UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 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 March 31, 2018

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from _______________ to __________________.

 

Commission File No. 0-13660

 

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Florida   59-2260678

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization

  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

815 COLORADO AVENUE, STUART FL   34994
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(772) 287-4000
(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 ¨

 

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 (§ 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 ¨

  

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

 

Large Accelerated Accelerated Non-Accelerated Small Reporting
Filer x Filer ¨ Filer ¨ Company ¨
       
      Emerging Growth
      Company ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No x

 

Common Stock, $0.10 Par Value – 46,983,165 shares as of March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDEX

 

SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA

 

    PAGE #
Part I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
  Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)
     
  Condensed Consolidated balance sheets – March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 3
     
  Condensed consolidated statements of income – Three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 4
     
  Condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income – Three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 5
     
  Consolidated statements of cash flows – Three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 6-7
     
  Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements 8-30
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 31-56
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 57
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 58
     
Part II OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 59
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 59
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 59
     
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 59
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 59
     
Item 5. Other Information 59
     
Item 6. Exhibits 60
     
SIGNATURES 61

 

2

 

 

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and Subsidiaries

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands, except share data) 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $129,065   $104,039 
Interest bearing deposits with other banks   6,794    5,465 
Total cash and cash equivalents   135,859    109,504 
           
Time deposits with other banks   12,553    12,553 
           
Debt securities:          
Available for sale (at fair value)   982,958    949,460 
Held to maturity (fair value: $391,867 at March 31, 2018 and $414,470 at December 31, 2017)   400,647    416,863 
Total debt securities   1,383,605    1,366,323 
           
Loans held for sale (at fair value)   20,887    24,306 
           
Loans   3,897,125    3,817,377 
Less: Allowance for loan losses   (28,118)   (27,122)
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses   3,869,007    3,790,255 
           
Bank premises and equipment, net   64,577    66,883 
Other real estate owned   10,288    7,640 
Goodwill   148,555    147,578 
Other intangible assets, net   18,246    19,099 
Bank owned life insurance   120,654    123,981 
Net deferred tax assets   24,427    25,417 
Other assets   94,443    116,590 
TOTAL ASSETS  $5,903,101   $5,810,129 
           
LIABILITIES          
Deposits  $4,719,543   $4,592,720 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase   173,249    216,094 
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings   208,000    211,000 
Subordinated debt   70,591    70,521 
Other liabilities   29,857    30,130 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   5,201,240    5,120,465 
           
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share, authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued 46,994,545 and outstanding 46,983,165 shares at March 31, 2018 and issued 47,032,259 and outstanding 46,917,735 shares at December 31, 2017   4,698    4,693 
Other shareholders' equity   697,163    684,971 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   701,861    689,664 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY  $5,903,101   $5,810,129 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and Subsidiaries

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
         
Interest and fees on loans  $45,257   $31,891 
Interest and dividends on securities   9,604    8,374 
Interest on interest bearing deposits and other investments   616    510 
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME   55,477    40,775 
           
Interest on deposits   1,538    624 
Interest on time certificates   2,179    566 
Interest on borrowed money   1,998    1,420 
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE   5,715    2,610 
           
NET INTEREST INCOME   49,762    38,165 
           
Provision for loan losses   1,085    1,304 
           
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES   48,677    36,861 
           
Noninterest income          
Other income   12,398    9,905 
    Securities losses, net   (102)   0 
TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME (Note H)   12,296    9,905 
           
TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSES (Note H)   37,164    34,746 
           
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   23,809    12,020 
           
Provision for income taxes   5,782    4,094 
NET INCOME  $18,027   $7,926 
           
SHARE DATA          
Net income diluted  $0.38   $0.20 
Net income basic   0.38    0.20 
Cash dividends declared   0.00    0.00 
Average shares outstanding - diluted   47,688,388    39,498,835 
Average shares outstanding - basic   46,951,829    38,839,284 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and Subsidiaries

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands) 
NET INCOME  $18,027   $7,926 
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale   (11,023)   3,175 
Amortization of unrealized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity, net   116    122 
Income tax effect on other comprehensive income   2,898    (1,268)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income   (8,009)   2,029 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  $10,018   $9,955 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and Subsidiaries

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands) 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Net income  $18,027   $7,926 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation   1,568    1,341 
Amortization of premiums and discounts on securities, net   742    1,056 
Other amortization and accretion, net   (406)   268 
Stock based compensation   1,454    1,315 
Origination of loans designated for sale   (78,156)   (47,149)
Sale of loans designated for sale   83,459    46,603 
Provision for loan losses   1,085    1,304 
Deferred income taxes   4,707    3,860 
Gains on sale of loans   (1,884)   (815)
Losses (gains) on sale and write-downs of other real estate owned   1    (346)
Losses on disposition of fixed assets   (4)   429 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquired companies:          
Net decrease in other assets   23,567    324 
Net (decrease) increase in other liabilities   (273)   647 
Net cash provided by operating activities   53,887    16,763 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Maturities and repayments of debt securities available for sale   27,296    54,783 
Maturities and repayments of debt securities held to maturity   16,085    25,171 
Purchases of debt securities available for sale   (72,311)   (11,116)
Purchases of debt securities held to maturity   0    (31,963)
Net new loans and principal repayments   (84,063)   (94,262)
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned   3,300    2,417 
Proceeds from sale of FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock   10,540    9,053 
Purchase of FHLB and Federal Reserve Stock   (13,027)   (4,935)
Purchase of VISA Class B stock   0    (6,180)
Redemption of bank owned life insurance   4,232    0 
Additions to bank premises and equipment   (1,288)   (1,697)
Net cash used in investing activities   (109,236)   (58,729)

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and Subsidiaries

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands) 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Net increase in deposits  $126,823   $155,423 
Net decrease in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements   (42,845)   (21,095)
Net decrease in FHLB borrowings   (3,000)   (113,000)
Issuance of common stock, net of related expense   0    55,660 
Stock based employee benefit plans   726    171 
Dividends paid   0    0 
Net cash provided by financing activities   81,704    77,159 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   26,355    35,193 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   109,504    109,644 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $135,859   $144,837 
           
Supplemental disclosure of non cash investing activities:          
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned   3,919    0 
Transfers from bank premises to other real estate owned   2,030    0 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7

 

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and Subsidiaries

 

Note A – Basis of Presentation

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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. Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018 or any other period. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

Adoption of new accounting pronouncements

 

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and all the related amendments (collectively, “ASC 606”) using the modified retrospective approach applied to all contracts in place at that date. Adoption had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements including no change to the amount or timing of revenue recognized for contracts within the scope of the new standard. Activity in the scope of the new standard includes:

 

·Service Charges on Deposits: Seacoast Bank offers a variety of deposit-related services to its retail, commercial, and trust customers through several delivery channels including branch offices, ATMs, telephone, mobile, and internet banking. Transaction-based fees are recognized when services, each of which represents a performance obligation, are satisfied. Service fees may be assessed monthly, quarterly, or annually; however, the account agreements to which these fees relate can be cancelled at any time by Seacoast and/or the customer. Therefore, the contract term is considered a single day (a day-to-day contract).

 

  ·

Trust Fees: The Company earns trust fees from fiduciary services to trust customers which include custody of assets, recordkeeping, collection and distribution of funds. Fees are earned over time and accrued monthly as the Company provides services, and are generally assessed based on the market value of the trust assets under management at a particular date or over a particular period.

 

·

Brokerage Commissions and Fees: The Company earns commissions and fees from investment brokerage services provided to its customers through an arrangement with a third-party service provider. Commissions received from the third-party service provider are recorded monthly and are based upon customer activity. Fees are earned over time and accrued monthly as services are provided. The Company acts as an agent in this arrangement and therefore presents the brokerage commissions and fees net of related costs.

 

·Interchange Income: Fees earned on card transactions depend upon the volume of activity, as well as the fees permitted by the payment network. Such fees are recognized by the Company upon fulfilling its performance obligation to approve the card transaction.

 

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” Upon adoption, we reclassified $0.1 million of accumulated unrealized loss pertaining to an equity investment previously classified as available for sale from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Retained Earnings.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements required the use of certain estimates by management in determining the Company’s assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Specific areas, among others, requiring the application of management’s estimates include determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of investment securities available for sale, fair value of impaired loans, contingent liabilities, fair value of other real estate owned, and the valuation of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

8

 

 

Note B – Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Not adopted as of January 1, 2018

 

The following provides a brief description of accounting standards that have been issued but are not yet adopted that could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements:

 

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
Description

In February 2016, the FASB amended existing guidance that requires lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date:

1.    A lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis.

2.    A right-of-use specified asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term.

Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Date of Adoption This amendment is effective for public business entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted.  
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this pronouncement and expects to adopt it effective January 1, 2019.

 

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments –Credit Losses (Topic 326)
Description In June 2016, FASB issued guidance to replace the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held to maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (i.e. loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees and other similar instruments).
Date of Adoption This amendment is effective for public business entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that period.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements The Company has formed a transition oversight committee which is currently in the process of evaluating both potential CECL models and the technology needs to support the models. The Company expects a one-time cumulative adjustment to the allowance for loan losses beginning in the first period of adoption. However, the size of the impact has not yet been determined. The Company will adopt effective January 1, 2020.

 

ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill
Description In January 2017, the FASB amended the existing guidance to simplify the goodwill impairment measurement test by eliminating Step 2. The amendment requires the Company to perform the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Additionally, an entity should consider the tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount when measuring the impairment loss.
Date of Adoption This amendment is effective for public business entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted on annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements The impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to be material.

 

9

 

 

ASU 2017-08, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased callable Debt Securities
Description In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance which requires entities to amortize premiums on certain purchased callable debt securities to their earliest call date. The accounting for purchased callable debt securities held at a discount did not change. Amortizing the premium to the earliest call date generally aligns interest income recognition with the economics of instruments. This guidance requires a modified retrospective approach under which a cumulative adjustment will be made to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period in which it is adopted.
Date of Adoption The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods with those periods.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements The impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to be material.

 

ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
Description

In August 2017, the FASB provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance.

 

Date of Adoption The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods with those periods.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements The impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to be material.

 

Note C – Earnings per Share

 

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, options to purchase 274,000 shares and 84,000 shares, respectively, were antidilutive and accordingly were excluded in determining diluted earnings per share.

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands, except per share data) 
Basic earnings per share        
Net income  $18,027   $7,926 
Average common stock outstanding   46,951,829    38,839,284 
Net income per share  $0.38   $0.20 
           
Diluted earnings per share          
Net income  $18,027   $7,926 
Average common stock outstanding   46,951,829    38,839,284 
Add: Dilutive effect of employee restricted stock and stock options   736,559    659,551 
Average diluted stock outstanding   47,688,388    39,498,835 
Net income per share  $0.38   $0.20 

 

The dilutive impact of restricted stock and stock options is calculated under the treasury method.

 

10

 

 

On February 21, 2017, the Company completed a public offering of 2,702,500 shares of common stock, generating net proceeds of $55.7 million. In addition, CapGen Capital Group III LP (“CapGen”), in conjunction with the Company’s offering, sold 6,210,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, with no net proceeds to the Company.

 

Note D – Securities

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale and held to maturity at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Gross   Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
   (In thousands) 
Debt securities available for sale                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Entities  $8,697   $214   $(14)  $8,897 
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   328,521    225    (8,861)   319,885 
Collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   281,335    70    (8,127)   273,278 
Commercial mortgage backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   16,183    8    (150)   16,041 
Private mortgage backed securities   18,070    379    0    18,449 
Private collateralized mortgage obligations   44,374    608    (266)   44,716 
Collateralized loan obligations   256,058    731    (3)   256,786 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   45,003    384    (481)   44,906 
        Totals  $998,241   $2,619   $(17,902)  $982,958 
                     
Debt securities held to maturity                    
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities  $168,462   $0   $(3,524)  $164,938 
Collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   174,080    0    (5,841)   168,239 
Commercial mortgage backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   17,487    412    0    17,899 
Collateralized loan obligations   35,600    211    0    35,811 
Private collateralized mortgage obligations   5,018    9    (47)   4,980 
         Totals  $400,647   $632   $(9,412)  $391,867 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Gross   Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
   (In thousands) 
Debt securities available for sale                    
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Entities  $9,475   $274   $(5)  $9,744 
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   318,771    891    (3,306)   316,356 
Collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   235,466    272    (4,694)   231,044 
Commercial mortgage backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   16,210    165    (34)   16,341 
Private mortgage backed securities   18,056    384    0    18,440 
Private collateralized mortgage obligations   47,045    605    (285)   47,365 
Collateralized loan obligations   263,579    798    (68)   264,309 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   45,118    813    (70)   45,861 
        Totals  $953,720   $4,202   $(8,462)  $949,460 
                     
Debt securities held to maturity                    
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities  $172,261   $746   $(1,392)  $171,615 
Collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   181,280    56    (2,767)   178,569 
Commercial mortgage backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   17,462    705    0    18,167 
Collateralized loan obligations   40,523    303    0    40,826 
Private collateralized mortgage obligations   5,337    9    (53)   5,293 
        Totals  $416,863   $1,819   $(4,212)  $414,470 

 

There were no sales of securities during the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, respectively. Included in “Securities losses, net” for the three month period ended March 31, 2018, is a $0.1 million decline in the value of an investment in shares of a mutual fund that invests primarily in CRA-qualified debt securities.

 

11

 

 

At March 31, 2018, debt securities with a fair value of $178.8 million were pledged as collateral for United States Treasury deposits, other public deposits and trust deposits, and debt securities with a fair value of $173.2 million were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because prepayments of the underlying collateral for these securities may occur, due to the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

 

   Held to Maturity   Available for Sale 
   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
   (In thousands) 
Due in less than one year  $0   $0   $7,635   $7,849 
Due after one year through five years   3,600    3,602    34,651    34,673 
Due after five years through ten years   32,000    32,209    254,328    255,151 
Due after ten years   0    0    13,144    12,916 
    35,600    35,811    309,758    310,589 
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   168,462    164,938    328,521    319,885 
Collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   174,080    168,239    281,335    273,278 
Commercial mortgage backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   17,487    17,899    16,183    16,041 
Private mortgage-backed securities   0    0    18,070    18,449 
Private collateralized mortgage obligations   5,018    4,980    44,374    44,716 
   $400,647   $391,867   $998,241   $982,958 

 

The estimated fair value of a security is determined based on market quotations when available or, if not available, by using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flows analyses, using observable market data where available. The tables below indicate the amount of debt securities with unrealized losses and the period of time for which these losses were outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
   (In thousands) 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Entities  $895   $(14)  $0   $0   $895   $(14)
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   257,394    (4,629)   214,042    (7,756)   471,436    (12,385)
Collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   242,193    (5,403)   188,936    (8,565)   431,129    (13,968)
Commercial mortgage backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   7,925    (78)   3,032    (72)   10,957    (150)
Private collateralized mortgage obligations   762    (1)   19,586    (312)   20,348    (313)
Collateralized loan obligations   12,747    (3)   0    0    12,747    (3)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   18,722    (227)   12,488    (254)   31,210    (481)
Total temporarily impaired securities  $540,638   $(10,355)  $438,084   $(16,959)  $978,722   $(27,314)

 

12

 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Less than 12 months   12 months or longer   Total 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
   (In thousands) 
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Entities  $1,107   $(5)  $0   $0   $1,107   $(5)
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   123,195    (515)   213,590    (4,183)   336,785    (4,698)
Collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   176,452    (1,507)   199,086    (5,954)   375,538    (7,461)
Commercial mortgage backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities   5,076    (25)   1,049    (9)   6,125    (34)
Private collateralized mortgage obligations   0    0    20,744    (338)   20,744    (338)
Collateralized loan obligations   14,933    (68)   0    0    14,933    (68)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions   5,414    (14)   5,864    (56)   11,278    (70)
Total temporarily impaired securities  $326,177   $(2,134)  $440,333   $(10,540)  $766,510   $(12,674)

 

The two tables above include debt securities held to maturity that were transferred from available for sale into held to maturity during 2014. Those securities had unrealized losses of $3.0 million at the date of transfer, and at March 31, 2018, the unamortized balance was $1.1 million. The fair value of those securities in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $63.3 million and $22.9 million, respectively, with unrealized losses of $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The fair value of those securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is $14.1 million and $15.3 million, respectively, with unrealized losses of $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

 

At March 31, 2018, the Company had $26.5 million of unrealized losses on mortgage backed securities of government sponsored entities having a fair value of $913.5 million that were attributable to a combination of factors, including relative changes in interest rates since the time of purchase. The contractual cash flows for these debt securities are guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Based on our assessment of these mitigating factors, management believes that the unrealized losses on these holdings are a function of changes in investment spreads and interest movements and not changes in credit quality. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities.

