be exercised at intervals less than a year following the grant date, incentive stock options granted under the plans may not be exercised in whole or in part within a year following the date of the grant, as these incentive stock options become exercisable in 25% increments pro ratably over the four-year period following the grant date.  The options are granted at an exercise price at least equal to the fair value of the common stock at the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant.  No options were granted under the 2004 plan after January 26, 2012, and the 2004 plan is closed other than for any options still unexercised and outstanding. The 2012 plan is the only plan from which new share-based compensation grants may be issued.  It is the Company’s policy to grant options out of the 1,684,000 shares registered under the 2012 plan, of which no more than 817,476 shares can be granted as restricted stock or RSUs.

Activity in the Company’s stock option plans is summarized in the following table.  All information has been retroactively adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits.

Weighted-

Weighted-

Average

Average

Remaining

Aggregate

Number of

Exercise

Contractual

Intrinsic

Options

Shares

Price

Life (Yrs.)

Value (000’s)

Outstanding at January 1, 2014

295,916

$

33.26

Granted

22,497

65.59

Exercised

(9,122

)

29.79

Expired/Forfeited

(13

)

27.22

Outstanding at September 30, 2014

309,278

35.71

4.60

$

6,467

Exercisable at September 30, 2014

254,352

33.09

3.80

$

5,816

Weighted-average fair value of

options granted during the year

$

26.44

The fair value of options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and expensed over the options’ vesting periods.  The following weighted-average assumptions were used in valuing options issued:

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2014

2013

Dividend yield

1.27%

1.70%

Expected life

6 years

6 years

Expected volatility

43.8%-44.7%

42.0%

Risk-free interest rate

2.10%

1.02%

As of September 30, 2014, there was $756,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option grants under the plans.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.29 years as of September 30, 2014.  The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $413,000.

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Table of Contents

Note 12 — Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

Restricted Stock

The Company from time-to-time also grants shares of restricted stock to key employees and non-employee directors.  These awards help align the interests of these employees and directors with the interests of the shareholders of the Company by providing economic value directly related to increases in the value of the Company’s stock.  The value of the stock awarded is established as the fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant.  The Company recognizes expenses, equal to the total value of such awards, ratably over the vesting period of the stock grants.  Restricted stock grants to employees typically “cliff vest” after four years.  Grants to non-employee directors typically vest within a 12-month period.

Nonvested restricted stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is summarized in the following table.  All information has been retroactively adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits.

Weighted-

Average

Grant-Date

Restricted Stock

Shares

Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2014

232,547

$

35.15

Granted

26,014

60.40

Vested

(20,348

)

41.82

Forfeited

(4,454

)

41.45

Nonvested at September 30, 2014

233,759

37.26

As of September 30, 2014, there was $4.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock granted under the plans.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.48 years as of September 30, 2014.  The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $851,000.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company from time-to-time also grants performance RSUs to key employees.  These awards help align the interests of these employees with the interests of the shareholders of the Company by providing economic value directly related to the performance of the Company.  Performance RSU grants contain a three year performance period. The Company communicates threshold, target, and maximum performance RSU awards and performance targets to the applicable key employees at the beginning of a performance period. Dividends are not paid in respect to the awards during the performance period.  The value of the RSUs awarded is established as the fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant.  The Company recognizes expenses on a straight-line basis typically over three years based upon the probable performance target that will be met. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company accrued at the target RSU award level, or for 85% of the RSUs granted, based on Management’s expectations of performance.

Nonvested RSUs for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is summarized in the following table.

Weighted-

Average

Grant-Date

Restricted Stock Units

Shares

Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2014

43,820

$

51.01

Granted

37,802

61.49

Vested

(2,314

)

54.00

Nonvested at September 30, 2014

79,308

55.92

As of September 30, 2014, there was $2.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs granted under the plan.  This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.73 years as of September 30, 2014. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $125,000.

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Table of Contents

Note 13 — Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

In the normal course of business, the Company makes various commitments and incurs certain contingent liabilities, which are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements.  The commitments and contingent liabilities include guarantees, commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit.  At September 30, 2014, commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit totaled $1.3 billion.  The Company does not anticipate any material losses as a result of these transactions.

The Company has been named as defendant in various legal actions, arising from its normal business activities, in which damages in various amounts are claimed. The Company is also exposed to litigation risk related to the prior business activities of banks acquired through whole bank acquisitions as well as banks from which assets were acquired and liabilities assumed in FDIC-assisted transactions. Although the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to such matters cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, any such liability will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 14 — Fair Value

FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions.

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Available for sale securities, derivative contracts, and mortgage servicing rights are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for sale, impaired loans, OREO, and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1

Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2

Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3

Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities

Securities available for sale are valued on a recurring basis at quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable securities. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange and The NASDAQ Stock Market, or U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities and debentures issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities.  Securities held to maturity are valued at quoted market prices or dealer quotes similar to securities available for sale. The carrying value of FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value. The fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors within the secondary market for loans with similar characteristics. As such, the fair value adjustments for mortgage loans held for sale are nonrecurring Level 2.

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Table of Contents

Note 14 — Fair Value (Continued)

Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan may be considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses may be established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment using estimated fair value methodologies. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At September 30, 2014, substantially all of the impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral because such loans were considered collateral dependent. Impaired loans, where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral; require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)

Typically non-covered OREO, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs (Level 2). However, both non-covered and covered OREO are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because management has qualitatively applied a discount due to the size, supply of inventory, and the incremental discounts applied to the appraisals. Management also considers other factors, including changes in absorption rates, length of time the property has been on the market and anticipated sales values, which have resulted in adjustments to the collateral value estimates indicated in certain appraisals.  At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and generally any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as a component of OREO expense, net of any FDIC indemnification proceeds in the case of covered OREO.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Fair value is estimated using pricing models of derivatives with similar characteristics; accordingly, the derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy (see Note 16—Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information).

Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”)

The estimated fair value of MSRs is obtained through an independent derivatives dealer analysis of future cash flows. The evaluation utilizes assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value including market discount rates, prepayment speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data, as well as the market’s perception of future interest rate movements. MSRs are classified as Level 3.

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Table of Contents

Note 14 — Fair Value (Continued)

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Quoted Prices

In Active

Significant

Markets

Other

Significant

for Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(Dollars in thousands)

Fair Value

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

September 30, 2014:

Assets

Derivative financial instruments

$

1,101

$

$

1,101

$

Securities available for sale:

Government-sponsored entities debt

137,459

137,459

State and municipal obligations

141,258

141,258

Mortgage-backed securities

523,009

523,009

Corporate stocks

3,388

3,163

225

Total securities available for sale

805,114

3,163

801,951

Mortgage servicing rights

22,052

22,052

$

828,267

$

3,163

$

803,052

$

22,052

Liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

$

986

$

$

986

$

December 31, 2013:

Assets

Derivative financial instruments

$

701

$

$

701

$

Securities available for sale:

Government-sponsored entities debt

142,994

142,994

State and municipal obligations

140,651

140,651

Mortgage-backed securities

499,479

499,479

Corporate stocks

3,667

3,442

225

Total securities available for sale

786,791

3,442

783,349

Mortgage servicing rights

20,729

20,729

$

808,221

$

3,442

$

784,050

$

20,729

Liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

$

1,857

$

$

1,857

$

September 30, 2013:

Assets

Derivative financial instruments

$

209

$

$

209

$

Securities available for sale:

Government-sponsored entities debt

102,673

102,673

State and municipal obligations

142,578

142,578

Mortgage-backed securities

378,626

378,626

Corporate stocks

2,921

2,696

225

Total securities available for sale

626,798

2,696

624,102

Mortgage servicing rights

18,908

18,908

$

645,915

$

2,696

$

624,311

$

18,908

Liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

$

1,259

$

$

1,259

$

41



Table of Contents

Note 14 — Fair Value (Continued)

Changes in Level 1, 2 and 3 Fair Value Measurements

When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement.  However, since Level 3 financial instruments typically include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 components, observable components (that is, components that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources), the gains and losses below include changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology.

There were no changes in hierarchy classifications of Level 3 assets or liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of Level 3 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets

Liabilities

Fair value, January 1, 2014

$

20,729

$

Mortgage and other loan income

(2,252

)

Purchases and issuances

3,575

Fair value, September 30, 2014

$

22,052

$

Fair value, January 1, 2013

$

3,851

$

Mortgage and other loan income

(771

)

Acquired in the FFHI acquisition

19,156

Purchases, issuances and settlements, net

(3,851

)

Transfers in and/or out of level 3

523

Fair value, September 30, 2013

$

18,908

$

There were no unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to Level 3 financial assets and liabilities at September 30, 2014 or 2013.

See Note 19 — Loan Servicing, Mortgage Obligation, and Loans Held for Sale for information about recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of mortgage servicing rights.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Quoted Prices

In Active

Significant

Markets

Other

Significant

for Identical

Observable

Unobservable

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

(Dollars in thousands)

Fair Value

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

September 30, 2014:

OREO

$

51,250

$

$

$

51,250

Non-acquired impaired loans

10,655

10,655

December 31, 2013:

OREO

$

64,918

$

$

$

64,918

Non-acquired impaired loans

13,129

13,129

September 30, 2013:

OREO

$

75,873

$

$

$

75,873

Non-acquired impaired loans

9,088

9,088

42



Table of Contents

Note 14 — Fair Value (Continued)

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2014

General

Weighted

Valuation Technique

Unobservable Input

Range

Average

Nonrecurring measurements:

Impaired loans

Discounted appraisals

Collateral discounts

0-25

%

4.91

%

OREO

Discounted appraisals

Collateral discounts and estimated costs to sell

0-50

%

27.46

%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those models are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. The use of different methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013. Such amounts have not been revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since those dates and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents — The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investment Securities — Securities held to maturity are valued at quoted market prices or dealer quotes.  The carrying value of FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions.  The carrying value of the Company’s investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries approximates fair value.  See Note 5—Investment Securities for additional information, as well as page 39 regarding fair value.

Loans — For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for certain mortgage loans (e.g., one-to-four family residential) and other consumer loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current rates offered for new loans of the same type, structure and credit quality. Fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and investment property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered by the Company for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Fair values for non-performing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

FDIC Receivable for Loss Share Agreements — The fair value is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using current discount rates.

Deposit Liabilities — The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest bearing checking, passbook savings, and certain types of money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of variable-rate, fixed-term money market accounts, and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase — The carrying amount of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values.

Other Borrowings — The fair value of other borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments.

Accrued Interest — The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

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Table of Contents

Note 14 — Fair Value (Continued)

Derivative Financial Instruments — The fair value of derivative financial instruments (including interest rate swaps) is estimated using pricing models of derivatives with similar characteristics.

Commitments to Extend Credit, Standby Letters of Credit and Financial Guarantees — The fair values of commitments to extend credit are estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair values of guarantees and letters of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated costs to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.

44



Table of Contents

Note 14 — Fair Value (Continued)

The estimated fair value, and related carrying amount, of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

Carrying

Fair

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

September 30, 2014

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

503,028

$

503,028

$

503,028

$

$

Investment securities

826,021

826,651

13,681

812,970

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses, and loans held for sale

5,684,334

5,736,759

56,595

5,680,164

FDIC receivable for loss share agreements

30,983

13,873

13,873

Accrued interest receivable

17,134

17,134

3,708

13,426

Mortgage servicing rights

22,052

22,052

22,052

Interest rate swap — non-designated hedge

162

162

162

Other derivative financial instruments (mortgage banking related)

939

939

939

Financial liabilities:

Deposits

6,518,228

6,224,652

6,224,652

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

231,229

231,229

231,229

Other borrowings

101,127

101,627

101,627

Accrued interest payable

4,234

4,234

4,234

Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge

824

824

824

Interest rate swap — non-designated hedge

162

162

162

Off balance sheet financial instruments:

Commitments to extend credit

12,007

12,007

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees

December 31, 2013

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

479,461

$

479,461

$

479,461

$

$

Investment securities

812,603

813,068

16,828

796,240

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses, and loans held for sale

5,683,044

5,742,078

30,586

5,711,492

FDIC receivable for loss share agreements

86,447

48,512

48,512

Accrued interest receivable

15,024

15,024

3,482

11,542

Mortgage servicing rights

20,729

20,729

20,729

Interest rate swap — non-designated hedge

178

178

178

Other derivative financial instruments (mortgage banking related)

523

523

523

Financial liabilities:

Deposits

6,555,497

6,313,543

6,313,543

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

211,401

211,401

211,401

Other borrowings

102,060

92,751

92,751

Accrued interest payable

5,388

5,388

5,388

Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge

914

914

914

Interest rate swap — non-designated hedge

178

178

178

Other derivative financial instruments (mortgage banking related)

765

765

765

Off balance sheet financial instruments:

Commitments to extend credit

15,555

15,555

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees

45



Table of Contents

Note 14 — Fair Value (Continued)

Carrying

Fair

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

September 30, 2013

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

645,166

$

645,166

$

645,166

$

$

Investment securities

652,610

654,176

17,082

637,094

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses, and loans held for sale

5,738,266

5,763,726

52,467

5,711,259

FDIC receivable for loss share agreements

108,149

77,465

77,465

Accrued interest receivable

15,000

15,000

3,391

11,609

Mortgage servicing rights

18,908

18,908

18,908

Interest rate swap — non-designated hedge

209

209

209

Other derivative financial instruments (mortgage banking related)

1,101

1,101

1,101

Financial liabilities:

