UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K  £ Annual Report Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act Of
1934 For The Fiscal Year December 31, 2012.  Or  £ Transition Report Pursuant To Section 13 Or 15 (D) Of The Securities Exchange Act
Of 1934 For the Transition Period from ___________ to ________________ Commission file number 000-27719  Southern First Bancshares, Inc.(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  South Carolina

58-2459561(State of Incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)100 Verdae
Boulevard, Greenville, SC

29607(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)  864-679-9000(Telephone Number)  Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  Title of class

Name of each exchange on which registeredCommon Stock

The NASDAQ Global Market  Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes ̈No
x Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act. Yes ̈No
x  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. YesxNo  ̈  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any,
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 
YesxNo
 ̈  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein,
and will  not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. x  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated
filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer ̈Accelerated filer ̈Non-accelerated filer ̈Smaller Reporting Companyx  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
 ̈No
x  The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30,
2012 (based on the average bid and ask price of  the Common Stock as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Market on June 30, 2012), was $27,750,176.  4,257,387 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding as of February 27, 2013.  DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2013 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K where indicated.   Table of Contents



SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

Index to Form 10-K



Part I

PageItem 1.
Business
4Item 1A.
Risk Factors
22Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
31Item 2.
Properties
31Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
32Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
32Part IIItem 5.
Market for Common Equity and Related
Shareholder Matters
32Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
34Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and
Results of Operation
35Item 8.
Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data
56Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
56Consolidated Balance Sheets
57Consolidated Statements of Income
58Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
59Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
60Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
61Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
62Item 9.
Changes to and Disagreements
with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
94Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
94Item 9B.
Other Information
94Part IIIItem 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
94Item 11.
Executive Compensation
94Item 12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management and
Related Shareholder Matters
95Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions
95Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
95Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
95

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS



This Report, including information included or incorporated by reference in this
document, contains statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Forward-looking statements may relate to our financial condition, results of operation, plans, objectives, or future performance. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are
not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure,
including many factors which are beyond our control. The words “may,”  “would,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “expect,”
“anticipate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “believe,” “continue,” “assume,” “intend,”
“plan,” and “estimate,” as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual
results to differ from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described below under Item 1A- Risk Factors and the following:



·

credit losses as a result of declining real estate values,
increasing interest rates, increasing unemployment, or changes in payment behavior or other factors;

·

credit losses due to loan concentration;

·

changes in the amount of our loan portfolio collateralized by
real estate and weaknesses in the real estate market;

·

restrictions or conditions imposed by our regulators on our
operations;

·

increases in competitive pressure in the banking and
financial services industries;

·

changes in the interest rate environment which could reduce
anticipated or actual margins;

·

changes in political conditions or the legislative or
regulatory environment, including governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry;

·

changes in economic conditions resulting in, among other
things, a deterioration in credit quality;

·

changes occurring in business conditions and inflation;

·

changes in access to funding or increased regulatory
requirements with regard to funding;

·

increased cybersecurity risk, including potential business
disruptions or financial losses;

·

changes in deposit flows;

·

changes in technology;

·

the adequacy of the level of our allowance for loan losses
and the amount of loan loss provisions required in future periods;

·

examinations by our regulatory authorities, including the
possibility that the regulatory authorities may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for loan losses or write-down assets;

·

changes in monetary and tax policies;

·

changes in accounting policies and practices;

·

the rate of delinquencies and amounts of loans charged-off;

·

the rate of loan growth in recent years and the lack of
seasoning of a portion of our loan portfolio;

·

our ability to maintain appropriate levels of capital and to
comply with our capital ratio requirements;

·

our ability to attract and retain key personnel;

·

our ability to retain our existing clients, including our
deposit relationships; and

·

adverse changes in asset quality and resulting credit
risk-related losses and expenses.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the assumptions underlying such
forward-looking statements proves to be incorrect, our results could differ materially from those expressed in, implied or projected by, such forward-looking statements. For information with respect
to factors that could cause actual results to differ from the



3



expectations stated in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We urge investors to consider all of these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We make
these forward-looking as of the date of this document and we do not intend, and assume no obligation, to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ
from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements.





PART I



Item 1. Business



General



Southern First Bancshares, Inc.(the “Company”) is a South Carolina corporation
that owns all of the capital stock of Southern First Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”) and all of the stock of Greenville First Statutory Trust I and II (collectively, the “Trusts”). We
were incorporated in March 1999 to organize and serve as the holding Company for Greenville First Bank, N.A. The Bank is a national bank organized under the laws of the United States with offices
located in Greenville, Richland, Lexington, and Charleston Counties, South Carolina. The Bank is primarily engaged in the business of accepting demand deposits and savings deposits insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), and providing commercial, consumer and mortgage loans to the general public. The Trusts are special purpose subsidiaries organized for
the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities.






On February 27, 2009, as part of the Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”), the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the U.S.
Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company sold 17,299 shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series T (the “Series T
Preferred Stock”) and a warrant to purchase 399,970.34 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “CPP Warrant”) for an aggregate purchase price of $17.3 million in cash. The
Series T Preferred Stock qualified as Tier 1 capital and was entitled to cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum thereafter. The CPP Warrant had a
10-year term and was immediately exercisable upon its issuance, with an exercise price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments equal to $6.487 per share of the common stock.



On June 28, 2012, the Treasury sold its Series T Preferred Stock
through a public offering structured as a modified Dutch auction. The Company bid on a portion of the Series T Preferred Stock in the auction after receiving approval from its regulators to do so.
The clearing price per share for the preferred shares was $904 (compared to a par value of $1,000 per share), and the Company was successful in repurchasing 1,000 shares of the 17,299 shares of
Series T Preferred Stock outstanding through the auction process. The remaining 16,299 shares of Series T Preferred Stock held by the Treasury were sold to unrelated third-parties through the auction
process. Included in the December 31, 2012 operating results are approximately $130,000 of costs incurred by the Company related to the offering. These costs are not tax-deductible. The net balance
sheet impact was a reduction to shareholders’ equity of $904,000 which is comprised of a decrease in Series T Preferred Stock of $1.0 million and a $96,000 increase to retained earnings related
to the discount on the shares repurchased. The redemption of the $1.0 million in preferred shares will save the Company $50,000 annually in dividend expenses.



In addition, on July 25, 2012, the Company completed its repurchase
of the CPP Warrant from the Treasury for a mutually agreed upon price of $1.1 million. The difference between the fair value of the CPP Warrant, as originally recorded, and the repurchase price was
$343,000 which resulted in a decrease to additional paid in capital. The Company also recorded the remaining accretion of $180,000 on the Series T Preferred Stock which brought the Series T Preferred
Stock to its par value. In conjunction with the repurchase of the Warrant, the Company obtained an interest only line of credit for $1.5 million with another financial institution. Interest is
payable quarterly at a rate of 5%, and the line of credit matures on February 3, 2014.



Following the settlement of the CPP Warrant on July 25, 2012, the
Treasury has completely eliminated its equity stake in the Company through the CPP. As a result, the executive compensation and corporate governance standards that were applicable to the Company
while the Treasury held shares of the Series T Preferred Stock are no longer applicable to our Company, and we have the option to increase the compensation for our executive officers and other senior
employees on a going forward basis.



On June 8, 2010, the Bank entered into a formal agreement (the “Formal Agreement”) with its
primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”). The Formal Agreement sought to enhance the Bank’s existing practices and procedures in the areas of
credit risk management, credit underwriting, liquidity, and funds management.



4



In addition, on May 24, 2010, the OCC established Individual Minimum Capital Ratio levels of Tier 1 and
total capital for the Bank that are higher than the minimum and well capitalized ratios applicable to all banks. Specifically, we were required to maintain total risk-based capital of at least 12%,
Tier 1 capital of at least 10%, and a leverage ratio of at least 9%. On January 3, 2013, the OCC notified the Bank that effective December 19, 2012, it was no longer subject to the Formal Agreement
nor was it subject to the Individual Minimum Capital Ratios established. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more
discussion of the Formal Agreement.



Marketing Focus



We commenced operations in January 2000 and at that time were the first community bank organized in the
city of Greenville, South Carolina in over 10 years. During the 1990s, several community banks operating in the Greenville market were acquired by larger regional financial institutions. We formed
the Bank to take advantage of market opportunities resulting from this continued consolidation of the financial services industry. Responding to this opportunity, we created a marketing plan focusing
on the professional market in Greenville, including doctors, dentists, and small business owners. We serve this market with a client-focused structure called relationship teams, which provides each
client with a specific banker contact and support team responsible for all of the client’s banking needs. The purpose of this structure is to provide a consistent and superior level of
professional service, and we believe it provides us with a distinct competitive advantage. We consider exceptional client service to be a critical part of our culture, which we refer to as
“ClientFIRST.”  We emphasize this ClientFIRST culture in the training that we provide our employees, and we strive to reflect this ClientFIRST culture in all aspects of our business.
During 2007, we opened an office in Columbia, South Carolina, broadening our market to include Richland and Lexington Counties. In 2012, we opened our first retail office in Charleston, South
Carolina, broadening our market to now include Charleston County. At all offices, we utilize the same client-focused structure, culture, and marketing plan. In conjunction with our entrance into
these new markets, we changed the name of our Bank to Southern First Bank; however, we continue to operate as Greenville First Bank in Greenville County.



Location and Service Area



We have retail office locations in the cities of Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston, South Carolina.
Greenville County is located in the upstate region of South Carolina, approximately midway between Atlanta and Charlotte on the heavily traveled I-85 business corridor. It is South Carolina’s
most populous county with approximately 461,000 residents. Greenville is also one of the state’s wealthiest counties, with estimated median household income of $49,000 for 2010. In the past
decade, Greenville County has attracted more than $6 billion in new business investments and, since Fall 2009, Greenville County has created around 30,000 new jobs. Greenville County is considered
the “economic engine of South Carolina” and was recognized by Expansion Management Magazine in 2007 as the 3rd top real estate market in the country for expanding and
relocating businesses.



We opened our first branch office, located on The Parkway near Thornblade Country Club in Greenville, in
March 2005 and our second branch office, located in the historic Augusta Road area of Greenville, in November 2005. In July of 2008, we opened our third branch office in Greenville County, located in
the fast-growing area of Woodruff Road. We believe that the demographics and growth characteristics of these locations will provide us with significant opportunities to further develop existing
client relationships and expand our client base.



Columbia, South Carolina is the State capital and largest city in the State. Columbia is home to Fort
Jackson, the largest and most active initial entry training center of the United States Army. Richland County is the 2nd largest county in the State with a population of approximately
389,000 residents, while Lexington County is the 6th largest county with a population of approximately 267,000. From 2000 to 2010, the combined estimated population of Richland and
neighboring Lexington counties grew approximately 18.8% to an estimated 638,000 and their growth rate is continually improving. The median household income for Richland and Lexington Counties
combined was $51,000 for 2010.



In January 2007, we opened our first office in Columbia as a loan production office which became a
full-service branch in July 2007. In July 2008, we opened our second branch office in the Columbia market which is located on Sunset Avenue in Lexington. In August 2009 we opened our Columbia
regional headquarters building located on Knox Abbott Drive and subsequently closed our temporary office location on Lady Street. In December 2012, we opened an additional branch office in the
Columbia market which is located on Forest Drive in Columbia.



In July 2012, we announced our expansion into the Charleston market and opened our first retail office
location on East Bay Street in Charleston in December 2012. Charleston, South Carolina is an historic city in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina and is located on the Atlantic coastline. It is
known for its Southern hospitality, remarkable history,



5



elegant charm, and unique culture. As a result, Charleston attracts thousands of visitors each year. The
city of Charleston is the second largest city in the state with a population of approximately 120,000 and Charleston County is the third largest county in the state with a population of 357,000. From
2000 to 2010, the estimated population of the city of Charleston grew 24.2% while the estimated population of Charleston County grew 13%. The median household income for Charleston County was
approximately $50,000 for 2010. In addition, Charleston is the home of the Port of Charleston, a deep water port, which provides a large economic impact to the state by allowing larger ships to carry
millions of tons of cargo to its docks.



Lending Activities



General.We emphasize a range of lending services, including real estate, commercial, and
equity-line consumer loans to individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses and professional firms that are located in or conduct a substantial portion of their business in our market area. Our
underwriting standards vary for each type of loan, as described below. Since loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of interest-earning assets, we invest a substantial
percentage of our earning assets in our loan portfolio. At December 31, 2012, we had net loans of $636.9 million, representing 79.8% of our total assets.



We have focused our lending activities primarily on the professional markets in Greenville, Columbia, and
Charleston including doctors, dentists, and small business owners. By focusing on this client base and by serving each client with a consistent relationship team of bankers, we have generated a loan
portfolio with larger average loan amounts than we believe is typical for a community bank. As of December 31, 2012, our average loan size was approximately $210,000. Excluding home equity lines of
credit, the average loan size was approximately $290,000. At the same time, we have strived to maintain a diversified loan portfolio and limit the amount of our loans to any single client. As of
December 31, 2012, our 10 largest client loan relationships represented approximately $74.3 million, or 11.5% of our loan portfolio.



Loan Approval. Certain credit risks are inherent in making loans. These include prepayment risks,
risks resulting from uncertainties in the future value of collateral, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, and risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers. We
attempt to mitigate repayment risks by adhering to internal credit policies and procedures. These policies and procedures include officer and client lending limits, a multi-layered approval process
for larger loans, documentation examination, and follow-up procedures for any exceptions to credit policies. Our loan approval policies provide for various levels of officer lending authority. When
the amount of aggregate loans to a single borrower exceeds an individual officer’s lending authority, the loan request will be considered for approval by a team of officers led by a senior
lender, or by the voting members of the officers’ loan committee, based on the loan amount. The officers’ loan committee, which is comprised of a group of our senior commercial lenders,
bank president, and CEO, has pre-determined lending limits, and any loans in excess of this lending limit will be submitted for approval by the finance committee of our board or by the full board. We
do not make any loans to any director or executive officer of the Bank unless the loan is approved by the board of directors of the Bank and all loans to directors, officers and employees are on
terms not more favorable to such person than would be available to a person not affiliated with the Bank, consistent with federal banking regulations.