 

At March 31, 2018, $0.3 million of the unrealized losses pertained to private label debt securities secured by seasoned residential collateral with a fair value was $20.3 million. Management attributes the loss to a combination of factors, including relative changes in interest rates since the time of purchase. The collateral underlying these mortgage investments are 30- and 15-year fixed and 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage loans with low loan to values, and improving subordination. Based on its assessment of these factors and bi-annual stress testing, management believes that the unrealized losses on these holdings are a function of changes in investment spreads and interest rate movements and not changes in credit quality. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities.

 

At March 31, 2018, obligations of state and political subdivisions with a fair value of $31.2 million had unrealized losses of $0.5 million. Management believes that unrealized losses on these obligations are a function of changes in investment spreads and interest movements and not changes in credit quality. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities.

 

As of March 31, 2018, the Company does not intend to sell debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis. Therefore, management does not consider any investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2018.

 

Included in other assets is $35.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock stated at par value. At March 31, 2018, the Company had not identified events or changes in circumstances which may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments. Also included in other assets is a $6.2 million investment in a mutual fund carried at fair value.

 

13

 

 

The Company holds 11,330 shares of Visa Class B stock, which following resolution of pending litigation will be converted to Visa Class A shares (the conversion rate was 1.6483 shares of Class A stock for each share of Class B stock) for a total of 18,675 shares of Visa Class A stock. Our ownership of these shares is related to prior ownership in Visa’s network while Visa operated as a cooperative. This ownership is recorded on our financial records at zero basis.

 

Note E – Loans

 

Information pertaining to portfolio loans, purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans, and purchased unimpaired loans (“PUL”) loans is as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Portfolio Loans   PCI Loans   PULs   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Construction and land development  $253,416   $1,150   $119,678   $374,244 
Commercial real estate   1,197,152    9,855    438,232    1,645,239 
Residential real estate   888,534    1,869    174,749    1,065,152 
Commercial and financial   536,321    819    79,562    616,702 
Consumer   188,195    0    7,593    195,788 
   NET LOAN BALANCES 1  $3,063,618   $13,693   $819,814   $3,897,125 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Portfolio Loans   PCI Loans   PULs   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Construction and land development  $215,315   $1,121   $126,689   $343,125 
Commercial real estate   1,170,618    9,776    459,598    1,639,992 
Residential real estate   845,420    5,626    187,764    1,038,810 
Commercial and financial   512,430    894    92,690    606,014 
Consumer   178,826    0    10,610    189,436 
   NET LOAN BALANCES 1  $2,922,609   $17,417   $877,351   $3,817,377 

 

(1) Net loan balances as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 include deferred costs of $13.9 million and $12.9 million for each period, respectively.

 

The following tables present the contractual delinquency of the recorded investment by class of loans as of:

 

14

 

 

   March 31, 2018 
               Accruing         
       Accruing   Accruing   Greater       Total 
       30-59 Days   60-89 Days   Than       Financing 
   Current   Past Due   Past Due   90 Days   Nonaccrual   Receivables 
   (In thousands) 
Portfolio Loans                              
Construction and land development  $253,189   $0   $0   $0   $227   $253,416 
Commercial real estate   1,194,839    1,296    0    0    1,017    1,197,152 
Residential real estate   877,943    1,179    82    0    9,330    888,534 
Commerical and financial   530,801    3,149    173    229    1,969    536,321 
Consumer   187,818    218    74    0    85    188,195 
Total   3,044,590    5,842    329    229    12,628    3,063,618 
                               
Purchased Unimpaired Loans                              
Construction and land development   119,539    139    0    0    0    119,678 
Commercial real estate   436,589    609    326    0    708    438,232 
Residential real estate   170,128    527    0    0    4,094    174,749 
Commerical and financial   79,400    2    0    0    160    79,562 
Consumer   7,588    0    5    0    0    7,593 
Total   813,244    1,277    331    0    4,962    819,814 
                               
Purchased Credit Impaired Loans                              
Construction and land development   1,150    0    0    0    0    1,150 
Commercial real estate   9,427    0    0    0    428    9,855 
Residential real estate   548    0    0    0    1,321    1,869 
Commerical and financial   819    0    0    0    0    819 
Consumer   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Total   11,944    0    0    0    1,749    13,693 
                               
Total Loans  $3,869,778   $7,119   $660   $229   $19,339   $3,897,125 

 

   December 31, 2017 
               Accruing         
       Accruing   Accruing   Greater       Total 
       30-59 Days   60-89 Days   Than       Financing 
   Current   Past Due   Past Due   90 Days   Nonaccrual   Receivables 
   (In thousands) 
Portfolio Loans                              
Construction and land development  $215,077   $0   $0   $0   $238   $215,315 
Commercial real estate   1,165,738    2,605    585    0    1,690    1,170,618 
Residential real estate   836,117    812    75    0    8,416    845,420 
Commerical and financial   507,501    2,776    26    0    2,127    512,430 
Consumer   178,676    52    0    0    98    178,826 
Total   2,903,109    6,245    686    0    12,569    2,922,609 
                               
Purchased Unimpaired Loans                              
Construction and land development   126,655    34    0    0    0    126,689 
Commercial real estate   457,899    979    0    0    720    459,598 
Residential real estate   186,549    128    87    0    1,000    187,764 
Commerical and financial   92,315    54    0    0    321    92,690 
Consumer   10,610    0    0    0    0    10,610 
Total   874,028    1,195    87    0    2,041    877,351 
                               
Purchased Credit Impaired Loans                              
Construction and land development   1,121    0    0    0    0    1,121 
Commercial real estate   9,352    0    0    0    424    9,776 
Residential real estate   544    642    0    0    4,440    5,626 
Commerical and financial   844    0    0    0    50    894 
Consumer   0    0    0    0    0    0 
Total   11,861    642    0    0    4,914    17,417 
                               
Total Loans  $3,788,998   $8,082   $773   $0   $19,524   $3,817,377 

 

15

 

 

The Company utilizes an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem loans.  Under the Company’s risk rating system, the Company classifies problem and potential problem loans as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” and “Doubtful” and these loans are monitored on an ongoing basis.  Loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in the Substandard or Doubtful categories, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed to be Special Mention. Substandard loans include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Loans classified as Substandard may require a specific allowance. Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.  The principal on loans classified as Doubtful is generally charged off.  Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants.

 

Loans that are not problem or potential problem loans are considered to be pass-rated loans and risk grades are recalculated at least annually by the loan relationship manager.  The following tables present the risk category of loans by class of loans based on the most recent analysis performed as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

   March 31, 2018 
       Special             
   Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Construction and land development  $363,778   $8,471   $1,995   $0   $374,244 
Commercial real estate   1,596,893    29,421    18,925    0    1,645,239 
Residential real estate   1,036,786    2,456    25,910    0    1,065,152 
Commerical and financial   608,025    3,056    4,067    1,554    616,702 
Consumer   193,867    1,333    588    0    195,788 
Total  $3,799,349   $44,737   $51,485   $1,554   $3,897,125 

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Special             
   Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Construction and land development  $328,127   $10,414   $4,584   $0   $343,125 
Commercial real estate   1,586,932    29,273    23,787    0    1,639,992 
Residential real estate   1,023,925    4,621    10,203    61    1,038,810 
Commerical and financial   593,689    3,237    8,838    250    606,014 
Consumer   189,354    0    82    0    189,436 
Total  $3,722,027   $47,545   $47,494   $311   $3,817,377 

 

PCI Loans

 

PCI loans are accounted for pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loan in situations where there is a reasonable expectation about the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected. The difference between the contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition, considering the impact of prepayments, is referred to as the non-accretable difference.

 

The table below summarizes the changes in accretable yield on PCI loans for the periods ended:

 

   March 31, 
(In thousands)  2018   2017 
Beginning balance  $3,699   $3,807 
Additions   0    0 
Deletions   (43)   0 
Accretion   (443)   (365)
Reclassification from non-accretable difference   339    68 
Ending balance  $3,552   $3,510 

 

16

 

 

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans

 

The Company’s Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”) concessions granted generally do not include forgiveness of principal balances, but may include interest rate reductions, an extension of the amortization period and/or converting the loan to interest only for a limited period of time. Loan modifications are not reported in calendar years after modification if the loans were modified at an interest rate equal to the yields of new loan originations with comparable risk and the loans are performing based on the terms of the restructuring agreements. Most loans prior to modification were classified as an impaired loan and the allowance for loan losses is determined in accordance with Company policy.

 

The following table presents loans that were modified during the three months ended:

 

       Pre-   Post-         
       Modification   Modification         
   Number   Outstanding   Outstanding   Specific   Valuation 
   of   Recorded   Recorded   Reserve   Allowance 
   Contracts   Investment   Investment   Recorded   Recorded 
   (In thousands) 
March 31, 2018                         
   Total loans   0   $0   $0   $0   $0 
                          
                          
March 31, 2017                         
Construction and land development   1   $52   $46   $0   $6 
    Total loans   1   $52   $46   $0   $6 

 

During the three months end March 31, 2018 and March 31, 2017, there were no payment defaults on loans that had been modified to a TDR within the previous twelve months. The Company considers a loan to have defaulted when it becomes 90 days or more delinquent under the modified terms, has been transferred to nonaccrual status, or has been transferred to other real estate owned. A defaulted TDR is generally placed on nonaccrual and specific allowance for loan loss is assigned in accordance with the Company’s policy.

 

Impaired Loans

 

Loans are considered impaired if they are 90 days or more past due, in nonaccrual status, or are TDRs. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s recorded investment in impaired loans, excluding PCI loans, and related valuation allowance was as follows:

 

17

 

 

   March 31, 2018 
       Unpaid   Related 
   Recorded   Principal   Valuation 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance 
   (In thousands) 
Impaired Loans with No Related Allowance Recorded:               
Construction and land development  $213   $497   $0 
Commercial real estate   2,777    4,196    0 
Residential real estate   14,156    19,042    0 
Commercial and financial   166    177    0 
Consumer   93    134    0 
Impaired Loans with an Allowance Recorded:               
Construction and land development   238    251    26 
Commercial real estate   4,749    4,749    178 
Residential real estate   7,744    7,932    1,094 
Commercial and financial   2,197    878    1,406 
Consumer   275    279    41 
Total Impaired Loans               
Construction and land development   451    748    26 
Commercial real estate   7,526    8,945    178 
Residential real estate   21,900    26,974    1,094 
Commercial and financial   2,363    1,055    1,406 
Consumer   368    413    41 
Total  $32,608   $38,135   $2,745 

 

   December 31, 2017 
       Unpaid   Related 
   Recorded   Principal   Valuation 
   Investment   Balance   Allowance 
   (In thousands) 
Impaired Loans with No Related Allowance Recorded:               
Construction and land development  $223   $510   $0 
Commercial real estate   3,475    4,873    0 
Residential real estate   10,272    15,063    0 
Commercial and financial   19    29    0 
Consumer   105    180    0 
Impaired Loans with an Allowance Recorded:               
Construction and land development   251    264    23 
Commercial real estate   4,780    4,780    195 
Residential real estate   8,448    8,651    1,091 
Commercial and financial   2,436    883    1,050 
Consumer   282    286    43 
Total Impaired Loans               
Construction and land development   474    774    23 
Commercial real estate   8,255    9,653    195 
Residential real estate   18,720    23,714    1,091 
Commercial and financial   2,455    912    1,050 
Consumer   387    466    43 
Total  $30,291   $35,519   $2,402 

 

Impaired loans also include TDRs where concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced financial difficulty. At March 31, 2018 and at December 31, 2017, accruing TDRs totaled $14.8 million and $15.6 million, respectively.

 

Average impaired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $31.1 million and $30.4 million, respectively. The impaired loans were measured for impairment based on the value of underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The valuation allowance is included in the allowance for loan losses.

 

Interest payments received on impaired loans are recorded as interest income unless collection of the remaining recorded investment is doubtful at which time payments received are recorded as reductions in principal. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2018, and 2017, the Company recorded $0.4 million, respectively, in interest income on impaired loans.

 

18

 

 

For impaired loans whose impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, a total of $88,000 and $61,000, respectively, was included in interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and represents the change in present value attributable to the passage of time.

 

Note F – Allowance for Loan Losses

 

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is summarized as follows:

 

   March 31, 2018 
       Provision           TDR     
   Beginning   for Loan   Charge-       Allowance   Ending 
   Balance   Losses   Offs   Recoveries   Adjustments   Balance 
   (In thousands) 
Construction & land development  $1,642   $411   $0   $5   $0   $2,058 
Commercial real estate   9,285    (575)   0    147    (15)   8,842 
Residential real estate   7,131    788    0    200    (72)   8,047 
Commercial and financial   7,297    270    (198)   24    0    7,393 
Consumer   1,767    191    (307)   128    (1)   1,778 
   Totals  $27,122   $1,085   $(505)  $504   $(88)  $28,118 

 

   March 31, 2017 
       Provision           TDR     
   Beginning   for Loan   Charge-       Allowance   Ending 
   Balance   Losses   Offs   Recoveries   Adjustments   Balance 
   (In thousands) 
Construction & land development  $1,219   $66   $0   $69   $(2)  $1,352 
Commercial real estate   9,273    495    0    107    (14)   9,861 
Residential real estate   7,483    (393)   (122)   128    (32)   7,064 
Commercial and financial   3,636    1,073    (121)   47    0    4,635 
Consumer   1,789    63    (259)   58    (1)   1,650 
   Totals  $23,400   $1,304   $(502)  $409   $(49)  $24,562 

 

The allowance for loan losses is composed of specific allowances for certain impaired loans and general allowances grouped into loan pools based on similar characteristics. The Company’s loan portfolio, excluding PCI loans, and related allowance at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is shown in the following tables:

 

   March 31, 2018 
   Individually Evaluated for   Collectively Evaluated for         
   Impairment   Impairment   Total 
   Recorded   Associated   Recorded   Associated   Recorded   Associated 
   Investment   Allowance   Investment   Allowance   Investment   Allowance 
   (In thousands) 
Construction & land development  $451   $26   $372,643   $2,032   $373,094   $2,058 
Commercial real estate   7,526    178    1,627,858    8,664    1,635,384    8,842 
Residential real estate   21,900    1,094    1,041,383    6,953    1,063,283    8,047 
Commercial and financial   2,363    1,406    613,520    5,987    615,883    7,393 
Consumer   368    41    195,420    1,737    195,788    1,778 
    Totals  $32,608   $2,745   $3,850,824   $25,373   $3,883,432   $28,118 

 

19

 

 

   At December 31, 2017 
   Individually Evaluated for   Collectively Evaluated for         
   Impairment   Impairment   Total 
   Recorded   Associated   Recorded   Associated   Recorded   Associated 
   Investment   Allowance   Investment   Allowance   Investment   Allowance 
   (In thousands) 
Construction & land development  $474   $23   $341,530   $1,619   $342,004   $1,642 
Commercial real estate   8,255    195    1,621,960    9,090    1,630,215    9,285 
Residential real estate   18,720    1,091    1,014,465    6,040    1,033,185    7,131 
Commercial and financial   2,455    1,050    602,666    6,247    605,121    7,297 
Consumer   387    43    189,049    1,724    189,436    1,767 
    Totals  $30,291   $2,402   $3,769,670   $24,720   $3,799,961   $27,122 

 

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment reported at March 31, 2018 included acquired loans that are not PCI loans. At March 31, 2018, the remaining fair value adjustments for loans acquired was approximately $17.4 million, or approximately 2.1% of the outstanding aggregate PUL balances. At December 31, 2017, the remaining fair value adjustments for loans acquired was approximately $19.4 million, or 2.2% of the outstanding aggregate PUL balances. These amounts represent the fair value discount of each PUL and are accreted into interest income over the remaining lives of the related loans on a level yield basis.

 

The table below summarizes PCI loans that were individually evaluated for impairment based on expected cash flows at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

   March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   PCI Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment 
   Recorded   Associated   Recorded   Associated 
(Dollars in thousands)  Investment   Allowance   Investment   Allowance 
Construction & land development  $1,150   $0   $1,121   $0 
Commercial real estate   9,855    0    9,776    0 
Residential real estate   1,869    0    5,626    0 
Commercial and financial   819    0    894    0 
Consumer   0    0    0    0 
   $13,693   $0   $17,417   $0 

 

Note G – Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as secured borrowings. For securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the Company is obligated to provide additional collateral in the event of a significant decline in fair value of collateral pledged. Company securities sold under agreements to repurchase and securities pledged were as follows by collateral type and maturity as of:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands) 
Fair-Value of Pledged Securities - overnight and continuous          
Mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage          
  obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities  $173,249   $216,094 

 

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Note H – Noninterest Income and Expense

 

Detail of noninterest income and expenses follows:

 

   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (In thousands) 
Noninterest income          
  Service charges on deposit accounts  $2,672   $2,422 
  Trust fees   1,021    880 
  Mortgage banking fees   1,402    1,552 
  Brokerage commissions and fees   359    377 
  Marine finance fees   573    134 
  Interchange income   2,942    2,494 
  BOLI income   1,056    733 
  Other income   2,373    1,313 
    12,398    9,905 
Securities losses, net   (102)   0 
  TOTAL  $12,296   $9,905 
           
Noninterest expense          
  Salaries and wages  $15,381   $15,369 
  Employee benefits   3,081    3,068 
  Outsourced data processing costs   3,679    3,269 
  Telephone/data lines   612    532 
  Occupancy   3,117    3,157 
  Furniture and equipment   1,457    1,391 
  Marketing   1,252    922 
  Legal and professional fees   1,973    2,132 
  FDIC assessments   598    570 
  Amortization of intangibles   989    719 
  Net losses (gains) and disposition expense on other real estate owned   192    (293)
  Other   4,833    3,910 
  TOTAL  $37,164   $34,746 

 

Note I – Equity Capital

 

The Company is well capitalized and at March 31, 2018, the Company and the Company’s principal banking subsidiary, Seacoast National Bank, or “Seacoast Bank”, met the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio (CET1) regulatory threshold of 6.5% for well-capitalized institutions under the Basel III standardized transition approach, as well as risk-based and leverage ratio requirements for well capitalized banks under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

 

Note J – Contingencies

 

The Company and its subsidiaries, because of the nature of their businesses, are at all times subject to legal actions, threatened or filed. Management presently believes that none of the legal proceedings to which it is a party are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, operating results or cash flows, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such claim or litigation.

