Item 1 	Business
General
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements which are statements that are not historical or current facts. When used in this filing and in future filings by Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s press releases or other public or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases, “anticipate,” “would be,” “will allow,” “intends to,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “projected,” or similar expressions are intended to identify, “forward looking statements.” Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in economic conditions in Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s market area, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, fluctuations in interest rates, demand for loans in Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s market area, the availability of liquidity from deposits or borrowings to execute on loan and investment opportunities, changes in the position of banking regulators on the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, and competition, all or some of which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical earnings and those presently anticipated or projected.
Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that various factors, including regional and national economic conditions, substantial changes in levels of market interest rates, credit and other risks of lending and investing activities, and competitive and regulatory factors, could affect Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s financial performance and could cause Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.
Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation. Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation (or the “Company”) is a Maryland corporation. On February 3, 2011, the Company completed a conversion from the mutual holding company structure and a related public offering. As a result of the conversion, Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC (the “MHC”) and Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation, the former holding companies of Atlantic Coast Bank (the “Bank”), were merged into Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation. Atlantic Coast Bank is 100% owned by the Company and the Company is 100% owned by public stockholders. The Company sold a total of 1,710,857 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, in the subscription and community offerings, including 68,434 shares to Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). All shares were sold at a price of $10.00 per share, raising $17.1 million in gross proceeds. Conversion related expenses of $2.7 million were offset against the gross proceeds, resulting in $14.4 million of net proceeds, which included $684,000 loaned by the Company to a trust for the ESOP. Concurrent with the completion of the offering, shares of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation common stock owned by public stockholders were exchanged for 0.1960 of a share of the Company’s common stock.
In its prospectus, dated November 12, 2010, distributed to investors in connection with the Company's second step conversion and stock offering that was completed in February 2011, the Company disclosed its intent to raise additional capital through a rights offering at such time as permitted by regulators in order to meet an individual minimum capital requirement for the Bank, which was subsequently set at a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7.0%. As previously disclosed, the Bank's Tier 1 leverage ratio was 6.22% as of September 30, 2011 and 5.83% as of December 31, 2011, and, therefore, the Bank did not meet this requirement at the end of the third or fourth quarters of 2011. In light of current economic and market conditions, as well as recent operating results, the Company's Board of Directors has begun a review of its strategic alternatives and has authorized Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel Nicolaus Weisel”) to explore such alternatives, including a potential business combination in addition to the previously disclosed rights offering.
The regulatory approval letter issued in connection with the Company's second step conversion prohibited the Company for a period of three years from taking certain actions, such as discussions relating to a potential business combination that would require stockholder approval, without the prior written consent of regulators. As part of its review of strategic alternatives, the Company has requested and received approval from its primary regulator, the Federal Reserve Board (the "Federal Reserve"), to pursue strategic alternatives that may lead to a transaction that requires stockholder approval. With the Federal Reserve's consent, the Company may now take the necessary actions to explore its strategic alternatives.
Federal regulations require prior regulatory approval before a converted savings institution or its holding company may take any action that would result in any person or entity holding more than a 10% ownership interest in a converted savings institution or its holding company for three years following completion of a mutual to stock conversion.
There can be no assurances that the Company will pursue or complete a business combination or a capital-raising transaction. The Board of Directors will review all possible strategic alternatives and weigh the relative benefits of such alternatives to stockholders. The Company does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the progress of its strategic alternatives review process until such time as the Board of Directors approves or completes a transaction or otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate.
In the future Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation may pursue other business activities, including investment alternatives and diversification of operations. There are, however, no current agreements in place for these activities. Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation does not maintain offices separate from those of Atlantic Coast Bank or utilize persons other than certain of Atlantic Coast Bank’s officers. Any officer that serves as a director of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation is not separately compensated for his service as a director.
Atlantic Coast Bank. Atlantic Coast Bank was established in 1939 as a credit union to serve the employees of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. On November 1, 2000, after receiving the necessary regulatory and membership approvals, Atlantic Coast Federal Credit Union converted to a federal mutual savings bank (and subsequently a stock savings bank) known as Atlantic Coast Bank. The conversion has allowed Atlantic Coast Bank to diversify its customer base by marketing products and services to individuals and businesses in its market area. Unlike a credit union, Atlantic Coast Bank may make loans to customers who do not have a deposit relationship with Atlantic Coast Bank. Following the conversion, management of Atlantic Coast Bank continued its emphasis on residential mortgage lending and commercial real estate lending. See “-Lending Activities.”
The Bank’s principal business consists of attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those funds primarily in permanent loans secured by first mortgages on owner-occupied, one-to-four family residences, home equity loans, and, to a lesser extent, automobile and other consumer loans. We also have originated multi-family residential loans and commercial construction and residential construction loans, but will no longer emphasize the origination of such loans. Instead, our new strategy is to increase our small business lending through our Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lending programs, warehouse lending and to originate commercial business and owner occupied commercial real estate loans to small businesses. Loans are obtained principally through retail staff, brokers and wholesale purchases. The Bank intends to sell loans purchased through warehouse lending and originated through small business lending, rather than hold the loans in portfolio. We also invest in investment securities, primarily those issued by U.S. government-sponsored agencies or entities, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.
Revenues are derived principally from interest on loans and other interest earning assets, such as investment securities. To a lesser extent, revenue is generated from service charges and other income.
The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts having a wide range of interest rates and terms, which generally include savings accounts, money market accounts, demand deposit accounts and time deposit accounts with varied terms ranging from 90 days to five years. Deposits are primarily solicited in the Bank’s market area of southeastern Georgia and the Jacksonville metropolitan area when necessary to fund loan demand.
The Bank’s address is 12724 Gran Bay Parkway, Jacksonville, Florida, 32258 and its telephone number is (800) 342-2824. Its internet website is www.atlanticcoastank.net. The Bank’s website is not a part of this Annual Report.
Market Area
The Bank conducts business from our headquarters and 11 full service branch offices in northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. The Bank has branches located in Jacksonville Beach, Orange Park, Neptune Beach, Westside, Southside and Julington Creek in the Jacksonville metropolitan area as well as in Waycross, Douglas and Garden City (Savannah area), Georgia. The Bank’s primary lending area is in the Jacksonville metropolitan area with our deposit customers residing in both the Jacksonville metropolitan and southeastern Georgia markets.
Florida Market Area. The city of Jacksonville ranks as the 11th largest city in the United States in terms of population with more than 820,000 residents. When including the three beach cities of Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach and Clay, Baker, Nassau and St. Johns counties, the Jacksonville metropolitan area has more than 1.3 million residents. Over the past 10 years, the Jacksonville metropolitan area population has grown at a rate of 10% and is estimated to continue that trend and exceed state and national population growth trends according to estimates from SNL Financial, a financial services data firm. The Jacksonville area has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States and residents have a median age of 36.3 years according to 2008 data from the American Community Survey. The economy in the Jacksonville metropolitan market area is diverse with aviation and aerospace, supply chain logistics, finance and insurance, information technology, life sciences and manufacturing firms being the most prominent. Jacksonville has four modern seaport facilities including the Jacksonville Port which is the third largest in Florida and is being deepened to accommodate substantial planned growth. In addition, Jacksonville is regularly a host city for major sporting events such as The Players Championship (TPC), the Super Bowl in 2005, and a NCAA basketball tournament site in 2006 and 2010. Major employers in the Jacksonville metropolitan area include two United States Naval Air Stations, the Duval County Public School System and the City of Jacksonville.
Over the past 10 years and in view of the current economic downturn, Jacksonville’s economy has not become as dependent on real estate and real estate business activities compared to other communities in Florida. However, the downturn in the real estate industry has significantly affected the Northeastern Florida economy as unemployment was 9.2% as of December 31, 2011, which was slightly lower than the state average of 10.0% but higher than the national average of 8.5%. In addition, as of December 2011, median sales prices of homes in the Jacksonville market area have declined 2.7% from December 2010, and 35.1% from December 2007, which is generally recognized as the beginning of the recession. The decline in home and real estate values has impacted the level of new housing starts, which remain at historically low levels, and has also resulted in increased levels of foreclosure activity.
Despite the economic downturn, median household income levels in our Jacksonville market area have been generally in line to above state and national averages since 2000 and are estimated to grow at rates above the state and national averages according to SNL Financial. Based on the latest FDIC deposit share data, our approximate deposit market share in our Florida market area was less than 1.0%.
Georgia Market Area. The market area of southeastern Georgia is marked by limited growth trends and has a largely agricultural-based economy. While our Georgia market area has experienced population and household income declines since 2000, it has remained a stable banking market. Median household income trends are estimated to be above state and generally in line with national averages according to SNL Financial. Waycross is located in Ware County, Georgia and the dominant employer is the Satilla Regional Medical Center which employs 1,200 people. Other major employers include Flash Foods, Baptist Village, Ware County State Prison and Wal-Mart. Based on the latest FDIC deposit share data, our approximate deposit market share in our Georgia market area of Douglas was 2.9%, Waycross was 24.0% and Savannah was less than 1.0%.
Competition
The Bank faces strong competition in attracting deposits and originating real estate and other loans. Historically, most of our direct competition for deposits has come from credit unions, community banks, large commercial banks and thrift institutions within our primary market areas. In recent years, competition also has come from institutions that largely deliver their services over the internet. Electronic banking such as this has the competitive advantage of lower infrastructure costs. Particularly during times of extremely low or extremely high interest rates, we have faced significant competition for investors’ funds from short-term money market securities and other corporate and government securities. During periods of increasing volatility in interest rates, competition for interest-bearing deposits increases as customers, particularly time-deposit customers, tend to move their accounts between competing businesses to obtain the highest rates in the market. The Bank competes for these deposits by offering superior service, competitive rates and an arrangement that gives our customers’ access to over 900 ATMs at no charge and the opportunity to earn nationwide ATM refunds. As of December 31, 2011, management believes that the Bank held approximately 1.0% of the deposits in its primary market areas of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida.
Competition within our geographic markets also affects our ability to obtain loans through origination or purchase as well as originating them at rates that provide an attractive yield. Competition for loans comes principally from mortgage bankers, commercial banks, other thrift institutions, nationally based homebuilders and credit unions. Internet based lenders also have become a greater competitive factor in recent years. Such competition for the origination and purchase of loans may limit future growth and earnings prospects.
Atlantic Coast Bank completed an update of its website in late 2008 and now enables customers to open accounts online. This new feature, coupled with the implementation of online advertising, should increase the Bank’s competitiveness in the electronic banking arena.
Lending Activities
General. Historically, the Bank has originated for portfolio one-to-four family residential first and second mortgage loans, home-equity loans and commercial real estate loans, and to a lesser extent commercial and residential construction loans, multi-family real estate loans, commercial business loans, automobile and other consumer loans. We have not originated any land loans since 2008. We have not and currently do not originate or purchase sub-prime loans, Alt-A, or offer teaser rate (low, temporary introductory rate) loans. Our new strategy is to increase our warehouse lending, small business lending, primarily through the SBA, and to emphasize originating commercial business and owner occupied commercial real estate loans to small businesses.
The Company also originates commercial loans through the 7(a) Program and the 504 Program of the SBA. The 7(a) loans are guaranteed up to 75% of the loan amount up to a maximum guaranty cap of $3,750,000. The Company typically sells the guaranteed portion of the 7(a) loan into the secondary market at a premium. The Company earns a 1% servicing fee on the 75% of the loan amount sold. These loans are non-recourse, other than an allegation of fraud on the part of the lender. At December 31, 2011, SBA 7(a) loans totaled $5.6 million, or 1.1%, of the gross loan portfolio.
In the 504 program the Company and the SBA are in different lien positions. The typical structure of a 504 loan is that the Bank is in a first lien position at a 50% loan-to-value (“LTV”), and the SBA is in a second lien position at a 40% LTV. The remaining 10% is an equity investment from the borrower. At December 31, 2011, SBA 504 loans totaled $4.6 million, or 0.9%, of the gross loan portfolio. The Company had not sold any 504 loans as of December 31, 2011.
The Bank also purchases both fixed rate and adjustable rate one-to-four family mortgage loans from third parties, to be held-for-sale to investors on the secondary market within its warehouse lending program. The Bank earns interest until the loan is sold and typically earns fee income as well. Held-for-sale loans purchased from third parties generally have commitments to purchase from investors. Loans held-for-sale are sold with limited recourse, and loans are sold servicing released to the investor. Held-for-sale loans were sold on average within 20 days during 2011.
Consistent with the last two years, and continuing into the near term, the Bank plans to limit the origination of loans retained in its portfolio. Originated mortgage loans, residential loans purchased through the warehouse lending program and SBA loans are sold to investors through the secondary market. The Bank generally retains the unguaranteed portion of SBA loans.
At December 31, 2011, the net loan portfolio totaled $505.7 million, which constituted 64.1% of total assets. The Bank underwrites all loans on a fully indexed, fully amortizing basis. Loans carry either a fixed or adjustable rate of interest. Mortgage loans generally have a longer-term amortization, with maturities generally up to 30 years, with principal and interest due each month. Consumer loans are generally shorter in term and amortize monthly or have interest payable monthly. Warehouse loans are underwritten and funded on an individual loan basis. A percentage of loans are randomly selected for advanced quality control or a third-party fraud-risk analysis report in addition to the standard underwriting process. SBA loans are underwritten in accordance with SBA guidelines. Commercial real estate, commercial business, multi-family and nonresidential construction loans have generally larger loan balances and involve a greater degree of credit risk than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. For a description of the primary risks associated with our non-residential loan portfolio, please see “Item 1A.
Item 1A Risk Factors
Our business, and an investment in our common stock, involves risks. Summarized below are the risk factors which management believe are material to our business and could negatively affect operating results, financial condition and the trading value of our common stock. Other risks factors not currently known to management, or risk factors that are currently deemed to be immaterial or unlikely, also could adversely affect the business. In assessing the following risk factors, the reader should also refer to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
If the Bank’s non-performing assets increase, the Bank’s earnings will suffer.
At December 31, 2011, our non-performing assets totaled $52.5 million, or 6.65% of total assets, and have increased steadily since December 31, 2007, when non-performing assets were $9.6 million or 1.03% of total assets. Our non-performing assets may continue to increase in future periods. Our non-performing assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on non-performing loans or real estate owned. We must establish an allowance for loan losses for losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable through current period provisions for loan losses, which are recorded as a charge to income. From time to time, we also write down the value of properties in our other real estate owned portfolio to reflect changing market values. Additionally, there are legal fees associated with the resolution of problem assets as well as carrying costs such as taxes, insurance and maintenance related to other real estate owned. Further, the resolution of non-performing assets requires the active involvement of management, which can distract them from our overall supervision of operations and other income-producing activities.
The Bank and the Company entered into supervisory agreements with the OTS, which limit their operations and may adversely affect their financial performance.
Effective December 10, 2010, the Company, the Bank and the OTS entered into supervisory agreements. The supervisory agreements have been assumed by the OCC as to restrictions that relate to the Bank and by the Federal Reserve as to restrictions that relate to the Company. The agreements provide, among other things, that:
•the Bank must not purchase additional bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) or increase its investment in existing BOLI policies until the Bank’s BOLI exposure is within regulatory guidelines of 25% of total capital;
•the Bank must comply with regulations limiting its ability to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits without receiving the written non-objection of the OTS, including reducing its level of brokered deposits to $52.5 million by June 30, 2011;
•the Bank and the Company must comply with regulatory prior notification requirements with respect to changes in directors and senior executive officers;
•the Bank will not be permitted to declare a dividend or make any other capital distributions without the prior written approval of the OTS, and the Company cannot declare or pay dividends or make any other capital distributions without prior written OTS approval;
•the Bank and the Company will not be permitted to enter into, renew, extend or revise any contractual arrangement relating to compensation or benefits for any senior executive officers or directors, unless it provides 30 days prior written notice of the proposed transaction to the OTS;
•the Bank may not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the financial condition of the Bank or outside of its normal course of business unless the OTS has received 30 days prior written notice of such contract or arrangement and issued its written non-objection;
•the Bank and the Company may not make any golden parachute payment or prohibited indemnification payment without OTS prior written approval;
•the Bank will not be permitted to increase its total assets during any quarter in excess of an amount equal to the net interest credited on deposit liabilities during the prior quarter, without the prior written non-objection of the OTS;
•the Bank may not engage in any transactions with affiliates without providing 30 days advance written notice to the OTS and receiving its written non-objection; and
•the Company may not incur, issue, renew or rollover any debt or debt securities, increase any current lines of credit, guarantee the debt of any entity, or otherwise incur any additional debt without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.
The restriction on growth will affect the Bank’s ability to generate new loans or make investments without reducing other assets on its balance sheet, thereby potentially adversely affecting the Company’s income. The restriction on brokered deposits may affect the Bank’s ability to have sufficient liquid assets for the Bank’s operations or require it to pay higher rates on retail deposits to replace the Bank’s use of brokered deposits. These limitations and the other restrictions noted above will limit the Company’s operations, which may adversely affect its financial performance.
In the event the Company or the Bank are in material non-compliance with the terms of the supervisory agreements and subject to regulatory discretion, the Federal Reserve and/or the OCC has the authority to subject them to the terms of a more restrictive enforcement order such as a cease and desist order, to impose civil money penalties on them and their directors and officers, and to remove directors and officers from their positions with Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation and Atlantic Coast Bank.
The Bank is not in compliance with an Individual Minimum Capital Requirement(IMCR) established by the OTS (the predecessor regulatory agency to the OCC) and as a result may become subject to further regulatory restrictions in the future.
The OTS (the predecessor regulatory agency to the OCC) established an IMCR with the Bank on May 13, 2011 that required that the Bank achieve and maintain a Tier 1 (core) capital ratio of 6.25% as of June 30, 2011 and 7.0% as of September 30, 2011. While we achieved the required Tier 1(core) capital ratio as of June 30, 2011, the Bank was not in compliance with the IMCR as of September 30, 2011, and as of December 31, 2011 had a Tier 1(core) capital ratio of 5.83%. The OCC has the authority to subject the Bank to more restrictive enforcement orders including cease and desist orders, formal actions or other directives that may trigger the call provisions of the reverse repurchase agreements discussed below and that may require the Bank to meet and maintain capital levels at amounts higher than the IMCR. In order to meet such regulatory orders to raise capital the Company may have to take actions which could dilute current stockholders or otherwise negatively affect current stockholders’ investment.
The Company has engaged Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to help it review its strategic alternatives. The Company may not be successful in its strategic alternatives review process.
In light of current economic and market conditions, as well as recent operating results, the Company's Board of Directors has begun a review of its strategic alternatives and has authorized Stifel Nicolaus Weisel to explore such alternatives, including a potential business combination in addition to the previously disclosed potential rights offering.
The Board of Directors will review all possible strategic alternatives and weigh the relative benefits of such alternatives to stockholders. The Company does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the progress of its strategic alternatives review process until such time as the Board of Directors approves or completes a transaction or otherwise determines that further disclosure is appropriate. The Company may not be able to successfully complete a business combination or a capital-raising transaction or complete such a transaction .
The Bank’s borrowings from securities sold under agreements to repurchase materially impacts the Bank’s net interest margin and exposes the Bank’s capital and results of operations to significant risk.