Management monitors exposure to credit risk from potential concentrations of loans to particular borrowers
or groups of borrowers, industries and geographic regions, as well as concentrations of lending products and practices such as loans that subject borrowers to substantial payment increases (e.g.
principal deferral periods, loans with initial interest-only periods, etc.), and loans with high loan-to-value ratios. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $70.8 million, or 11.0% of our loans had
loan-to-value ratios which exceeded regulatory supervisory limits, of which 59 loans totaling approximately $20.7 million had loan-to-value ratios of 100% or more. These types of loans are subject to
strict underwriting standards and are more closely monitored than a loan with a low loan-to-value ratio. Furthermore, there are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit
risk should economic conditions change over the course of a loan’s life. For example, the Company makes variable rate loans and fixed rate principal-amortizing loans with maturities prior to
the loan being fully paid (i.e. balloon payment loans). The various types of loans are individually underwritten and monitored to manage the associated risks.



Credit Administration and Loan Review. We maintain a continuous loan review system. We also apply a
credit grading system to each loan, and we use an independent process to review the loan files on a test basis to assess the grading of each loan. The Bank has a chief credit officer that reviews
performance benchmarks established by management in the areas of nonperforming assets, charge-offs, past dues, and loan documentation. Each loan officer is responsible for each loan he or she makes,
regardless of whether other individuals or committees joined in the approval. This responsibility continues until the loan is repaid or until the loan is officially assigned to another officer.





6



Lending Limits.Our lending activities are subject to a variety of lending limits imposed by federal
law. In general, the Bank is subject to a legal limit on loans to a single borrower equal to 15% of the Bank’s capital and unimpaired surplus. Based upon the capitalization of the Bank at
December 31, 2012, the maximum amount we could lend to one borrower is $12.7 million. However, our internal lending limit at December 31, 2012 is $8.9 million and may vary based on our assessment of
the lending relationship. The board of directors will adjust the internal lending limit as deemed necessary to continue to mitigate risk and serve the Bank’s clients. The Bank’s legal
lending limit will increase or decrease in response to increases or decreases in the Bank’s level of capital. We are able to sell participations in our larger loans to other financial
institutions, which allow us to manage the risk involved in these loans and to meet the lending needs of our clients requiring extensions of credit in excess of these limits.



Loan Portfolio Segments.Our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and consumer loans made to
small businesses and individuals for various business and personal purposes. While our loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or a relatively small number of borrowers,
the principal component of our loan portfolio is loans secured by real estate mortgages on either commercial or residential property. These loans will generally fall into one of the following six
categories: commercial owner occupied real estate, commercial non-owner occupied real estate, commercial construction and development, consumer real estate, consumer construction, and home equity
loans. We obtain a security interest in real estate whenever possible, in addition to any other available collateral, in order to increase the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan. At
December 31, 2012, loans secured by first or second mortgages on commercial and consumer real estate made up approximately 80.9% of our loan portfolio. In addition to loans secured by real estate,
our loan portfolio includes commercial business loans and other consumer loans which comprised 17.7% and 1.4%, respectively, of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012.



Interest rates for all real estate loan categories may be fixed or adjustable, and will more likely be
fixed for shorter-term loans. We generally charge an origination fee for each loan which is taken into income over the life of the loan as an adjustment to the loan yield. Other loan fees consist
primarily of late charge fees. Real estate loans are subject to the same general risks as other loans and are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the value of real estate. Fluctuations in the
value of real estate, as well as other factors arising after a loan has been made, could negatively affect a borrower’s cash flow, creditworthiness, and ability to repay the loan. Although, the
loans are collateralized by real estate, the primary source of repayment may not be the sale of real estate.



The following describes the types of loans in our loan portfolio.



·

Commercial Real Estate Loans (Commercial Owner Occupied and Commercial Non-owner
Occupied Real Estate Loans).At December 31, 2012, commercial owner occupied and non-owner occupied real estate loans (other than construction loans) amounted to $324.0 million, or approximately
50.2% of our loan portfolio. Of our commercial real estate loan portfolio, $165.2 million in loans were non-owner occupied properties, representing 51.0% of our commercial real estate portfolio and
25.6% of our total loan portfolio. The remainder of our commercial real estate loan portfolio, $158.8 million in loans or 49.0% of the commercial loan portfolio, were owner occupied. Owner occupied
loans represented 24.6% of our total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2012, our individual commercial real estate loans ranged in size from approximately $1,000 to $6.9 million, with an average loan
size of approximately $511,000. These loans generally have terms of five years or less, although payments may be structured on a longer amortization basis. We evaluate each borrower on an individual
basis and attempt to determine the business risks and credit profile of each borrower. We attempt to reduce credit risk in the commercial real estate portfolio by emphasizing loans on owner-occupied
office and retail buildings where the loan-to-value ratio, established by independent appraisals, does not exceed 85%. We also generally require that a borrower’s cash flow exceeds 115% of
monthly debt service obligations. In order to ensure secondary sources of payment and liquidity to support a loan request, we typically review all of the personal financial statements of the
principal owners and require their personal guarantees.



·

Construction and Development Real Estate Loans.We offer adjustable and fixed
rate construction and development loans for commercial and consumer projects, typically to builders and developers and to consumers who wish to build their own homes. At December 31, 2012, total
commercial and consumer construction loans amounted to $34.1 million, or 5.3% of our loan portfolio. Commercial construction loans represented $20.3 million, or 3.1%, of our total loan portfolio,
while consumer construction loans represented $13.8 million, or 2.1% of our total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2012, our commercial construction and development real estate loans ranged in size
from approximately $42,000 to $2.5 million, with an average loan size of approximately $457,000. At December 31, 2012, our consumer or residential construction loans ranged in size from approximately
$3,000 to $1.4 million, with an average loan size of approximately $304,000. The duration of our construction and development loans generally is limited to 18 months, although payments may be
structured on a longer amortization basis. Commercial construction and development loans generally carry



7



a higher degree of risk than long-term financing of existing properties because
repayment depends on the ultimate completion of the project and sometimes on the sale of the property. Specific risks include:



·

cost overruns;

·

mismanaged construction;

·

inferior or improper construction techniques;

·

economic changes or downturns during construction;

·

a downturn in the real estate market;

·

rising interest rates which may prevent sale of the property; and

·

failure to sell completed projects in a timely manner.



We attempt to reduce the risk associated with construction and development loans by
obtaining personal guarantees where possible and by keeping the loan-to-value ratio of the completed project at or below 80%.



·

Commercial Business Loans.We make loans for commercial purposes in various lines
of businesses, including the manufacturing, service industry, and professional service areas. At December 31, 2012, commercial business loans amounted to $114.2 million, or 17.7% of our loan
portfolio, and ranged in size from approximately $1,000 to $2.5 million, with an average loan size of approximately $162,000. Commercial loans are generally considered to have greater risk than first
or second mortgages on real estate because commercial loans may be unsecured, or if they are secured, the value of the collateral may be difficult to assess and more likely to decrease than real
estate.



We are eligible to offer small business loans utilizing government enhancements such as
the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) 7(a) program and SBA’s 504 programs. These loans typically are partially guaranteed by the government, which helps to reduce their
risk. Government guarantees of SBA loans do not exceed, and are generally less than, 80% of the loan. As of December 31, 2012, we had not originated any small business loans utilizing government
enhancements.



·

Consumer Real Estate Loans and Home Equity Loans.We do not generally originate
traditional long term consumer or residential mortgages, but we do issue traditional second mortgage residential real estate loans and home equity lines of credit. At December 31, 2012, consumer real
estate loans (other than construction loans) amounted to $164.5 million, or 25.5% of our loan portfolio. Included in the consumer real estate loans was $86.6 million, or 13.4% of our loan portfolio,
in first and second mortgages on individuals’ homes, while home equity loans represented $77.9 million, or 12.1% of our total loan portfolio. At December 31, 2012, our individual residential
real estate loans ranged in size from $1,000 to $2.5 million, with an average loan size of approximately $294,000. Generally, we limit the loan-to-value ratio on our consumer real estate loans to
85%. We offer fixed and adjustable rate consumer real estate loans with terms of up to 30 years. We typically offer these fixed rate loans through a third party rather than originating and retaining
these loans ourselves. We also offer home equity lines of credit. At December 31, 2012, our individual home equity lines of credit ranged in size from $1,000 to $1.6 million, with an average of
approximately $106,000. Our underwriting criteria and the risks associated with home equity loans and lines of credit are generally the same as those for first mortgage loans. Home equity lines of
credit typically have terms of five years or less. We generally limit the extension of credit to 90% of the market value of each property, although we may extend up to 100% of the market value.



·

Other Consumer Loans.We make a variety of loans to individuals for personal and
household purposes, including secured and unsecured installment loans and revolving lines of credit. These consumer loans are underwritten based on the borrower’s income, current debt level,
past credit history, and the availability and value of collateral. Consumer rates are both fixed and variable, with negotiable terms. At December 31, 2012, consumer loans other than real estate
amounted to $9.3 million, or 1.4% of our loan portfolio, and ranged in size from $100 to $742,000, with an average loan size of approximately $9,000. Our installment loans typically amortize over
periods up to 60 months. We will offer consumer loans with a single maturity date when a specific source of repayment is available. We typically require monthly payments of interest and a portion of
the principal on our revolving loan products. Consumer loans are generally considered to have greater risk than first or second mortgages on real estate because they may be unsecured, or, if they are
secured, the value of the collateral may be difficult to assess and more likely to decrease in value than real estate.





8



Deposit Services



Our principal source of funds is core deposits. We offer a full range of deposit services, including
checking accounts, commercial checking accounts, savings accounts, and other time deposits of various types, ranging from daily money market accounts to long-term certificates of deposit. Our
out-of-market, or wholesale, certificates of deposits represented 2.3% of total deposits at December 31, 2012. In an effort to obtain lower costing deposits, we have focused on expanding our retail
deposit program. During December 2012, we opened our first retail office in Charleston, South Carolina, and our third retail office in Columbia, South Carolina. We expect these retail offices to
assist us in obtaining low cost transaction accounts that are less affected by rising rates. Deposit rates are reviewed regularly by senior management of the Bank. We believe that the rates we offer
are competitive with those offered by other financial institutions in our area. We focus on client service and our ClientFIRST culture to attract and retain deposits.



Other Banking Services



In addition to deposit and  loan services, we offer other bank services
include internet banking, cash management services, safe deposit boxes, travelers checks, direct deposit, and automatic drafts for various accounts. We earn fees for most of these services, including
debit and credit card transactions, sales of checks, and wire transfers. We also receive ATM transaction fees from transactions performed by our clients. We are associated with the NYCE, Pulse, STAR,
and Cirrus networks, which are available to our clients throughout the country. Since we outsource our ATM services, we are charged related transaction fees from our ATM service provider. We have
contracted with Fidelity National Information Systems, an outside computer service company, to provide our core data processing services and our ATM processing. By outsourcing these services, we
believe we are able to reduce our overhead by matching the expense in each period to the transaction volume that occurs during the period, as a significant portion of the fee charged is directly
related to the number of loan and deposit accounts and the related number of transactions we have during the period. We believe that by being associated with a shared network of ATMs, we are better
able to serve our clients and are able to attract clients who are accustomed to the convenience of using ATMs, although we do not believe that maintaining this association is critical to our success.
We also offer Internet banking services, bill payment services, and cash management services. We do not expect to exercise trust powers during our next few years of operations.



Competition



The banking business is highly competitive, and we experience competition in our market from many other
financial institutions. Competition among financial institutions is based upon interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans, other credit and service charges relating
to loans, the quality and scope of the services rendered, the convenience of banking facilities, and, in the case of loans to commercial borrowers, relative lending limits. We compete with commercial
banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds, and other mutual funds,
as well as other super-regional, national, and international financial institutions that operate offices in Greenville, Richland, Lexington, and Charleston Counties and elsewhere.



As of June 30, 2012, the most recent date for which market data is available, there were 33 financial
institutions in our primary market of Greenville County, 28 financial institutions in the Columbia market, and 31 financial institutions in the Charleston market. We compete with these institutions
both in attracting deposits and in making loans. In addition, we have to attract our client base from other existing financial institutions and from new residents. Many of our competitors are
well-established, larger financial institutions with substantially greater resources and lending limits, such as BB&T, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and SunTrust. These institutions offer some
services, such as extensive and established branch networks and trust services that we do not provide. In addition, many of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive federal
regulations that govern bank holding companies and federally insured banks. Because larger competitors have advantages in attracting business from larger corporations, we do not generally compete for
that business. Instead, we concentrate our efforts on attracting the business of individuals and small and medium-size businesses. With regard to such accounts, we generally compete on the basis of
client service and responsiveness to client needs, the convenience of our offices and hours, and the availability and pricing of our products and services.



We believe our commitment to quality and personalized banking services through our ClientFIRST culture is a
factor that contributes to our competitiveness and success.



9



Market Share



As of June 30, 2012, the most recent date for which market data is available, total deposits in the
Bank’s primary service area, Greenville County, were over $11.2 billion, which represented a 13.5% decrease from 2011. At June 30, 2012, our
deposits represented 3.8% of the market compared to 3.3% of the market at June 30, 2011.



We first entered the retail deposit market in Columbia as a full-service branch office in July 2007. Our
service area in the Columbia market includes both Lexington and Richland counties with combined deposits in excess of $15.3 billion as of June 30, 2012, an 11.9% increase from 2011. At June 30, 2012,
our deposits represented 0.9% of the market compared to 1.0% of the market at June 30, 2011.



We opened our first full-service retail office in the Charleston market in December 2012. Our service area
in the Charleston market includes Charleston County with deposits totaling $9.7 billion as of June 30, 2012.



Employees



At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we employed a total of 125 and 113 full-time equivalent employees,
respectively. We provide our full-term employees and certain part-time employees with a comprehensive program of benefits, including medical benefits, life insurance, long-term disability coverage
and a 401(k) plan. Our employees are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement. Management considers its employee relations to be excellent.



SUPERVISION AND REGULATION



Both the Company and the Bank are subject to extensive state and federal banking laws and regulations that
impose specific requirements or restrictions on and provide for general regulatory oversight of virtually all aspects of our operations. These laws and regulations are generally intended to protect
depositors, not shareholders. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on our business and prospects.



The following discussion is not intended to be a complete list of all the activities regulated by the
banking laws or of the impact of such laws and regulations on our operations. It is intended only to briefly summarize some material provisions. The following summary is qualified by reference to the
statutory and regulatory provisions discussed.