 

Note K – Fair Value

 

Under ASC 820, fair value measurements for items measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 included:

 

 

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       Quoted Prices         
       in Active   Significant     
       Markets for   Other   Significant 
       Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Fair Value   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
   Measurements   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
   (In thousands) 
March 31, 2018:                    
Available for sale debt securities (1)  $982,958   $100   $982,858   $0 
Loans held for sale (2)   20,887    0    20,887    0 
Loans (3)   7,139    0    6,607    532 
Other real estate owned (4)   10,288    0    3,826    6,462 
Equity securities (5)   6,242    6,242    0    0 
                     
December 31, 2017:                    
Available for sale debt securities (1)(5)  $949,460   $100   $949,360   $0 
Loans held for sale (2)   24,306    0    24,306    0 
Loans (3)   4,192    0    3,454    738 
Other real estate owned (4)   7,640    0    60    7,580 
Equity securities (5)   6,344    6,344    0    0 

 

(1) See Note D for further detail of fair value of individual investment categories.

(2) Recurring fair value basis determined using observable market data.

(3) See Note F. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to loans identified as impaired reflect full or partial write-downs that are based on the loan’s observable market price or current appraised value of the collateral in accordance with ASC 310.

(4) Fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with ASC 360.

(5) Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, an investment in shares of a mutual fund that invests primarily in CRA-qualified debt securities was classified as an available for sale security. Beginning in 2018, this security is reported at fair value in Other Assets. Fair value is determined based on market quotations.

 

Loans held for sale: Fair values are based upon estimated values received from independent third party purchasers. These loans are intended for sale and the Company believes that the fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Interest income is recorded based on the contractual terms of the loan and in accordance with the Company’s policy on loans held for investment. None of the loans are 90 days or more past due or on nonaccrual as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The aggregate fair value and contractual balance of loans for sale as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
(In thousands)  2018   2017 
Aggregate fair value  $20,887   $24,306 
Contractual balance   20,303    23,627 
Excess   584    679 

 

Loans: Level 2 loans consist of impaired real estate loans which are collateral dependent is based on recent real estate appraisals less estimated costs of sale. For residential real estate impaired loans, appraised values or internal evaluation are based on the comparative sales approach. Level 3 loans consist commercial and commercial real estate impaired loans. For these loans evaluations may use either a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches, such as comparative sales, cost and/or income approach. A significant unobservable input in the income approach is the estimated capitalization rate for a given piece of collateral. At March 31, 2018, the range of capitalization rates utilized to determine fair value of the underlying collateral averaged approximately 7.6%. Adjustments to comparable sales may be made by an appraiser to reflect local market conditions or other economic factors and may result in changes in the fair value of an asset over time. As such, the fair value of these impaired loans is considered level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Impaired loans measured at fair value total $7.1 million with a specific reserve of $2.7 million at March 31, 2018, compared to $4.2 million with a specific reserve of $2.4 million at December 31, 2017.

 

Other real estate owned: When appraisals are used to determine fair value and the appraisals are based on a market approach, the fair value of other real estate owned (“OREO”) is classified as a level 2 input. When the fair value of OREO is based on appraisals which require significant adjustments to market-based valuation inputs or apply an income approach based on unobservable cash flows, the fair value of OREO is classified as Level 3.

 

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally coincides with the Company’s monthly and/or quarter-end valuation process. There were no such transfers during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

For loans classified as level 3, reductions totaled $0.2 million for the first three months of 2018, primarily a transfer to OREO and lesser amounts for principal payments.

 

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For OREO classified as level 3 during the first three months of 2018, no foreclosed loans were added, migrated branches taken out of service added $2.0 million and reductions consisting of sales totaled $3.1 million.

 

The carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s other significant financial instruments that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

       Quoted Prices         
       in Active   Significant     
       Markets for   Other   Significant 
       Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Carrying   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
   Amount   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
   ( In thousands) 
March 31, 2018:                
Financial Assets                    
Debt securities held to maturity (1)  $400,647   $0   $391,867   $0 
Time deposits with other banks   12,553    0    0    12,475 
Loans, net   3,861,868    0    0    3,852,712 
Financial Liabilities                    
Deposit liabilities   4,719,543    0    0    4,713,262 
Subordinated debt   70,591    0    61,591    0 
                     
December 31, 2017:                    
Financial Assets                    
Debt securities held to maturity (1)  $416,863   $0   $414,472    0 
Time deposits with other banks   12,553    0    0    12,493 
Loans, net   3,786,063    0    0    3,760,754 
Financial Liabilities                    
Deposit liabilities   4,592,720    0    0    4,588,515 
Subordinated debt   70,521    0    61,530    0 

 

(1) See Note D for further detail of recurring fair value basis of individual investment categories.

 

The short maturity of Seacoast’s assets and liabilities results in having a significant number of financial instruments whose fair value equals or closely approximates carrying value. Such financial instruments are reported in the following balance sheet captions: cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with other banks, federal funds purchased, debt securities sold under agreements to repurchase, maturing within 30 days, and FHLB borrowings.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that value at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 

Debt securities: U.S. Treasury debt securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other debt securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The estimated fair value of a security is determined based on market quotations when available or, if not available, by using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flow analyses, using observable market data where available.

 

The Company reviews the prices supplied by independent pricing services, as well as their underlying pricing methodologies, for reasonableness and to ensure such prices are aligned with traditional pricing matrices. The fair value of collateralized loan obligations is determined from broker quotes. From time to time, the Company will validate, on a sample basis, prices supplied by the independent pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from other brokers and third-party sources or derived using internal models.

 

Loans: Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial or mortgage. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms as well as performing and nonperforming categories. The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated life including prepayment considerations, using estimated market discount rates that reflect the risks inherent in the loan. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, the estimated fair value of the loan portfolio utilized an “entrance price” approach. As of March 31, 2018, the fair value approach considers market-driven variables including credit related factors and reflects an “exit price” as defined in ASC 820.

 

 

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Deposit Liabilities: The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for funding of similar remaining maturities.

 

Note L – Business Combinations

 

Acquisition of GulfShore Bancshares, Inc.

 

On April 7, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of GulfShore Bancshares Inc., the parent company of GulfShore Bank. Simultaneously, upon completion of the merger, GulfShore’s wholly owned subsidiary bank, GulfShore Bank (“GulfShore”), was merged with and into Seacoast Bank. GulfShore, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, operated 3 branches in Tampa and St. Petersburg, all of which have been retained as Seacoast locations. This acquisition added $358 million in total assets, $251 million in loans and $285 million in deposits to Seacoast.

 

As a result of this acquisition the Company expects to enhance its presence in the Tampa, Florida market, expand its customer base and leverage operating cost through economies of scale, and positively affect the Company’s operating results to the extent the Company earns more from interest earning assets than it pays in interest on its interest bearing liabilities.

 

The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of GulfShore. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, GulfShore shareholders received, for each share of GulfShore common stock, the combination of $1.47 in cash and 0.4807 shares of Seacoast common stock (based on Seacoast’s closing price of $23.94 per share on April 7, 2017).

 

(In thousands, except per share data)  April 7, 2017 
Shares exchanged for cash  $8,034 
      
Number of GulfShore Bancshares, Inc. common shares outstanding   5,464 
Per share exchange ratio   0.4807 
Number of shares of common stock issued   2,627 
Multiplied by common stock price per share on April 7, 2017  $23.94 
Value of common stock issued   62,883 
      
Total purchase price  $70,917 

 

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company recognized goodwill of $37.1 million for this acquisition that is nondeductible for tax purposes. Determining fair values of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio, core deposit intangibles, and deferred taxes, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values.

 

25

 

 

       Measurement     
   Initially Reported   Period   As Adjusted 
   April 7, 2017   Adjustments   April 7, 2017 
       (In thousands)     
Assets:               
Cash  $55,540   $0   $55,540 
Investment securities   316    0    316 
Loans, net   250,876    0    250,876 
Fixed assets   1,307    0    1,307 
Other real estate owned   13    0    13 
Core deposit intangibles   3,927    0    3,927 
Goodwill   37,098    0    37,098 
Other assets   8,572    0    8,572 
   $357,649   $0   $357,649 
                
Liabilities:               
Deposits  $285,350   $0   $285,350 
Other liabilities   1,382    0    1,382 
   $286,732   $0   $286,732 

 

The table below presents information with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, as well as their unpaid principal balance (“Book Balance”) at acquisition date.

 

   April 7, 2017 
(In thousands)      Book Balance   Fair Value 
Loans:          
Single family residential real estate  $101,281   $99,598 
Commercial real estate   106,729    103,905 
Construction/development/land   13,175    11,653 
Commercial loans   32,137    32,247 
Consumer and other loans   3,554    3,473 
Purchased credit-impaired   0    0 
Total acquired loans  $256,876   $250,876 

 

No loans acquired were specifically identified with credit deficiency factors, pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The factors we considered to identify loans as PCI loans were all acquired loans that were nonaccrual, 60 days or more past due, designated as TDR, graded “special mention” or “substandard.”

 

Loans without specifically identified credit deficiency factors are referred to as PULs for disclosure purposes. These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Although no specific credit deficiencies were identifiable, we believe there is an element of risk as to whether all contractual cash flows will be eventually received. Factors that were considered included the economic environment both nationally and locally as well as the real estate market particularly in Florida. We have applied ASC Topic 310-20 accounting treatment to the PULs.

 

The Company believes the deposits assumed from the acquisition have an intangible value. In determining the valuation amount, deposits were analyzed based on factors such as type of deposit, deposit retention, interest rates and age of deposit relationships.

 

Acquisition of NorthStar Banking Corporation

 

On October 20, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of NorthStar Banking Corporation (“NSBC”). Simultaneously, upon completion of the merger, NSBC’s wholly owned subsidiary bank, NorthStar Bank (“NorthStar”), was merged with and into Seacoast Bank. NorthStar, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, operated three branches in Tampa, of which all have been retained as Seacoast locations. This acquisition added $216 million in total assets, $137 million in loans and $182 million in deposits to Seacoast.

 

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As a result of this acquisition the Company expects to enhance its presence in the Tampa, Florida market, expand its customer base and leverage operating cost through economies of scale, and positively affect the Company’s operating results to the extent the Company earns more from interest earning assets than it pays in interest on its interest bearing liabilities.

 

The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of NSBC. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, NSBC shareholders received, for each share of NSBC common stock, the combination of $2.40 in cash and 0.5605 shares of Seacoast common stock (based on Seacoast’s closing price of $24.92 per share on October 20, 2017).

 

(In thousands, except per share data)  October 20, 2017 
Shares exchanged for cash  $4,701 
      
Number of NorthStar Banking Corporation Common shares outstanding   1,958 
Per share exchange ratio   0.5605 
Number of shares of common stock issued   1,098 
Multiplied by common stock price per share on October 20, 2017  $24.92 
Value of common stock issued   27,353 
Cash paid for NorthStar Banking Corporation vested stock options   801 
      
Total purchase price  $32,855 

 

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company recognized goodwill of $12.3 million for this acquisition that is nondeductible for tax purposes. The fair values initially assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary and could change for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as new information and circumstances relative to closing date fair values are known. Determining fair values of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio, core deposit intangibles, and deferred taxes, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values.

 

       Measurement     
   Initially Reported   Period   As Adjusted 
   October 20 2017   Adjustments   October 20, 2017 
       (In thousands)     
Assets:               
Cash  $5,485   $0   $5,485 
Investment securities   56,123    0    56,123 
Loans, net   136,832    0    136,832 
Fixed assets   2,637    0    2,637 
Core deposit intangibles   1,275    0    1,275 
Goodwill   12,404    (99)   12,305 
Other assets   1,522    99    1,621 
   $216,278   $0   $216,278 
                
Liabilities:               
Deposits  $182,443   $0   $182,443 
Other liabilities   980    0    980 
   $183,423   $0   $183,423 

 

The table below presents information with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, as well as their unpaid principal balance (“Book Balance”) at acquisition date.

 

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   October 20, 2017 
(In thousands)  Book Balance   Fair Value 
Loans:          
Single family residential real estate  $15,111   $15,096 
Commercial real estate   73,139    69,554 
Construction/development/land   11,706    10,390 
Commercial loans   31,200    30,854 
Consumer and other loans   6,761    6,645 
Purchased Credit Impaired   5,527    4,293 
Total acquired loans  $143,444   $136,832 

  

For the loans acquired we first segregated all acquired loans with specifically identified credit deficiency factors. The factors we considered to identify loans as PCI loans were all acquired loans that were nonaccrual, 60 days or more past due, designated as TDR, graded “special mention” or “substandard.” These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, we are accounting for these loans pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The table below summarizes the total contractually required principal and interest cash payments, management’s estimate of expected total cash payments and fair value of the loans as of October 20, 2017 for purchased credit impaired loans. Contractually required principal and interest payments have been adjusted for estimated prepayments.

(In thousands)  October 20, 2017 
     
Contractually required principal and interest  $5,596 
Non-accretable difference   (689)
Cash flows expected to be collected   4,907 
Accretable yield   (614)
Total purchased credit-impaired loan acquired  $4,293 

 

Loans without specifically identified credit deficiency factors are referred to as PULs for disclosure purposes. These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Although no specific credit deficiencies were identifiable, we believe there is an element of risk as to whether all contractual cash flows will be eventually received. Factors that were considered included the economic environment both nationally and locally as well as the real estate market particularly in Florida. We have applied ASC Topic 310-20 accounting treatment to the PULs.

 

The Company believes the deposits assumed from the acquisition have an intangible value. In determining the valuation amount, deposits were analyzed based on factors such as type of deposit, deposit retention, interest rates and age of deposit relationships.

 

Acquisition of Palm Beach Community Bank

 

On November 3, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of Palm Beach Community Bank (“PBCB”). PBCB was merged with and into Seacoast Bank. This acquisition added $357 million in total assets, $270 million in loans and $269 million in deposits to Seacoast. PBCB, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, operated four branches in West Palm Beach, two of which were consolidated with Seacoast locations in February 2018.

 

As a result of this acquisition the Company expects to enhance its presence in the Palm Beach, Florida market, expand its customer base and leverage operating cost through economies of scale, and positively affect the Company’s operating results to the extent the Company earns more from interest earning assets than it pays in interest on its interest bearing liabilities.

 

The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of PBCB. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, PBCB shareholders received, for each share of PBCB common stock, the combination of $6.26 in cash and 0.9240 shares of Seacoast common stock (based on Seacoast’s closing price of $24.31 per share on November 3, 2017).

 

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(In thousands, except per share data)  November 3, 2017 
Shares exchanged for cash  $15,694 
      
Number of Palm Beach Community Bank Common shares outstanding   2,507 
Per share exchange ratio   0.9240 
Number of shares of common stock issued   2,316 
Multiplied by common stock price per share on November 3, 2017  $24.31 
Value of common stock issued   56,312 
Total purchase price  $72,006 

 

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company recognized goodwill of $34.8 million for this acquisition that is nondeductible for tax purposes. The fair values initially assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary and could change for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as new information and circumstances relative to closing date fair values are known. Determining fair values of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio, core deposit intangibles, and deferred taxes, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values.

 

       Measurement     
   Initially Reported   Period   As Adjusted 
   November 3, 2017   Adjustments   November 3, 2017 
   (In thousands) 
Assets:               
Cash  $9,301   $0   $9,301 
Investment securities   22,098    0    22,098 
Loans, net   272,090    (1,772)   270,318 
Fixed assets   7,641    0    7,641 
Core deposit intangibles   2,523    0    2,523 
Goodwill   33,428    1,323    34,751 
Other assets   9,909    449    10,358 
   $356,990   $0   $356,990 
                
Liabilities:               
Deposits  $268,633   $0   $268,633 
Other liabilities   16,351    0    16,351 
   $284,984   $0   $284,984 

 

The table below presents information with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, as well as their unpaid principal balance (“Book Balance”) at acquisition date.