The Bank has $92.8 million of securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“reverse repo”) comprised of structured notes with two different counterparties in amounts totaling $77.8 million and $15.0 million, respectively. The individual agreements take the form of term repurchase agreements with maturities beginning in 2014 and final maturities in 2018. The interest rate terms are variable based on an index tied to 3 month LIBOR or the counterparty has an option to lock in interest rates at a fixed rate each quarter. Due to the low LIBOR interest rate environment that has existed over the last two years, each of the counterparties has exercised their options to fix the rate at ceiling maximums. The weighted average rate of the reverse repos as of December 31, 2011 was 5.10%, and the weighted average maturity was 54 months.
Due to the unusually low long term interest rate environment being promoted by the Federal Reserve, yields on the investment securities collateralizing the reverse repos have been decreasing and at December 31, 2011 the weighted average yield on these securities was approximately 2.50%. Given the announced intentions of the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates at their current levels until 2014, the reverse repo transactions are expected to have a negative impact to our net interest margin and represent a barrier to returning to profitability. The Bank has the option to terminate the reverse repos at the market rate of the debt. As of December 31, 2011, the market rate of the debt exceeded the principal balance outstanding by $15.3 million.
The agreements with the counterparty of the $77.8 million reverse repo contain default conditions which if triggered would materially impact the Bank’s capital and results of operations. In the event the Bank becomes less than adequately capitalized or receives a cease and desist order from the OCC the counterparty has the option to terminate the reverse repos at the market rate of the debt. As of December 31, 2011 the market rate of the debt exceeded the principal balance outstanding by $12.5 million.
The Company has experienced net losses for each of the last three fiscal years and we may not return to profitability in the near future.
The Company has experienced net losses of $10.3 million, $14.2 million and $29.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The losses have been primarily caused by a significant increase in non-performing assets, which necessitated a provision for loan losses of $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $21.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a provision of $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. We charged off $13.2 million of loans during the year ended December 31, 2011, $21.7 million of loans during 2010 and $21.7 million of loans during 2009. Non-performing loans (generally loans 90 days or more past due in principal or interest payments) increased to $46.6 million, or 8.94% of total loans at December 31, 2011, compared to $28.1 million, or 4.99% of total loans at December 31, 2010. We experienced other-than- temporary impairment losses in our investment portfolio of $186,000 and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, management deemed it appropriate to write off our entire goodwill balance of $2.8 million, and establish a valuation allowance of 100% of our net deferred tax asset. As a result of these factors and other conditions such as weakness in our local economy, we may not be able to generate sustainable net income or achieve profitability in the near future.
We may be unable to successfully implement our business strategy and as a result, our financial condition and results of operations may be negatively affected.
Our future success will depend upon management’s ability to successfully implement its business strategy, which includes expanding warehouse lending, an emphasis on originating loans to small businesses, including loans guaranteed by the United States Small Business Administration, expense reduction and transitioning the Bank to a retail community banking model. While we believe we have the management resources and internal systems in place to successfully implement our strategy, it will take time and additional capital to fully implement our strategy. We expect that it may take a significant period of time before we can achieve the intended results of our business strategy. During the period we are implementing our plan our results of operations may be negatively impacted. In addition, even if our strategy is successfully implemented, it may not produce positive results.
Additionally, future success in the expansion of the warehouse and small business lending platforms as well as the ongoing development of the retail community banking model will depend on management’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. An improving job market along with competition for banking talent from institutions with greater financial resources could negatively impact our ability to recruit and retain adequate talent and adversely affect our business and profitability.
Future capital raises are subject to regulatory approval which could slow down or prevent timely acquisition of additional capital.
Under conditions established by the OTS upon approval of the Company’s second step conversion, the Company must obtain approval of any stock offering (public or private) conducted for 18 months after the completion of the second step conversion on February 3, 2011 from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. In addition, without prior approval from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta the Company is prohibited from selling more than a 10% ownership interest in the Company for three years following the second step conversion.
The geographic concentration in loans secured by one-to-four family residential real estate may increase credit losses, which could increase the level of provision for loan losses.
As of December 31, 2011, approximately 61.3% of the total loan portfolio was secured by first or second liens on one-to-four family residential property, primarily in southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida. The Bank had $189.6 million, or 36.8%, of our loan portfolio secured by one-to-four family residential property in Florida and $84.9 million, or 16.5%, of such properties in Georgia. The downturn in the local and national economy beginning in 2008, through 2011, particularly affecting real estate values and employment, have adversely affected our loan customers’ ability to repay their loans. In the event we are required to foreclose on a property securing a mortgage loans or pursue other remedies in order to protect our investment, we may not be able to recover funds in an amount equal to any remaining loan balance as a result of prevailing economic conditions, real estate values and other factors associated with the ownership of real property. In particular, the foreclosure process in Florida often takes up to 2 years to complete, thereby potentially increasing our risk of loss due to the property’s deterioration in value during this period. As a result, the market value of the real estate or other collateral underlying the loans may not, at any given time, be sufficient to satisfy the outstanding principal amount of the loans. Consequently, we would sustain loan losses and potentially incur a higher provision for loan loss expense.
The loan portfolio possesses increased risk due to our number of commercial real estate, commercial business, construction and multi-family loans and consumer loans, which could increase the level of provision for loan losses.
The outstanding commercial real estate, commercial business, construction, multi-family, and manufactured home, automobile and other consumer loans accounted for approximately 38.3% of the total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2011. Generally, management considers these types of loans to involve a higher degree of risk compared to first mortgage loans on one-to-four family, owner occupied residential properties. Historically, these loans have had higher risks than loans secured by residential real estate for the following reasons:
·Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Business Loans. Repayment is dependent on income being generated by the rental property or business in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service. This risk has been exacerbated by the extended recession in commercial real estate and commercial land values, particularly in our markets.
·Commercial and Multi-Family Construction Loans. Repayment is dependent upon the completion of the project and income being generated by the rental property or business in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service.
·Single Family Construction Loans. Repayment is dependent upon the successful completion of the project and the ability of the contractor or builder to repay the loan from the sale of the property or obtaining permanent financing.
·Multi-Family Real Estate Loans. Repayment is dependent on income being generated by the rental property in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service.
·Consumer Loans. Consumer loans (such as automobile and manufactured home loans) are collateralized, if at all, with assets that may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the loan due to depreciation, damage or loss.
If these non-residential loans become non-performing, we may have to increase our provision for loan losses which would negatively affect our results of operations.
The loan portfolio possesses increased risk due to portfolio lending during a period of rising real estate values, high sales volume activity and historically low interest rate environment.
Much of the Bank’s portfolio lending is in one-to-four family residential properties generally located throughout southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida. As a result of lending during a period of rising real estate values and historically low interest rates, a significant portion of the loan portfolio is potentially under-collateralized given the recent significant decline in real estate values. Sufficient time has not elapsed to ascertain the magnitude of potential losses resulting from lending during a period of intense changes in the real estate market. Additionally, given the historically low interest rate environment over this same period, the adjustable rate loans have not been subject to an interest rate environment that causes them to adjust to the maximum level and may involve repayment risks resulting from potentially increasing payment obligations by borrowers as a result of re-pricing. At December 31, 2011, there were $217.8 million in adjustable rate loans, which made up 42.3% of the loan portfolio.
High loan-to-value ratios on a portion of our residential mortgage loan portfolio expose us to greater risk of loss.
Many of our residential mortgage loans are secured by liens on mortgage properties in which the borrowers have little or no equity because of the decline in home values in our market areas. The pressure on home values has increased due to the uncertainty caused by the U.S. government’s lawsuit against larger national loan servicers and the impact of distressed asset sales by U.S. government agency mortgage lenders. Residential loans with high loan-to-value ratios will be more sensitive to declining property values than those with lower combined loan-to-value ratios and, therefore, may experience a higher incidence of default and severity of losses. In addition, if the borrowers sell their homes, such borrowers may be unable to repay their loans in full from the sale. As a result, these loans may experience higher rates of delinquencies, defaults and losses.
If the allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual losses, income and capital will be negatively affected.
The Bank’s allowance for loan losses was $15.5 million, or 2.98% of total loans, at December 31, 2011. In the event loan customers do not repay their loans according to their terms and the collateral security for the payments of these loans is insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance, the Bank may experience significant loan losses. Such credit risk is inherent in the lending business, and failure to adequately assess such credit risk could have a material adverse affect on the Bank’s financial condition and results of operations. Management makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of the borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of the loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, management reviews the loan portfolio and our historical loss and delinquency experience, as well as overall economic conditions. For larger balance non-homogeneous real estate loans the estimate of impairment is based on the underlying collateral if collateral dependent, and if such loans are not collateral dependent, the estimate of impairment is based on a cash flow analysis. If management’s assumptions are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may be insufficient to cover probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is also periodically reviewed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, who may require us to increase the amount. Additions to the allowance for loans losses would be made through increased provisions for loan losses and would negatively affect our results of operations.
Interest rate volatility could significantly reduce the Bank’s profitability.
The Bank’s earnings largely depend on the relationship between the yield on its earning assets, primarily loans and investment securities, and the cost of funds, primarily deposits and borrowings. This relationship, commonly known as the net interest margin, is susceptible to significant fluctuation and is affected by economic and competitive factors that influence the yields and rates, and the volume and mix of the Bank’s interest-earning assets and interest- bearing liabilities.
Interest rate risk can be defined as an exposure to movement in interest rates that could have an adverse impact on the Bank's net interest income. Interest rate risk arises from the imbalance in the re-pricing, maturity and/or cash flow characteristics of assets and liabilities. The bank is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest bearing liabilities re-price or mature more slowly or more rapidly or on a different basis than its interest earning assets. Significant fluctuations in interest rates could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
The Bank's interest rate risk measurement and management techniques incorporate the re-pricing and cash flow attributes of its balance sheet and off-balance sheet instruments as they relate to current and potential changes in interest rates. The level of interest rate risk, measured in terms of the potential future effect on net interest income, is determined through the use of modeling and other techniques under multiple interest rate scenarios. Management's objectives are to measure, monitor and develop strategies in response to the interest rate risk profile inherent in the Bank's balance sheet.
Future changes in interest rates could impact our financial condition and results of operations.
The Federal Reserve Board maintained the federal funds rate at the historically low rate of 0.25% during 2011 and 2010. The federal funds rate has a direct correlation to general rates of interest, including our interest-bearing deposits. Our mix of asset and liabilities are considered to be sensitive to interest rate changes. Generally, customers may prepay the principal amount of their outstanding loans at any time. The speed at which such prepayments occur, as well as the amount of such prepayments, are within Bank customers’ discretion. If customers prepay the principal amount of their loans, and the Bank is unable to lend those funds to other borrowers or invest the funds at the same or higher interest rates, the Bank’s interest income will be reduced. A significant reduction in interest income could have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. On the other hand, if interest rates rise, net interest income might be reduced because interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, including deposits, increases more quickly than interest received on interest-earning assets, including loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. In addition, rising interest rates may negatively affect income because higher rates may reduce the demand for loans and the value of mortgage-related and investment securities.
The Bank has $227.8 million in long-term borrowings, comprised of $135.0 million of FHLB advances and $92.8 million of reverse repurchase agreements, with the earliest maturities beginning in 2013 and final maturities occurring in 2018. The weighted average rate of the long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2011 was 4.32%, and accounted for approximately 62% of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011. Given the announced intentions of the Federal Reserve Bank to hold interest rates at their current levels until 2014, the long term borrowings are expected to have a negative impact to the net interest margin.
Operating expenses are high as a percentage of our net interest income and non-interest income, making it more difficult to maintain profitability.
Non-interest expense, which consists primarily of the costs associated with operating our business, represents a high percentage of the income we generate. The cost of generating our income is measured by our efficiency ratio, which represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of our net interest income and our non-interest income. If we are able to lower our efficiency ratio, our ability to generate income from our operations will be more effective. For the year ended December 31, 2011 and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, our efficiency ratio was 85.7%, 78.0% and 93.6%, respectively. Generally, this means we spent $0.86, $0.78 and $0.94 during the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009 to generate $1.00 of income
If economic conditions continue to deteriorate or the economic recovery remains slow over an extended period of time in our primary market areas of Jacksonville, Florida and Ware County, Georgia, our results of operation and financial condition could be adversely impacted as borrowers’ ability to repay loans declines and the value of the collateral securing the loans decreases.
Financial results may be adversely affected by changes in prevailing economic conditions, including decreases in real estate values, changes in interest rates, which may cause a decrease in interest rate spreads, adverse employment conditions, the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal and the Georgia and Florida state governments and other significant external events. We held approximately 24.0% of the deposits in Ware County, the county in which Waycross, Georgia is located as of December 31, 2011. We also have approximately 1.0% of the deposits in the Jacksonville, Florida, metropolitan area as of December 31, 2011. Additionally, our market share of loans in Ware County is significantly greater than our share of the loan market in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. As a result of the concentration in Ware County, we may be more susceptible to adverse market conditions in that market. Due to the significant portion of real estate loans in the loan portfolio, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral. At December 31, 2011, $189.6 million, or 36.8%, of our loan portfolio consisted of real estate secured loans in Florida and $84.9 million, or 16.5%, of such loans consisted of real estate secured loans in Georgia. Adverse changes in the economy may also have a negative effect on the ability of borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which would have an adverse impact on earnings. The unemployment rate for the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area was an estimated 9.2% as of December 31, 2011.
The United States economy remains weak and unemployment levels are high. Continuing economic weakness, particularly in our geographic market area, will adversely affect our business and financial results.
The United States experienced a severe economic recession in 2008 and 2009, the effects of which have continued through 2011. Recent growth has been slow and unemployment remains at high levels and as a result economic recovery is expected to be slow. Loan portfolio quality has deteriorated at many financial institutions reflecting, in part, the weak United States economy and high unemployment rates. In addition, the value of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages has declined and may continue to decline. The real estate downturn also has resulted in reduced demand for the construction of new housing and increased delinquencies in construction, residential and commercial mortgage loans. Bank and bank holding company stock prices have declined substantially, and it is significantly more difficult for banks and bank holding companies to raise capital or borrow funds.
Future negative developments in the financial services industry and the domestic and international credit markets may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the market for and value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. We could experience reduced demand for our products and services, increases in loan delinquencies, problem assets or foreclosures, and the collateral for our loans may decline further in value. Moreover, future declines in the stock market in general, or stock values of financial institutions and their holding companies specifically, could adversely affect our stock performance.
The slowing and uncertain economy in Florida has negatively impacted our ability to grow loans in our primary market area, and combined with strong competition, may further reduce our ability to obtain loans and also decrease our yield on loans.
From 2000 to mid-2007, the Jacksonville metropolitan area had been one of the fastest growing economies in the United States. The area experienced substantial growth in population, new business formation and public works spending. Due to the considerable slowing of economic growth and migration into our market area since mid-2007 and the resulting downturn in the real estate market, management believes growth in our market area will be moderate in the near term. Growth in the first mortgage loan portfolio has been negatively impacted by a slowing in existing and new home sales activity in our markets. A decrease in existing and new home sales decreases lending opportunities, and may negatively affect our income.
In addition, we are located in a competitive market that affects our ability to obtain loans through origination or purchase as well as originating them at rates that provide an attractive yield. Competition for loans comes principally from mortgage bankers, commercial banks, other thrift institutions, nationally based homebuilders and credit unions. Internet based lenders have also become a greater competitive factor in recent years. Such competition for the origination and purchase of loans may limit future growth and earnings prospects.
Strong competition in our primary market area may reduce our ability to attract and retain deposits and also increase our cost of funds.
The Bank operates in a very competitive market for the attraction of deposits, the primary source of our funding. Historically, our most direct competition for deposits has come from credit unions, community banks, large commercial banks and thrift institutions within our primary market areas. In recent years competition has also come from institutions that largely deliver their services over the internet. Such competitors have the competitive advantage of lower infrastructure costs and substantially greater resources and lending limits and may offer services we do not provide. Particularly during times of extremely low or extremely high interest rates, we have faced significant competition for investors’ funds from short-term money market securities and other corporate and government securities. During periods of regularly increasing interest rates, competition for interest-bearing deposits increases as customers, particularly time deposit customers, tend to move their accounts between competing businesses to obtain the highest rates in the market. As a result, Atlantic Coast Bank incurs a higher cost of funds in an effort to attract and retain customer deposits. We strive to grow our lower cost deposits, such as non-interest-bearing checking accounts, in order to reduce our cost of funds.
The Company may not be able to realize our deferred tax asset.
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. However, at December 31, 2011, we had no net deferred tax asset. In 2009, we established a valuation allowance for our net federal and state deferred tax asset after evaluating the positive and negative evidence under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). GAAP requires more weight be given to objective evidence, and since realization is dependent on future operating results, our three year cumulative operating loss carried more weight than forecasted earnings.
Management regularly reviews the deferred tax asset for recoverability based on our history of earnings, expectations for future earnings and expected timing of reversals of temporary differences. Realization of the deferred tax asset ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income, including taxable income in prior carryback years, as well as future taxable income. The net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2011 will not become fully realizable until our expected future earnings will support realization of the asset. In addition, future capital raises or transactions that result in a change in control could trigger the application of certain tax laws which materially limit the utilization of deferred tax asset. This is a complex analysis and requires us to make certain judgments in determining the annual limitation. Although it is currently not shown as an asset, it is possible that we could ultimately lose a significant portion of the deferred tax asset. Realization of our deferred tax asset would significantly improve our earnings and capital.
Wholesale funding sources may be unavailable to replace deposits at maturity and support our liquidity needs or growth.
The Bank must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. As a part of our liquidity management, we use a number of funding sources in addition to non-maturity deposit growth and repayments and maturities of loans and investments. Ongoing financial difficulties and restrictions by the OCC may limit these sources, which include Federal Home Loan Bank advances, proceeds from the sale of loans and liquidity resources of the holding company. At December 31, 2011, we had $135.0 million of Federal Home Loan Bank advances outstanding, and the remaining borrowing capacity was $63.8 million.
In the past brokered deposits have been solicited as a source of funds. However, under the Supervisory Agreement with the Office of Thrift Supervision entered into in December 2010, Atlantic Coast Bank had to reduce the level of its brokered deposits to $52.5 million by June 30, 2011. We had $22.4 million of brokered deposits at December 31, 2011, which was 4.4% of total deposits. As our brokered deposits mature, we may have to pay a higher rate of interest to replace them with other deposits or with funds from other sources. Not being able to replace those deposits as they mature could adversely affect our liquidity. Paying higher interest rates to replace those deposits could adversely affect our net interest margin and our operating results.
Our financial flexibility will be severely constrained if we are unable to maintain our access to funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable interest rates. If we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In this case, our operating margins and profitability would be adversely affected.
Atlantic Coast Bank operates in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.
Atlantic Coast Bank is currently subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures Atlantic Coast Bank’s deposits. As a savings and loan holding company, Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation is currently subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which financial institutions and their holding companies may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the federal deposit insurance fund and depositors. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operations of financial institutions, the classification of assets by financial institutions and the adequacy of financial institutions’ allowance for loan losses. New financial reform legislation was enacted in 2010 by Congress that will change the bank regulatory framework, create an independent consumer protection bureau that will assume the consumer protection responsibilities of the various federal banking agencies, and establish more stringent capital standards for banks and bank holding companies. The legislation will also result in new regulations affecting the lending, funding, trading and investment activities of banks and bank holding companies. Further changes in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, could have a material impact on Atlantic Coast Bank and Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation.
