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 March 31, 2012

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from ________ to ________

 

Commission file number 0-22345

 

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland   52-1974638
(State or Other Jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)   Identification No.)
     
18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland   21601
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(410) 763-7800

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code

 

N/A

 

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 8,457,359 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 30, 2012.

 

 
 

 

INDEX

 

  Page
   
Part I. Financial Information   2
   
Item 1.  Financial Statements   2
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets -  
March 31, 2012 (unaudited) and December 31, 2011   2
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations -  
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   3
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss -  
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   4
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity -  
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -  
For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)   7
   
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 26
   
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 34
   
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures 34
   
Part II.  Other Information 35
   
Item 1A.  Risk Factors 35
   
Item 6.  Exhibits 35
   
Signatures 35
   
Exhibit Index 36

 

1
 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
   (Unaudited)     
ASSETS          
Cash and due from banks  $19,168   $22,986 
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks   130,641    99,776 
Federal funds sold   16,190    4,980 
Investment securities:          
Available for sale, at fair value   121,093    129,780 
Held to maturity, at amortized cost – fair value of $6,305 (2012) and $6,732 (2011)   6,056    6,480 
           
Loans   819,015    841,050 
Less:  allowance for credit losses   (13,544)   (14,288)
Loans, net   805,471    826,762 
           
Premises and equipment, net   15,243    14,662 
Goodwill   12,454    12,454 
Other intangible assets, net   4,082    4,208 
Other real estate and other assets owned, net   11,418    9,385 
Other assets   27,905    26,720 
TOTAL ASSETS  $1,169,721   $1,158,193 
           
LIABILITIES          
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing  $143,800   $133,801 
Interest-bearing   884,271    876,118 
Total deposits   1,028,071    1,009,919 
           
Short-term borrowings   13,683    17,817 
Other liabilities   8,928    8,753 
Long-term debt   455    455 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   1,051,137    1,036,944 
           
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; shares authorized – 35,000,000; shares issued and outstanding – 8,457,359 (2012 and 2011)   85    85 
Additional paid in capital   32,066    32,052 
Retained earnings   87,680    90,801 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,247)   (1,689)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   118,584    121,249 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $1,169,721   $1,158,193 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2
 

 

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
         
INTEREST INCOME          
Interest and fees on loans  $11,011   $12,001 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:          
Taxable   757    657 
Tax-exempt   38    38 
Interest on federal funds sold   2    16 
Interest on deposits with other banks   48    6 
Total interest income   11,856    12,718 
           
INTEREST EXPENSE          
Interest on deposits   2,641    2,833 
Interest on short-term borrowings   15    13 
Interest on long-term debt   5    10 
Total interest expense   2,661    2,856 
           
NET INTEREST INCOME   9,195    9,862 
Provision for credit losses   8,370    6,390 
           
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   825    3,472 
           
NONINTEREST INCOME          
Service charges on deposit accounts   648    704 
Trust and investment fee income   423    376 
Gains on sales of investment securities   -    79 
Insurance agency commissions   2,689    2,510 
Other noninterest income   814    726 
Total noninterest income   4,574    4,395 
           
NONINTEREST EXPENSE          
Salaries and wages   4,416    4,246 
Employee benefits   1,170    1,153 
Occupancy expense   687    596 
Furniture and equipment expense   251    272 
Data processing   666    851 
Directors’ fees   109    107 
Amortization of other intangible assets   126    129 
Insurance agency commissions expense   385    375 
FDIC insurance premium expense   273    460 
Other noninterest expenses   2,415    1,702 
Total noninterest expense   10,498    9,891 
           
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX BENEFIT   (5,099)   (2,024)
Income tax benefit   (2,063)   (941)
           
NET LOSS  $(3,036)  $(1,083)
           
Basic net loss per common share  $(0.36)  $(0.13)
Diluted net loss per common share  $(0.36)  $(0.13)
Dividends paid per common share  $0.01   $0.06 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3
 

 

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2012   2011 
         
Net loss  $(3,036)  $(1,083)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Securities available for sale:          
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities   381    (372)
Tax effect   (153)   150 
Reclassification of gains recognized in net income   -    (79)
Tax effect   -    32 
Net of tax amount   228    (269)
           
Cash flow hedging activities:          
Unrealized holding gains on cash flow hedging activities   359    377 
Tax effect   (145)   (153)
Net of tax amount   214    224 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   442    (45)
Comprehensive loss  $(2,594)  $(1,128)

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4
 

 

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

                   Accumulated     
           Additional       Other   Total 
   Common       Paid in   Retained   Comprehensive   Stockholders’ 
   Stock   Warrant   Capital   Earnings   Income (Loss)   Equity 
Balances, January 1, 2012  $85   $-   $32,052   $90,801   $(1,689)  $121,249 
                               
Comprehensive loss:                              
Net loss   -    -    -    (3,036)   -    (3,036)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes   -    -    -    -    228    228 
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedging activities, net of taxes   -    -    -    -    214    214 
Total comprehensive loss                            (2,594)
                               
Stock-based compensation   -    -    14    -    -    14 
                               
Cash dividends paid ($0.01 per share)   -    -    -    (85)   -    (85)
                               
Balances, March 31, 2012  $85   $-   $32,066   $87,680   $(1,247)  $118,584 
                               
Balances, January 1, 2011  $84   $1,543   $30,242   $92,458   $(1,814)  $122,513 
                               
Comprehensive loss:                              
Net loss   -    -    -    (1,083)   -    (1,083)
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes   -    -    -    -    (269)   (269)
Unrealized gains on cash flow hedging activities, net of taxes   -    -    -    -    224    224 
Total comprehensive loss                            (1,128)
                               
Stock-based compensation   -    -    48    -    -    48 
                               
Cash dividends paid ($0.06 per share)   -    -    -    (507)   -    (507)
                               
Balances, March 31, 2011  $84   $1,543   $30,290   $90,868   $(1,859)  $120,926 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5
 

 

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
   2012   2011 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:          
Net loss  $(3,036)  $(1,083)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Provision for credit losses   8,370    6,390 
Depreciation and amortization   670    725 
Discount accretion on debt securities   (21)   (25)
Stock-based compensation expense   97    69 
Excess tax expense from stock-based arrangements   (83)   (21)
Deferred income tax benefit   (137)   (1,552)
Gains on sales of investment securities   -    (79)
Losses (gains) on disposals of premises and equipment   -    (3)
Losses on sales of other real estate owned   599    203 
Net changes in:          
Accrued interest receivable   197    812 
Other assets   (1,322)   140 
Accrued interest payable   15    44 
Other liabilities   160    (463)
Net cash provided by operating activities   5,509    5,157 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:          
Proceeds from maturities and principal payments of investment securities available for sale   14,913    14,979 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale   -    12,061 
Purchases of investment securities available for sale   (6,023)   (28,886)
Proceeds from maturities and principal payments of investment securities held to maturity   420    35 
Net change in loans   9,368    5,713 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (867)   (93)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment   -    4 
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned   921    527 
Net cash provided by investing activities   18,732    4,340 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:          
Net change in noninterest-bearing deposits   9,999    (1,698)
Net change in interest-bearing deposits   8,153    8,668 
Net change in short-term borrowings   (4,134)   (3,963)
Excess tax expense from stock-based arrangements   83    21 
Common stock dividends paid   (85)   (507)
Net cash provided by financing activities   14,016    2,521 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   38,257    12,018 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   127,742    77,964 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $165,999   $89,982 
           
Supplemental cash flows information:          
Interest paid  $2,646   $2,813 
Income taxes paid  $-   $817 
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned  $3,553   $1,830 

 

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6
 

 

Shore Bancshares, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The consolidated financial statements conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and to prevailing practices within the banking industry. The accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management all adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position at March 31, 2012, the consolidated results of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, and changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The amounts as of December 31, 2011 were derived from the 2011 audited financial statements. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report of Shore Bancshares, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. For purposes of comparability, certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform with the current period presentation.

 

When used in these notes, the term “the Company” refers to Shore Bancshares, Inc. and, unless the context requires otherwise, its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-03, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.” ASU 2011-03 affects all entities that enter into agreements to transfer financial assets that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem the financial assets before their maturity. The amendments in ASU 2011-03 remove from the assessment of effective control the criterion relating to the transferor’s ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee. ASU 2011-03 also eliminates the requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possesses adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets. ASU 2011-03 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

ASU 2011-04, "Fair Value Measurement - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs." ASU 2011-04 amends Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures," to converge the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, changes certain principles in Topic 820 and requires additional fair value disclosures. ASU 2011-04 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and, aside from new disclosures included in Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements, did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

ASU 2011-08, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Testing Goodwill for Impairment." ASU 2011-08 amends Topic 350, "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other," to give entities the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. ASU 2011-08 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.

