UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015

 

OR

 

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

 

Commission File Number: 001-35489

 

HOWARD BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland   20-3735949
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

6011 University Blvd. Suite 370, Ellicott City, MD   21043
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(410) 750-0020

(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 Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Small reporting company x

 

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

 

The number of outstanding shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2015.

 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value – 6,360,487 shares

 

 
 

 

HOWARD BANCORP, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
PART I Financial Information 4
Item 1. Financial Statements 4
  Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) 4
  Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) 5
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) 6
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) 7
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) 8
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 9
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 28
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk 43
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 43
     
PART II Other Information 43
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 43
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 43
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 43
     
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 44
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 44
     
Item 5. Other Information 44
     
Item 6. Exhibits 44
     
Signatures   45

 

2
 

 

As used in this report, “Bancorp” refers to Howard Bancorp, Inc., references to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “ours” refer to Howard Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries, collectively, and references to the “Bank” refer to Howard Bank.

 

This report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should” and words of similar meaning. You can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.

 

These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

·statements of our goals, intentions and expectations, particularly with respect to our business plan and strategies, including continuing to focus on commercial customers while also increasing our origination of one-to four-family residential mortgage loans, increasing our mortgage lending portfolio and selling loans into the secondary markets;
·anticipated timing to consummate our pending merger with Patapsco Bancorp, Inc.;
·statements regarding the asset quality of our investment portfolios and anticipated recovery and collection of unrealized losses on securities available for sale;
·statements with respect to our allowance for credit losses, and the adequacy thereof;
·statement with respect to having adequate liquidity levels;
·our belief that we will retain a large portion of maturing certificates of deposit;
·the impact on us of recent changes to accounting standards;
·future cash requirements and that we do not anticipate material losses relating to commitments to extend credit; and
·the impact of interest rate changes on our net interest income.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this report.

 

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

 

·general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market area, that are worse than expected;
·competition among depository and other financial institutions;
·inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;
·adverse changes in the securities markets;
·changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements;
·our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities, and to otherwise implement our growth strategy;
·our ability to successfully integrate acquired entities, if any
·changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
·changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
·changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans
·loss of key personnel; and
·other risk discussed in this report, in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the SEC, and in other reports we may file.

 

Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

 

3
 

 

PART I

Item 1.Financial Statements

 

Howard Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   Unaudited     
   June 30,   December 31, 
(in thousands)  2015   2014 
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $28,107   $23,598 
Federal funds sold   899    919 
Total cash and cash equivalents   29,006    24,517 
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   34,581    41,079 
Nonmarketable equity securities   3,385    2,571 
Loans held for sale, at fair value   65,759    42,881 
Loans and leases, net of unearned income   582,702    552,917 
Allowance for credit losses   (4,199)   (3,602)
Net loans and leases   578,503    549,315 
Bank premises and equipment, net   16,108    12,122 
Core deposit intangible   1,224    1,391 
Bank owned life insurance   11,834    11,659 
Other real estate owned   2,480    2,472 
Interest receivable and other assets   4,001    3,409 
Total assets  $746,881   $691,416 
LIABILITIES          
Noninterest-bearing deposits  $148,928   $142,727 
Interest-bearing deposits   426,788    411,312 
Total deposits   575,716    554,039 
Short-term borrowings   52,025    48,628 
Long-term borrowings   27,500    19,000 
Deferred tax liability   3,330    4,686 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   3,683    5,420 
Total liabilities   662,254    631,773 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES          
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Preferred stock—par value $0.01 (liquidation preference of $1,000 per share) authorized 5,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 12,562 series AA at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014   12,562    12,562 
Common stock - par value of $0.01 authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,358,778 shares at June 30, 2015 and  4,145,547 at December 31, 2014   64    41 
Capital surplus   61,919    38,360 
Retained earnings   10,073    8,696 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   9    (16)
Total shareholders’ equity   84,627    59,643 
Total liabilities and shareholders’equity  $746,881   $691,416 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4
 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   Unaudited 
   For the six months ended   For the three months ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
(in thousands)  2015   2014   2015   2014 
INTEREST INCOME                    
Interest and fees on loans  $14,772   $10,262   $7,414   $5,363 
Interest and dividends on securities   111    57    56    27 
Other interest income   27    21    14    7 
Total interest income   14,910    10,340    7,484    5,397 
INTEREST EXPENSE                    
Deposits   1,173    926    596    485 
Short-term borrowings   55    56    26    25 
Long-term borrowings   116    101    63    58 
Total interest expense   1,344    1,083    685    568 
NET INTEREST INCOME   13,566    9,257    6,799    4,829 
Provision for credit losses   785    501    535    325 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses   12,781    8,756    6,264    4,504 
NONINTEREST INCOME                    
Service charges on deposit accounts   403    307    187    153 
Realized and unrealized gains on mortgage banking activity   3,505    1,476    2,133    1,326 
Income from bank owned life insurance   175    186    89    94 
Loan fee income   1,292    519    824    376 
Other operating income   412    194    205    110 
Total noninterest income   5,787    2,682    3,438    2,059 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE                    
Compensation and benefits   7,789    5,667    3,939    2,907 
Occupancy and equipment   1,879    1,056    904    586 
Amortization of core deposit intangible   167    41    84    21 
Marketing and business development   1,307    720    679    459 
Professional fees   1,218    571    722    341 
Data processing fees   1,166    314    521    170 
FDIC Assessment   209    201    119    119 
Loan production expense   935    419    590    274 
Other operating expense   1,605    853    882    472 
Total noninterest expense   16,275    9,842    8,440    5,349 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   2,293    1,596    1,262    1,214 
Income tax expense   853    593    471    477 
NET INCOME  $1,440   $1,003   $791   $737 
Preferred stock dividends   63    63    31    32 
Net income available to common shareholders  $1,377   $940   $760   $705 
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE                    
Basic  $0.31   $0.23   $0.16   $0.17 
Diluted  $0.31   $0.23   $0.16   $0.17 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5
 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

 

   For the six months ended 
   June 30, 
(in thousands)  2015   2014 
Net Income  $1,440   $1,003 
Other comprehensive income          
Investments available-for-sale:          
Net unrealized holding gains   40    2 
Related income tax expense   (15)   - 
Comprehensive income  $1,465   $1,005 

 

   For the three months ended 
   June 30, 
(in thousands)  2015   2014 
Net Income  $791   $737 
Other comprehensive income          
Investments available-for-sale:          
Net unrealized holding losses   (8)   (2)
Related income tax benefit   4    1 
Comprehensive income  $787   $736 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

6
 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

 

                   Retained   Accumulated     
                   Earnings /   other     
   Preferred   Number of   Common   Capital   (Accumulated   comprehensive     
(dollars in thousands, except share data)  stock   shares   stock   Surplus   deficit)   income/loss   Total 
                             
Balances at January 1, 2014  $12,562    4,095,650   $41   $37,607   $(1,592)  $4   $48,622 
Net income   -    -    -    -    1,003    -    1,003 
Net unrealized gain on securities   -    -    -    -    -    2    2 
Dividends paid on preferred stock   -    -    -    -    (63)   -    (63)
Forfeited stock-based compensation   -    (6,668)   -    (34)   -    -    (34)
Issuance of common stock:                                   
Stock awards   -    1,420    -    13    -    -    13 
Stock-based compensation   -    -    -    86    -    -    86 
Balances at June 30, 2014  $12,562    4,090,402   $41   $37,672   $(652)  $6   $49,629 
                                    
Balances at January 1, 2015  $12,562    4,145,547   $41   $38,360   $8,696   $(16)  $59,643 
Net income   -    -    -    -    1,440    -    1,440 
Net unrealized gain on securities   -    -    -    -    -    25    25 
Dividends paid on preferred stock   -    -    -    -    (63)   -    (63)
Issuance of common stock:                                   
Stock offering   -    2,173,913    22    23,096    -    -    23,118 
Stock awards   -    3,861    -    49    -    -    49 
Exercise of options   -    21,465    -    217    -    -    217 
Stock-based compensation   -    14,002    1    197    -    -    198 
Balances at June 30, 2015  $12,562    6,358,788   $64   $61,919   $10,073   $9   $84,627 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

7
 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   (Unaudited) 
   For the six months ended 
   June 30, 
(in thousands)  2015   2014 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net income  $1,440   $1,003 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:          
Provision for credit losses   785    501 
Deferred income taxes (benefit)   (490)   (177)
Depreciation   446    351 
Stock-based compensation   247    99 
Forfeited restricted stock   -    (34)
Net (amortization) accretion of investment securities   (3)   1 
Net amortization of intangible asset   167    41 
Loans originated for sale   (264,919)   (103,644)
Proceeds from sale of loans originated for sale   245,546    79,568 
Realized and unrealized gains on mortgage banking activity   (3,505)   (1,476)
Cash surrender value of BOLI   (175)   (186)
Increase (decrease) in interest receivable   153    (32)
Increase in interest payable   16    21 
(Increase) decrease in other assets   (1,599)   158 
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities   (2,603)   746 
Net cash used in operating activities   (24,494)   (23,060)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale   (23,490)   (6,000)
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available-for-sale   30,031    18,557 
Net increase in loans and leases outstanding   (29,973)   (29,556)
Purchase of premises and equipment   (4,432)   (1,028)
Net cash used in investing activities   (27,864)   (18,027)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Net increase in noninterest-bearing deposits   6,201    7,780 
Net increase in interest-bearing deposits   15,476    25,745 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings   3,398    (9,040)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt   8,500    9,500 
Repayment of long-term debt   -    (2,000)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of cost   23,335      
Cash dividends on preferred stock   (63)   (63)
Net cash provided by financing activities   56,847    31,922 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   4,489    (9,165)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   24,517    35,736 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $29,006   $26,571 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION          
Cash payments for interest  $1,329   $1,061 
Cash payments for income taxes   1,190    - 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

8
 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of Operations

 

On December 15, 2005, Howard Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp”) acquired all of the stock and became the holding company of Howard Bank (the “Bank”) pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization approved by the shareholders of the Bank and by federal and state regulatory agencies. Each share of the Bank’s common stock was converted into two shares of Bancorp common stock effected by the filing of Articles of Exchange on that date, and the shareholders of the Bank became the shareholders of Bancorp. The Bank has four subsidiaries, three of which hold foreclosed real estate and the other owns and manages real estate that is used as a branch location and has office and retail space. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Bancorp and its wholly-owned subsidiary bank (collectively the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

 

Bancorp was incorporated in April of 2005 under the laws of the State of Maryland and is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. Bancorp is a single bank holding company with one subsidiary, Howard Bank, which operates as a state trust company with commercial banking powers regulated by the Maryland Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation (the “Commissioner”).

 

On October 17, 2014, the Bank acquired certain assets and assumed substantially all deposits and certain other liabilities of NBRS Financial Bank (“NBRS”), which was closed on October 17, 2014 by the Commissioner (the “NBRS Acquisition”). The NBRS Acquisition was completed in accordance with the terms of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). The Bank did not acquire any of NBRS’s other real estate owned.

 

The Company is a diversified financial services company providing commercial banking, mortgage banking and consumer finance through banking branches, the internet and other distribution channels to businesses, business owners, professionals and other consumers located primarily in the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan Area.

 

The following is a description of the Company’s significant accounting policies.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bancorp, its subsidiary bank and the bank’s subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications may have been made to the prior year’s consolidated financial statements to conform to current period presentation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, other-than-temporary impairment of investment securities, deferred income taxes and share-based compensation.

 

Loans Held for Sale

 

The Company sells its mortgage loans to third party investors on a servicing released basis. Upon sale and delivery, loans are legally isolated from the Company and the Company has no ability to restrict or constrain the ability of third party investors to pledge or exchange the mortgage loans. The Company does not have the ability to repurchase the mortgage loans or unilaterally cause third party investors to put the mortgage loans back to the Company. Unrealized and realized gains on loan sales are determined using the specific identification method and are recognized through mortgage banking activity in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

The Company engages in sales of residential mortgage loans originated by the Bank. Loans held for sale are carried at fair value. Fair value is based on outstanding investor commitments or, in absence of such commitments, on current investor yield requirements based on third party models. Gains and losses on sales of these loans are recorded as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s current practice is to sell residential mortgage loans on a servicing released basis, and, therefore, it has no intangible asset recorded for the value of such servicing.

 

9
 

 

The Company enters into commitments to originate residential mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (i.e. rate lock commitment). Such rate lock commitments on mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market are considered to be derivatives. The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment and closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from 15 to 60 days. The Company protects itself from changes in interest rates through the use of best efforts forward delivery commitments, whereby the Company commits to sell a loan at a premium at the time the borrower commits to an interest rate with the intent that the buyer has assumed interest rate risk on the loan.