Atlantic Coast Bank’s operations are also subject to extensive regulation by other federal, state and local governmental authorities, and are subject to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions that impose requirements and restrictions on operations. These laws, rules and regulations are frequently changed by legislative and regulatory authorities. In the future, changes to existing laws, rules and regulations, or any other new laws, rules or regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or prospects.
Financial reform legislation enacted by Congress eliminated the Office of Thrift Supervision and, among other things, will tighten capital standards, created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and will result in new laws and regulations that are expected to increase our costs of operations.
Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in July 2010, which significantly changed the current bank regulatory structure and affected the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated our previous primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision, and required Atlantic Coast Bank to be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the primary federal regulator for national banks). The Dodd-Frank Act also authorized the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies like Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation, in addition to bank holding companies which it currently regulates. As a result, the Federal Reserve Board’s current regulations applicable to bank holding companies, including holding company capital requirements, apply to savings and loan holding companies like Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation. These capital requirements are substantially similar to the capital requirements currently applicable to Atlantic Coast Bank, but will not be applicable to Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation for five years. The Dodd-Frank Act also required the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital would be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. The legislation also established a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.
The Dodd-Frank Act also created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as Atlantic Coast Bank, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets will be examined by their applicable bank regulators. The new legislation also weakened the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorney generals the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.
The legislation also broadened the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessments. Assessments will now be based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012. Lastly, the Dodd-Frank Act increased stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation also directed the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded or not.
It is difficult to predict at this time what effect the new legislation and implementing regulations will have on community banks with regards to the lending and credit practices of such banks. Moreover, the legislation requires various federal agencies to promulgate numerous and extensive implementing regulations over the next several years. Although the substance and scope of these regulations cannot be determined at this time, it is expected that the legislation and implementing regulations, particularly those relating to the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will increase our operating and compliance costs.
Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and our income.
In response to the financial crisis of 2008 and early 2009, Congress has taken actions that are intended to strengthen confidence and encourage liquidity in financial institutions, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has taken actions to increase insurance coverage on deposit accounts. The Dodd-Frank Act and implementing regulations are likely to have a significant effect on the financial services industry, which are likely to increase operating costs and reduce profitability. In addition, there have been proposals made by members of Congress and others that would reduce the amount delinquent borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay on their mortgage loans and limit an institution’s ability to foreclose on mortgage collateral.
The potential exists for additional federal or state laws and regulations, or changes in policy, affecting lending and funding practices and liquidity standards. Moreover, bank regulatory agencies have been active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, and have issued many formal enforcement orders requiring capital ratios in excess of regulatory requirements. Bank regulatory agencies, such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors, and not for the protection or benefit of potential investors. In addition, new laws and regulations may increase our costs of regulatory compliance and of doing business, and otherwise affect our operations. New laws and regulations may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and investments, the fees we can charge, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Legislative proposals limiting our rights as a creditor could result in credit losses or increased expense in pursuing our remedies as a creditor.
Risks Relating to an Investment in our Common Stock
The Company’s stock price may be volatile due to limited trading volume.
The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market. However, the average daily trading volume in the Company’s common stock is relatively small, approximately 8,000 shares per day in 2011, and sometimes significantly less than that. As a result, trades involving a relatively small number of shares may have a significant effect on the market price of the common stock, and it may be difficult for investors to acquire or dispose of large blocks of stock without significantly affecting the market price. If the Company’s Market Value of Publicly Held Shares as defined under NASDAQ rules falls below $5.0 million or the price per share of the common stock falls below $1.00 for a specified amount of time under Nasdaq rules, the Company has 180 calendar days from the date of the receipt of the notification from Nasdaq to regain compliance. If the Company is unable to regain compliance, the Company may have to transfer its listing to the NASDAQ Capital Market or begin trading on the over-the-counter bulletin board which is not a stock exchange.
The Company’s ability to pay dividends is limited.
Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s ability to pay dividends is limited by regulatory requirements and the need to maintain sufficient consolidated capital to meet the capital needs of the business, including capital needs related to future growth. The primary source of income is the payment of dividends from Atlantic Coast Bank to the Company. Atlantic Coast Bank, in turn, is subject to regulatory requirements potentially limiting its ability to pay such dividends and by the need to maintain sufficient capital for its operations and obligations. In addition, the Company and Bank are prohibited from paying dividends by the terms of the Supervisory Agreements entered into with our regulators. Thus, there can be no assurance the Company will pay dividends to common stockholders, no assurance as to the amount or timing of any such dividends, and no assurance such dividends, if and when paid, will be maintained, at the same level or at all, in future periods. On September 25, 2009, the Company announced that it had suspended its regular quarterly cash dividend.
Any future capital raises may dilute stockholders’ ownership, and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
The Company is not restricted from issuing additional common stock, including any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock. The market price of the Company’s common stock could decline as a result of sales of shares of our common stock at a price below the current market value. Because the Company’s decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond its control, the Company cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of any future offerings. Thus, the Company’s stockholders bear the risk of any future offerings reducing the market price of their common stock and diluting their stock holdings in the Company’s common stock.
Item 1B
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments
None
Item 2
Item 2 Properties
At December 31, 2011, Atlantic Coast Bank had eleven full-service offices and one drive-up facility and a leased office space for the Florida regional center. Atlantic Coast Bank owns all locations except the regional office in Jacksonville, FL and the branch location in Orange Park, FL. The Company is currently exploring options for relocating its home and executive office site in Jacksonville, Florida prior to the expiration of the lease at its current location. The net book value of the investment in premises, equipment and fixtures, excluding computer equipment, was approximately $14.7 million at December 31, 2011.
The following table provides a list of the Bank’s main and branch offices.
Management believes the Company’s facilities are suitable for their purpose and adequate to support its business. Atlantic Coast Bank continuously reviews its branch locations in order to improve the visibility and accessibility of the Bank’s locations.
Atlantic Coast Bank uses an in-house data processing system, with support provided by Open Solutions, a third-party vendor to maintain the Company’s database of depositor and borrower customer information. Atlantic Coast Bank extended the data processing contact with Open Solutions during 2007 for an additional five year term taking the contract to March 2012. The net book value of data processing and computer equipment at December 31, 2011, was approximately $573,000.
Item 3
Item 3 Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is involved as plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. Management does not anticipate incurring any material liability as a result of this litigation at December 31, 2011.
Item 4
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Part II
Item 5
Item 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “ACFC.” As of March 12, 2012, there were 2,629,061 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, with approximately 1,900 stockholders of record, including approximately 1,350 beneficial owners and other persons or entities holding stock in nominee or “street name” accounts with brokers.
The Company began paying quarterly dividends in May 2005 using earnings from investments and un-invested proceeds received from the minority stock offering completed on October 4, 2004. On September 25, 2009, the Company announced that it had suspended its regular quarterly cash dividend. Future dividend payments by Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation will be primarily dependent on dividends it receives from its subsidiary, Atlantic Coast Bank. Under OCC regulations, the dollar amount of dividends Atlantic Coast Bank may pay is dependent upon its capital position and recent earnings. Under normal circumstances, if Atlantic Coast Bank satisfies its capital requirements it may make dividend payments up to the limits prescribed in the OCC regulations. However, under the Supervisory Agreement entered into by the Company on December 10, 2010, dividends or other capital distributions cannot be declared or paid prior to receiving a written non-objection from the Federal Reserve. The Supervisory Agreement also requires the Bank obtain approval of the OCC 30 days prior to declaring a dividend payment or distribution of capital. It is unlikely the Company will be able to pay dividends to stockholders in the near future.
The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales prices and dividends declared on, Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s common stock (prior to February 3, 2011, Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s common stock) for the two years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. All stock prices have been adjusted to reflect the 0.1960 exchange ratio as a result of the completion of the second step conversion.
The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter of 2011.
The table below sets forth information, as of December 31, 2011, regarding equity compensation plans categorized by those plans that have been approved by stockholders and those plans that have not been approved by stockholders.
(1)Consists of options to purchase 131,962 shares of common stock under the Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 2005 Stock Option Plan.
(2)The weighted average exercise price reflects the weighted average exercise price of stock options awarded from the Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 2005 Stock Option Plan.
(3)Consists of stock options for 5,496 shares of common stock available to be granted from the Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 2005 Stock Option Plan.
Item 6
Item 6 Selected Financial Data
The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial data of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation at and for the years indicated (prior to February 3, 2011, the selected financial data reflects information of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation, the Company’s predecessor). The summary should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 herein.
Item 6 Selected Financial Data, continued
(1)Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted-average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the period.
(2)Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
(3)Efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income plus non-interest income.
Item 7
Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
General
The Bank’s principal business consists of attracting deposits from the general public and the business community and making loans secured by various types of collateral, including real estate and other consumer assets. The Bank is significantly affected by prevailing economic conditions, particularly interest rates, as well as government policies and regulations concerning among other things, monetary and fiscal affairs, housing and financial institutions. Attracting and maintaining deposits is influenced by a number of factors, including interest rates paid on competing investments offered by other financial and non-financial institutions, account maturities, fee structures, and level of personal income and savings. Lending activities are affected by the demand for funds and thus are influenced by interest rates, the number and quality of lenders and regional economic growth. Sources of funds for lending activities of the Bank include deposits, borrowings, payments on loans, maturities of securities and income provided from operations.
Earnings are primarily dependent upon net interest income, which is the difference between interest income and interest expense and the provision for loan losses. Interest income is a function of the balances of loans and investments outstanding during a given period and the yield earned on such loans and investments. Interest expense is a function of the amount of deposits and borrowings outstanding during the same period and interest rates paid on such deposits and borrowings. Provision for loan losses results from actual incurred losses when loans are charged-off and the collateral is insufficient to recover unpaid amounts, as well as an allowance for estimated future losses from uncollected loans. Earnings are also affected by the Bank’s service charges, gains and losses from sales of loans and securities, commission income, interchange fees, other income, non-interest expenses and income taxes. Non-interest expenses consist of compensation and benefit expenses, occupancy and equipment costs, data processing costs, FDIC insurance premiums, outside professional services, interchange fees, collection expenses and cost of repossessed assets, and other expenses. Earnings may also be negatively impacted by the Supervisory Agreements entered into by the Company and the Bank with the Office of Thrift Supervision (predecessor regulatory agency to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve). Please see “Supervision and Regulation - Regulatory Agreements with the Office of Thrift Supervision” and “Risk Factors” for more information.
Critical Accounting Policies
Certain accounting policies are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances, including, but without limitation, changes in interest rates, performance of the economy, financial condition of borrowers and laws and regulations. Management believes that its critical accounting policies include determining the allowance for loan losses, determining other-than-temporary impairment of securities, other real estate owned and accounting for deferred income taxes. Accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.
Allowance for Loan Losses
An allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is maintained to reflect probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based on ongoing assessments of the estimated losses incurred in the loan portfolio and is established as these losses are recognized through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Generally, loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibity of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Due to declining real estate values in our markets and the weak United States economy in general, it is increasingly likely that impairment reserves on non-performing one-to-four family residential and home equity loans, will not be recoverable and represent a confirmed loss. As a consequence the Company recognizes the charge-off of impairment reserves on non-performing one-to-four family residential and home equity loans in the period the loan is classified as such. This process accelerates the recognition of charge-offs but has no impact on the impairment evaluation process.
The reasonableness of the allowance is reviewed and established by management, within the context of applicable accounting and regulatory guidelines, based upon its evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting the Bank’s key lending areas. Senior credit officers monitor the conditions discussed above continuously and reviews are conducted quarterly with the Bank’s senior management and Board of Directors.
Management’s methodology for assessing the reasonableness of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include a general loss component by type of loan and specific allowances for identified problem loans. The allowance also incorporates the results of measuring impaired loans.
The general loss component is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loan balances based on the internal risk evaluation of the loans or pools of loans. Changes to the risk evaluations relative to both performing and non-performing loans affect the amount of this component. Loss factors are based on the Bank’s recent loss experience, current market conditions that may impact real estate values within the Bank’s primary lending areas, and on other significant factors that, in management’s judgment, may affect the ability to collect loans in the portfolio as of the evaluation date. Other significant factors that exist as of the balance sheet date that may be considered in determining the adequacy of the allowance include credit quality trends (including trends in non-performing loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, geographic foreclosure rates, new and existing home inventories, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments and recent charge-off experience in particular segments of the portfolio. The impact of the general loss component on the allowance began increasing during 2008 and has continued to increase during each year through 2011. The increase reflected the deterioration of market conditions, and the increase in the recent loan loss experience that has resulted from management’s proactive approach to charging off losses on impaired loans in the period the impairment is identified.
Management also evaluates the allowance for loan losses based on a review of certain large balance individual loans. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates including the amounts and timing of future cash flows management expects to receive on impaired loans that may be susceptible to significant change. For all specifically reviewed loans where it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement, impairment is determined by computing a fair value based on either discounted cash flows using the loan’s initial interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. No specific allowance is recorded unless fair value is less than carrying value. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as individual consumer and residential loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and are excluded from the specific impairment evaluation; for these loans, the allowance for loan losses is calculated in accordance with the general allowance for loan losses policy described above. Accordingly, individual consumer and residential loans are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
Loans for which the terms have been modified as a result of the borrower's financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). TDRs are measured for impairment based upon the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s interest rate at inception of the loan or the appraised value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Impairment of homogenous loans, such as one-to four-residential loans, that have been modified as TDRs is calculated in the aggregate based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Loans modified as TDRs with market rates of interest are classified as impaired loans in the year of restructure and until the loan has performed for 12 months in accordance with the modified terms. The assessment of market rate of interest for homogenous TDR loans is done based on the weighted average rates of those loans compared to prevailing interest rates at the time of restructure.
The allowance for loan losses was $15.5 million at December 31, 2011, and $13.3 million at December 31, 2010. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 2.98% at December 31, 2011, and 2.37% as of December 31, 2010. The provision for loan losses for each quarter of 2011 and 2010, and the total for the respective years is as follows:
This data demonstrates the manner in which the allowance for loan losses and related provision expense can change over long-term and short-term periods. Changes in economic conditions, the nature and size of the loan portfolio and individual borrower conditions can dramatically impact the required level of allowance for loan losses, particularly for larger individually evaluated loan relationships, in relatively short periods of time. The allowance for loan losses allocated to individually evaluated loan relationships was $6.0 million at December 31, 2011 and $3.9 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $2.0 million. Given the rapidly changing and uncertain real estate market coupled with changes in borrowers’ financial condition, weakening of collateral values, and the overall economic conditions, management anticipates there will continue to be significant changes in individual specific loss allocations in future periods as these factors are difficult to predict and can vary widely as more information becomes available or as projected events change.
Fair Value of Securities Available for Sale
Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. In determining OTTI, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Company has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.
When OTTI is determined to have occurred, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss. If the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between its amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period loss, the OTTI is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized as a charge to earnings. The amount of the OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. The Company recorded an OTTI charge of $186,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Other Real Estate Owned
Assets acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value, less estimated selling costs, at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs relating to improvement of property are capitalized, whereas costs relating to the holding of property are expensed.
Deferred Income Taxes
After converting to a federally chartered savings bank, Atlantic Coast Bank became a taxable organization. Income tax expense (benefit) is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary difference between carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates and operating loss carryforwards. The Company’s principal deferred tax assets result from the allowance for loan losses and operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations are subject to interpretation with respect to the determination of the tax basis of assets and liabilities for credit unions that convert charters and become a taxable organization. Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation records income tax expense based upon management’s interpretation of the applicable tax regulations. Positions taken by the Company in preparing our federal and state tax returns are subject to the review of taxing authorities, and the review by taxing authorities of the positions taken by management could result in a material adjustment to the financial statements.
All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered when determining whether or not a valuation allowance is necessary to reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax asset to a balance that is considered more likely than not to be realized. The determination of the realizability of deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of such evidence. Positive evidence considered includes the probability of achieving forecasted taxable income and the ability to implement tax planning strategies to accelerate taxable income recognition. Negative evidence includes the Company’s cumulative losses. Following the initial establishment of a valuation allowance in 2009, if the Company is unable to generate sufficient pre-tax income in future periods or otherwise fails to meet forecasted operating results, an additional valuation allowance may be required, offsetting the tax benefit for operating losses that would otherwise be recognized. Any valuation allowance is required to be recorded during the period identified. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had a valuation allowance of $25.6 million, or 100% of the net deferred tax asset.
Business Strategy
Overview. Our primary objective is to operate in our primary market areas as a retail community-oriented financial institution, serving customers following a traditional retail banking model while providing stockholders a solid long-term return on capital. Accomplishing this objective will require financial strength based on a strong capital position, and the implementation of business strategies designed to return the Company to profitability consistent with safety and soundness considerations. To strengthen the Company’s capital position the Company is exploring all strategic alternatives to raise capital. Operating strategies are focused on credit management and reducing the cost of non-performing assets, increasing revenues from mortgage warehouse lending and small business lending activities that maximize profits but with lower capital requirements, while reducing our expense base. In addition, a key element of the Company retail focus is to increase non-maturity deposits which leads to deeper customer relationships and improve our cost of funds. The following are the key elements of our business strategy:
Strengthening our capital position. Based on the Bank's non-compliance with the IMCR, current economic and market conditions, and the Company's recent operating results, the Company's Board of Directors began a review of strategic alternatives late in 2011, engaging Stifel, Nicolaus Weisel, Incorporated to assist the Board in exploring alternatives to enhance stockholder value, including consideration of a potential business combination in addition to a previously disclosed rights offering. As part of its review of strategic alternatives, the Company requested and has received approval from its primary regulator, the Federal Reserve, to pursue strategic alternatives that may lead to a transaction that requires stockholder approval. There can be no assurances that the Company will complete a business combination or raise additional capital. The Board of Directors is reviewing all possible strategic alternatives and the relative benefits of such alternatives to stockholders.
Continuing our proactive approach to reducing non-performing assets by aggressive resolution and disposition initiatives. As a result of the decline in our local economy beginning in 2008, the Bank experienced a substantial increase in our non-performing assets. At December 31, 2011, our non-performing assets were $49.6 million as compared to $9.6 million at December 31, 2007. Management has instituted a proactive strategy to aggressively reduce non-performing assets through accelerated charge-offs, loan work out programs, enhanced collection practices, the use of distressed asset sales and improved risk management.
·An aggressive charge-off policy. Beginning in 2009, management began to implement an aggressive charge-off strategy for one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and home equity loans by taking partial or full charge-offs in the period that such loans became non-accruing, generally when loans are 90 days or more past due.
·Loan work out programs. We remain committed to working with responsible borrowers to renegotiate residential loan terms. The Bank had $19.3 million in troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2011, compared to $8.6 million at December 31, 2008. Troubled debt restructurings avoid the expense of foreclosure proceedings and holding and disposition expenses of selling foreclosed property, and provide us increased interest income.
·Enhanced collection practices. Beginning in 2009, due to the elevated delinquency of our one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and the increasing complexity of working out these types of loans, management engaged the services of a national third party servicer for certain loans. Initially, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, and any associated home equity loan that was 60 days past due, was assigned to the third party servicer for collection. Subsequently, the Bank assigned other one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to the third party servicer irrespective of delinquency status, if it was determined the loan may have higher than normal collection risk. At December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance of loans assigned to the third party servicer was $74.3 million.