Recent Legislative and Regulatory Developments



The Congress, Treasury, and the federal banking regulators have taken broad actions since early September
2008 to address the volatility and disruption in the U.S. banking system. Several regulatory and governmental actions have been announced including:



·

In October 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the
“EESA”) was enacted. The EESA authorized Treasury to purchase from financial institutions and their holding companies up to $700 billion in mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities and
certain other financial instruments, including debt and equity securities issued by financial institutions and their holding companies under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (the
“TARP”). The Treasury also allocated $250 billion towards the CPP, pursuant to which the Treasury purchased debt or equity securities from participating institutions. Participants in the
CPP are subject to executive compensation limits and are encouraged to expand their lending and mortgage loan modifications. The EESA also temporarily increased FDIC deposit insurance on most
accounts from $100,000 to $250,000.



·

On February 27, 2009, as part of the CPP, the Company entered into the CPP Purchase
Agreement with the Treasury, pursuant to which Southern First sold (i) 17,299 shares of its Series T Preferred Stock and (ii) the CPP Warrant to purchase 399,970.34 shares of the Company’s
common stock (adjusted for the 10% stock dividends in 2011 and 2012) for an aggregate purchase price of $17.3 million in cash. The Series T Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and is entitled
to cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter. On June 28, 2012, the Treasury sold its Series T Preferred Stock through a public offering
structured as a modified Dutch auction. The Company bid on a portion of the Series T Preferred Stock in the auction after receiving approval from its regulators to do so. The clearing price per share
for the preferred shares was $904 (compared to a par value of $1,000 per share), and the Company was successful in repurchasing 1,000 shares of the 17,299 shares of Series T Preferred Stock
outstanding through the auction process. The remaining 16,299 shares of Series T Preferred Stock held by the Treasury were sold



10



to unrelated third-parties through the auction process. In addition, on July 25, 2012,
the Company completed its repurchase of the CPP Warrant from the Treasury for a mutually agreed upon price of $1.1 million.



·

On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the
“Recovery Act”) was signed into law in an effort to, among other things, create jobs and stimulate growth in the United States economy. The Recovery Act specifies appropriations of
approximately $787 billion for a wide range of Federal programs and will increase or extend certain benefits payable under the Medicaid, unemployment compensation, and nutrition assistance programs.
The Recovery Act also reduces individual and corporate income tax collections and makes a variety of other changes to tax laws. The Recovery Act also imposes certain limitations on compensation paid
by participants in TARP.




·

On November 12, 2009, the FDIC issued a final rule to require banks to prepay their
estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012 and to increase assessment rates effective on January 1, 2011.



·

In June 2010, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (the “Federal
Reserve”), the FDIC, and the OCC issued a comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do
not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The Federal Reserve will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the
incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be
included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and
take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk
to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.



·

On July 21, 2010, the U.S. President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The Dodd-Frank Act is intended to effect a fundamental restructuring of federal banking regulation. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank
Act creates a new Financial Stability Oversight Council to identify systemic risks in the financial system and gives federal regulators new authority to take control of and liquidate financial firms.
The Dodd-Frank Act also creates a new independent federal regulator to administer federal consumer protection laws. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act have delayed effective dates and 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 completely determined at this time, it is expected that the legislation and implementing regulations will increase our operating and compliance costs. The following discussion summarizes certain
significant aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act that are most relevant to the Company and the Bank:



o

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve to apply consolidated capital
requirements to depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent than those currently applied to depository institutions. Under these standards, trust preferred securities will be
excluded from Tier 1 capital unless such securities were issued prior to May 19, 2010 by a bank holding company with less than $15 billion in assets such the Company. The Dodd-Frank Act additionally
requires capital requirements to be countercyclical so that the required amount of capital increases in times of economic expansion and decreases in times of economic contraction, consistent with
safety and soundness.



o

The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increases the maximum deposit insurance amount for
financial institutions to $250,000 per depositor, and extends unlimited deposit insurance to noninterest bearing transaction accounts through December 31, 2012. The Dodd-Frank Act also broadens the
base for FDIC 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 requires the
FDIC to increase the reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% to 1.35% of insured deposits by 2020 and eliminates the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends to insured depository
institutions when the reserve ratio exceeds certain thresholds. Effective as of July 21, 2011, the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the federal statutory prohibition against the payment of interest on
business checking accounts.



o

The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to give stockholders a
non-binding vote on executive compensation at their first annual meeting taking place six months after the date of



11



enactment and at least every three years thereafter and on so−called
“golden parachute” payments in connection with approvals of mergers and acquisitions unless previously voted on by shareholders. The new legislation also authorizes the SEC to promulgate
rules that would allow shareholders to nominate their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal banking regulators to promulgate
rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to executives of depository institutions and their holding companies with assets in excess of $1.0 billion, regardless of whether the institution is
publicly traded or not. The Dodd-Frank Act gives the SEC authority to prohibit broker discretionary voting on elections of directors and executive compensation matters.



o

Effective as of July 21, 2011, the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits a depository institution
from converting from a state to federal charter or vice versa while it is the subject of a cease and desist order or other formal enforcement action or a memorandum of understanding with respect to a
significant supervisory matter unless the appropriate federal banking agency gives notice of the conversion to the federal or state authority that issued the enforcement action and that agency does
not object within 30 days. The notice must include a plan to address the significant supervisory matter. The converting institution must also file a copy of the conversion application with its
current federal regulator which must notify the resulting federal regulator of any ongoing supervisory or investigative proceedings that are likely to result in an enforcement action and provide
access to all supervisory and investigative information relating hereto.



o

The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes national and state banks to establish branches in other
states to the same extent as a bank chartered by that state would be permitted to branch. Previously, banks could only establish branches in other states if the host state expressly permitted
out-of-state banks to establish branches in that state. Accordingly, banks will be able to enter new markets more freely.



o

Effective as of July 21, 2012, the Dodd-Frank Act expands the definition of affiliate
for purposes of quantitative and qualitative limitations of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act to include mutual funds advised by a depository institution or its affiliates. The Dodd-Frank Act
applies Section 23A and Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act (governing transactions with insiders) to derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing
transaction that create credit exposure to an affiliate or an insider. Any such transactions with affiliates must be fully secured. Historically, an exception has existed that exempts covered
transactions between depository institutions and their financial subsidiaries from the 10% of capital and surplus limitation set forth in Section 23A. However, the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated this
exception for covered transactions entered into after July 21, 2012. Effective as of July 21, 2011, the Dodd-Frank Act also prohibits an insured depository institution from purchasing an asset from
or selling an asset to an insider unless the transaction is on market terms and, if representing more than 10% of capital, is approved in advance by the disinterested directors.



o

The Dodd-Frank Act requires that the amount of any interchange fee charged by a debit
card issuer with respect to a debit card transaction must be reasonable and proportional to the cost incurred by the issuer. Effective on October 1, 2011, the Federal Reserve set new caps on
interchange fees at $0.21 per transaction, plus an additional five basis-point charge per transaction to help cover fraud losses. An additional $0.01 per transaction is allowed if certain
fraud-monitoring controls are in place. While the restrictions on interchange fees do not apply to banks that, together with their affiliates, have assets of less than $10 billion, such as the
Company, the new restrictions could negatively impact bank card services income for smaller banks if the reductions that are required of larger banks cause industry-wide reduction of swipe fees.



o

The Dodd-Frank Act creates a new, independent federal agency called the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), which is granted broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws, including the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Act, the Consumer Financial Privacy provisions of the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and certain other statutes. The CFPB will have examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to depository institutions with $10 billion or more in assets.
Depository institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as the Bank, will be subject to rules promulgated by the CFPB but will continue to be examined and supervised by federal banking
regulators for consumer compliance purposes. The CFPB will have authority to prevent unfair,



12



deceptive or abusive practices in connection with the offering of consumer financial
products. The Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes the CFPB to establish certain minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages, including a determination of the borrower’s ability to
repay. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, financial institutions may not make a residential mortgage loan unless they make a “reasonable and good faith determination” that the consumer has a
“reasonable ability” to repay the loan. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act will allow borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure if they receive any loan other than a
“qualified mortgage” as defined by the CFPB. On January 10, 2013, the CFPB published final rules to, among other things, define “qualified mortgage” and specify the types of
income and assets that may be considered in the ability-to-repay determination, the permissible sources for verification, and the required methods of calculating the loan’s monthly payments.
For example, the rules extend the requirement that creditors verify and document a borrower’s “income and assets” to include all “information” that creditors rely on in
determining repayment ability. The rules also provide further examples of third-party documents that may be relied on for such verification, such as government records and check-cashing or
funds-transfer service receipts. The new rules will take effect on January 10, 2014. The Dodd-Frank Act also permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and standards that are more stringent
than those adopted at the federal level and, in certain circumstances, permits state attorneys general to enforce compliance with both the state and federal laws and regulations.



·

In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, an international forum for
cooperation on banking supervisory matters, announced the “Basel III” capital rules, which set new capital requirements for banking organizations. On June 7, 2012, the Federal Reserve
requested comment on three proposed rules that, taken together, would establish an integrated regulatory capital framework implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms in the United States.
As proposed, the U.S. implementation of Basel III would lead to significantly higher capital requirements and more restrictive leverage and liquidity ratios than those currently in place. The
proposed rules indicated that the final rule would become effective on January 1, 2013, and the changes set forth in the final rules will be phased in from January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2019.
However, due to the volume of public comments received, the final rule did not go into effect on January 1, 2013. The ultimate impact of the U.S. implementation of the new capital and liquidity
standards on the Company and the bank is currently being reviewed and is dependent upon the terms of the final regulations, which may differ from the proposed regulations. At this point we cannot
determine the ultimate effect that any final regulations, if enacted, would have upon our earnings or financial position. In addition, important questions remain as to how the numerous capital and
liquidity mandates of the Dodd-Frank Act will be integrated with the requirements of Basel III.



Although it is likely that further regulatory actions may arise as the federal government continues to
attempt to address the economic situation, we cannot predict the effect that fiscal or monetary policies, economic control, or new federal or state legislation may have on our
business and earnings in the future.



Proposed Legislation and Regulatory Action



From time to time, various legislative and regulatory initiatives are introduced in Congress and state
legislatures, as well as by regulatory agencies. Such initiatives may include proposals to expand or contract the powers of bank holding companies and depository institutions or proposals to
substantially change the financial institution regulatory system. Such legislation could change banking statutes and the operating environment of the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways. If
enacted, such legislation could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit
unions, and other financial institutions. We cannot predict whether any such legislation will be enacted, and, if enacted, the effect that it, or any implementing regulations, would have on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the Company or the Bank could have a material effect on the
business of the Company.



Southern First Bancshares, Inc.



We own 100% of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank, and therefore we are considered to be a bank
holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). As a result, we are primarily subject to the supervision, examination and reporting
requirements of the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act and its regulations promulgated thereunder. Moreover, as a bank holding company of a bank located in South Carolina, we also are
subject to the South Carolina Banking and Branching Efficiency Act.



13



Permitted Activities.Under the Bank Holding Company Act, a bank holding company is generally
permitted to engage in, or acquire direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in, the following activities:



·

banking or managing or controlling banks;

·

furnishing services to or performing services for our subsidiaries; and

·

any activity that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking as
to be a proper incident to the business of banking.



Activities that the Federal Reserve has found to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper
incident to the business of banking include:



·

factoring accounts receivable;

·

making, acquiring, brokering or servicing loans and usual related activities;

·

leasing personal or real property;

·

operating a non-bank depository institution, such as a savings association;

·

trust company functions;

·

financial and investment advisory activities;

·

conducting discount securities brokerage activities;

·

underwriting and dealing in government obligations and money market instruments;

·

providing specified management consulting and counseling activities;

·

performing selected data processing services and support services;

·

acting as agent or broker in selling credit life insurance and other types of insurance
in connection with credit transactions; and

·

performing selected insurance underwriting activities.



As a bank holding company we also can elect to be treated as a “financial holding company,”
which would allow us to engage in a broader array of activities. In summary, a financial holding company can engage in activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complimentary to
financial activities, including insurance underwriting, sales and brokerage activities, providing financial and investment advisory services, underwriting services and limited merchant banking
activities. We have not sought financial holding company status, but may elect such status in the future as our business matures. If we were to elect financial holding company status, each insured
depository institution we control would have to be well capitalized, well managed and have at least a satisfactory rating under the Community Reinvestment Act as discussed below.



The Federal Reserve has the authority to order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any
of these activities or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when it has reasonable cause to believe that the Bank holding company’s continued ownership, activity or control
constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of it or any of its bank subsidiaries.



Change in Control. In addition, and subject to certain exceptions, the Bank Holding Company
Act and the Change in Bank Control Act, together with regulations promulgated thereunder, require Federal Reserve approval prior to any person or company acquiring “control” of a bank
holding company. Control is conclusively presumed to exist if an individual or company acquires 25% or more of any class of voting securities of a bank holding company. Control will be rebuttably
presumed to exist if a person acquires more than 33% of the total equity of a bank or bank holding company, of which it may own, control or have the power to vote not more than 15% of any class of
voting securities.



Source of Strength. There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed by law and
regulatory policy on bank holding companies with regard to their depository institution subsidiaries that are designed to minimize potential loss to depositors and to the FDIC insurance funds in the
event that the depository institution becomes in danger of defaulting under its obligations to repay deposits. Under a policy of the Federal Reserve, a bank holding company is required to serve as a
source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy. Under the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), to avoid receivership of its insured depository institution subsidiary, a bank holding company is required to
guarantee the compliance of any insured depository institution subsidiary that may become “undercapitalized” within the terms of any capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary with
its appropriate federal banking agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the institution’s total assets at the time the institution became undercapitalized, or (ii) the amount
which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the



14



institution into compliance with all applicable capital standards as of the time the institution fails to
comply with such capital restoration plan.



The Federal Reserve also has the authority under the Bank Holding Company Act to require a bank holding
company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank) upon the Federal Reserve’s determination that such activity or
control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any subsidiary depository institution of the bank holding company. Further, federal law grants federal bank regulatory
authorities additional discretion to require a bank holding company to divest itself of any bank or nonbank subsidiary if the agency determines that divestiture may aid the depository
institution’s financial condition.



In addition, the “cross guarantee” provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act require
insured depository institutions under common control to reimburse the FDIC for any loss suffered or reasonably anticipated by the FDIC as a result of the default of a commonly controlled insured
depository institution or for any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled insured depository institution in danger of default. The FDIC’s claim for damages is superior to
claims of shareholders of the insured depository institution or its holding company, but is subordinate to claims of depositors, secured creditors and holders of subordinated debt (other than
affiliates) of the commonly controlled insured depository institutions.