 

   As Adjusted 
   November 3, 2017 
(In thousands)  Book Balance   Fair Value 
Loans:          
Single family residential real estate  $30,153   $30,990 
Commercial real estate   134,705    132,089 
Construction/development/land   69,686    67,425 
Commercial loans   36,076    35,876 
Consumer and other loans   179    172 
Purchased Credit Impaired   4,768    3,766 
Total acquired loans  $275,567   $270,318 

 

For the loans acquired we first segregated all acquired loans with specifically identified credit deficiency factors. The factors we considered to identify loans as PCI loans were all acquired loans that were nonaccrual, 60 days or more past due, designated as TDR, graded “special mention” or “substandard.” These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, we are accounting for these loans pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The table below summarizes the total contractually required principal and interest cash payments, management’s estimate of expected total cash payments and fair value of the loans as of November 3, 2017 for purchased credit impaired loans. Contractually required principal and interest payments have been adjusted for estimated prepayments.

 

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(In thousands)  November 3, 2017 
     
Contractually required principal and interest  $4,768 
Non-accretable difference   (1,002)
Cash flows expected to be collected   3,766 
Accretable yield   0 
Total purchased credit-impaired loan acquired  $3,766 

 

Loans without specifically identified credit deficiency factors are referred to as PULs for disclosure purposes. These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Although no specific credit deficiencies were identifiable, we believe there is an element of risk as to whether all contractual cash flows will be eventually received. Factors that were considered included the economic environment both nationally and locally as well as the real estate market particularly in Florida. We have applied ASC Topic 310-20 accounting treatment to the PULs.

 

The Company believes the deposits assumed from the acquisition have an intangible value. In determining the valuation amount, deposits were analyzed based on factors such as type of deposit, deposit retention, interest rates and age of deposit relationships.

 

Pro-Forma Information

 

Pro-forma data as of March 31, 2017 as if the acquisitions of Gulfshore, NSBC and PBCB occurred at the beginning of 2017 is as follows:

 

   Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)  2017 
     
Net interest income  $45,987 
Net income   11,285 
EPS - basic   0.25 
EPS - diluted   0.25 

 

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

 

The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to aid in understanding significant changes in the financial condition of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) and their results of operations. Nearly all of the Company’s operations are contained in its banking subsidiary, Seacoast Bank (“Seacoast Bank” or the “Bank”). Such discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included in this report. For purposes of the following discussion, the words the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the combined entities of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements made or incorporated by reference herein which are not statements of historical fact, including those under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere herein, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“Seacoast” or the “Company”) to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

 

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “further,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “could,” “intend,” “target” and other similar words and expressions of the future. These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

 

·the effects of current and future economic, business and market conditions in the United States generally or in the communities we serve;
·changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”);
·legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in banking, securities and tax laws and regulations and their application by our regulators, including those associated with the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and changes in the scope and cost of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance and other coverage;
·changes in accounting policies, rules and practices and applications or determinations made thereunder, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or “SEC”), and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”);
·the risks of changes in interest rates on the levels, composition and costs of deposits, loan demand, and the values and liquidity of loan collateral, debt securities, and interest sensitive assets and liabilities;
·changes in borrower credit risks and payment behaviors;
·changes in the availability and cost of credit and capital in the financial markets;
·changes in the prices, values and sales volumes of residential and commercial real estate in the United States and in the communities we serve, which could impact write-downs of assets, our ability to liquidate non-performing assets, realized losses on the disposition of non-performing assets and increased credit losses;
·our ability to comply with any requirements imposed on us or on our banking subsidiary, Seacoast National Bank (“Seacoast Bank”) by regulators and the potential negative consequences that may result;
·our concentration in commercial real estate loans;
·the failure of assumptions and estimates, as well as differences in, and changes to, economic, market and credit conditions, including changes in borrowers’ credit risks and payment behaviors from those used in our loan portfolio stress test;

 

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·the effects of competition from a wide variety of local, regional, national and other providers of financial, investment and insurance services;
·the failure of assumptions and estimates underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses and other estimates;
·the impact on the valuation of our investments due to market volatility or counterparty payment risk;
·statutory and regulatory restrictions on our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders;
·any applicable regulatory limits on Seacoast Bank’s ability to pay dividends to us;
·increases in regulatory capital requirements for banking organizations generally, which may adversely affect our ability to expand our business or could cause us to shrink our business;
·the risks of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including, without limitation, the related time and costs of implementing such transactions, integrating operations as part of these transactions and possible failures to achieve expected gains, revenue growth and/or expense savings from such transactions;
·our ability to continue to identify acquisition targets and successfully acquire desirable financial institutions to sustain our growth, to expand our presence in our markets and to enter new markets;
·changes in technology or products that may be more difficult, costly, or less effective than anticipated;
·increased cybersecurity risks, including potential business disruptions or financial losses; inability of our risk management framework to manage risks associated with our business such as credit risk and operational risk, including third party vendors and other service providers;
·reduction in or the termination of our ability to use the mobile-based platform that is critical to our business growth strategy, including a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or those of our third party service providers;
·the effects of war or other conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters or other catastrophic events that may affect general economic conditions;
·the risks that our deferred tax assets could be reduced if estimates of future taxable income from our operations and tax planning strategies are less than currently estimated, or adjustments to our preliminary estimates of the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) on certain tax attributes including our deferred tax assets, and sales of our capital stock could trigger a reduction in the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that we may be able to utilize for income tax purposes; and
·other factors and risks described under “Risk Factors” herein and in any of our subsequent reports filed with the SEC and available on its website at www.sec.gov.

 

All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by us or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. We assume no obligation to update, revise or correct any forward-looking statements that are made from time to time, either as a result of future developments, new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

 

FIRST QUARTER 2018

 

Strategic Overview

 

Seacoast continues to execute its balance growth strategy, a combination of organic growth and accretive acquisitions.

 

First Quarter Strategic Highlights

 

Modernizing How We Sell

·Small Business Administration (SBA) activity grew significantly from the prior year, driven by streamlined processes and a new technology partnership, resulting in $0.7 million in noninterest income in the current quarter. We expect continued growth in this segment over the remainder of the year.
·Late last year Seacoast Wealth Management migrated its third-party brokerage platform to an industry leading provider. The shift will provide better tools, sales support, and technology.

 

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·In early 2016, we invested in a team of wealth management professionals in the Central Florida market. This team has contributed to originations of $120 million in new assets under management in the last twelve months, resulting in a record quarter for trust fee income.
·In 2018 we’ll further connect our Bankers with insights to better meet customer needs. We’ll make enhancements to our proprietary Connections portal which provides our Bankers with greater access to customer service/activity timelines and opportunities to better meet customer needs and improve engagement.
·We’re focused on continuing to improve revenue per customer. Since we began applying our proprietary methodology in mid-2015, risk adjusted revenue per customer has grown by 30%. These results were achieved by using analytics and marketing automation combined with improved sales execution to improve customer engagement. This methodology has allowed us to focus our prospecting and relationship deepening efforts on those customers with the largest economic opportunity. Our focus to date has been consumer and small business segments. Our objective in 2018 is to expand to other business units within the franchise.

 

Lowering Our Cost to Serve

·We consolidated two recently-acquired banking center locations in the first quarter 2018, consistent with our strategy of reducing our footprint to provide funding for technology investments needed to meet the evolving demands of our customers.
·We continue to invest in our Florida call center to support our growth strategy and our 24/7 customer service model. Last year, we migrated operations to the Orlando area; and in 2018, we expect to modernize our software platform to improve our self-serve options for customers and streamline manual processes for associates.

 

Driving Improvements in How Our Business Operates

·In 2017, we outsourced a portion of our mortgage fulfillment and processing services to create greater scalability. This capability was demonstrated in the first quarter during which we generated near record mortgage originations while maintaining cycle times.
·We are focused on creating more-efficient fulfillment and customer service processes, especially in Commercial Banking, by investing in equipment and software upgrades to ensure data quality and our ability to scale efficiently, and improving our analytics and reporting services, resulting in greater operating leverage.

 

Scaling and Evolving Our Culture

·In February, we welcomed Amie Seymour to Seacoast as EVP, Chief Technology Officer. Amie’s focus is the continued development and execution of the Bank’s overall technology roadmap. Prior to joining Seacoast, Amie worked for Raymond James Financial as Vice President of Information Technology and Chief of Staff to the Chief Information Officer. Prior, Amie was the Chief Information Officer for a global digital consumer finance company, DFC Global, where she was instrumental in integrating various acquired companies and supporting lending businesses in eight countries.  Prior to DFC Global, she served at Capital One Financial Corporation leading development of the first mobile application and was a founding member of the innovation lab.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Vision 2020 Targets

 

We are confident in our ability to achieve our Vision 2020 targets announced at our Investor Day in February of 2017. The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 on December 22, 2017 should have a significant positive impact on the United States economy and growth in our Florida markets. This clearly creates an opportunity for us to accelerate the achievement of our Vision 2020 objectives. As the impact of this new legislation on our operating markets materializes, we will provide further updates on our progress and updated objectives.

 

  Vision 2020 Targets
Return on Tangible Assets 1.30%+
Return on Tangible Common Equity 16%+
Efficiency Ratio Below 50%

 

Our mergers with GulfShore and NorthStar in Tampa, Florida, and PBCB in West Palm Beach, Florida, together with organic and acquisition-related revenue growth momentum and cost reductions, are expected to drive earnings improvement over the balance of 2018.

 

Our ongoing commitment to leverage data analytics and technology-assisted operational improvements are building efficiencies across our organization and driving better service to our customers. We believe that our success in increasing net income is the result of our success in significantly growing our businesses and balance sheet, while attaining operating efficiency. We believe our improved earnings also reflect the success we have had in identifying and integrating recent acquisitions, including GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB (see “Note L – Business Combinations).

  

Earnings Overview

 

First quarter 2018 results

 

For the first quarter of 2018, Seacoast reported net income of $18.0 million or $0.38 per average common diluted share, compared to $7.9 million or $0.20 per average common diluted share in the first quarter last year. Adjusted net income1 (a non-GAAP measure) totaled $19.3 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, representing an 88% or $9.0 million increase year-over-year. Adjusted net income1 totaled $10.3 million or $0.26 per average common diluted share for the first quarter of 2017. See the reconciliation of adjusted net income to net income.

 

For the first quarter 2018, return on average tangible assets was 1.34%, return on average tangible shareholders’ equity was 14.4%, and the efficiency ratio was 57.8%, compared to 0.97%, 10.7% and 64.0%, respectively, in the prior quarter and 0.74%, 8.8%, and 71.1%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2017.  Adjusted return on average tangible assets1 was 1.38%, adjusted return on average tangible shareholders’ equity1 was 14.8%, and the adjusted efficiency ratio1 was 57.1%, compared to 1.23%, 13.5%, and 52.6%, respectively, in the prior quarter, and 0.90%, 10.7%, and 64.7%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2017. 

 

Net Interest Income and Margin

 

Net interest income for the quarter totaled $49.8 million, increasing $1.5 million or 3% during the first quarter of 2018 compared to fourth quarter 2017’s result, and was $11.6 million or 30% higher than first quarter 2017’s result. Net interest margin was 3.80% in the first quarter 2018, compared to 3.71% for fourth quarter 2017 and 3.63% in the prior year’s first quarter. Loan growth, balance sheet mix and increases in benchmark interest rates have been the primary forces affecting net interest income and net interest margin results. Acquisitions have further accelerated these trends. Organic loan growth of $265 million or 9% since March 31, 2017, the addition of loans of $251 million from the GulfShore purchase, $137 million from NorthStar, and $270 million from PBCB, all contributed to the net interest income improvement year over year for the first quarter. Net interest income for 2018 will continue to benefit from the full year impact of acquisitions completed in 2017.

 

The following table details the trend for net interest income and margin results (on a tax equivalent basis), the yield on earning assets and the rate paid on interest bearing liabilities for the past five quarters:

 

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   Net Interest   Net Interest   Yield on   Rate on Interest 
(Dollars in thousands)  Income (1)   Margin (1)   Earning Assets (1)   Bearing Liabilities 
First quarter 2017  $38,377    3.63%   3.88%   0.35%
Second quarter 2017   44,320    3.84    4.12    0.41 
Third quarter 2017   45,903    3.74    4.10    0.51 
Fourth quarter 2017   48,402    3.71    4.11    0.56 
First quarter 2018   49,853    3.80    4.23    0.62 

 

(1) On tax equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure.

 

Contributing to the 9 basis point increase in margin for first quarter 2018 compared to fourth quarter 2017 was a steepening of the Treasury yield curve and higher short term rates, including add-on rates for new loan production. Our loan and debt securities yields were 8 basis points and 6 basis points higher, respectively, compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. Partially offsetting, the rate for interest bearing funding was higher by 6 basis points.

 

Total average loans increased $953.7 million or 33% for first quarter 2018 compared to 2017’s first quarter, and increased $181.0 million or 5% from fourth quarter 2017 . Average debt securities also increased $86.8 million or 7% for first quarter 2018 year over year and were $7.3 million or 0.5% lower from 2017’s fourth quarter.

 

Average loans as a percentage of average earning assets totaled 72.8% during the first quarter of 2018, compared to 68.2% a year ago. As average total loans as a percentage of earning assets increased, the mix of loans has remained fairly stable, with volumes related to commercial real estate representing 47.4 percent of total loans at March 31, 2018 compared to 48.7% at March 31, 2017(see “Loan Portfolio”).

 

Loan production is detailed in the following table for the last five quarters:

 

   First   Fourth   Third   Second   First 
   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter 
(In thousands)  2018   2017   2017   2017   2017 
                     
Commercial pipeline  $122,743   $118,930   $155,355   $146,355   $122,703 
Commercial loans closed   122,064    113,818    146,121    110,171    94,595 
                          
Residential pipeline  $70,755   $48,836   $63,960   $71,667   $78,323 
Residential loans retained   79,053    75,629    73,611    85,111    78,305 
Residential loans sold   49,687    71,783    103,841    45,990    39,844 
                          
Consumer and small business pipeline  $50,361   $38,790   $47,002   $49,724   $44,499 
Consumer and small business originations   98,381    80,025    86,954    97,858    89,546 

 

Consumer and small business originations reached $98 million during the first quarter of 2018 and commercial loans closed totaled $122 million. Closed residential loans during the quarter totaled $129 million, reflecting continued strong performance.

 

Pipelines (loans in underwriting and approval or approved and not yet closed) remain strong at $123 million in commercial, $71 million in mortgage, and $50 million in consumer and small business. Pipelines have rebounded from the impact of the fall hurricane season. Commercial pipelines increased $3.8 million or 3%, over fourth quarter 2017, and were nominally higher compared to March 31, 2017. Mortgage pipelines increased $21.9 million or 45% compared to year-end 2017, and declined $7.6 million or 10% from March 31, 2017. The consumer and small business pipeline was higher from fourth quarter by $11.6 million or 30%, and improved from March 31, 2017 by $5.9 million or 13%.

 

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New commercial personnel in the Tampa market from the NorthStar acquisition and from PBCB in West Palm Beach provide an additional opportunity for further growth to our balance sheet.

 

Customer relationship funding is detailed in the following table for the last five quarters:

 

Customer Relationship Funding  First   Fourth   Third   Second   First 
   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter 
(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017   2017   2017   2017 
                     
Noninterest demand  $1,488,261   $1,400,227   $1,284,118   $1,308,458   $1,225,124 
Interest-bearing demand   1,015,054    1,050,755    935,097    934,861    870,457 
Money market   1,035,531    931,458    870,788    861,119    821,606 
Savings   437,878    434,346    379,499    376,825    363,140 
Time certificates of deposit   742,819    775,934    643,098    494,195    398,318 
Total deposits  $4,719,543   $4,592,720   $4,112,600   $3,975,458   $3,678,645 
                          
Customer sweep accounts  $173,249   $216,094   $142,153   $167,558   $183,107 
                          
Total core customer funding 1  $4,149,973   $4,032,880   $3,611,655   $3,648,821   $3,463,434 
                          
Noninterest demand deposit mix   31.5%   30.5%   31.2%   32.9%   33.3%

 

 

1 Total deposits and customer sweep accounts, excluding time certificates of deposit

 

Deposit growth reflects our success in growing households both organically and through acquisitions. The Company’s balance sheet continues to be primarily core deposit funded. Core customer funding increased to $4.1 billion at March 31, 2018, a 3% increase from December 31, 2017 and a 20% increase from March 31, 2017. Excluding acquisitions, core customer funding increased by $163 million, or 5%, from one year ago. Seacoast’s overall cost of deposits is 0.33%, up 4 basis points from fourth quarter 2017, and compared to 0.14% in the prior year quarter, reflecting the significant value of the deposit franchise.

 

Short-term borrowings were entirely comprised of sweep repurchase agreements with Seacoast Bank customers at March 31, 2018 and 2017. No federal funds purchased were utilized at March 31, 2018 or 2017. The average yield on customer repurchase accounts was 0.63% for the first quarter 2018, compared to 0.34% a year ago.

 

FHLB borrowings, maturing in 30 days or less, totaled $208.0 million at March 31, 2018, with an average rate of 1.51% paid during the quarter. FHLB borrowings averaged $276.4 million for 2018, declining $149.8 million compared to first quarter 2017.