Deposits

6,659,108

6,410,356

6,410,356

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase

233,792

233,792

233,792

Other borrowings

101,347

104,984

104,984

Accrued interest payable

5,489

5,489

5,489

Interest rate swap — cash flow hedge

1,050

1,050

1,050

Interest rate swap — non-designated hedge

209

209

209

Off balance sheet financial instruments:

Commitments to extend credit

6,298

6,298

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees

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Table of Contents

Note 15 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in each components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows:

Unrealized Gains

and Losses

Gains and

on Securities

Losses on

Benefit

Available

Cash Flow

(Dollars in thousands)

Plans

for Sale

Hedges

Total

Three months ended September 30, 2014

Balance at June 30, 2014

$

(3,382

)

$

4,373

$

(583

)

$

408

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

(1,780

)

25

(1,755

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

102

56

48

206

Net comprehensive income (loss)

102

(1,724

)

73

(1,549

)

Balance at September 30, 2014

$

(3,280

)

$

2,649

$

(510

)

$

(1,141

)

Three months ended September 30, 2013

Balance at June 30, 2013

$

(7,458

)

$

(1,484

)

$

(649

)

$

(9,591

)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

(1,037

)

(1,037

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Net comprehensive income (loss)

(1,037

)

(1,037

)

Balance at September 30, 2013

$

(7,458

)

$

(2,521

)

$

(649

)

$

(10,628

)

Nine months ended September 30, 2014

Balance at December 31, 2013

$

(3,585

)

$

(5,573

)

$

(565

)

$

(9,723

)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

8,221

(89

)

8,132

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

305

1

144

450

Net comprehensive income (loss)

305

8,222

55

8,582

Balance at September 30, 2014

$

(3,280

)

$

2,649

$

(510

)

$

(1,141

)

Nine months ended September 30, 2013

Balance at December 31, 2012

$

(7,458

)

$

8,764

$

(930

)

$

376

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

(11,285

)

139

(11,146

)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

142

142

Net comprehensive income (loss)

(11,285

)

281

(11,004

)

Balance at September 30, 2013

$

(7,458

)

$

(2,521

)

$

(649

)

$

(10,628

)

47



Table of Contents

Note 15 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Continued)

The table below presents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

Income (Loss) Component

2014

2013

2014

2013

Income Statement Line Item Affected

Gains and losses on cash flow hedges:

Interest rate contracts

$

78

$

77

$

232

$

229

Interest expense

(30

)

(29

)

(88

)

(87

)

Provision for income taxes

48

48

144

142

Net income

Losses on sales of available for sale securities:

$

90

$

$

2

$

Other noninterest income

(34

)

(1

)

Provision for income taxes

56

1

Net income

Amortization of defined benefit pension items:

Actuarial losses

$

165

$

$

495

$

Salaries and employee benefits

(63

)

(190

)

Provision for income taxes

102

305

Net income

Total reclassifications for the period

$

206

$

48

$

450

$

142

Note 16 — Derivative Financial Instruments

Cash Flow Hedge of Interest Rate Risk

The Company utilizes this interest rate swap agreement to convert a portion of its variable-rate debt to a fixed rate (cash flow hedge). During 2009, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $8.0 million to manage interest rate risk due to periodic rate resets on its junior subordinated debt issued by SCBT Capital Trust II, an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company established for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The Company hedges the variable rate cash flows of subordinated debt against future interest rate increases by using an interest rate swap that effectively fixed the rate on the debt beginning on June 15, 2010, at which time the debt contractually converted from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate. This hedge expires on June 15, 2019. The notional amount on which the interest payments are based will not be exchanged. This derivatives contract calls for the Company to pay a fixed rate of 4.06% on $8.0 million notional amount and receive a variable rate of three-month LIBOR on the $8.0 million notional amount.

The Company recognized an after-tax unrealized gain on its cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income of $73,000 and $55,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to an after-tax unrealized gain on its cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income of less than $1,000 and $281,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  The Company recognized an $824,000 cash flow hedge liability in other liabilities on the balance sheet at September 30, 2014, compared to a $1.0 million liability recognized at September 30, 2013. There was no ineffectiveness in the cash flow hedge during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Credit risk related to the derivative arises when amounts receivable from the counterparty (derivatives dealer) exceed those payable. The Company controls the risk of loss by only transacting with derivatives dealers that are national market makers whose credit ratings are strong. Each party to the interest rate swap is required to provide collateral in the form of cash or securities to the counterparty when the counterparty’s exposure to a mark-to-market replacement value exceeds certain negotiated limits. These limits are typically based on current credit ratings and vary with ratings changes.  As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company was required to provide $950,000 and $1.1 million of collateral, respectively, which is included in cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet as interest-bearing deposits with banks. Also, the Company has a netting agreement with the counterparty.

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Table of Contents

Note 16 — Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)

Non-designated Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

Customer Swap

As of September 30, 2014, the Company has two interest rate swap contracts that were classified as non-designated hedges that were acquired through the merger transaction with Savannah.   These derivatives are not designated as hedges and are not speculative in nature.  One of the derivatives is an interest rate swap that was executed with a commercial borrower to facilitate a respective risk management strategy and allow the customer to pay a fixed rate of interest to the Company.  This interest rate swap was simultaneously hedged by executing an offsetting interest rate swap that was entered into with a derivatives dealer to minimize the net risk exposure to the Company resulting from the transactions and allow the Company to receive a variable rate of interest.

The interest rate swap contract with the commercial borrower requires the borrower to pay or receive from the Company an amount equal to and offsetting the value of the interest rate swap.  If the commercial borrower fails to perform and the market value for the interest rate swap with the derivatives dealer is negative (net liability position), the Company would be obligated to pay the settlement amount for the financial derivative with the dealer.  If the market value for the interest rate swap with the derivatives dealer is positive (net asset position), the Company would receive a payment for the settlement amount for the financial derivative with the dealer.  The settlement amount is determined by the fluctuation of interest rates.

As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.  As of September 30, 2014, the interest rate swaps had an aggregate notional amount of approximately $4.1 million and the fair value of these two interest rate swap derivatives are recorded in other assets and in other liabilities for $162,000 on the balance sheet.  The net effect of recording the derivatives at fair value through earnings was immaterial to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations during 2014.

The Company also has an agreement with the derivatives dealer in this transaction that contains a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on this derivatives obligation.  As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of the interest rate swap derivative with the derivatives dealer was in a net liability position of $162,000, which excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements.  As of September 30, 2014, the Company provided $355,000 of collateral, which is included in cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet as interest-bearing deposits with banks.  If the Company had breached any of these provisions at September 30, 2014, it would have been required to settle its obligations under the agreement at the termination value, $162,000.

Mortgage Banking

The Company also has derivatives contracts that were classified as non-designated hedges that were acquired through the merger transaction with FFHI.  These derivatives contracts are a part of the Company’s risk management strategy for its mortgage banking activities.  These instruments may include financial forwards, futures contracts, and options written and purchased, which are used to hedge mortgage servicing rights; while when-issued securities are typically used to hedge the mortgage pipeline.  Such instruments derive their cash flows, and therefore their values, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate.  The Company does not elect hedge accounting treatment for any of these derivative instruments acquired through the merger with FFHI and as a result, changes in fair value of the instruments (both gains and losses) are recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of income in mortgage banking income.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Derivatives contracts related to mortgage servicing rights are used to help offset changes in fair value and are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts.  Notional amounts provide a basis for calculating payments between counterparties but do not represent amounts to be exchanged between the parties, and are not a measure of financial risk.  On September 30, 2014, the Company had derivative financial instruments outstanding with notional amounts totaling $78.0 million related to mortgage servicing rights.  The estimated net fair value of the open contracts related to the mortgage servicing rights was recorded as a liability of $150,000 at September 30, 2014.

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Note 16 — Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)

Mortgage Pipeline

The following table presents the Company’s notional value of forward sale commitments and the fair value of those obligations along with the fair value of the mortgage pipeline.

(Dollars in thousands)

September 30, 2014

December 31, 2013

September 30, 2013

Mortgage loan pipeline*

$

55,759

$

44,678

$

33,894

Expected closures

41,842

33,508

25,421

Fair Value of mortgage loan pipeline commitments

1,061

112

714

Forward commitments

59,455

36,230

51,267

Fair value of forward commitments

475

296

(569

)


*Represents at risk mortgage pipeline generally sold servicing retained to the agencies.

Note 17 — Capital Ratios

The Company is subject to certain risk-based capital guidelines. Certain ratios measure the relationship of capital to a combination of balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks. The values of both balance sheet and off-balance sheet items are adjusted to reflect credit risk. Under the guidelines promulgated by the Federal Reserve, which are substantially similar to those of the FDIC, Tier 1 risk-based capital must be at least 4% of risk-weighted assets, while total risk-based capital must be at least 8% of risk-weighted assets.

In conjunction with the risk-based capital ratios, the regulatory agencies have also prescribed a leverage capital ratio for assessing capital adequacy.

The Company’s capital adequacy ratios are reflected below:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

South State Corporation:

Tier 1 risk-based capital

13.29

%

13.58

%

13.15

%

Total risk-based capital

14.12

%

14.47

%

14.40

%

Tier 1 leverage

9.16

%

9.30

%

10.09

%

South State Bank:

Tier 1 risk-based capital

13.11

%

13.37

%

12.95

%

Total risk-based capital

13.94

%

14.26

%

14.20

%

Tier 1 leverage

9.03

%

9.16

%

9.95

%

Note 18—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill was $317.7 million at September 30, 2014. The Company’s other intangible assets, consisting of core deposit intangibles, noncompete intangibles, and client list intangibles are included on the face of the balance sheet.  The following is a summary of gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Gross carrying amount

$

75,354

$

77,896

$

77,963

Accumulated amortization

(24,063

)

(17,988

)

(15,768

)

$

51,291

$

59,908

$

62,195

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Note 18—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Continued)

Amortization expense totaled $6.3 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively.  Other intangibles are amortized using either the straight-line method or an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives, with lives generally between two and 15 years.  Estimated amortization expense for other intangibles for each of the next five quarters is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Quarters ending:

December 31, 2014

2,052

March 31, 2015

2,016

June 30, 2015

1,963

September 30, 2015

1,962

December 31, 2015

1,948

Thereafter

41,350

$

51,291

Note 19 — Loan Servicing, Mortgage Origination, and Loans Held for Sale

The portfolio of residential mortgages serviced for others, which are not included in the accompanying balance sheets, was $2.2 billion at September 30, 2014, and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013. Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts and disbursing payments to investors.  The amount of contractually specified servicing fees earned by the Company during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $1.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively.  Servicing fees are recorded in mortgage banking income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

At September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) were $22.1 million, $20.7 million, and $18.9 million on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, respectively.  MSRs are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The market value adjustments related to MSRs recorded in mortgage banking income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was a gain of $162,000 and a loss of $529,000, respectively.  Since the merger with FFHI, the Company has used various free standing derivative instruments to mitigate the income statement effect of changes in fair value due to changes in market value adjustments and to changes in valuation inputs and assumptions related to MSRs.

The following table presents the changes in the fair value of MSRs and the offsetting hedge. The Company acquired the MSRs and the offsetting hedge in the merger with FFHI on July 26, 2013; and therefore did not have any activity related to MSRs or the offsetting hedge prior to July 26, 2013.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

September 30, 2014

September 30, 2013

September 30, 2014

September 30, 2013

Increase (decrease) in fair value of MSRs

$

162

$

(582

)

$

(529

)

$

(582

)

Decay of MSRs

(646

)

(417

)

(1,723

)

(417

)

Gains (losses) related to derivatives

183

(670

)

2,118

(670

)

Net effect on consolidated statements of income

$

(301

)

$

(1,669

)

$

(134

)

$

(1,669

)

The following table is an analysis of the activity in the MSRs.

Nine Months Ended

(Dollars in thousands)

September 30, 2014

September 30, 2013

Balance at beginning of the period

$

20,729

$

Additions:

MSRs acquired in the merger with FFHI

19,156

Servicing assets that resulted from transfers of financial assets

3,575

751

Increase in fair value due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions

(529

)

(582

)

Decay in fair value:

Due to increases in principal paydowns or runoff

(1,723

)

(417

)

Carrying value at end of period

$

22,052

$

18,908

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Note 19 — Loan Servicing, Mortgage Origination, and Loans Held for Sale (Continued)

The fair value of MSRs is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions and fair value is determined by estimating the present value of the asset’s future cash flows utilizing market-based prepayment rates, discount rates and other assumptions validated through comparison to trade information, industry surveys and with the use of independent third party appraisals. Changes in prepayment speed assumptions have the most significant impact on the fair value of MSRs. Generally, as interest rates decline, mortgage loan prepayments accelerate due to increased refinance activity, which results in a decrease in the fair value of the MSR. Measurement of fair value is limited to the conditions existing and the assumptions utilized as of a particular point in time, and those assumptions may not be appropriate if they are applied at a different time.

The characteristics and sensitivity analysis of the MSR are included in the following table as of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013.

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2013

Composition of residential loans serviced for others

Fixed-rate mortgage loans

99.2

%

99.0

%

98.9

%

Adjustable-rate mortgage loans

0.8

%

1.0

%

1.1

%

Total

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Weighted average life

6.22 years

6.91 years

6.26 years

Constant Prepayment rate (CPR)

11.5

%

10.2

%

12.0

%

Weighted average discount rate

9.5

%

10.1

%

10.1

%

Effect on fair value due to change in interest rates

25 basis point increase

$

1,499

$

1,059

$

1,244

50 basis point increase

2,803

1,964

2,387

25 basis point decrease

(1,688

)

(1,248

)

(1,382

)

50 basis point decrease

(3,229

)

(2,255

)

(2,405

)

The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance. Changes in fair value based on adverse changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the changes in assumptions to fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effects of an adverse variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the MSRs is calculated without changing any other assumptions, while in reality, changes in one factor may result in changing another, which may magnify or contract the effect of the change.

Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with the loan servicing were $18.6 million at September 30, 2014.

Mandatory cash forwards and whole loan sales were $155.2 million and $425.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, $136.4 million and $338.1 million, or 87.9% and 79.4%, respectively, were sold with the servicing rights retained by the Company.

Loans held for sale have historically been comprised of residential mortgage loans awaiting sale in the secondary market, which generally settle in 15 to 45 days. Loans held for sale, which consists primarily of residential mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market, were $56.6 million, $30.6 million, and $51.2 million at September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, respectively.

Note 20 — Subsequent Events

Line of Credit

On October 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with U.S. Bank National Association (the “Lender”). The Agreement provides for a $20 million unsecured line of credit by the Lender to the Company.  The maturity date of the Agreement is October 26, 2015, provided that the Agreement may be extended subject to the approval of the Lender.  Borrowings by the Company under the Agreement will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%.

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Table of Contents

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the financial statements contained in this Quarterly Report beginning on page 1.  For further information, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Overview

We are a bank holding company headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, and were incorporated under the laws of South Carolina in 1985.  We provide a wide range of banking services and products to our customers through our wholly-owned bank subsidiary, South State Bank (the “Bank”), a South Carolina-chartered commercial bank that opened for business in 1934.  The Bank also operates Minis & Co., Inc. and First Southeast 401k Fiduciaries, both wholly owned registered investment advisors; and First Southeast Investor Services, a wholly owned limited service broker dealer.  The Company does not engage in any significant operations other than the ownership of our banking subsidiary.

At September 30, 2014, we had approximately $7.9 billion in assets and 2,057 full-time equivalent employees.  Through the Bank, we provide our customers with checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings and time deposits of various types, brokerage services and alternative investment products such as annuities and mutual funds, trust and asset management services, business loans, agriculture loans, real estate loans, personal use loans, home improvement loans, manufactured housing loans, automobile loans, credit cards, letters of credit, home equity lines of credit, safe deposit boxes, bank money orders, wire transfer services, correspondent banking services, and use of ATM facilities.

We have pursued, and continue to pursue, a growth strategy that focuses on organic growth, supplemented by acquisition of select financial institutions, or branches in certain market areas.

The following discussion describes our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to September 30, 2013 and also analyzes our financial condition as of September 30, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013.  Like most financial institutions, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments.  Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we may pay interest.  Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is the amount of our net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits.  Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

Of course, there are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses (sometimes referred to as “ALLL”) to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.  We establish and maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings.  In the following section, we have included a detailed discussion of this process.

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other expenses we charge to our customers.  We describe the various components of this noninterest income, as well as our noninterest expense, in the following discussion.

The following section also identifies significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements.  We encourage you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes and the other statistical information also included in this report.

Recent Events

Preferred Stock Redemption

On March 28, 2014, the Company redeemed all 65,000 outstanding shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A.  The shares had a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, and dividends were accruing at 9% per annum.

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Table of Contents

Name Change and System Conversion

Effective June 30, 2014, the Company changed its name from First Financial Holdings, Inc. to South State Corporation.  On June 30, 2014, the Bank also changed its name to South State Bank from SCBT and from the following divisions: NCBT, Community Bank & Trust (“CBT”), and The Savannah Bank.  The name of First Federal Bank, a division of the Bank, was changed in July 2014 in conjunction with the systems conversion and integration.  The Bank now operates all of its branches under the name “South State Bank.”

Critical Accounting Policies

We have established various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) in the preparation of our financial statements.  Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.  These policies may involve significant judgments and estimates that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities.  Different assumptions made in the application of these policies could result in material changes in our financial position and results of operations.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses reflects the estimated losses that will result from the inability of our bank’s borrowers to make required loan payments.  In determining an appropriate level for the allowance, we identify portions applicable to specific loans as well as providing amounts that are not identified with any specific loan but are derived with reference to actual loss experience, loan types, loan volumes, economic conditions, and industry standards.  Changes in these factors may cause our estimate of the allowance to increase or decrease and result in adjustments to the provision for loan losses.  See “Note 6 — Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses” in this Form 10-Q, “Provision for Loan Losses and Nonperforming Assets” in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation (“MD&A”) and “Allowance for Loan Losses” in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further detailed descriptions of our estimation process and methodology related to the allowance for loan losses.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed in a business combination.  As of September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the balance of goodwill was $317.7 million.  Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. The goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill.  If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered to be impaired.  If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment, if any.

If required, the second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated impairment.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination.  If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment.  If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess.  An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted.   Management has determined that the Company has two reporting units.

Our stock price has historically traded above its book value.  As of September 30, 2014, book value was $40.07 per share.  The lowest trading price during the first nine months of 2014, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was $54.03 per share, and the stock price closed on September 30, 2014 at $55.92 per share, which is above book value.  In the event our stock was to consistently trade below its book value during the reporting period, we would consider performing an evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill as of the reporting date.  Such a circumstance would be one factor in our evaluation that could result in an eventual goodwill impairment charge.  We evaluated the carrying value of goodwill as of April 30, 2014, our annual test date, and determined that no impairment charge was necessary.  Additionally, should our future earnings and cash flows decline and/or discount rates increase, an impairment charge to goodwill and other intangible assets may be required.

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Table of Contents

Core deposit intangibles, client list intangibles, and noncompetition (“noncompete”) intangibles consist of costs that resulted from the acquisition of other banks from other financial institutions. Core deposit intangibles represent the estimated value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in these transactions. Client list intangibles represent the value of long-term client relationships for the wealth and trust management business. Noncompete intangibles represent the value of key personnel relative to various competitive factors such as ability to compete, willingness or likelihood to compete, and feasibility based upon the competitive environment, and what the Bank could lose from competition. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives, such as deposit accounts in the case of core deposit intangible, on a method that we believe reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from this intangible. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of available-for-sale securities, allowance for loan losses, accumulated depreciation, net operating loss carryforwards, accretion income, deferred compensation, intangible assets, and pension plan and post-retirement benefits. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled.  As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.  The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its subsidiary.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits in its respective federal or state income taxes accounts.  As of September 30, 2014, there were no accruals for uncertain tax positions and no accruals for interest and penalties.  The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated United States federal income tax return, as well as income tax returns for its subsidiary in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi.  The Company’s filed income tax returns are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2010.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

We evaluate securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation.  Consideration is given to (1) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (2) the outlook for receiving the contractual cash flows of the investments, (3) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates, (4) our intent and ability to retain our investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value, and (5) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost.  For further discussion of the Company’s evaluation of securities for other-than-temporary impairment, see Note 5 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”), consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or through a deed in lieu of foreclosure in satisfaction of loans or through reclassification of former branch sites, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current valuations obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent adjustments to this value are described below.

Subsequent declines in the fair value of OREO below the new cost basis are recorded through valuation adjustments.  Significant judgments and complex estimates are required in estimating the fair value of OREO, and the period of time within which such estimates can be considered current is significantly shortened during periods of market volatility. In response to market conditions and other economic factors, management may utilize liquidation sales as part of its problem asset disposition strategy.  As a result of the significant judgments required in estimating fair value and the variables involved in different methods of disposition, the net proceeds realized from sales transactions could differ significantly from the current valuations used to determine the fair value of OREO.  Management reviews the value of OREO periodically and adjusts the values as appropriate. Revenue and expenses from OREO operations as well as gains or losses on sales and any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as OREO expense and loan related expense, a component of non-interest expense, and, for covered OREO, offset with an increase in the FDIC indemnification asset.

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Business Combinations, Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired, and FDIC Indemnification Asset

We account for acquisitions under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations , which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting.  All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value.  No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk.

Acquired credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, formerly American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (SOP) 03-3, Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer , and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans.  Loans acquired in business combinations with evidence of credit deterioration are considered impaired.  Loans acquired through business combinations that do not meet the specific criteria of FASB ASC Topic 310-30, but for which a discount is attributable, at least in part to credit quality, are also accounted for under this guidance.  Certain acquired loans, including performing loans and revolving lines of credit (consumer and commercial), are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-20, where the discount is accreted through earnings based on estimated cash flows over the estimated life of the loan.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, the FDIC Indemnification Assets are initially recorded at fair value, and are measured separately from the loan assets and foreclosed assets because the loss sharing agreements are not contractually embedded in them or transferrable with them in the event of disposal. The FDIC indemnification asset is measured at carrying value subsequent to initial measurement. Improved cash flows of the underlying covered assets will result in impairment of the FDIC indemnification asset and amortization through non-interest income over the shorter of the lives of the FDIC indemnification asset or the underlying loans. Impairment of the underlying covered assets will result in improved cash flows of the FDIC indemnification asset and a credit to the provision for loan losses for acquired loans will result.

For further discussion of the Company’s loan accounting and acquisitions, see “Business Combinations and Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Note 4—Mergers and Acquisitions to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and Note 6—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

We reported consolidated net income available to common shareholders of $19.3 million, or diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.80, for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to consolidated net income available to common shareholders of $11.5 million, or diluted EPS of $0.52, in the comparable period of 2013.  The $7.8 million increase in consolidated net income available to common shareholders was the net result of the following items:

· Improved net interest income of $614,000 due to the increase in the investment securities portfolio by an average balance of $166.2 million which increased interest income by $701,000.  Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $285.7 million, and the related interest expense decreased $59,000 with a rate of 0.30%, two basis points lower than a year ago;

· An increase in the provision for loan losses by $1.4 million over the comparable quarter;

· An increase in noninterest income totaling $9.3 million, due in large part to the July 26, 2013 acquisition of FFHI impacting the entire third quarter of 2014 compared to approximately two months of the third quarter in 2013;

· Noninterest expense declined slightly by $350,000 in the third quarter to $75.1 million compared to the same quarter in 2013.   The largest increase was salaries and benefits of $5.6 million, which was offset by declines in merger and branding expenses, information services, advertising and marketing, and in other expense;

· An increase in the provision for income taxes of $1.5 million due to higher pre-tax income, however the effective rate in the third quarter of 2014 was significantly lower due to adjustment in 2014 for additional tax credits related to 2013 and tax credits related to both low income housing and South Carolina new jobs credits for 2014; and

· Diluted EPS was $0.80 compared to $0.52 in the same comparable period in 2013.  The weighted average share count in third quarter of 2013 was about two million shares less than third quarter 2014 due to the timing of the closing of the acquisition of FFHI in July 2013.

Our asset quality related to non-acquired loans continues to be at manageable levels and improved from the end of 2013 and from the June 30, 2014 level.  Non-acquired nonperforming assets declined from $55.7 million at December 31, 2013 to $39.8 million at September 30, 2014, a $15.9 million decline.  Compared to the balance of nonperforming assets at September 30, 2013, nonperforming assets decreased $26.3 million due to a reduction in nonperforming loans of $19.1 million and a reduction in non-acquired OREO of $7.2 million.  Our non-acquired OREO increased by $357,000 from the June 30, 2014 to $9.4 million at

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September 30, 2014.  During the third quarter of 2014, non-acquired classified assets declined by $6.7 million from June 30, 2014 to $72.0 million at September 30, 2014.  Since September 30, 2013 non-acquired classified assets have declined by $39.4 million.  Annualized net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2014 were 0.26%, down from the third quarter of 2013 of 0.45% and up from the second quarter of 2014 of 0.17%.

The allowance for loan losses decreased to 1.05% of total non-acquired loans at September 30, 2014, down from 1.12% at June 30, 2014 and 1.32% at September 30, 2013.  The allowance provides 1.14 times coverage of non-acquired nonperforming loans at September 30, 2014, higher than 1.00 times at June 30, 2014, and 0.73 times at September 30, 2013.

During the third quarter of 2014, the Company had net charge-offs related to “acquired non-credit impaired loans” which totaled $438,000 or 0.12% annualized, and accordingly, recorded a provision for loan losses.  Additionally, we have $5.9 million in nonperforming loans from this loan portfolio.

The Company performs ongoing assessments of the estimated cash flows of its acquired credit impaired loan portfolios.  In general, increases in cash flow expectations result in a favorable adjustment to interest income over the remaining life of the related loans, and decreases in cash flow expectations result in an immediate recognition of a provision for loans losses, in both cases, net of any adjustments to the receivable from the FDIC for loss sharing for those assets that are covered.  When a provision for loan losses (impairments) has been recognized in earlier periods, subsequent improvement in cash flows will result in reversals of those impairments.

These ongoing assessments of the acquired loan portfolio resulted in reduced loan interest accretion due to continued decline in loan balances.  The overall credit mark for these loans continued to decline, partially from charge offs and partially from net improvement in expected cash flow.  Below is a summary of the third quarter of 2014 assessment of the estimated cash flows of the acquired loan portfolio and the related impact on the indemnification asset:

· Removals from the loan pools due to repayments, charge offs, and transfers to OREO or other assets owned through foreclosures resulted in a decline in acquired loan interest income of $2.4 million from the second quarter of 2014; and compared to the third quarter of 2013, a decline of $4.1 million in loan interest income primarily from the continued decline in acquired loan balances; and

· The amortization of the indemnification asset also decreased by approximately $1.0 million compared to the second quarter of 2014, and by $2.8 million compared to the third quarter of 2013.  This was primarily the result of the decline in the difference between the net carrying value of the FDIC indemnification asset and projected cash flows of the indemnification asset.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company performed the recast and made changes to the estimated cash flow assumptions and expected losses for the acquired credit impaired loans.  This was the first quarter that FFHI acquired credit impaired loans were included with the end of the measurement period for purchase accounting adjustments and converting these loans onto one loan system.  During the recast in the third quarter, total credit releases were $22.0 million, with approximately two-thirds coming from the FFHI recast.  This release only partially effects the third quarter with majority of the impact being recorded over the life of the impacted loan pools.