The FDIA also provides that amounts received from the liquidation or other resolution of any insured
depository institution by any receiver must be distributed (after payment of secured claims) to pay the deposit liabilities of the institution prior to payment of any other general or unsecured
senior liability, subordinated liability, general creditor or shareholder. This provision would give depositors a preference over general and subordinated creditors and shareholders in the event a
receiver is appointed to distribute the assets of our Bank.



Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of
payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank
regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.



Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve imposes certain capital requirements on the bank
holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act, including a minimum leverage ratio and a minimum ratio of “qualifying” capital to risk-weighted assets. These requirements are
described below under “Southern First Bank - Capital Regulations.”  Subject to our capital requirements and certain other restrictions, we are able to borrow money to make capital
contributions to the Bank, and these loans may be repaid from dividends paid from the Bank to the Company.



We are also able to raise capital for contribution to the Bank by issuing securities without having to
receive regulatory approval, subject to compliance with federal and state securities laws.



Dividends.Since the Company is a bank holding company, its ability to declare and pay
dividends is dependent on certain federal and state regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment
of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of
earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve’s policies also
require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks
during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where
necessary. In addition, the Company cannot pay cash dividends on its common stock during any calendar quarter unless full dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock for the dividend period ending
during the calendar quarter have been declared and the Company has not failed to pay a dividend in the full amount of the Series T Preferred Stock with respect to the period in which such dividend
payment in respect of its common stock would occur. Further, under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary
bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.



In addition, since the Company is legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and does not conduct
stand-alone operations, its ability to pay dividends depends on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to it, which is also subject to regulatory restrictions as described below in “Southern
First Bank, N.A.  Dividends.”





15



South Carolina State Regulation.As a South Carolina bank holding company under the South
Carolina Banking and Branching Efficiency Act, we are subject to limitations on sale or merger and to regulation by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions (the “S.C. Board”).
We are not required to obtain the approval of the S.C. Board prior to acquiring the capital stock of a national bank, but we must notify them at least 15 days prior to doing so. We must receive the
Board’s approval prior to engaging in the acquisition of a South Carolina state chartered bank or another South Carolina bank holding company.



Southern First Bank, N.A.



The Bank operates as a national banking association incorporated under the laws of the United States and
subject to examination by the OCC. The Bank is currently evaluating conversion from a federally-chartered national bank to a South Carolina-chartered commercial bank. Conversion to a South
Carolina-chartered bank would be subject to regulatory approval. In the event the Bank converted its charter to a state bank, the Bank would be subject to regulation by both the South Carolina State
Board of Financial Institutions and the FDIC rather than the OCC.



As a national bank, deposits in the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to a maximum amount, which is currently
$250,000 per depositor. The OCC and the FDIC regulate or monitor virtually all areas of the Bank’s operations, including



·

security devices and procedures;

·

adequacy of capitalization and loss reserves;

·

loans;

·

investments;

·

borrowings;

·

deposits;

·

mergers;

·

issuances of securities;

·

payment of dividends;

·

interest rates payable on deposits;

·

interest rates or fees chargeable on loans;

·

establishment of branches;

·

corporate reorganizations;

·

maintenance of books and records; and

·

adequacy of staff training to carry on safe lending and deposit gathering practices.



The OCC requires the Bank to maintain specified capital ratios and imposes limitations on the Bank’s
aggregate investment in real estate, bank premises, and furniture and fixtures. Two categories of regulatory capital are used in calculating these ratios  Tier 1 capital and total capital. Tier
1 capital generally includes common equity, retained earnings, a limited amount of qualifying preferred stock, and qualifying minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries, reduced by goodwill and
certain other intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles, and certain other assets. Total capital generally consists of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital, which includes the allowance for
loan losses, preferred stock that did not qualify as Tier 1 capital, certain types of subordinated debt and a limited amount of other items.



The Bank is required to calculate three ratios: the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, the
ratio of Total capital to risk-weighted assets, and the “leverage ratio,” which is the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets on a non-risk-adjusted basis. For the two ratios of
capital to risk-weighted assets, certain assets, such as cash and U.S. Treasury securities, have a zero risk weighting. Others, such as commercial and consumer loans, have a 100% risk weighting. Some
assets, notably purchase-money loans secured by first-liens on residential real property, are risk-weighted at 50%. Assets also include amounts that represent the potential funding of off-balance
sheet obligations such as loan commitments and letters of credit. These potential assets are assigned to risk categories in the same manner as funded assets. The total assets in each category are
multiplied by the appropriate risk weighting to determine risk-adjusted assets for the capital calculations.



The minimum capital ratios for both the Company and the Bank are generally 8% for total capital, 4% for
Tier 1 capital and 4% for leverage. To be eligible to be classified as “well capitalized,” the Bank must generally maintain a total capital ratio of 10% or more, a Tier 1 capital ratio of
6% or more, and a leverage ratio of 5% or more. Certain implications of the regulatory capital classification system are discussed in greater detail below.





16



The OCC also requires the Bank to prepare annual reports on the Bank’s financial condition and to
conduct an annual audit of its financial affairs in compliance with its minimum standards and procedures.



All insured institutions must undergo regular on-site examinations by their appropriate banking agency. The
cost of examinations of insured depository institutions and any affiliates may be assessed by the appropriate federal banking agency against each institution or affiliate as it deems necessary or
appropriate. Insured institutions are required to submit annual reports to the FDIC, their federal regulatory agency, and state supervisor when applicable. The FDIC has developed a method for insured
depository institutions to provide supplemental disclosure of the estimated fair market value of assets and liabilities, to the extent feasible and practicable, in any balance sheet, financial
statement, report of condition or any other report of any insured depository institution. The federal banking regulatory agencies to prescribe, by regulation, standards for all insured depository
institutions and depository institution holding companies relating, among other things, to the following:



·

internal controls;

·

information systems and audit systems;

·

loan documentation;

·

credit underwriting;

·

interest rate risk exposure; and

·

asset quality.



Prompt Corrective Action.As an insured depository institution, the Bank is required to
comply with the capital requirements promulgated under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the OCC’s prompt corrective action regulations thereunder, which set forth five capital categories,
each with specific regulatory consequences. Under these regulations, the categories are:



·

Well Capitalized  The institution exceeds the required
minimum level for each relevant capital measure. A well capitalized institution is one (i) having a total capital ratio of 10% or greater, (ii) having a tier 1 capital ratio of 6% or greater, (iii)
having a leverage capital ratio of 5% or greater and (iv) that is not subject to any order or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

·

Adequately Capitalized  The institution meets the
required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. No capital distribution may be made that would result in the institution becoming undercapitalized. An adequately capitalized institution is
one (i) having a total capital ratio of 8% or greater, (ii) having a tier 1 capital ratio of 4% or greater and (iii) having a leverage capital ratio of 4% or greater or a leverage capital ratio of 3%
or greater if the institution is rated composite 1 under the CAMELS (Capital, Assets, Management, Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity to market risk) rating system.

·

Undercapitalized  The institution fails to meet the
required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. An undercapitalized institution is one (i) having a total capital ratio of less than 8% or (ii) having a tier 1 capital ratio of less than 4%
or (iii) having a leverage capital ratio of less than 4%, or if the institution is rated a composite 1 under the CAMELS rating system, a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%.

·

Significantly Undercapitalized  The institution is
significantly below the required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. A significantly undercapitalized institution is one (i) having a total capital ratio of less than 6% or (ii) having a
tier 1 capital ratio of less than 3% or (iii) having a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%.

·

Critically Undercapitalized  The institution fails to
meet a critical capital level set by the appropriate federal banking agency. A critically undercapitalized institution is one having a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or
less than 2%.



If the OCC determines, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that the Bank is in an unsafe or
unsound condition, the regulator is authorized to reclassify the Bank to the next lower capital category (other than critically undercapitalized) and require the submission of a plan to correct the
unsafe or unsound condition.



If a bank is not well capitalized, it cannot accept brokered deposits without prior regulatory approval. In
addition, a bank that is not well capitalized cannot offer an effective yield in excess of 75 basis points over interest paid on deposits of comparable size and maturity in such institution’s
normal market area for deposits accepted from within its normal market area, or national rate paid on deposits of comparable size and maturity for deposits accepted outside the bank’s normal
market area. Moreover, the OCC generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding
company if the depository institution would thereafter be categorized as undercapitalized. Undercapitalized institutions are subject to



17



growth limitations (an undercapitalized institution may not acquire another institution, establish
additional branch offices or engage in any new line of business unless determined by the appropriate federal banking agency to be consistent with an accepted capital restoration plan, or unless the
FDIC determines that the proposed action will further the purpose of prompt corrective action) and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The agencies may not accept a capital restoration
plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a
capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with the capital restoration plan. The aggregate
liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became categorized as undercapitalized or
the amount that is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to
comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is categorized as significantly undercapitalized.



Significantly undercapitalized categorized depository institutions may be subject to a number of
requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become categorized as adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of
deposits from correspondent banks. The appropriate federal banking agency may take any action authorized for a significantly undercapitalized institution if an undercapitalized institution fails to
submit an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails in any material respect to implement a plan accepted by the agency. A critically undercapitalized institution is subject to having a receiver or
conservator appointed to manage its affairs and for loss of its charter to conduct banking activities.



An insured depository institution may not pay a management fee to a bank holding company controlling that
institution or any other person having control of the institution if, after making the payment, the institution would be undercapitalized. In addition, an institution cannot make a capital
distribution, such as a dividend or other distribution, that is in substance a distribution of capital to the owners of the institution if following such a distribution the institution would be
undercapitalized. Thus, if payment of such a management fee or the making of such would cause a bank to become undercapitalized, it could not pay a management fee or dividend to the bank holding
company.



As of December 31, 2012, the Bank was deemed to be “well capitalized.”



As noted above, in December 2010, the Basel Committee adopted the Basel III capital rules, which set new
capital requirements for banking organizations. On June 7, 2012, the Federal Reserve requested comment on three proposed rules that, taken together, would establish an integrated regulatory capital
framework implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms in the United States. As proposed, the U.S. implementation of Basel III would lead to significantly higher capital requirements and
more restrictive leverage and liquidity ratios than those currently in place. The proposed rules indicated that the final rule would become effective on January 1, 2013, and the changes set forth in
the final rules will be phased in from January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2019. However, due to the volume of public comments received, the final rule did not go into effect on January 1, 2013. The
ultimate impact of the U.S. implementation of the new capital and liquidity standards on the Company and the Bank is currently being reviewed and is dependent upon the terms of the final regulations,
which may differ from the proposed regulations.



Standards for Safety and Soundness.The Federal Deposit Insurance Act also requires the
federal banking regulatory agencies to prescribe, by regulation or guideline, operational and managerial standards for all insured depository institutions relating to: (i) internal controls,
information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate risk exposure; and (v) asset growth. The agencies also must prescribe standards
for asset quality, earnings, and stock valuation, as well as standards for compensation, fees and benefits. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations and Interagency Guidelines
Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness (“Guidelines”) to implement these required standards. The Guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking
agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. Under the regulations, if the OCC determines that the Bank fails to meet any
standards prescribed by the Guidelines, the agency may require the Bank to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard, as required by the OCC. The final
regulations establish deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.



Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC.The Bank’s deposits are insured up to
applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. The Deposit Insurance Fund is the successor to the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which were merged
effective March 31, 2006. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions. It also may
prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the insurance fund. The FDIC also has the authority to
initiate enforcement



18



actions against savings institutions, after giving the OCC an opportunity to take such action, and may
terminate the deposit insurance if it determines that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.



FDIC insured institutions are required to pay a Financing Corporation assessment to fund the interest on
bonds issued to resolve thrift failures in the 1980s. These assessments, which may be revised based upon the level of deposits, will continue until the bonds mature in the years 2017 through 2019.



The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, including the Bank, if
it determines after a hearing that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law,
regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or the OCC. It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance, if the
institution has no tangible capital. If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of the termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured
for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. Management of the Bank is not aware of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of the Bank’s
deposit insurance.



Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders.The Bank is subject to the provisions of Section
23A of the Federal Reserve Act, which places limits on the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, or investments in, or certain other transactions with, affiliates and on the amount of advances
to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates. The aggregate of all covered transactions is limited in amount, as to any one affiliate, to 10% of the Bank’s
capital and surplus and, as to all affiliates combined, to 20% of the Bank’s capital and surplus. Furthermore, within the foregoing limitations as to amount, each covered transaction must meet
specified collateral requirements. Compliance is also required with certain provisions designed to avoid the taking of low quality assets.



The Bank also is subject to the provisions of Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act which, among other
things, prohibits an institution from engaging in certain transactions with certain affiliates unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to such
institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to
executive officers, directors, certain principal shareholders, and their related interests. Such extensions of credit (i) must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties and (ii) must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.



The Federal Reserve Board has issued Regulation W, which codifies prior regulations under Sections 23A and
23B of the Federal Reserve Act and interpretative guidance with respect to affiliate transactions. Regulation W incorporates the exemption from the affiliate transaction rules but expands the
exemption to cover the purchase of any type of loan or extension of credit from an affiliate. In addition, under Regulation W:



·

a bank and its subsidiaries may not purchase a low-quality asset from an affiliate;

·

covered transactions and other specified transactions between a bank or its subsidiaries
and an affiliate must be on terms and conditions that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices; and

·

with some exceptions, each loan or extension of credit by a bank to an affiliate must be
secured by collateral with a market value ranging from 100% to 130%, depending on the type of collateral, of the amount of the loan or extension of credit.



Regulation W generally excludes all non-bank and non-savings association subsidiaries of banks from
treatment as affiliates, except to the extent that the Federal Reserve Board decides to treat these subsidiaries as affiliates. The regulation also limits the amount of loans that can be purchased by
a bank from an affiliate to not more than 100% of the bank’s capital and surplus.



As noted above, effective as of July 21, 2012, the Dodd-Frank Act expands the definition of affiliate for
purposes of quantitative and qualitative limitations of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act to include mutual funds advised by a depository institution or its affiliates. The Dodd-Frank Act
applies Section 23A and Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act (governing transactions with insiders) to derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing
transaction that create credit exposure to an affiliate or an insider. Any such transactions with affiliates must be fully secured. Historically, an exception has existed that exempts covered
transactions between depository institutions and their financial subsidiaries from the 10% of capital and surplus limitation set forth in Section 23A. However, the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated this
exception for covered transactions entered into after July 21, 2012. Effective as of July 21, 2011, the Dodd-Frank Act also prohibits an insured depository institution from purchasing an



19



asset from or selling an asset to an insider unless the transaction is on market terms and, if representing
more than 10% of capital, is approved in advance by the disinterested directors.