 

For 2018, average subordinated debt of $70.6 million related to trust preferred securities issued by subsidiary trusts of the Company (including subordinated debt for Grand and BANKshares assumed on July 17, 2015 and October 1, 2014) carried an average cost of 3.99%.

 

We have a positive interest rate gap and our net interest margin should benefit from rising interest rates. Further increases in interest rates are likely, and the Company’s asset sensitivity is further enhanced by its low cost deposit portfolio (see “Interest Rate Sensitivity”).

 

The following table details average balances, net interest income and margin results (on a tax equivalent basis) for the first quarter of 2018, the fourth quarter of 2017, and the first quarter of 2017.

 

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AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSES, YIELDS AND RATES 1

 

SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

   2018   2017 
   First Quarter   Fourth Quarter   First Quarter 
   Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/ 
(Dollars in thousands)  Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate 
Assets                                             
Earning assets:                                             
Securities:                                             
Taxable  $1,361,277   $9,361    2.75%  $1,369,921   $9,153    2.67%  $1,279,246   $8,087    2.53%
Nontaxable   32,640    307    3.76    31,282    354    4.53    27,833    441    6.34 
Total Securities   1,393,917    9,668    2.77    1,401,203    9,507    2.71    1,307,079    8,528    2.61 
                                             
Federal funds sold and other investments   56,173    616    4.45    79,025    638    3.20    56,771    510    3.64 
                                              
Loans, net   3,872,369    45,284    4.74    3,691,344    43,375    4.66    2,918,665    31,949    4.44 
                                              
Total Earning Assets   5,322,459    55,568    4.23    5,171,572    53,520    4.11    4,282,515    40,987    3.88 
                                              
Allowance for loan losses   (27,469)             (26,298)             (24,036)          
Cash and due from banks   113,899              121,109              105,803           
Premises and equipment   65,932              64,121              58,783           
Intangible assets   167,136              149,432              78,878           
Bank owned life insurance   122,268              123,272              84,811           
Other assets   87,463              113,022              112,991           
Total Assets  $5,851,688             $5,716,230             $4,699,745           
                                              
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                             
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                             
Interest-bearing demand  $1,001,672   $450    0.18   $976,295   $367    0.15   $834,244   $163    0.08 
Savings   435,433    104    0.10    431,124    94    0.09    353,452    44    0.05 
Money market   976,498    984    0.41    929,914    785    0.33    803,795    417    0.21 
Time deposits   776,807    2,179    1.14    761,720    2,032    1.06    347,143    566    0.66 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase   175,982    274    0.63    166,006    231    0.55    181,102    153    0.34 
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings   276,389    1,030    1.51    320,380    968    1.20    426,144    702    0.67 
Other borrowings   70,550    694    3.99    70,480    641    3.61    70,273    565    3.26 
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities   3,713,331    5,715    0.62    3,655,919    5,118    0.56    3,016,153    2,610    0.35 
Noninterest demand   1,413,967              1,373,403              1,183,813           
Other liabilities   29,150              29,808              32,932           
Total Liabilities   5,156,448              5,059,130              4,232,898           
                                              
Shareholders' equity   695,240              657,100              466,847           
Total Liabilities & Equity  $5,851,688             $5,716,230             $4,699,745           
                                              
Interest expense as a % of earning assets             0.44              0.39              0.25 
Net interest income as a % of earning assets       $49,853    3.80%       $48,402    3.71%       $38,377    3.63%

 

 

1 On a fully taxable equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, as defined (see Non-GAAP measure on next page). All yields and rates have been computed on an annual basis using amortized cost. Fees on loans have been included in interest on loans. Nonaccrual loans are included in loan balances.

 

Fully taxable equivalent net interest income is a common term and measure used in the banking industry but is not a term used under GAAP. We believe that these presentations of tax-equivalent net interest income and tax equivalent net interest margin aid in the comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources over the periods presented. We further believe these non-GAAP measures enhance investors’ understanding of the Company’s business and performance, and facilitate an understanding of performance trends and comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. The limitations associated with these measures are the risk that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items comprising these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently, including as a result of using different assumed tax rates. These disclosures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP. The following information is provided to reconcile GAAP measures and tax equivalent net interest income and net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis.

 

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   First   Fourth   Third   Second   First 
   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter 
(Dollars in thousands)  2018   2017   2017   2017   2017 
Nontaxable interest income   91   $176   $154   $164   $212 
Tax Rate   21%   35%   35%   35%   35%
Net interest income (TE)  $49,853   $48,402   $45,903   $44,320   $38,377 
Total net interest income (not TE)   49,762    48,226    45,749    44,156    38,165 
Net interest margin (TE)   3.80%   3.71%   3.74%   3.84%   3.63%
Net interest margin (not TE)   3.79    3.70    3.73    3.83    3.61 

 

TE = Tax Equivalent

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income totaled $12.3 million for the first quarter of 2018, $2.4 million or 24% higher than 2017’s first quarter and $14.3 million lower than the fourth quarter 2017. Results in the fourth quarter of 2017 included a $15.2 million gain on the sale of Visa Class B stock. For the first quarter 2018, noninterest income (excluding securities losses) accounted for 20.0% of total revenue (net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding securities losses), compared to 35.5% for the fourth quarter of 2017 and 20.6% for first quarter a year ago. Fourth quarter 2017’s ratio excluding the gain on sale of Visa stock was 19.2%.

 

Noninterest income (excluding security gains) for the first quarter of 2018, compared to fourth quarter 2017 and the first quarter of 2017 is detailed as follows:

 

   First   Fourth   First 
   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter 
(In thousands)  2018   2017   2017 
Service charges on deposit accounts  $2,672   $2,566   $2,422 
Trust fees   1,021    941    880 
Mortgage banking fees   1,402    1,487    1,552 
Brokerage commissions and fees   359    273    377 
Marine finance fees   573    313    134 
Interchange income   2,942    2,836    2,494 
BOLI income   1,056    1,100    733 
Other income   2,373    1,861    1,313 
    12,398    11,377    9,905 
Gain on sale of Visa stock   0    15,153    0 
Securities gains (losses), net   (102)   112    0 
   Total  $12,296   $26,642   $9,905 

 

For 2018, most categories of service fee income showed year over year growth compared to 2017, with service charges on deposit accounts increasing 10.3% and interchange income up 18.0%. These increases reflect continued strength in customer acquisition and cross sell and benefits from acquisition activity. Overdraft fees represented 54% of total service charges on deposit during the first quarter of 2018, versus 57% for all of 2017. Interchange revenue is dependent upon business volumes transacted, as well as the fees permitted by the payment network.

 

Wealth management, including brokerage commissions and fees, and trust income, increased 9.8% during the first quarter of 2018, compared to prior year’s first quarter. While trust income increased 16.0%, brokerage commissions and fees were 4.7% lower, a result of our shifting to fee-based accounts and a new broker-dealer platform. Most of the decline in brokerage was related to lower fees for sales of annuities, 8.7% lower year over year. We expect wealth management revenues to grow over time.

 

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Mortgage production was higher during the first quarter in 2018 compared to 2017’s first quarter (see “Loan Portfolio”), but spreads were narrower with mortgage banking activity generating fees that were 9.7% lower, compared to 2017’s first quarter. Originated residential mortgage loans are processed by commissioned employees of Seacoast, with many mortgage loans referred by the Company’s branch personnel.

 

Marine finance revenue was higher for 2018, increasing 327.6% and reflecting continued demand for marine vessel financing and a larger portion of originations being sold. In addition to our principal office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, we continue to use third party independent contractors in Texas and on the west coast of the United States to assist in generating marine loans.

 

BOLI income was significantly higher for first quarter 2018, up 44.1% year over year. Additions during 2017 increased our BOLI asset. At March 31, 2018, this asset totaled $121 million, a 41.6% increase compared to the balance at March 31, 2017. Higher income is expected to benefit the Company over the remainder of 2018 and prospectively.

 

Other income was 80.7% higher year over year for first quarter 2018. Of the increase of $1.1 million, continued progress by our Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lending group generated fees of $0.7 million recognized in the quarter. A general increase in other fee categories also occurred, including wire transfer fees, check cashing fees, miscellaneous loan related fees, and other miscellaneous fees.

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

Noninterest expenses for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $37.2 million, increasing $2.4 million or 7.0% compared to first quarter 2017, and were $2.0 million lower than fourth quarter 2017. Noninterest expenses for the first quarter of 2018, compared to fourth quarter 2017 and the first quarter of 2017, is detailed as follows:

 

   First   Fourth   First 
   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter 
(In thousands)  2018   2017   2017 
Noninterest expense               
Salaries and wages  $15,381   $16,321   $15,369 
Employee benefits   3,081    2,812    3,068 
Outsourced data processing costs   3,679    4,160    3,269 
Telephone/data lines   612    538    532 
Occupancy   3,117    3,265    3,157 
Furniture and equipment   1,457    1,806    1,391 
Marketing   1,252    1,490    922 
Legal and professional fees   1,973    3,054    2,132 
FDIC assessments   598    558    570 
Amortization of intangibles   989    964    719 
Net losses (gains) and disposition expense on other real estate owned   192    (7)   (293)
Other   4,833    4,223    3,910 
TOTAL  $37,164   $39,184   $34,746 
                
Efficiency ratio1   57.8%   64.0%   71.1%

 

1 Efficiency ratio is defined as (noninterest expense less foreclosed property expense and amortization of intangibles) divided by net operating revenue (net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis plus noninterest income excluding securities gains)

 

The fourth quarter of 2017 included a favorable adjustment of $2.0 million for performance related incentives, and charges totaling $6.8 million associated with the fourth quarter bank acquisitions. Adjusted noninterest expense1 (a non-GAAP measure, see table below for a reconciliation to noninterest expense, the most comparable GAAP number) was $35.7 million, increasing $4.3 million or 14% compared to the fourth quarter of 2017, and $4.8 million or 15% compared to the prior year’s first quarter. The increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 on this adjusted basis was primarily the result of the full impact of the NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions, normalized compensation accruals, and the return of 401K and payroll tax expenses. First quarter 2017 expenses included $2.6 million associated with retail branch consolidation activity, a realignment of our executive team structure, and expenses associated with a reduction in workforce initiative.

 

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   First   Fourth   First 
   Quarter   Quarter   Quarter 
(In thousands)  2018   2017   2017 
Noninterest expense, as reported  $37,164   $39,184   $34,746 
                
Merger related charges   470    6,817    533 
Amortization of intangibles   989    963    719 
Branch reductions and other expense initiatives1   0    0    2,572 
Total adjustments   1,459    7,780    3,824 
                
Adjusted noninterest expense2  $35,705   $31,404   $30,922 
                
Adjusted efficiency ratio 2,3   57.1%   52.6%   64.7%

 

1 Includes severance payments, contract termination costs, disposition of branch premises and fixed assets, and other costs to accomplish branch consolidation and other expense reduction strategies.

2 Non-GAAP measure.

3 Efficiency ratio is defined as (noninterest expense less foreclosed property expense and amortization of intangibles) divided by the net operating revenue (net interest on a fully tax equivalent basis plus noninterest income excluding securities gains).

 

Seacoast management expects its efficiency ratios to improve in 2018. The Company anticipates that in 2018 improvements to our processes and tools for commercial banking, investment in talent and tools for our enterprise risk management and technology functions, and further upgrades to our analytics and digital marketing capabilities, will help scale our organization appropriately, and will continue to deliver for sustainable earnings growth.

 

For 2018, salaries and wages totaling $15.4 million were $12,000 higher year over year (increasing by a nominal amount) and were $0.9 million or 6% lower than fourth quarter 2017. Base salaries were $1.8 million or 15% higher for the first quarter of 2018 compared to a year ago, reflecting the full impact of additional personnel retained as part of the 2017 acquisitions of GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB. Improved revenue generation and lending production, among other factors, resulted in commissions, cash and stock incentives (aggregated) that were $0.7 million higher for 2018, compared to first quarter 2017. Temporary services were higher by $0.3 million, but severance costs decreased $1.4 million compared to 2017’s first quarter. Deferred loan origination costs (a contra expense), increased $1.4 million year over year, reflecting a greater number of loans produced during 2018.

 

Seacoast Bank utilizes third parties for its core data processing systems and outsourced data processing costs are directly related to the number of transactions processed. Outsourced data processing costs totaled $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2018, an increase of $0.4 million or 12.6% from first quarter 2017 and a decline of $0.5 million or 11.6% from the fourth quarter of 2017. The primary cause for the increase year over year was software licensing and maintenance costs of $0.2 million, with the remainder activity related. Data processing costs for the fourth quarter of 2017 included one-time charges for conversion activity related to the NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions.

 

Telephone and data line expenditures, including electronic communications with customers and between branch locations and personnel, as well as third party data processors, increased $0.1 million or 15.2% to $0.6 million for 2018 when compared to first quarter 2017, and were $0.1 million or 13.8% higher in 2018 compared to fourth quarter 2017. Additional activity for the acquired GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB locations as well as additional customers from the acquisitions were the primary contributors to the increases in telephone and data line expenses.

 

Total occupancy, furniture and equipment expenses for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $4.6 million, flat compared to first quarter 2017 and decreasing $0.5 million or 9.8% from 2017’s fourth quarter expense. Branch closure charges summed to $0.3 million during the first quarter of 2018, compared to $0.4 million a year ago. We believe branches are still valuable to our customers for more complex transactions, but simple tasks, such as depositing and withdrawing funds, are rapidly migrating to the digital world. Our goal at the beginning of 2017 was to close 20% of our locations over the next 24 to 36 months. During the first quarter of 2018 we consolidated two office locations, versus one location in the first quarter of 2017.

 

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For the first quarter of 2018, marketing expenses (including sales promotion costs, ad agency production and printing costs, digital, newspaper, TV and radio advertising, and other public relations costs) increased by $0.3 million or 35.8% to $1.3 million, compared to the first quarter of 2017. For fourth quarter 2017, these costs were $0.2 million higher. Incremental use of outdoor media, direct mail, market research, and corporate sponsorships contributed $0.2 million to the increase for first quarter year over year, and were incurred to solidify customer acquisition and corporate brand awareness.

 

Legal and professional fees for the first quarter of 2018 were lower by $0.2 million or 7.4% from the first quarter of 2017, and were $1.1 million lower compared to the fourth quarter of 2017.

 

For the first quarter of 2018, net losses (gains) and disposition expense on OREO increased $0.5 million compared to first quarter 2017, with gains on sale of $0.4 million in 2017 and none for 2018 (see “Nonperforming Loans, Troubled Debt Restructurings, Other Real Estate Owned, and Credit Quality”).

 

Other expense totaled $4.8 million, increasing by $0.9 million or 23.6% compared to first quarter 2017 and higher by $0.6 million or 14.4% compared to fourth quarter 2017’s expense. Primary contributors to the increases were SBA and marine lending fees (up $0.4 million compared to a year ago and from fourth quarter 2017) and higher expenses related to the growth of the business.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President of the United States near the end of December 2017, had a significant impact on our deferred tax position and provision for taxes at year-end 2017. The new legislation resulted in additional provisioning of $8.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2017. That additional provisioning is an estimate and is subject to additional procedures which could result in further adjustments in future periods.

 

For first quarter 2018 and 2017, provision for income taxes totaled $5.8 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The Company’s overall effective tax rate decreased to 24.3% for the first quarter of 2018 from 34.1% for the first quarter a year ago, reflecting the benefit of a lower federal rate the legislation provides, offset by a $248,000 write down of deferred tax assets arising from measurement period adjustments on a 2017 bank acquisition recorded in the first quarter of 2018. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 provided a tax benefit of $180,000 for the first quarter of 2018, compared to $234,000 for the first quarter of 2017.

 

Management believes all of the future tax benefits of the Company’s deferred tax assets can be realized and no valuation allowance is required.

 

Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

This report contains financial information determined by methods other than Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), including adjusted net income, tax equivalent net interest income and margin, and adjusted noninterest expense and efficiency ratios. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are net income, net interest income, net interest margin, noninterest expense, and efficiency ratios. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance and believes these presentations provide useful supplemental information, and a clearer understanding of the Company’s performance. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures enhance investors’ understanding of the Company’s business and performance and if not provided would be requested by the investor community. These measures are also useful in understanding performance trends and facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. The limitations associated with operating measures are the risk that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items comprising these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. The Company provides reconciliations between GAAP and these non-GAAP measures. These disclosures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP.

 

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The following table provides reconciliation between GAAP net income and adjusted net income.