Compared to the balance at June 30, 2014, our non-acquired loan portfolio has increased $130.1 million, or 16.4% annualized, to $3.3 billion, driven by increases in most categories.  Consumer real estate lending increased by $70.8 million, or 31.2% annualized; consumer non real estate lending by $12.5 million, or 29.2% annualized; commercial owner occupied loans by $32.4 million, or 15.2% annualized; construction and land development by $13.6 million or 14.6% annualized; and commercial non-owner occupied by $15.5 million, or 20.5% annualized.  The acquired loan portfolio decreased by $138.2 million, in the third quarter of 2014, due to continued payoffs, charge-offs, and transfers to OREO.  Since September 30, 2013, the non-acquired loan portfolio has grown by $563.5 million, or 20.6%, in all categories.  Consumer real estate loans have led the way and increased by $224.8 million, or 29.8%, in the past year.

Non-taxable equivalent net interest income for the quarter increased $614,000 or 0.77% compared to the third quarter of 2013.  Non-taxable equivalent net interest margin decreased by 46 basis points to 4.60% from the third quarter of 2013 of 5.06% due to the decrease in yield on all interesting earning assets.  Compared to the second quarter of 2014, net interest margin (taxable equivalent) decreased by 10 basis points.  Interest earning assets yield decreased by 9 basis points primarily from the decrease in the yield of the acquired and non-acquired loan portfolios.  The rate on interest bearing liabilities increased by 1 basis point compared to the second quarter of 2014 from a 4 basis point increase in the rates on time deposit balances.

Our quarterly efficiency ratio decreased to 71.0% compared to 71.5% in the second quarter of 2014, and decreased from 78.7% in the third quarter of 2013.  The decrease in the efficiency ratio compared to the second quarter of 2014 was the result of a

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$831,000 reduction in noninterest expense in most categories, other than OREO and loan related expense which increased by $1.5 million.  The decrease in the efficiency ratio compared to the third quarter of 2013 was the result of a 61.2% increase in noninterest income.  Compared to the third quarter of 2013 noninterest expense was slightly down by $350,000 with a $5.6 million increase in salary and benefits, and offset by declines in merger expenses, information services, advertising and marketing, and other expense.  Excluding OREO and merger and branding related expenses, the efficiency ratio was 61.3% for the third quarter of 2014, compared to 63.6% for the second quarter of 2014 and 64.3% for the third quarter of 2013.

Diluted EPS and basic EPS increased to $0.80 and $0.81 for the third quarter of 2014, from the third quarter 2013 amounts of $0.52 and $0.53, respectively.  This was the result of a 68% increase in net income available to common shareholders, partially offset by an increase in weighted average basic and diluted common shares.  Third quarter of 2014 has full quarter impact of additional 7.2 million shares issued from the FFHI merger compared to third quarter of 2013 which only has approximately two-thirds impact.

Selected Figures and Ratios

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Return on average assets (annualized)

0.96

%

0.66

%

0.91

%

0.81

%

Return on average common equity (annualized)

7.99

%

5.78

%

7.52

%

7.64

%

Return on average equity (annualized)

7.99

%

5.71

%

7.50

%

7.56

%

Return on average tangible common equity (annualized)*

13.97

%

10.39

%

13.41

%

11.82

%

Return on average tangible equity (annualized)*

13.97

%

9.88

%

13.19

%

11.39

%

Dividend payout ratio **

26.22

%

39.71

%

27.25

%

30.84

%

Equity to assets ratio

12.27

%

12.08

%

12.27

%

12.08

%

Average shareholders’ common equity (in thousands)

$

959,536

$

790,554

$

944,912

$

607,385

Average shareholders’ equity (in thousands)

$

959,536

$

837,185

$

965,388

$

623,099


* - Ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure.  The section titled “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP” below provides a table that reconciles non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.

** - See explanation of the dividend payout ratio below.

· For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, return on average tangible equity increased compared to the same period in 2013.  The increase was driven by the 53.1% increase in net income available to common shareholders excluding amortization of intangibles.  Similarly, return on average assets increased to 0.91% compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due to the growth in net income.

· Dividend payout ratio decreased to 27.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with 30.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The decrease from the comparable period in 2013 primarily reflects the higher net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the increase of $0.05 per share or 9.1% in the cash dividends declared per common share.  The dividend payout ratio is calculated by dividing total dividends paid during the quarter by the total net income reported for the same period.

· Equity to assets ratio increased to 12.3% at September 30, 2014 compared with 12.1% at September 30, 2013.  The increase in the equity to assets ratio reflects a 1.6% decline in assets compared to the 0.3% decrease in equity as a result of the redemption of $65.0 million of preferred stock partially offset by the Company’s retained earnings.

· Quarterly average shareholders’ equity increased $122.4 million, or 14.6%, from the quarter ended September 30, 2013 driven by earnings and the impact of the issuance of $446.4 million in common and preferred equity in the FFHI acquisition on July 26, 2013.

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Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Return on average tangible equity (non-GAAP)

13.97

%

9.88

%

13.19

%

11.39

%

Effect to adjust for intangible assets

-5.98

%

-4.17

%

-5.69

%

-3.83

%

Return on average equity (GAAP)

7.99

%

5.71

%

7.50

%

7.56

%

Adjusted average shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)

$

590,076

$

528,455

$

591,835

$

436,471

Average intangible assets

369,460

308,730

373,553

186,628

Average shareholders’ equity (GAAP)

$

959,536

$

837,185

$

965,388

$

623,099

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

$

20,780

$

13,165

$

58,396

$

37,739

Amortization of intangibles

(2,080

)

(1,738

)

(6,268

)

(3,794

)

Tax effect

627

627

2,061

1,290

Net income (GAAP)

$

19,327

$

12,054

$

54,189

$

35,235

Return on average common tangible equity (non-GAAP)

13.97

%

10.39

%

13.41

%

11.82

%

Effect to adjust for intangible assets

-5.98

%

-4.61

%

-5.89

%

-4.18

%

Return on average common equity (GAAP)

7.99

%

5.78

%

7.52

%

7.64

%

Adjusted average common shareholders’ equity (non-GAAP)

$

590,076

$

481,824

$

571,359

$

420,757

Average intangible assets

369,460

308,730

373,553

186,628

Average common shareholders’ equity (GAAP)

$

959,536

$

790,554

$

944,912

$

607,385

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders (non-GAAP)

$

20,780

$

13,165

$

58,396

$

37,739

Amortization of intangibles

(2,080

)

(1,738

)

(6,268

)

(3,794

)

Tax effect

627

627

2,061

1,290

Net income (GAAP)

19,327

12,054

54,189

35,235

Preferred stock dividend

542

1,073

542

Net income available to common shareholders (GAAP)

$

19,327

$

11,512

$

53,116

$

34,693

The returns on average tangible equity and average tangible common equity are non-GAAP financial measures. They exclude the effect of the average balance of intangible assets and add back the after-tax amortization of intangibles to GAAP basis net income.  Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide additional useful information, particularly since these measures are widely used by industry analysts following companies with prior merger and acquisition activities.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the company.  Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results of financial condition as reported under GAAP.

Net Interest Income and Margin

Summary

Our taxable equivalent (“TE”) net interest margin decreased by 46 basis points from the third quarter of 2013, due primarily to the 49 basis point decline in the yield on interest earning assets, partially offset by a 10.8% increase in average interest-earning assets from third quarter of 2013 due primarily to organic loan growth.  The net interest margin decreased by 10 basis points from the second quarter of 2014 to 4.65%.  Yields on average earning assets decreased by 9 basis points from the second quarter of 2014 while the rate on average interest bearing liabilities increased by 1 basis point.  Compared to September 30, 2013, the yield on interest earning assets decreased by 49 basis points.

The Company remained in an excess liquidity position during the third quarter of 2014, and the impact represented an estimated 17 basis points reduction in the net interest margin compared to 21 basis points from the second quarter of 2014.

Net interest income increased from the third quarter of 2013 by $614,000.  This increase was primarily driven by the increase in the investment securities portfolio average balance of $166.2 million.  The increase in non-acquired loan yield fully

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offset the decrease in the yield on the acquired loans.  Certificates of deposit average rate declined by 6 basis points from the third quarter of 2013 along with the average balance decreasing $160.8 million.  Year-over-year interest expense declined slightly and the cost of funds decreased two basis points.  The cost on interest bearing liabilities increased by one basis point comparing the nine months ended periods September 30, 2014 and 2013, while yield on interest earning assets decline by 18 basis points.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Non-TE net interest income

$

80,369

$

79,755

$

244,809

$

188,846

Non-TE yield on interest-earning assets

4.83

%

5.32

%

5.01

%

5.19

%

Non-TE rate on interest-bearing liabilities

0.30

%

0.32

%

0.30

%

0.29

%

Non-TE net interest margin

4.60

%

5.06

%

4.78

%

4.97

%

TE net interest margin

4.65

%

5.11

%

4.83

%

5.03

%

Non-TE net interest income increased $614,000, or 0.77%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.  Some key highlights are outlined below:

· Average interest-earning assets increased 10.8% to $6.9 billion in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the same period last year due primarily to the increase in investment securities and non-acquired loans.

· Non-TE yield on interest-earning assets for the third quarter of 2014 decreased 49 basis points from the comparable period in 2013.  The decrease since the third quarter of 2013 was driven by a 64 basis point decrease in the yield on acquired loans and a 23 basis point decrease in the yield on non-acquired loans.  The yield on a portion of our earning assets adjusts simultaneously, but to varying degrees of magnitude, with changes in the general level of interest rates.

· The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the third quarter of 2014 decreased two basis points from the same period in 2013.  The decrease since the third quarter of 2013 was a reflection the decline in time deposits and the decline in the rate paid of six basis points.  This decline was offset by an increase in the cost associated with trust preferred securities which were included for a full quarter in 2014 compared to two-thirds of the quarter in 2013.  These trust preferred securities cost 7% fixed.

· TE net interest margin decreased by 46 basis points in the third quarter of 2014, compared to the third of 2013.

Loans

Total loans, net of deferred loan costs and fees (excluding mortgage loans held for sale), decreased by $64.9 million, or 1.1%, at September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  Acquired covered loans decreased by $128.0 million and acquired non-covered loans decreased by $500.4 million due to principal payments, charge offs, and foreclosures.  Non-acquired loans or legacy loans increased by $563.5 million, or 20.6%, from September 30, 2013 to September 30, 2014.  The increase was driven by loan growth in commercial owner occupied loans of $67.1 million, consumer owner occupied loans of $203.8 million, commercial non-owner occupied loans of $35.8 million, commercial and industrial loans of $53.7 million, consumer loans of $67.1 million, construction and land development loans of $97.1 million, other income producing property loans of $14.8 million, home equity loans of $21.1 million, and other loans of $2.9 million.

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The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio by category:

September 30,

% of

December 31,

% of

September 30,

% of

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

Total

2013

Total

2013

Total

Acquired loans:

Acquired covered loans:

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

Construction and land development

$

22,291

0.4

%

$

43,396

0.8

%

$

50,582

0.9

%

Commercial non-owner occupied

36,653

0.6

%

53,525

0.9

%

62,985

1.1

%

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

58,944

1.0

%

96,921

1.7

%

113,567

2.0

%

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

31,757

0.6

%

38,946

0.7

%

41,379

0.7

%

Home equity loans

35,471

0.6

%

35,884

0.6

%

37,943

0.7

%

Total consumer real estate

67,228

1.2

%

74,830

1.3

%

79,322

1.4

%

Commercial owner occupied real estate

54,776

1.0

%

88,722

1.6

%

93,309

1.6

%

Commercial and industrial

10,450

0.2

%

14,475

0.3

%

16,596

0.3

%

Other income producing property

22,445

0.4

%

31,739

0.6

%

37,543

0.7

%

Consumer non real estate

821

0.0

%

1,878

0.0

%

2,322

0.0

%

Total acquired covered loans

214,664

3.8

%

308,565

5.5

%

342,659

6.0

%

Acquired non-covered loans:

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

Construction and land development

76,167

1.3

%

129,289

2.3

%

134,342

2.3

%

Commercial non-owner occupied

192,322

3.4

%

226,530

4.0

%

245,046

4.3

%

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

268,489

4.7

%

355,819

6.3

%

379,388

6.6

%

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

879,302

15.5

%

981,834

17.2

%

1,013,022

17.7

%

Home equity loans

303,615

5.4

%

335,241

5.9

%

349,517

6.1

%

Total consumer real estate

1,182,917

20.9

%

1,317,075

23.1

%

1,362,539

23.8

%

Commercial owner occupied real estate

188,482

3.3

%

211,030

3.7

%

230,849

4.0

%

Commercial and industrial

62,003

1.1

%

98,046

1.7

%

111,135

1.9

%

Other income producing property

146,819

2.6

%

171,544

3.0

%

183,996

3.2

%

Consumer non real estate

302,493

5.3

%

371,112

6.5

%

383,656

6.7

%

Total acquired non-covered loans

2,151,203

37.9

%

2,524,626

44.3

%

2,651,563

46.2

%

Total acquired loans

2,365,867

41.7

%

2,833,191

49.8

%

2,994,222

52.2

%

Non-acquired loans:

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

Construction and land development

385,318

6.8

%

299,951

5.3

%

288,199

5.0

%

Commercial non-owner occupied

318,470

5.6

%

291,171

5.1

%

282,678

4.9

%

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

703,788

12.4

%

591,122

10.4

%

570,877

9.9

%

Consumer real estate:

Consumer owner occupied

702,521

12.4

%

548,170

9.6

%

498,734

8.7

%

Home equity loans

276,341

4.9

%

257,139

4.5

%

255,291

4.5

%

Total consumer real estate

978,862

17.3

%

805,309

14.1

%

754,025

13.2

%

Commercial owner occupied real estate

881,403

15.5

%

833,513

14.6

%

814,259

14.2

%

Commercial and industrial

355,580

6.3

%

321,824

5.6

%

301,845

5.3

%

Other income producing property

154,822

2.7

%

143,204

2.5

%

140,024

2.4

%

Consumer non real estate

183,451

3.2

%

136,410

2.4

%

116,312

2.0

%

Other

46,802

0.9

%

33,834

0.6

%

43,900

0.8

%

Total non-acquired loans

3,304,708

58.3

%

2,865,216

50.2

%

2,741,242

47.8

%

Total loans (net of unearned income)

$

5,670,575

100.0

%

$

5,698,407

100.0

%

$

5,735,464

100.0

%

Note: Loan data excludes loans held for sale.