 

For purposes of calculating fair value of rate lock commitments, we estimate loan closing and investor delivery rate based on historical experience. The measurement of the estimated fair value of the rate lock commitments is presented as realized and unrealized gains from mortgage banking activities.

 

Segment Information

 

The Company has one reportable segment, “Community Banking.” All of the Company’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities of the Company supports the others. For example, lending is dependent upon the ability of the Bank to fund itself with deposits and other borrowings and manage interest rate and credit risk. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Company as one segment.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

Update ASU No. 2014-14, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. This update clarifies how creditors classify certain government-sponsored mortgage loans to borrowers with a guarantee that entitles the creditor to recover all or a portion of the unpaid principal balance from the government if the borrower defaults. The amendments in this update require that a mortgage loan be derecognized and that a separate other receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if the following conditions are met:

1. The loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure.

2. At the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to convey the real estate property to the guarantor and make a claim on the guarantee, and the creditor has the ability to recover under that claim.

3. At the time of foreclosure, any amount of the claim that is determined on the basis of the fair value of the real estate is fixed. Upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor.

 

Adoption of the amendments in this update can be either a prospective transition method or a modified retrospective transition method. For prospective transition, an entity should apply the amendments in this update to foreclosures that occur after the date of adoption. For modified retrospective transition, an entity should apply the amendments in this update by means of a cumulative effect adjustment (through a reclassification to a separate other receivable) as of the beginning of the annual period of adoption. ASU 2014-14 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting should be applied to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. As indicated in the definition of vest, the stated vesting period (which includes the period in which the performance target could be achieved) may differ from the requisite service period. The amendments of ASU 2014-12 are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company will evaluate this amendment but does not believe it will have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

Update ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): The guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments in this update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. The Company will evaluate the amendments in this update but does not believe they will have an impact on its financial position or results of operations.

 

10
 

 

ASU No. 2014-04, Receivables –Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. The guidance clarifies when an “in substance repossession or foreclosure” occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, such that all or a portion of the loan should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. ASU 2014-04 states that a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure, or the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. The amendments of ASU 2014-04 also require interim and annual disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. The amendments of ASU 2014-04 are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and may be applied using either a modified retrospective transition method or a prospective transition method as described in ASU 2014-04. ASU 2014-04 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

Note 2: Investments Securities

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments available for sale are as follows:

 

(in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
       Gross   Gross           Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Estimated   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Estimated 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Fair Value   Cost   Gains   Losses   Fair Value 
U.S. Government                                        
Agencies  $32,000   $15   $5   $32,010   $37,010   $-   $29   $36,981 
Treasuries   2,000    -    -    2,000    4,000    -    3    3,997 
Mortgage-backed   67    3    -    70    95    6    -    101 
Mutual funds   500    1    -    501    -    -    -    - 
   $34,567   $19   $5   $34,581   $41,105   $6   $32   $41,079 

 

Gross unrealized losses and fair value by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented below:

 

June 30, 2015                        
(in thousands)  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 
       Gross       Gross       Gross 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
U.S. Government                              
Agencies  $8,497   $5   $-   $-   $8,497   $5 
Treasuries   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Mortgage-backed   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Mutual funds   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   $8,497   $5   $-   $-   $8,497   $5 

 

December 31, 2014                        
(in thousands)  Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total 
       Gross       Gross       Gross 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses 
U.S. Government                              
Agencies  $26,477   $29   $-   $-   $26,477   $29 
Treasuries   3,997    3    -    -    3,997    3 
Mortgage-backed   -    -    -    -    -    - 
   $30,474   $32   $-   $-   $30,474   $32 

 

11
 

 

The unrealized losses that existed were a result of market changes in interest rates since the original purchase. Management systematically evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. This analysis requires management to consider various factors, which include (1) duration and magnitude of the decline in value, (2) the financial condition of the issuer or issuers and (3) structure of the security.

 

An impairment loss is recognized in earnings if any of the following are true: (1) the Company intends to sell the debt security; (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In situations where the Company intends to sell or when it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security, the entire impairment loss must be recognized in earnings. In all other situations, only the portion of the impairment loss representing the credit loss must be recognized in earnings, with the remaining portion being recognized in shareholders’ equity as a component of other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax.

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investments available for sale by contractual maturity are shown below:

 

(in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
   Amortized   Estimated Fair   Amortized   Estimated Fair 
   Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
Amounts maturing:                    
One year or less  $25,498   $25,498   $33,516   $33,506 
After one through five years   8,505    8,515    7,508    7,487 
After five through ten years   64    67    81    86 
After ten years   500    501    -    - 
   $34,567   $34,581   $41,105   $41,079 

 

There were no sales of investment securities during the six months ended June 30, 2015 or in 2014. Because of the composition of the securities portfolio acquired in the NBRS acquisition, management deemed it prudent for interest rate risk management purposes to liquidate the entire acquired portfolio. Thus, in the fourth quarter of 2014, the Bank both acquired and sold nearly $31.7 million in securities, which resulted in a net loss on the sale of the securities of $228 thousand. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, $20.4 million and $30.9 million fair value of securities, respectively, were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements and for public funds. No single issuer of securities, except for U. S. Government agency securities, had outstanding balances that exceeded ten percent of shareholders’ equity.

 

Note 3: Loans and Leases

 

The Company makes loans to customers primarily in the Greater Baltimore Maryland metropolitan area, and surrounding communities. A substantial portion of the Company’s loan portfolio consists of loans to businesses secured by real estate and/or other business assets.

 

The loan portfolio segment balances at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are presented in the following table:

 

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
(in thousands)  Legacy   Acquired   Total   Legacy   Acquired   Total 
Real estate                              
Construction and land  $61,711   $5,030   $66,741   $57,898   $6,260   $64,158 
Residential - first lien   73,806    17,359    91,165    68,768    19,525    88,293 
Residential - junior lien   14,624    7,659    22,283    11,762    7,539    19,301 
Total residential real estate   88,430    25,018    113,448    80,530    27,064    107,594 
Commercial - owner occupied   82,249    33,821    116,070    75,307    37,519    112,826 
Commercial - non-owner occupied   109,164    31,086    140,250    90,937    33,021    123,958 
Total commercial real estate   191,413    64,907    256,320    166,244    70,540    236,784 
Total real estate loans   341,554    94,955    436,509    304,672    103,864    408,536 
Commercial loans and leases   126,311    15,872    142,183    120,924    18,745    139,669 
Consumer   1,371    2,639    4,010    1,878    2,834    4,712 
Total loans  $469,236   $113,466   $582,702   $427,474   $125,443   $552,917 

 

The above does not include $65.8 million in loans held for sale at June 30, 2015, and $42.9 million at December 31, 2014.

 

12
 

 

Note 4: Credit Quality Assessment

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The following table provides information on the activity in the allowance for credit losses by the respective loan portfolio segment for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014:

 

   June 30, 2015 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Allowance for credit losses:                                        
Six months ended:                                        
Beginning balance  $174   $272   $55   $160   $562   $2,366   $13   $3,602 
Charge-offs   -    -    -    -    -    (494)   (4)   (498)
Recoveries   -    3    -    -    290    17    -    310 
Provision for credit losses   330    53    (15)   106    (247)   550    8    785 
Ending balance  $504   $328   $40   $266   $605   $2,439   $17   $4,199 
Three months ended:                                        
Beginning balance  $164   $278   $55   $175   $625   $2,527   $15   $3,839 
Charge-offs   -    -    -    -    -    (481)   -    (481)
Recoveries   -    -    -    -    290    16    -    306 
Provision for credit losses   340    50    (15)   91    (310)   377    2    535 
Ending balance  $504   $328   $40   $266   $605   $2,439   $17   $4,199 

 

   June 30, 2014 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Allowance for credit losses:                                        
Six months ended:                                        
Beginning balance  $122   $200   $34   $131   $541   $1,464   $14   $2,506 
Charge-offs   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Recoveries   -    -    -    -    4    42    -    46 
Provision for credit losses   37    (4)   (17)   7    116    365    (3)   501 
Ending balance  $159   $196   $17   $138   $661   $1,871   $11   $3,053 
Three months ended:                                        
Beginning balance  $143   $187   $16   $137   $686   $1,518   $13   $2,700 
Charge-offs   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Recoveries   -    -    -    -    -    28    -    28 
Provision for credit losses   16    9    1    1    (25)   325    (2)   325 
Ending balance  $159   $196   $17   $138   $661   $1,871   $11   $3,053 

 

13
 

 

The following table provides additional information on the allowance for credit losses by segment:

 

   June 30, 2015 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Allowance allocated to:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
individually evaluated for impairment   313    -    10    -    -    310    -    633 
collectively evaluated for impairment   185    328    30    237    551    2,046    17    3,394 
Acquired Loans:                                        
individually evaluated for impairment   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
collectively evaluated for impairment   6    -    -    29    54    83    -    172 
Loans:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Ending balance   61,711    73,806    14,624    82,249    109,164    126,311    1,371    469,236 
individually evaluated for impairment   1,144    459    74    -    2,684    2,803    -    7,164 
collectively evaluated for impairment   60,567    73,347    14,550    82,249    106,480    123,508    1,371    462,072 
Acquired Loans:                                        
Ending balance   5,030    17,359    7,659    33,821    31,086    15,872    2,639    113,466 
individually evaluated for impairment   -    343    60    -    -    420    -    823 
collectively evaluated for impairment   5,030    17,016    7,599    33,821    31,086    15,452    2,639    112,643 

 

   December 31, 2014 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Allowance allocated to:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
individually evaluated for impairment   60    -    -    -    -    483    -    543 
collectively evaluated for impairment   108    271    25    142    502    1,745    13    2,806 
Acquired Loans:                                        
individually evaluated for impairment   -    -    30    -    -    55    -    85 
collectively evaluated for impairment   6    1    -    18    60    83    -    168 
Loans:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Ending balance   56,490    58,904    11,006    85,824    100,589    113,176    1,485    427,474 
individually evaluated for impairment   1,144    308    -    -    2,700    2,073    -    6,225 
collectively evaluated for impairment   55,346    58,596    11,006    85,824    97,889    111,103    1,485    421,249 
Acquired Loans:                                        
Ending balance   6,260    19,525    7,539    37,519    33,021    18,745    2,834    125,443 
individually evaluated for impairment   -    411    57    -    -    405    92    965 
collectively evaluated for impairment   6,260    19,114    7,482    37,519    33,021    18,340    2,742    124,478 

 

When potential losses are identified, a specific provision and/or charge-off may be taken, based on the then current likelihood of repayment, that is at least in the amount of the collateral deficiency, and any potential collection costs, as determined by the independent third party appraisal.  

 

All loans that are considered impaired are subject to the completion of an impairment analysis.  This analysis highlights any potential collateral deficiencies. A specific amount of impairment is established based on the Company’s calculation of the probable loss inherent in the individual loan. The actual occurrence and severity of losses involving impaired credits can differ substantially from estimates.

 

14
 

 

Credit risk profile by portfolio segment based upon internally assigned risk assignments are presented below:

 

   June 30, 2015 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Credit quality indicators:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Not classified  $60,567   $73,347   $14,550   $82,249   $106,480   $123,749   $1,371   $462,313 
Special mention   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Substandard   -    301    -         2,090    691    -    3,082 
Doubtful   1,144    158    74    -    594    1,871    -    3,841 
Total  $61,711   $73,806   $14,624   $82,249   $109,164   $126,311   $1,371   $469,236 
                                         
Acquired Loans:                                        
Not classified  $5,030   $16,499   $7,600   $33,821   $31,086   $15,452   $2,639   $112,127 
Special mention   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Substandard   -    517    -    -    -    -    -    517 
Doubtful   -    343    59    -    -    420    -    822 
Total  $5,030   $17,359   $7,659   $33,821   $31,086   $15,872   $2,639   $113,466 

 

   December 31, 2014 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Credit quality indicators:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Not classified  $55,346   $58,439   $10,932   $85,580   $97,889   $111,312   $1,485   $420,983 
Special mention   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Substandard   1,144    465    74    244    2,700    1,864    -    6,491 
Doubtful   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total  $56,490   $58,904   $11,006   $85,824   $100,589   $113,176   $1,485   $427,474 
                                         
Acquired Loans:                                        
Not classified  $6,260   $18,567   $7,482   $37,519   $33,021   $18,340   $2,742   $123,931 
Special mention   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Substandard   -    546    -    -    -    -    -    546 
Doubtful   -    412    57    -    -    405    92    966 
Total  $6,260   $19,525   $7,539   $37,519   $33,021   $18,745   $2,834   $125,443 

 

·Special Mention - A Special Mention asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.
·Substandard - Substandard loans are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
·Doubtful - Loans classified Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

 

Loans classified Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful or Loss are reviewed at least quarterly to determine their appropriate classification. All commercial loan relationships are reviewed annually. Non-classified residential mortgage loans and consumer loans are not evaluated unless a specific event occurs to raise the awareness of a possible credit deterioration.