 

7
 

 

Note 2 – Earnings/(Loss) Per Share

 

Basic earnings/(loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings/(loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (stock-based awards and the warrant). There is no dilutive effect on the loss per share during loss periods. The following table provides information relating to the calculation of earnings/(loss) per common share:

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
(In thousands, except per share data)  2012   2011 
Net loss available to common shareholders  $(3,036)  $(1,083)
Weighted average shares outstanding – Basic   8,457    8,443 
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents   -    - 
Weighted average shares outstanding – Diluted   8,457    8,443 
 Loss per common share – Basic  $(0.36)  $(0.13)
 Loss per common share – Diluted  $(0.36)  $(0.13)

 

The calculation of diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2012 excluded 17 thousand weighted average stock-based awards because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive. The calculation of diluted earnings/(loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011 excluded seven thousand weighted average stock-based awards and that portion of a warrant to purchase 173 thousand weighted average shares of common stock because the effect of including them would have been antidilutive.

 

8
 

 

Note 3 – Investment Securities

 

The following table provides information on the amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities.

 

       Gross   Gross   Estimated 
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
(Dollars in thousands)  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
Available-for-sale securities:                    
March 31, 2012:                    
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and corporations  $29,901   $751   $7   $30,645 
Mortgage-backed securities   87,931    1,943    30    89,844 
Equity securities   581    23    -    604 
Total  $118,413   $2,717   $37   $121,093 
                     
December 31, 2011:                    
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and corporations  $41,360   $803   $15   $42,148 
Mortgage-backed securities   85,545    1,587    99    87,033 
Equity securities   577    22    -    599 
Total  $127,482   $2,412   $114   $129,780 
                     
Held-to-maturity securities:                    
March 31, 2012:                    
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $6,056   $249   $-   $6,305 
                     
December 31, 2011:                    
Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $6,480   $252   $-   $6,732 

 

The following table provides information about gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual available-for-sale securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2012.

 

   Less than
12 Months
   More than
12 Months
   Total 
(Dollars in thousands)  Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Unrealized
Losses
 
Available-for-sale securities:                              
U.S. Gov’t. agencies and corporations  $4,110   $7   $-   $-   $4,110   $7 
Mortgage-backed securities   2,978    22    3,749    8    6,727    30 
Total  $7,088   $29   $3,749   $8   $10,837   $37 

 

Total available-for-sale securities have a fair value of approximately $121.1 million. Of these securities, approximately $10.8 million have unrealized losses when compared to their amortized cost. All of the securities with the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio have modest duration risk, low credit risk, and minimal losses (approximately 0.03%) when compared to total amortized cost. The unrealized losses on debt securities that exist are the result of market changes in interest rates since original purchase. Because the Company does not intend to sell these debt securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity, the Company considers the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio to be temporary. There were no unrealized losses in the held-to-maturity securities portfolio at March 31, 2012.

 

9
 

 

The following table provides information on the amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities by maturity date at March 31, 2012.

 

   Available for sale   Held to maturity 
   Amortized   Estimated   Amortized   Estimated 
(Dollars in thousands)  Cost   Fair Value   Cost   Fair Value 
Due in one year or less  $7,002   $7,071   $2,277   $2,304 
Due after one year through five years   10,301    10,338    2,057    2,112 
Due after five years through ten years   5,371    5,549    712    793 
Due after ten years   95,158    97,531    1,010    1,096 
    117,832    120,489    6,056    6,305 
Equity securities   581    604    -    - 
Total  $118,413   $121,093   $6,056   $6,305 

 

The maturity dates for debt securities are determined using contractual maturity dates.

 

Note 4 – Loans and allowance for credit losses

 

The Company makes residential mortgage, commercial and consumer loans to customers primarily in Talbot County, Queen Anne’s County, Kent County, Caroline County and Dorchester County in Maryland and in Kent County, Delaware. The following table provides information about the principal classes of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Construction  $114,390   $119,883 
Residential real estate   309,234    321,604 
Commercial real estate   315,565    315,439 
Commercial   64,347    69,485 
Consumer   15,479    14,639 
Total loans   819,015    841,050 
Allowance for credit losses   (13,544)   (14,288)
Total loans, net  $805,471   $826,762 

 

Loans include deferred costs net of deferred fees of $182 thousand at March 31, 2012 and $188 thousand at December 31, 2011.

 

Loans are stated at their principal amount outstanding net of any deferred fees and costs. Interest income on loans is accrued at the contractual rate based on the principal amount outstanding. Fees charged and costs capitalized for originating loans are being amortized substantially on the interest method over the term of the loan. A loan is placed on nonaccrual when it is specifically determined to be impaired or when principal or interest is delinquent for 90 days or more, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

 

A loan is considered impaired if it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest payments according to the loan’s contractual terms. An impaired loan may show deficiencies in the borrower’s overall financial condition, payment history, support available from financial guarantors and/or the fair market value of collateral. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Generally, the Company measures impairment on such loans by reference to the fair value of the collateral. Income on impaired loans is recognized on a cash basis, and payments are first applied against the principal balance outstanding (i.e., placing impaired loans on nonaccrual status). Generally, interest income is not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. The allowance for credit losses includes specific reserves related to impaired loans. Impaired loans do not include groups of smaller balance homogenous loans such as residential mortgage and consumer installment loans that are evaluated collectively for impairment. Reserves for probable credit losses related to these loans are based on historical loss ratios and are included in the formula portion of the allowance for credit losses.

 

10
 

 

Loans are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for impairment. Once the amount of impairment has been determined, the uncollectible portion is charged off. In some cases, a specific allocation within the allowance for credit losses is made until such time that a charge-off is made. Impaired nonaccrual loans decreased $2.0 million to $49.4 million at the end of March 2012 from $51.4 million at the end of December 2011. At March 31, 2012, impaired nonaccrual loans had been reduced by partial charge-offs totaling $17.9 million, or 26.6% of the aggregate unpaid principal balance. In addition, $1.7 million in specific reserves were established against $6.9 million of impaired nonaccrual loans. At December 31, 2011, impaired nonaccrual loans had been reduced by partial charge-offs totaling $13.5 million, or 20.8% of the aggregate unpaid principal balance. In addition, $1.5 million in specific reserves were established against $4.7 million of impaired nonaccrual loans.

 

A loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring if a concession is granted due to deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had impaired accruing troubled debt restructurings of $30.0 million and $25.2 million, respectively.

 

Gross interest income of $632 thousand for the first three months of 2012, $2.6 million for fiscal year 2011 and $720 thousand for the first three months of 2011 would have been recorded if impaired loans had been current and performing in accordance with their original terms. No interest was recorded on such loans for the first three months of 2012 or 2011.

 

The following tables provide information on impaired loans by loan class as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Unpaid
principal
balance
   Recorded
investment
with no
allowance
   Recorded
investment
with an
allowance
   Related
allowance
   Average
recorded
investment
 
March 31, 2012                         
Impaired nonaccrual loans:                         
Construction  $21,170   $12,450   $308   $132   $16,635 
Residential real estate   27,693    17,076    4,634    878    18,626 
Commercial real estate   15,541    10,907    1,437    193    14,232 
Commercial   2,873    2,018    517    487    2,317 
Consumer   61    58    -    -    41 
Total   67,338    42,509    6,896    1,690    51,851 
                          
Impaired accruing restructured loans:                         
Construction   11,879    11,879    -    -    10,954 
Residential real estate   3,000    3,000    -    -    4,306 
Commercial real estate   15,063    15,063    -    -    9,908 
Commercial   68    68    -    -    34 
Consumer   -    -    -    -    - 
Total   30,010    30,010    -    -    25,202 
                          
Total impaired loans:                         
Construction   33,049    24,329    308    132    27,589 
Residential real estate   30,693    20,076    4,634    878    22,932 
Commercial real estate   30,604    25,970    1,437    193    24,140 
Commercial   2,941    2,086    517    487    2,351 
Consumer   61    58    -    -    41 
Total  $97,348   $72,519   $6,896   $1,690   $77,053 

 

11
 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Unpaid
principal
balance
   Recorded
investment
with no
allowance
   Recorded
investment
with an
allowance
   Related
allowance
   Average
recorded
investment
 