Dividends.The Company’s principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay
dividends to its shareholders, is dividends it receives from the Bank. A national bank may not pay cash dividends from its permanent capital. All cash dividends must be paid out of undivided profits
then on hand, after deducting expenses, including reserves for losses and bad debts. In addition, a national bank is prohibited from declaring a cash dividend on its shares of common stock until its
surplus equals its stated capital, unless there has been transferred to surplus no less than one-tenth of the bank’s net profits of the preceding two consecutive half-year periods (in the case
of an annual dividend). The approval of the OCC is required if the total of all cash dividends declared by a national bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of its net profits for that year
combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus.



Branching.National banks are required by the National Bank Act to adhere to branch office
banking laws applicable to state banks in the states in which they are located. Under current South Carolina law, the Bank may open branch offices throughout South Carolina with the prior approval of
the OCC. In addition, with prior regulatory approval, the Bank is able to acquire existing banking operations in South Carolina. Furthermore, federal legislation permits interstate branching,
including out-of-state acquisitions by bank holding companies, interstate branching by banks, and interstate merging by banks. The Dodd-Frank Act removes previous state law restrictions on de novo
interstate branching in states such as South Carolina. This change permits out-of-state banks to open de novo branches in states where the laws of the state where the de novo branch to be opened
would permit a bank chartered by that state to open a de novo branch.



Community Reinvestment Act.The Community Reinvestment Act requires that the OCC evaluate the
record of the Bank in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and
applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could impose additional requirements and limitations on our Bank. On February 15, 2011, the date of the most
recent examination, the Bank received a satisfactory rating.



Finance Subsidiaries.Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”), subject to
certain conditions imposed by their respective banking regulators, national and state-chartered banks are permitted to form “financial subsidiaries” that may conduct financial or
incidental activities, thereby permitting bank subsidiaries to engage in certain activities that previously were impermissible. The GLBA imposes several safeguards and restrictions on financial
subsidiaries, including that the parent bank’s equity investment in the financial subsidiary be deducted from the bank’s assets and tangible equity for purposes of calculating the
bank’s capital adequacy. In addition, the GLBA imposes new restrictions on transactions between a bank and its financial subsidiaries similar to restrictions applicable to transactions between
banks and non-bank affiliates. As of December 31, 2012, the Company did not have any financial subsidiaries.



Consumer Protection Regulations.Activities of the Bank are subject to a variety of statutes
and regulations designed to protect consumers. Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The
Bank’s loan operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as:



·

the federal Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer
borrowers;

·

the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide
information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;

·

the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed
or other prohibited factors in extending credit;

·

the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Crediet
Transactions Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies, certain identity theft protections, and certain credit and other disclosures;

·

the Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be
collected by collection agencies; and

·

the rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the
responsibility of implementing such federal laws.



The deposit operations of the Bank also are subject to:





20



·

the Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of
consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; and

·

the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E issued by the Federal Reserve Board
to implement that Act, which governs automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and
other electronic banking services.



Anti-Money Laundering. Financial institutions must maintain anti-money laundering programs
that include established internal policies, procedures, and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit
function. The Company and the Bank are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence and
“knowing your customer” in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. Financial institutions must take reasonable steps to conduct enhanced scrutiny of
account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious transactions, and recent laws provide law enforcement authorities with increased access to financial information
maintained by banks. Anti-money laundering obligations have been substantially strengthened as a result of the USA Patriot Act, enacted in 2001 and renewed in 2006. Bank regulators routinely examine
institutions for compliance with these obligations and are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications. The regulatory authorities have been active in
imposing “cease and desist” orders and money penalty sanctions against institutions found to be violating these obligations.



USA PATRIOT Act.The USA PATRIOT Act became effective on October 26, 2001, amended, in part,
the Bank Secrecy Act and provides, in part, for the facilitation of information sharing among governmental entities and financial institutions for the purpose of combating terrorism and money
laundering by enhancing anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, as well as enhanced information collection tools and enforcement mechanics for the U.S. government, including: (i)
requiring standards for verifying customer identification at account opening; (ii) rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement entities in identifying
parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering; (iii) reports by nonfinancial trades and businesses filed with the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for
transactions exceeding $10,000; and (iv) filing suspicious activities reports by brokers and dealers if they believe a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations and requires enhanced due
diligence requirements for financial institutions that administer, maintain, or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for non-U.S. persons. Bank regulators routinely examine
institutions for compliance with these obligations and are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications.



Under the USA PATRIOT Act, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) can send our banking
regulatory agencies lists of the names of persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. The Bank can be requested, to search its records for any relationships or transactions with persons
on those lists. If the Bank finds any relationships or transactions, it must file a suspicious activity report and contact the FBI.



The Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), which is a division of the Treasury Department,
is responsible for helping to insure that United States entities do not engage in transactions with “enemies” of the United States, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of
Congress. OFAC has sent, and will send, our banking regulatory agencies lists of names of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts. If the Bank finds a
name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, it must freeze such account, file a suspicious activity report and notify the FBI. The Bank has appointed an OFAC compliance
officer to oversee the inspection of its accounts and the filing of any notifications. The Bank actively checks high-risk OFAC areas such as new accounts, wire transfers and customer files. The Bank
performs these checks utilizing software, which is updated each time a modification is made to the lists provided by OFAC and other agencies of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.



Privacy and Credit Reporting.Financial institutions are required to disclose their policies
for collecting and protecting confidential information. Customers generally may prevent financial institutions from sharing nonpublic personal financial information with nonaffiliated third parties
except under narrow circumstances, such as the processing of transactions requested by the consumer. Additionally, financial institutions generally may not disclose consumer account numbers to any
nonaffiliated third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing to consumers. It is the Bank’s policy not to disclose any personal information unless required by
law.



In addition, pursuant to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (the “FACT Act”)
and the implementing regulations of the federal banking agencies and Federal Trade Commission, the Bank is required to have in place an “identity theft red flags” program to detect,
prevent and mitigate identity theft. The Bank has implemented an identity theft red flags program designed to meet the requirements of the FACT Act and the joint final rules. Additionally, the



21



FACT Act amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to generally prohibit a person from using information
received from an affiliate to make a solicitation for marketing purposes to a consumer, unless the consumer is given notice and a reasonable opportunity and a reasonable and simple method to opt out
of the making of such solicitations.



Federal Home Loan Bank System.The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank
(“FHLB”) of Atlanta, which is one of 12 regional FHLBs that administer home financing credit for depository institutions. Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank for its members
within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans or advances to members in accordance with
policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors of the FHLB, which are subject to the oversight of the Federal Housing Financing Board. All advances from the FHLB, which are subject to
the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Board. All advances from the FHLB are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined by the FHLB.



Item 1A. Risk Factors.



The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be
carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also
may adversely impact our business operations. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.



Risks Related to our Business



A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively
impact the real estate market could hurt our business.



As of December 31, 2012, approximately 80.9% of our loans had real estate as a primary or secondary
component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the
credit is extended. A continued weakening of the real estate market in our primary market areas could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in
the value of the collateral securing their loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our profitability and asset quality. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to
satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings and capital could be adversely affected. Acts of nature, including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires and floods,
which may cause uninsured damage and other loss of value to real estate that secures these loans, may also negatively impact our financial condition.



Our loan portfolio contains a number of real estate loans with relatively large balances.



Because our loan portfolio contains a number of real estate loans with relatively large balances, the
deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in nonperforming loans, which could result in a net loss of earnings, an increase in the provision for loan losses and
an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.



Commercial real estate loans increase our exposure to credit risk.



At December 31, 2012, 53.3% of our loan portfolio was secured by commercial real estate. Loans secured by
commercial real estate are generally viewed as having more risk of default than loans secured by residential real estate or consumer loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the
successful operation of the property, the income stream of the borrowers, the accuracy of the estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction, and the estimated cost of
construction. Such loans are generally more risky than loans secured by residential real estate or consumer loans because those loans ware typically not secured by real estate collateral. An adverse
development with respect to one lending relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared with a single-family residential mortgage loan because we typically have more than
one loan with such borrowers. Additionally, these loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared with single-family residential mortgage
loans. Therefore, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant decline in the related asset quality. Because of the general economic slowdown we are currently
experiencing, these loans represent higher risk and could result in a sharp increase in loans charged-off and could require us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses, which could
have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.



22



Repayment of our commercial business loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower,
which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.



At December 31, 2012, commercial business loans comprised 17.7% of our total loan portfolio. Our commercial
business loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flow and general liquidity of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower and/or repayment
capacity of any guarantor. The borrower’s cash flow may be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized
by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable
may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use. In addition, business assets may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based on the
success of the business. Accordingly, the repayment of commercial business loans depends primarily on the cash flow and credit worthiness of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral
value provided by the borrower and liquidity of the guarantor.



We may have higher loan losses than we have allowed for in our allowance for loan losses.



Our actual loans losses could exceed our allowance for loan losses and therefore our historic allowance for
loan losses may not be adequate. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 53.3% of our loan portfolio, was secured by commercial real estate. Repayment of such loans is generally considered more
subject to market risk than residential mortgage loans. Industry experience shows that a portion of loans will become delinquent and a portion of loans will require partial or entire charge-off.
Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may be experienced as a result of various factors beyond our control, including among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the
value of loan collateral and problems affecting borrower credit.



Our decisions regarding allowance for loan losses and credit risk may materially and adversely affect
our business.



Making loans and other extensions of credit is an essential element of our business.
Although we seek to mitigate risks inherent in lending by adhering to specific underwriting practices, our loans and other extensions of credit may not be repaid. The risk of nonpayment is affected
by a number of factors, including:



·

the duration of the credit;

·

credit risks of a particular customer;

·

changes in economic and industry conditions; and

·

in the case of a collateralized loan, risks resulting from uncertainties about the
future value of the collateral.



We attempt to maintain an appropriate allowance for loan losses to provide for
probable losses in our loan portfolio. We periodically determine the amount of the allowance based on consideration of several factors, including:



·

an ongoing review of the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio;

·

our historical loan loss experience;

·

evaluation of economic conditions;

·

regular reviews of loan delinquencies and loan portfolio quality; and

·

the amount and quality of collateral, including guarantees, securing the loans.



The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses
inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Continuing
deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our
control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for
loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses,
we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. See “Critical Accounting Policies  Allowance for Loan Losses” in Item
7“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” located elsewhere in this report for further discussion related to our process for
determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses.



23



Lack of seasoning of our loan portfolio may increase the risk of credit defaults in the future.



Due to the growth of our Bank over the past several years, a large portion of the
loans in our loan portfolio and our lending relationships are of relatively recent origin. In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been
outstanding for some period of time, a process we refer to as “seasoning.”  As a result, a portfolio of older loans will usually behave more predictably than a newer portfolio.
Because our loan portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and defaults may not be representative of the level that will prevail when the portfolio becomes more seasoned, which
may be higher than current levels. If delinquencies and defaults increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would adversely affect our results of operations and
financial condition.



Negative developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets may
adversely affect our operations and results.



Negative developments that began in the latter half of 2007 and that have continued through 2012 in the
global credit and securitization markets have resulted in unprecedented volatility and disruption in the financial markets and a general economic downturn. As a result, bank regulatory agencies have
been active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, including by issuing a historically high number of formal enforcement orders over the past three years. In addition,
significant new federal laws and regulations relating to financial institutions have been adopted, including, without limitation, the EESA, the Recovery Act, and the Dodd-Frank Act. Negative
developments in the financial industry and the domestic and international credit markets, and the impact of new legislation, legislation and bank examination practices in response to those
developments, may negatively impact our operations by restricting our business operations, including our ability to originate or sell loans, and adversely impact our financial performance. We can
provide no assurance regarding the manner in which any new laws and regulations will affect us.



Changes in economic conditions, in particular an economic slowdown in South Carolina, could
materially and negatively affect our business.



Our business is directly impacted by factors such as economic, political and market conditions, broad
trends in industry and finance, legislative and regulatory changes, changes in government monetary and fiscal policies and inflation, all of which are beyond our control. Any further deterioration in
economic conditions, whether caused by national or local concerns, in particular any further economic slowdown in South Carolina, could result in the following consequences, any of which could hurt
our business materially: loan delinquencies may increase; problem assets and foreclosures may increase; demand for our products and services may decrease; low cost or noninterest bearing deposits may
decrease; and collateral for loans made by us, especially real estate, may decline in value, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral
associated with our existing loans. The State of South Carolina and certain local governments in our market area continue to face fiscal challenges upon which the long-term impact on the
State’s or the local economy cannot be predicted.



Continuation of the economic downturn could reduce our customer base, our level of deposits, and
demand for financial products such as loans.



Our success significantly depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits, and housing
starts in our markets. The current economic downturn has negatively affected the markets in which we operate and, in turn, the quality of our loan portfolio. If the communities in which we operate do
not grow or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally remain unfavorable, our business may not succeed. A continuation of the economic downturn or prolonged recession would likely
result in the continued deterioration of the quality of our loan portfolio and reduce our level of deposits, which in turn would hurt our business. Interest received on loans represented
approximately 94.2% of our interest income for the year ended December 31, 2012. If the economic downturn continues or a prolonged economic recession occurs in the economy as a whole, borrowers will
be less likely to repay their loans as scheduled. Moreover, in many cases the value of real estate or other collateral that secures our loans has been adversely affected by the economic conditions
and could continue to be negatively affected. Unlike many larger institutions, we are not able to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of diversified
economies. A continued economic downturn could, therefore, result in losses that materially and adversely affect our business.



Higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely impact our financial
condition.



Our deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC and are subject
to deposit insurance assessments to maintain deposit insurance. As an FDIC-insured institution, we are required to pay quarterly deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. Although we cannot
predict what the insurance assessment



24



rates will be in the future, either a deterioration in our risk-based capital ratios or adjustments to the
base assessment rates could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.



Our small- to medium-sized business target markets may have fewer financial resources to weather a
downturn in the economy.



We target the banking and financial services needs of small- and medium-sized businesses. These businesses
generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital borrowing capacity than larger entities. If general economic conditions continue to negatively impact these businesses in the markets in
which we operate, our business, financial condition, and results of operation may be adversely affected.



We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about clients and counterparties and our
financial condition could be adversely affected if it relies on misleading information.