·Non-performing asset sales. In order to reduce the expenses of the foreclosure process, including the sale of foreclosed property, the Bank has sold certain non-performing loans through national loan sales of distressed assets, which may mitigate future losses. From 2008 to December 31, 2011, the Bank sold $10.2 million of loans through distressed asset sales resulting in a loss on such sales of $4.1 million. The Bank may continue distressed asset sales in the future to dispose of non-performing assets when management believes it will result in the least overall loss to the Company. The Bank also has accepted short sales of residential property by borrowers where such properties are sold at a loss and the proceeds of such sales are paid to us.
·Credit risk management. The Bank is also enhancing credit administration by improving internal risk management processes. In 2010, an independent risk committee of our board of directors was established to evaluate and monitor system, market and credit risk.
Increasing revenue by expanding our warehouse lending operations and an increasing emphasis on commercial lending to small businesses. Historically, Atlantic Coast Bank has emphasized the origination of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans in northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. At December 31, 2011, our one-to-four family residential loan portfolio was $241.5 million, or 46.9%, of our loan portfolio. During late 2008, the Bank began to originate mortgage loans for sale in the secondary market on a limited scale. As a result of our internal evaluation, management intends to shift our business model to sell mortgage loans originated by our internal sales force and sell mortgages purchased through warehouse lending arrangements. In addition, the Bank intends to increase production in its small business lending initiative.
·Warehouse lending strategy. In the latter part of 2009, the Bank began a program for warehouse lending where we finance mortgages originated by third parties and hold a lien position for a short duration (usually less than 30 days) while earning interest (and often a fee) until a sale is completed to an investor. Management expects to modestly expand this aspect of mortgage banking in the future.
·Commercial lending strategy. Management also plans to increase commercial business lending and owner-occupied commercial real estate lending with an emphasis on small businesses, subject to regulatory capital requirements. The Bank intends to participate in government programs relating to commercial business loans such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA"). The Bank began to implement this strategy in September 2010, by hiring an executive to lead the small business lending along with an experienced SBA lending team. As of December 31, 2011 the SBA loan pipeline grew from $3.9 million at the beginning of the year to $14.5 million at December 31, 2011. The Company generally sells the guaranteed portion of SBA loans to investors at attractive premiums. Our focus on owner-occupied commercial real estate loans will be to professional service businesses. The Bank intends to target principal balances of up to $1.5 million in our commercial business and owner-occupied commercial real estate lending, while not originating or purchasing higher risk loans such as commercial real estate development projects, multi-family loans and land acquisition and development loans.
Expanding our retail franchise by growing our non-maturity deposit. We believe a strong core or non-maturity deposit base is key to a retail community bank's success because customer relationships are deepened. Therefore we remain committed to generating lower-cost and more stable non-maturity deposits in our market. The Bank attracts and retains transaction accounts by offering competitive products and rates, excellent customer service and a comprehensive marketing program. Our deposit marketing programs are focused on individuals, businesses and municipalities located in our market area. Our non-maturity deposits (consisting of demand, savings and money market accounts) increased $21.3 million to $310.7 million at December 31, 2011 from $289.4 million at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2011, non-maturity deposits comprised 61.1% of our total deposits, compared to 54.8% of our total deposits at December 31, 2010. Non-maturity deposits are our least costly source of funds, which improves our interest rate spread and also contributes non-interest income from account related services.
Reducing our operating expense base. The Company has historically operated with a high cost structure as it has implemented growth and new business activities. In order to improve profitability we are focused on reducing operating costs which do not add value to our other business strategies by implementing a review of all major vendors and operating processes. These actions are expected to reduce the run rate of operating expenses, before credit costs, by approximately $3 million in 2012
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
General. In order to maintain its well capitalized status, the Company strategically reduced its assets during 2011. Total assets decreased $38.4 million to $789.0 million at December 31, 2011 as compared to $827.4 million at December 31, 2010. Specifically net portfolio loans decreased by $44.0 million, investments in available-for-sale securities decreased by $22.3 million, bank owned life insurance decreased by $8.3 million and other real estate owned decreased by $4.1 million. These reductions were partially offset by an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $32.5 million and loans held for sale of $12.3 million. Non-maturity deposits (consisting of demand, savings and money market accounts) grew by a combined $21.3 million, while time deposits decreased by $41.4 million and Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased by $15.0 million.
Following is a summarized comparative balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents were comprised of cash-on-hand and interest earning and non-interest earning balances held in other depository institutions. At December 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents were greater as compared to December 31, 2010 due to the decline in loans, net and securities available for sale, which increased our liquidity. However, during much of 2011, cash and cash equivalents were lower as compared to previous years due to the decline in total deposits, primarily time deposits. As opportunities became available excess cash was invested in short-term cash management accounts at other banks until more permanent and higher yielding assets are identified. Management expects the balances in cash and cash equivalents will continue to fluctuate as other interest earning assets mature, but generally be held at balances necessary to meet liquidity requirements while excess amounts are deployed to higher yielding assets. The Company believes it has sufficient contingent liquidity sources to meet liquidity demands.
Securities available for sale. Securities available for sale was comprised primarily of debt securities of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, and mortgage-backed securities. The investment portfolio decreased approximately $22.3 million to $126.8 million at December 31, 2011, net of purchases, sales and maturities, as these proceeds were primarily re-invested in loans held for sale. Included in this decrease was the disposal of private label collateralized mortgage obligations which totaled $6.7 million at the end of 2010. In order to eliminate the risk of additional other-than-temporary impairment charges, the Company sold the four remaining private label securities totaling $1.4 million at a loss of $189,000 during 2011 and accordingly had no private label securities at December 31, 2011. Expense for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) of $186,000 was recorded in non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011.
At December 31, 2011, approximately $125.9 million, or 99% of the debt securities held by the Company were issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies, primarily Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, institutions which the government has affirmed its commitment to support. The Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011 as the unrealized losses were attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality, and the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is likely it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery.
Approximately $122.2 million of the Company’s available-for-sale securities were collateral for structured transactions totaling $92.8 million that were entered into during 2006 and 2007 under agreements to repurchase (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Securities sold under agreements to repurchase”). These transactions were entered into by the Company to take advantage of favorable interest rate spreads and to reduce overall exposure to interest rate risk in 2006 and 2007. As a result of the unprecedented decline in interest rates beginning in 2008, as well as illiquidity in the mortgage-backed securities market, coupled with the overall decline in the Bank’s credit quality, the Bank has been subject to additional collateral requirements by the third party counterparties to the repurchase agreements. Additionally, given the collateral requirements of these transactions, the current interest rate environment and the illiquidity in the marketplace, the available for sale securities portfolio is currently a limited source of liquidity.
Loans held for sale. Loans held for sale were comprised entirely of loans secured by one-to-four family residential homes originated internally or purchased from third-party originators as part of our warehouse lending program. As of December 31, 2011, the weighted average number of days outstanding of real estate mortgages held for sale was 20 days.
	During the year ended December 31, 2011 the Company originated a total of $741.1 million of loans held for sale, comprised of approximately $97.6 million of loans originated internally, and approximately $643.5 million of loans purchased from third parties under warehouse loan agreements. Approximately $726.2 million of the loans were sold, resulting in a gain of $1.8 million and interest earned of approximately $1.9 million or 5.26% on outstanding balances was recorded in interest income. For the year ended December 31, 2010 gains on sales and interest earned was $1.0 million and $993,000, respectively. The Company intends to continue to focus on opportunities to grow this line of business in the near future due to its favorable margins and efficient capital management.
Loans. Below is a comparative composition of net loans as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, excluding real estate mortgages held for sale:
Gross portfolio loans declined approximately 7.4% to $514.6 million at December 31, 2011 as compared to $555.8 million at December 31, 2010, due primarily to principal amortization and increased payoffs of one-to-four family residential loans due to historically low interest rates. SBA loans as of December 31, 2011 which are included in commercial real estate, commercial construction and commercial loans, were $6.8 million as compared to $350,000 at December 31, 2010. The balance of SBA loans at year end 2011 includes approximately $14.6 million of non-guaranteed originated loan balances. Total portfolio loan originations decreased $23.4 million to $39.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $63.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 due to lessened loan demand.
Until critical economic factors such as unemployment and residential real estate values stabilize and the Bank increases its capital levels, management believes portfolio loan balances will continue to decline. Principal amortization and loan payoffs are expected to exceed growth in the SBA portfolio and other small business lending production. For a discussion regarding the effects of the decline in property values on the Bank’s one-to-four family residential loan portfolio, see “Item 1 - Business Lending Activities - One-to-four family real estate portfolio lending.” However, due to a favorable interest rate environment, production of one-to-four family loans held for sale in the secondary market is expected to continue its moderate pace. The strategy of selling the majority of originated loans in the secondary market also compliments the Bank’s desire to reduce portfolio loan balances in order to maximize capital efficiently.
The composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio is heavily weighted toward one-to-four family residential loans. As of December 31, 2011, first mortgages (including residential construction loans), second mortgages and home equity loans totaled $317.7 million, or 61.7% of total gross loans. Approximately $43.7 million, or 59.9% of loans recorded as home equity loans are in a first lien position. Accordingly, $287.2 million, or 91.3% of loans collateralized by one-to-four family residential loans were in a first lien position as of December 31, 2011.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $15.5 million, or 2.98% of total loans outstanding and $13.3 million, or 2.37% of total loans outstanding, respectively.
The allowance for loan losses activity for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2011, loan charge-offs included approximately $6.1 million of partial charge-offs of one-to-four family residential and home equity loans identified as non-performing. Due to the decline in real estate values over the past two years, management believes it is appropriate and prudent to reduce the carrying balance of loans collateralized by non-performing one-to-four family residential property by the expected loss amount which is both probable and reasonable to estimate, rather than providing a general allowance. The $8.5 million decline in net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily due to a $2.8 million loss on a distressed asset sale of $6.3 million of non-performing residential loans and a $3.3 million charge-off on one commercial construction real estate loan, both of which occurred in 2010.
The decrease in the provision for loan losses of $5.8 million in 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily due to lower charge-offs on one-to-four family and commercial construction loans, partially offset by higher charge-offs on home equity loans.
Non-Performing Assets. The following table shows non-performing assets and troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. Non-performing assets include non-accruing loans and foreclosed assets.
Non-performing loans were $46.6 million, or 8.94% of total loans, at December 31, 2011, and $28.1 million, or 4.99% of total loans at December 31, 2010. The increase in non-performing loans was due to an increase of $5.9 million in non-performing residential one-to-four family loans partially due to the extended foreclosure process in Florida and an increase of $7.0 million in non-performing commercial real estate loans. The increase in non-performing commercial real estate loans was primarily due to two income producing properties which had been restructured and previously classified as performing, but began to demonstrate some weakness, prompting management to classify them as non-performing. The $1.4 million increase in non-performing commercial business and other real estate loans was comprised of one undeveloped land loan and one multi-family condominium loan. The $1.7 million increase in non-performing home equity loans was primarily due to two first lien position home equity loans which are in the process of foreclosure. The $1.5 million increase in non-performing other commercial loans was comprised primarily of three loans: two commercial lines of credit of $500,000 each and one commercial business loan of approximately $200,000.
As of December 31, 2011, total non-performing one-to-four family residential and home equity loans of $20.2 million included $17.4 million of one-to-four family residential loans that had been written-down to the estimated fair value of their collateral. Further declines in the fair value of the collateral, or a decision to sell loans as distressed assets, could result in additional losses. As of December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, all non-performing loans were classified as non-performing, and there were no loans 90 days past due and accruing interest as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Other real estate owned declined $4.1 million primarily due to greater sales of foreclosed assets.
A comparison of the allowance for loan losses on loans to non-performing loans as of December 31, 2011 is summarized as follows:
A comparison of the allowance for loan losses on loans to non-performing loans as of December 31, 2010 is summarized as follows:
The allowance for loan losses allocated for one-to-four family residential and home equity loans as of December 31, 2011 included a provision of $2.7 million as a result of the Company’s review of the effect of the slowdown in the foreclosure process in Florida and the estimated impact on collateral valuations of one-to-four family residential portfolio. The allowance for loan losses allocated to consumer loans decreased $1.1 million primarily due to the decrease in allowance required for mobile home loans. In 2009 the Bank assumed full liability for mobile home loans purchased from a broker based on a settlement of deposits maintained at the Bank for loan losses. Initially the allowance estimated for these loans was 2.0% of outstanding balances. Based on historical losses and other factors this reserve is now maintained at 1.03% of outstanding balance. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had no loans delinquent 90 days or more that were accruing interest. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, loans 90 days or more past due and non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans were 8.94% and 4.99% of total assets, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2011, contractual gross interest income of $3.0 million would have been recorded on non-performing loans if those loans had been current. Interest in the amount of $542,000 was included in income during 2011 on such loans.
Impaired Loans. The following table shows impaired loans split between performing and non-performing and the associated specific reserve as of December 31:
Impaired loans include large non-homogenous loans where it is probable that the Bank will not receive all principal and interest when contractually due. Impaired loans also include troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) where the borrower has performed for less than 12 months under the terms of the modification and / or the TDR loan is at less than market rate at the time of restructure. The assessment of market rate of interest for homogenous TDR loans is done based on the weighted average rates of those loans compared to prevailing interest rates at the time of restructure. When a TDR loan with a market rate of interest has performed for over 12 months under terms of the modification it is classified as a performing loan.
Non-performing impaired loans increased $11.1 million primarily due to six commercial loans, five of which had been restructured during 2010, which moved to non-performing status during 2011.
Performing TDRs decreased primarily due to the reclassification of one commercial real estate loan of $2.0 million to non-performing when the borrower failed to perform, and the reclassification of residential loans to performing status following 12 months of performance under terms of the modification.
Non-performing loans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 of $14.9 million and $828,000, respectively, were previously modified as TDRs but failed to perform under the terms of the modification.
TDRs decreased $3.2 million at year end 2011, as compared to the year-end 2010. At December 31, 2011, approximately $10.0 million or 43% of the TDRs were one-to-four family loans of which approximately $1.0 million were not performing according to the restructured terms. Impairment due to modification in troubled debt restructurings of non-performing loans, such as one-to-four family residential loans is included in general reserve. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 this reserve was $924,000 and $636,000, respectively.
Deferred Income Taxes. As of both December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank concluded that, while improved operating results are expected as the economy begins to improve which would reduce our non-performing assets, the variability of the credit related costs are such that a more likely than not conclusion of realization of our deferred tax asset could not be supported. Consequently, management recorded a valuation allowance of $25.6 million for the full amount of the net federal and state deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011. Until such time as the determination is made it is more likely than not that the Company is able to generate taxable income, no tax benefits will be recorded in future periods to reduce net losses before taxes. However, at such time in the future that we record taxable income or determine that realization of the deferred tax asset is more likely than not, some or all of the valuation allowance may be available as a tax benefit.
Deposits. Total deposit account balances were $508.4 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $20.1 million from $528.5 million at December 31, 2010. Time deposits decreased $41.4 million but non-maturity deposits increased $21.3 million as consumers demonstrated a preference for shorter duration, more liquid deposit products rather than re-investing in time deposits due to the low interest rate environment. The increase in non-maturity deposits occurred as depositors increased their savings and money market accounts by $17.5 million and also increased their interest bearing demand accounts by $5.1 million between December 31, 2010 and 2011. Management believes near term deposit growth will be moderate with an emphasis on non-maturity deposits to match asset growth expectations. Dramatic changes in the short-term interest rate environment could affect the availability of deposits in our local market however and therefore cause the Bank to promote time deposit growth in order to meet liquidity needs. Under Atlantic Coast Bank’s Supervisory Agreement with the Office of Thrift Supervision dated December 14, 2010, the Bank may not increase brokered deposits without prior written approval. According to the terms of the agreement the Bank could not have more than $52.5 million of brokered deposits outstanding. At December 31, 2011 the Bank had brokered deposits of $22.4 million. The Company’s management does not believe the restriction has a significant effect on the Company’s liquidity. For additional information on the Supervisory Agreement between Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation and Atlantic Coast Bank with the Office of Thrift Supervision see “Item 1 - Business - How We Are Regulated - Supervisory Agreement”.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The Bank has $92.8 million of securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“reverse repo”) comprised of structured notes with two different counterparties in amounts totaling $77.8 million and $15.0 million, respectively. The individual agreements take the form of term repurchase agreements with maturities beginning in 2014 and final maturities in 2018. The fair value of the securities collateralizing the reverse repos at December 31, 2011 was $122.1 million. The market value of the debt and certain other collateral requirements exceeded the principal balance outstanding by $15.3 million.
The agreements with the counterparty of the $77.8 million reverse repo contain default conditions which if triggered would materially impact the Bank’s capital and results of operations. In the event the Bank becomes less than adequately capitalized or receives a cease and desist order from the OCC the counterparty has the option to terminate the reverse repo agreements at the market rate of the debt. As of December 31, 2011 the market rate of the debt exceeded the principal balance outstanding by $12.5 million.
Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2011 is summarized as follows:
Federal Home Loan Bank advances. FHLB advances of $135.0 million had a weighted-average maturity of 55 months and a weighted-average rate of 3.88% at December 31, 2011. The $15.0 million decrease in FHLB borrowings at December 31, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010 was due to repayments of $181.0 million offset by additional borrowings of $166.0 million. The Company expects to continue to utilize FHLB advances to manage both short- and long-term liquidity needs to the extent it has borrowing capacity, needs funding and the interest expense of FHLB advances is attractive compared to deposits and other alternative sources of funds.
Other borrowings. Other borrowings were $0 and $5.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company borrowed $5.0 million, at a market rate, from another financial institution in June 2010 secured by shares of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s common stock owned by Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC. The Company’s Chairman of the Board also serves as the president and chief executive officer and a director of the financial institution from which the borrowing was obtained. The Company repaid the $5.0 million loan with proceeds from the second step conversion and offering in February 2011.
Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity increased by approximately $1.5 million to $46.3 million at December 31, 2011 from $44.8 million at December 31, 2010 due to the completion of the second step conversion and offering, which was nearly offset by the net loss of $10.3 million for the year ended December 30, 2011 and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.8 million.
On February 3, 2011, the second step conversion of Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC into the stock holding company structure and related stock offering of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation was completed. Net proceeds of $14.4 million were raised in the stock offering, which included $684,000 loaned by the Company to a trust for the ESOP enabling it to purchase 68,434 shares of common stock in the stock offering for allocation under such plan. $5.0 million of the proceeds was also used to repay the other borrowings described above.
During 2009 and 2010, the Company implemented strategies to preserve capital including the suspension of cash dividends and its stock repurchase program. Resumption of these programs is not expected to occur in the near term. The Company’s equity to assets ratio increased to 5.87% at December 31, 2011, from 5.41% at December 31, 2010. Atlantic Coast Bank continued to be in excess of all minimum regulatory capital requirements, and is considered “well capitalized” under those formulas. However, as of December 31, 2011, the Bank was not in compliance with the Individual Minimum Capital Requirement (IMCR) agreed to by the Bank with the Office of Thrift Supervision on May 13, 2011. Under the IMCR, the Bank agreed to achieve a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7.0% as of September 30, 2011, and maintain such ratio for future quarters. Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets was 10.9%, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 9.7%, and Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets (Tier 1 leverage ratio) was 5.8% at December 31, 2011, respectively. These ratios as of December 31, 2010 were 10.1%, 8.8% and 5.5%, respectively.