December 31, 2011                         
Impaired nonaccrual loans:                         
Construction  $22,883   $14,005   $1,550   $170   $16,555 
Residential real estate   22,431    16,925    3,181    1,296    15,430 
Commercial real estate   17,372    14,012    -    -    14,624 
Commercial   2,119    1,669    -    -    2,539 
Consumer   30    28    -    -    32 
Total   64,835    46,639    4,731    1,466    49,180 
                          
Impaired accruing restructured loans:                         
Construction   11,781    11,781    -    -    10,663 
Residential real estate   3,792    3,792    -    -    6,093 
Commercial real estate   9,566    9,566    -    -    7,960 
Commercial   69    69    -    -    111 
Consumer   -    -    -    -    - 
Total   25,208    25,208    -    -    24,827 
                          
Total impaired loans:                         
Construction   34,664    25,786    1,550    170    27,218 
Residential real estate   26,223    20,717    3,181    1,296    21,523 
Commercial real estate   26,938    23,578    -    -    22,584 
Commercial   2,188    1,738    -    -    2,650 
Consumer   30    28    -    -    32 
Total  $90,043   $71,847   $4,731   $1,466   $74,007 

 

12
 

 

The following tables provide information on troubled debt restructurings by loan class as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The amounts include nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Number of
contracts
   Premodification
outstanding
recorded
investment
   Postmodification
outstanding
recorded
investment
 
Troubled debt restructurings:               
March 31, 2012               
Construction   10   $13,028   $12,636 
Residential real estate   22    11,958    10,736 
Commercial real estate   18    21,753    18,750 
Commercial   1    73    68 
Consumer   1    30    28 
Total   52   $46,842   $42,218 
                
December 31, 2011               
Construction   9   $12,981   $12,539 
Residential real estate   20    11,471    10,359 
Commercial real estate   20    15,874    14,175 
Commercial   1    69    69 
Consumer   -    -    - 
Total   50   $40,395   $37,142 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Number of
contracts
   Recorded
investment
 
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted:          
March 31, 2012          
Construction   4   $1,424 
Residential real estate   11    7,820 
Commercial real estate   4    3,688 
Commercial   -    - 
Consumer   1    28 
Total   20   $12,960 
           
December 31, 2011          
Construction   3   $758 
Residential real estate   10    7,353 
Commercial real estate   5    6,751 
Commercial   -    - 
Consumer   -    - 
Total   18   $14,862 

 

13
 

 

Management uses risk ratings as part of its monitoring of the credit quality in the Company’s loan portfolio. Loans that are identified as special mention, substandard and doubtful are adversely rated and are assigned higher risk ratings than favorably rated loans.

 

The following tables provide information on loan risk ratings as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Pass/Performing   Special
mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Nonaccrual   Total 
March 31, 2012                              
Construction  $48,839   $24,886   $27,907   $-   $12,758   $114,390 
Residential real estate   251,710    17,049    18,326    439    21,710    309,234 
Commercial real estate   257,036    20,348    25,837    -    12,344    315,565 
Commercial   56,126    3,971    1,647    68    2,535    64,347 
Consumer   15,103    257    61    -    58    15,479 
Total  $628,814   $66,511   $73,778   $507   $49,405   $819,015 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Pass/Performing   Special
mention
   Substandard   Doubtful   Nonaccrual   Total 
December 31, 2011                              
Construction  $50,403   $30,373   $23,552   $-   $15,555   $119,883 
Residential real estate   261,910    13,467    25,676    445    20,106    321,604 
Commercial real estate   257,247    16,001    28,179    -    14,012    315,439 
Commercial   59,178    3,813    4,748    77    1,669    69,485 
Consumer   14,520    32    59    -    28    14,639 
Total  $643,258   $63,686   $82,214   $522   $51,370   $841,050 

 

14
 

 

The following tables provide information on the aging of the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

   Accruing         
(Dollars in thousands)  Current   30-59
days past
due
   60-89
days
past due
   90 days or
more past
due
   Total past
due
   Non-
accrual
   Total 
March 31, 2012                                   
Construction  $99,096   $1,541   $995   $-   $2,536   $12,758   $114,390 
Residential real estate   279,946    3,759    1,623    2,196    7,578    21,710    309,234 
Commercial real estate   295,210    4,420    2,048    1,543    8,011    12,344    315,565 
Commercial   61,508    226    49    29    304    2,535    64,347 
Consumer   15,111    256    26    28    310    58    15,479 
Total  $750,871   $10,202   $4,741   $3,796   $18,739   $49,405   $819,015 

 

   Accruing         
(Dollars in thousands)  Current   30-59
days past
due
   60-89
days
past due
   90 days or
more past
due
   Total past
due
   Non-
accrual
   Total 
December 31, 2011                                   
Construction  $102,441   $1,246   $316   $325   $1,887   $15,555   $119,883 
Residential real estate   289,459    4,417    5,291    2,331    12,039    20,106    321,604 
Commercial real estate   289,760    10,073    1,594    -    11,667    14,012    315,439 
Commercial   64,581    1,350    1,819    66    3,235    1,669    69,485 
Consumer   14,492    112    6    1    119    28    14,639 
Total  $760,733   $17,198   $9,026   $2,723   $28,947   $51,370   $841,050 

  

   Accruing     
   Current   30-59
days
past due
   60-89
days
past due
   90 days or
more past
due
   Total past
due
   Non-
accrual
 
March 31, 2012                              
Construction   86.6%   1.3%   0.9%        -  %    2.2%   11.2%
Residential real estate   90.6    1.2    0.5    0.7    2.4    7.0 
Commercial real estate   93.6    1.4    0.6    0.5    2.5    3.9 
Commercial   95.6    0.4    0.1    -    0.5    3.9 
Consumer   97.5    1.7    0.2    0.2    2.1    0.4 
Total   91.7    1.2    0.6    0.5    2.3    6.0 

 

   Accruing     
   Current   30-59
days
past due
   60-89
days
past due
   90 days or
more past
due
   Total past
due
   Non-
accrual
 
December 31, 2011                              
Construction   85.4%   1.0%   0.3%   0.3%   1.6%   13.0%
Residential real estate   90.0    1.4    1.6    0.7    3.7    6.3 
Commercial real estate   91.9    3.2    0.5    -    3.7    4.4 
Commercial   93.0    1.9    2.6    0.1    4.6    2.4 
Consumer   99.0    0.8    -    -    0.8    0.2 
Total   90.5    2.0    1.1    0.3    3.4    6.1 

 

15
 

 

The Company has established an allowance for credit losses, which is increased by provisions charged against earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off debts and is decreased by current period charge-offs of uncollectible debts. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis and adjusts the provision for credit losses based on this analysis. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one loan class does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other loan classes.

 

The following tables provide a summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses allocated by loan class for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Construction   Residential
real estate
   Commercial
real estate
   Commercial   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012                                   
Allowance for credit losses:                                   
Beginning balance  $3,745   $5,014   $3,415   $1,498   $594   $22   $14,288 
                                    
Charge-offs   (1,072)   (4,119)   (690)   (3,355)   (15)   -    (9,251)
Recoveries   -    51    7    75    4    -    137 
Net charge-offs   (1,072)   (4,068)   (683)   (3,280)   (11)   -    (9,114)
                                    
Provision   671    3,502    817    3,321    (2)   61    8,370 
Ending balance  $3,344   $4,448   $3,549   $1,539   $581   $83   $13,544 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Construction   Residential
real estate
   Commercial
real estate
   Commercial   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
For the three months ended March 31, 2011                                   
Allowance for credit losses:                                   
Beginning balance  $3,327   $4,833   $3,665   $1,422   $637   $343   $14,227 
                                    
Charge-offs   (686)   (2,091)   (228)   (246)   (75)   -    (3,326)
Recoveries   49    34    -    77    20    -    180 
Net charge-offs   (637)   (2,057)   (228)   (169)   (55)   -    (3,146)
                                    
Provision   634    2,644    1,843    1,523    9    (263)   6,390 
Ending balance  $3,324   $5,420   $5,280   $2,776   $591   $80   $17,471 

 

16
 

 

The following tables include impairment information relating to loans and the allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Construction   Residential
real estate
   Commercial
real estate
   Commercial   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
March 31, 2012                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment  $24,637   $24,710   $27,407   $2,603   $58   $-   $79,415 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   89,753    284,524    288,158    61,744    15,421    -    739,600 
Total loans  $114,390   $309,234   $315,565   $64,347   $15,479   $-   $819,015 
                                    