In deciding whether to extend credit or to enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties,
we may rely on information furnished to us by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information, which we do not independently verify. We also
may rely on representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For
example, in deciding whether to extend credit to clients, we may assume that a customer’s audited financial statements conform with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”)
and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively
impacted to the extent we rely on financial statements that do not comply with GAAP or are materially misleading.



Changes in prevailing interest rates may reduce our profitability.



Our results of operations depend in large part upon the level of our net interest income, which is the
difference between interest income from interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and other borrowings.
Depending on the terms and maturities of our assets and liabilities, a significant change in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Many factors cause changes in
interest rates, including governmental monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political conditions. While we intend to manage the effects of changes in interest rates by
adjusting the terms, maturities, and pricing of our assets and liabilities, our efforts may not be effective and our financial condition and results of operations could suffer.



We may not be able to adequately anticipate and respond to changes in market interest rates.



We may be unable to anticipate changes in market interest rates, which are affected by many factors beyond
our control including but not limited to inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, monetary policy, and other changes that affect financial markets both domestic and foreign. Our net interest
income is affected not only by the level and direction of interest rates, but also by the shape of the yield curve and relationships between interest sensitive instruments and key driver rates, as
well as balance sheet growth, customer loan and deposit preferences, and the timing of changes in these variables. In the event rates increase, our interest costs on liabilities may increase more
rapidly than our income on interest earning assets, resulting in a deterioration of net interest margins. As such, fluctuations in interest rates could have significant adverse effects on our
financial condition and results of operations.



In addition, our mortgage operations provide a portion of our noninterest income. We generate mortgage
revenues primarily from gains on the sale of residential mortgage loans pursuant to programs currently offered by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae or Freddie Mac. In a rising or higher interest rate
environment, our originations of mortgage loans may decrease, resulting in fewer loans that are available to be sold to investors, which would decrease mortgage revenues in noninterest income. In
addition, our results of operations are affected by the amount of noninterest expenses associated with mortgage activities, such as salaries and employee benefits, other loan expense, and other
costs. During periods of reduced loan demand, our results of operations may be adversely affected to the extent that we are unable to reduce expenses commensurate with the decline in loan
originations.



We are dependent on key individuals and the loss of one or more of these key individuals could
curtail our growth and adversely affect our prospects.



R. Arthur Seaver, Jr., our chief executive officer, has extensive and long-standing ties within our primary
market area and substantial experience with our operations, and he has contributed significantly to our growth. If we lose the



25



services of Mr. Seaver, he would be difficult to replace and our business and development could be
materially and adversely affected.



Our success also depends, in part, on our continued ability to attract and retain experienced loan
originators, as well as other management personnel, including Justin Strickland, Fred Gilmer, III, and Mike Strickland. Competition for personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in
attracting or retaining qualified personnel. Our failure to compete for these personnel, or the loss of the services of several of such key personnel, could adversely affect our growth strategy and
seriously harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.




We may be adversely affected by the soundness of
other financial institutions.



Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other
relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks,
brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our
credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Bank cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure
due to the Bank. Any such losses could have a material adverse affect on our financial condition and results of operations.



Competition with other financial institutions may have an adverse effect on our ability to retain and
grow our client base, which could have a negative effect on our financial condition or results of operations.



The banking and financial services industry is very competitive and includes services offered from other
banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, other lenders, and institutions offering uninsured investment alternatives. Legal and regulatory developments have made it
easier for new and sometimes unregulated competitors to compete with us. The financial services industry has and is experiencing an ongoing trend towards consolidation in which fewer large national
and regional banks and other financial institutions are replacing many smaller and more local banks. These larger banks and other financial institutions hold a large accumulation of assets and have
significantly greater resources and a wider geographic presence or greater accessibility. In some instances, these larger entities operate without the traditional brick and mortar facilities that
restrict geographic presence. Some competitors have more aggressive marketing campaigns and better brand recognition, and are able to offer more services, more favorable pricing or greater customer
convenience than our Bank. In addition, competition has increased from new banks and other financial services providers that target our existing or potential customers. As consolidation continues
among large banks, we expect other smaller institutions to try to compete in the markets we serve. This competition could reduce our net income by decreasing the number and size of the loans that we
originate and the interest rates we charge on these loans. Additionally, these competitors may offer higher interest rates, which could decrease the deposits we attract or require us to increase
rates to retain existing deposits or attract new deposits. Increased deposit competition could adversely affect our ability to generate the funds necessary for lending operations which could increase
our cost of funds.



The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory
and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge as part of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of
financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Technological developments have allowed competitors, including some
non-depository institutions, to compete more effectively in local markets and have expanded the range of financial products, services and capital available to our target customers. If we are unable
to implement, maintain and use such technologies effectively, we may not be able to offer products or achieve cost-efficiencies necessary to compete in the industry. In addition, some of these
competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and lower cost structures.



Liquidity needs could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operation.



Dividends from our Bank provide one source of funds for our Company. The primary sources of funds of our
Bank are customer deposits and loan repayments. While scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, they are subject to the ability of borrowers to repay the loans. The ability
of borrowers to repay loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups, reductions in real
estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, which could be exacerbated by potential climate change, natural disasters and international instability.





26



Additionally, deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including rates paid by competitors,
general interest rate levels, regulatory capital requirements, returns available to customers on alternative investments and general economic conditions. Accordingly, we may be required from time to
time to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Such sources include proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances, sales of investment
securities and loans, and federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks, as well as out-of-market time deposits. While we believe that these sources are currently adequate, there can be no
assurance they will be sufficient to meet future liquidity demands, particularly if we continue to grow and experience increasing loan demand. We may be required to slow or discontinue loan growth,
capital expenditures or other investments or liquidate assets should such sources not be adequate.



We may need to raise additional capital in the future to redeem the Series T Preferred Stock or to
support further growth, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.



We are required by regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations.
To support our continued growth, we may need to raise additional capital. In addition, we intend to redeem remaining outstanding shares of our Series T Preferred Stock that we originally issued to
the Treasury under the CPP before the dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock increase from 5% per annum to 9% per annum in 2014, and we may need to raise additional capital to do so. Our ability
to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend in part on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise
additional capital, if needed, on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions
could be materially impaired. In addition, if we decide to raise additional equity capital, your interest could be diluted.



We will face risks with respect to future expansion and acquisitions or mergers.



We may seek to acquire other financial institutions or parts of those
institutions. We may also expand into new markets, as we did in Columbia, South Carolina in 2007 and Charleston in 2012. We may also expand our lines of business or offer new products or services.
These activities would involve a number of risks, including:

·

the potential inaccuracy of the estimates and judgments used
to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to a target institution;

·

the time and costs of evaluating new markets, hiring or
retaining experienced local management, and opening new offices and the time lags between these activities and the generation of sufficient assets and deposits to support the costs of the expansion;

·

the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated
with an acquisition and possible adverse effects on our results of operations; and

·

the risk of loss of key employees and customers.



The success of our growth strategy depends on our ability to identify and retain individuals with
experience and relationships in the markets in which we intend to expand.



To expand our franchise successfully, we must identify and retain experienced key management members with
local expertise and relationships in these markets. We expect that competition for qualified management in the markets in which we may expand will be intense and that there will be a limited number
of qualified persons with knowledge of and experience in the community banking industry in these markets. Even if we identify individuals that we believe could assist us in establishing a presence in
a new market, we may be unable to recruit these individuals away from more established financial institutions. In addition, the process of identifying and recruiting individuals with the combination
of skills and attributes required to carry out our strategy requires both management and financial resources and is often lengthy. Our inability to identify, recruit, and retain talented personnel to
manage new offices effectively would limit our growth and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.



A percentage of the loans in our portfolio currently include exceptions to our loan policies and
supervisory guidelines.



All of the loans that we make are subject to written loan policies adopted by our board of directors and to
supervisory guidelines imposed by our regulators. Our loan policies are designed to reduce the risks associated with the loans that we make by requiring our loan officers to take certain steps that
vary depending on the type and amount of the loan, prior to closing a loan. These steps include, among other things, making sure the proper liens are documented and



27



perfected on property securing a loan, and requiring proof of adequate insurance coverage on property
securing loans. Loans that do not fully comply with our loan policies are known as “exceptions.”  We categorize exceptions as policy exceptions, financial statement exceptions and
document exceptions. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 12% of the loans in our portfolio included document exceptions to our loan policies, which is less than our internal limit. As a result of
these exceptions, such loans may have a higher risk of loan loss than the other loans in our portfolio that fully comply with our loan policies. In addition, we may be subject to regulatory action by
federal or state banking authorities if they believe the number of exceptions in our loan portfolio represents an unsafe banking practice.



Our operational or security systems may experience and interruption or breach in security.



We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure,
interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, deposit, loan, and other systems. While we have policies and
procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or
security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of our information systems could
damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have
a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.



Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.



We regularly review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate
governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that
the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.



Negative public opinion surrounding our Company and the financial institutions industry generally
could damage our reputation and adversely impact our earnings.



Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion surrounding
our Company and the financial institutions industry generally, is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities,
including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public
opinion can adversely affect our ability to keep and attract clients and employees and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Although we take steps to minimize reputation risk in dealing
with our clients and communities, this risk will always be present given the nature of our business.



Legal and Regulatory Risks



We are subject to extensive regulation that could restrict our activities, have an adverse impact on
our operations, and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business.



We are subject to Federal Reserve regulation. Our Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and
examination by our primary federal regulators, the OCC, and the FDIC, the regulating authority that insures customer deposits. Also, as a member of the FHLB, our Bank must comply with applicable
regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Board and the FHLB. Regulation by these agencies is intended primarily for the protection of our depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the
benefit of our shareholders. Our Bank’s activities are also regulated under consumer protection laws applicable to our lending, deposit, and other activities. A sufficient claim against our
Bank under these laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.



Further, changes in laws, regulations and regulatory practices affecting the financial services industry
could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products,
among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could also result in heightened regulatory scrutiny and in sanctions by regulatory agencies (such as a memorandum of
understanding, a written supervisory agreement or a cease and desist order), civil money penalties and/or reputation damage. Any of these consequences could restrict our ability to expand our
business or could require us to raise additional capital or sell assets on terms that are not advantageous to us or our shareholders and could have



28



a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we have
policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, such violations may occur despite our best efforts.



Financial reform legislation enacted by the U.S. Congress, and further changes in regulation to which
we are exposed, will result in additional new laws and regulations that are expected to increase our costs of operations.



The Dodd-Frank Act has and will continue to significantly change bank regulatory structure and affect the
lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of
new rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and
consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many months or years.



The Dodd-Frank Act also created the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and gives it broad rule-making
authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and
practices. Additionally, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets.



Proposals for further regulation of the financial services industry are continually being introduced in the
Congress of the United States of America. The agencies regulating the financial services industry also periodically adopt changes to their regulations. It is possible that additional legislative
proposals may be adopted or regulatory changes may be made that would have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, it is expected that such regulatory changes will increase our operating and
compliance cost. We can provide no assurance regarding the manner in which any new laws and regulations will affect us.



The short-term and long-term impact of the changing regulatory capital requirements and anticipated
new capital rules is uncertain.



On September 12, 2010, the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the Basel
Committee on Banking Supervision, announced an agreement to a strengthened set of capital requirements for internationally active banking organizations in the U.S. and around the world, known as
Basel III. Basel III calls for increases in the requirements for minimum common equity, minimum Tier 1 capital and minimum total capital for certain systemically important financial institutions, to
be phased in over time until fully phased in by January 1, 2019. Any regulations adopted for systemically significant institutions may also be applied to or otherwise impact other financial
institutions such as the Company or the Bank.



Various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act increase the capital requirements of bank holding companies, such
as the Company, and non-bank financial companies that are supervised by the Federal Reserve Board. The leverage and risk-based capital ratios of these entities may not be lower than the leverage and
risk-based capital ratios for insured depository institutions. In particular, bank holding companies, many of which have long relied on trust preferred securities as a component of their regulatory
capital, will no longer be permitted to issue new trust preferred securities that count toward their Tier 1 capital. While the Basel III changes and other regulatory capital requirements will likely
result in generally higher regulatory capital standards, it is difficult at this time to predict how any new standards will ultimately be applied to the Company and the Bank.



In addition, in the current economic and regulatory environment, regulators of banks and bank holding
companies have become more likely to impose capital requirements on bank holding companies and banks that are more stringent than those required by applicable existing regulations.



The application of more stringent capital requirements for the Company and the Bank could, among other
things, result in lower returns on invested capital, require the issuance of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements.



We are party to various lawsuits incidental to our business. Litigation is subject to many
uncertainties such that the expenses and ultimate exposure with respect to many of these matters cannot be ascertained.



From time to time, customers and others make claims and take legal action pertaining to our performance of
fiduciary responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action are legitimate or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in our favor they may result in significant
financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception



29



of us and our products and services as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. Any
financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of
operations.



Risks Related to Our Common Stock



Our ability to pay cash dividends is limited, and we may be unable to pay future dividends even if we
desire to do so.



The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding
companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank
holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve’s policies also require that a bank holding
company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial
stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. In addition, the
Company cannot pay cash dividends on its common stock during any calendar quarter unless full dividends on the Series T Preferred Stock for the dividend period ending during the calendar quarter have
been declared and the Company has not failed to pay a dividend in the full amount of the Series T Preferred Stock with respect to the period in which such dividend payment in respect of its common
stock would occur. Further, under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized.
These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.



If our Bank is not permitted to pay cash dividends to the Company, it is unlikely that we would be able to
pay cash dividends on our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, and if declared by our board of directors. Although we have historically
paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our board of directors could reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future.



Our stock price may be volatile, which could result in losses to our investors and litigation against
us.



Our stock price has been volatile in the past and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate
substantially in the future. These factors include but are not limited to: actual or anticipated variations in earnings, changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections, our announcement of
developments related to our businesses, operations and stock performance of other companies deemed to be peers, new technology used or services offered by traditional and non-traditional competitors,
news reports of trends, irrational exuberance on the part of investors, new federal banking regulations, and other issues related to the financial services industry. Our stock price may fluctuate
significantly in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to our performance. General market declines or market volatility in the future, especially in the financial institutions sector,
could adversely affect the price of our common stock, and the current market price may not be indicative of future market prices. Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to resell
your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. Moreover, in the past, securities class action lawsuits have been instituted against some companies following periods of volatility
in the market price of its securities. We could in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and
resources from our normal business.



Future sales of our stock by our shareholders or the perception that those sales could occur may
cause our stock price to decline.