Our loan portfolio remains our largest category of interest-earning assets.  Our acquired loan portfolio, covered and non-covered, decreased by $467.3 million from December 31, 2013 and by $628.4 million from September 30, 2013.  The percentage of non-acquired loans for each category is as follows:

· Non-acquired commercial non-owner occupied real estate loans represented 12.4% of total loans as of September 30, 2014, an increase from 9.9% of total loans at the end of the same period for 2013 and an increase from 10.4% of total loans at December 31, 2013.

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· At September 30, 2014, non-acquired construction and land development loans represented 6.8% of our total loan portfolio, an increase from 5.0% of our total loan portfolio at September 30, 2013.  At September 30, 2014, non-acquired construction and land development loans consisted of $138.7 million in land and lot loans and $246.6 million in construction loans, which represented 4.2% and 7.5%, respectively, of our total non-acquired loan portfolio.  At December 31, 2013, non-acquired construction and land development loans consisted of $206.5 million in land and lot loans and $93.4 million in construction loans, which represented 7.2% and 3.3%, respectively, of our total non-acquired loan portfolio.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Average total loans

$

5,662,999

$

5,126,163

$

5,642,617

$

4,091,398

Interest income on total loans

78,325

78,228

238,857

183,712

Non-TE yield

5.49

%

6.05

%

5.66

%

6.00

%

Interest earned on loans increased slightly in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013.  Some key highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 are outlined below:

· Our non-TE yield on total loans decreased 56 basis points comparing the third quarter of 2014 to 2013 and average total loans increased 10.5%, as compared to the third quarter of 2013.  The increase in average total loans was primarily the result of the growth in non-acquired loans during 2014.  These new loans, however, are at lower rates at the average yield was 4.15% in the third quarter of 2014 compared to 4.38% in the third quarter of 2013.  The acquired loan portfolio effective yield continues to decline as these balances decline due to repayment, charge offs, and transfers to OREO.  This resulted in a yield of 7.28%, compared to 7.92% one year ago.

· Acquired covered loans had a balance of $214.7 million at the end of the third quarter of 2014 compared to $342.7 million at September 30, 2013.

· Acquired non-covered loans declined by approximately $500.4 million to $2.2 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2014 compared to $2.7 billion at September 30, 2013.  This decline was the result of our continued effort of working through these acquired assets since early 2010.

· Non-acquired construction and land development loans increased $97.1 million, or 33.7%, to $385.3 million from the ending balance at September 30, 2013.

· Non-acquired commercial non-owner occupied loans increased $35.8 million, or 12.7%, to $318.5 million from the ending balance at September 30, 2013.

· Non-acquired consumer real estate loans increased $224.8 million, or 29.8%, to $978.9 million from the ending balance at September 30, 2013.

· Non-acquired commercial owner occupied loans increased $67.1 million, or 8.2%, to $881.4 million from the ending balance at September 30, 2013.

· Non-acquired commercial and industrial loans increased $53.7 million, or 17.8%, to $355.6 million from the ending balance at September 30, 2013.

· Non-acquired consumer non-real estate loans increased $67.1 million, or 57.70%, to $183.5 million from the ending balance at September 30, 2013.

· Non-acquired other income producing property loans increased $14.8 million, or 10.6%, to $154.8 million from the ending balance at September 30, 2013.

The balance of mortgage loans held for sale increased $26.0 million from December 31, 2013 to $56.6 million at September 30, 2014, and $4.1 million compared to the balance of mortgage loans held for sale at September 30, 2013 of $51.2 million.  In May of 2014, the Company sold the credit card loan portfolio acquired in the FFHI acquisition for $20.4 million. No gain or loss was recorded with this transaction.

Investment Securities

We use investment securities, our second largest category of earning assets, to generate interest income through the deployment of excess funds, to provide liquidity, to fund loan demand or deposit liquidation, and to pledge as collateral for public funds deposits and repurchase agreements.  At September 30, 2014, investment securities totaled $826.0 million, compared to $812.6 million at December 31, 2013 and $652.6 million at September 30, 2013.  The Company purchased $205.9 million of securities during the fourth quarter of 2013.  In addition, we continue to slowly increase our investment securities portfolio as we

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identify securities that meet our strategy and objectives.  During the quarter, our portfolio increased by approximately $9.4 million from the balance at June 30, 2014.  This resulted in quarterly average and period-end balances increasing by 25.3% and 26.6% from September 30, 2013, respectively.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Average investment securities

$

822,833

$

656,658

$

811,747

$

579,646

Interest income on investment securities

5,218

4,517

15,323

11,154

Non-TE yield

2.52

%

2.73

%

2.52

%

2.57

%

Interest earned on investment securities increased 15.5% in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013.  The increase resulted largely from the $166.2 million increase in average investment securities for the third quarter, which was largely the result of the addition of the securities from the FFHI acquisition.

The following table provides a summary of the credit ratings for our investment portfolio (including held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities) at the end of the third quarter of 2014:

Unrealized

Amortized

Fair

Gain

BB or

(Dollars in thousands)

Cost

Value

(Loss)

AAA - A

BBB

Lower

Not Rated

September 30, 2014

Government-sponsored entities debt

$

140,438

$

137,459

$

(2,979

)

$

127,946

$

$

$

12,492

State and municipal obligations

148,122

152,277

4,155

146,856

375

891

Mortgage-backed securities *

519,569

523,009

3,440

519,569

Corporate stocks

3,161

3,388

227

3,161

$

811,290

$

816,133

$

4,843

$

274,802

$

375

$

$

536,113


* - Agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are guaranteed by the issuing GSE as to the timely payments of principal and interest.  Except for Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) securities, which have the full faith and credit backing of the United States Government, the GSE alone is responsible for making payments on this guaranty.  While the rating agencies have not rated any of the MBS issued, senior debt securities issued by GSEs are rated consistently as “Triple-A.”  Most market participants consider agency MBS as carrying an implied Aaa rating (S&P rating of AA+) because of the guarantees of timely payments and selection criteria of mortgages backing the securities.  We do not own any private label mortgage-backed securities.

At September 30, 2014, we had 85 securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position, which totaled $5.9 million. At December 31, 2013, we had 257 securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position, which totaled $16.0 million. At September 30, 2013, we had 215 securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position, which totaled $11.9 million.

During the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the third quarter of 2013, the total number of available for sale securities with an unrealized loss position decreased by 130 securities, while the total dollar amount of the unrealized loss decreased by $6.0 million.

All securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 continue to perform as scheduled.  We have evaluated the cash flows and determined that all contractual cash flows should be received; therefore impairment is temporary because we have the ability to hold these securities within the portfolio until the maturity or until the value recovers, and we believe that it is not likely that we will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery.  We continue to monitor all of these securities with a high degree of scrutiny.  There can be no assurance that we will not conclude in future periods that conditions existing at that time indicate some or all of these securities are other than temporarily impaired, which would require a charge to earnings in such periods.  Any charges for OTTI related to securities available-for-sale would not impact cash flow, tangible capital or liquidity.

Although securities classified as available for sale may be sold from time to time to meet liquidity or other needs, it is not our normal practice to trade this segment of the investment securities portfolio. While management generally holds these assets on a long-term basis or until maturity, any short-term investments or securities available for sale could be converted at an earlier point, depending partly on changes in interest rates and alternative investment opportunities.

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Other Investments

Other investment securities include primarily our investments in Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) stock with no readily determinable market value.  The amortized cost and fair value of all these securities are equal at September 30, 2014.  As of September 30, 2014, the investment in FHLB stock represented approximately $7.5 million, or 0.1% as a percentage of total assets.

Interest-Bearing Liabilities

Interest-bearing liabilities include interest-bearing transaction accounts, savings deposits, CDs, other time deposits, federal funds purchased, and other borrowings.  Interest-bearing transaction accounts include NOW, HSA, IOLTA, and Market Rate checking accounts.

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Average interest-bearing liabilities

$

5,257,128

$

4,971,423

$

5,332,962

$

4,036,637

Interest expense

3,979

4,038

11,833

8,648

Average rate

0.30

%

0.32

%

0.30

%

0.29

%

The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 due primarily the September 30, 2014 average balance including a full quarter with the FFHI acquired balances compared to third quarter of 2013, which included two months of the late July 2013 FFHI acquisition. The increase in interest expense in the third quarter was largely driven by higher balances in all interest-bearing liabilities, with the exception of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements. Rates continued to decline in most categories, with the exception of certificates of deposit, other time deposits and other borrowings.  Overall, we experienced a 2 basis point decrease in the average rate on all interest-bearing liabilities from the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Compared to the second quarter of 2014, the average rate on all interest-bearing liabilities increased by 1 basis point from 29 basis points.  This slight increase came mostly from a 4 basis point increase in the rates on certificates of deposits and other time deposits.  Some key highlights are outlined below:

· Average interest-bearing deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 grew 35.1% from the same period in 2013.

· Interest-bearing deposits decreased 6.1% to $4.9 billion at September 30, 2014 from the period end balance at September 30, 2013 of $5.2 billion. This was the result of a $373.6 million decline in certificates of deposit which was partially offset by growth in all other categories of interest-bearing deposits of $56.2 million.  The Company continues to monitor and adjust rates paid on deposit products as part of its strategy to manage its net interest margin.

· The average rate on transaction and money market account deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2014 decreased 1 basis point from the comparable period in 2013; however, due to the increase in average balances from the FFHI acquisition and core deposit growth there was an increase in interest expense of $64,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

· Average certificates of deposit and other time deposits decreased 10.7%, down $160.8 million from the average balance in the third quarter of 2013.  Interest expense on certificates of deposit and other time deposits decreased $391,000 as a result of the decline in average balances and a 6 basis point decrease in the average rate to 41 basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.

· The average rate on other borrowings increased 66 basis points to 5.88% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  This was primarily due to the addition of $46.0 million of trust preferred securities at a 7.0% rate for the full quarter versus only two months impact for the three months ended September 30, 2013.

Noninterest-Bearing Deposits

Noninterest-bearing deposits are transaction accounts that provide our Bank with “interest-free” sources of funds.   Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased $297.0 million, or 21.9%, to $1.7 billion in the third quarter of 2014 compared to $1.4 billion at September 30, 2013.  At September 30, 2014, noninterest-bearing deposits were $1.7 billion, exceeding the September 30, 2013 balance by $176.5 million.

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Provision for Loan Losses and Nonperforming Assets

We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged to expense.  The ALLL represents an amount we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.  We assess the adequacy of the ALLL by using an internal risk rating system, independent credit reviews, and regulatory agency examinations—all of which evaluate the quality of the loan portfolio and seek to identify problem loans.  Based on this analysis, management and the board of directors consider the current allowance to be adequate.  Nevertheless, our evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant change.  Actual losses may vary from our estimates, and there is a possibility that charge-offs in future periods could exceed the ALLL as estimated at any point in time.

In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review our Bank’s ALLL.  Such agencies may require additions to the ALLL based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Loans acquired in the CBT, Habersham, BankMeridian, Peoples, Savannah, and FFHI acquisitions were recorded at their acquisition date fair value, which was based on expected cash flows and included an estimation of expected future loan losses for the acquired credit-impaired loans, including principal and interest.  Our estimates of credit losses on loans acquired in the FFHI acquisition continue to be adequate, and there is no evidence of additional credit deterioration that would require additional allowance for loan loss as of September 30, 2014.  Under current accounting principles, information regarding our estimate of loan fair values may be adjusted for a period of up to one year as we continue to refine our estimate of expected future cash flows in the acquired portfolio.  If we determine that losses arise after the acquisition date, generally the additional losses will be reflected as a provision for loan losses, and offset with an increase in the FDIC indemnification asset for those acquired loans covered by loss sharing agreements.  The Peoples and Savannah acquisitions were not part of any loss share agreements with the FDIC; therefore, there is no offset for any additional losses recorded in a provision for loan losses.  The FFHI acquisition included assets that are both covered and uncovered under FDIC loss share agreements.  See “Business Combinations and Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for further discussion of the method of accounting for acquired loans.