 

   Quarters 
   First   Fourth   Third   Second   First 
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)  2018   2017   2017   2017   2017 
                     
Net income, as reported:                         
Net income  $18,027   $13,047   $14,216   $7,676   $7,926 
                          
Diluted earnings per share  $0.38   $0.28   $0.32   $0.18   $0.20 
                          
Adjusted net income:                         
Net income  $18,027   $13,047   $14,216   $7,676   $7,926 
Gain on sale of Visa Class B Shares   0    (15,153)   0    0    0 
Security (gains) losses   102    (112)   47    (21)   0 
Total adjustments to revenue   102    (15,265)   47    (21)   0 
                          
Merger related charges   470    6,817    491    5,081    533 
Amortization of intangibles   989    963    839    839    719 
Business vontinuity expenses - Hurricane Irma   0    0    352    0    0 
Branch reductions and other expense initiatives 1   0    0    (127)   1,876    2,572 
Total adjustments to noninterest expenses   1,459    7,780    1,555    7,796    3,824 
                          
Effective tax rate on adjustments   (538)   3,147    (673)   (2,786)   (1,480)
Effect of change in corporate tax rate   248    8,552    -    -    - 
Adjusted net income  $19,298   $17,261   $15,145   $12,665   $10,270 
                          
Adjusted diluted earnings per share  $0.40   $0.37   $0.35   $0.29   $0.26 

 

1 Includes severance, contract termination costs, disposition of branch, premises and fixed assets, and other costs to effect our branch consolidation and other expense reduction strategies.

 

Financial Condition

 

Total assets increased $93.0 million or 1.6% from December 31, 2017, benefiting from new relationships derived through our recent acquisitions of NorthStar in October 2017 and PBCB in November of 2017, along with organic growth.

 

Securities

 

Information related to maturities, carrying values and fair value of the Company’s debt securities is set forth in “Note D – Securities” of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

At March 31, 2018, the Company had $983.0 million in debt securities available for sale, and $400.6 million in debt securities held to maturity. The Company's total debt securities portfolio increased $17.3 million or 1.3% from December 31, 2017. Debt security purchases during the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2017 totaled $43 million, $213 million, $35 million and $220 million, respectively. Securities acquired from GulfShore in the second quarter of 2017 were nominal, and securities acquired from NorthStar and PBCB aggregated to $78.2 million. These acquisitions were primary to the overall increase in the debt securities portfolio since the beginning of 2017. Funding for investments was derived from liquidity, both legacy and that acquired in mergers, and increases in funding from our core customer deposit base and FHLB borrowings.

 

During the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, no sales of debt securities were transacted.

 

Debt securities are generally acquired which return principal monthly. During 2018, maturities (entirely comprised of pay-downs) totaled $43 million. During the first quarter of 2017, maturities (primarily pay-downs of $79 million) totaled $80 million. The modified duration of the investment portfolio at March 31, 2018 was 5.0 years, compared to 4.4 years at December 31, 2017.

 

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At March 31, 2018, available for sale debt securities had gross unrealized losses of $17.9 million and gross unrealized gains of $2.6 million, compared to gross unrealized losses of $8.4 million and gross unrealized gains of $4.2 million at December 31, 2017. All of the debt securities with unrealized losses are reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment at least quarterly. As a result of these reviews it was determined that the debt securities with unrealized losses are not other than temporarily impaired and the Company has the intent and ability to retain these debt securities until recovery over the periods presented (see additional discussion under “Other Fair Value Measurements” and “Other than Temporary Impairment of Securities” in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”).

 

Company management considers the overall quality of the debt securities portfolio to be high. The Company has no exposure to debt securities with subprime collateral. The Company does not have an investment position in trust preferred securities. The credit quality of the Company’s debt securities holdings are primarily investment grade.

 

Loan Portfolio

 

Total loans (net of unearned income and excluding the allowance for loan losses) were $3.90 billion at March 31, 2018, $79.7 million or 2.1% more than at December 31, 2017. The GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions during 2017 contributed $250.9 million, $136.8 million and $270.3 million in loans, respectively. During the first quarter of 2017, a $43 million pool of whole loan adjustable rate mortgages with a weighted average yield of 3.2% and average FICO score of 751 was acquired and added to the portfolio. Also in 2017, the Company sold two seasoned mortgage portfolio pools summing to $86.4 million ($58.0 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $28.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2017). The mortgage pools sold were believed to have reached their peak in market value. Success in commercial lending through our Accelerate commercial banking model has increased loan growth. Analytics and digital marketing have further fueled loan growth in the consumer and small business channels.

 

During 2018, loan growth has continued across all business lines. For 2018, $122 million in commercial and commercial real estate loans were originated compared to $132 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. Our loan pipeline for commercial and commercial real estate loans totaled $123 million at March 31, 2018. The Company also closed $129 million in residential loans during 2018, compared to $119 million for the fourth quarter of 2017. The residential mortgage pipeline at March 31, 2018 totaled $71 million, versus $49 million at December 31, 2017. Consumer and small business originations totaled $98 million, higher $18 million compared to fourth quarter 2017, and the pipeline for these loans was $50 million compared to $39 million at December 31, 2017.

 

The Company expects more loan growth opportunities for all types of lending in 2018. We will continue to expand our business banking teams, adding new, seasoned, commercial loan officers where market opportunities arise, and improving service through electronic and digital means. We believe that achieving our loan growth objectives, together with the prudent management of credit risk will provide us with the potential to make further, meaningful improvements to our earnings in 2018.

 

Our strong growth is accompanied by sound risk management procedures. Our lending policies contain numerous guardrails that pertain to lending by type of collateral and purpose, along with limits regarding loan concentrations and the dollar amount (size) of loans. Our exposure to commercial real estate lending is significantly below regulatory limits (see “Loan Concentrations”).

 

The following tables detail loan portfolio composition at March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017 for portfolio loans, purchased credit impaired loans (“PCI”) and purchased unimpaired loans (“PUL”) as defined in Note E-Loans.

 

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   March 31, 2018 
   Portfolio Loans   PCI Loans   PULs   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Construction and land development  $253,416   $1,150   $119,678   $374,244 
Commercial real estate 1   1,197,152    9,855    438,232    1,645,239 
Residential real estate   888,534    1,869    174,749    1,065,152 
Commercial and financial   536,321    819    79,562    616,702 
Consumer   188,195    0    7,593    195,788 
NET LOAN BALANCES 2  $3,063,618   $13,693   $819,814   $3,897,125 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Portfolio Loans   PCI Loans   PULs   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Construction and land development  $215,315   $1,121   $126,689   $343,125 
Commercial real estate 1   1,170,618    9,776    459,598    1,639,992 
Residential real estate   845,420    5,626    187,764    1,038,810 
Commercial and financial   512,430    894    92,690    606,014 
Consumer   178,826         10,610    189,436 
NET LOAN BALANCES 2  $2,922,609   $17,417   $877,351   $3,817,377 

 

1 Commercial real estate includes owner-occupied balances of $796.9 million and $791.4 million for March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

2 Net loan balances at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 include deferred costs of $13.9 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

 

Commercial real estate mortgages were higher by $5.2 million totaling $1.65 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to December 31, 2017. Office building loans of $528.9 million or 32.1% of commercial real estate mortgages comprise our largest concentration, with a substantial portion owner-occupied. Portfolio composition also includes lending for retail trade, industrial, healthcare, churches and educational facilities, recreation, multifamily, lodging, agriculture, convenience stores, marinas, and other types of real estate.

 

The Company’s ten largest commercial real estate funded and unfunded loan relationships at March 31, 2018 aggregated to $172.2 million (versus $169.7 million at December 31, 2017), of which $137.3 million was funded. The Company’s 88 commercial real estate relationships in excess of $5 million totaled $785.4 million, of which $664.2 million was funded at March 31, 2018 (compared to 89 relationships of $803.5 million at December 31, 2017, of which $684.2 million was funded).

 

Fixed rate and adjustable rate loans secured by commercial real estate, excluding construction loans, totaled approximately $1.275 billion and $370 million, respectively, at March 31, 2018, compared to $1.230 billion and $410 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.

 

Reflecting the impact of organic loan growth and the GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB loan acquisition, commercial and financial loans (“C&I”) outstanding at March 31, 2018 increased to $616.7 million, up from $606.0 million at December 31, 2017. Commercial lending activities are directed principally towards businesses whose demand for funds are within the Company’s lending limits, such as small- to medium-sized professional firms, retail and wholesale outlets, and light industrial and manufacturing concerns. Such businesses are smaller and subject to the risks of lending to small to medium sized businesses, including, but not limited to, the effects of a downturn in the local economy, possible business failure, and insufficient cash flows.

 

Residential mortgage loans increased $26.3 million or 2.5% to $1.07 billion as of March 31, 2018, compared to December 31, 2017 balance outstanding. Substantially all residential originations have been underwritten to conventional loan agency standards, with loans having balances that exceed agency value limitations. At March 31, 2018, approximately $493 million or 46% of the Company’s residential mortgage balances were adjustable 1-4 family mortgage loans (including hybrid adjustable rate mortgages). Fixed rate mortgages totaled approximately $264 million (25% of the residential mortgage portfolio) at March 31, 2018, of which 15- and 30-year mortgages totaled $23 million and $196 million, respectively. Remaining fixed rate balances were comprised of home improvement loans totaling $116 million, most with maturities of 10 years or less and home equity lines of credit, primarily floating rates, totaling $238 million at March 31, 2018. In comparison, loans secured by residential properties having fixed rates totaled $247 million at December 31, 2017, with 15- and 30-year fixed rate residential mortgages totaling $22 million and $173 million, respectively, and home equity mortgages and lines of credit totaled $123 million and $233 million, respectively.

 

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The Company also provides consumer loans (including installment loans, loans for automobiles, boats, and other personal, family and household purposes) which increased $6.6 million or 3.5% from December 31, 2017 to total $195.3 million (versus $188.7 million at December 31, 2017). Of the $6.6 million increase, nominal changes occurred in marine loans or in automobile and truck loans, but other consumer loans increased $6.9 million.

 

At March 31, 2018, the Company had unfunded commitments to make loans of $843 million, compared to $808 million at December 31, 2017.

 

Loan Concentrations

 

The Company has developed guardrails to manage loan types that are most impacted by stressed market conditions in order to achieve lower levels of credit loss volatility in the future. Commercial and commercial real estate (“CRE”) loan relationships greater than $10 million totaled $344.7 million and represented 9% of the total portfolio at March 31, 2018.

 

Concentrations in total construction and land development loans and total CRE loans are maintained well below regulatory limits. Construction and land development and commercial real estate loan concentrations as a percentage of total risk based capital, were stable at 64% and 207%, respectively, at March 31, 2018. Regulatory guidance suggests limits of 100% and 300%, respectively. To determine these ratios, the Company defines commercial real estate in accordance with the guidance on “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending” (the “Guidance”) issued by the federal bank regulatory agencies in 2006 (and reinforced in 2015), which defines CRE loans as exposures secured by land development and construction, including 1-4 family residential construction, multi-family property, and non-farm nonresidential property where the primary or a significant source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property (i.e. loans for which 50 percent or more of the source of repayment comes from third party, non-affiliated, rental income) or the proceeds of the sale, refinancing, or permanent financing of the property. Loans to real estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, and unsecured loans to developers that closely correlate to the inherent risks in CRE markets would also be considered CRE loans under the Guidance. Loans on owner occupied CRE are generally excluded.

 

Nonperforming Loans, Troubled Debt Restructurings, Other Real Estate Owned, and Credit Quality

 

Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) at March 31, 2018 totaled $29.6 million, and were comprised of $12.6 million of nonaccrual portfolio loans, $6.7 million of nonaccrual purchased loans, $2.2 million of non-acquired other real estate owned (“OREO”), $5.0 million of acquired OREO and $3.1 million of branches out of service. NPAs increased from $27.2 million recorded as of December 31, 2017 (comprised of $12.5 million of nonaccrual portfolio loans, $7.0 million of nonaccrual purchased loans, $2.2 million of non-acquired OREO, $1.6 million of acquired OREO, and $3.8 million of branches out of service). At March 31, 2018, approximately 89% of nonaccrual loans were secured with real estate. See the tables below for details about nonaccrual loans. At March 31, 2018, nonaccrual loans were written down by approximately $4.2 million or 18% of the original loan balance (including specific impairment reserves). During the twelve months ended March 31, 2018, OREO amounts related to branches taken out of service that are actively being marketed decreased $0.9 million while OREO for foreclosed properties increased $3.2 million. During the first quarter of 2018, a single residence valued at $3.8 million was the primary contributor to the overall increase in OREO.

 

Nonperforming loans to total loans outstanding at March 31, 2018 decreased to 0.50% from 0.51% at December 31, 2017.

 

The Company’s asset mitigation staff handles all foreclosure actions together with outside legal counsel.

 

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The Company pursues loan restructurings in selected cases where it expects to realize better values than may be expected through traditional collection activities. The Company has worked with retail mortgage customers, when possible, to achieve lower payment structures in an effort to avoid foreclosure. TDRs have been a part of the Company’s loss mitigation activities and can include rate reductions, payment extensions and principal deferrals. Company policy requires TDRs that are classified as nonaccrual loans after restructuring remain on nonaccrual until performance can be verified, which usually requires six months of performance under the restructured loan terms. Accruing restructured loans totaled $14.8 million at March 31, 2018, compared to $15.6 million at December 31, 2017. Accruing TDRs are excluded from our nonperforming asset ratios. The table below set forth details related to nonaccrual and accruing restructured loans.

 

       Accruing 
March 31,2018  Nonaccrual Loans   Restructured 
(In thousands)  NonCurrent   Performing   Total   Loans 
Construction & land development                    
Residential  $0   $0   $0   $0 
Commercial   0    69    69    26 
Individuals   0    158    158    197 
    0    227    227    223 
Residential real estate mortgages   7,356    7,389    14,745    8,478 
Commercial real estate mortgages   1,079    1,074    2,153    5,794 
Real estate loans   8,435    8,690    17,125    14,495 
Commercial and financial   1,920    209    2,129    0 
Consumer   0    85    85    282 
   $10,355   $8,984   $19,339   $14,777 

 

At March 31, 2018 and 2017, total TDRs (performing and nonperforming) were comprised of the following loans by type of modification:

 

   March 31, 2018   March 31, 2017 
(In thousands)  Number   Amount   Number   Amount 
Rate reduction   67   $12,278    77   $14,036 
Maturity extended with change in terms   48    5,453    53    6,458 
Chapter 7 bankruptcies   27    1,672    35    2,236 
Not elsewhere classified   10    1,105    13    1,576 
    152   $20,508    178   $24,306 

 

During the first quarter of 2018, there were no newly identified TDRs, compared to $0.1 million for all of 2017. Loan modifications are not reported in calendar years after modification if the loans were modified at an interest rate equal to the yields of new loan originations with comparable risk and the loans are performing based on the terms of the restructuring agreements. No accruing loans that were restructured within the twelve months preceding March 31, 2018 defaulted during the twelve months ended March 31, 2018, or for 2017. A restructured loan is considered in default when it becomes 90 days or more past due under the modified terms, has been transferred to nonaccrual status, or has been transferred to OREO.

 

At March 31, 2018, loans (excluding PCI) totaling $32.6 million were considered impaired (comprised of total nonaccrual, loans 90 days or more past due, and TDRs) and $2.7 million of the allowance for loan losses was allocated for potential losses on these loans, compared to $30.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.

 

In accordance with regulatory reporting requirements, loans are placed on nonaccrual following the Retail Classification of Loan interagency guidance.  Typically loans 90 days or more past due are reviewed for impairment, and if deemed impaired, are placed on nonaccrual.  Once impaired, the current fair market value of the collateral is assessed and a specific reserve and/or charge-off taken. Quarterly thereafter, the loan carrying value is analyzed and any changes are appropriately made as described above.

 

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Cash and Cash Equivalents and Liquidity Risk Management

 

Cash and cash equivalents (including interest bearing deposits), totaled $135.9 million on a consolidated basis at March 31, 2018, compared to $109.5 million at December 31, 2017.

 

Liquidity risk involves the risk of being unable to fund assets with the appropriate duration and rate-based liability, as well as the risk of not being able to meet unexpected cash needs. Liquidity planning and management are necessary to ensure the ability to fund operations cost effectively and to meet current and future potential obligations such as loan commitments and unexpected deposit outflows.

 

Funding sources primarily include customer-based core deposits, collateral-backed borrowings, cash flows from operations, cash flows from our loan and investment portfolios and asset sales (primarily secondary marketing for residential real estate mortgages and marine financings). Cash flows from operations are a significant component of liquidity risk management and we consider both deposit maturities and the scheduled cash flows from loan and investment maturities and payments when managing risk.

 

Deposits are also a primary source of liquidity. The stability of this funding source is affected by numerous factors, including returns available to customers on alternative investments, the quality of customer service levels, perception of safety and competitive forces. We routinely use debt securities and loans as collateral for secured borrowings. In the event of severe market disruptions, we have access to secured borrowings through the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta under its borrower-in-custody program.

 

Contractual maturities for assets and liabilities are reviewed to meet current and expected future liquidity requirements. Sources of liquidity, both anticipated and unanticipated, are maintained through a portfolio of high quality marketable assets, such as residential mortgage loans, debt securities held for sale and interest-bearing deposits. The Company is also able to provide short term financing of its activities by selling, under an agreement to repurchase, United States Treasury and Government agency debt securities not pledged to secure public deposits or trust funds. At March 31, 2018, Seacoast Bank had available unsecured lines of $95 million and lines of credit under current lendable collateral value, which are subject to change, of $1.092 billion. Seacoast Bank had $549 million of United States Treasury and Government agency debt securities and mortgage backed debt securities not pledged and available for use under repurchase agreements, and had an additional $514 million in residential and commercial real estate loans available as collateral. In comparison, at December 31, 2017, the Company had available unsecured lines of $95 million and lines of credit of $1.006 billion, and had $455 million of Treasury and Government agency debt securities and mortgage backed debt securities not pledged and available for use under repurchase agreements, as well as an additional $593 million in residential and commercial real estate loans available as collateral.