Although our common stock is listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Market, the trading volume in our
common stock is lower than that of other larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in
the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over
which we have no control. Given the relatively low trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that those sales may occur, could
cause the trading price of our common stock to decline or to be lower than it otherwise might be in the absence of those sales or perceptions.





30



Economic and other circumstances may require us to raise capital at times or in amounts that are
unfavorable to us. If we have to issue shares of common stock, they will dilute the percentage ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock
and adversely affect the terms on which we may obtain additional capital.



We may need to incur additional debt or equity financing in the future to make strategic acquisitions or
investments or to strengthen our capital position. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are
outside of our control and our financial performance. We cannot provide assurance that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all, or if we do raise additional capital that
it will not be dilutive to existing shareholders.



If we determine, for any reason, that we need to raise capital, subject to applicable NASDAQ rules, our
board generally has the authority, without action by or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of any authorized but unissued shares of stock for any corporate purpose, including issuance of
equity-based incentives under or outside of our equity compensation plans. Additionally, we are not restricted from issuing additional common stock or preferred stock, including any securities that
are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock or preferred stock or any substantially similar securities. The market price of our common stock could
decline as a result of sales by us of a large number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or similar securities in the market or from the perception that such sales could occur. If we issue
preferred stock that has a preference over the common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, or if we issue preferred stock with voting rights
that dilute the voting power of the common stock, the rights of holders of the common stock or the market price of our common stock could be adversely affected. Any issuance of additional shares of
stock will dilute the percentage ownership interest of our shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock. Shares we issue in connection with any such offering will increase
the total number of shares and may dilute the economic and voting ownership interest of our existing shareholders.



The Series T Preferred Stock impacts net income available to our common shareholders and earnings per
common share.



The dividends declared on the Series T Preferred Stock will reduce the net income available to common
shareholders and our earnings per common share. The Series T Preferred Stock will also receive preferential treatment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.



If we are unable or choose not to redeem our Series T Preferred Stock within five years from the
issuance date, the cost of this capital to us will increase.



On June 28, 2012, the Treasury sold its Series T Preferred Stock through a public offering structured as a
modified Dutch auction. The Company bid on a portion of the Series T Preferred Stock in the auction after receiving approval from its regulators to do so. The clearing price per share for the
preferred shares was $904 (compared to a par value of $1,000 per share), and the Company was successful in repurchasing 1,000 shares of the 17,299 shares of Series T Preferred Stock outstanding
through the auction process. The remaining 16,299 shares of Series T Preferred Stock held by the Treasury were sold to unrelated third-parties through the auction process. If we are unable to redeem
the remaining shares of Series T Preferred Stock prior to February 27, 2014, or if we choose not to redeem the remaining outstanding shares of Series T Preferred Stock at that time, the cost of this
capital will increase on that date, from 5.0% per annum (approximately $815,000 annually) to 9.0% per annum (approximately $1.5 million annually). Depending on our financial condition at the time,
this increase in the annual dividend rate could have a material negative effect on our liquidity and our financial results.



Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.



None.



Item 2. Properties.



Our main office and headquarters are located on Verdae Boulevard near downtown Greenville, South Carolina.
The building is a full service banking facility with three drive-through banking stations and an automatic teller machine. The lease for this location expires in April 2015.





31



Our Parkway office is located in the Thornblade area of Greenville, South Carolina, near the intersection
of I-85 and Pelham Road. We own these premises.



Our Augusta Road office is located Greenville, South Carolina. We lease the land for this office and own
the banking office. The lease for this location expires in April 2025.



Our Woodruff Road office is located in Greenville, South Carolina. We own these premises.



Our Lexington office is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lexington, South Carolina. We have a land lease on
this property and own the banking office. The lease for this location expires in January 2028.



Our Columbia regional headquarters is located in Cayce, South Carolina. We own these premises.



Our Forest Drive office is located in Columbia, South Carolina. We own these premises.



Our Charleston office is located on East Bay Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The lease for this
location expires in September 2016.



We believe these premises will be adequate for present and anticipated needs and that we have adequate
insurance to cover our owned and leased premises. For each property that we lease, we believe that upon expiration of the lease we will be able to extend the lease on satisfactory terms or relocate
to another acceptable location.



Item 3. Legal Proceedings.



In the ordinary course of operations, we may be a party to various legal proceedings from time to time. We
do not believe that there is any pending or threatened proceeding against us, which, if determined adversely, would have a material effect on our business, results of operations, or financial
condition.



Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.



None.



PART II



Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters.



Our common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SFST.”
 We had approximately 1,100 shareholders of record on February 28, 2013.





The following table shows the reported high and low common
stock prices reported by the NASDAQ Global Market for 2012 and 2011 (adjusted for the 10% stock dividends in 2013 and 2012).



2012

High

LowFirst Quarter
$6.69
$5.54Second Quarter
8.18
6.24Third Quarter
8.65
7.32Fourth Quarter
9.00
7.962011First Quarter
$7.10
$5.60Second Quarter
7.03
6.29Third Quarter
8.62
5.62Fourth Quarter
6.55
5.01

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since our inception. For the
foreseeable future, we do not intend to declare cash dividends. We intend to retain earnings to grow our business and strengthen our capital base. Our ability to pay cash dividends depends primarily
on the ability of our subsidiary, Southern First Bank, N.A. to pay dividends to us. As a national bank, the Bank may only pay cash dividends out of its net profits, after deducting expenses,
including losses and bad debts. In addition, the Bank is prohibited from declaring a cash dividend on its shares of common stock until its surplus equals its stated capital, unless there has been
transferred to surplus no less than one-tenth of the Bank’s net profits of the preceding two consecutive half-year periods (in the case of an annual



32



dividend). The approval of the OCC will be required if the total of all cash dividends declared in any
calendar year by the Bank exceeds the Bank’s net profits to date for that year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years less any required transfers to surplus. The OCC
also has the authority under federal law to enjoin a national bank from engaging in what in its opinion constitutes an unsafe or unsound practice in conducting its business, including the payment of
a cash dividend under certain circumstances.



The following table sets forth equity compensation plan information at December 31, 2012. The number of
shares and the exercise prices for options and warrants has been adjusted for the 3 for 2 stock split in 2003 and the subsequent 10% stock dividends in 2006, 2011, 2012, and 2013.



Plan Category

Number of securities

to be issued uponexercise of outstandingoptions, warrants andrights (a)

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,warrants and rights(b)

Number of securities
remaining available forfuture
issuance under
equity compensationplans (c) (excludingsecurities reflected incolumn(a))Equity compensation plans
 approved by security holders2000 Stock options (1)
420,065
$6.84
-2010 Stock
Incentive Plan  options
136,409
6.32
229,6162006 Restricted Stock Plan
-
-
-2010 Stock Incentive Plan  restricted stock
-
-
62,298Total
556,474
$6.72
291,914

(1)
Under the terms of Plan no further incentive stock
option awards may be granted, effective March 2010; however, the Plan will remain in effect until all awards have been exercised or forfeited and we determine to terminate the Plan. As of March 2010,
any options that expire or are forfeited are eligible to reissued as non-qualified stock option awards.

33



Item 6. Selected Financial Data



Years Ended December 31,(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008BALANCE SHEET DATATotal assets
$797,998
767,745
736,490
719,297
692,979Investment securities
86,016
108,584
72,853
94,633
85,412Loans, net (1)
636,858
589,709
564,006
566,510
559,602Allowance for loan
losses
9,091
8,925
8,386
7,760
7,005Deposits
576,299
562,912
536,296
494,084
469,537FHLB advances and
related debt
124,100
122,700
122,700
142,700
149,675Note payable
—
—
—
4,250
15,000Junior subordinated
debentures
13,403
13,403
13,403
13,403
13,403Shareholders’ equity
64,125
62,539
59,216
59,841
39,786SELECTED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS DATAInterest income
34,698
35,142
35,529
36,177
40,213Interest expense
8,702
11,854
15,317
16,895
21,853Net interest income
25,996
23,288
20,212
19,282
18,360Provision for loan losses
4,550
5,270
5,610
4,310
3,161Net interest income after provision
for loan losses
21,446
18,018
14,602
14,972
15,199Noninterest income
(loss)
3,762
2,770
3,045
2,185
(260)Noninterest expenses
19,513
17,867
16,564
15,393
12,461Income before income tax
expense
5,695
2,921
1,083
1,764
2,478Income tax expense
1,833
833
193
345
626Net income
3,862
2,088
890
1,419
1,852Preferred stock dividends
840
865
865
730
—Discount accretion (4)
360
279
260
200
—Redemption of preferred stock
(96)
—
—
—
—Net income (loss) available to common shareholders (4)
$2,758
944
(235)
489
1,852PER COMMON SHARE DATA (2)(4)Basic
$0.65
0.22
(0.06)
0.06
0.46Diluted
0.64
0.22
(0.06)
0.06
0.44Book value
11.26
10.93
10.25
10.63
9.82Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding:Basic
4,230
4,201
4,179
4,066
3,991Diluted
4,340
4,287
4,179
4,101
4,215SELECTED FINANCIAL RATIOSPerformance Ratios:Return on average assets
0.50%
0.28%
0.12%
0.20%
0.27%Return on average equity
6.03%
3.40%
1.47%
2.51%
4.73%Return on average common
equity (4)
5.79%
2.10%
(0.53)%
1.20%
4.73%Net interest margin, tax equivalent
3.61%
3.30%
2.91%
2.84%
2.82%Loan to deposit ratio
(1)
112.09%
106.35%
106.73%
116.23%
120.67%Efficiency ratio (3)
63.19%
64.95%
70.46%
70.24%
61.61%Asset Quality Ratios:Nonperforming assets to total loans
(1)
1.53%
2.33%
2.61%
2.69%
1.73%Nonperforming assets to
total assets (1)
1.24%
1.82%
2.03%
2.15%
1.42%Net charge-offs to average total
loans (1)
0.71%
0.81%
0.86%
0.63%
0.35%Allowance for loan
losses to nonperforming loans
111.32%
86.96%
89.92%
66.09%
91.00%Allowance for loan losses to total
loans (1)
1.41%
1.49%
1.47%
1.35%
1.24%Capital Ratios:Average equity to average assets
8.30%
8.12%
8.16%
7.85%
5.73%Common equity to assets
(4)
5.99%
5.98%
5.82%
6.09%
5.74%Bank Leverage ratio
9.60%
9.50%
9.60%
9.60%
9.80%Bank Tier 1 risk-based
capital ratio
11.80%
11.90%
12.00%
11.60%
11.60%Bank Total risk-based capital ratio
13.00%
13.10%
13.20%
12.80%
12.80%

(1)
Includes nonperforming loans.(2)
Adjusted for all years presented giving retroactive effect to 10% stock
dividends in 2011, 2012, and 2013.(3)
Computed by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income on
a tax equivalent basis and noninterest income, net of securities gains, losses, or impairment, and real estate activity.(4)
Amounts and ratios for 2009 and 2010 periods have been restated for a
correction of an error. See Note 1 to the financial statements.



34



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation




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



OVERVIEW





Our business model continues to be client-focused, utilizing relationship teams to provide our clients with a specific banker contact and support team
responsible for all of their banking needs. The purpose of this structure is to provide a consistent and superior level of professional service, and we believe it provides us with a distinct
competitive advantage. We consider exceptional client service to be a critical part of our culture, which we refer to as “ClientFIRST.”



At December 31, 2012, we had total assets of $798.0 million, a 3.9% increase from total assets of $767.8
million at December 31, 2011. The largest components of our total assets are loans and securities which were $646.0 million and $86.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. Comparatively, our
loans and securities totaled $598.6 million and $108.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. Our liabilities and shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2012 totaled $733.9 million and
$64.1 million, respectively, compared to liabilities of $705.2 million and shareholders’ equity of $62.5 million at December 31, 2011. The principal component of our liabilities is deposits
which were $576.3 million and $562.9 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.



Like most community banks, we derive the majority of our income from interest received on our loans and
investments. Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is our amount of net
interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and
borrowings. Another key measure is the difference between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, which is called our net interest
spread. In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other charges to our clients.



Our net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $3.9 million, an 85.0%
increase from $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. After our dividend payment to the Treasury as preferred shareholder, net income to common shareholders was $2.8 million, or diluted
earnings per share (“EPS”) of $0.64, for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to a net income to common shareholders of $944,000, or diluted EPS of $0.22 for the year ended
December 31, 2011. The increase in net income resulted primarily from increases in net interest income and noninterest income and a decrease in the provision for loan losses, partially offset by
increases in noninterest expense and income tax expense. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $890,000, while the net loss to common shareholders was $235,000, or a loss per common
share of $0.06.



Economic conditions, competition, and the monetary and fiscal
policies of the federal government significantly affect most financial institutions, including the Bank. Lending and deposit activities and fee income generation are influenced by levels of business
spending and investment, consumer income, consumer spending and savings, capital market activities, and competition among financial institutions, as well as client preferences, interest rate
conditions and prevailing market rates on competing products in our market areas.



Effect of Economic Trends




The twelve months ended December 31, 2012 continue to reflect
the tumultuous economic conditions which have negatively impacted the liquidity and credit quality of financial institutions in the United States. Concerns regarding increased credit losses from the
weakening economy have negatively affected capital and earnings of most financial institutions. Financial institutions have experienced significant declines in the value of collateral for real estate
loans, heightened credit losses, which have resulted in record levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs and foreclosures. In addition, during the past four years, hundreds of financial
institutions failed or merged with other institutions, and two of the government sponsored housing enterprises were placed into conservatorship with the U.S. Government in 2008.



Liquidity in the debt markets remains low in spite of efforts by Treasury and the Federal Reserve to inject
capital into financial institutions. The federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve has remained at 0.25% since December 2008, following a decline from 4.25% to 0.25% during 2008 through a
series of seven rate reductions.





35



The Treasury, the FDIC and other governmental agencies continue to enact rules and regulations to implement
the EESA, the TARP, the Recovery Act, the Dodd-Frank Act and related economic recovery programs, many of which contain limitations on the ability of financial institutions to take certain actions or
to engage in certain activities if the financial institution is a participant in the CPP or related programs. Future regulations, or enforcement of the terms of programs already in place, may require
financial institutions to raise additional capital.. There can be no assurance as to the actual impact of the EESA, the TARP, the Recovery Act, the Dodd-Frank Act or any governmental program on the
financial markets.