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
General. The Company’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $10.3 million, as compared to a net loss of $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decreased net loss of $3.9 million was primarily due to the $5.8 million decrease in our provision for loan losses as a result of lower net charge-offs. The provision for loan losses was $15.4 million in 2011, a decrease of 27.5% from $21.2 million in 2010. Net interest income decreased 9.0%, or $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to $21.5 million, as compared to 2010, due to the decrease in average balances of interest-earning assets as a result of the Company’s capital preservation plan, as well as a decrease in average yield of interest-earning assets. Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by 35.9% to $11.2 million, as compared to $8.3 million in 2010, due primarily to higher gains on sales of available-for-sale securities and loans as well as lower other-than-temporary impairment charges on available-for-sale securities. Non-interest expense increased 12.8% to $28.1 million in 2011 from $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to increased expenses associated with our mortgage banking and small business lending platforms.
Average Balances, Net Interest Income, Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The table on the following page sets forth certain information for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The average yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the years presented.
(1)Calculated net of deferred loan fees and loss reserve. Nonaccrual loans included as loans carrying a zero yield.
(2)Calculated based on carrying value. Not full tax equivalents, as the numbers would not change materially from those presented in the table.
(3)Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock at cost and term deposits with other financial institutions.
(4)Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 2010. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume multiplied by the old rate; (2) changes in rate, which are changes in rate multiplied by the old volume; and (3) changes not solely attributable to rate or volume have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.
Interest income. Interest income decreased to $38.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $44.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. As shown in the table above the decrease in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 2010, was primarily due to both a decrease in average balances of interest-earning assets of $139.9 million as well as a decrease in average yield of 27 basis points. The decline in interest income earned on loans was due to payoffs on higher rate one-to-four family residential loans as borrowers refinanced at historically low rates. Proceeds from payoffs on one-to-four family loans were primarily re-invested in loans held for sale, which yielded approximately 5.26% during the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in average outstanding balances of one-to-four family real estate loans for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 2010, accounted for substantially all of the total $40.0 million decrease in average loan balances.
Interest income in 2011 from securities decreased by approximately $2.8 million due to a $47.0 million decline in average balances, as well as a 69 basis point decrease in average yields on purchases of new securities.
Our interest income could continue to decrease in the near-term due to continued low interest rates and limited loan growth.
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased to $16.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $21.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011, as compared to 2010, was primarily due to the lower average balances of interest-bearing liabilities which decreased by $91.4 million as well as lower interest rates paid on average outstanding balances of deposit accounts. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Federal Reserve Board maintained the target rate for Federal Funds borrowings at 0.25%. In general, this has led to rate decreases on interest-bearing deposit accounts in the Bank’s markets, even as competition for deposits among financial institutions intensified. During 2011 the Company decreased interest rates on its money-market accounts, interest bearing demand accounts and time deposits. The average cost on interest-bearing liabilities declined 28 basis points to 2.36% in 2011 from 2.64% in 2010.
The Bank has $227.8 million in long-term borrowings with the earliest maturities beginning in 2013 and final maturities occurring in 2018. The weighted average rate of the long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2011 was 4.32%, and accounted for approximately 62% of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011. Given the announced intentions of the Federal Reserve Bank to hold interest rates at their current levels until 2014, the long term borrowings are expected to have a negative impact to our net interest margin.
Net interest income. Net interest income decreased to $21.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to the decrease in interest expense. Net interest spread, which is the difference between the interest yield earned on interest earning assets and the interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, increased 1 basis point to 2.67% for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 2.66% for 2010. For the same comparative periods, net interest margin, which is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest earning assets increased 4 basis points to 2.83% in 2011 from 2.79% for 2010. Management expects the interest rate environment to remain at its present level for the next 12 - 18 months, resulting in lower yields earned on interest-earning assets. However, future reduction in deposit costs are likely to be less and therefore, considering the fixed rate cost of the borrowings, net interest income is expected to continue to decrease in 2012.
Provision for loan losses. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses as necessary in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses based on all known and inherent losses that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans future loan loss provisions may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions and changes in borrower situations. In addition, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.
Provisions for loan losses of $15.4 million and $21.2 million were made during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in provision for loan losses in 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily due to lower charge-offs on one-to-four family residential and commercial construction loans, partially offset by increased provision for increasing non-performing loans.
For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, net charge-offs were $13.2 million and $21.7 million, respectively.
Non-interest income. The components of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Non-interest income for the year ended December 30, 2011, increased $3.0 million to $11.2 million from $8.3 million for 2010. The increase of $1.7 million in gain on sale of available-for-sale securities was primarily due to higher sales volume, as the Company took advantage of declining long-term interest rates in the third quarter of 2011 and sold mortgage-backed securities in advance of anticipated prepayment acceleration, resulting in a gain of $3.2 million. The Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) charges of $186,000 during 2011 as compared to $423,000 during 2010, resulting in an improvement of approximately $237,000.
The increased gain on sales of loans held for sale of $803,000 was primarily the result of the expansion of our small business lending operations which accounted for $532,000, or approximately 66% of the increased gain on sale of loans. The Company recorded gains of $1.8 million on loan sales of $726.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $981,000 on loan sales of $402.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Interchange fees increased as a result of higher volume associated with our interest-bearing rewards checking program.
Services charges and fees, which are earned primarily based on transaction services for deposit account customers, decreased as a result of decreased activity resulting in lower ATM and check card overdraft fees.
Non-interest expense. The components of non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Non-interest expense increased $3.2 million to $28.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Components of the increase included higher compensation and benefits expense, increased expenses of loan collections and higher outside professional services expense. The year ended December 31, 2011, included higher compensation expenses related to the expansion of our mortgage banking and small business lending groups of $1.8 million. Included in compensation and benefit expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was a non-recurring expense of approximately $800,000 for the partial restoration of certain supplemental executive retirement plans (SERP) that partially vested as a result of the completion of the second step conversion in the first quarter of 2011. Compensation and benefits expense decreased $1.2 million excluding the increases related to mortgage banking, small business lending and the partial SERP vesting. During the second quarter of 2011 the Company reduced mortgage banking management positions and closed three under-performing mortgage origination offices, the impact of this change began to be fully realized beginning in the third quarter of 2011.
Management expects non-interest expenses will continue at elevated levels primarily as a result of the expansion of new business initiatives and the costs associated with increased collection and foreclosure activities as a result of the extended time involved in the foreclosure process in Florida.
Income tax expense. Income tax (benefit) expense was ($424,000) and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The 2011 income tax benefit was the result of the Company filing an amended income tax return for the 2008 tax year.
Comparison of Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.
General. The Company’s net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010, was $14.2 million, as compared to a net loss of $29.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decreased net loss was primarily due to the improvement in our net interest margin which resulted in a $1.9 million increase in net interest income, a $3.6 million decrease in our provision for loan losses, a decrease in other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) expense for investment securities of $4.0 million. In addition, the results of operations in 2010 were not affected by one time charges in 2009 consisting of the establishment of a 100% valuation allowance for federal deferred tax assets, and the loss from impairment of goodwill which collectively decreased our net loss in 2010 as compared to 2009 by approximately $15.1 million. Net interest income increased 8.6%, or $1.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2010 to $23.7 million, as compared to 2009, as the decrease in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities more than exceeded the reduced interest income on interest-earning assets. The provision for loan losses was $21.2 million in 2010, a decrease of 14.6% from $24.9 million in 2009. Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased by 98.2% to $8.3 million, as compared to $4.2 million in 2009, due primarily to lower other-than-temporary impairment charges on available-for-sale securities. Non-interest expense increased 2.4% to $24.9 million in 2010 from $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Income tax expense decreased due to a one-time non-cash charge in 2009 to establish a 100% valuation allowance for the Company's deferred tax asset.
Average Balances, Net Interest Income, Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The table on the following page sets forth certain information for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. The average yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.
(1)Calculated net of deferred loan fees and loss reserve. Nonaccrual loans included as loans carrying a zero yield.
(2)Calculated based on carrying value. Not full tax equivalents, as the numbers would not change materially from those presented in the table.
(3)Includes Federal Home Loan Bank stock at cost and term deposits with other financial institutions.
(4)Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to 2009. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (1) changes in volume multiplied by the old rate; (2) changes in rate, which are changes in rate multiplied by the old volume; and (3) changes not solely attributable to rate or volume have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.
Interest income. Interest income decreased to $44.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $48.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. As shown in the table above the decrease in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to 2009, was primarily due to a decrease in average balances of interest-earning assets. The decline of interest income earned on loans was due to payoffs on higher rate one-to-four family loans as borrowers refinanced at historically low rates. The decrease in average outstanding balances of one-to-four family real estate loans for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to 2009, accounted for the majority of the total $74.4 million decrease in average loan balances.
Interest income earned in 2010 from securities decreased by approximately $600,000 due to an 80 basis point decrease in average rates on new purchases of comparable securities, which was partially offset by higher average outstanding balances as a result of reinvesting liquidity from loan pay-offs securities.
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased to $21.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $26.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010, as compared to 2009, was primarily due to lower interest rates paid on average outstanding balances of deposit accounts and FHLB advances as well as the lower average balances of these interest-bearing liabilities which decreased by $50.3 million. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Federal Reserve Board maintained the target rate for Federal Funds borrowings at 0.25%. In general, this led to rate decreases on interest-bearing deposit accounts in the Bank’s markets, even as competition for deposits among financial institutions intensified. During 2010 the Company decreased interest rates on its money-market accounts, interest bearing demand accounts and time deposits. The average cost on interest-bearing liabilities declined 52 basis points to 2.64% in 2010 from 3.16% in 2009.
Net interest income. Net interest income increased to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $21.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to the decrease in interest expense. Net interest spread, which is the difference between the interest yield earned on interest earning assets and the interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities, increased 52 basis points to 2.66% for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2.14% for 2009. For the same comparative periods, net interest margin, which is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average interest earning assets increased 42 basis points to 2.79% in 2010 from 2.37% for 2009.
Provision for loan losses. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and makes provisions for loan losses as necessary in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses based on all known and inherent losses that are both probable and can be reasonably estimated. In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require additional provisions based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.
Provision for loan losses of $21.2 million and $24.9 million were made during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in provision for loan losses in 2010 as compared to 2009 was primarily due to a one-time $2.0 million additional provision in 2009 resulting from a settlement agreement with an on-going third-party originator whereby the Company assumed responsibility for credit losses on a pool of loans as well as the $67.2 million decrease in the balance of portfolio loans. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, net charge-offs were $21.7 million.
Non-interest income. The components of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
Non-interest income for the year ended December 30, 2010, increased $4.1 million to $8.3 million from $4.2 million for 2009. The increase in gain on sale of available-for-sale securities was primarily due to higher sales volume, as the Company strategically reduced total assets in order to maintain its well capitalized status. The Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) charges of $423,000 during 2010 as compared to $4.5 million during 2009, resulting in an improvement of approximately $4.0 million. (See also the Item 7 - Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2010 and 2009 - Securities Available for Sale). These charges represent credit losses from our investments in non-agency collateralized mortgage obligations, caused by defaults and losses on the underlying mortgages. As of December 31, 2010 the Bank held approximately $6.7 million of non-agency collateralized mortgages. Due to the weak ongoing economic conditions there is no assurance that additional losses may not be incurred in the future. The $2.6 million decrease in other non-interest income was the result of two non-recurring items in 2009, a gain of approximately $700,000 on the sale of the Lake City branch on December 31, 2009 and approximately $2.0 million resulting from a settlement agreement with an on-going third-party originator whereby the Company assumed responsibility for credit losses on a pool of loans.
The decrease in loss on sale of loans for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009, results from bulk sales of non-performing one-to-four family residential loans through a third party national sales advisor. This approach is occasionally used when management believes it will reduce ongoing collection costs and, ultimately, result in the least cost to the Bank. The Bank incurred losses of $1.3 million on such sales in 2009.
Services charges and fees, which are earned primarily based on transaction services for deposit account customers, decreased as a result of decreased activity resulting in lower ATM and check card overdraft fees.
Non-interest expense. The components of non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
Non-interest expense increased $600,000 to $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Increased expenses associated with collection expense and repossessed asset losses along with higher data processing costs were partially offset by lower losses on sales of foreclosed assets and other non-interest expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2009, non-interest expense included two non-recurring transactions that nearly offset. During the third quarter of 2009, the Company wrote-off the entire amount of goodwill resulting in a loss of $2.8 million. In the fourth quarter of 2009, the Company revised supplemental executive retirement plans resulting in a reversal of $2.7 million of expense.
Income tax expense. Income tax expense decreased to $0 for the year ended December 31, 2010, from a tax expense of $6.1 million for 2009. The establishment of a 100% valuation allowance of approximately $16.2 million during 2009 resulted in a much higher tax expense than what may be expected based upon our pre-tax loss. The valuation allowance also caused significant distortion in the effective income tax rate on income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2010, which was 0%, compared to 26.3% for 2009.
Liquidity
Management maintains a liquidity position it believes will adequately provide funding for loan demand and deposit run-off that may occur in the normal course of business. Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation relies on a number of different sources in order to meet its potential liquidity demands. The primary sources of funds are increases in borrowings, deposit accounts and cash flows from loan payments and securities sales. The scheduled amortization of loans and securities as well as proceeds from borrowings, are predictable sources of funds. In addition held-for-sale loans, principally warehouse loans, repay rapidly with an average duration of less than 30 days, with repayments generally funding advances. Other funding sources, however, such as inflows from new deposits, mortgage prepayments and mortgage loan sales are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions and competition.
In addition to these primary sources of funds, management has several contingent liquidity sources available to meet potential funding requirements. As of December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010 the Company had additional borrowing capacity of $63.8 million and $56.4 million, respectively, with the FHLB of Atlanta. Subsequent to year-end, the Company’s borrowing capacity was reduced by approximately $30.0 million following a FHLB of Atlanta credit and collateral review. The Company also maintains a secured line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank and at December 31, 2011 and 2010 the borrowing capacity was $48.9 million and $37.1 million, respectively. Unpledged marketable investment securities were approximately $4.8 million as of December 31, 2011. The Company also utilizes a non-brokered Direct Deposit certificate of deposit listing to meet funding needs at interest rates equal to or less than local market rates.
Threats to the Bank’s liquidity position include rapid declines in deposit balances due to market volatility caused by major changes in interest rates or negative public perception about the Bank, or the financial services industry in general. In addition, the Bank’s agreements for sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (“reverse repo”) which total $92.8 million have collateral requirements in excess of the debt, this limiting the amount of investment securities available to meet liquidity needs.
During 2011, cash and cash equivalents increased $32.5 million from $8.6 million as of December 31, 2010, to $41.0 million as of December 31, 2011. Cash from investing activities of $65.0 million was more than cash used for operating activities of $5.8 million and cash used for financing activities of $26.7 million. Primary sources of cash were from proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale of $140.4 million, proceeds from maturities and payments of available-for-sale securities of $37.0 million, proceeds from the sale of stock in the second step conversion and offering of $13.7 million, proceeds from the surrender of BOLI of $9.0 million and proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned of $5.9 million. Primary uses of cash included purchases of available-for-sale securities of $155.1 million, net decreases in deposits of $20.1 million and net decreases in FHLB advances of $15.0 million. (See Capital Resources below.)
During 2010, cash and cash equivalents decreased $28.5 million from $37.1 million as of December 31, 2009, to $8.6 million as of December 31, 2010. Cash used for operating activities of $28.6 million, combined with cash used for financing activities of $66.9 million, was more than cash from investing activities of $66.9 million. Primary sources of cash were from proceeds from maturities and payments of available-for-sale securities of $84.6 million and proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale of $50.4 million. Primary uses of cash included purchases of available-for-sale securities of $104.6 million, net decreases in FHLB advances of $32.7 million and net decreases in deposits of $26.9 million. (See Capital Resources below.)
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table presents the Company’s longer-term, non-deposit related, contractual obligations, commitments to extend credit to borrowers and purchase commitments, in aggregate and by payment due dates.
Capital Resources
At December 31, 2011, stockholders’ equity totaled $46.3 million. During 2011 the Company’s Board of Directors declared no regular quarterly dividends. The decision to pay dividends in the future is dependent on operating results, capital and liquidity requirements.
As of December 31, 2011 Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation held no treasury stock. The Company suspended its repurchase program in March 2009. Initiation of future share repurchase programs is dependent on liquidity, opportunities for alternative investments and capital requirements. Under Federal Reserve regulations, Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation cannot repurchase shares for one year following its second step conversion.
Management monitors the capital levels of Atlantic Coast Bank to provide for current and future business opportunities and to meet regulatory guidelines for “well capitalized” institutions. Atlantic Coast Bank is required by the OCC to meet minimum capital adequacy requirements. Atlantic Coast Bank’s actual and required levels of capital as reported to the OCC at December 31, 2011, were as follows:
As described in “Item 1A Risk Factors” and “Item 1 Business - Supervision and Regulation”, the Company entered into a supervisory agreement with the Office of Thrift Supervision dated December 10, 2010, and in a separate agreement the OTS imposed an Individual Minimum Capital Requirement for the Bank of 7% Tier 1 core capital by September 30, 2011. The Bank was not in compliance with this requirement as of December 31, 2011. The impact of these agreements may have a material effect on the Company’s liquidity, capital resources or operations.
Inflation
The effects of price changes and inflation can vary substantially for most financial institutions. While management believes that inflation affects the growth of total assets and our profitability, management believes that it is difficult to assess the overall impact. Management believes this to be the case due to the fact that generally neither the timing nor the magnitude of inflationary changes in the consumer price index (“CPI”) coincides with changes in interest rates. The price of one or more components of the CPI may fluctuate considerably and thereby influence the overall CPI without having corresponding effect on interest rates or upon the cost of those goods and services normally purchased by us. In years of high inflation and high interest rates, intermediate and long-term interest rates tend to increase, thereby adversely impacting the market values of investment securities, mortgage loans and other long-term fixed rate loans. In addition, higher short-term interest rates caused by inflation tend to increase the cost of funds. In other years, the opposite may occur.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our potential future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. In addition, we enter into commitments to sell mortgage loans. For additional information, see Note 18 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Future Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued or proposed accounting pronouncements.
Item 7A
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Bank is subject to interest rate risk to the extent that our interest-bearing liabilities, primarily deposits and FHLB advances, re-price more rapidly or at different rates than our interest-earning assets. In order to minimize the potential for adverse effects of material prolonged increases or decreases in interest rates on our results of operations, management has adopted an asset and liability management policy. The board of directors sets the asset and liability management policy for us, which is implemented by the Asset/Liability Committee.
The purpose of the Asset/Liability Committee is to communicate, coordinate and control asset/liability management consistent with our business plan and board approved policies. The Asset/Liability Committee establishes and monitors the volume and mix of assets and funding sources taking into account relative costs and spreads, interest rate sensitivity and liquidity needs. The objectives are to manage assets and funding sources to produce results that are consistent with liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk, and profitability goals.