Allowance for credit losses allocated to:                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment  $132   $878   $193   $487   $-   $-   $1,690 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   3,212    3,570    3,356    1,052    581    83    11,854 
Total allowance for credit losses  $3,344   $4,448   $3,549   $1,539   $581   $83   $13,544 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Construction   Residential
real estate
   Commercial
real estate
   Commercial   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
March 31, 2011                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment  $15,359   $13,298   $16,266   $3,808   $29   $-   $48,760 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   119,995    319,151    306,730    74,516    15,563    -    835,955 
Total loans  $135,354   $332,449   $322,996   $78,324   $15,592   $-   $884,715 
                                    
Allowance for credit losses allocated to:                                   
Loans individually evaluated for impairment  $-   $1,053   $1,022   $1,147   $-   $-   $3,222 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment   3,324    4,367    4,258    1,629    591    80    14,249 
Total allowance for credit losses  $3,324   $5,420   $5,280   $2,776   $591   $80   $17,471 

 

17
 

Note 5 – Other Assets

 

The Company had the following other assets at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Nonmarketable investment securities  $2,968   $2,866 
Insurance premiums receivable   712    876 
Accrued interest receivable   3,736    3,933 
Income taxes receivable   2,378    719 
Deferred income taxes   8,874    9,036 
Interest rate caps (1)   149    250 
Prepaid FDIC premium expense   2,630    2,864 
Other assets   6,458    6,176 
Total  $27,905   $26,720 

 

(1) See Note 9 for further discussion.

 

Note 6 – Other Liabilities

 

The Company had the following other liabilities at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Accrued interest payable  $584   $569 
Counterparty collateral - interest rate caps (1)   428    428 
Other liabilities   7,916    7,756 
Total  $8,928   $8,753 

 

(1) See Note 9 for further discussion.

 

18
 

 

Note 7 - Stock-Based Compensation

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company maintained two equity compensation plans under which it may issue shares of common stock or grant other equity-based awards: (i) the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 2006 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (“2006 Equity Plan”); and (ii) the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Option Plan”). The Company’s ability to grant options under the 1998 Option Plan expired on March 3, 2008 pursuant to the terms of that plan, but 7,125 stock options granted thereunder were outstanding as of March 31, 2012, unchanged from December 31, 2011. All 7,125 outstanding options were exercisable, had a weighted average exercise price of $13.17 per share, and expire on May 9, 2012.

 

Stock-based awards granted to date generally are time-based, vest in equal installments on each anniversary of the grant date over a three- to five-year period of time, and, in the case of stock options, expire 10 years from the grant date. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards, is based on the grant-date fair value and reflects forfeitures as they occur.

 

During the first quarter of 2012, the Company granted options to purchase 54,216 shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to the 2006 Equity Plan. The options have an exercise price of $6.64 and vest 50% after two years from date of grant and 50% after three years from date of grant.

 

The following table provides information on stock-based compensation expense for the first three months of 2012 and 2011.

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2012   2011 
Stock-based compensation expense  $97   $69 
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense  $257   $355 
Weighted average period unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized   2.3 years    1.4 years 

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock award activity for the Company under the 2006 Equity Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

   Number   Weighted Average Grant 
   of Shares   Date Fair Value 
Nonvested at beginning of period   45,779   $13.20 
Granted   -    - 
Vested   (34,788)   12.25 
Cancelled   -    - 
Nonvested at end of period   10,991   $16.20 

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity for the Company under the 2006 Equity Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

       Weighted   Aggregate   Weighted Average 
   Number   Average   Intrinsic   Grant Date 
   of Shares   Exercise Price   Value   Fair Value 
Outstanding at beginning of period   -   $-        $- 
Granted   54,216    6.64         3.44 
Exercised   -    -         - 
Expired/Cancelled   -    -         - 
Outstanding at end of period   54,216   $6.64   $-   $3.44 
                     
Exercisable at end of period   -   $-   $-   $- 

 

19
 

 

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model with weighted average assumptions for dividend yield, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and expected contract life (in years). The expected dividend yield is calculated by dividing the total expected annual dividend payout by the average stock price. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the underlying securities. The risk-free interest rate is based on the Federal Reserve Bank’s constant maturities daily interest rate in effect at grant date. The expected contract life of the options represents the period of time that the Company expects the awards to be outstanding based on historical experience with similar awards. The following weighted average assumptions were used as inputs to the Black-Scholes valuation model for options granted in 2012.

 

Dividend yield   0.60%
Expected volatility   58.65%
Risk-free interest rate   1.69%
Expected contract life (in years)   5.83 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding under the 2006 Equity Plan was $22 thousand based on the $7.09 market value per share of the Company’s common stock at March 31, 2012. Since there were no options exercised during the first three months of 2012 or 2011, there was no intrinsic value associated with stock options exercised and no cash received on exercise of options. At March 31, 2012, the weighted average remaining contract life of options outstanding was 9.9 years.

 

Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements

 

Accounting guidance under GAAP 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. This accounting guidance 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 liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available for sale and derivative assets and liabilities 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 impaired loans and other real estate and other assets owned (foreclosed assets). These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

 

Under fair value accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are grouped 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 their fair values. These hierarchy levels are:

 

Level 1 inputs – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

 

Level 3 inputs – Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

 

Below is a discussion on the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Fair value measurement for investment securities available for sale is based on quoted prices from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include present value of future cash flows, prepayment assumptions, credit loss assumptions and other factors. The Company classifies its investments in U.S. Treasury securities as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, and it classifies its investments in U.S. Government agencies securities and mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government sponsored entities as Level 2.

 

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Derivative Assets

Derivative instruments held by the Company for risk management purposes are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. For those derivatives, the Company measures fair value using third-party models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities, and include the value associated with counterparty credit risk. The Company classifies its derivative instruments held for risk management purposes as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s derivative instruments consisted solely of interest rate caps. These derivative assets are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

The tables below present the recorded amount of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. No assets were transferred from one hierarchy level to another during the first three months of 2012 or 2011.

 

           Significant     
           Other   Significant 
       Quoted   Observable   Unobservable 
       Prices   Inputs   Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands)  Fair Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
March 31, 2012                    
Securities available for sale:                    
U.S. Government agencies  $30,645   $-   $30,645   $- 
Mortgage-backed securities   89,844    -    89,844    - 
Other equity securities   604    -    604    - 
Total  $121,093   $-   $121,093   $- 
                     
Interest rate caps  $149   $-   $149   $- 

 

           Significant     
           Other   Significant 
       Quoted   Observable   Unobservable 
       Prices   Inputs   Inputs 
(Dollars in thousands)  Fair Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
December 31, 2011                    
Securities available for sale:                    
U.S. Government agencies  $42,148   $-   $42,148   $- 
Mortgage-backed securities   87,033    -    87,033    - 
Other equity securities   599    -    599    - 
Total  $129,780   $-   $129,780   $- 
                     
Interest rate caps  $250   $-   $250   $- 

 

Below is a discussion on the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

 

Loans

The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis; however, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and a valuation allowance may be established if there are losses associated with the loan. Loans are considered impaired if it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with contractual terms. The fair value of impaired loans can be estimated using one of several methods, including the collateral value, market value of similar debt, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, substantially all impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral and were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Other Real Estate and Other Assets Owned (Foreclosed Assets)

Foreclosed assets are adjusted for fair value upon transfer of loans to foreclosed assets. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value and fair value. Fair value is based on independent market prices, appraised value of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, foreclosed assets were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The tables below summarize the changes in the recorded amount of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011. All assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the periods presented.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Construction   Residential
real estate
   Commercial
real estate
   Commercial   Consumer   Total 
For the three months ended March 31, 2012                              
Impaired loans:                              
Beginning balance  $27,166   $22,602   $23,578   $1,738   $28   $75,112 
Charge-offs   (1,072)   (4,092)   (690)   (194)   -    (6,048)
Payments   (675)   (834)   (1,326)   (25)   -    (2,860)
Transfers to other real estate owned   (1,600)   (676)   (1,212)   (30)   -    (3,518)
Return to performing status   -    -    -    -    -    - 
Changed to nonaccrual status   -    (786)   -    -    -    (786)
Additions   648    7,200    7,057    1,114    30    16,049 
Changes in allowance   38    418    (193)   (487)   -    (224)
Ending balance  $24,505   $23,832   $27,214   $2,116   $58   $77,725 

 