 

15
 

 

An aged analysis of past due loans are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2015 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Analysis of past due loans:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Accruing loans current  $60,531   $73,648   $14,550   $82,249   $108,570   $122,693   $1,345   $463,586 
Accruing loans past due:                                        
31-59 days past due   -    -    -    -    -    100    -    100 
60-89 days past due   -    -    -    -    -    956    1    957 
Greater than 90 days past due   36    -    -    -    -    691    25    752 
Total past due  $36   $-   $-   $-   $-   $1,747   $26   $1,809 
                                         
Non-accrual loans   1,144    158    74    -    594    1,871    -    3,841 
                                         
Total loans  $61,711   $73,806   $14,624   $82,249   $109,164   $126,311   $1,371   $469,236 
                                         
Acquired Loans:                                        
Accruing loans current  $5,030   $16,983   $7,599   $33,586   $30,549   $15,309   $2,483   $111,539 
Accruing loans past due:                                        
31-59 days past due   -    33    -    -    -    -    -    33 
60-89 days past due   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Greater than 90 days past due   -    -    -    235    537    193    156    1,121 
Total past due  $-   $33   $-   $235   $537   $193   $156   $1,154 
                                         
Non-accrual loans   -    343    60    -    -    370    -    773 
                                         
Total loans  $5,030   $17,359   $7,659   $33,821   $31,086   $15,872   $2,639   $113,466 

 

   December 31, 2014 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  and land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Analysis of past due loans:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Accruing loans current  $55,346   $58,122   $10,932   $85,824   $100,439   $108,451   $1,480   $420,594 
Accruing loans past due:                                        
31-59 days past due   -    -    -    -    -    -    5    5 
60-89 days past due   -    316    74    -    -    2,816    -    3,206 
Greater than 90 days past due   -    158    -    -    150    244    -    552 
Total past due  $-   $474   $74   $-   $150   $3,060   $5   $3,763 
                                         
Non-accrual loans   1,144    308    -    -    -    1,665    -    3,117 
                                         
Total loans  $56,490   $58,904   $11,006   $85,824   $100,589   $113,176   $1,485   $427,474 
                                         
Acquired Loans:                                        
Accruing loans current  $5,982   $18,867   $7,430   $37,519   $33,021   $17,990   $2,742   $123,551 
Accruing loans past due:                                        
31-59 days past due   -    247    52    -    -    54    -    353 
60-89 days past due   -    -    -    -    -    24    -    24 
Greater than 90 days past due   278    -    -    -    -    327    -    605 
Total past due  $278   $247   $52   $-   $-   $405   $-   $982 
                                         
Non-accrual loans   -    411    57    -    -    350    92    910 
                                         
Total loans  $6,260   $19,525   $7,539   $37,519   $33,021   $18,745   $2,834   $125,443 

 

16
 

 

Total loans either in non-accrual status or in excess of ninety days delinquent totaled $6.5 million or 1.11% of total loans outstanding at June 30, 2015, which increased from $5.2 million or 0.94% at December 31, 2014.

 

The impaired loans at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2015 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  & land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Impaired loans:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Recorded investment  $1,144   $459   $74   $-   $2,684   $2,803   $-   $7,164 
With an allowance recorded   1,144    -    74    -    -    425    -    1,643 
With no related allowance recorded   -    459    -    -    2,684    2,378    -    5,521 
                                         
Related allowance   313    -    10    -    -    310    -    633 
                                         
Unpaid principal   1,144    459    74    -    2,684    2,803    -    7,164 
                                         
Six months ended June 30, 2015                                        
Average balance of impaired loans   1,144    484    74    -    3,597    3,251    -    8,550 
Interest income recognized   -    12    -    -    60    62    -    134 
Three months ended June 30, 2015                                        
Average balance of impaired loans   1,144    484    74    -    2,691    3,159    -    7,552 
Interest income recognized   -    6    -    -    27    43    -    76 
                                         
Acquired Loans:                                        
Recorded investment  $-   $343   $60   $-   $-   $420   $-   $823 
With an allowance recorded   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
With no related allowance recorded   -    343    60    -    -    420    -    823 
                                         
Related allowance   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
                                         
Unpaid principal   -    407    82    -    330    584    -    1,403 
                                         
Six months ended June 30, 2015                                        
Average balance of impaired loans   -    417    82    -    330    663    -    1,492 
Interest income recognized   -    1    -    -    -    3    -    4 
Three months ended June 30, 2015                                        
Average balance of impaired loans   -    410    82    -    330    642    -    1,464 
Interest income recognized   -    -    -    -    -    1    -    1 

 

17
 

 

   December 31, 2014 
               Commercial   Commercial   Commercial         
   Construction   Residential   Residential   owner   non-owner   loans   Consumer     
(in thousands)  & land   first lien   junior lien   occupied   occupied   and leases   loans   Total 
Impaired loans:                                        
Legacy Loans:                                        
Recorded investment  $1,144   $308   $-   $-   $2,700   $2,073   $-   $6,225 
With an allowance recorded   334    -    -    -    -    690    -    1,024 
With no related allowance recorded   810    308    -    -    2,700    1,383    -    5,201 
                                         
Related allowance   60    -    -    -    -    483    -    543 
                                         
Unpaid principal   1,144    308    -    -    2,700    2,127    -    6,279 
                                         
Average balance of impaired loans   1,108    329    -    -    2,713    2,558    -    6,708 
Interest income recognized   37    18    -    -    166    167    -    388 
                                         
Acquired Loans:                                        
Recorded investment  $-   $411   $57   $-   $-   $405   $92   $965 
With an allowance recorded   -    -    57    -    -    55    -    112 
With no related allowance recorded   -    411    -    -    -    350    92    853 
                                         
Related allowance   -    -    30    -    -    55    -    85 
                                         
Unpaid principal   -    565    83    -    530    825    327    2,330 
                                         
Average balance of impaired loans   -    568    83    -    560    829    379    2,419 
Interest income recognized   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 

 

Included in the total impaired loans above were non-accrual loans of $4.6 million and $4.0 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans had been current and in accordance with their original terms was $48 thousand for the first six months of 2015.

 

Management routinely evaluates other real estate owned (“OREO”) based upon periodic appraisals. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 there were no additional valuation allowances recorded as the current appraised value less estimated cost to sell, was sufficient to cover the recorded OREO amount. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 there were no new loans transferred from loans to OREO. For the first half of 2015 and 2014, the Company did not sell any properties held as OREO.

 

The trouble debt restructured loans (“TDRs”) at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2015 
   Number   Non-Accrual   Number   Accrual   Total 
(dollars in thousands)  of Loans   Status   of Loans   Status   TDRs 
Legacy Loans:                         
Residential real estate - first lien   -   $-    1   $301   $301 
Commercial - non-owner occupied   1    594    1    2,090    2,684 
    1   $594    2   $2,391   $2,985 

 

   December 31, 2014 
   Number   Non-Accrual   Number   Accrual   Total 
(dollars in thousands)  of Loans   Status   of Loans   Status   TDRs 
Legacy Loans:                         
Residential real estate - first lien   1   $308    -   $-   $308 
Commercial loans   6    723    1    226    949 
    7   $1,031    1   $226   $1,257 

 

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A summary of TDR modifications outstanding and performing under modified terms are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2015 
   Not Performing   Performing     
   to Modified   to Modified   Total 
(in thousands)  Terms   Terms   TDRs 
Legacy Loans:               
Residential real estate - first lien               
Forbearance  $-   $301   $301 
Commercial - non-owner occupied               
Rate modification        2,090    2,090 
Commercial loans               
Rate modification   594    -    594 
Total trouble debt restructure loans  $594   $2,391   $2,985 

 

   December 31, 2014 
   Not Performing   Performing     
   to Modified   to Modified   Total 
(in thousands)  Terms   Terms   TDRs 
Legacy Loans:               
Residential real estate - first lien               
Forbearance  $308   $-   $308 
Commercial loans               
Forbearance   723    -    723 
Extension or other modification   -    226    226 
Total trouble debt restructure loans  $1,031   $226   $1,257 

 

There was one commercial real estate loan restructured in the first six months of 2014. Performing TDRs were in compliance with their modified terms and there are no further commitments associated with these credits. One performing commercial TDR has been in compliance with its modified term for over 12 consecutive months and was removed from a TDR status during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

Note 5: Intangibles

 

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of intangible assets are as follows:

 

   June 30, 2015   Weighted 
   Gross       Net   Average 
   Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying   Remaining Life 
(in thousands)  Amount   Amortization   Amount   (Years) 
Amortizing intangible assets:                    
Core deposit intangible  $1,566   $342   $1,224    8.09 

 

   December 31, 2014   Weighted 
   Gross       Net   Average 
   Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying   Remaining Life 
(in thousands)  Amount   Amortization   Amount   (Years) 
Amortizing intangible assets:                    
Core deposit intangible  $1,566   $175   $1,391    8.59 

 

During 2014, we acquired additional core deposit intangible totaling $513 thousand for the Havre de Grace branch acquisition, and $677 thousand for the NBRS Acquisition.

 

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Estimated future amortization expense for amortizing intangibles within the years ending December 31, are as follows:

 

(in thousands)    
2015  $146 
2016   241 
2017   187 
2018   149 
2019   122 
Thereafter   379 
Total amortizing intangible assets  $1,224 

 

Note 6: Deposits

 

The following table details the composition of deposits and the related percentage mix of total deposits, respectively:

 

(dollars in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
       % of       % of 
   Amount   Total   Amount   Total 
Noninterest-bearing demand  $148,928    26%  $142,727    26%
Interest-bearing checking   38,124    7    49,988    9 
Money market accounts   142,657    25    140,426    25 
Savings   35,649    6    31,354    6 
Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over   142,306    24    108,904    19 
Certificates of deposit under $100,000   68,052    12    80,640    15 
Total deposits  $575,716    100%  $554,039    100%

 

Note 7: Stock Options and Other Equity Awards

 

The Company’s equity incentive plan provides for awards of nonqualified and incentive stock options as well as vested and non-vested common stock awards. Employee stock options can be granted with exercise prices at the fair market value (as defined within the plan) of the stock at the date of grant and with terms of up to ten years. Except as otherwise permitted in the plan, upon termination of employment for reasons other than retirement, permanent disability or death, the option exercise period is reduced or the options are canceled.

 

Stock awards may also be granted to non-employee members of the Board of Directors as compensation for attendance and participation at meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the various committees of the Board. For the six months ended June 30, 2015 directors were issued 3,861 shares of stock as compensation for their service.

 

Stock Options

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the periods ended:

 

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
       Weighted       Weighted 
       Average       Average 
       Exercise       Exercise 
   Shares   Price   Shares   Price 
Balance at January 1,   264,652   $11.75    387,101   $11.19 
Granted   -    -    -    - 
Exercised   (21,465)   10.11    (4,139)   8.79 
Forfeited   (19,911)   10.94    (118,310)   10.02 
Balance at period end   223,276   $11.98    264,652   $11.75 
Exercisable at period end   223,276   $11.98    264,652   $11.75 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the year       $-        $- 

 

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount that the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. Based upon a fair market value of $13.99 at June 30, 2015 the options outstanding had an aggregate intrinsic value of $448 thousand. At December 31, 2014, based upon fair market value of $11.40, the options outstanding had an aggregate intrinsic value of $175 thousand.

 

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Restricted Stock

In the second quarter of 2013, 50,000 shares of restricted stock were granted, with 30,000 of the shares subject to a three year vesting schedule with one-third of the shares vesting each year on the grant date anniversary. The remaining 20,000 awarded shares also are subject to a three year vesting schedule, however they only vest if certain annual performance measures are satisfactorily achieved.

 

A summary of the activity for the Company’s restricted stock for the periods indicated is presented in the following table:

 

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
       Weighted       Weighted 
       Average       Average 
       Grant Date       Grant Date 
   Shares   Fair Value   Shares   Fair Value 
Balance at January 1,   33,330   $6.89    50,000   $6.89 
Granted   -    -    -    - 
Vested   (16,670)   6.89    (10,002)   6.91 
Forfeited   -    -    (6,668)   6.85 
Balance at period end   16,660   $6.89    33,330   $6.89 

 

At June 30, 2015, based on restricted stock awards outstanding at that time, the total unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards was $86 thousand. This expense is expected to be recognized through 2016. 

 

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units (RSUs) are similar to restricted stock, except the recipient does not receive the stock immediately, but instead receives it according to a vesting plan and distribution schedule after achieving required performance milestones or upon remaining with the employer for a particular length of time. Each restricted stock unit that vests entitles the recipient to receive one share of common stock on a specified issuance date. The recipient does not have any stockholder rights, including voting, dividend or liquidation rights, with respect to the shares underlying awarded restricted stock units until the recipient becomes the record holder of those shares.