During the third quarter of 2014, we decreased the valuation allowance on acquired loans by $658,000 on certain acquired loan pools due to evidence of credit improvement and expected cash flows during the quarterly review process, which resulted in $133,000 net provision for loan losses on acquired loans (net of the impact of the FDIC loss sharing agreements).

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The following tables present a summary of the changes in the ALLL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

Three Months Ended

September 30,

2014

2013

Non-acquired

Acquired Non-credit

Acquired Credit

Non-acquired

Acquired Credit

(Dollars in thousands)

Loans

Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans

Total

Loans

Impaired Loans

Total

Balance at beginning of period

$

35,422

$

$

9,159

$

44,581

$

38,625

$

14,461

$

53,086

Loans charged-off

(2,713

)

(879

)

(3,592

)

(4,294

)

(4,294

)

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

575

441

1,016

1,249

1,249

Net charge-offs

(2,138

)

(438

)

(2,576

)

(3,045

)

(3,045

)

Provision for loan losses

1,520

438

(658

)

1,300

565

(456

)

109

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

791

791

550

550

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

1,520

438

133

2,091

565

94

659

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(791

)

(791

)

(550

)

(550

)

Reductions due to loan removals

(469

)

(469

)

(1,745

)

(1,745

)

Balance at end of period

$

34,804

$

$

8,032

$

42,836

$

36,145

$

12,260

$

48,405

Total non-acquired loans:

At period end

3,304,708

2,741,242

Average

3,246,025

2,698,580

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average non-acquired loans (annualized)

0.26

%

0.45

%

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period end non-acquired loans

1.05

%

1.32

%

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period end non-performing non-acquired loans (“NPLs”)

114.18

%

72.89

%

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2014

2013

Non-acquired

Acquired Non-credit

Acquired Credit

Non-acquired

Acquired Credit

(Dollars in thousands)

Loans

Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans

Total

Loans

Impaired Loans

Total

Balance at beginning of period

$

34,331

$

$

11,618

$

45,949

$

44,378

$

17,218

$

61,596

Loans charged-off

(5,972

)

(879

)

(6,851

)

(12,121

)

(12,121

)

Recoveries of loans previously charged off

2,170

441

2,611

2,870

2,870

Net charge-offs

(3,802

)

(438

)

(4,240

)

(9,251

)

(9,251

)

Provision for loan losses on non-acquired loans

4,275

438

(1,792

)

2,921

1,018

(991

)

27

Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements

2,188

2,188

1,871

1,871

Total provision for loan losses charged to operations

4,275

438

396

5,109

1,018

880

1,898

Provision for loan losses recorded through the FDIC loss share receivable

(2,188

)

(2,188

)

(1,871

)

(1,871

)

Reductions due to loan removals

(1,794

)

(1,794

)

(3,967

)

(3,967

)

Balance at end of period

$

34,804

$

$

8,032

$

42,836

$

36,145

$

12,260

$

48,405

Total non-acquired loans:

At period end

$

3,304,708

$

2,741,242

Average

3,073,530

2,634,362

As a percentage of average non-acquired loans (annualized):

Net charge-offs

0.17

%

0.47

%

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period end non-acquired loans

1.05

%

1.32

%

Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of period end non-performing non-acquired loans (“NPLs”)

114.18

%

72.89

%

The allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-acquired loans reflects the continued decline due primarily to the decline in our three-year historical charge off rate.  Additionally, our classified loans, nonaccrual loans, and non-performing loans declined during the third quarter of 2014 compared to the same quarter in 2013 and to the second quarter of 2014.  Our overall net charge offs for the quarter on non-acquired loans was 26 basis points annualized, or $2.1 million, compared to 45 basis points, or $3.1 million, a year ago and 17 basis points, or $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2014.  The low level of net charge offs may not be sustainable given the remaining uncertainty which exists within the overall economy and markets in which we operate.  Excluding acquired assets, nonperforming loans decreased by $19.1 million during the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 and decreased by $4.8 million from the second quarter of 2014.  The ratio of the ALLL to cover total nonperforming non-acquired loans increased from 72.9% at September 30, 2013 to 114.2% at September 30, 2014.

We decreased the ALLL compared to the third quarter of 2013 due primarily to the improvement in asset quality metrics during the third quarter of 2014.  Compared to the second quarter of 2014, the ALLL decreased due primarily to the decline in combined past due and nonaccrual loans, classified assets, and reduced bankruptcies and foreclosures during the third quarter.  On a

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general basis, we consider three-year historical loss rates on all loan portfolios, except residential lot loans and lot loans held for investment purposes where two-year historical loss rates are applied.  We also consider economic risk, model risk and operational risk when determining the ALLL.  All of these factors are reviewed and adjusted each reporting period to account for management’s assessment of loss within the loan portfolio.  Overall, the general reserve decreased by $1.4 million compared to the balance at September 30, 2013 and decreased by $564,000 from June 30, 2014.

We have adjusted our qualitative factors to account for uncertainty and certain risk inherent in the portfolio that cannot be measured with historical loss rates.  We currently view that the low level of net charge offs and historical loss rates may not be indicative of the losses inherent in the overall loan portfolio.  Therefore, we have adjusted our qualitative factors to account for the uncertainty which exists in the economy as a whole and within the markets in which we operate.

On a specific reserve basis, the allowance for loan losses remained flat from June 30, 2014, and slightly increased by $100,000 from September 30, 2013 to $1.4 million at September 30, 2014.  However, the loan balances being evaluated for specific reserves decreased from $32.7 million at June 30, 2014 to $28.1 million at September 30, 2014.  Our practice, generally, is that once a specific reserve is established for a loan, a charge off occurs in the quarter subsequent to the establishment of the specific reserve.

During the third quarter of 2014, the measurement period for evaluating purchase accounting adjustments concluded and we executed our system conversion for both loans and deposits.  As a result, we are now measuring and assessing nonaccrual loans and net charge-offs for loans classified as “acquired non-credit impaired loans”.  During the quarter, we had $5.9 million in nonperforming loans in this category, and we incurred net charge offs of $438,000, or 12 basis points annualized.

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the decline in our total nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) was reflective of improvement in the real estate market and economy as a whole within the markets that we serve.

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The following table summarizes our NPAs for the past five quarters.

September 30,

June 30,

March 31,

December 31,

September 30,

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2014

2014

2013

2013

Non-acquired:

Nonaccrual loans

$

20,419

$

26,546

$

29,190

$

31,333

$

38,631

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

429

358

96

258

122

Restructured loans - nonaccrual

9,633

8,409

8,156

10,690

10,837

Total nonperforming loans

30,481

35,313

37,442

42,281

49,590

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) (2)

9,360

9,003

12,187

13,456

16,555

Other nonperforming assets (3)

Total nonperforming assets excluding acquired assets

39,841

44,316

49,629

55,737

66,145

Acquired non-credit impaired:

Nonaccrual loans

5,359

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more

501

Total acquired nonperforming loans (1)

5,860

Covered OREO (2)

18,961

21,999

29,003

27,520

40,543

Acquired OREO not covered under loss share (2)

22,929

22,732

22,957

23,941

18,775

Other covered nonperforming assets (3)

640

811

1,032

943

718

Total nonperforming assets including covered assets

$

88,231

$

89,858

$

102,621

$

108,141

$

126,181

Excluding Acquired Assets

Total NPAs as a percentage of total loans and repossessed assets (4)

1.20

%

1.39

%

1.66

%

1.94

%

2.40

%

Total NPAs as a percentage of total assets (5)

0.50

%

0.55

%

0.62

%

0.70

%

0.82

%

Total NPLs as a percentage of total loans (4)

0.92

%

1.11

%

1.26

%

1.48

%

1.81

%

Including Acquired Assets

Total NPAs as a percentage of total loans and repossessed assets (4)

1.54

%

1.57

%

1.81

%

1.88

%

2.16

%

Total NPAs as a percentage of total assets

1.12

%

1.12

%

1.28

%

1.36

%

1.57

%

Total NPLs as a percentage of total loans (4)

0.64

%

0.62

%

0.67

%

0.74

%

0.86

%


(1) Excludes the acquired loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more totaling $52.5 million, $60.3 million, $73.9 million, $85.1 million, and $90.2 million as of September 30, 2014, June 30, 2014,  March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and September 30, 2013, respectively, including the valuation discount.  Acquired loans are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method under FASB ASC Topic 310-30. (For further discussion of the Company’s application of the accretion method, see Business Combinations and Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

(2) Includes certain real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure and property not intended for bank use.

(3) Consists of non-real estate foreclosed assets, such as repossessed vehicles.

(4) Loan data excludes mortgage loans held for sale.

(5) For purposes of this calculation, total assets include all assets (both acquired and non-acquired).

Excluding the acquired non-credit impaired loans, total nonperforming loans, including restructured loans, were $30.5 million, or 0.92% of non-acquired loans, a decrease of $19.1 million, or 38.5%, from September 30, 2013. The decrease in nonperforming loans was driven by a decrease in commercial nonaccrual loans of $15.6 million and the decrease in consumer nonaccrual loans of $3.8 million.  Both commercial and consumer nonaccrual loans were slightly offset by an increase of $300,000 in loans 90 days or more past due but still accruing.

Nonaccrual non-acquired loans and restructured loans decreased by approximately $4.8 million during the third quarter of 2014 from the level June 30, 2014.  This decrease was the net result of $175,000 in charge offs, $3.4 million in transfers to OREO, $2.2 million in payments, $534,000 returning to accruing loans, and $1.5 million in additional non-accrual loans.

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At September 30, 2014, non-acquired OREO increased slightly by $357,000 from June 30, 2014.  At September 30 2014, non-acquired OREO consisted of 55 properties with an average value of $170,000, which is slightly higher than the level from June 30, 2014 when we had 60 properties in non-acquired OREO.  In the third quarter of 2014, we added 13 properties with an aggregate value of $3.4 million into non-acquired OREO, and we sold 18 properties with a basis of $2.2 million in the quarter.  We wrote down 14 OREO properties by $765,000 during the third quarter of 2014.  Our non-acquired OREO balance of $9.4 million at September 30, 2014 is comprised of 34% in the Low Country/Orangeburg region, 16% in the Coastal region (Beaufort to Myrtle Beach), 11% in the Charlotte region, 9% in the Upstate region (Greenville) and 23% primarily related to former branch locations.

Potential Problem Loans

Potential problem loans (excluding all acquired loans), totaled $6.8 million, or 0.21%, of total non-acquired loans outstanding at September 30, 2014, compared to $8.9 million, or 0.33%, of total non-acquired loans outstanding at September 30, 2013, and compared to $7.3 million, or 0.25% of total non-acquired loans outstanding at December 31, 2013.  Potential problem loans related to “acquired non-credit impaired loans” totaled $4.0 million, or 0.29%, of total acquired non-credit impaired loans at September 30, 2014.   For the periods ended December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, there were no “acquired non-credit impaired loans” that were considered potential problem loans until we completed the evaluation of acquired loans and any related purchase adjustment during the measurement period.  All potential problem loans represent those loans where information about possible credit problems of the borrowers has caused management to have serious concern about the borrower’s ability to comply with present repayment terms.

Noninterest Income

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30

September 30

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Service charges on deposit accounts

$

9,126

$

8,966

$

27,258

$

20,462

Bankcard services income

7,489

6,476

22,314

14,614

Mortgage banking income

4,124

1,342

12,098

6,629

Trust and investment services income

4,490

3,593

13,845

8,345

Securities gains

(90

)

(2

)

Amortization of FDIC indemnification assets, net

(4,825

)

(7,625

)

(17,718

)

(22,106

)

Other

4,139

2,418

11,602

5,229

Total noninterest income

$

24,453

$

15,170

$

69,397

$

33,173

Excluding the amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset and securities gains (losses), noninterest income increased by $6.5 million, or 28.8%, in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  The quarterly increase in total noninterest income primarily resulted from the following:

· Bankcard services income increased 15.6%, or $1.0 million.  Debit card income increased 14.8%, or $808,000, due to organic growth and 2013 included approximately two months of the FFHI results.

· Trust and investment services income increased 25.0%, or $897,000, driven primarily by the addition of investment services income for three full months in 2014 versus approximately two months in 2013.

· Other noninterest income increased $1.7 million, or 71.2%, driven primarily by an increase in recoveries on acquired credit impaired loans.

· Mortgage banking income increased $2.8 million, or 207.3%, driven by activity acquired through the FFHI acquisition and 2014 including three full months compared to approximately two months in 2013.

· Amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset decreased $2.8 million, or 36.7%, resulting from a smaller difference between the expected cash flows from the FDIC compared the remaining carrying value of the indemnification asset.

· Service charges on deposit accounts increased 1.8% driven by the FFHI acquisition and the continued increase in our customer base.

Excluding the amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset and securities gains (losses), noninterest income increased $31.8 million or 57.6% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  The increase in total noninterest income primarily resulted from the following:

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· Service charges on deposit accounts increased 33.2%, driven by the FFHI acquisition which included only two months of FFHI in 2013 compared to all nine months in 2014.

· Mortgage banking income increased 82.5%, driven largely by the number of months the FFHI business was included in 2014 vs. 2013, nine months vs. two months, respectively.

· Bankcard services income increased $7.7 million, or 52.7%, driven by the FFHI acquisition which included only two months of FFHI in 2013 compared to all nine months in 2014.

· Trust and investment services income increased $5.5 million, or 65.9%, driven primarily by the FFHI acquisition which included only two months of FFHI in 2013 compared to all nine months in 2014.