(Dollars in thousands)  Construction   Residential
real estate
   Commercial
real estate
   Commercial   Consumer   Total 
For the three months ended March 31, 2011                              
Impaired loans:                              
Beginning balance  $28,175   $15,327   $13,280   $4,374   $30   $61,186 
Charge-offs   (535)   (1,712)   (228)   (100)   -    (2,575)
Payments   (124)   (1,915)   (1,921)   -    (1)   (3,961)
Transfers to other real estate owned   (1,372)   -    -    (154)   -    (1,526)
Return to performing status   -    (1,295)   -    -    -    (1,295)
Changed to nonaccrual status   (201)   (973)   (876)   -    -    (2,050)
Additions   129    13,810    13,282    63    -    27,284 
Changes in allowance   -    (850)   (1,022)   (1,147)   -    (3,019)
Ending balance  $26,072   $22,392   $22,515   $3,036   $29   $74,044 

 

   For the Three Months
Ended
 
(Dollars in thousands)  March 31, 
   2012   2011 
Other real estate owned:          
Beginning balance  $9,385   $3,702 
Sales   (945)   (567)
Write-downs   (575)   (163)
Additions   3,553    1,830 
Ending balance  $11,418   $4,802 

 

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The following information relates to the estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities that are reported in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at their carrying amounts. The discussion below describes the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial asset and liability for which it is practicable to estimate that value.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include interest-bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold. For these short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Investment Securities Held to Maturity

For all investments in debt securities, fair values are based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, then fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

 

Loans

The fair values of categories of fixed rate loans, such as commercial loans, residential real estate, and other consumer loans, are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Other loans, including variable rate loans, are adjusted for differences in loan characteristics.

 

Financial Liabilities

The fair values of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits are the amounts payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. These estimates do not take into consideration the value of core deposit intangibles. Generally, the carrying amount of short-term borrowings is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair values of securities sold under agreements to repurchase (included in short-term borrowings) and long-term debt are estimated using the rates offered for similar borrowings.

 

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit

The majority of the Company’s commitments to grant loans and standby letters of credit are written to carry current market interest rates if converted to loans. In general, commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are not assignable by the Company or the borrower, so they generally have value only to the Company and the borrower. Therefore, it is impractical to assign any value to these commitments.

 

The following table provides information on the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are reported at their carrying amounts. The financial assets and liabilities have been segregated by their classification level in the fair value hierarchy.

 

   March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
       Estimated       Estimated 
   Carrying   Fair   Carrying   Fair 
(Dollars in thousands)  Amount   Value   Amount   Value 
Financial assets                    
Level 2 inputs                    
Cash and cash equivalents  $165,999   $165,999   $127,742   $127,742 
Investment securities held to maturity   6,056    6,305    6,480    6,732 
Level 3 inputs                    
Loans, net   805,471    830,986    826,762    856,917 
                     
Financial liabilities                    
Level 2 inputs                    
Deposits  $1,028,071   $1,031,231   $1,009,919   $1,013,964 
Short-term borrowings   13,683    13,683    17,817    17,817 
Long-term debt   455    465    455    470 

 

Note 9 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

Accounting guidance under GAAP defines derivatives, requires that derivatives be carried at fair value on the balance sheet and provides for hedge accounting when certain conditions are met. Changes in the fair values of derivative instruments designated as “cash flow” hedges, to the extent the hedges are highly effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of taxes. Ineffective portions of cash flow hedges, if any, are recognized in current period earnings. The net interest settlement on cash flow hedges is treated as an adjustment of the interest income or interest expense of the hedged assets or liabilities. The Company uses derivative instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company does not use derivatives for any trading or other speculative purposes.

 

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During the second quarter of 2009, as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy, the Company purchased interest rate caps for $7.1 million to effectively fix the interest rate at 2.97% for five years on $70 million of the Company’s money market deposit accounts. The interest rate caps qualified for hedge accounting. The aggregate fair value of these derivatives was an asset of $149 thousand at March 31, 2012 and $250 thousand at December 31, 2011. The change in fair value included a $359 thousand adjustment to record unrealized holding gains on the interest rate caps and a $460 thousand charge to interest expense associated with the hedged money market deposit accounts. For the first quarter of 2011, unrealized holding gains on the interest rate caps were $377 thousand and interest expense associated with the hedged money market deposit accounts was $260 thousand. The Company expects that the charge to interest expense associated with the hedged deposits over the next 12 months will be approximately $2.1 million.

 

By entering into derivative instrument contracts, the Company exposes itself, from time to time, to counterparty credit risk. Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the counterparty will fail to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is in an asset position, the counterparty has a liability to the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. The Company attempts to minimize this risk by selecting counterparties with investment grade credit ratings, limiting its exposure to any single counterparty and regularly monitoring its market position with each counterparty. Collateral required by the counterparties, recorded in other liabilities, was $428 thousand at both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

Note 10 – Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

 

In the normal course of business, to meet the financial needs of its customers, the Company’s bank subsidiaries enter into financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. 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. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Letters of credit and other commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the letters of credit and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

 

The following table provides information on commitments outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

(Dollars in thousands)  March 31, 2012   December 31, 2011 
Commitments to extend credit  $143,223   $136,222 
Letters of credit   11,461    11,311 
Total  $154,684   $147,533 

 

Note 11 – Segment Reporting

 

The Company operates two primary business segments: Community Banking and Insurance Products and Services. Through the Community Banking business, the Company provides services to consumers and small businesses on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware through its 18-branch network. Community banking activities include small business services, retail brokerage, trust services and consumer banking products and services. Loan products available to consumers include mortgage, home equity, automobile, marine, and installment loans, credit cards and other secured and unsecured personal lines of credit. Small business lending includes commercial mortgages, real estate development loans, equipment and operating loans, as well as secured and unsecured lines of credit, credit cards, accounts receivable financing arrangements, and merchant card services.

 

Through the Insurance Products and Services business, the Company provides a full range of insurance products and services to businesses and consumers in the Company’s market areas. Products include property and casualty, life, marine, individual health and long-term care insurance. Pension and profit sharing plans and retirement plans for executives and employees are available to suit the needs of individual businesses.

 

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The following table includes selected financial information by business segments for the first three months of 2012 and 2011.

 

   Community   Insurance Products   Parent   Consolidated 
(Dollars in thousands)  Banking   and Services   Company   Total 
2012                    
Interest income  $11,834   $22   $-   $11,856 
Interest expense   (2,656)   -    (5   (2,661)
Provision for credit losses   (8,370)   -    -    (8,370)
Noninterest income   1,728    2,840    6    4,574 
Noninterest expense   (6,357)   (2,535)   (1,606)   (10,498)
Net intersegment (expense) income   (1,399)   (138)   1,537    - 
(Loss) income before taxes   (5,220)   189    (68)   (5,099)
Income tax benefit (expense)   2,114    (79)   28    2,063 
Net (loss) income  $(3,106)  $110   $(40)  $(3,036)
                     
Total assets  $1,150,516   $17,112   $2,093   $1,169,721 
                     
2011                    
Interest income  $12,683   $35   $-   $12,718 
Interest expense   (2,846)   -    (10)   (2,856)
Provision for credit losses   (6,390)   -    -    (6,390)
Noninterest income   1,694    2,656    45    4,395 
Noninterest expense   (5,937)   (2,399)   (1,555)   (9,891)
Net intersegment (expense) income   (1,493)   (109)   1,602    - 
(Loss) income before taxes   (2,289)   183    82    (2,024)
Income tax benefit (expense)   1,064    (85)   (38)   941 
Net (loss) income  $(1,225)  $98   $44   $(1,083)
                     
Total assets  $1,110,148   $18,266   $2,920   $1,131,334 

 

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

 

Unless the context clearly suggests otherwise, references to “the Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us” in the remainder of this report are to Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Forward-Looking Information

Portions of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical in nature, including statements that include the words “anticipate”, “estimate”, “should”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, and similar expressions, are expressions about our confidence, policies, and strategies, the adequacy of capital levels, and liquidity and are not guarantees of future performance. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including economic conditions, competition in the geographic and business areas in which we operate, inflation, fluctuations in interest rates, legislation, and governmental regulation. These risks and uncertainties are described in detail in the section of the periodic reports that Shore Bancshares, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) entitled “Risk Factors” (see Item 1A of Part II of this report). Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements at any time except as required by law.