 

In 2014, 44,500 restricted stock units were granted, with 19,500 of the units subject to a three year vesting schedule with one-third of the units vesting each year on the grant date anniversary. The remaining 25,000 awarded units also are subject to a three year vesting schedule; however, they only vest if certain annual performance measures are satisfactorily achieved. In the first half of 2015, 50,000 restricted stock units were granted, with 20,000 of the units subject to a three year vesting schedule with one-third of the units vesting each year on the grant date anniversary. The remaining 30,000 awarded units also are subject to a three year vesting schedule; however, they only vest if certain annual performance measures are satisfactorily achieved.

 

The following table presents a summary of the activity for the Company’s restricted stock units for the periods ended:

 

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
       Weighted       Weighted 
       Average       Average 
       Grant Date       Grant Date 
   Shares   Fair Value   Shares   Fair Value 
Balance at January 1,   44,500   $11.21    -   $- 
Granted   50,000    14.00    44,500    11.21 
Vested   (14,002)   11.30    -    - 
Forfeited   -    -    -    - 
Balance at period ended   80,498   $12.98    44,500   $11.21 

 

At June 30, 2015, based on RSU awards outstanding at that time, the total unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense related to unvested RSU awards was $935 thousand. This expense is expected to be recognized through 2018. 

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense:   Stock-based compensation is recognized as compensation cost in the statement of operations based on the fair values on the measurement date, which, for the Company, is the date of the grant. The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units of $198 thousand as well as $49 thousand for director compensation paid in stock for the period ended June 30, 2015.

 

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Valuation of Stock-Based Compensation:   The fair value of the Company’s stock options granted as compensation is estimated on the measurement date, which, for the Company, is the date of grant. The fair value of stock options was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. There were no stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2015 or in 2014.

 

Note 8: Benefit Plans

 

Profit Sharing Plan

The Company sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan through a Section 401(k) profit sharing plan. Employees may contribute up to 15% of their pretax compensation. Participants are eligible for matching Company contributions up to 4% of eligible compensation dependent on the level of voluntary contributions. The Company’s matching contributions increased to $258 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $119 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as a result of a large increase in the number of participants in the plan during the 12 months ended June 30, 2015. The Company’s matching contributions vest immediately.

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)

In 2014, the Bank created a SERP for the Chief Executive Officer. Under the defined benefit SERP, Ms. Scully will receive $100,000 each year for 15 years after attainment of the Normal Retirement Age (as defined in the SERP). Ms. Scully will earn vesting on a graduated schedule in which she will become fully vested on August 25, 2019, which has been established for purposes of the SERP as her retirement date. Expense related to this plan totaled $45 thousand for the six month period ending June 30, 2015.

 

Note 9: Income per Common Share

 

The table below shows the presentation of basic and diluted income per common share for the periods indicated:

 

   Six months ended   Three months ended 
   June 30,   June 30, 
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)  2015   2014   2015   2014 
Net income  $1,440   $1,003   $791   $737 
Preferred stock dividends   (63)   (63)   (31)   (32)
Net income available to common shareholders (numerator)  $1,377   $940   $760   $705 
BASIC                    
Basic average common shares outstanding (denominator)   4,478,972    4,051,388    4,841,538    4,056,174 
Basic income  per common share  $0.31   $0.23   $0.16   $0.17 
DILUTED                    
Average common shares outstanding   4,478,972    4,051,388    4,841,538    4,056,174 
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents   114,420    57,500    118,919    66,722 
Diluted average common shares outstanding (denominator)   4,593,392    4,108,888    4,960,457    4,122,896 
Diluted income per common share  $0.30   $0.23   $0.15   $0.17 
                     
Common stock equivalents outstanding that are anti-dilutive and thus excluded from calculation of diluted number of shares presented above   77,690    474,971    77,690    474,971 

 

Note 10: Risk-Based Capital

 

In July 2013, the FDIC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”) and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule, which became effective on January 1, 2015, creates a new common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increases the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio (from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets), imposes a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%, and changes the risk-weight of certain assets to better reflect credit risk and other risk exposures. These include, among other things, a 150% risk weight for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans and for non-residential mortgage loans that are 90 days past due or otherwise in non-accrual status, and a 20% credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable. The final rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital unless Howard Bank elects to opt-out from this treatment. Howard Bank has elected to permanently opt out of this treatment in our capital calculations, as permitted by the final rule.

 

22
 

 

The final rule will limit Bancorp’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if Bancorp does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 and ending January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective.

 

In addition, under revised prompt corrective action requirements effective January 1, 2015, in order to be considered “well-capitalized,” Bancorp and the Bank must have CET 1 ratios of 6.5%, Tier 1 ratios of 8.0%, total risk-based capital ratios of 10.0% and leverage ratios of 5.0%.

 

Management believes that, as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Bancorp and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

 

                   To be well 
                   capitalized under 
                   the FDICIA 
           For capital   prompt corrective 
   Actual   adequacy purposes   action provisions 
(dollars in thousands)  Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
As of June 30, 2015:                              
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Howard Bank  $74,516    11.68%  $51,045    8.00%  $63,806    10.00%
Howard Bancorp  $88,284    13.82%  $51,111    8.00%   N/A      
Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Howard Bank  $70,317    11.02%  $28,713    4.50%  $41,474    6.50%
Howard Bancorp  $84,085    13.16%  $28,750    4.50%   N/A      
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Howard Bank  $70,317    11.02%  $38,284    6.00%  $51,045    8.00%
Howard Bancorp  $84,085    13.16%  $38,333    6.00%   N/A      
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)                              
(Leverage ratio)                              
Howard Bank  $70,317    9.95%  $28,265    4.00%  $35,332    5.00%
Howard Bancorp  $84,085    11.90%  $28,270    4.00%   N/A      
As of December 31, 2014:                              
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Howard Bank  $61,393    10.69%  $45,932    8.00%  $57,415    10.00%
Howard Bancorp  $61,811    10.73%  $46,067    8.00%   N/A      
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Howard Bank  $57,791    10.07%  $22,966    4.00%  $34,449    6.00%
Howard Bancorp  $58,208    10.11%  $23,033    4.00%   N/A      
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)                              
(Leverage ratio)                              
Howard Bank  $57,791    8.54%  $27,073    4.00%  $33,842    5.00%
Howard Bancorp  $58,208    8.60%  $27,072    4.00%   N/A      

 

Note 11: Preferred Stock

 

On September 22, 2011, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury, pursuant to which Bancorp issued and sold to the Treasury 12,562 shares of our Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series AA, having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $12,562,000. The issuance was pursuant to the Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The Series AA Preferred Stock holders are entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends payable quarterly on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 2011. The dividend rate, which is calculated on the aggregate Liquidation Amount, had been initially set at 5% per annum based upon the current level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” (“QSBL”) by the Bank and is currently set at 1%. The dividend rate for future dividend periods will be set based upon the percentage change in qualified lending between each dividend period and the baseline QSBL level established at the time the Agreement was entered into. Such dividend rate may vary from 1% per annum to 5% per annum for the second through tenth dividend periods and from 1% per annum to 7% per annum for the eleventh through the eighteenth dividend periods and through March 22, 2016 with respect to the nineteenth dividend period. If the Series AA Preferred Stock remains outstanding for more than four-and-one-half years, the dividend rate will be fixed at 9%. Prior to that time, in general, the dividend rate decreases as the level of the Bank’s QSBL increases. Such dividends are not cumulative, but Bancorp may only declare and pay dividends on its common stock (or any other equity securities junior to the Series AA Preferred Stock) if it has declared and paid dividends for the current dividend period on the Series AA Preferred Stock, and will be subject to other restrictions on its ability to repurchase or redeem other securities. In addition, if (i) we have not timely declared and paid dividends on the Series AA Preferred Stock for six dividend periods or more, whether or not consecutive, the Treasury (or any successor holder of Series AA Preferred Stock) may designate a representative to attend all meetings of Bancorp’s Board of Directors in a nonvoting observer capacity and Bancorp must give such representative copies of all notices, minutes, consents and other materials that Bancorp provide to its directors in connection with such meetings.

 

23
 

  

We may redeem the shares of Series AA Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to the sum of the Liquidation Amount per share and the per-share amount of any unpaid dividends for the then-current period, subject to any required prior approval by our primary federal banking regulator.

 

Note 12: Fair Value

 

FASB ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. FASB ASC Topic 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available for sale, loans held for sale and interest rate lock commitments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for investment and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

 

Under FASB ASC Topic 820, the Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine the fair value. These hierarchy levels are:

 

Level 1: Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2: Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities which use observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in active markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

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

 

A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

All classes of investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value using reliable an unbiased evaluations by an industry wide valuation service and therefor fall into a Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The service uses evaluated pricing models that vary based on asset class and include available trade, bid and other market information. Various methodologies include broker quotes, propriety models, descriptive terms and conditions databases, and quality control programs.

 

Fair value of loans held for sale is based upon outstanding investor commitments or, in the absence of such commitments, based on current investor yield requirements or third party pricing models and are considered Level 2. Gains and losses on loan sales are determined using specific identification methods. Changes in fair value are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as part of realized and unrealized gain on mortgage banking activities.

 

Interest rate lock commitments are recorded at fair value determined as the amount that would be required to settle each of these derivatives at the balance sheet date. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contractual interest rate lock commitments to extend credit to borrowers with fixed expiration dates. The commitment becomes effective when the borrower locks in a specified interest rate within the time frames established by the mortgage division. All borrowers are evaluated for credit worthiness prior to the extension of a commitment. Market risk arises if interest rates move adversely between the time the interest rate is locked by the borrower and the sale date of the loan to an investor. To mitigate this interest rate risk inherent in providing rate lock commitments to borrowers, the Company enters into best effort forward sales contracts to sell loans to investors. The forward sales contracts lock in an interest rate price for the sale of loans similar to the specific rate lock commitment. Rate lock commitments to the borrowers through to the date the loan closes are undesignated derivatives and accordingly, are marked to fair value in earnings. These valuations fall into a Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements

Level 3 is for positions that are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. In the absence of such evidence, management's best estimate is used.

 

Impaired loans are evaluated and valued at the time the loan is identified as impaired, at the lower of cost or market value. Market value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans and is classified at a Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable. The value of real estate collateral is determined based on appraisal by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company. The value of business equipment, inventory and accounts receivable collateral is based on the net book value on the business' financial statements and, if necessary, discounted based on management's review and analysis. Appraised and reported values may be discounted based on management's historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management's expertise and knowledge of the client and client's business. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.

 

Other real estate owned acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value, less selling costs. Any write-downs to fair value at the time of transfer to OREO are charged to the allowance for credit losses subsequent to foreclosure. Values are derived from appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis. There were no valuation losses recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.

 

The following table sets forth the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014:

 

June 30, 2015      Quoted Price in   Significant     
       Active Markets   Other   Significant 
   Carrying   for Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Value   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(in thousands)  (Fair Value)   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Investment securities:                    
U.S. Goverment agencies  $32,010   $-   $32,010   $- 
U.S. Goverment treasuries   2,000    -    2,000    - 
Mortgage-backed securities   70    -    70    - 
Mutual funds   501    -    501    - 
Loans held for sale   65,759    -    65,759    - 
Rate lock commitments   551    -    551    - 

 

December 31, 2014      Quoted Price in   Significant     
       Active Markets   Other   Significant 
   Carrying   for Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Value   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(in thousands)  (Fair Value)   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Investment securities:                    
U.S. Goverment agencies  $36,981   $-   $36,981   $- 
U.S. Goverment treasuries   3,997    -    3,997    - 
Mortgage-backed securities   101    -    101    - 
Loans held for sale   42,881    -    42,881    - 
Rate lock commitments   342    -    342    - 

 

Assets under fair value option:

 

June 30, 2015  Carrying   Aggregate     
   Fair Value   Unpaid     
(in thousands)  Amount   Principal   Difference 
Loans held for sale  $65,759   $64,007   $1,752 

 

December 31, 2014  Carrying   Aggregate     
   Fair Value   Unpaid     
(in thousands)  Amount   Principal   Difference 
Loans held for sale  $42,881   $41,668   $1,213 

 

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There were no loans held for sale that were non-accrual or 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest at the end of either period presented. Net gain from the changes included in earnings in fair value of loans held for sale was $539 thousand and $1.2 million during the periods ended June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

 

The following table sets forth the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. OREO is carried at fair value less anticipated costs to sell. Impaired loans are measured using the fair value of collateral, if applicable.