· Amortization on the FDIC indemnification asset decreased $4.4 million, resulting from smaller difference between the cash that is expected to be received from the FDIC compared to the remaining carrying value of the indemnification asset.

· Other noninterest income increased $6.4 million due primarily to the inclusion of nine months of FFHI activity in 2014 versus two months of FFHI in 2013, and more recoveries on acquired credit impaired loans.

Noninterest Expense

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30

September 30

(Dollars in thousands)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Salaries and employee benefits

$

40,029

$

34,463

$

119,398

$

81,461

Merger and branding related expense

6,846

10,397

19,341

13,220

Net occupancy expense

5,387

5,079

16,758

11,696

Information services expense

3,417

3,905

12,154

10,088

Furniture and equipment expense

3,166

3,513

10,171

8,296

OREO expense and loan related

3,374

3,461

9,313

9,383

Bankcard expense

2,141

1,865

6,520

4,264

Amortization of intangibles

2,080

1,738

6,268

3,794

FDIC assessment and other regulatory charges

1,268

1,521

4,111

3,841

Professional fees

1,068

1,329

3,501

2,780

Business development and staff related

1,482

1,233

4,816

3,737

Advertising and marketing

837

1,313

2,984

2,803

Other

3,963

5,591

13,027

11,372

Total noninterest expense

$

75,058

$

75,408

$

228,362

$

166,735

Noninterest expense decreased $350,000 in the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  The quarterly decrease in total noninterest expense primarily resulted from the following:

· Salary and employee benefits were $5.6 million higher than last year, due to the merger with FFHI and additional employee base.  In addition, third quarter 2014 included three months of expense with the additional employees from the FFHI merger compared to approximately two months in 2013.

· Merger and branding related expenses decreased by $3.6 million driven largely by a reduction in merger-related expenses from the FFHI acquisition.

· Information services expense decreased by $488,000, driven largely by a reduction in expenses post conversion during the quarter related to certain contract terminations and renegotiations.

· Advertising and marketing decreased by $476,000, driven largely by the focus on our name change and branding cost which was charged to merger and branding-related cost, and therefore, reduced expense on an operating basis.

· Furniture and equipment expense decreased by $347,000, driven largely by the closer of eight additional branches during the quarter and costs savings executed from prior quarters.

· Amortization of intangibles was $342,000 higher compared to third quarter 2013 due to the additional month of amortization included in third quarter of 2014.

· Other noninterest expense decreased by $1.6 million primarily as a result of a large operational charge off which occurred in third quarter of 2013 of $850,000, lower loan closing and loan related of approximately $520,000 and cost savings post conversion.

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Noninterest expense increased $61.6 million, or 37.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.  Note that the nine months ended September 30, 2013 included two months of FFHI activity compared to nine months as of September 30, 2014 in all categories of expense.  The increase in total noninterest expense primarily resulted from the following:

· Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by $37.9 million, or 46.6%, driven by the addition of staff from the FFHI acquisition and increases in both incentive and merit pay for employees.

· Net occupancy expense increased $5.1 million, or 43.3%, driven largely by the additional branch locations from the FFHI acquisition.

· Furniture and equipment expense increased $1.9 million driven by the additional branch locations from the FFHI acquisition.

· Merger and branding related expense was up $6.1 million due to the full year of planning and executing the systems conversion, along with changing our name and the cost of branding the new name, South State.

· Amortization of intangibles increased by $2.5 million, or 65.2%, due to the additional amortization of the core deposit, noncompete, and client list intangibles from the FFHI acquisition.

· Business development and staff related expense increased $1.1 million, or 28.9%, due to an increase in recruitment and relocation costs, travel expenses, and training expenses as well as the FFHI acquisition.

Income Tax Expense

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 30.16% for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 compared to 36.08% for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our effective income tax rate decreased to 32.88% compared to 34.00% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.   The lower effective tax rate was attributable to additional tax credits (both federal and state related) which were included in the December 31, 2013 income tax returns filed in September of 2014 that were not included in the 2013 income tax provision.  We also have additional tax credits for 2014 which are the result of investments in certain tax advantaged community projects and “new job” related credits in South Carolina.

Capital Resources

Our ongoing capital requirements have been met primarily through retained earnings, less the payment of cash dividends.  As of September 30, 2014, shareholders’ equity was $967.0 million, a decrease of $14.5 million, or 1.5%, from $981.5 million at December 31, 2013, and a decrease of $3.0 million, or 0.31%, from $970.0 million at September 30, 2013.  The driving factor for the decrease from year-end was the redemption of $65.0 million in preferred stock and the dividend paid to both common and preferred shareholders of $15.5 million during the year.  All of this has been partially offset by net income and a favorable change in accumulated comprehensive income, net of tax.  The decrease from the comparable period of 2013 was primarily the result of redemption of the preferred stock and cash dividends paid to preferred and common shareholders, offset by net income and favorable change in accumulated comprehensive income.  Our common equity-to-assets ratio increased to 12.27% at September 30, 2014 from 11.55% at December 31, 2013 and increased from 11.27% at the end of the comparable period of 2013.

We are subject to certain risk-based capital guidelines. Certain ratios measure the relationship of capital to a combination of balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks. The values of both balance sheet and off-balance sheet items are adjusted to reflect credit risk. Under the guidelines promulgated by the Federal Reserve, which are substantially similar to those of the FDIC, Tier 1 risk-based capital must be at least 4% of risk-weighted assets, while total risk-based capital must be at least 8% of risk-weighted assets.

In conjunction with the risk-based capital ratios, the regulatory agencies have also prescribed a leverage capital ratio for assessing capital adequacy.

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The Company’s capital adequacy ratios for the following periods are reflected below:

September 30,

December 31,

September 30,

2014

2013

2013

South State Corporation:

Tier 1 risk-based capital

13.29

%

13.58

%

13.15

%

Total risk-based capital

14.12

%

14.47

%

14.40

%

Tier 1 leverage

9.16

%

9.30

%

10.09

%

South State Bank:

Tier 1 risk-based capital

13.11

%

13.37

%

12.95

%

Total risk-based capital

13.94

%

14.26

%

14.20

%

Tier 1 leverage

9.03

%

9.16

%

9.95

%

Compared to December 31, 2013, our Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital have decreased due primarily to the decrease in capital as a result of the redemption of $65.0 million in preferred stock partially offset by a decrease in risk-weighted assets.  The decrease in capital from the comparable period in 2013 was the result of the redemption of the $65.0 million in preferred stock offset by the increase in retained earnings by $47.2 million.  Our Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital have decreased from December 31, 2013 due to capital decreasing faster than the decrease in risk-weighted assets.  The Tier 1 leverage ratio has decreased compared to December 31, 2013 due to the decrease in capital.  Our capital ratios are currently well in excess of the minimum standards and continue to be in the “well capitalized” regulatory classification.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve announced its approval of a final rule to implement the Basel III regulatory capital reforms, among other changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The framework requires banking organizations to hold more and higher quality capital, which acts as a financial cushion to absorb losses, taking into account the impact of risk. The approved rule includes a new minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% as well as a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. The rule also raises the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4% to 6% and includes a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for all banking institutions. For the largest, most internationally active banking organizations, the rule includes a new minimum supplementary leverage ratio that takes into account off-balance sheet exposures. In terms of quality of capital, the final rule emphasizes common equity Tier 1 capital and implements strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments. It also changes the methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity. The phase-in period for the final rules will begin January 1, 2015, with full compliance with all of the final rule’s requirements phased in over a multi-year schedule.  Management believes that the Company’s capital levels will remain characterized as “well-capitalized” under the new rules.  The final rules approved by the FRB and the FDIC did not address the proposed liquidity coverage ratio test and the net stable funding ratio test called for by the Basel III liquidity framework.

Liquidity

Liquidity refers to our ability to generate sufficient cash to meet our financial obligations, which arise primarily from the withdrawal of deposits, extension of credit and payment of operating expenses.  Our Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) is charged with monitoring liquidity management policies, which are designed to ensure acceptable composition of asset/liability mix.  Two critical areas of focus for ALCO are interest rate sensitivity and liquidity risk management.  We have employed our funds in a manner to provide liquidity from both assets and liabilities sufficient to meet our cash needs.

Asset liquidity is maintained by the maturity structure of loans, investment securities and other short-term investments.  Management has policies and procedures governing the length of time to maturity on loans and investments.  Normally, changes in the earning asset mix are of a longer-term nature and are not utilized for day-to-day corporate liquidity needs.

Our liabilities provide liquidity on a day-to-day basis.  Daily liquidity needs are met from deposit levels or from our use of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings.  We engage in routine activities to retain deposits intended to enhance our liquidity position.  These routine activities include various measures, such as the following:

· Emphasizing relationship banking to new and existing customers, where borrowers are encouraged and normally expected to maintain deposit accounts with our Bank,

· Pricing deposits, including certificates of deposit, at rate levels that will attract and/or retain balances of deposits that will enhance our Bank’s asset/liability management and net interest margin requirements, and

· Continually working to identify and introduce new products that will attract customers or enhance our Bank’s appeal as a primary provider of financial services.

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Our legacy loan portfolio increased by approximately $563.5 million, or approximately 20.6%, compared to the balance at September 30, 2013, and by $439.5 million, or 20.5% annualized, compared to the balance at December 31, 2013.  Our investment securities portfolio increased $173.4 million from third quarter 2013 and by $13.4 million compared to fourth quarter 2013. Total cash and cash equivalents were $503.0 million at September 30, 2014 as compared to $479.5 million at December 31, 2013 and $645.2 million at September 30, 2013.

At September 30, 2014, December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2013, the Company had $24.7 million, $34.8 million and $42.9 million, respectively, in traditional, out-of-market brokered deposits and $84.1 million, $85.3 million, and $113.7 million, respectively, of reciprocal brokered deposits.   Total deposits decreased $140.9 million, or 2.1%, from September 30, 2013, to $6.5 billion resulting primarily from decreases in certificates of deposit by $373.6 million partially offset by increases in core deposits by $232.3 million.  Other borrowings were relatively flat from the balance at September 30, 2013, decreasing by $220,000.  To the extent that we employ other types of non-deposit funding sources, typically to accommodate retail and correspondent customers, we continue to take in some shorter maturities of such funds.  Our current approach may provide an opportunity to sustain a low funding rate or possibly lower our cost of funds but could also increase our cost of funds if interest rates rise.

Our ongoing philosophy is to remain in a liquid position taking into account our current composition of earning assets, asset quality, capital position, and operating results.  Our liquid earning assets include federal funds sold, balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, reverse repurchase agreements, and/or other short-term investments.  Cyclical and other economic trends and conditions can disrupt our Bank’s desired liquidity position at any time.  We expect that these conditions would generally be of a short-term nature.  Under such circumstances, our Bank’s federal funds sold position and any balances at the Federal Reserve Bank serve as the primary sources of immediate liquidity.  At September 30, 2014, our Bank had total federal funds credit lines of $376.0 million with no outstanding advances.  If additional liquidity were needed, the Bank would turn to short-term borrowings as an alternative immediate funding source and would consider other appropriate actions such as promotions to increase core deposits or the sale of a portion of our investment portfolio.  At September 30, 2014, our Bank had $164.9 million of credit available at the Federal Reserve Bank’s Discount Window, but had no outstanding advances as of the end of the quarter.  In addition, we could draw on additional alternative immediate funding sources from lines of credit extended to us from our correspondent banks and/or the FHLB.  At September 30, 2014, our Bank had a total FHLB credit facility of $981.6 million with total outstanding letters of credit consuming $19.7 million and $137,000 in outstanding advances.  The Company had a $30.0 million unsecured line of credit with U.S. Bank National Association with no outstanding advances.  We believe that our liquidity position continues to be adequate and readily available.

Our contingency funding plans incorporate several potential stages based on liquidity levels.  Also, we review on at least an annual basis our liquidity position and our contingency funding plans with our principal banking regulator.  The Company maintains various wholesale sources of funding.  If our deposit retention efforts were to be unsuccessful, our Company would utilize these alternative sources of funding.  Under such circumstances, depending on the external source of funds, our interest cost would vary based on the range of interest rates charged to our Company.  This could increase our Company’s cost of funds, impacting net interest margins and net interest spreads.

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Loss Share

The following table presents the expected losses on acquired assets covered under loss share agreements as of September 30, 2014:

Losses

Losses

Incurred *

Incurred **

Remaining

FDIC

Original

Original

By FFCH

By South State

Estimated

OREO

Projected

Threshold

Estimated

Estimated

through

through

Losses

Mark ***

Total

(Dollars in thousands)

or ILE

Gross Losses

Covered Losses

July 26, 2013

September 30, 2014

for Loans

September 30, 2014

Losses

CBT

$

233,000

$

340,039

$

334,082

$

$

312,334

$

2,577

$

2,227

$

317,138

Habersham

94,000

124,363

119,978

92,293

2,676

647

95,616

BankMeridian

70,827

70,190

67,780

30,456

2,412

2,332

35,200

Cape Fear ****

131,000

12,921

8,213

76,122

6,366

1,761

86

84,335

Plantation ****

70,178

24,273

16,176

35,190

13,120

6,662

28

55,000

Total

$

599,005

$

571,786

$

546,229

$

111,312

$

454,569

$

16,088

$

5,320

$

587,289


* For Cape Fear and Plantation, claimed or claimable loan and OREO losses excluding expenses, net of revenues, from bank failure date through July 26, 2013.

** Claimed or claimable loan and OREO losses excluding expenses, net of revenues, since bank failure date under South State ownership.