 

Introduction

The following discussion and analysis is intended as a review of significant factors affecting the Company’s financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes presented in this report, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Annual Report of Shore Bancshares, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Shore Bancshares, Inc. is the largest independent financial holding company located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. It is the parent company of The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland located in Easton, Maryland (“Talbot Bank”) and CNB located in Centreville, Maryland (together with Talbot Bank, the “Banks”). Until January 1, 2011, the Company also served as the parent company to The Felton Bank located in Felton, Delaware. On January 1, 2011, The Felton Bank merged into CNB, with CNB as the surviving bank. The Banks operate 18 full service branches in Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Talbot County, Caroline County and Dorchester County in Maryland and Kent County, Delaware. The Company engages in the insurance business through three insurance producer firms, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC, Elliott Wilson Insurance, LLC and Jack Martin Associates, Inc.; a wholesale insurance company, TSGIA, Inc.; and two insurance premium finance companies, Mubell Finance, LLC and ESFS, Inc. (all of the foregoing are collectively referred to as the “Insurance Subsidiary”). Each of these entities is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shore Bancshares, Inc. The Company engages in the mortgage brokerage business under the name “Wye Mortgage Group” through a minority series investment in an unrelated Delaware limited liability company.

 

The shares of common stock of Shore Bancshares, Inc. are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHBI”.

 

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

 

Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The financial information contained within the financial statements is, to a significant extent, financial information contained that is based on measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset or relieving a liability.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of the losses that may be sustained in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based on two basic principles of accounting: (i) Topic 450, “Contingencies”, of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), which requires that losses be accrued when they are probable of occurring and estimable; and (ii) ASC Topic 310, “Receivables”, which requires that losses be accrued based on the differences between the loan balance and the value of collateral, present value of future cash flows or values that are observable in the secondary market. Management uses many factors to estimate the inherent loss that may be present in our loan portfolio, including economic conditions and trends, the value and adequacy of collateral, the volume and mix of the loan portfolio, and our internal loan processes. Actual losses could differ significantly from management’s estimates. In addition, GAAP itself may change from one previously acceptable method to another. Although the economics of transactions would be the same, the timing of events that would impact the transactions could change.

 

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Three basic components comprise our allowance for credit losses: (i) a specific allowance; (ii) a formula allowance; and (iii) a nonspecific allowance. Each component is determined based on estimates that can and do change when the actual events occur. The specific allowance is established against impaired loans (i.e., nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings) based on our assessment of the losses that may be associated with the individual loans. The specific allowance remains until charge-offs are made. An impaired loan may show deficiencies in the borrower’s overall financial condition, payment history, support available from financial guarantors and/or the fair market value of collateral. The formula allowance is used to estimate the loss on internally risk-rated loans, exclusive of those identified as impaired. Loans are grouped by type (construction, commercial real estate, residential real estate, commercial or consumer). Each loan type is assigned an allowance factor based on management’s estimate of the risk, complexity and size of individual loans within a particular category. Loans identified as special mention, substandard, and doubtful are adversely rated. These loans are assigned higher allowance factors than favorably rated loans due to management’s concerns regarding collectability or management’s knowledge of particular elements regarding the borrower. The nonspecific allowance captures losses that have impacted the portfolio but have yet to be recognized in either the specific or formula allowance.

 

Management has significant discretion in making the adjustments inherent in the determination of the provision and allowance for credit losses, including in connection with the valuation of collateral, the estimation of a borrower’s prospects of repayment, and the establishment of the allowance factors on the formula allowance and unallocated allowance components of the allowance. The establishment of allowance factors is a continuing exercise, based on management’s ongoing assessment of the totality of all factors, including, but not limited to, delinquencies, loss history, trends in volume and terms of loans, effects of changes in lending policy, the experience and depth of management, national and local economic trends, concentrations of credit, the quality of the loan review system and the effect of external factors such as competition and regulatory requirements, and their impact on the portfolio. Allowance factors may change from period to period, resulting in an increase or decrease in the amount of the provision or allowance, based on the same volume and classification of loans. Changes in allowance factors will have a direct impact on the amount of the provision, and a corresponding effect on net income. Errors in management’s perception and assessment of these factors and their impact on the portfolio could result in the allowance not being adequate to cover losses in the portfolio, and may result in additional provisions or charge-offs.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested at least annually for impairment, usually during the third quarter, or on an interim basis if circumstances dictate. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and also are subject to impairment testing.

 

Impairment testing requires that the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units be compared to the carrying amount of its net assets, including goodwill. The Company’s reporting units were identified based on an analysis of each of its individual operating segments. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than book value, an expense may be required to write down the related goodwill or purchased intangibles to record an impairment loss.

 

Fair Value

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Significant financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are investment securities and interest rate caps. Impaired loans and other real estate owned are significant financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. See Note 8, “Fair Value Measurements”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of fair value.

 

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OVERVIEW

 

The Company reported a net loss for the first quarter of 2012 of $3.0 million, or diluted loss per common share of $(0.36), compared to a net loss of $1.1 million, or diluted loss per common share of $(0.13), for the first quarter of 2011. For the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company reported net income of $325 thousand, or diluted earnings per common share of $0.04. For the first quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $8.4 million, which was $2.0 million higher than the provision recorded for the first quarter of 2011 and $4.4 million higher than the provision recorded for the fourth quarter of 2011. Annualized return on average assets was (1.05)% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to (0.39)% for the same period in 2011. Annualized return on average stockholders’ equity was (10.04)% for the first quarter of 2012, compared to (3.59)% for the first quarter of 2011. For the fourth quarter of 2011, annualized return on average assets was 0.11% and return on average equity was 1.07%.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the first quarter of 2012 was $9.2 million, compared to $9.9 million for the first quarter of 2011 and $9.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. The decrease in net interest income when compared to the first quarter of 2011 and the fourth quarter of 2011 was primarily due to lower yields earned on average earning assets and a decline in higher-yielding average loan balances. The net interest margin was 3.42% for the first quarter of 2012, 3.79% for the first quarter of 2011 and 3.60% for the fourth quarter of 2011, a decrease of 37 basis points and 18 basis points, respectively. The high level of loan charge-offs has negatively impacted our net interest income and net interest margin.

 

Interest income was $11.9 million for the first quarter of 2012, a decrease of 6.8% from the first quarter of 2011. Average earning assets increased 2.4% during the first quarter of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011, while yields earned decreased 48 basis points to 4.40%, mainly due to loan activity. Average loans decreased 6.2% and the yield earned on loans decreased 17 basis points. Loans comprised 76.5% of total average earning assets for the first quarter of 2012, compared to 83.6% for the first quarter of 2011. When comparing average balances of other earning assets for the first quarters of 2012 and 2011, taxable investment securities grew $28.1 million, or 27.7%, and excess cash shifted from federal funds sold (decreasing $37.0 million) to interest-bearing deposits (increasing $90.1 million) to take advantage of higher yields on interest-bearing deposits. Interest income decreased 5.4% when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Average earning assets remained relatively unchanged even though average loans decreased 2.5% during the first quarter of 2012 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, and yields earned declined 18 basis points.

 

Interest expense was $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of 6.8% when compared to the same period last year. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased 2.1% while rates paid decreased 12 basis points to 1.20%, primarily due to changes in time deposits (certificates of deposit $100,000 or more and other time deposits). For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the average balance of certificates of deposit $100,000 or more decreased 7.2% when compared to the same period last year, and the average rate paid on these certificates of deposit decreased 24 basis points to 1.46%. When comparing the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2011, average other time deposits decreased 3.1% and the rate paid on average other time deposits decreased 27 basis points to 1.83%. The decline in average time deposits reflected a decrease in the Company’s liquidity needs, and the lower rates reflected current market conditions. The decrease in average time deposits was more than offset by an increase in interest-bearing demand deposits (16.5%) and money market and savings deposits (7.1%), reflecting a shift in customer investment needs. Interest on money market and savings deposits included an adjustment to expense related to interest rate caps and the hedged deposits associated with them. This adjustment increased interest expense $460 thousand for the first quarter of 2012 and $260 thousand for the first quarter of 2011. See Note 9, “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. When comparing the first quarter of 2012 to the fourth quarter of 2011, interest expense decreased 1.2%. Although rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities remained at 1.20% and total average interest-bearing liabilities increased slightly, the overall decrease in the balances of and rates paid on average time deposits was enough to reduce interest expense.