 

June 30, 2015      Quoted Price in   Significant     
       Active Markets   Other   Significant 
   Carrying   for Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Value   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(in thousands)  (Fair Value)   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Other real estate owned  $2,480   $-   $-   $2,480 
Impaired loans:                    
Construction and land   831    -    -    831 
Residential - first lien   802    -    -    802 
Residential - junior lien   124    -    -    124 
Commercial - owner occupied   -    -    -    - 
Commercial - non-owner occupied   2,684    -    -    2,684 
Commercial loans and leases   2,913    -    -    2,913 
Consumer   -    -    -    - 

 

December 31, 2014      Quoted Price in   Significant     
       Active Markets   Other   Significant 
   Carrying   for Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Value   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(in thousands)  (Fair Value)   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Other real estate owned  $2,472   $-   $-   $2,472 
Impaired loans:                    
Construction and land   1,084    -    -    1,084 
Residential - first lien   719    -    -    719 
Residential - junior lien   27    -    -    27 
Commercial - owner occupied   -    -    -    - 
Commercial - non-owner occupied   2,700    -    -    2,700 
Commercial loans and leases   1,940    -    -    1,940 
Consumer   92    -    -    92 

 

At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, OREO consisted of the outstanding balance of $4.6 million, less valuation allowance of $2.1 million. Impaired loans had a recorded investment of $8.0 million and $7.2 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Related allowance on impaired loans both periods ended June 30, 2015 and year ended December 31, 2014 was $0.6 million.

 

Various techniques are used to valuate OREO and impaired loans.  All loans for which the underlying collateral is real estate, either construction, land, commercial, or residential, an independent appraisal is used to identify the value of the collateral.  The approaches within the appraisal report include sales comparison, income, and replacement cost analysis.  The resulting value will be adjusted by a selling cost of 9.5% and the residual value will be used to determine if there is an impairment. Commercial loans and leases and consumer utilize a liquidation approach to the impairment analysis

 

The following table presents required information in accordance with ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments” at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair value estimates are based on quoted market prices where available or calculated using present value techniques. Since quoted market prices are not available on many of our financial instruments, estimates may be based on the present value of estimated future cash flows and estimated discount rates. These financial assets and liabilities have not been recorded at fair value.

 

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The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments where it is practical to estimate fair value:

 

Securities available-for-sale: Based on quoted market prices. If quoted market price is not available fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

 

Nonmarketable equity securities: Because these securities are not marketable, the carrying amount approximates the fair value.

 

Loans held for sale: Loans held for sale are carried at fair value. Based on outstanding investor commitments or, in absence of such commitments, based on current investor yield requirements on third party models.

 

Derivative financial instruments: Based on estimate loan closing and investor delivery rate based on historical experience.

 

Loans: For variable rate loans the carrying amount approximates the fair value. For fixed rate loans the fair value is calculated by discounting estimated cash flows using current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The estimated cash flows do not anticipate prepayments.

 

Deposits: The carrying amount of non-maturity deposits such as demand deposits, money market and saving deposits approximates the fair value. The fair value of deposits with predetermined maturity dates such as certificate of deposits is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current rates of similar deposits with similar remaining maturities.

 

Short-term borrowing: Variable rate repurchase agreements carrying amounts approximate the fair values at the reporting date.

 

Long-term borrowing: Because the borrowing is a variable rate instrument, the carrying amount approximates the fair value.

 

Management has made estimates of fair value discount rates that it believes to be reasonable. However, because there is no market for many of these financial instruments, management has no basis to determine whether the fair value presented for loans would be indicative of the value negotiated in an actual sale.

 

   June 30, 2015 
           Quoted Price in   Significant     
           Active Markets   Other   Significant 
           for Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Carrying   Fair   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(in thousands)  Amount   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial Assets                         
Investment securities  $34,581   $34,581   $-   $34,581   $- 
Nonmarketable equity securities   3,385    3,385    -    3,385    - 
Loans held for sale   65,759    65,759    -    65,759    - 
Rate lock commitments   551    551    -    551    - 
Loans and leases   578,503    578,659    -    -    578,659 
Financial Liabilities                         
Deposits   575,716    576,246    -    -    576,246 
Short-term borrowings   52,025    52,025    -    52,025    - 
Long-term borrowings   27,500    27,556    -    27,556    - 

 

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   December 31, 2014 
           Quoted Price in   Significant     
           Active Markets   Other   Significant 
           for Identical   Observable   Unobservable 
   Carrying   Fair   Assets   Inputs   Inputs 
(in thousands)  Amount   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial Assets                         
Investment securities  $41,079   $41,079   $-   $41,079   $- 
Nonmarketable equity securities   2,571    2,571    -    2,571    - 
Loans held for sale   42,881    42,881    -    42,881    - 
Rate lock commitments   342    342    -    342    - 
Loans and leases   549,315    547,825    -    -    547,825 
Financial Liabilities                         
Deposits   554,039    554,660    -    -    554,660 
Short-term borrowings   48,628    48,628    -    48,628    - 
Long-term borrowings   19,000    19,055    -    19,055    - 

 

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

 

This section is intended to help our stockholders and potential investors understand our financial performance through a discussion of the factors affecting our consolidated financial condition at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and our consolidated results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Overview

 

Howard Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Howard Bank. Howard Bank is a trust company chartered under Subtitle 2 of Title 3 of the Financial Institutions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Bank was formed in March 2004 and commenced banking operations on August 9, 2004. Howard Bank does not exercise trust powers, and our regulatory structure is the same as a Maryland-chartered commercial bank. As such, our business has consisted primarily of originating both commercial and real estate loans secured by property in our market area. Typically, commercial real estate and business loans involve a higher degree of risk and carry a higher yield than one-to four-family residential loans. Although we plan to continue to focus on commercial customers, we intend to increase our originations of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans going forward, increasing our portfolio of mortgage lending and also selling select loans into the secondary markets.

 

We are headquartered in Ellicott City, Maryland and we consider our primary market area to be The Greater Baltimore Metropolitan Area. We engage in a general commercial banking business, making various types of loans and accepting deposits. We market our financial services to small to medium sized businesses and their owners, professionals and executives, and high-net-worth individuals. Our loans are primarily funded by core deposits of customers in our market.

 

Our core business strategy is to deliver superior customer service that is supported by an extremely high level of banking sophistication. Our specialized community banking focus on both local markets and small business related market segments is combined with a broad array of products, new technology and seasoned banking professionals which positions the Bank differently than most competitors. Our experienced executives establish a relationship with each client and bring value to all phases of a client’s business and personal banking needs.

 

Our results of operations depend mainly on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income we earn on our loan and investment portfolios and the interest expense we pay on deposits and borrowings. Results of operations are also affected by provisions for credit losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense. Our noninterest expense consists primarily of compensation and employee benefits, as well as office occupancy, deposit insurance and general administrative and data processing expenses. Our operations are significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly with respect to changes in interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities. Future changes in applicable laws, regulations or government policies may materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

In August 2014 Howard Bank purchased from NBRS Financial Bank its branch located at 800 Revolution Street, Havre de Grace, Maryland. Pursuant to the branch purchase, Howard Bank acquired $16.1 million in loans and $18.7 million in deposits. In connection with its purchase of the branch, Howard Bank made a net cash payment of $2.4 million, including a premium of approximately $384,000. This transaction was recorded as an asset acquisition rather than as a business combination.

 

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In October 2014 Howard Bank acquired the assets and deposits of a failed institution from the FDIC with branch locations in Harford and Cecil Counties in Maryland and Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. This added $135.6 million in assets and generated a bargain purchase gain of $16.1 million before tax and expanded our geographic reach.

 

On March 2, 2015, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Patapsco Bancorp, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Patapsco”). The merger agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Patapsco will merge with and into Bancorp, with Bancorp continuing as the surviving entity. Immediately following the consummation of the merger, The Patapsco Bank, a Maryland-state chartered commercial bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Patapsco (“Patapsco Bank”), will merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank continuing as the surviving entity. Consummation of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions. Required stockholder and regulatory approvals have been obtained, and we currently expect to close this merger on August 28, 2015.

 

On June 2, 2015, Bancorp sold 2,173,913 shares of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a purchase price of $11.50 per share or an aggregate of $24,999,999.50, to certain institutional accredited investors pursuant to investment agreements between the Company and such institutional investors dated as of March 2, 2015, in a private placement offering.

 

Total assets increased by over $55.5 million or 8.02% when comparing June 30, 2015 assets of $746.9 million to the $691.4 million at December 31, 2014. Total loans outstanding of $582.7 million at the end of June 2015 showed an increase of $29.8 million or 5.4% compared to total loans of $552.9 million on December 31, 2014. Total deposits grew by $21.7 million or 3.9% when comparing June 30, 2015 to December 31, 2014.

 

The first half of 2015 net income was $1.4 million, which represents an increase of $ 437 thousand or 43.6% over net income for the first half of 2014. Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $13.6 million versus $9.3 million for the first six months of 2014, an increase of approximately $4.3 million or 46.6%. Total noninterest income was $5.8 million for the first half of 2015, compared to a total of $2.7 million for the same period in 2014. Total noninterest expenses increased to $16.3 million from $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our accounting and financial reporting policies conform to GAAP and general practice within the banking industry. Accordingly, preparation of the financial statements require management to exercise significant judgment or discretion or make significant assumptions and estimates based on the information available that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the periods presented. In reviewing and understanding financial information for us, you are encouraged to read and understand the significant accounting policies used in preparing our financial statements. The accounting policies we view as critical are those relating to the allowance for credit losses, income taxes and share based compensation.

 

The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses charged against income. Loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance. The allowance is an amount that represents the amount of probable and reasonably estimable known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio, based on evaluations of the collectability of loans. The evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the types and amount of loans in the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, estimated losses relating to specifically identified loans, and current economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates including, among others, exposure at default, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impacted loans, value of collateral, estimated losses on our loan portfolios as well as consideration of general loss experience. Based on our estimate of the level of allowance for credit losses required, we record a provision for credit losses to maintain the allowance for credit losses at an appropriate level.

 

We cannot predict with certainty the amount of loan charge-offs that we will incur. We do not currently determine a range of loss with respect to the allowance for credit losses. In addition, our regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review our allowance for credit losses. Such agencies may require that we recognize additions to the allowance for credit losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from management’s estimates, additional provisions to the allowance for credit losses may be required that would adversely impact earnings in future periods.

 

We account for income taxes under the asset/liability method. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. We recognize the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates in income in the period indicated by the enactment date. We establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when, in the judgment of management, it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will not become realizable. The judgment about the level of future taxable income is dependent to a great extent on matters that may, at least in part, be beyond our control. It is at least reasonably possible that management’s judgment about the need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets could change in the near term.

 

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We follow the provisions of ASC Topic 718 "Compensation," which requires the expense recognition over a service period for the fair value of share based compensation awards, such as stock options, restricted stock, and performance based shares. This standard allows management to establish modeling assumptions as to expected stock price volatility, option terms, forfeiture rates and dividend rates which directly impact estimated fair value. The accounting standard also allows for the use of alternative option pricing models which may impact fair value as determined. Our practice is to utilize reasonable and supportable assumptions which are reviewed with the appropriate Board committee.

 

Balance Sheet Analysis and Comparison of Financial Condition

 

A comparison between June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 balance sheets is presented below.

 

Assets / Liabilities

 

Total assets increased $55.5 million, or 8.0%, to $746.9 million at June 30, 2015 compared to $691.4 million at December 31, 2014. This asset growth was primarily due to growth of $29.8 million in total loans, a $22.9 million increase in loans held for sale, and a $4.5 million increase in cash and cash equivalents partially offset by a $6.5 million decrease in investment securities. The increase in loans held for sale is attributable to the Bank’s continuing expansion of the mortgage banking division, while the loan portfolio growth was a result of our ongoing focus on organic growth. The asset growth was funded primarily from increases in customer deposits and increased borrowings. Deposits increased from $554.0 million at December 31, 2014 to $575.7 million at June 30, 2015, an increase of $21.7 million or 3.9%. Borrowing levels increased from $67.6 million at December 31, 2014 to $79.5 million at June 30, 2015.