*** Represents the estimated losses on OREO at period end.  These losses have been recognized to record OREO at net realizable value. These losses are claimable from the FDIC upon sale or receipt of a valid appraisal.

**** For Cape Fear and Plantation, the original estimated gross losses and the original estimated covered losses represent estimated losses subsequent to July 26, 2013.

Under the Habersham and BankMeridian loss share agreements, all losses (whether or not they exceed the intrinsic loss estimate (“ILE”)) are reimbursable by the FDIC at 80% of the losses and reimbursable expenses paid. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the losses and reimbursable expenses claimed under the CBT loss share agreement exceeded the $233.0 million threshold and became reimbursable at 95% rather than 80%. Under the loss sharing agreement for Cape Fear, the Bank assumes $32.4 million of losses and the FDIC reimburses the Bank for 80% of the losses greater than $32.4 million up to $110.0 million. On losses exceeding $110.0 million, the FDIC will reimburse the Bank for 95% of the losses.  Under the loss sharing agreement for Plantation, the Bank shares in the losses on certain commercial loans and commercial OREO in three tranches. On losses up to $55.0 million, the FDIC reimburses the Bank for 80% of all eligible losses; the Bank absorbs losses greater than $55.0 million up to $65.0 million; and the FDIC reimburses the Bank for 60% of all eligible losses in excess of $65.0 million.

Effective June 30, 2014, the Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement with the FDIC for Cape Fear expired and losses on assets covered under this agreement are no longer claimable after filing the second quarter of 2014 commercial loss share certificate. The Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement for CBT will expire March 31, 2015 and losses on assets covered under this agreement will no longer be claimable after this date.

Deposit and Loan Concentrations

We have no material concentration of deposits from any single customer or group of customers.  We have no significant portion of our loans concentrated within a single industry or group of related industries.  Furthermore, we attempt to avoid making loans that, in an aggregate amount, exceed 10% of total loans to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities. As of September 30, 2014, there were no aggregated loan concentrations of this type.  We do not believe there are any material seasonal factors that would have a material adverse effect on us.  We do not have foreign loans or deposits.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We consider concentrations of credit to exist when, pursuant to regulatory guidelines, the amounts loaned to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by general economic conditions represents 25% of total risk-based capital, or $184.3 million at September 30, 2014. Based on this criteria, the Company had four such credit concentrations for non-acquired loans and acquired non-credit impaired loans at September 30, 2014, including $306.1 million of loans to lessors of residential buildings, $387.4 million of loans to lessors of nonresidential buildings (except mini-warehouses), $202.4 million of loans to religious organizations, and $250.6 million of loans to offices of physicians, dentists and other health practitioners.

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Cautionary Note Regarding Any Forward-Looking Statements

Statements included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.  The words “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “may,” and “intend,” as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  We caution readers that forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting our judgment based on current information, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.  Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the matters described in Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and the following:

· Credit risk associated with an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with the Bank or otherwise fail to perform as agreed;

· Interest rate risk involving the effect of a change in interest rates on both the Bank’s earnings and the market value of the portfolio equity;

· Liquidity risk affecting our Bank’s ability to meet its obligations when they come due;

· Price risk focusing on changes in market factors that may affect the value of financial instruments which are “marked-to-market” periodically;

· Merger integration risk including potential deposit attrition, higher than expected costs, customer loss and business disruption associated with the integration of FFHI, including, without limitation, potential difficulties in maintaining relationships with key personnel and other integration related-matters;

· Transaction risk arising from problems with service or product delivery;

· Compliance risk involving risk to earnings or capital resulting from violations of or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, or ethical standards;

· Regulatory change risk resulting from new laws, rules, regulations, proscribed practices or ethical standards, including the possibility that regulatory agencies may require higher levels of capital above the current regulatory-mandated minimums, including the impact of the capital rules under Basel III and the possibility of changes in accounting principles relating to loan loss recognition ;

· Strategic risk resulting from adverse business decisions or improper implementation of business decisions;

· Reputation risk that adversely affects earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion;

· Terrorist activities risk that result in loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions;

· Cyber security risk related to our dependence on internal computer systems and the technology of outside service providers,  as well as the potential impacts of third-party security breaches, subjects us to potential business disruptions or financial losses resulting from deliberate attacks or unintentional events;

· Noninterest income risk resulting from rules that now prohibit financial institutions from charging consumer fees for paying overdrafts on ATM and one-time debit card transactions, unless the consumer consents or opts-in to the overdraft service for those types of transactions; and

· Economic downturn risk resulting in changes in the credit markets, greater than expected non-interest expenses, excessive loan losses and other factors, which risks could be exacerbated by potential negative economic developments resulting from the expiration of the federal tax reductions, and the implementation of federal spending cuts currently scheduled to go into effect.

All forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to us as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk as of September 30, 2014 from that presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered

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by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The design of any system of controls and procedures is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events.  There can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As of September 30, 2014 and the date of this form 10-Q, we believe that we are not a party to, nor is any of our property the subject of, any pending material legal proceeding other than those that may occur in the ordinary course of our business, except for those described below.

Rational Lawsuit. On October 11, 2012, a purported shareholder of Savannah filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York captioned Rational Strategies Fund v. Robert H. Demere, Jr. et al. , No. 653566/2012 (the “Rational Lawsuit”), naming Savannah, members of Savannah’s board of directors and South State as defendants. This lawsuit is purportedly brought on behalf of a putative class of Savannah’s common shareholders and seeks a declaration that it is properly maintainable as a class action with the Plaintiff as the proper class representative. The Rational Lawsuit alleges that Savannah, Savannah’s directors and South State breached duties and/or aided and abetted such breaches by failing to disclose certain material information about the proposed merger between Savannah and South State. Among other relief, the Complaint seeks to enjoin the merger. The Company believes that the claims asserted in the Complaint are without merit and that the proceeding will not have any material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of South State.

On November 23, 2012, South State, Savannah and the other named defendants entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “Rational MOU”) with the Plaintiff regarding a settlement of the Rational Lawsuit. Pursuant to the Rational MOU, Savannah made available additional information concerning the Savannah merger to Savannah shareholders in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

On March 20, 2014, the parties entered into and filed with the court a stipulation of settlement.  On August 4, 2014, the court issued an Order and Final Judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the action with prejudice.

FFHI Litigation. On March 5, 2013, a purported shareholder of First Financial filed a lawsuit in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware captioned Arthur Walter v. R. Wayne Hall et al. , No. 8386-VCN.  On March 25, 2013, another purported shareholder of FFHI filed a lawsuit in the same court captioned Emmy Moore v. R. Wayne Hall et al. , No. 8434-VCN. Each complaint named FFHI, members of FFHI’s board of directors and South State as defendants.  The complaints were purportedly brought on behalf of a putative class of FFHI’s common shareholders and sought a declaration that the lawsuits are properly maintainable as a class action with the named plaintiffs as the proper class representatives. Each complaint alleged that FFHI’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to FFHI shareholders by attempting to sell FFHI to South State by means of an unfair process and for an unfair price and that South State aided and abetted these alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. Among other relief, each complaint sought declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the proposed merger between FFHI and South State. On April 18, 2013, the Court of Chancery issued an order consolidating the two lawsuits into one action captioned In re First Financial Holdings, Inc. Shareholder Litigation , No. 8386-VCN, and requiring the plaintiffs to file a single consolidated amended complaint as soon as practicable. On May 7, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint, which generally alleges that FFHI’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to FFHI shareholders by attempting to sell FFHI to South State by means of an unfair process and for an unfair price and by failing to disclose certain material information about the proposed merger.

On July 16, 2013, South State, FFHI and the director defendants entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “FFHI MOU”) with plaintiffs regarding the settlement of the action, subject to the approval of the court.  Pursuant to the terms of the FFHI MOU, South State and FFHI agreed to make available additional information to FFHI shareholders regarding the FFHI merger.  In

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return, the plaintiffs agreed to the dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice and not to seek any interim relief in favor of the alleged class of FFHI stockholders. On October 30, 2013, the parties entered into and filed with the Delaware court a stipulation of settlement.  On January 24, 2014, the court issued an Order and Final Judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the action with prejudice.

On May 3, 2013, a purported shareholder of South State filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York captioned Rational Strategies Fund v. Robert R. Hill Jr. et al. , No. 651625/2013, naming South State and members of its board of directors as defendants. This lawsuit is purportedly brought on behalf of a putative class of South State’s common shareholders and seeks a declaration that it is properly maintainable as a class action with the Plaintiff as the proper class representative. The lawsuit alleges that South State and members of its board of directors breached duties by failing to disclose certain material information about the proposed merger between FFHI and South State. Among other relief, the Complaint seeks to enjoin the merger.

On July 18, 2013, the court granted a temporary injunction enjoining South State from certifying the vote of its shareholders at its special meeting on July 24, 2013 to consider and vote upon the FFHI merger, pending a hearing scheduled for the same date on the defendants’ motion to vacate that temporary injunction. On July 19, 2013, South State entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “Rational/FFHI MOU”) with plaintiff regarding the settlement of the action.  Pursuant to the Rational/FFHI MOU, South State agreed to make available additional information to South State shareholders regarding the FFHI merger, and the plaintiff agreed to jointly request with South State that the temporary injunction be lifted so that the results of the special meeting could be certified without any delay or impediment. Under the terms of the Rational/FFHI MOU, South State, the South State director defendants and the plaintiff have agreed to settle the lawsuit and release the defendants from all claims made by the plaintiff relating to the FFHI merger.

On February 20, 2014, the parties entered into a stipulation of settlement that was later filed with the court.  On June 3, 2014, the court issued an Order and Final Judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the action with prejudice.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Investing in shares of our common stock involves certain risks, including those identified and described in Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, as well as cautionary statements contained in this Form 10-Q, including those under the caption “Cautionary Note Regarding Any Forward-Looking Statements” set forth in Part I, Item 2 of this Form 10-Q, risks and matters described elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC.

Item 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

(c) Issuer Purchases of Registered Equity Securities:

In February 2004, we announced a stock repurchase program with no formal expiration date to repurchase up to 250,000 shares of our common stock.  There are 147,872 shares that may yet be purchased under that program.  The following table reflects share repurchase activity during the second quarter of 2014:

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Period

(a) Total
Number of
Shares (or
Units)
Purchased

(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share (or Unit)

(c) Total
Number of
Shares (or
Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

(d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or
Units) that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs

July 1 - July 31

$

147,872

August 1 - August 31

147,872

September 1 - September 30

(1,805

)*

60.39

147,872

Total

(1,805

)

147,872


* These shares were repurchased under arrangements, authorized by our stock-based compensation plans and Board of Directors, whereby officers or directors may sell previously owned shares to the Company in order to pay for the exercises of stock options or for income taxes owed on vesting shares of restricted stock.  These shares are not purchased under the plan to repurchase 250,000 shares announced in February 2004.

Item 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

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Table of Contents

Item 6.  EXHIBITS

The exhibits required to be filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are listed in the Exhibit Index attached hereto and are incorporated by reference.

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.

SOUTH STATE CORPORATION

(Registrant)

Date: November 10, 2014

/s/ Robert R. Hill, Jr.

Robert R. Hill, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date November 10, 2014

/s/ John C. Pollok

John C. Pollok

Senior Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer, and

Chief Operating Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: November 10, 2014

/s/ Keith S. Rainwater

Keith S. Rainwater

Executive Vice President and

Principal Accounting Officer

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Table of Contents

Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.

Description

Exhibit 3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of South State Corporation, filed October 24, 2014 (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2014)

Exhibit 3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of South State Corporation, dated October 23, 2014 (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2014)

Exhibit 10.1

Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 27, 2014, to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2013, by and between South State Corporation, as borrower, and U.S. Bank National Association, as lender (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30, 2014)

Exhibit 31.1

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer

Exhibit 32

Section 1350 Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer

Exhibit 101

The following financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of South State Corporation for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

80


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I Financial InformationItem 1. Financial StatementsNote 1 Basis Of PresentationNote 2 Summary Of Significant Accounting PoliciesNote 3 Recent Accounting and Regulatory PronouncementsNote 3 Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements (continued)Note 3 Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements (continuedNote 4 Mergers and AcquisitionsNote 4 Mergers and Acquisitions (continued)Note 5 Investment SecuritiesNote 5 Investment Securities (continued)Note 6 Loans and Allowance For Loan LossesNote 6 Loans and Allowance For Loan Losses (continued)Note 7 Fdic Indemnification AssetNote 8 Other Real Estate OwnedNote 9 DepositsNote 10 Retirement PlansNote 10 Retirement Plans (continued)Note 11 Earnings Per ShareNote 11 Earnings Per Share (continued)Note 12 Share-based CompensationNote 12 Share-based Compensation (continued)Note 13 Commitments and Contingent LiabilitiesNote 14 Fair ValueNote 14 Fair Value (continued)Note 15 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)Note 15 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (continued)Note 16 Derivative Financial InstrumentsNote 16 Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)Note 17 Capital RatiosNote 18 Goodwill and Other Intangible AssetsNote 18 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (continued)Note 19 Loan Servicing, Mortgage Origination, and Loans Held For SaleNote 19 Loan Servicing, Mortgage Origination, and Loans Held For Sale (continued)Note 20 Subsequent EventsItem 2. Management S Discussion and Analysis Of Financial Condition and Results Of OperationsItem 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 4. Controls and ProceduresPart II Other InformationItem 1. Legal ProceedingsItem 1A. Risk FactorsItem 2. Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities and Use Of ProceedsItem 3. Defaults Upon Senior SecuritiesItem 4. Mine Safety DisclosuresItem 5. Other InformationItem 6. Exhibits