The Asset/Liability Committee generally meets at least monthly to review, among other things, economic conditions and interest rate outlook, current and projected liquidity needs and capital position, anticipated changes in the volume and mix of assets and liabilities and interest rate exposure limits versus current projections pursuant to market value of portfolio equity analysis and income simulations. The Asset/Liability Committee recommends appropriate strategy changes based on this review. The Asset/Liability Committee is responsible for reviewing and reporting the effects of policy implementations and strategies to the board of directors at least quarterly.
A key element of our asset/liability plan is to protect net earnings by managing the maturity or re-pricing mismatch between our interest-earning assets and rate-sensitive liabilities. Historically, management has sought to reduce exposure to earnings through the use of adjustable rate loans and through the sale of certain fixed rate loans in the secondary market, and by extending funding maturities through the use of FHLB advances.
Net Portfolio Value. Given the current relatively low level of market interest rates, an NPV calculation for an interest rate decrease of greater than 100 basis points has not been prepared. A basis point equals one-hundredth of one percent, and 100 basis points equals one percent. An increase in interest rates from 3% to 4% would mean, for example, a 100 basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income the Bank earns on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. In our model, management estimates what net interest income would be for a rolling forward twelve-month period using historical data for assumptions such as loan prepayment rates and deposit decay rates, the current term structure for interest rates, and current deposit and loan offering rates. We then calculate what the net interest income would be for the same period in the event of an instantaneous 100, 200 and 300 basis point increase or a 100 basis point decrease in market interest rates.
(1)Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
(2)NPV is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
(3)Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
(4)PV Ratio represents NPV divided by the present value of assets.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in determining interest rate risk through changes in net portfolio value and net interest income. Modeling changes require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the net portfolio value and net interest income information presented assume that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assume that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or re-pricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although interest rate-risk calculations provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.
Item 8
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Jacksonville, Florida
March 28, 2012
Crowe Horwath LLP
Independent Member Crowe Horwath International
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Stockholders and Board of Directors
Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation
Waycross, Georgia
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Crowe Horwath LLP
Brentwood, Tennessee
March 31, 2010
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2011 and 2010
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Information)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Information)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Information)
(Continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Information)
(Continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Information)
(Continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and
(Dollars in Thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: It should be noted the accompanying consolidated financial statements include Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Coast Bank (or "the Bank") together referred to as ("the Company"). The consolidated financials also include First Community Financial Services, Inc. ("FCFS"), an inactive wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Coast Bank. All significant inter-company transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the financial services industry.
On February 3, 2011, the second step conversion of Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC into a stock holding company structure and related stock offering of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation was completed. As a result of the second step conversion, Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, became the holding company for the Bank. As part of the second step conversion, Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation, a Federal corporation, was merged into Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation, with Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation as the surviving entity. In connection with the conversion, the Company sold 1,710,857 shares of common stock at $10 per share, inclusive of 68,434 shares issued to the Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). In addition, pursuant to an exchange ratio of 0.1960, the Company exchanged 4,687,466 shares of common stock held by stockholders of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation, the predecessor of the Company, for 918,324 shares of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation common stock, net of fractional shares. As a result of the stock sale and exchange the Company had 2,629,181 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of February 3, 2011. The reorganization was accounted for as a change in corporate form with no resulting change in the historical basis of the Company’s assets, liabilities and equity. Direct offering costs totaling $2.7 million were deducted from the proceeds of the shares sold in the offering. Net proceeds of $14.4 million were raised in the stock offering, which included $684,000 loaned by the Company to a trust for the ESOP enabling it to purchase 68,434 shares of common stock in the stock offering for allocation under such plan. Average shares and earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 have been restated to reflect the second step conversion and offering completed February 3, 2011. Financial information presented in this report is derived in part from the consolidated financial statements of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation prior to February 3, 2011.
Nature of Operations: Atlantic Coast Bank provides a broad range of banking services to individual and business customers primarily in northeastern Florida and southeastern Georgia. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings, and certificates of deposit, and its primary lending products are residential mortgage, home equity and other consumer loans, and commercial loans. Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and commercial and residential real estate. Commercial loans are generally expected to be repaid from the cash flows from the operations of the business. There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer. However, the customers' ability to repay their loans is dependent on the real estate and general economic conditions in the area.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Stock Repurchase Program: The Company suspended its stock repurchase program in March 2009.
Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ. Estimates associated with the allowance for loan losses, realization of deferred tax assets, valuation of intangible assets including goodwill and the fair values of securities and other financial instruments are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents is defined to include cash on hand, deposits with other financial institutions with maturities less than 90 days and short-term interest-earning deposits in investment companies. The Company reports net cash flows for customer loan transactions and deposit transactions.
Securities: Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. All securities were classified as available for sale as of December 31, 2011.
Interest income from securities includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments. Gains and losses on sales of securities are recorded on the settlement date, which is not materially different from the trade date, and are determined using the specific identification method. There were no unsettled securities transactions at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.
In evaluating OTTI, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the entity has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time. The amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss. If we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between its amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period loss, the OTTI is separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized as a charge to earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Loans Held for Sale: The Bank originates and purchases one-to-four family residential mortgage loans that are held for sale in the secondary market. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market in the aggregate with adjustments for unrealized losses recorded in a valuation account by a charge against current earnings. Sales in the secondary market are recognized when full acceptance has been received. Loans are generally sold servicing released. Loans purchased and held for sale include loans originated under the Bank’s warehouse lending program under which the Bank holds a lien position which is not released until the sale is completed and proceeds are received. Generally these loans are sold at par and are held for a short duration (usually less than 30 days) while earning interest until a sale is completed to an investor.
The Company also originates loans through the 7(a) Program and the 504 Program of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The 7(a) loans are guaranteed up to 75% of the loan amount up to maximum guaranty cap of $3,750,000. The Company’s average loan size is approximately $450,000. The Company typically sells the guaranteed portion of the 7(a) loan in to the secondary market at a premium, retaining the servicing of the loan. These loans are non-recourse to the lender, other than an allegation of fraud on the part of the lender.
In the 504 program the Company, the SBA and the borrower are in various lien positions. The typical structure of a 504 loan is the Bank is at a 50% loan-to-value (“LTV”), the SBA is in second position at 40% LTV, while the remaining 10% is an equity injection from the borrower.
Loans: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned loan fees and costs, premiums on loans purchased, and an allowance for loan losses.
The Bank may also purchase loans that conform to our underwriting standards, principally one-to-four family residential mortgages, in the form of whole loans for interest rate risk management and portfolio diversification and to supplement our organic growth.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method over the estimated life of the loan. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums or discounts on loans purchased. Premiums and discounts are amortized on the level yield-method over the estimated life of the loan.
Accrual of interest income on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued, and the loan is placed on non-performing status at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-performing or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
Loans for which the terms have been modified as a result of the borrower's financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). TDRs are measured for impairment based upon the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loans existing rate at inception of the loan or the appraised value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Impairment of homogenous loans, such as one-to-four residential loans, that have been modified as TDRs is calculated in the aggregate based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Loans modified as TDRs with market rates of interest are classified as impaired loans in the year of restructure and until the loan has performed for 12 months in accordance with the modified terms. The assessment of market rate of interest for homogenous TDR loans is done based on the weighted average rates those loans compared to prevailing interest rates at the time of restructure.
All interest accrued but not received on loans placed on non-performing status is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Allowance for Loan Losses: An allowance for loan losses (“allowance”) is maintained to reflect probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The allowance is maintained at a level that, in management’s judgment, is adequate to cover probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Generally, loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. In the case of loans collateralized by one-to-four family residential property the loan is charged down by the expected loss amount at the time it becomes non-performing. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates and assessment of risk that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Management’s methodology for estimating the allowance for loan loss for the periods included in these financial statements is explained below.
The extended recession and the severe deterioration of real estate values over the last three years has increased the risk of loss associated with any loan collateralized by real estate. The degree of risk between loans collateralized by real estate varies according to the relative size of loans and the difficulty of obtaining possession of the collateral in order to recover its value in repayment of the loan.
When establishing the allowance for loan losses, management categorizes loans into risk categories generally based on the nature of the collateral and the basis of repayment. These risk categories and the relevant risk characteristics are as follows:
Real estate loans
·One-to-four family residential loans have historically had less risk than other loan types as they tend to be smaller balance loans without concentrations to a single borrower or group of borrowers. Repayment depends on the individual borrower’s capacity. Given the rapid deterioration in the market value of residential real estate over the last several years, there is now a greater risk of loss if actions such as foreclosure or short sale become necessary to collect the loan and private mortgage insurance was not purchased. In addition, depending on the state in which the collateral is located, the risk of loss may increase, due to the time required to complete the foreclosure process on a property.
·Commercial real estate loans generally have greater credit risks compared to one-to-four family residential real estate loans, as they usually involve larger loan balances secured by non-homogeneous or specific use properties. Repayment of these loans typically relies on the successful operation of a business or the generation of lease income by the property and is therefore more sensitive to adverse conditions in the economy and real estate market.
·Other real estate loans include loans secured by multi-family residential real estate and land. Generally these loans involve a greater degree of credit risk than residential real estate loans, but are generally smaller individual loan balances than commercial real estate loans; land loans due to the lack of cash flow and reliance on borrower’s capacity and multi-family due the reliance on the successful operation the project. Both loan types are also more sensitive to adverse economic conditions.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Real estate construction loans
·Real estate construction loans, including one-to-four family, commercial and acquisition and development loans, generally have greater credit risk than traditional one-to-four family residential real estate loans. The repayment of these loans can be dependent on the sale of the property to third parties or the successful completion of the improvements by the builder for the end user. In the event a loan is made on property that is not yet approved for the planned development, there is the risk that approvals will not be granted or will be delayed. Construction loans also run the risk that improvements will not be completed on time or accordance with specifications and projected costs.
Other loans
·Home equity loans and home equity lines are similar to one-to-four family residential loans and generally carry less risk than other loan types as they tend to be smaller balance loans without concentrations to a single borrower or group or borrowers. However, similar to one-to-four family residential loans, risk of loss has increased over the last several years due to deterioration of the real estate market.
·Consumer loans often are secured by depreciating collateral, including cars and mobile homes, or are unsecured and may carry more risk than real estate secured loans. Consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.
·Commercial loans are secured by business assets or may be unsecured and repayment is directly dependent on the successful operation of the borrower’s business and the borrower’s ability to convert the assets to operating revenue and possess greater risk than most other types of loans should the repayment capacity of the borrower not be adequate.
Management’s methodology for determining the adequacy of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include a general loss component by class of loan and specific allowances for identified problem loans. The allowance also incorporates the results of measuring impaired loans.
The general component of the allowance covers unimpaired loans and is based on the historical loss experience adjusted for other qualitative factors. The loan portfolio is stratified into homogeneous groups of loans that possess similar loss potential characteristics and an appropriate loss ratio adjusted for other qualitative factors is applied to the homogeneous pools of loans to estimate the incurred losses in the loan portfolio. The other qualitative factors considered by management include, but are not limited to, the following:
·Economic trends - local and national
·Expertise of management and staff of the Bank
·Volumes and terms of loans
·Current delinquency levels and trends
·Non-performing asset levels and trends and related charge-off history
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
·Changes in loan policy
·Concentrations of credit
The specific reserve component of the allowance for loan losses generally relates to loans that have been classified as doubtful, substandard, or special mention according to the Company’s internal asset classification system of identifying problem and potential problem loans. Substandard loans include those characterized by the distinct possibility the Company may sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed to be special mention. Risk ratings are updated any time the facts and circumstances warrant.
For loans that are also identified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows, collateral value, or observable market price of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors used by management to determine impairment include payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) with borrowers where the Bank has granted a concession to the borrower because of their financial difficulties are considered impaired loans. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for non-homogenous loans such as commercial real estate, commercial real estate construction, and commercial business loans greater than $250,000 by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, including one-to-four family residential real estate loans and consumer loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, consumer and one-to-four family residential real estate loans are not separately identified for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Loans are charged off against the Allowance for Loan Loss account when the following conditions are present:
Real estate loans
·One-to-four family loans balances are charged down by the expected loss amount at the time they become non-performing, which is generally 90 days past due. Due to declining real estate values in our markets and the weakness of the U.S. economy in general, it is increasingly likely that impairment allowances on non-performing collateral dependent loans, particularly one-to-four family residential loans, will not be recoverable and represent a confirmed loss. This process accelerates the recognition of charge-offs but has no impact on the impairment evaluation procedures. Additional losses, if any, are charged off against the allowance for loan losses once a property is foreclosed or a short sale occurs.
·Commercial real estate loans and other real estate loans, including commercial land and multi-family loans, typically have specific reserves established once a loan is classified as substandard unless the collateral is adequate to cover the balance of the loan plus selling costs. Generally, the specific reserve on a loan will be charged off once the property has been foreclosed and title to the property transferred to the Bank.
Real estate construction loans
·Real estate construction loans include one-to-four family, commercial and acquisition and development loans. These loans typically have specific reserves established once a loan is classified as substandard unless the collateral is adequate to cover the balance of the loan plus selling costs. Generally, the specific reserve on a loan will be charged off once the property has been foreclosed and title to the property transferred to the Bank.
Other loans
·First lien position home equity loans are charged down by the expected loss amount at the time they become non-performing, which is generally 90 days past due. In the case of second lien position loans the entire loan balance is charged off. Due to declining real estate values in our markets and the deterioration of the US economy in general, it is increasingly likely that impairment allowances on non-performing collateral dependent loans, particularly one-to-four family residential loans, will not be recoverable and represent a confirmed loss. This process accelerates the recognition of charge-offs but has no impact on the impairment evaluation procedures. Additional losses, if any, are charged off against the allowance for loan losses once a property is foreclosed or a short sale occurs.
·Consumer loans including auto, manufactured housing, unsecured, and other secured loans are charged-off, net of expected recovery when the loan becomes significantly past due over a range of up to 180 days, depending on the type of loan. Loans with non-real estate collateral are written down to the value of the collateral, less cost to sell, when repossession of collateral has occurred.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
·Commercial loans secured by business assets, including inventory and receivables, will typically have specific reserves established once a loan is classifies as substandard. The specific reserve will be charged off once the outcomes of attempts to legally collect the collateral are known and have been exhausted.
Concentration of Credit Risk: Much of the Company’s business activity is with customers in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Therefore, the Company’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy and real estate markets in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia.
Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
Other Real Estate Owned and Foreclosed Assets: Assets acquired through or in lieu of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value, less estimated selling costs, at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs relating to improvement of property are capitalized, whereas costs relating to the holding of property are expensed.
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock: Atlantic Coast Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB). Members are required to own a certain amount of FHLB stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock has no quoted market value, is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of cost. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
Land, Premises, and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Buildings and furniture, fixtures and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Premises and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings and related components have useful lives ranging from 15 to 39 years. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment have useful lives ranging from 1 to 15 years. Interest expense associated with the construction of new facilities is capitalized at the weighted average cost of funds.
Bank Owned Life Insurance: The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) has a policy to restrict federal savings institutions from investing more than 25% of total capital in bank owned life insurance without first notifying and obtaining authorization from the OCC. The OCC is aware that as of December 31, 2011 the Bank was not in compliance with this policy.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Earnings Per Common Share: Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, reduced for unallocated ESOP shares as well as shares associated with other compensation plans. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period increased for the dilutive effect of unvested stock options and stock awards. The dilutive effect of the unvested stock options and stock awards is calculated under the treasury stock method utilizing the average market value of the Company’s stock for the period. Average shares and earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 have been restated to reflect the second step conversion and offering completed February 3, 2011.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment is recognized in the period identified. An assessment of goodwill impairment was performed during the third quarter of 2009 in advance of the date of normal annual review. Based on the results of that analysis, an impairment charge of $2.8 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2009, leaving no goodwill on the balance sheet.
Other intangible assets consist of non-maturity deposit intangible assets arising from branch acquisitions. Non-maturity deposit intangibles are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 4 to 10 years.
Long-Term Assets: Premises and equipment, non-maturity deposit and other intangible assets, and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.
Benefit Plans: Profit-sharing and 401k plan expense is the amount contributed as determined by Board decision. Deferred compensation plan expense is allocated over years of service.
Rabbi Trusts: Vested but unpaid benefits for the executive deferred compensation plan, director retirement plan and the supplemental executive retirement plan for certain executives is funded with the Company’s own common stock held in Rabbi Trusts. Unpaid benefits are recorded as contra accounts to stockholders’ equity at cost and are reduced as benefits are paid out by the Trustee over the terms defined by the plans.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Since the Company sponsors the ESOP with an employer loan, neither the ESOP's loan payable or the Company's loan receivable are reported in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Likewise, the Company does not recognize interest income or interest cost on the loan. Unallocated shares held by the ESOP are recorded as unearned ESOP shares in the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity. As shares are committed to be released for allocation, the Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the average market price of the shares for the period. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings; dividends on unearned ESOP shares are used to reduce the ESOP loan balance at the Company.
In connection with the second step conversion, the Company sold 1,710,857 shares of common stock at $10 per share, inclusive of 68,434 shares issued to the Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation employee stock ownership plan. The Company loaned $684,000 to a trust for the ESOP, enabling it to purchase 68,434 shares of common stock in the stock offering for allocation under such plan.
Stock-Based Compensation: The Company records compensation cost for restricted stock or stock options awarded to employees in return for employee service. The cost is measured at the grant-date fair value of the award and recognized as compensation expense over the employee service period, which is normally the vesting period. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards.
Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company files consolidated income tax returns and allocates tax liabilities and benefits among subsidiaries pursuant to a tax sharing agreement. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded.
The Company recognizes interest expense and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are currently any such matters that will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments including commitments to make loans and unused lines of credit, issued to meet customers' financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
Derivatives: Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value. The Company’s derivatives consist mainly of interest rate swap agreements, which are used as part of its asset liability management to help manage interest rate risk. All of the Company’s interest rate swaps matured during 2011. The Company does not use derivatives for trading purposes. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.
Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the net change in unrealized appreciation and depreciation on securities available for sale, net of tax, which are recognized as separate components of equity.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.
Operating Segments: The chief decision-makers monitor operating results and make resource allocation decisions on a company-wide basis. Accordingly, the Company does not have multiple operating segments.
Restrictions on Cash: The Bank was not required to maintain cash on hand or on deposit with the Federal Reserve at the year-end 2011 and 2010 to meet regulatory reserve and clearing requirements.
Dividends: Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Company or by the Company to shareholders.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Reclassifications: Certain items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The reclassifications have no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure through the date the Company’s financial statements were issued.