 

Securities Available for Sale

 

We have traditionally held U.S. agency securities, treasury securities and mortgage backed securities in our securities portfolio, all of which are considered as available for sale. Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, we have added a small investment in a mutual fund as a supplement to our community reinvestment program activities. We use our securities portfolio to provide the required collateral for funding via commercial customer repurchase agreements as well as to provide sufficient liquidity to fund our loans and provide funds for withdrawals of deposited funds. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 we held an investment in stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) of $3.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively. This investment, which is required for continued membership, is based partially upon the dollar amount of borrowings outstanding from the FHLB. These investments are carried at cost. We have never held stock in Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

 

The following tables set forth the composition of our investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

(in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
   Amortized   Estimated   Amortized   Estimated 
   Cost   Fair Value   Cost   Fair Value 
U.S. Government                    
Agencies  $32,000   $32,010   $37,010   $36,981 
Treasuries   2,000    2,000    4,000    3,997 
Mortgage-backed   67    70    95    101 
Mutual funds   500    501    -    - 
   $34,567   $34,581   $41,105   $41,079 

 

We had securities available for sale of $34.6 million and $41.1 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, which were recorded at fair value. This represents a decrease of $6.5 million, or 15.8%, from the prior year end. The decrease in our securities portfolio resulted from scheduled maturities, and the funds received were used to supplement our deposit growth and fund the growth in both portfolio loans and loans held for sale, while maintaining an appropriate amount of securities to collateralize our repurchase agreements at June 30, 2015. We did not record any gains or losses on the sales or calls of securities for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Because of the composition of the securities portfolio acquired in the NBRS acquisition, management deemed it prudent for interest rate risk management purposes to liquidate the entire acquired portfolio. Thus, in the fourth quarter of 2014, the Bank both acquired and sold nearly $31.7 million in securities, which resulted in a net loss on the sale of the securities of $228 thousand.

 

With respect to our portfolio of securities available for sale, the portfolio contained 5 securities with unrealized losses of $5 thousand and 14 securities with unrealized losses of $32 thousand at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Changes in the fair value of these securities resulted primarily from interest rate fluctuations. We do not intend to sell these securities nor is it more likely than not that we would be required to sell these securities before their anticipated recovery, and we believe the collection of the investment and related interest is probable. Based on this analysis, we consider all of the unrealized losses to be temporary in nature.

 

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Loan and Lease Portfolio

 

Total loans and leases increased by $29.8 million or 5.4%, to $582.7 million at June 30, 2015 from $552.9 million at December 31, 2014. At June 30, 2015, total loans were 78.2% of total assets, compared to 80.0% of total assets at December 31, 2014. As the economy in our market area has started to improve so has demand for certain types of credit, especially commercial real estate, commercial and construction loans. Growth of residential mortgages during 2015 is reflective of our mortgage banking activities.

 

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan and lease portfolio at the dates indicated. In addition, we had loans held for sale of $65.8 million at June 30, 2015, and $42.9 million at December 31, 2014.

 

(dollars in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
Real Estate                    
Construction and land  $66,741    11.5%  $64,158    11.6%
Residential - first lien   91,165    15.6    88,293    16.0 
Residential - junior lien   22,283    3.8    19,301    3.5 
Total residential real estate   113,448    19.5    107,594    19.5 
Commercial - owner occupied   116,070    19.9    112,826    20.4 
Commercial - non-owner occupied   140,250    24.1    123,958    22.4 
Total commercial real estate   256,320    44.0    236,784    42.8 
Total real estate loans   436,509    74.9    408,536    73.9 
Commercial loans and leases   142,183    24.4    139,669    25.2 
Consumer loans   4,010    0.7    4,712    0.9 
Total loans and leases  $582,702    100.0%  $552,917    100.0%

 

Deposits

 

Our deposits increased from $554.0 million at December 31, 2014 to $575.7 million at June 30, 2015, an increase of $21.7 million or 3.9%. The increase resulted primarily from increases of $20.8 million or 11.0% in certificates of deposit. As represented in the table below, we experienced smaller increases in both money market and saving accounts in the first half of 2015. Transaction accounts are made up of non-interest and interest bearing deposits. While these noninterest-bearing deposits increased 4.3%, interest-bearing checking decreased 23.7% from year-end 2014 levels.

 

The following tables set forth the distribution of total deposits, by account type, at the dates indicated

 

(dollars in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
       % of       % of 
   Amount   Total   Amount   Total 
Noninterest-bearing demand  $148,928    26%  $142,727    26%
Interest-bearing checking   38,124    7    49,988    9 
Money market accounts   142,657    25    140,426    25 
Savings   35,649    6    31,354    6 
Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over   142,306    24    108,904    19 
Certificates of deposit under $100,000   68,052    12    80,640    15 
Total deposits  $575,716    100%  $554,039    100%

 

Borrowings

 

Customer deposits remain the primary source utilized to meet funding needs. Borrowings consist of overnight unsecured master notes, overnight securities sold under agreement to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) and FHLB advances. Our borrowings totaled $79.5 million at June 30, 2015 and $67.6 million at December 31, 2014. Short-term borrowings totaled $52.0 million at June 30, 2015 and $48.6 million at December 31, 2014. We had seven long-term FHLB advances outstanding totaling $27.5 million at June 30, 2015 compared to seven FHLB advances outstanding totaling $19.0 million at December 31, 2014.

 

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Shareholders’ Equity

 

Total shareholders’ equity increased by $25.0 million, or 41.9%, from $59.6 million at December 31, 2014 to $84.6 million at June 30, 2015. The increase in shareholders’ equity is primarily the result of the proceeds from the private placement discussed above.

 

Total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2015 represents a capital to asset ratio of 11.3%, while the total shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2014 represents a capital to asset ratio of 8.6%. All of our regulatory capital ratios have increased and continue to significantly exceed those levels that position us as a well-capitalized bank.

 

Average Balance and Yields

 

The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, and have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.

 

   For the six months ended June 30, 
   2015   2014 
   Average   Income   Yield   Average   Income   Yield 
(dollars in thousands)  Balance   / Expense   / Rate   Balance   / Expense   / Rate 
Earning assets                              
Loans and leases: 1                              
Commercial loans and leases  $135,957   $3,360    4.98%  $98,433   $2,448    5.02%
Commercial real estate   250,208    6,506    5.24    202,984    4,888    4.86 
Construction and land   62,148    1,458    4.73    55,146    1,462    5.34 
Residential real estate   111,031    2,578    4.68    54,487    1,170    4.33 
Consumer   4,233    124    5.93    1,017    29    5.80 
Total loans and leases   563,577    14,026    5.02    412,067    9,997    4.89 
Loans held for sale 2   41,643    746    3.61    15,245    265    3.51 
Federal funds sold   21,948    27    0.25    20,908    21    0.20 
Securities: 2                              
U.S. Treasury   3,933    2    0.10    -    -      
U.S Gov agencies   28,880    51    0.36    21,086    11    0.11 
Mortgage-backed   86    2    4.46    150    3    4.54 
Other investments   2,964    56    3.81    2,386    43    3.60 
Total securities   35,863    111    0.62    23,622    57    0.49 
Total earning assets   663,031    14,910    4.53    471,842    10,340    4.42 
Cash and due from banks   6,890              5,311           
Bank premises and equipment, net   13,316              11,251           
Other assets   19,743              17,528           
Less: allowance for credit losses   (3,866)             (2,696)          
Total assets  $699,114             $503,236           
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Deposits:                              
Interest-bearing demand accounts  $43,986   $47    0.21%  $31,857   $40    0.25%
Money market   136,426    342    0.51    102,021    210    0.42 
Savings   33,781    24    0.14    12,659    15    0.24 
Time deposits   206,460    760    0.74    158,495    661    0.84 
Total interest-bearing deposits   420,653    1,173    0.56    305,032    926    0.61 
Short-term borrowings   44,281    55    0.25    36,602    56    0.31 
Long-term borrowings   19,157    116    1.22    18,972    101    1.08 
Total interest-bearing funds   484,091    1,344    0.56    360,606    1,083    0.61 
Noninterest-bearing deposits   144,583              92,870           
Other liabilities and accrued expenses   7,442              780           
Total liabilities   636,116              454,256           
Shareholders' equity   62,998              48,980           
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity  $699,114             $503,236           
Net interest rate spread 3       $13,566    3.98%       $9,257    3.81%
Effect of noninterest-bearing funds             0.15              0.14 
Net interest margin on earning assets 4             4.13%             3.96%

 

(1)Loan fee income is included in the interest income calculation, and non-accrual loans are included in the average loan base upon which the interest rate earned on loans is calculated.
(2)Available for sale securities and loans held for sale are presented at fair value.
(3)Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

 

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   For the three months ended June 30, 
   2015   2014 
   Average   Income   Yield   Average   Income   Yield 
(dollars in thousands)  Balance   / Expense   / Rate   Balance   / Expense   / Rate 
Earning assets                              
Loans and leases: 1                              
Commercial loans and leases  $140,448   $1,681    4.80%  $100,173   $1,274    5.10%
Commercial real estate   257,351    3,338    5.20    202,813    2,463    4.87 
Construction and land   61,556    733    4.78    58,240    786    5.42 
Residential real estate   110,319    1,228    4.46    58,638    630    4.31 
Consumer   4,126    65    6.29    1,058    15    5.84 
Total loans and leases   573,800    7,045    4.92    420,922    5,168    4.92 
Loans held for sale 2   41,931    369    3.53    22,733    195    3.44 
Federal funds sold   20,956    14    0.26    15,857    7    0.18 
Securities: 2                              
U.S. Treasury   3,868    2         -    -      
 U.S. Gov agencies   27,520    24    0.35    16,477    5    0.12 
Mortgage-backed   80    1    4.41    141    2    4.51 
Other investments   3,186    29    3.68    2,517    20    3.26 
Total securities   34,654    56    0.64    19,135    27    0.56 
Total earning assets   671,341    7,484    4.47    478,647    5,397    4.52 
Cash and due from banks   6,253              5,503           
Bank premises and equipment, net   14,494              11,438           
Other assets   19,250              17,368           
Less: allowance for credit losses   (4,049)             (2,804)          
Total assets  $707,289             $510,152           
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Deposits:                              
Interest-bearing demand accounts  $40,163   $23    0.23%  $32,277   $20    0.25%
Money market   135,975    169    0.50    104,289    116    0.45 
Savings   34,824    10    0.12    12,569    7    0.21 
Time deposits   212,484    394    0.74    161,914    342    0.85 
Total interest-bearing deposits   423,446    596    0.56    311,049    485    0.63 
Short-term borrowings   41,427    26    0.25    34,068    25    0.29 
Long-term borrowing   20,577    63    1.23    21,522    58    1.08 
Total interest-bearing funds   485,450    685    0.57    366,639    568    0.62 
Noninterest-bearing deposits   147,906              93,625           
Other liabilities and accrued expenses   6,663              740           
Total liabilities   640,019              461,004           
Shareholders' equity   67,270              49,148           
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity  $707,289             $510,152           
Net interest rate spread 3       $6,799    3.91%       $4,829    3.90%
Effect of noninterest-bearing funds             0.16              0.15 
Net interest margin on earning assets 4             4.06%             4.05%

 

 

(1)Loan fee income is included in the interest income calculation, and non-accrual loans are included in the average loan base upon which the interest rate earned on loans is calculated.
(2)Available for sale securities and loans held for sale are presented at fair value.
(3)Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

 

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Rate/Volume Analysis

 

The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The total column is further broken down to show the impact of changes in either rates or volumes. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately, based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.

 

   For the six months ended June 30,   For the three months ended June 30, 
   2015 vs. 2014   2015 vs. 2014 
   Due to variances in   Due to variances in 
(in thousands)  Total   Rates   Volumes 1   Total   Rates   Volumes 1 
Interest earned on:                              
Loans and leases:                              
Commercial loans and leases  $912   $(31)  $943   $407   $(301)  $708 
Commercial real estate   1,618    787    831    875    672    203 
Construction and land   (4)   (334)   330    (53)   (376)   323 
Residential real estate   1,408    192    1,216    598    90    508 
Consumer   95    2    93    50    6    44 
Loans held for sale   481    17    464    174    21    153 
Taxable securities   54    33    21    29    17    12 
Federal funds sold   6    9    (3)   7    13    (6)
Total interest income   4,570    675    3,895    2,087    142    1,945 
                               
Interest paid on:                              
Savings deposits   9    (12)   21    3    (12)   15 
Checking plus interest deposits   7    (13)   20    3    (6)   9 
Money market accounts   132    92    40    53    55    (2)
Time deposits   99    (156)   255    52    (167)   219 
Short-term borrowings   (1)   (21)   20    1    (15)   16 
Long-term borrowing   15    28    (13)   5    33    (28)
Total interest expense   261    (82)   343    117    (112)   229 
Net interest earned  $4,309   $757   $3,552   $1,970   $254   $1,716 

 

(1)Change attributed to mix (rate and volume) are included in volume variance

 

Comparison of Results of Operations

 

A comparison between the six months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014 is presented below.