 

The Company does not rely on and is not dependent on off-balance sheet financing or significant amounts of wholesale funding. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company had $58.0 million of brokered certificates of deposit (“CDs”) at a rate of 1.18% mature, and the Company acquired $25.0 million in brokered CDs at a rate of 2.13% to mature at the end of March in 2019. Total brokered CDs at March 31, 2018 totaled to $177.0 million, compared to $210.0 million at December 31, 2017.

 

The Company has traditionally relied upon dividends from Seacoast Bank and securities offerings to provide funds to pay the Company’s expenses and to service the Company’s debt. At March 31, 2018, Seacoast Bank can distribute dividends to the Company of approximately $88 million. At March 31, 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents at the parent of approximately $52.9 million, compared to $34.4 million at December 31, 2017. The increase reflects $21.3 million in cash received in January 2018 from the sale of Visa Class B stock that was recorded in December 2017.

 

Deposits and Borrowings

 

The Company’s balance sheet continues to be primarily core funded.

 

Total deposits increased $126.8 million or 2.8% to $4.72 billion at March 31, 2018, compared to December 31, 2017. At March 31, 2018, total deposits excluding brokered CDs grew $159.8 million or 3.6% from year-end 2017. Deposit growth since year-end 2017 was even more robust if considering seasonal declines in public fund balances, which decreased by $25.0 million during the first quarter of 2018.

 

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Since December 31, 2017, interest bearing deposits (interest bearing demand, savings and money markets deposits) increased $71.9 million or 3.0% to $2.49 billion, noninterest bearing demand deposits increased $88.0 million or 6.3% to $1.49 billion, and CDs decreased $33.1 million or 4.3% to $742.8 million. Noninterest demand deposits represent 32% of deposits, compared to 30% at December 31, 2017. Core deposit growth reflects our success in growing households both organically and through acquisitions.

 

Maturities of brokered CDs have been the primary contributor to the decrease in CDs since December 31, 2017. An intentional decrease in higher cost time deposits was recorded over the two years prior to the 2016 and 2017 acquisitions, and was more than offset by increases in low cost or no cost deposits.

 

Customer repurchase agreements totaled $173.2 million at March 31, 2018, decreasing $42.8 million or 19.8% from December 31, 2017. The repurchase agreements are offered by Seacoast to select customers who wish to sweep excess balances on a daily basis for investment purposes. Public funds comprise a significant amount of the outstanding balance.

 

No unsecured federal funds purchased were outstanding at March 31, 2018.

 

At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, borrowings were comprised of subordinated debt of $70.6 million and $70.5 million, respectively, related to trust preferred securities issued by trusts organized or acquired by the Company, and borrowings from FHLB of $208.0 million and $211.0 million, respectively. At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our FHLB borrowings were all maturing within 30 days, and the rate for FHLB funds during the first quarter of 2018 and fourth quarter of 2017 were 1.51% and 1.20%, respectively. Secured FHLB borrowings are an integral tool in liquidity management for the Company.

 

The Company has two wholly owned trust subsidiaries, SBCF Capital Trust I and SBCF Statutory Trust II that were both formed in 2005. In 2007, the Company formed an additional wholly owned trust subsidiary, SBCF Statutory Trust III. The 2005 subordinated debt for each trust totaled $20.6 million (aggregating to $41.2 million) and the 2007 subordinated debt totaled $12.4 million. As part of the October 1, 2014, BANKshares acquisition, the Company inherited three junior subordinated debentures totaling $5.2 million, $4.1 million, and $5.2 million, respectively. Also, as part of the Grand acquisition, the Company inherited an additional junior subordinated debenture totaling $7.2 million. The acquired junior subordinated debentures (in accordance with ASU 805 Business Combinations) were recorded at fair value, which collectively is $4.7 million lower than face value at March 31, 2018. This amount is being amortized into interest expense over the acquired subordinated debts’ remaining term to maturity. All trust preferred securities are guaranteed by the Company on a junior subordinated basis.

 

Under Basel III and Federal Reserve rules, qualified trust preferred securities and other restricted capital elements can be included as Tier 1 capital, within limitations. The Company believes that its trust preferred securities qualify under these capital rules. The weighted average interest rate of our outstanding subordinated debt related to trust preferred securities was 3.99% for the first quarter of 2018, compared to 3.61% for the three months ended December 31, 2017.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

 

In the normal course of business, we may engage in a variety of financial transactions that, under generally accepted accounting principles, either are not recorded on the balance sheet or are recorded on the balance sheet in amounts that differ from the full contract or notional amounts. These transactions involve varying elements of market, credit and liquidity risk.

 

Lending commitments include unfunded loan commitments and standby and commercial letters of credit. For loan commitments, the contractual amount of a commitment represents the maximum potential credit risk that could result if the entire commitment had been funded, the borrower had not performed according to the terms of the contract, and no collateral had been provided. A large majority of loan commitments and standby letters of credit expire without being funded, and accordingly, total contractual amounts are not representative of our actual future credit exposure or liquidity requirements. Loan commitments and letters of credit expose the Company to credit risk in the event that the customer draws on the commitment and subsequently fails to perform under the terms of the lending agreement.

 

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For commercial customers, loan commitments generally take the form of revolving credit arrangements. For retail customers, loan commitments generally are lines of credit secured by residential property. These instruments are not recorded on the balance sheet until funds are advanced under the commitment. Loan commitments were $843 million at March 31, 2018 and $808 million at December 31, 2017.

 

Capital Resources

 

The Company’s equity capital at March 31, 2018 increased $12.2 million from December 31, 2017 to $701.9 million.

 

The ratio of shareholders’ equity to period end total assets was 11.89% and 11.87% at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The ratio of tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets was 9.33% and 9.27% at March 31, 2018 and December 31,2017, respectively. Equity has increased as a result of earnings retained by the Company.

 

Activity in shareholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 follows:

 

(In thousands)  2018   2017 
Beginning balance at December 31, 2017 and 2016  $689,664   $435,397 
Net income   18,027    7,926 
Issuance of stock via common stock offering on February 21, 2017   0    55,660 
Stock compensation (net of Treasury shares acquired)   2,064    1,482 
Change in other comprehensive income   (7,894)   2,029 
Ending balance at March 31, 2018 and 2017  $701,861   $502,494 

 

Capital ratios are well above regulatory requirements for well-capitalized institutions. Seacoast’s management use of risk-based capital ratios in its analysis of Company’s capital adequacy are “non-GAAP” financial measures. Seacoast management uses these measures to assess the quality of capital and believes that investors may find it useful in their analysis of the Company. The capital measures are not necessarily comparable to similar capital measures that may be presented by other companies (see “Note I – Shareholders’ Equity”).

 

   Seacoast   Seacoast   Minimum to be 
March 31, 2018:  (Consolidated)   Bank   Well Capitalized1 
Common equity Tier 1 ratio (CET1)   12.67%   13.07%   6.5%
Tier 1 capital ratio   14.29%   13.07%   8.0%
Total risk-based capital ratio   14.95%   13.73%   10.0%
Tier 1 leverage ratio   10.73%   9.82%   5.0%

 

 

 

1 For subsidiary bank only

 

The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.95% at March 31, 2018, an increase from December 31, 2017’s ratio of 14.24%. Higher earnings have been a primary contributor. At March 31, 2018, the Bank’s leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets) was 9.82%, compared to 9.72% at December 31, 2017, reflecting earnings during the first quarter.

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income declined $7.9 million during the first quarter of 2018 from December 31, 2017, reflecting the impact of higher interest rates on available for sale securities.

 

The Company and Seacoast Bank are subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The appropriate federal bank regulatory authority may prohibit the payment of dividends where it has determined that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice. The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from Seacoast Bank and its other subsidiaries, and the Company’s primary source of cash and liquidity, other than securities offerings and borrowings, is dividends from its bank subsidiary. Without Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) approval, Seacoast Bank can pay $88 million of dividends to the Company.

 

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The OCC and the Federal Reserve have policies that encourage banks and bank holding companies to pay dividends from current earnings, and have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by national banks and bank holding companies, respectively, if such payment may be deemed to constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. If, in the particular circumstances, either of these federal regulators determined that the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice, either the OCC or the Federal Reserve may, among other things, issue a cease and desist order prohibiting the payment of dividends by Seacoast Bank or us, respectively. Under a recently adopted Federal Reserve policy, the board of directors of a bank holding company must consider different factors to ensure that its dividend level is prudent relative to the organization’s financial position and is not based on overly optimistic earnings scenarios such as any potential events that may occur before the payment date that could affect its ability to pay, while still maintaining a strong financial position. As a general matter, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the board of directors of a bank holding company, such as Seacoast, should consult with the Federal Reserve and eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce the bank holding company’s dividends if: (i) its net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (ii) its prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with its capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) it will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.

 

The Company has seven wholly owned trust subsidiaries that have issued trust preferred stock. Trust preferred securities from our acquisitions were recorded at fair value when acquired. All trust preferred securities are guaranteed by the Company on a junior subordinated basis. The Federal Reserve’s rules permit qualified trust preferred securities and other restricted capital elements to be included under Basel III capital guidelines, with limitations, and net of goodwill and intangibles. The Company believes that its trust preferred securities qualify under these revised regulatory capital rules and believes that it can treat all $70.6 million of trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital. For regulatory purposes, the trust preferred securities are added to the Company’s tangible common shareholders’ equity to calculate Tier 1 capital.

 

The Company’s capital is expected to continue to increase with positive earnings.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, (“GAAP”), including prevailing practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments in the application of certain of its accounting policies that involve significant estimates and assumptions. We have established policies and control procedures that are intended to ensure valuation methods are well controlled and applied consistently from period to period. These estimates and assumptions, which may materially affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements, and changes in this information over time and the use of revised estimates and assumptions could materially affect amounts reported in subsequent financial statements. Management, after consultation with the Company’s Audit Committee, believes the most critical accounting estimates and assumptions that involve the most difficult, subjective and complex assessments are:

 

  the allowance and the provision for loan losses;
  acquisition accounting and purchased loans;
  intangible assets and impairment testing;
  other fair value adjustments;
  other than temporary impairment of debt securities;
  realization of deferred tax assets; and
  contingent liabilities.

 

The following is a discussion of the critical accounting policies intended to facilitate a reader’s understanding of the judgments, estimates and assumptions underlying these accounting policies and the possible or likely events or uncertainties known to us that could have a material effect on our reported financial information.

 

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Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management determines the provision for loan losses by continuously analyzing and monitoring delinquencies, nonperforming loans levels and the outstanding balances for each loan category, as well as the amount of net charge-offs, for estimating losses inherent in its portfolio. While the Company’s policies and procedures used to estimate the provision for loan losses charged to operations are considered adequate by management, factors beyond the control of the Company, such as general economic conditions, both locally and nationally, make management’s judgment as to the adequacy of the provision and allowance for loan losses approximate and imprecise (see “Nonperforming Assets”).

 

The provision for loan losses is the result of a detailed analysis estimating for probable loan losses. The analysis includes the evaluation of impaired and purchased credit impaired loans as prescribed under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, Receivables as well as an analysis of homogeneous loan pools not individually evaluated as prescribed under ASC 450, Contingencies. For the first quarter of 2018, the Company recorded provision for loan losses of $1.1 million, which compared to provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2017 of $1.3 million. The Company incurred net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2018 of $1,000, compared to net recoveries for the first quarter of 2017 of $142,000, representing 0.00% and 0.02% of average total loans for each quarter, respectively. For 2018, provision for loan losses reflects continued strong credit metrics, offset by lower modeled loss rates on the residential loan portfolio given near-zero historical losses, and decreases reflecting reduced concentration risk in the commercial and commercial real estate portfolios. Delinquency trends remain low and show continued stability (see section titled “Nonperforming Loans, Troubled Debt Restructurings, Other Real Estate Owned, and Credit Quality”).

 

Management continuously monitors the quality of the Company’s loan portfolio and maintains an allowance for loan losses it believes is sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses increased $3.6 million to $28.1 million at March 31, 2018, compared to $24.6 million at March 31, 2017. The allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) framework has four basic elements: (1) specific allowances for loans individually evaluated for impairment; (2) general allowances for pools of homogeneous non-purchased loans (“portfolio loans”) within the portfolio that have similar risk characteristics, which are not individually evaluated; (3) specific allowances for purchased impaired loans which are individually evaluated based on the loans expected principal and interest cash flows; and (4) general allowances for purchased unimpaired pools of homogeneous loans that have similar risk characteristics. The aggregate of these four components results in our total ALLL.

 

The first component of the ALLL analysis involves the estimation of an allowance specific to individually evaluated impaired portfolio loans, including accruing and non-accruing restructured commercial and consumer loans. In this process, a specific allowance is established for impaired loans based on an analysis of the most probable sources of repayment, including discounted cash flows, liquidation or operation of the collateral, or the market value of the loan itself. It is the Company’s policy to charge off any portion of the loan deemed uncollectable. Restructured consumer loans are also evaluated and included in this element of the estimate. As of March 31, 2018, the specific allowance related to impaired portfolio loans individually evaluated totaled $2.7 million, compared to $1.8 million as of March 31, 2017. Residential loans that become 90 days past due are placed on nonaccrual and a specific allowance is made for any loan that becomes 120 days past due. Residential loans are subsequently written down if they become 180 days past due and such write-downs are supported by a current appraisal, consistent with current banking regulations.

 

The second component of the ALLL analysis, the general allowance for homogeneous portfolio loan pools not individually evaluated, is determined by applying factors to pools of loans within the portfolio that have similar risk characteristics. The general allowance is determined by applying a migration model to portfolio segments that allows us to observe performance over time, and to separately analyze sub-segments based on vintage, risk rating, and origination tactics. Adjustments may be made to baseline reserves for some of the loan pools based on an assessment of internal and external influences on credit quality not fully reflected in the historical loss experience. These influences may include elements such as changes in concentration, macroeconomic conditions, and/or recent observable asset quality trends. Our analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses also takes into account qualitative factors such as credit quality, loan concentrations, internal controls, audit results, staff turnover, local market conditions, employment levels and loan growth.

 

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The third component consists of amounts reserved for purchased credit-impaired loans (PCI). On a quarterly basis, the Company updates the amount of loan principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected, incorporating assumptions regarding default rates, loss severities, the amounts and timing of prepayments and other factors that are reflective of current market conditions. Probable decreases in expected loan cash flows trigger the recognition of impairment, which is then measured as the present value of the expected principal loss plus any related foregone interest cash flows discounted at the pool’s effective interest rate. Impairments that occur after the acquisition date are recognized through the provision for loan losses. Probable and significant increases in expected principal cash flows would first reverse any previously recorded allowance for loan losses; any remaining increases are recognized prospectively as interest income. The impacts of (i) prepayments, (ii) changes in variable interest rates, and (iii) any other changes in the timing of expected cash flows are recognized prospectively as adjustments to interest income. Disposals of loans, which may include sales of loans, receipt of payments in full by the borrower, or foreclosure, result in removal of the loan from the PCI portfolio.

 

The final component consists of amounts reserved for purchased unimpaired loans (PUL). Loans collectively evaluated for impairment reported at March 31, 2018 include loans acquired from GulfShore on April 7, 2017, NorthStar on October 20, 2017, PBCB on November 3, 2017, BMO Harris on June 3, 2016, Floridian Bank on March 11, 2016, Grand Bank on July 17, 2015 and BANKshares on October 1, 2014 that are not PCI loans. These loans are performing loans recorded at estimated fair value at the acquisition date. These fair value discount amounts are accreted into income over the remaining lives of the related loans on a level yield basis.

   

The allowance as a percentage of portfolio loans outstanding (excluding PCI and PUL loans) was 0.90% at March 31, 2018, no change compared to December 31, 2017. The risk profile of the loan portfolio reflects adherence to credit management methodologies to execute a low risk strategic plan for loan growth. New loan production is focused on adjustable rate residential real estate loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate, small business loans for professionals and businesses, as well as consumer lending. Strategies, processes and controls are in place to ensure that new production is well underwritten and maintains a focus on smaller, diversified and lower-risk lending.

 

Concentrations of credit risk, discussed under the caption “Loan Portfolio” of this discussion and analysis, can affect the level of the allowance and may involve loans to one borrower, an affiliated group of borrowers, borrowers engaged in or dependent upon the same industry, or a group of borrowers whose loans are predicated on the same type of collateral. At March 31, 2018, the Company had $1.345 billion in loans secured by residential real estate and $1.740 billion in loans secured by commercial real estate, representing 34.5% and 44.6% of total loans outstanding, respectively. In addition, the Company is subject to a geographic concentration of credit because it only operates in central and southeastern Florida.