Impact of Certain Accounting Pronouncements:
On July 21, 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. This new accounting guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, Receivables, requires disclosure of additional information about the credit quality of an entity’s financing receivables and the allowance for credit losses. Disclosures must be disaggregated by class or portfolio segment and include, among other things, such items as a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses, certain credit quality indicators, past due and impaired loan information, and loan modification information. The new guidance only relates to financial statement disclosures and did not affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring. ASU 2011-02 clarifies guidance on whether the creditor has granted a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011. The amendments in this Update provide additional guidance to assist creditors in determining whether a restructuring of a receivable meets the criteria to be considered a troubled debt restructuring and did not affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU 2011-04 results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is in the process of reviewing the potential impact these provisions; however, their adoption is not expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes stockholders’ equity. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is in the process of reviewing the potential impact these provisions; however, their adoption is not expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-12 defers the effective date pertaining to reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is in the process of reviewing the potential impact these provisions; however, their adoption is not expected to have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2 - SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of the available-for-sale investment securities and the corresponding amounts of unrealized gains and losses therein:
The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities segregated by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2011, is shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, are shown separately.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 2 - SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE (continued)
Securities pledged at year-end 2011 had a carrying value of $125.8 million; $3.6 million was pledged to secure public funds, and $122.2 million was pledged as collateral for borrowings. Securities pledged at year-end 2010 had a carrying value of $135.4 million; $3.8 million was pledged to secure public funds, and $131.6 million was pledged as collateral for borrowings. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U. S. Government-sponsored enterprises, in an amount greater than 10% of equity.
Securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2011 and 2010, aggregated by investment category and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position are as follows:
The proceeds from maturities, sales and calls of securities and the associated gains and losses are listed below:
Gains and losses on sales of securities are recorded on the settlement date, which is not materially different from the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. There were no unsettled securities transactions at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 2 - SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE (continued)
Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment
As of December 31, 2011, the Company’s security portfolio consisted of 33 securities, 11 of which were in an unrealized loss position. Nearly all unrealized losses are related to debt securities whose underlying collateral is residential mortgages. However, the majority of these securities were issued by government sponsored organizations as discussed below.
At December 31, 2011, approximately $125.9 million, or 99% of the debt securities held by the Company were issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies, primarily Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, institutions which the government has affirmed its commitment to support. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and illiquidity, and not credit quality, and because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is not likely the Company will be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011.
The Company recorded an expense for other-than-temporary impairment charge of approximately $186,000 and $423,000 in non-interest income on private label mortgage-backed mezzanine (support) bonds for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The table below presents detail of other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009:
Interest income earned from securities exempt from federal income tax was $38,000, $38,000 and $92,000 for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 3 - LOANS HELD FOR SALE
Loans held for sale are comprised entirely of loans secured by one-to-four family residential residences. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the weighted average number of days outstanding of loans held for sale was 20 days.
During the year ended December 31, 2011 the Company originated approximately $97.6 million of loans internally, and purchased approximately $643.5 million of loans from third parties. During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Company originated approximately $80.4 million of loans internally, and purchased approximately $361.8 million of loans from third parties.
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET
The following table presents a comparative composition of net loans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
During the year ended December 31, 2011 the Company sold approximately $730.8 million of loans, comprised of $726.8 million of one- to four-family residential loans, $3.4 million of SBA loans and $600,000 of commercial real estate loans.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents the contractual aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2011:
The following table presents the contractual aging of the recorded investment in past due loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2010:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents performing and non-performing loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2011:
The following table presents performing and non-performing loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2010:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents the recorded investment in non-performing loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2011:
The following table presents the recorded investment in non-performing loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2010:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
Non-performing loans, including non-performing loans, at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $46.6 million and $28.1 million, respectively. There were no loans over 90 days past-due and still accruing interest as of December 31, 2011 or 2010. Non-performing loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified as impaired loans.
The Company utilizes an internal asset classification system for loans other than consumer and residential loans as a means of reporting problem and potential problem loans. Under the risk rating system, the Company classifies problem and potential problem loans as “Special Mention”, “Substandard”, and “Doubtful”. Substandard loans include those characterized by the distinct possibility the Company may sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as Doubtful, or risk rated seven, have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed to be Special Mention, or risk rated five. Risk ratings are updated any time the facts and circumstances warrant.
The Company evaluates consumer and residential loans based on whether the loans are performing or non-performing as well as other factors. One-to-four family and home equity loan balances are charged down by the expected loss amount at the time they become non-performing, which is generally 90 days past due. In the case of second lien position loans the entire loan balance is charged off. Consumer loans including automobile, manufactured housing, unsecured, and other secured loans are charged-off, net of expected recovery when the loan becomes significantly past due over a range of up to 180 days, depending on the type of loan.
The following table presents the risk category of those loans evaluated by internal asset classification based on the most recent analysis performed and the contractual aging as of December 31, 2011:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents the risk category of those loans evaluated by internal asset classification based on the most recent analysis performed and the contractual aging as of December 31, 2010:
When establishing the allowance for loan losses, management categorizes loans into risk categories generally based on the nature of the collateral and the basis of repayment. See “Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Polices” for additional discussion.
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2011 was as follows:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2010 was as follows:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents ending balances for allowance for loan losses and loans based on impairment method as of December 31, 2011:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents ending balances for allowance for loan losses and loans based on impairment method as of December 31, 2010:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
Loans for which the concessions have been granted as a result of the borrower’s financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). These concessions, which in general are applied to all categories of loans, may include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, or a combination of these or other actions intended to maximize collection.
For homogenous loan categories, such as one-to-four family residential loans and home equity loans, the amount of impairment resulting from the modification of the loan terms is calculated in aggregate by category of loan. The resulting impairment is included in the general component of the allowance for loan losses. If an individual homogenous loan defaults under terms of the TDR and becomes non-performing, the Bank follows its usual practice of charging the loan down to its estimated fair value and the charge-off is considered as a factor in determining the amount of the general component of the allowance for loan losses.
For larger non-homogeneous loans, each loan that is modified is evaluated individually for impairment based on either discounted cash flow or, for collateral dependent loans, the appraised value of the collateral less selling costs. The amount of the impairment, if any, is recorded as a specific reserve in the allowance for loan loss reserve. There was an allocated allowance for loan losses for loans individually evaluated for impairment of approximately $6.0 million and $3.9 million at December 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
Loans modified as TDRs with market rates of interest are classified as impaired loans in the year of restructure and until the loan has performed for 12 months in accordance with the modified terms. The assessment of market rate of interest for homogenous TDR loans is done based on the weighted average rates those loans compared to prevailing interest rates at the time of restructure. TDRs classified as impaired loans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
There were no commitments to lend additional amounts on TDRs as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
Loans which were previously modified as TDRs, are performing in accordance with the modified terms for 12 months or longer and were reported as performing loans as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
The following tables present information on one-to-four family and commercial troubled debt restructurings and subsequent defaults during the period ending December 31, 2011:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The effect of the three defaults on the allowance for loan losses was minimal as specific reserves had previously been established prior to the re-default of these three loans.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents information about impaired loans as of December 31, 2011:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents information about impaired loans as of December 31, 2010:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 4 - LOANS, NET (continued)
The following table presents interest income on impaired loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2011:
Information about impaired loans as of December 31, 2010 was as follows:
The Company has originated loans with directors and executive officers and their associates. These loans totaled approximately $1.6 million and $2.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The activity on these loans during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was as follows:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUE
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (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. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Significant other unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair values:
Investment Securities:
The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3). Discounted cash flows are calculated using spread to swap and LIBOR curves that are updated to incorporate prepayment speeds, loss severities, volatility, credit spread and optionality. During times when trading is more liquid, broker quotes are used (if available) to validate the model. Rating agency and industry research reports as well as defaults and deferrals on individual securities are reviewed and incorporated into the calculations.
Impaired Loans
The fair values of impaired loans that are collateral dependent are based on a valuation model which incorporates the most current real estate appraisals available, as well as assumptions used to estimate the fair value of all non-real estate collateral as defined in the Bank’s internal loan policy (Level 3 inputs).
Derivatives
The fair value of derivative financial instruments is based on derivative valuation models using market data inputs as of the valuation date (Level 2 inputs).
Other Real Estate Owned
Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned (“OREO”) are measured at fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUE (Continued)
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUE (Continued)
The table below presents a reconciliation of all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the periods ended:
Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were comprised of private label debt securities. Due to market conditions for these types of debt securities in 2009, 2010 and 2011, information regarding fair value became unavailable or unreliable. Consequently these debt securities were evaluated utilizing discounted cash flow models for each of the years 2009, 2010 and 2011. The Company held no private label debt securities as of December 31, 2011.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUE (continued)
Impaired loans which are collateral dependent are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral; collateral dependent loans had a carrying amount of $18.0 million and $21.9 million, net of a valuation allowance of $2.1 million and $3.2 million, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Provision for loan losses of $3.1 million and $2.4 million was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 on these impaired loans, respectively.
Other real estate owned, which is measured at fair value less costs to sell, had a net carrying amount of $5.8 million and $9.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Write-downs of $902,000 and $811,000 were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 6 - LAND, PREMISES, AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Land, premises, and equipment, net are summarized as follows:
Depreciation expense was $1.1 million, $1.0 million and $1.1 million for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
Based on the analysis of goodwill impairment performed in the third quarter of 2009, management determined goodwill was impaired and an impairment charge of $2.8 million was recorded, resulting in a zero balance for goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 7 - GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (continued)
Core Deposit Intangible Assets
Core deposit intangible assets included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Aggregate amortization expense was $27,000, $27,000 and $33,000 for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009.
Estimated amortization expense for each of the next three years ending December 31:
NOTE 8 - DEPOSITS
Time deposits of $100,000 or more were approximately $96.5 million and $122.2 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Deposit amounts in excess of $250,000 are generally not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Scheduled maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2011 were as follows:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 8 - DEPOSITS (continued)
Brokered certificate of deposits were $22.4 million and $51.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Under Atlantic Coast Bank’s Supervisory Agreement with the OCC, dated December 14, 2010, the Bank may not increase brokered deposits without prior written approval. See Note 17 - Regulatory Matters for additional discussion.
Deposits from directors, executive officers and their associates at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were approximately $809,000 and $538,000, respectively.
Interest expense on customer deposit accounts is summarized as follows:
NOTE 9 - FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES
At period-end, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta were as follows:
FHLB advances had a weighted-average maturity of 55 months and a weighted-average rate of 3.88% at December 31, 2011.
Fixed-rate advances includes amounts which may be converted by the FHLB, at various designated dates following issuance, from fixed-rate to variable-rate debt, or for certain advances, adjusted to current market fixed rates. If the FHLB converts the rates the Company has the option of pre-paying the debt, without penalty. Otherwise, the Company may incur prepayment penalties if the Company prepays the debt. At year-end 2011 and 2010, the amounts of convertible advances were $110.0 million.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 9 - FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES (continued)
The advances at December 31, 2011 mature as follows:
The Company had mortgage, home equity and commercial loans totaling approximately $318.3 million and $238.5 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010 pledged as collateral for the FHLB advances. At December 31, 2011, the remaining borrowing capacity was $63.8 million. At December 31, 2011 and 2010 Atlantic Coast Bank owned $9.6 million and $10.2 million, of FHLB stock, respectively, which also secures debts to the FHLB.
Subsequent to December 31, 2011, the Company received notice from FHLB of Atlanta that our borrowing capacity had been reduced by approximately $30.0 million.
The Company refinanced $30 million in FHLB advances during 2008 that resulted in a penalty of approximately $471,000 to be amortized over 5 years, the amortization is reflected in interest expense. The refinanced borrowing was repaid during 2010 resulting in the accelerated amortization of the $220,000 remaining balance of the prepayment penalty.
NOTE 10 - OTHER BORROWINGS
Other borrowings were $0 and $5.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company borrowed $5.0 million, at market rates, from another financial institution in June 2010 secured by shares of the Company’s common stock owned by Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC. The Company’s Chairman of the Board also serves as the president and chief executive officer and a director of the financial institution from which the borrowing was obtained. The Company repaid the $5.0 million loan with proceeds from the second step conversion and offering in February 2011.
NOTE 11 - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
The Company has securities sold under agreements to repurchase with a carrying amount of $92.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010. Under the terms of the agreements the counterparties require that the Company provide additional collateral for the borrowings as protection for their market risk when the fair value of the borrowings exceed the contractual amounts. As a result, the Company had $122.2 and $120.4 million in securities posted as collateral for these instruments at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company will be required to post additional collateral if the gap between the market value of the liability and the contractual amount of the liability increases.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 11 - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (continued)
Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 is summarized as follows:
The securities sold under agreements to repurchase at December 31, 2011 mature as follows:
Beginning in January 2009, the lender has the option to terminate individual advances in whole the following quarter; there is no termination penalty if terminated by the lender. There have been no early terminations. In the event the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios fall below well-capitalized it may be required to provide additional collateral. In the event the capital ratios fall below adequately capitalized, or the Bank receives a cease and desist order from its primary banking regulator, the counterparty on $77.8 million of the $92.8 million total has the option to call the debt at its fair value. At December 31, 2011, the fair value of that portion of the debt exceeded the carrying value by approximately $12.5 million. At maturity or termination, the securities underlying the agreements will be returned to the Company.
NOTE 12 - INTEREST RATE SWAPS
On occasion the Company has utilized interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position by mitigating the impact of significant unexpected fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility or changes in the yield curve. As of December 31, 2011 the Company had no interest rate swap agreements in place.
The Company’s interest rate swap agreements did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment; accordingly changes in fair value were reported in current period earnings.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 12 - INTEREST RATE SWAPS (continued)
Summary information about these interest-rate swaps as of period-end is as follows:
The following tables summarize the fair value of the interest rate swaps utilized by the Company:
The effect of interest rate swaps for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 12 - INTEREST RATE SWAPS (continued)
The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is reflected in other liabilities with a corresponding charge to income recorded as a reduction of non-interest income.
NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Defined Contribution Plan: Company employees, meeting certain age and length of service requirements, may participate in a 401(k) plan sponsored by the Company. Plan participants may contribute between 1% and 75% of gross income, subject to an IRS maximum of $16,500 with a company match equal to 50% of the first 6% of the compensation contributed. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the total plan expense was $149,000, $68,000 and $5,000, respectively. The Company re-instituted its matching program in April 2010, which had been suspended beginning in first quarter of 2009.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and Director Retirement Plan: In December 2009 the Company entered into new agreements to provide SERP's to certain executives and senior officers and a Director Retirement Plan to non-employee members of its Board of Directors. The new agreements replaced agreements in place prior to December 2009, to the same officers and directors for which the Company had accrued approximately $3.0 million for vested benefits payable. In connection with entering into the new SERP and Director Retirement Plan agreements, the Company obtained consents from each SERP participant and Director thereby allowing the Company to reverse the previous benefit expenses in the fourth quarter of 2009. This resulted in negative expense of approximately $2.7 million for the combined SERP and Director Retirement Plan for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Company recorded no expense for SERP or Director Retirement Plans in 2010 as no events resulting in vesting occurred.
Benefits payable under the new SERP's and Director Retirement plans is based upon the appreciation benefit established for each participant. The appreciation benefit is generally the amount of each participant's accrued benefit under the pre-December 2009 plans at the date the new plans were put in place. Under the terms of both the SERP and Director Retirement Plan, each participant will receive a monthly benefit payment beginning on a date defined by each plan. Under the executive and senior officer SERPs benefit payments begin the first month after the retirement date while under the Director Retirement Plan benefit payments began on the first month following 100% vesting. Benefit payments are due over a period of ten (10) to twenty (20) years after retirement and are based on the amount of each participant’s appreciation benefit plus accrued interest on unpaid balances.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (continued)
Vesting in the appreciation benefit for executive SERP's and the Director Retirement Plans is contingent upon the occurrence of defined events. These events include the successful completion of the second step conversion, two consecutive quarters of positive income before the expense of participant vesting by the Company, the participant's death or disability, or a change-of control of the Company. In the case of the executive SERP vesting also includes involuntary termination of employment. The vested appreciation benefit is payable over 15 years for executive SERPs and 10 years for the Director Retirement Plan. The vested but unpaid appreciation benefits of the executive SERP and the Director Retirement Plans are credited for interest at a rate of 3-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points. No expense is recognized for the new executive SERP or Director Retirement Plan until such time as the Company is able to determine the likelihood and value of due under the agreements due to the occurrence of defined events.
Under the terms of the senior officer SERP the appreciation benefit is established upon completion of the second step conversion and becomes payable to the participant over 20 years following separation from service due to retirement from the Company, which may be no earlier than age 55. In the event of a death of a participant with 5 or more years of service a lump sum payment is due to the participant's beneficiary. The participant forfeits their appreciation benefit if the employee leaves the Company prior to retirement. The unpaid appreciation benefit for each participant is credited for interest at a rate of 3-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points.
On February 3, 2011, the Company completed the second-step conversion thus triggering vesting under the executive SERPs and Director Retirement Plan (“the Plans”). Under the terms of the agreements the executive SERP's vested 15% of the appreciation benefit and the Director Retirement Plan vested 100% in the appreciation benefit resulting in an accrual of benefits payable of $299,000 and $310,000, respectively. The Plans were partially funded through the creation of a rabbi trust (“the Trust”). The Trust purchased 34,009 shares of Company stock at $10 per share during the second step conversion and has recorded the purchase as common stock held by benefits plans in stockholders’ equity. Benefits paid by the Trust may be paid in cash or stock and the assets of the Trust are considered general assets of the Company. Changes in the fair-value of Company stock are recorded as adjustments to the benefits accrued for each participant.
The senior officer SERP appreciation benefit at the date of the second-step conversion totaled $646,000 and $174,000 was accrued for the benefit of participants based on proximity to retirement
The Company recorded expense of $491,000 and $331,000 for SERP and Director Retirement Plans in 2011, including interest on unpaid appreciation benefits and net of reversal of benefits accrued for senior officer SERP participants who severed their employment. Below is the amount of accrued liability and unvested appreciation benefit under the SERP and Director Retirement Plan as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
Due to the Supervisory Agreement between the Company and the OCC and Federal Reserve (See Note 17-Regulatory Matters) payments for appreciation benefits that vest following an executive being involuntarily terminated or occurring after the executive severs employment are subject to approval by the FDIC and the OCC.
Deferred Director Fee Plan: A deferred director fee compensation plan covers all non-employee directors. Under the plan directors may defer director fees. These fees are expensed as earned and the plan accumulates the fees plus earnings. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the liability for the plan was $197,000 and $223,000, respectively.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 13 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (continued)
Split Dollar Life insurance agreement: The Company has Split Dollar Life insurance agreements with certain executive officers to provide life insurance benefits in addition to that available to all employees. The expense related to this benefit for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $34,000, (17,000) and 41,000, respectively. The Company recorded a credit to expense in 2010 of $84,000 due to the departure of one executive who surrendered the benefit under the terms of the agreement. The related liability for Split Dollar Life insurance benefits was $148,000 and $114,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
NOTE 14 - EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
The Company established the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) described below following Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s first step conversion in 2004. Upon completion of the second step conversion on February 3, 2011, all unallocated shares in the plan were exchanged for Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation shares at a rate of 0.1960 shares of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation for each share of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation.
In connection with its minority stock offering in 2004, the Company established an ESOP for the benefit of its employees with an effective date of January 1, 2004. The ESOP purchased 465,520 shares of common stock from the minority stock offering with proceeds from a ten-year note in the amount of $4,655,200 from the Company. The Company's Board of Directors determines the amount of contribution to the ESOP annually but is required to make contributions sufficient to service the ESOP's debt. Shares are released for allocation to employees as the ESOP debt is repaid. Eligible employees receive an allocation of released shares at the end of the calendar year on a relative compensation basis. An employee becomes eligible on January 1st or July 1st immediately following the date they complete one year of service. Company dividends on allocated shares will be paid to employee accounts. Dividends on unallocated shares held by the ESOP will be applied to the ESOP note payable.