 

General

 

Net income available to common shareholders increased $437 thousand, or 46.5%, to $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $0.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. This increase was primarily due to an increase in total revenues (net interest income plus non-interest income) of $7.4 million or 62.1%, led by a 46.6% growth in net interest income and 115.8% in noninterest income. Much of this revenue growth and the increased operating expenses are attributable to our continued strategic and organic growth initiatives. Non-interest expenses increased $6.4 million or 65.4% in the first half of 2015.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income increased $4.6 million, or 44.2%, to $14.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $10.3 million for the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to a $4.5 million or 44.0 % increase in interest income on loans and leases that includes $746 thousand in interest on mortgage loans held for sale. The increase in interest income on loans was due to a nearly $151.5 million or 36.8% increase in the average balance of the loan portfolio during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. An increase in the average yield of our loan and lease portfolio, which increased to 5.02% during the six months ended June 30, 2015 from 4.89% during the same period last year, also had a positive impact on interest income. Further, in addition to the growth in our portfolio of loans, the average balances of loans held for sale increased $26.4 million, which drove the increase in interest income on loans held for sale. Interest income from our securities portfolio increased $54 thousand or 94.7% as a result of a 13 basis point increase in the average yield on the securities in our portfolio and a 51.8% increase in their average balances.

 

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Interest Expense

 

Interest expense increased by $261 thousand, or 24.1%, to $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2014. Even though we were able to grow average interest bearing deposit sources of funds by $115.6 million or 37.9% for the first half of 2015 compared to the first half of 2014, total interest expense only rose 26.7% as the average rates paid on deposits decreased from 0.61% to 0.56% when comparing the two periods. We continue to see a shift in the composition of our deposits towards lower cost deposit products including noninterest-bearing deposits, the average balance of which grew $51.7 million when comparing the six months ended June 30, 2015 to the same period of the prior year. In addition to the growth of deposits, the average balance of borrowings increased 14.2% while interest expense on these funds increased 8.9%.

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income is our largest source of operating revenue. Net interest income is affected by various factors including changes in interest rates and the composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and maturities. Net interest income is determined by the interest rate spread (i.e., the difference between the yields earned on interest-earning assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities) and the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income increased $4.3 million, or 46.6%, during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014. As noted above, the increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in interest income of $4.6 million, reduced by an increase of $261 thousand in interest expense.

 

Provision for Credit Losses

 

We establish a provision for credit losses, which is a charge to earnings, in order to maintain the allowance for credit losses at a level we consider adequate to absorb credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the balance sheet date. In determining the level of the allowance for credit losses, management considers past and current loss experience, evaluations of real estate collateral, current economic conditions, volume and type of lending, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay a loan and the levels of nonperforming loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and actual losses may vary from such estimates as more information becomes available or economic conditions change. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as circumstances change or as more information becomes available. The allowance for credit losses is assessed on a quarterly basis and provisions are made for credit losses as required in order to maintain the allowance.

 

Based on management’s evaluation of the above factors, we had a provision for credit losses of $785 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $501 thousand for the same period in 2014, an increase of $284 thousand. The provision for 2015 reflects additional general provisions that are required given the continued growth in the size of our loan portfolio, as well as any specific provisions required on loans that are individually evaluated and deemed to be impaired.

 

Management analyzes the allowance for credit losses as described in the section entitled “Allowance for Credit Losses.” The provision that is recorded is sufficient, in management’s judgment, to bring the allowance for credit losses to a level that reflects the losses inherent in our loan portfolio relative to loan mix, economic conditions and historical loss experience. Management believes, to the best of its knowledge, that all known losses as of the balance sheet dates have been recorded. However, although management uses the best information available to make determinations with respect to the provisions for credit losses, additional provisions for credit losses may be required to be established in the future should economic or other conditions change substantially. In addition, as an integral part of their examination process, the Commissioner and the FDIC will periodically review the allowance for credit losses. The Commissioner and the FDIC may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on their analysis of information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income was $5.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, a $3.1 million increase. Almost all of this increase was generated from mortgage banking activities. Due to higher loan origination volumes, realized and unrealized gains from these activities increased from $1.5 million in the first half of 2014 to $3.5 million in the first half of 2015. Fees generated from mortgage banking, included in loan fee income (processing and underwriting) increased 171.3% for the first half of 2015 compared to the comparable prior year period, representing an increase of $721 thousand in revenues. Service charges on deposit accounts, which consist of account activity fees and other traditional banking fees, increased 31.4% to $403 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $307 thousand for the same period in 2014 due mostly to the growth in deposit balances and customers as well as the retail oriented deposit mix acquired with the 2014 NBRS transaction. Other operating income, which consists mainly of non-depository account fees such as wire, merchant card and ATM services, increased $218 thousand during the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 due to increases in these transactions.

 

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Noninterest Expenses

 

Noninterest expenses increased $6.4 million or 65.4%, to $16.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $9.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Approximately one-third of this increase was in compensation and benefits, which grew by $2.1 million or 37.4% when comparing the first six months of 2015 versus the same period in 2014. This increase resulted partially from the increase in the number of locations we operate as we expanded our markets further into Harford and Cecil Counties in Maryland, resulting from acquisitions in the second half of 2014. As we have grown our balance sheet and geographic footprint, we have also increased the infrastructure staffing to ensure appropriate support levels, risk oversight, information technology platforms, and human resource initiatives. Occupancy related costs increased by $823 thousand or 77.9%, primarily from the franchise growth previously discussed. We have altered the mix of owned versus leased locations to better manage this expense component and will continue to evaluate utilization and opportunities. Nearly $1.9 million of increased expenses resulted from marketing and business development ($587 thousand), loan production expenses which include filing, credit report and appraisal fees ($516 thousand), and other operating expenses ($752 thousand), which are directly related to the increases in our loans, deposits, mortgage banking activities, and their related increase in revenues. Two other categories of expenses, professional fees and data processing expense, were heavily impacted by our acquisition related activities. Professional fees, which include legal and accounting costs, increased from $571 thousand for the first six months of 2014 to $1.2 million for the same period in 2015. Of this $647 thousand increase, nearly $500 thousand was related to our pending merger with Patapsco. Data processing expenses increased from $314 thousand for the first six months of 2014 to $1.2 million for the same period in 2015. Included in this $852 thousand increase were approximately $600 thousand in data conversion related costs resulting from our integration of the records of NBRS into our own systems. Between these two categories, approximately $1.1 million in non-recurring and non-operational expenses were absorbed in the first half of 2015.

 

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders

 

Net income available to common shareholders during the six months ended June 30, 2015 increased $437 thousand or 46.5% to $1.4 million compared to $0.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net income available to common shareholders is attributable to the increase in revenues partially offset by the increase in non-interest expenses. Much of this revenue growth and the increased operating expenses are attributable to our continued growth initiatives. Earnings per common share for the first half of 2015 increased to $0.31 per share compared to $0.23 for the same period of 2014. The non-recurring expenses referred to above, net of tax, negatively impacted reported earnings per share by approximately $0.14 for the first six months of 2015. EPS was also negatively impacted in the first half of 2015 by a ten percent increase in the average number of shares outstanding compared to the same period in 2014, due to the previously-discussed private placement.

 

A comparison between the three months ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014 is presented below.

 

General

 

Net income available to common shareholders increased $55 thousand, or 7.7%, to $760 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $705 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2014. This resulted in earnings per common share of $0.16 for the second quarter 2015 compared to $0.17 in the same period of 2014.

 

Interest Income

 

Interest income increased $2.1 million, or 38.7%, to $7.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $5.4 million for the same period 2014. The increase was primarily due to a $2.0 million, or 38.3%, increase in interest income on loans. The increase in interest income on loans was due to a $152.9 million or 36.3% increase in the average balance of the loan portfolio compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. In addition to the portfolio loans, the $19.2 million increase in the average balance of loans held for sale quarter over quarter also contributed to the increase in interest and fees on loans. Further, the average balance of securities increased $15.5 million during the second quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year, resulting in increased income of $29 thousand quarter over quarter. Interest income on federal funds sold increased $7 thousand over the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of an eight basis point increase in the average yield and a $5.1 million increase in the average balance quarter over quarter.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense increased $117 thousand, or 20.7%, to $685 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to $568 thousand for the same period 2014, primarily as a result of increases in the average balance of both interest-bearing deposits and borrowings of $112.4 million and $6.4 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased to 0.56% during the three months ended June 30, 2015 from 0.63% during the same period of 2014, while the average rate on borrowings decreased to 0.56% during the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to 0.60% for the same period of 2014.

 

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Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income increased $2.0 million, or 40.8%, during the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. As noted above, we were able to increase interest income by 38.7% while only increasing interest expense by 20.7%, largely due to our successful growth in noninterest bearing deposits $54.3 million or 58.0% on average quarter over quarter.

 

Provision for Credit Losses

 

Based on management’s evaluation, we had a provision for credit losses of $535 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $325 thousand for the same period in 2014, an increase of $210 thousand. The provision for the second quarter of 2015 was primarily due to additional general provisions that were required given the continued growth in the size of our loan portfolio as well as a specific provisions required on loans that are individually evaluated and deemed to be impaired.

 

Noninterest Income

 

Noninterest income was $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, a $1.4 million or 67.0% increase. This increase was primarily due to the $807 thousand increase in income generated from the mortgage banking activities during the second quarter of 2015.

 

Noninterest Expenses

 

Noninterest expenses increased by $3.1 million or 57.8%, during the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014. As discussed above with respect to the six month period ended June 30, 2015, expanding regional markets and our mortgage banking platform were the greatest factors impacting the increase in noninterest expenses. Compensation and employee benefits increased $1.0 million or 35.5% quarter over quarter. Occupancy and equipment expenses increased $318 thousand or 54.3%, as a result of our increased locations as mentioned above. Marketing and business development increased $220 thousand and other noninterest expense increased $410 thousand for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to for the same period of 2014 both of which are directly related to the increases in our loans, deposits, mortgage banking activities, and their related increase in revenues. Professional costs increased $381 thousand, of which $353 thousand was related to our pending merger with Patapsco and data processing expenses increased $351 thousand, and included $297 thousand in data conversion costs resulting from our integration of the records of NBRS into our own systems.

 

Nonperforming and Problem Assets

 

Management performs reviews of all delinquent loans and our loan officers contact customers to attempt to resolve potential credit issues in a timely manner. When in the best interests of the Bank and the customer, we will do a troubled debt restructure with respect to a particular loan. When not possible, we are aggressively moving loans through the legal and foreclosure process within applicable legal constraints.

 

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when payment of principal or interest is 90 days or more past due and the value of the collateral securing the loan, if any, is less than the outstanding balance of the loan. Loans are also placed on non-accrual status if management has serious doubt about further collectability of principal or interest on the loan, even though the loan is currently performing. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reversed, and further income is recognized only to the extent received. The loan may be returned to accrual status if the loan is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

 

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The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our nonperforming assets, which consist of non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and OREO (which includes real estate acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure), at the dates indicated.

 

(in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
Non-accrual loans:          
Real estate loans:          
Construction and land  $1,144   $1,144 
Residential - First Lien   501    719 
Residential - Junior Lien   134    57 
Commercial   594    - 
Commercial and leases   2,241    2,015 
Consumer   -    92 
Total non-accrual loans   4,614    4,027 
Accruing troubled debt restructure loans:          
Real estate loans:          
Residential - First Lien   301    - 
Commercial   2,090    - 
Commercial and leases   -    226 
Total accruing troubled debt restructure loans   2,391    226 
Total non-performing loans   7,005    4,253 
Other real estate owned:          
Land   595    595 
Commercial   1,885    1,877 
Residential   -    - 
Total other real estate owned   2,480    2,472 
Total non-performing assets  $9,485   $6,725 
Ratios:          
Non-performing loans to total gross loans   1.20%   0.77%
Non-performing assets to total assets   1.27%   0.97%

 

Included in total non-accrual loans at June 30, 2015 is one trouble debt restructured loan totaling $594 thousand that was not performing in accordance with the modified terms, and the accrual of interest has ceased. There were two troubled debt restructured loans totaling $2.4 million currently performing subject to their modified terms. There were 13 loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest at June 30, 2015 - one land loan totaling $36 thousand, five commercial real estate credit totaling $772 thousand, three commercial loans totaling $884 thousand and four consumer loans totaling $181 thousand.

 

Under GAAP, we are required to account for certain loan modifications or restructurings as “troubled debt restructurings.” In general, the modification or restructuring of a debt constitutes a troubled debt restructuring if Howard Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession, such as a reduction in the effective interest rate, to the borrower that we would not otherwise consider. However, all debt restructurings or loan modifications for a borrower do not necessarily always constitute troubled debt restructurings.

 

Nonperforming assets amounted to $9.5 million, or 1.27% of total assets, at June 30, 2015 compared to $6.7 million or 0.97% of total assets at December 31, 2014. Total nonperforming assets increased $2.8 million during 2015. With respect to OREO there were no new properties added, no current properties sold and no additional valuation adjustments required on current assets during the six months ended June 30, 2015. There was one OREO property that had development costs during the six months ended June 30, 2015. The increase in non-accrual loans during the first half of 2015 represents five new loans totaling $1.3 million, one home equity and one residential real estate loan to one borrower totaling $232 thousand and three commercial loans to one borrower totaling $1.1 million. Partially offsetting this increase was several non-accrual loans principal payments received from the borrowers during the period and applied to reduce the non-accrual balance.