 

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Analysis of Interest Rates and Interest Differentials

The following table presents the distribution of the average consolidated balance sheets, interest income/expense, and annualized yields earned and rates paid for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2012   March 31, 2011 
   Average   Income(1)/   Yield/   Average   Income(1)/   Yield/ 
(Dollars in thousands)  Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate 
Earning assets                              
Loans (2), (3)  $832,585   $11,040    5.33%  $887,531   $12,040    5.50%
Investment securities                              
Taxable   129,767    757    2.35    101,625    657    2.62 
Tax-exempt   4,270    57    5.36    4,610    58    5.08 
Federal funds sold   9,794    2    0.06    46,813    16    0.14 
Interest-bearing deposits   111,690    48    0.17    21,585    6    0.12 
Total earning assets   1,088,106    11,904    4.40%   1,062,164    12,777    4.88%
Cash and due from banks   18,174              19,316           
Other assets   68,163              65,426           
Allowance for credit losses   (14,877)             (15,647)          
Total assets  $1,159,566             $1,131,259           
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities                              
Demand deposits  $153,291    74    0.19%  $131,628    73    0.22%
Money market and savings deposits (4)   279,355    778    1.12    260,841    595    0.93 
Certificates of deposit $100,000 or more   240,521    871    1.46    259,179    1,086    1.70 
Other time deposits   201,743    918    1.83    208,301    1,079    2.10 
Interest-bearing deposits   874,910    2,641    1.21    859,949    2,833    1.34 
Short-term borrowings   17,621    15    0.35    14,165    13    0.37 
Long-term debt   455    5    4.63    932    10    4.56 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   892,986    2,661    1.20%   875,046    2,856    1.32%
Noninterest-bearing deposits   136,260              122,300           
Other liabilities   8,662              11,447           
Stockholders’ equity   121,658              122,466           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $1,159,566             $1,131,259           
                               
Net interest spread       $9,243    3.20%       $9,921    3.56%
Net interest margin             3.42%             3.79%
                               
Tax-equivalent adjustment                              
Loans       $29             $39      
Investment securities        19              20      
Total       $48             $59      

 

(1)All amounts are reported on a tax equivalent basis computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 34.0% for 2012 and 2011 exclusive of the alternative minimum tax rate and nondeductible interest expense.
(2)Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans.
(3)Interest income on loans includes amortized loan fees, net of costs, and all are included in the yield calculations.
(4)Interest on money market and savings deposits includes an adjustment to expense related to interest rate caps and the hedged deposits associated with them. This adjustment increased interest expense $460 thousand for the first quarter of 2012 and $260 thousand for the first quarter of 2011.

 

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income for the first quarter of 2012 increased $179 thousand, or 4.1%, when compared to the first quarter of 2011. The increase was primarily a result of higher insurance agency commissions of $179 thousand, due to contingency payments which are typically received in the first quarter of each year and are based on the prior year’s performance. Noninterest income increased $555 thousand, or 13.8%, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. The increase when compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 was primarily due to an increase in insurance agency commissions of $628 thousand, resulting from higher contingency payments, which was partially offset by a decline in investment securities gains of $128 thousand that were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

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Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2012 increased $607 thousand, or 6.1%, when compared to the first quarter of 2011 mostly due to higher salaries and wages of $170 thousand and other noninterest expenses of $713 thousand. The increase in other noninterest expenses was mainly due to higher expenses related to collection and other real estate owned activities ($545 thousand) and employee training ($100 thousand) primarily on the use of upgraded insurance software. Partially offsetting these increases were lower data processing expenses of $185 thousand due to nonrecurring charges relating to the merger of The Felton Bank into CNB during the first quarter of 2011, and FDIC insurance premiums of $187 thousand.

 

Noninterest expense increased $1.1 million, or 11.6%, from the fourth quarter of 2011. Other employee benefits increased $247 thousand mainly due to higher payroll taxes ($170 thousand) and group insurance costs ($65 thousand). Occupancy expense increased $124 thousand, which included costs to renovate the headquarters building of The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC, one of our insurance producer firms, in order to relocate employees to a central location. Other noninterest expenses increased $516 thousand mainly due to higher expenses related to collection and other real estate owned activities ($197 thousand), the previously-mentioned employee training ($102 thousand) and provision for off-balance sheet commitments ($219 thousand).

 

Income Taxes

The Company reported an income tax benefit of $2.1 million and $941 thousand for the first three months of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate was a 40.5% benefit for the first quarter of 2012 and a 46.5% benefit for the first quarter of 2011.

 

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

Loans

Loans, net of unearned income, totaled $819.0 million at March 31, 2012, a $22.0 million, or 2.6%, decrease since December 31, 2011. Residential real estate loans declined the most ($12.4 million) followed by construction ($5.5 million) and commercial loans ($5.1 million). Commercial real estate loans remained relatively unchanged since the end of 2011 while consumer loans increased $840 thousand. Fewer high-quality loan opportunities and historically high levels of net loan charge-offs continue to deter loan growth. See Note 4, “Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and below under the caption “Allowance for Credit Losses” for additional information.

 

Our loan portfolio has a commercial real estate loan concentration, which is defined as a combination of construction and commercial real estate loans. Construction loans were $114.4 million, or 14.0% of total loans, at March 31, 2012, compared to $119.9 million, or 14.3% of total loans, at December 31, 2011. Commercial real estate loans were approximately $315.6 million, or 38.4% of total loans, at March 31, 2012, compared to $315.4 million, or 37.5% of total loans, at December 31, 2011. We do not engage in foreign or subprime lending activities.

 

Because most of our loans are secured by real estate, weaknesses in the current local real estate market and construction industry, and lack of improvement in general economic conditions have had a material adverse effect on the performance of our loan portfolio and the value of the collateral securing that portfolio. Factors affecting loan performance and our overall financial performance include higher provisions for credit losses and loan charge-offs.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

We have established an allowance for credit losses, which is increased by provisions charged against earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off debts and is decreased by current period charge-offs of uncollectible debts. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis and adjusts the provision for credit losses based on this analysis. The evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based primarily on a risk rating system of individual loans, as well as on a collective evaluation of smaller balance homogenous loans, each grouped by loan type. Each loan type is assigned allowance factors based on criteria such as past credit loss experience, local economic and industry trends, and other measures which may impact collectibility. Please refer to the discussion above under the caption “Critical Accounting Policies” for an overview of the underlying methodology management employs to maintain the allowance.

 

The provision for credit losses was $8.4 million for the first quarter of 2012, $6.4 million for the first quarter of 2011 and $4.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, respectively. The higher level of provision for credit losses was primarily in response to loan charge-offs made during the first quarter of 2012 as we continued our effort to remove problem loans from our balance sheet. Because most of our loans are secured by real estate, historically low property values and real estate sales are negatively impacting credit quality. Nevertheless, we continue to emphasize credit quality and believe that our underwriting guidelines are strong. When problem loans are identified, management takes prompt action to quantify and minimize losses in its focused efforts to dispose of existing problem loans. Management also works with borrowers in an effort to reach mutually acceptable resolutions.

 

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Net charge-offs were $9.1 million for the first quarter of 2012, $3.1 million for the first quarter of 2011 and $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2011. Most of the loan charge-offs in the first quarter of 2012 were residential real estate and commercial loans and were primarily from a lending relationship with one borrower. Most of the loan charge-offs in the first quarter of 2011 were residential real estate loans and were mainly related to a single $1.3 million residential property. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of average loans was 1.63% for the first quarter of 2012, compared to 1.97% for the first quarter of 2011. Management believes that the provision for credit losses and the resulting allowance were adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio at March 31, 2012.

 

The following table presents a summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses:

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2012   2011 
Allowance balance – beginning of period  $14,288   $14,227 
Charge-offs:          
Construction   (1,072)   (686)
Residential real estate   (4,119)   (2,091)
Commercial real estate   (690)   (228)
Commercial   (3,355)   (246)
Consumer   (15)   (75)
Totals   (9,251)   (3,326)
Recoveries:          
Construction   -    49 
Residential real estate   51    34 
Commercial real estate   7    - 
Commercial   75    77 
Consumer   4    20 
Totals   137    180 
Net charge-offs   (9,114)   (3,146)
Provision for credit losses   8,370    6,390 
Allowance balance – end of period  $13,544   $17,471 
           
Average loans outstanding during the period  $832,585   $887,531 
Net charge-offs (annualized) as a percentage of average loans outstanding during the period   4.40%   1.44%
Allowance for credit losses at period end as a percentage of average loans   1.63%   1.97%

 

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Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets were $94.6 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $88.7 million at December 31, 2011. During the first three months of 2012, nonaccrual loans decreased $2.0 million primarily in construction and commercial real estate loans. Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing increased $1.1 million and accruing troubled debt restructurings increased $4.8 million, both primarily in commercial real estate loans. Other real estate owned increased $2.0 million from the end of 2011. The increases in accruing troubled debt restructurings and other real estate owned reflected our continued effort to either develop concessionary workouts relating to problem loans or remove problem loans from our portfolio. See Note 8, “Fair Value Measurements”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on the changes in the balances of nonperforming assets. The ratio of total nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate owned was 11.40% at March 31, 2012, compared to 10.43% at December 31, 2011.