Contributions to the ESOP were $90,000, $568,000 and $568,000 for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009. Contributions did not include dividends on unearned shares in 2011 and 2010, but included $5,000 in 2009.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 14 - EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (continued)
Compensation expense for shares committed to be released under the Company's ESOP was $29,000, $100,000 and $230,000 for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Shares held by the ESOP as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
On February 3, 2011, the Company completed its second step conversion (see NOTE 23). As part of the conversion, the Company loaned $684,340 to the trust for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) enabling it to purchase 68,434 shares of common stock in the stock offering for allocation under such plan. The Company’s loan to the ESOP was combined with the remaining debt and modified to be payable over 20 years. Further, the Plan was modified such that unearned shares held by the plan will be allocated over the same term as the debt.
NOTE 15 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company established the stock-based compensation plans described below following Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s first step conversion in 2004. Upon completion of the second step conversion on February 3, 2011, all unallocated or unvested shares in the plans were exchanged for Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation shares at a rate of 0.1960 shares of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation for each share of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation.
In 2005 the Company’s stockholders approved the establishment of both the Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation 2005 Recognition and Retention Plan (the “Recognition Plan”), and the Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation 2005 Stock Option Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”). The compensation cost that has been charged against income for the Recognition Plan for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $106,000, $387,000 and $647,000, respectively. The compensation cost that has been charged against income for the Stock Option Plan for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $60,000, $226,000 and $314,000, respectively.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 15- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
The Recognition Plan
The Recognition Plan permits the Company’s board of directors to award up to 55,888 shares of its common stock to directors and key employees designated by the board. As of December 31, 2011 substantially all shares had been awarded. Under the terms of the Recognition Plan, awarded shares are restricted as to transferability and may not be sold, assigned, or transferred prior to vesting. Awarded shares vest at a rate of 20% of the initially awarded amount per year, beginning on the first anniversary date of the award, and are contingent upon continuous service by the recipient through the vesting date; accelerated vesting occurs if there is a change in control of the Company or death or disability of the participant. The second step conversion completed February 3, 2011 was not considered a change in control. Any awarded shares which are forfeited are returned to the Company and can be re-awarded to another recipient. The Recognition Plan became effective on July 1, 2005 and remains in effect for the earlier of 10 years from the effective date, or the date on which all shares of common stock available for award have vested.
There were no common stock share awards during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company’s board of directors awarded 1,372 shares of common stock available under the Recognition Plan during the year ended December 31, 2010. A summary of the status of the shares of the Recognition Plan at December 31, 2011, is presented below:
The weighted average grant-date fair value of non-vested shares was $94.06 and $43.52 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There was $29,000 and $137,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested shares awarded under the Recognition Plan at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $135,000 and $650,000, respectively.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 15- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
The Stock Option Plan
The Stock Option Plan permits the Company’s board of directors to grant options to purchase up to 139,720 shares of its common stock to the Company’s directors and key employees. Under the terms of the Stock Option Plan, granted stock options have a contractual term of 10 years from the date of grant, with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Key employees are eligible to receive incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options, while outside directors are eligible for non-statutory stock options only.
The Stock Option Plan also permits the Company’s board of directors to issue key employees, simultaneous with the issuance of stock options, an equal number of Limited Stock Appreciation Rights (The Limited SAR). The Limited SARs are exercisable only upon a change of control and, if exercised, reduce one-for-one the recipient’s related stock option grants. Under the terms of the Stock Option Plan, granted stock options vest at a rate of 20% of the initially granted amount per year, beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant, and are contingent upon continuous service by the recipient through the vesting date. Accelerated vesting occurs if there is a change in control of the Company or death or disability of the participant. The second step conversion completed February 3, 2011 was not considered a change in control. The Stock Option Plan became effective on July 28, 2005 and terminates upon the earlier of 10 years after the effective date, or the date on which the exercise of Options or related rights equaling the maximum number of shares occurs. There were 5,496 stock options remaining to be awarded as of December 31, 2011.
There were 25,000 and 32,733 of incentive stock option awards during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were no incentive stock option awards during the year ended December 31, 2009.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 15- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
A summary of the option activity under the Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and changes for the year then ended is presented below:
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model based on certain assumptions. Due to the somewhat limited daily trading volume of shares of our Company stock, the volatility of the SNL thrift index was used in lieu of the historical volatility of our Company stock. The risk free rate for periods within the contractual term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of the grant. The expected life of the options is estimated based on historical employee behavior and represents the period of time that options are expected to remain outstanding. These weighted assumptions are summarized in the following table:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 15- STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (continued)
There was $96,000 of and $148,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under the Plan as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.
NOTE 16 - INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit) was as follows:
The 2011 income tax benefit was the result of the Company filing an amended federal income tax return for the 2008 tax year.
The effective tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 16 - INCOME TAXES (continued)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities were due to the following:
The Company considers at each reporting period all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed to reduce its deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
A determination of the need for a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets is dependent upon management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence. Positive evidence includes the probability of achieving forecasted future taxable income, applicable tax planning strategies and assessments of the current and future economic and business conditions. Negative evidence includes the Company’s cumulative losses and expiring tax credit carryforwards.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 16 - INCOME TAXES (continued)
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company evaluated the expected realization of its federal and state net deferred tax assets which, prior to a valuation allowance, totaled $25.6 million and $21.0 million, respectively, and was primarily comprised of future tax benefits associated with the allowance for loan losses and net operating loss carryforwards. Based on this evaluation it was concluded a full valuation allowance was required for the net federal and state deferred tax assets. This valuation allowance fully offset the benefit in income taxes that would have been recognized during 2011 and 2010. The realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent upon generating taxable income. At December 31, 2009, the Company evaluated the expected realization of its net federal and state deferred tax assets which, prior to a valuation allowance, totaled $16.2 million and was primarily comprised of future tax benefits associated with the allowance for loan losses and net operating loss carryforwards. Based on this evaluation it was concluded a valuation allowance equal to $16.2 million was required for the federal and state deferred tax assets. This valuation allowance was recognized as a charge to income tax expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.
If the valuation allowance is reduced or eliminated, future tax benefits will be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense which will have a positive non-cash impact on our net income and stockholders’ equity.
The Company has a federal net operating loss carryforward of $45.7 million which begins to expire in 2019. There is a valuation allowance of $15.5 million on this carryforward. The Company has a state net operating loss carryforward of $70.9 million which begins to expire in 2026. The Company maintains a valuation allowance on $2.7 million of the loss.
NOTE 17 - REGULATORY MATTERS
Atlantic Coast Bank is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings, as well as other factors, and the regulators can lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. The prompt corrective action regulations provide for five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition.
Under the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Act, the OTS’ functions relating to federal savings associations, including rulemaking authority, were transferred to the Comptroller of the Currency. The thrift charter has been preserved and a new Deputy Comptroller of the Currency will supervise and examine federal savings associations and savings banks. At the same time, responsibility for the regulation and supervision of savings and loan holding companies was transferred to the Federal Reserve, which supervises bank holding companies.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 17 - REGULATORY MATTERS (continued)
Atlantic Coast Bank actual and required capital levels (in millions) and ratios were:
At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Atlantic Coast Bank was classified as "well capitalized" under prompt corrective action requirements. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2011 that management believes have changed the classification; however, the Bank entered into an individual minimum capital requirement (“IMCR”) with the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), the predecessor to the OCC, on May 13, 2011. Under the IMCR, the Bank agreed to achieve and maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 7% at September 30, 2011.
Banking regulations limit capital distributions by savings associations. Generally, capital distributions are limited to undistributed net income for the current and prior two years. During 2011, Atlantic Coast Bank could not declare any dividends without prior approval of the OCC. Payment of dividends by Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation is largely dependent on the ability of Atlantic Coast Bank to pay dividends.
The following is a reconciliation of Atlantic Coast Bank's equity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America to regulatory capital as of December 31, 2011 and 2010:
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 17 - REGULATORY MATTERS (continued)
The Qualified Thrift Lender test requires at least 65% of assets be maintained in housing-related finance and other specified areas. If this test is not met, limits are placed on growth, branching, new investments, FHLB advances, and dividends, or Atlantic Coast Bank must convert to a commercial bank charter. Management believes this test was met at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
Effective December 10, 2010, the Company, the Bank and the OTS entered into supervisory agreements. The supervisory agreements have been assumed by the OCC as to restrictions that relate to the Bank and by the Federal Reserve as to restrictions that relate to the Company. The agreements provide, among other things, that:
•the Bank must not purchase additional bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) or increase its investment in existing BOLI policies until the Bank’s BOLI exposure is within regulatory guidelines of 25% of total capital;
•the Bank must comply with regulations limiting its ability to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits without receiving the written non-objection of the OTS, including reducing its level of brokered deposits to $52.5 million by June 30, 2011;
•the Bank and the Company must comply with regulatory prior notification requirements with respect to changes in directors and senior executive officers;
•the Bank will not be permitted to declare a dividend or make any other capital distributions without the prior written approval of the OTS, and the Company cannot declare or pay dividends or make any other capital distributions without prior written OTS approval;
•the Bank and the Company will not be permitted to enter into, renew, extend or revise any contractual arrangement relating to compensation or benefits for any senior executive officers or directors, unless it provides 30 days prior written notice of the proposed transaction to the OTS;
•the Bank may not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the financial condition of the Bank or outside of its normal course of business unless the OTS has received 30 days prior written notice of such contract or arrangement and issued its written non-objection;
•the Bank and the Company may not make any golden parachute payment or prohibited indemnification payment without OTS prior written approval;
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 17 - REGULATORY MATTERS (continued)
•the Bank will not be permitted to increase its total assets during any quarter in excess of an amount equal to the net interest credited on deposit liabilities during the prior quarter, without the prior written non-objection of the OTS;
•the Bank may not engage in any transactions with affiliates without providing 30 days advance written notice to the OTS and receiving its written non-objection;
•the Company may not incur, issue, renew or rollover any debt or debt securities, increase any current lines of credit, guarantee the debt of any entity, or otherwise incur any additional debt without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.
NOTE 18 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities that are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
The principal commitments as of December 31 2011 and 2010 are as follows:
At December 31, 2011, the undisbursed portion of loans closed was primarily unfunded residential construction loans with fixed and variable rates ranging from 5.25% to 7.00%. At December 31, 2011, the unused lines of credit and commitments to fund loans were made up of both fixed rate and variable rate commitments. The fixed rate commitments totaled $27.3 million and had interest rates that ranged from 3.25% to 18.00%; variable rate commitments totaled $29.6 million and had interest rates that ranged from 3.00% to 14.75%.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 18 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (continued)
At December 31, 2010, the undisbursed portion of loans closed was primarily unfunded SBA construction loans with fixed and variable rates ranging from 3.25% to 7.5%. At December 31, 2010, the unused lines of credit and commitments to fund loans were made up of both fixed rate and variable rate commitments. The fixed rate commitments totaled $35.0 million and had interest rates that ranged from 3.75% to 18%; variable rate commitments totaled $24.7 million and had interest rates that ranged from 3% to 8.25%.
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had fully secured outstanding standby letters of credit commitments totaling $206,000 and $170,000, respectively.
Since certain commitments to make loans, provide lines of credit, and to fund loans in process expire without being used, the amount does not necessarily represent future cash commitments. In addition, 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. The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these financial instruments is represented by the contractual amount of these instruments. The Company follows the same credit policies to make such commitments as is followed for those loans recorded on the consolidated balance sheet.
The Company has employment agreements with its chief operating officer (“COO”), chief financial officer (“CFO”) and chief risk officer. Under the terms of the agreement, certain events leading to a change in control, or separation from the Company, could result in cash payments equal to 2.99 times the salary of the COO and CFO, and 1.00 times the salary of the chief risk officer. Since payments are contingent upon certain events, the Company accrues for no liability. The second step conversion completed February 3, 2011 was not considered a change in control.
During 2011 the Company’s COO announced his retirement effective February 29, 2012. The employment agreement discussed above terminates upon retirement, accordingly the Company is no longer subject to the related commitment.
The Company maintained a line of credit with one financial institution for $1.0 million and $7.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There were no balances outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
The Company has operating leases in place for two business locations and certain ordinary office equipment. Lease payments over the next 5 years are approximately $1.2 million.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 19 - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share computation for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:
Average shares and earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 have been restated to reflect the second step conversion and offering completed February 3, 2011.
There was no dilutive effect for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009 as each period had a net loss.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 20 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Other comprehensive income (loss) components and related taxes for the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:
As of December 31, 2011 and 2010 accumulated other comprehensive income includes $116,000 and $689,000 related to net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 21 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments, not previously presented, at year end were as follows:
The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are described as follows:
Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents, accrued interest, demand and savings deposits and variable rate loans or deposits that re-price frequently and fully. For fixed rate loans or deposits and for variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent re-pricing or re-pricing limits, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk without considering the need for adjustments for market illiquidity. Fair value of loans held for sale is based on quoted market prices, where available, or is determined based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. Fair value of debt (FHLB advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase) is based on current rates for similar financing. It was not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability. Fair value of other borrowings is based on current rates for similar financing. The estimated fair value of other financial instruments and off-balance-sheet loan commitments approximate cost and are not considered significant to this presentation.
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 22 - PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2011 and 2010
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 22 - PARENT COMPANY ONLY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and
(Continued)
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
NOTE 23 - STOCK CONVERSION
On February 3, 2011, the second step conversion of Atlantic Coast Federal, MHC into a stock holding company structure and related stock offering of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation was completed. As a result of the second step conversion, Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation, a Maryland corporation, became the holding company for the Bank. As part of the second step conversion, Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation, a Federal corporation, was merged into Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation, with Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation as the surviving entity. In connection with the conversion the Company sold 1,710,857 shares of common stock at $10 per share, inclusive of 68,434 shares issued to the Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation employee stock ownership plan. In addition, pursuant to an exchange ratio of .1960 the Company exchanged 4,687,466 shares of common stock held by stockholders of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation, the predecessor, for 918,324 shares of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation, net of fractional shares. As a result of the stock sale and exchange the Company had 2,629,181 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of February 3, 2011. The reorganization was accounted for as a change in corporate form with no resulting change in the historical basis of the Company’s assets, liabilities and equity. Direct offering costs totaling $2.7 million were deducted from the proceeds of the shares sold in the offering. Net proceeds of $14.4 million were raised in the stock offering, excluding $684,000 which was loaned by the Company to a trust for the ESOP enabling it to purchase 68,434 shares of common stock in the stock offering for allocation under such plan.
Item 9
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A
Item 9A Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) ) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
(b) Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment and those criteria, management concluded the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
(c) Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(d)) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B
Item 9B Other Information
Not applicable.
Part III
Item 10
Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 11
Item 11 Executive Compensation.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 12
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 13
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 14
Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Information in response to this item is incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Part IV
Item 15
Item 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) Documents filed as a part of this report
1. 	 Consolidated financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements are set forth under Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
2. 	 Financial statement schedules.
The following information is filed as part of this Form 10-K and should be read should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8:
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
All other schedules have been omitted because they were not applicable or because the required information has been included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
Exhibits
3.1Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 1
3.2Bylaws of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 2
4Form of Common Stock Certificate of Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 3
10.1Employee Stock Ownership Plan 4
10.2Employment Agreement with Robert J. Larison, Jr. 5
10.3Employment Agreement with Thomas B. Wagers, Sr. 6
10.4Non-compete and Non-Solicitation Agreement with Robert J. Larison, Jr. 7
10.5Sixth Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Robert J. Larison, Jr.
10.6Amended and Restated 2005 Director Retirement Plan 8
10.7Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 2005 Stock Option Plan 9
10.8Atlantic Coast Financial Corporation 2005 Recognition and Retention Plan 9
10.9Amended and Restated Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement with Robert J. Larison, Jr. 10
10.10Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement with Thomas B. Wagers, Sr. 11
10.11Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation 2008 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan 12
10.12Fourth Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with Thomas B. Wagers, Sr.
10.13Consulting Agreement with Jay S. Sidhu 13
10.14Non-compete and Non-Solicitation Agreement with Thomas B. Wagers, Sr. 14
10.15Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan 15
10.16Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation Director Stock Purchase Plan 15
10.17Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation Amended and Restated 2005 Director Deferred Fee Plan 16
10.18Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation Amended and Restated 2007 Director Deferred Compensation Plan for Equity 17
10.19Atlantic Coast Bank Director Emeritus Plan 18
10.20Atlantic Coast Bank 2005 Amended and Restated Director Retirement Plan 19
10.21Retirement Agreement with Robert J. Larison, Jr. 20
21Subsidiaries of Registrant
23.1Consent of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
23.2Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS XBRL Instance Document **
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document **
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document **
101 DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document **
101 LAB XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document **
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document **
1Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010 (Registration No. 333-167632).
2Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010 (Registration No. 333-167632).
3Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010 (Registration No. 333-167632).
4Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010 (Registration No. 333-167632).
5Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the registrant’s Amendment No. 3 to the Form S-1 Registration Statement, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2010.
6Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the registrant’s Amendment No. 3 to the Form S-1 Registration Statement, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2010.
7Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 8-K Current Report, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2009.
8Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010 (Registration No. 333-167632).
9Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement originally filed by Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2005.
10Incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 8-K Current Report, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2006.
11Incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 8-K Current Report, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 7, 2010.
12Incorporated by reference to Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 8-K Current Report originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2008.
13Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Form 8-K current Report, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2011.
14Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 8-K current Report originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2010.
15Incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement originally filed by Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2010.
16Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 10-K Annual Report originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009.
17Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 10-K Annual Report originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009.
18Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Atlantic Coast Federal Corporation’s Form 10-K Annual Report originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009.
19Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2010 (Registration No. 333-167632).
20Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the registrant’s Form 8-K Current Report, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 16, 2011.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
ATLANTIC COAST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Date: March 28, 2012 By: /s/ G. Thomas Frankland
G. Thomas Frankland
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ G. Thomas Frankland
By: /s/ Thomas B. Wagers, Sr.
G. Thomas Frankland
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Thomas B. Wagers, Sr.
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date: March 28, 2012
Date: March 28, 2012
By: /s/ Thomas F. Beeckler
By: /s/ Fred D. Franklin, Jr.
Thomas F. Beeckler
Director
Fred D. Franklin, Jr.
Director
Date: March 28, 2012
Date: March 28, 2012
By: /s/ Charles E. Martin, Jr.
By: /s/ W. Eric Palmer
Charles E. Martin, Jr.
Director
W. Eric Palmer
Director
Date: March 28, 2012
Date: March 28, 2012
By: /s/ H. Dennis Woods
By: /s/ Forrest W. Sweat, Jr.
H. Dennis Woods
Director
Forrest W. Sweat, Jr.
Director
Date: March 28, 2012
Date: March 28, 2012
By: /s/ Jay Sidhu
By: /s/ Charles R. Carey
Jay Sidhu
Director
Charles R. Carey
Director
Date: March 28, 2012
Date: March 28, 2012
By: /s/ John J. Linfante
By: /s/ Bhanu Choudhrie
John J. Linfante
Director
Bhanu Choudhrie
Director
Date: March 28, 2012
Date: March 28, 2012