 

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The composition of our nonperforming loans at June 30, 2015 is further described below:

 

Non-Accrual Loans:

·Two construction and land loans totaling $1.1 million, both with specific reserve.
·One commercial non-owner occupied loan of $594 thousand.
·Four residential first lien loans totaling $501 thousand. Three of these loans were acquired from NBRS.
·Two residential junior liens for an aggregate of $134 thousand, one of which was acquired from NBRS.
·Twenty commercial loans totaling $2.2 million, three with Small Business Administration (“SBA”) guarantees and three that include a specific reserve.

 

Trouble Debt Restructured Loans:

·One residential first lien loan for $301 thousand.
·One non-owner occupied commercial real estate loan for $2.1 million.
·One commercial loan for $594 thousand.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

 

We provide for credit losses based upon the consistent application of our documented allowance for credit loss methodology. All credit losses are charged to the allowance for credit losses and all recoveries are credited to it. Additions to the allowance for credit losses are provided by charges to income based on various factors which, in our judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating probable losses. We regularly review the loan portfolio and make provisions for credit losses in order to maintain the allowance for credit losses in accordance with GAAP. The allowance for credit losses consists primarily of two components:

 

·Specific allowances are established for loans classified as Substandard or Doubtful. For loans classified as impaired, the allowance is established when the net realizable value (collateral value less costs to sell) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying amount of the loan. The amount of impairment provided for as a specific allowance is represented by the deficiency, if any, between the underlying collateral value and the carrying value of the loan. Impaired loans for which the estimated fair value of the loan, or the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the underlying collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, exceeds the carrying value of the loan are not considered in establishing specific allowances for credit losses; and
·General allowances established for credit losses on a portfolio basis for loans that do not meet the definition of impaired loans. The portfolio is grouped into similar risk characteristics, primarily loan type and regulatory classification. We apply an estimated loss rate to each loan group. The loss rates applied are based upon our loss experience adjusted, as appropriate, for the qualitative factors discussed below. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revisions based upon changes in economic and real estate market conditions.

 

The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level to provide for losses that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on Howard Bank’s past credit loss experience, known and inherent losses in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans.

 

A loan is considered past due or delinquent when a contractual payment is not paid on the day it is due. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that Howard Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. The impairment of a loan may be measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral if repayment is expected to be provided by the collateral. Generally, Howard Bank’s impairment on such loans is measured by reference to the fair value of the collateral. Interest income on impaired loans is recognized on the cash basis.

 

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Our loan policies state that after all collection efforts have been exhausted, and the loan is deemed to be a loss, then the remaining loan balance will be charged to the established allowance for credit losses. All loans are evaluated for loss potential once it has been determined by the Watch Committee that the likelihood of repayment is in doubt. When a loan is past due for at least 90 days or a deterioration in debt service coverage ratio, guarantor liquidity, or loan-to-value ratio has occurred that would cause concern regarding the likelihood of the full repayment of principal and interest, and the loan is deemed not to be well secured, the loan should be moved to non-accrual status and a specific reserve is established if the net realizable value is less than the principal value of the loan balance(s). Once the actual loss value has been determined a charge-off against the allowance for credit losses for the amount of the loss is taken. Each loss is evaluated on its specific facts regarding the appropriate timing to recognize the loss.

 

The adjustments to historical loss experience are based on our evaluation of several qualitative factors, including:

 

·changes in lending policies, procedures, practices or personnel;
·changes in the level and composition of construction portfolio and related risks;
·changes and migration of classified assets;
·changes in exposure to subordinate collateral lien positions;
·levels and composition of existing guarantees on loans by SBA or other agencies;
·changes in national, state and local economic trends and business conditions;
·changes and trends in levels of loan payment delinquencies; and
·any other factors that managements considers relevant to the quality or performance of the loan portfolio.

 

We evaluate the allowance for credit losses based upon the combined total of the specific and general components. Generally when the loan portfolio increases, absent other factors, the allowance for credit loss methodology results in a higher dollar amount of estimated probable losses than would be the case without the increase. Generally when the loan portfolio decreases, absent other factors, the allowance for credit loss methodology results in a lower dollar amount of estimated probable losses than would be the case without the decrease.

 

Commercial and commercial real estate loans generally have greater credit risks compared to the one- to four-family residential mortgage loans we originate, as they typically involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, the payment experience on loans secured by income-producing properties typically depends on the successful operation of the related business and thus may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the general economy. Actual credit losses may be significantly more than the allowance for credit losses we have established, which could have a material negative effect on our financial results.

 

Generally, we underwrite commercial loans based on cash flow and business history and receive personal guarantees from the borrowers where appropriate. We generally underwrite commercial real estate loans and residential real estate loans at a loan-to-value ratio of 85% or less at origination. Accordingly, in the event that a loan becomes past due and, randomly with respect to performing loans, we will conduct visual inspections of collateral properties and/or review publicly available information, such as online databases, to ascertain property values. We will also obtain formal appraisals on a regular basis even if we are not considering liquidation of the property to repay a loan. It is our practice to obtain updated appraisals if there is a material change in market conditions or if we become aware of new or additional facts that indicate a potential material reduction in the value of any individual property collateral.

 

For impaired loans, we utilize the appraised value in determining the appropriate specific allowance for credit losses attributable to a loan. In addition, changes in the appraised value of multiple properties securing our loans may result in an increase or decrease in our general allowance for credit losses as an adjustment to our historical loss experience due to qualitative and environmental factors, as described above.

 

At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, impaired loans amounted to $8.0 million and $7.2 million, respectively. The amount of impaired loans requiring specific reserves totaled $1.6 million and $1.1 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The amount of impaired loans with no specific valuation allowance totaled $6.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively, at such dates.

 

Nonperforming loans are evaluated and valued at the time the loan is identified as impaired on a case by case basis, at the lower of cost or market value. Market value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing the loan. The value of real estate collateral is determined based on an appraisal by qualified licensed appraisers hired by us. Appraised values may be discounted based on management’s historical experience, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. The difference between the appraised value and the principal balance of the loan will determine the specific allowance valuation required for the loan, if any. Nonperforming loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly.

 

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We evaluate the loan portfolio on at least a quarterly basis, more frequently if conditions warrant, and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. While we use the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the information used in making the evaluations. In addition, as an integral part of their examination process, the Commissioner and the FDIC will periodically review the allowance for credit losses. The Commissioner and the FDIC may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on their analysis of information available to them at the time of their examination.

 

The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for credit losses for the indicated periods:

 

   Six months ended   Twelve months ended 
(in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
Balance at beginning of period  $3,602   $2,506 
Charge-offs:          
Real estate          
Commercial non-owner occupied loans   -    (160)
Commercial loans and leases   (494)   (2,054)
Consumer loans   (4)   (5)
    (498)   (2,219)
Recoveries:          
Real estate          
Residential first lien loans   3    1 
Commercial non-owner occupied loans   290    4 
Commercial loans and leases   17    55 
    310    60 
Net charge-offs   (188)   (2,159)
Provision for credit losses   785    3,255 
Balance at end of period  $4,199   $3,602 
           
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases   0.033%   0.479%

 

Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses

 

The following tables set forth the allowance for credit losses allocated by loan category and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. The allowance for credit losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

 

   June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
(dollars in thousands)  Amount   Percent 1   Amount   Percent 1 
Real estate                    
Construction and land loans  $504    11.5%  $174    11.6%
Residential first lien loans   328    15.6    272    16.0 
Residential junior lien loans   40    3.8    55    3.5 
Commercial owner occupied laons   266    19.9    160    20.4 
Commercial non-owner occupied loans   605    24.1    562    22.4 
Commercial loans and leases   2,439    24.4    2,366    25.2 
Consumer loans   17    0.7    13    0.9 
Total  $4,199    100.0%  $3,602    100.0%

 

(1)Represents the percent of loans in each category to total loans

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments, advances from the FHLB, principal repayments and the sale of securities available for sale. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Our Asset Liability Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring our liquidity targets and strategies in order to ensure that sufficient liquidity exists for meeting the borrowing needs and deposit withdrawals of our customers as well as unanticipated contingencies. We believe that we have enough sources of liquidity to satisfy our short- and long-term liquidity needs as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. We regularly monitor and adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of:

 

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1)Expected loan demand;
2)Expected deposit flows and borrowing maturities;
3)Yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities; and
4)The objectives of our asset/liability management program.

 

Excess liquid assets are invested generally in interest-earning deposits and short-term securities.

 

Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The level of these assets is dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents totaled $29.0 million and $24.5 million, respectively.

 

Our cash flows are derived from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities as reported in our statements of cash flows included in our financial statements.

 

At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $149.2 million and $115.3 million, respectively, in loan commitments outstanding, including commitments issued to originate loans of $90.0 million and $64.4 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and $59.2 million and $50.9 million in unused lines of credit to borrowers at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. In addition to commitments to originate loans and unused lines of credit we had $8.7 million and $12.4 million in letters of credit at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Certificates of deposit due within one year of June 30, 2015 totaled $150.9 million, or 26.2% of total deposits. Should these deposits not remain with us, we may be required to seek other sources of funds, including loan and securities sales, and FHLB advances. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on our deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit. We believe, however, based on historical experience and current market interest rates that we will retain upon maturity a large portion of our certificates of deposit with maturities of one year or less.Our primary investing activity is originating loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 cash was utilized to increase our portfolio of loans by $30.0 million and increase our loans held for sale portfolio by $22.9 million. For the six month period ended June 30, 2014, these amounts were $29.6 million and $25.6 million, respectively. During the first half of 2015 we utilized cash to purchase additional securities totaling $23.5 million while receiving $30.0 million as a result of securities maturing. For the same period in 2014 we used cash to purchase $6.0 million in securities and we received $18.6 million in security maturities.

 

Financing activities consist primarily of activity in deposit accounts and FHLB advances. We experienced a net increase in deposits of $21.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors, and by other factors.

 

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the FHLB, which provide an additional source of funds. FHLB advances were $65 million at June 30, 2015 compared to $43 million at December 31, 2014. At June 30, 2015, we had the ability to borrow up to a total of $142.0 million based upon our credit availability at the FHLB, subject to collateral requirements.

 

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

 

Commitments, Contingent Liabilities, and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We are party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of our customers. These financial instruments are limited to commitments to originate loans and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk. These do not represent unusual risks, and management does not anticipate any losses which would have a material effect on us.

 

Outstanding loan commitments and lines of credit at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

(in thousands)  June 30, 2015   December 31, 2014 
         
Unfunded loan commitments  $89,985   $64,375 
Unused lines of credit   59,221    50,889 
Letters of credit   8,705    12,397 

 

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Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. We generally require collateral to support financial instruments with credit risk on the same basis as we do for balance sheet instruments. Management generally bases the collateral required on the credit evaluation of the counterparty. Commitments generally have interest rates at current market rates, expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Available credit lines represent the unused portion of lines of credit previously extended and available to the customer so long as there is no violation of any contractual condition. These lines generally have variable interest rates. Since we expect many of the commitments to expire without being drawn upon, and since it is unlikely that all customers will draw upon their lines of credit in full at any one time, the total commitment amount or line of credit amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s credit-worthiness on a case-by-case basis. Because we conservatively underwrite these facilities at inception, we have not had to withdraw any commitments. We are not aware of any loss that we would incur by funding our commitments or lines of credit.

 

The credit risk involved in these financial instruments is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. No amount has been recognized in the statement of financial condition at June 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014 as a liability for credit loss related to these commitments.

 

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

Our financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration of changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than the effects of inflation.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Not applicable

 

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q Bancorp’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of Bancorp’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, Bancorp’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Bancorp’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of June 30, 2015. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Bancorp in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

In addition, there were no changes in Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended June 30, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - Other Information

 

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our normal course of business. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any material pending litigation matters.

 

Item 1A.Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in the risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the SEC on March 27, 2015.

 

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

 

None

 

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Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable

 

Item 5.Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6.Exhibits

 

31(a)                       Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - filed herewith

 

31(b)                      Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - filed herewith

 

32                           Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – filed herewith

 

101Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”) – filed herewith
101.INSXBRL Instance File
101.SCHXBRL Schema File
101.CALXBRL Calculation File
101.DEFXBRL Definition File
101.LABXBRL Label File
101.PREXBRL Presentation File

 

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Signatures

 

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

 

    HOWARD BANCORP, INC.
    (Registrant)
     
August 13, 2015   /s/ Mary Ann Scully
     
Date   MARY ANN SCULLY
    PRESIDENT AND CEO
     
August 13, 2015    /s/ George C. Coffman
     
Date   GEORGE C. COFFMAN
    EVP AND CFO

 

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