 

The following table summarizes our nonperforming assets:

 

   March 31,   December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)  2012   2011 
Nonperforming assets          
Nonaccrual loans          
Construction  $12,758   $15,555 
Residential real estate   21,710    20,106 
Commercial real estate   12,344    14,012 
Commercial   2,535    1,669 
Consumer   58    28 
Total nonaccrual loans   49,405    51,370 
           
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing          
Construction   -    325 
Residential real estate   2,196    2,331 
Commercial real estate   1,543    - 
Commercial   29    66 
Consumer   28    1 
Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing   3,796    2,723 
           
Accruing troubled debt restructurings          
Construction   11,879    11,781 
Residential real estate   3,000    3,792 
Commercial real estate   15,063    9,566 
Commercial   68    69 
Consumer   -    - 
Total accruing troubled debt restructurings   30,010    25,208 
Total nonperforming loans   83,211    79,301 
Other real estate owned   11,418    9,385 
Total nonperforming assets  $94,629   $88,686 
           
Nonaccrual loans to total loans   6.03%   6.11%
Nonaccrual loans to total assets   4.22%   4.44%
Nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate owned   11.40%   10.43%
Nonperforming assets to total assets   8.09%   7.66%

 

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Investment Securities

The investment portfolio is comprised of securities that are either available for sale or held to maturity. Investment securities available for sale are stated at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices. They represent securities which may be sold as part of the asset/liability management strategy or which may be sold in response to changing interest rates. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are reported net of related income taxes as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Investment securities in the held to maturity category are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. We have the intent and current ability to hold such securities until maturity. At March 31, 2012, 95% of the portfolio was classified as available for sale and 5% as held to maturity, the same as at December 31, 2011. With the exception of municipal securities, our general practice is to classify all newly-purchased securities as available for sale. See Note 3, “Investment Securities”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on the composition of our investment portfolio.

 

Investment securities totaled $127.1 million at March 31, 2012, a $9.1 million, or 6.7%, decrease since December 31, 2011. At the end of the first quarter of 2012, 24.1% of the securities in the portfolio were U.S. Government agencies and 70.6% of the securities were mortgage-backed securities, compared to 30.9% and 63.9% , respectively, at year-end 2011, reflecting a shift in the composition of the portfolio to higher-yielding mortgage-backed securities. Our investments in mortgage-backed securities are issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or government-sponsored agencies.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the average balance of investment securities increased to $134.0 million, compared to $106.2 million for the same period in 2011. The increase in the 2012 investment securities average balance when compared to the 2011 balance reflected the investment of excess cash from deposits. Investment securities comprised 12.3% of total average earning assets for the first quarter of 2012, higher than the 10.0% for the first quarter of 2011. The tax equivalent yields on investment securities was 2.44% for the first quarter of 2012 and 2.70% for the first quarter of 2011.

 

Deposits

Total deposits at March 31, 2012 were $1.028 billion, an $18.2 million, or 1.8%, increase when compared to the $1.010 billion at December 31, 2011. The increase in noninterest-bearing demand and money market and savings deposits ($25.9 million) was partially offset by the decrease in interest-bearing demand and time deposits ($7.7 million), primarily in certificates of deposit $100,000 or more. The increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits reflected continuing growth from our customer base and the increase in money market and savings deposits reflected a shift in customer investment needs.

 

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $13.7 million and $17.8 million, respectively. Short-term borrowings generally consist of securities sold under agreements to repurchase which are issued in conjunction with cash management services for commercial depositors, overnight borrowings from correspondent banks and short-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). Short-term advances are defined as those with original maturities of one year or less. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, short-term borrowings included only repurchase agreements.

 

Long-Term Debt

At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $455 thousand in long-term debt. This debt was acquisition-related, incurred as part of the purchase price of TSGIA, Inc. and is payable to the seller thereof, who remains the President of that subsidiary. The interest rate on the debt is 4.08% and principal and interest are payable in annual installments for five years, with the final payment due on October 1, 2012.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We derive liquidity through increased customer deposits, maturities in the investment portfolio, loan repayments and income from earning assets. During the second quarter of 2009, we began participating in the Promontory Insured Network Deposits Program which resulted in increased deposits and liquidity. The program has a five-year term and has a guaranteed minimum funding level of $70 million.

 

To the extent that deposits are not adequate to fund customer loan demand, liquidity needs can be met in the short-term funds markets through arrangements with correspondent banks. The Banks had $15.5 million in unsecured federal funds lines of credit and a reverse repurchase agreement available on a short-term basis from correspondent banks at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The Banks are also members of the FHLB, which provides another source of liquidity. Through the FHLB, the Banks had credit availability of approximately $41.1 million and $31.6 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The Banks have pledged, under a blanket lien, all qualifying residential loans under borrowing agreements with the FHLB. Management is not aware of any demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are likely to materially affect our future ability to maintain liquidity at satisfactory levels.

 

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Total stockholders’ equity was $118.6 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $121.2 million at December 31, 2011. The net loss and dividends paid contributed to the decrease in stockholders’ equity since the end of 2011. The decrease was partially offset by unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities ($228 thousand) and cash flow hedging activities ($214 thousand). To sustain capital and enhance capital ratios, the board of directors of Shore Bancshares, Inc. decreased the quarterly cash dividend on the common stock from $.06 per share to $0.01 per share beginning with the dividend that was paid on May 31, 2011. On May 3, 2012, the board of directors voted to suspend quarterly cash dividends until further notice. If the dividend suspension is continued, the Company will retain approximately $254 thousand in common equity for the remainder of 2012. We remain well-capitalized which enables us to fund the costs to resolve our problem loans.

 

Bank regulatory agencies have adopted various capital standards for financial institutions, including risk-based capital standards. The primary objectives of the risk-based capital framework are to provide a more consistent system for comparing capital positions of financial institutions and to take into account the different risks among financial institutions’ assets and off-balance sheet items.

 

Risk-based capital standards have been supplemented with requirements for a minimum Tier 1 capital to average assets ratio (leverage ratio). In addition, regulatory agencies consider the published capital levels as minimum levels and may require a financial institution to maintain capital at higher levels. The Company’s capital ratios continued to be well in excess of regulatory minimums.

 

The table below presents a comparison of the Company’s capital ratios to the minimum regulatory requirements as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

           Minimum 
   March 31,   December 31,   Regulatory 
   2012   2011   Requirements 
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio   12.39%   12.55%   4.00%
Total risk-based capital ratio   13.64%   13.80    8.00%
Leverage ratio   9.04%   9.29    4.00%

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Our primary market risk is to interest rate fluctuation and management has procedures in place to evaluate and mitigate this risk. This risk and these procedures are discussed in Item 7 of Part II of the Annual Report of Shore Bancshares, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 under the caption “Market Risk Management”. Management believes that there have been no material changes in our market risks, the procedures used to evaluate and mitigate these risks, or our actual and simulated sensitivity positions since December 31, 2011.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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An evaluation of the effectiveness of these disclosure controls as of March 31, 2012 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the CEO and the PAO. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and the PAO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are, in fact, effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

The risks and uncertainties to which our financial condition and operations are subject are discussed in detail in Item 1A of Part I of the Annual Report of Shore Bancshares, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Management does not believe that any material changes in our risk factors have occurred since they were last disclosed.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

The exhibits filed or furnished with this quarterly report are shown on the Exhibit List that follows the signatures to this report, which list is incorporated herein by reference.

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
     
Date: May 9, 2012 By: /s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye
    W. Moorhead Vermilye
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date: May 9, 2012 By: /s/ Susan E. Leaverton
    Susan E. Leaverton, CPA
    Treasurer/Principal Accounting Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit    
Number   Description
     
10.1   Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2012).
     
31.1   Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).
     
31.2   Certifications of the Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).
     
32   Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (furnished herewith).
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance File (furnished herewith).
     
101.SCH   XBRL Label File (furnished herewith).
     
101.CAL   XBRL Calculation File (furnished herewith).
     
101.DEF   XBRL Definition File (furnished herewith).
     
101.LAB   XBRL Label File (furnished herewith).
     
101.PRE   XBRL Presentation File (furnished herewith).

 

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