 

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It is the practice of the Company to ensure that its charge-off policy meets or exceeds regulatory minimums. Losses on unsecured consumer loans are recognized at 90 days past due, compared to the regulatory loss criteria of 120 days. In compliance with Federal Financial Institution Examination Council guidelines, secured consumer loans, including residential real estate, are typically charged-off or charged down between 120 and 180 days past due, depending on the collateral type. Commercial loans and real estate loans are typically placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest is past due for 90 days or more, unless the loan is both secured by collateral having realizable value sufficient to discharge the debt in-full and the loan is in process of collection. Secured loans may be charged-down to the estimated value of the collateral with previously accrued unpaid interest reversed. Subsequent charge-offs may be required as a result of changes in the market value of collateral or other repayment prospects. Initial charge-off amounts are based on valuation estimates derived from appraisals, broker price opinions, or other market information. Generally, new appraisals are not received until the foreclosure process is completed; however, collateral values are evaluated periodically based on market information and incremental charge-offs are recorded if it is determined that collateral values have declined from their initial estimates.

 

While it is the Company’s policy to charge off in the current period loans in which a loss is considered probable, there are additional risks of future losses that cannot be quantified precisely or attributed to particular loans or classes of loans. Because these risks include the state of the economy, borrower payment behaviors and local market conditions as well as conditions affecting individual borrowers, management’s judgment of the allowance is necessarily approximate and imprecise. The allowance is also subject to regulatory examinations and determinations as to adequacy, which may take into account such factors as the methodology used to calculate the ALLL and the size of the ALLL in comparison to a group of peer companies identified by the regulatory agencies. Management will consistently evaluate the ALLL methodology and seek to refine and enhance this process as appropriate. As a result, it is likely that the methodology will continue to evolve over time.

 

Note F to the financial statements (titled “Allowance for Loan Losses”) summarizes the Company’s allocation of the allowance for loan losses to construction and land development loans, commercial and residential estate loans, commercial and financial loans, and consumer loans, and provides more specific detail regarding charge-offs and recoveries for each loan component and the composition of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

 

Acquisition Accounting and Purchased Loans – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company accounts for its acquisitions under 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 as the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk. All loans acquired are recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 820. The fair value estimates associated with the loans include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of expected principal, interest and other cash flows.

 

 Over the life of the PCI loans acquired, the Company continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected. The Company evaluates at each balance sheet date whether the present value of the acquired loans using the effective interest rates has decreased and if so, recognizes a provision for loan loss in its consolidated statement of income. For any increases in cash flows expected to be collected, the Company adjusts the amount of accretable yield recognized on a prospective basis over the loan’s remaining life.

 

Intangible Assets and Impairment Testing – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Intangible assets consist of goodwill and core deposit intangibles. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business acquisitions. The core deposit intangible represents the excess intangible value of acquired deposit customer relationships as determined by valuation specialists. Core deposit intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis, and are evaluated for indications of potential impairment at least annually. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis. We performed an annual impairment test of goodwill as required by FASB ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, in the fourth quarter of 2017. Seacoast conducted the test internally, documenting the impairment test results, and concluded that no impairment occurred. Goodwill was not recorded for the Grand acquisition (on July 17, 2015) that resulted in a bargain purchase gain; however a core deposit intangible was recorded.

 

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Fair value estimates for acquired assets and assumed liabilities are based on the information available, and are subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

 

Other Fair Value Measurements – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

“As Is” values are used to measure fair market value on impaired loans, OREO and repossessed assets. All impaired loans, OREO and repossessed assets are reviewed quarterly to determine if fair value adjustments are necessary based on known changes in the market and/or the project assumptions.  When necessary, the “As Is” appraised value may be adjusted based on more recent appraisal assumptions received by the Company on other similar properties, the tax assessed market value, comparative sales and/or an internal valuation. Collateral dependent impaired loans are loans that are solely dependent on the liquidation of the collateral or operation of the collateral for repayment.  If an updated assessment is deemed necessary and an internal valuation cannot be made, an external “As Is” appraisal will be requested. Upon receipt of the “As Is” appraisal a charge-off is recognized for the difference between the loan amount and its current fair market value.

 

The fair value of the available for sale securities portfolio at March 31, 2018 was less than historical amortized cost, producing net unrealized losses of $15.3 million that have been included in other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders’ equity (net of taxes). The Company made no change to the valuation techniques used to determine the fair values of securities during 2018 and 2017. The fair value of each security available for sale was obtained from independent pricing sources utilized by many financial institutions or from dealer quotes. The fair value of many state and municipal securities are not readily available through market sources, so fair value estimates are based on quoted market price or prices of similar instruments. Generally, the Company obtains one price for each security. However, actual values can only be determined in an arms-length transaction between a willing buyer and seller that can, and often do, vary from these reported values. Furthermore, significant changes in recorded values due to changes in actual and perceived economic conditions can occur rapidly, producing greater unrealized losses or gains in the available for sale portfolio.

 

During 2014, management identified $158.8 million of investment securities available for sale and transferred them to held for investment. The unrealized holding losses at the date of transfer totaled $3.0 million. For the securities that were transferred into the held for investment category from the available for sale category, the unrealized holding losses at the date of the transfer will continue to be reported in other comprehensive income, and will be amortized over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of a discount. At March 31, 2018, the remaining unamortized amount of these losses was $1.1 million. The amortization of unrealized holding losses reported in equity will offset the effect on interest income of the amortization of the discount. Management believes the securities transferred are a core banking asset that they now intend to hold until maturity, and if interest rates were to increase before maturity, the fair values would be impacted more significantly and therefore are not consistent with the characteristics of an available for sale investment.

 

Seacoast Bank also holds 11,330 shares of Visa Class B stock, which following resolution of Visa’s litigation will be converted to Visa Class A shares (the conversion rate presently is 1.6483 shares of Class A stock for each share of Class B stock) for a total of 18,675 shares of Visa Class A stock. Our ownership is related to prior ownership in Visa’s network, while Visa operated as a cooperative. This ownership is recorded on our financial records at a zero basis. Also included in other assets is a $6.4 million investment in a mutual fund carried at fair value.

 

Other Than Temporary Impairment of Securities – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Seacoast reviews investments quarterly for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”). The following primary factors are considered for securities identified for OTTI testing: percent decline in fair value, rating downgrades, subordination, duration, amortized loan-to-value, and the ability of the issuers to pay all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms. Prices obtained from pricing services are usually not adjusted. Based on our internal review procedures and the fair values provided by the pricing services, we believe that the fair values provided by the pricing services are consistent with the principles of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. However, on occasion pricing provided by the pricing services may not be consistent with other observed prices in the market for similar securities. Using observable market factors, including interest rate and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities and default rates, the Company may at times validate the observed prices using a discounted cash flow model and using the observed prices for similar securities to determine the fair value of its securities.

 

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Changes in the fair values, as a result of deteriorating economic conditions and credit spread changes, should only be temporary. Further, management believes that the Company’s other sources of liquidity, as well as the cash flow from principal and interest payments from its securities portfolio, reduces the risk that losses would be realized as a result of a need to sell securities to obtain liquidity.

 

Income Taxes and Realization of Deferred Tax Assets – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Seacoast is subject to income tax laws of the various jurisdictions in which it operates, including U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions. These laws can be complex and subject to interpretation. Seacoast makes assumptions about how these laws should be applied when determining the provision for income tax expense, including assumptions around the timing of when certain items may be deemed taxable.

 

Seacoast’s provision for income taxes is comprised of current and deferred taxes. Deferred taxes represent the difference in measurement of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes compared to income tax return purposes. Deferred tax assets may also be recognized in connection with certain net operating losses (NOLs) and tax credits. Deferred tax assets are recognized if, based upon management’s judgment, it is more likely than not the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be realized.

 

At March 31, 2018, the Company had net deferred tax assets (“DTA”) of $24.4 million. Although realization is not assured, management believes that realization of the carrying value of the DTA is more likely than not, based upon expectations as to future taxable income and tax planning strategies, as defined by ASC 740 Income Taxes. In comparison, at December 31, 2017 the Company had a net DTA of $25.4 million.

 

Factors that support this conclusion:

 

  · Income before tax (“IBT”) has steadily increased as a result of organic growth, and the 2015 Grand, 2016 Floridian and BMO, and 2017 GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions should further assist in achieving management’s forecast of future earnings which recovers the net operating loss carry-forwards well before expiration;
  · Credit costs and overall credit risk has been stable which decreases their impact on future taxable earnings;
  · Growth rates for loans are at levels adequately supported by loan officers and support staff;
  · We believe new loan production credit quality and concentrations are well managed; and
  · Current economic growth forecasts for Florida and the Company’s markets are supportive.

 

Contingent Liabilities – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company is subject to contingent liabilities, including judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings, and tax and other claims arising from the conduct of our business activities. These proceedings include actions brought against the Company and/or our subsidiaries with respect to transactions in which the Company and/or our subsidiaries acted as a lender, a financial advisor, a broker or acted in a related activity. Accruals are established for legal and other claims when it becomes probable that the Company will incur an expense and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Company management, together with attorneys, consultants and other professionals, assesses the probability and estimated amounts involved in a contingency. Throughout the life of a contingency, the Company or our advisors may learn of additional information that can affect our assessments about probability or about the estimates of amounts involved. Changes in these assessments can lead to changes in recorded reserves. In addition, the actual costs of resolving these claims may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts reserved for the claims. At March 31, 2018, the Company had no significant accruals for contingent liabilities and had no known pending matters that could potentially be significant.

 

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Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

Fluctuations in interest rates may result in changes in the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, cash flows and net interest income. This risk is managed using simulation modeling to calculate the most likely interest rate risk utilizing estimated loan and deposit growth. The objective is to optimize the Company’s financial position, liquidity, and net interest income while limiting their volatility.

 

Senior management regularly reviews the overall interest rate risk position and evaluates strategies to manage the risk. The Company’s first quarter 2018 Asset and Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) model simulation indicates net interest income would increase 9.8% if interest rates increased 200 basis points in a parallel fashion over the next 12 months and 5.1% if interest rates increased 100 basis points in a parallel fashion over the next 12 months, and improve 13.9% and 7.3%, respectively, on a 13 to 24 month basis. This compares with the Company’s first quarter 2017 model simulation, which indicated net interest income would increase 5.7% if interest rates were increased 200 basis points in a parallel fashion over the next 12 months and 3.0% if interest rates were increased 100 basis points in a parallel fashion.

 

The Company had a positive gap position based on contractual and prepayment assumptions for the next 12 months, with a positive cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total earning assets of 24.6% at March 31, 2018. This result includes assumptions for core deposit re-pricing validated for the Company by an independent third party consulting group.

 

The computations of interest rate risk do not necessarily include certain actions management may undertake to manage this risk in response to changes in interest rates. Derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, options, caps, floors, futures and forward contracts may be utilized as components of the Company’s risk management profile.

 

Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money, over time, due to inflation.

 

Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the general level of inflation. However, inflation affects financial institutions by increasing their cost of goods and services purchased, as well as the cost of salaries and benefits, occupancy expense, and similar items. Inflation and related increases in interest rates generally decrease the market value of investments and loans held and may adversely affect liquidity, earnings, and shareholders’ equity. Mortgage originations and re-financings tend to slow as interest rates increase, and higher interest rates likely will reduce the Company’s earnings from such activities and the income from the sale of residential mortgage loans in the secondary market.

 

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

See Management’s discussion and analysis “Interest Rate Sensitivity”.

 

Market risk refers to potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, and other relevant market rates or prices.

 

Interest rate risk, defined as the exposure of net interest income and Economic Value of Equity, or “EVE,” to adverse movements in interest rates, is the Company’s primary market risk, and mainly arises from the structure of the balance sheet (non-trading activities). The Company is also exposed to market risk in its investing activities. The Company’s Asset/Liability Committee, or “ALCO,” meets regularly and is responsible for reviewing the interest rate sensitivity position of the Company and establishing policies to monitor and limit exposure to interest rate risk. The policies established by the ALCO are reviewed and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The primary goal of interest rate risk management is to control exposure to interest rate risk, within policy limits approved by the Board. These limits reflect the Company’s tolerance for interest rate risk over short-term and long-term horizons.

 

The Company also performs valuation analyses, which are used for evaluating levels of risk present in the balance sheet that might not be taken into account in the net interest income simulation analyses. Whereas net interest income simulation highlights exposures over a relatively short time horizon, valuation analysis incorporates all cash flows over the estimated remaining life of all balance sheet positions. The valuation of the balance sheet, at a point in time, is defined as the discounted present value of asset cash flows minus the discounted value of liability cash flows, the net result of which is the EVE. The sensitivity of EVE to changes in the level of interest rates is a measure of the longer-term re-pricing risks and options risks embedded in the balance sheet. In contrast to the net interest income simulation, which assumes interest rates will change over a period of time, EVE uses instantaneous changes in rates.

 

EVE values only the current balance sheet, and does not incorporate the growth assumptions that are used in the net interest income simulation model. As with the net interest income simulation model, assumptions about the timing and variability of balance sheet cash flows are critical in the EVE analysis. Particularly important are the assumptions driving prepayments and the expected changes in balances and pricing of the indeterminate life deposit portfolios. Core deposits are a more significant funding source for the Company, making the lives attached to core deposits more important to the accuracy of our modeling of EVE. The Company periodically reassesses its assumptions regarding the indeterminate lives of core deposits utilizing an independent third party resource to assist. With lower interest rates over a prolonged period, the average lives of core deposits have trended higher and favorably impacted our model estimates of EVE for higher rates. Based on our first quarter 2018 modeling, an instantaneous 100 basis point increase in rates is estimated to increase the EVE 10.5% versus the EVE in a stable rate environment, while a 200 basis point increase in rates is estimated to increase the EVE 19.5%.

 

While an instantaneous and severe shift in interest rates is used in this analysis to provide an estimate of exposure under an extremely adverse scenario, a gradual shift in interest rates would have a much more modest impact. Since EVE measures the discounted present value of cash flows over the estimated lives of instruments, the change in EVE does not directly correlate to the degree that earnings would be impacted over a shorter time horizon, i.e., the next fiscal year. Further, EVE does not take into account factors such as future balance sheet growth, changes in product mix, change in yield curve relationships, and changing product spreads that could mitigate the adverse impact of changes in interest rates.

 

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Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s management, with the participation of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2018 and concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred since the beginning of the Company’s first quarter of 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

While the Company believes that its existing disclosure controls and procedures have been effective to accomplish these objectives, the Company intends to continue to examine, refine and formalize its disclosure controls and procedures and to monitor ongoing developments in this area.

 

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Part II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company and its subsidiaries, because of the nature of their business, are at all times subject to numerous legal actions, threatened or filed. Management presently believes that none of the legal proceedings to which it is a party are likely to have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, or operating results or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should consider the factors discussed in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which could materially affect our business, financial condition and prospective results. The risks described in this report, in our Form 10-K or our other SEC filings are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

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

 

Issuer purchases of equity securities during the first three months of 2018, entirely related to equity incentive plan activity, were as follows:

 

               Maximum 
   Total       Total Number of   Number of 
   Number of       Shares Purchased   Shares that May 
   Shares   Average Price   as part of Public   yet be Purchased 
Period  Purchased   Paid Per Share   Announced Plan*   Under the Plan 
1/1/18 to 1/31/18   117   $25.21    292,173    122,827 
2/1/18 to 2/28/18   139    25.86    292,312    122,688 
3/1/18 to 3/31/18   226    26.63    292,538    122,462 
Total - 1st Quarter   482   $25.90    292,538    122,462 

 

 

*The plan to purchase equity securities totaling 165,000 was approved on September 18, 2001, with no expiration date. An additional 250,000 shares was added to the plan and approved on May 20, 2014.

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

During the period covered by this report, there was no information required to be disclosed by us in a Current Report on Form 8-K that was not so reported, nor were there any material changes to the procedures by which our security holders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

Exhibit 3.1.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q,

filed May 10, 2006.

   
  Exhibit 3.1.2 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K,
filed December 23, 2008.
   
 

Exhibit 3.1.3 Artices of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Form S-1,

filed June 22, 2009.

   
 

Exhibit 3.1.4 Articles f Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K,

filed July 20, 2009.

   
 

Exhibit 3.1.5 Articles f Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K,

filed December 3, 2009.

   
  Exhibit 3.1.6 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K/A,
filed July 14, 2010.
   
  Exhibit 3.1.7 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K,
filed June 25, 2010.
   
  Exhibit 3.1.8 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K,
filed June 1, 2011
   
  Exhibit 3.1.9 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K,
filed December 13, 2013
   
  Exhibit 3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 8-K,
filed December 21, 2007.

 

     
  Exhibit 31.1 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  Exhibit 31.2 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  Exhibit 32.1 Statement of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  Exhibit 32.2 Statement of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  Exhibit 101 The following materials from Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

  SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA

 

May 8, 2018 /s/ Dennis S. Hudson, III
  DENNIS S. HUDSON, III
  Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

 

May 8, 2018 /s/ Charles M. Shaffer
 

CHARLES M. SHAFFER

  Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

 

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