The weak economic conditions are expected to continue into 2013. Financial institutions likely will
continue to experience heightened credit losses and higher levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs and foreclosures. In light of these conditions, financial institutions also face heightened
levels of scrutiny from federal and state regulators. These factors negatively influenced, and likely will continue to negatively influence, earning asset yields at a time when the market for
deposits is intensely competitive. As a result, financial institutions experienced, and are expected to continue to experience, pressure on credit costs, loan yields, deposit and other borrowing
costs, liquidity, and capital.



CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES



We have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices within the banking industry in the preparation of our financial statements. Our significant
accounting policies are described in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2012.



Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by us that
have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. We consider these accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgment and assumptions we use are based
on historical experience and other factors, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgment and assumptions we make, actual results could differ from
these judgments and estimates that could have a material impact on the carrying values of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations. Management has reviewed and approved these critical
accounting policies and has discussed these policies with the Company’s Audit Committee.



Allowance for Loan Losses



The allowance for loan loss is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio.
The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when
management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by
management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience (most recent eight quarters), the nature and volume of the loan
portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently
subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.



We have an established process to determine the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses that assesses the losses inherent in our portfolio. While we attribute portions of the allowance to specific portfolio segments, the entire allowance is available to absorb
credit losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. Our process involves procedures to appropriately consider the unique risk characteristics of our commercial and consumer loan portfolio segments.
For each portfolio segment, impairment is measured collectively for groups of smaller loans with similar characteristics and individually for larger impaired loans. Our allowance levels are
influenced by loan volumes, loan grade migration or delinquency status, historic loss experience and other economic conditions.



The allowance consists of general and specific components.



Commercial loans are assessed for estimated losses by grading each loan using various risk factors
identified through periodic reviews. We apply historic grade-specific loss factors to each funded loan. In the development of our statistically derived loan grade loss factors, we observe historical
losses over a relevant period for each loan grade. These loss estimates are adjusted as appropriate based on additional analysis of external loss data or other risks identified from current economic
conditions and credit quality trends. For consumer loans, we determine the allowance on a collective basis utilizing historical losses to represent our best estimate of inherent loss. We pool loans,
generally by product types with similar risk characteristics.





36



Included in the general component of the allowance for loan losses
for both portfolio segments is a margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating general losses in the portfolio. Uncertainties and subjective
issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity or problem loans, quality of
loan review and board of director oversight, concentrations of credit, and peer group comparisons are factors considered.



The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For loans that are classified as
impaired, an allowance is established when the value of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. 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 considered by
management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Impairment is measured on a loan
by loan basis for commercial loans 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. For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the value of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying
value of that loan. The specific component also includes an amount for the estimated impairment on commercial and consumer loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”), whether
on accrual or nonaccrual status.



In conjunction with the changes in the current economic environment
and as required by our Formal Agreement with the OCC, which was terminated by the OCC effective December 19, 2012, we have revised and updated our allowance for loan losses policy. Specifically,
since December 31, 2010, we have modified our allowance methodology related to the commercial and consumer loan portfolios to use historical loss rates in determining the appropriate level of
allowance needed. In addition, we have allocated the unallocated component of the allowance that existed at December 31, 2010 into the commercial and consumer portfolio segments.



While management uses available information to recognize losses on
loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process,
periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of
their examination.



Fair Valuation of Financial Instruments



We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to
determine fair value disclosures. Additionally, we may be required to record other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve
application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. Further, we include in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements information about the extent to which
fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used, and the related impact to income. Additionally, for financial instruments not recorded at fair value, we
disclose the estimate of their fair value.



Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards establish a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at
fair value. The classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for measurement are observable or unobservable.
Observable inputs reflect market-derived or market-based information obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates about market data. The three levels of inputs
that are used to classify fair value measurements are as follows:



·

Level 1  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for
identical instruments traded in active markets. Level 1 instruments generally include securities traded on active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange, as well as securities that are
traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Instruments we classify as Level 1 are instruments that have been priced directly from dealer trading desks and represent actual
prices at which such securities have traded within active markets.

·

Level 2  Valuation is based upon quoted prices for
similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques, such as matrix pricing, for which all
significant assumptions are observable in the market. Instruments we classify as



37



Level 2 include securities that are valued based on pricing
models that use relevant observable information generated by transactions that have occurred in the market place that involve similar securities.

·

Level 3  Valuation is generated from model-based
techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates of assumptions market participants would use in pricing
the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

We attempt to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when
developing fair value measurements. When available, we use quoted market prices to measure fair value. Specifically, we use independent pricing services to obtain fair values based on quoted prices.
Quoted prices are subject to our internal price verification procedures. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon models that use primarily market-based or
independently-sourced market parameters. Most of our financial instruments use either of the foregoing methodologies, collectively Level 1 and Level 2 measurements, to determine fair value
adjustments recorded to our financial statements. However, in certain cases, when market observable inputs for model-based valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make
judgments about assumptions market participants would use in estimating the fair value of the financial instrument.



The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of an instrument is dependent upon
the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal
subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management’s judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. In addition,
changes in market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. For example, reduced liquidity in the capital markets or changes in secondary market activities could
result in observable market inputs becoming unavailable. When significant adjustments are required to available observable inputs, it may be appropriate to utilize an estimate based primarily on
unobservable inputs. When an active market for a security does not exist, the use of management estimates that incorporate current market participant expectations of future cash flows, and include
appropriate risk premiums, is acceptable.



Significant judgment may be required to determine whether certain assets measured at fair value are
included in Level 2 or Level 3. If fair value measurement is based upon recent observable market activity of such assets or comparable assets (other than forced or distressed transactions) that occur
in sufficient volume and do not require significant adjustment using unobservable inputs, those assets are classified as Level 2. If not, they are classified as Level 3. Making this assessment
requires significant judgment.



Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Analysis



Our debt securities are classified as securities available for sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized
gains and losses, after applicable taxes, are reported in shareholders’ equity. We conduct other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) analysis on a quarterly basis or more often if a
potential loss-triggering event occurs. The initial indicator of OTTI for debt securities is a decline in market value below the amount recorded for an investment and the severity and duration of the
decline. For a debt security for which there has been a decline in the fair value below amortized cost basis, we recognize OTTI if we (1) have the intent to sell the security, (2) it is more likely
than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, or (3) we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security.



Other Real Estate Owned



Real estate acquired through foreclosure is initially recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair
value. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, it is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, adjusted for net selling costs. Fair values of real estate owned are reviewed regularly and writedowns
are recorded when it is determined that the carrying value of real estate exceeds the fair value less estimated costs to sell. Costs relating to the development and improvement of such property are
capitalized, whereas those costs relating to holding the property are expensed.



Income Taxes



The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis. When income and expenses are recognized
in different periods for financial reporting purposes versus for the purposes of computing income taxes currently payable, deferred taxes are provided on such temporary differences. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable



38



income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The
Company believes that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken on its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not
anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income
tax positions have been recorded.




RESULTS OF OPERATIONS







Net Interest Income and Margin



Our level of net interest income is determined by the level of earning assets and
the management of our net interest margin. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, our net interest income was $26.0 million, $23.3 million, and $20.2 million, respectively. The $2.7
million, or 11.6%, increase in net interest income during 2012 was driven by a $14.3 million increase in average earning assets, combined with a $15.0 million decrease in our average interest-bearing
liabilities. The increase in average earning assets is primarily related to an increase in average loans, while the decline in average interest-bearing liabilities is a result of a decrease in time
deposits, specifically, out-of-market certificates of deposit which decreased $32.8 million during the year. During 2011, our net interest income increased $3.1 million, or 15.2%, while average
interest-earning assets increased $15.3 million and average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $1.1 million.






Interest income
for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $34.7 million, $35.1 million, and $35.5 million, respectively. A significant portion of our interest income relates to our strategy to
maintain a significant portion of our assets in higher earning loans compared to lower yielding investments and federal funds sold. As such, 94.1% of our interest income related to interest on loans
during 2012, 93.6% during 2011 and 91.7% during 2010. Also, included in interest income on loans was $472,000, $458,000 and $452,000, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010,
respectively, related to the net amortization of loan fees and capitalized loan origination costs.



Interest expense was $8.7 million, $11.9 million, and $15.3 million for the years
ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 represented 48.0%, 59.0%, and 61.5%, respectively, of total
interest expense, while interest expense on borrowings represented 52.0%, 41.0%, and 38.5%, respectively, of total interest expense.



We have included a number of tables to assist in our description of various measures of our financial
performance. For example, the “Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates” table shows the average balance of each category of our assets and liabilities as well as the yield
we earned or the rate we paid with respect to each category during 2012, 2011, and 2010. Similarly, the “Rate/Volume Analysis” table demonstrates the effect of changing interest rates and
changing volume of assets and liabilities on our financial condition during the periods shown. We also track the sensitivity of our various categories of assets and liabilities to changes in interest
rates, and we have included tables to illustrate our interest rate sensitivity with respect to interest-earning and interest-bearing accounts.



The following table sets forth information related to our average balance sheet, average yields on assets,
and average costs of liabilities at December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. 


We derived these yields or costs by
dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities. We derived average balances from the daily balances throughout the periods indicated. During the same
periods, we had no securities purchased with agreements to resell. All investments were owned at an original maturity of over one year. Nonaccrual loans are included in earning assets in the
following tables. Loan yields have been reduced to reflect the negative impact on our earnings of loans on nonaccrual status. The net of capitalized loan costs and fees are amortized into interest
income on loans.











39



Average Balances, Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates



For the Year Ended December
31,2012

2011

2010(dollars in thousands)
Average 
Balance
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rate

Average 
Balance
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rate

Average 
Balance
Income/
Expense
Yield/
RateInterest-earning assetsFederal funds sold
$26,085
$67
0.26%

$45,498
$106
0.23%

$25,666
$59
0.23%Investment securities,
taxable
63,169
1,419
2.25%

70,832
1,718
2.43%

86,418
2,617
3.03%Investment securities, nontaxable (1)
19,066
877
4.60%

13,593
687
5.05%

7,822
429
5.49%Loans
620,514
32,668
5.26%

584,633
32,892
5.63%

579,383
32,587
5.62%Total earning assets
728,834
35,031
4.81%

714,556
35,403
4.95%

699,289
35,692
5.10%Nonearning assets
42,900



41,931



43,251Total assets
$771,734



$756,487



$742,540Interest-bearing liabilitiesNOW accounts
$152,433
$881
0.58%

$140,139
$1,437
1.03%

$96,901
$1,232
1.27%Savings & money market
112,323
444
0.40%

111,813
840
0.75%

97,183
954
0.98%Time deposits
214,743
2,852
1.33%

243,618
4,716
1.94%

291,129
7,238
2.49%Total
interest-bearing deposits
479,499
4,177
0.87%

495,570
6,993
1.41%

485,213
9,424
1.94%FHLB advances and repurchase agreements
123,756
4,154
3.36%

122,704
4,512
3.68%

131,961
5,538
4.20%Junior subordinated debt
13,403
371
2.77%

13,403
349
2.60%

13,403
355
2.64%Total interest-bearing
liabilities
616,658
8,702
1.41%

631,677
11,854
1.88%

630,577
15,317
2.43%Noninterest-bearing
liabilities
91,022



63,384



51,356Shareholders’ equity
64,054



61,426



60,607Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$771,734



$756,487



$742,540Net interest spread


3.40%



3.07%



2.67%Net interest income( tax equivalent)/margin

$26,329
3.61%


$23,549
3.30%


$20,375
2.91%Less: tax-equivalent  adjustment (1)

(333)



(261)



(163)Net
interest income

$25,996



$23,288



$20,212

(1)

The tax-equivalent
adjustment to net interest income adjusts the yield for assets
earning tax-exempt income to a comparable yield on a taxable basis.

Our net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent
basis, was 3.61% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 compared to 3.30% for 2011, and 2.91% for 2010. The 31 basis point increase in net interest margin during 2012 as compared to the prior
year, was driven primarily by a 47 basis point reduction in the cost of our interest bearing liabilities. During 2011, our net interest margin increased 39 basis points compared to the year ended
2010 due primarily to 55 basis point reduction in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities.



While our average interest-earning assets increased by $14.3 million during 2012, our tax-equivalent
interest income declined by $372,000, or 14 basis points. The decline in yield on our interest-earning assets was driven primarily by reduced yields on our investment securities and loan portfolios.
Although we transitioned a portion of our low-yielding federal funds sold into investment securities which yield a higher rate, the yield earned on these investments has declined in the past twelve
months due to our decision to sell some of these investments which were yielding higher rates and recognize a gain on the sale. In addition, our average loan balances increased by $35.9 million
during the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to 2011, while our loan yield decreased by 37 basis points. The decrease in loan yield was driven primarily by loans being originated or renewed at
market rates which are lower than those in the past.



Our interest expense also decreased during 2012 as compared to the year ended 2011 due to lower rates on
our interest-bearing liabilities. While our interest expense decreased by $3.2 million during 2012, our average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $15.0 million, and the rate on these
liabilities decreased by 47 basis points. In effect, our interest-bearing liabilities continue to reprice downward at a faster rate than our interest-earning assets.



Our net interest spread was 3.40% for the year ended December 31,
2012 compared to 3.07% for the same period in 2011 and 2.67% for 2010. The net interest spread is the difference between the yield we earn on our interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our
interest-bearing liabilities. The 47 basis point reduction in rate on our interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by a 14 basis point decline in yield on our earning assets, resulted in a 33
basis point increase in our net interest spread for the 2012 period.



40



Rate/Volume Analysis



Net interest income can be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates and changing volume.
The following tables set forth the effect which the varying levels of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable rates have had on changes in net interest income for
the periods presented.



Years EndedDecember 31, 2012 vs. 2011

December 31, 2011 vs. 2010Increase (Decrease) Due to
Change in

Increase (Decrease) Due to
Change in(dollars in thousands)
Volume
Rate
Rate/
Volume
Total

Volume
Rate
Rate/
Volume
TotalInterest incomeLoans
$1,644
(1,760)
(108)
(224)

$254
50
1
305Investment
securities
(56)
(128)
3
(181)

(300)
(490)
51
(739)Federal funds sold
(48)
15
(6)
(39)

47
—
-
47Total interest income
1,540
(1,873)
(111)
(444)

1
(440)
52
(387)Interest expenseDeposits
145
(2,901)
(60)
(2,816)

409
(2,723)
(117)
(2,431)Note payable and other
debt
39
(394)
(3)
(358)

(389)
(686)
48
(1,027)Junior subordinated debt
-
22
-
22

-
(5)
-
(5)Total interest expense
184
(3,273)
(63)
(3,152)

20
(3,414)
(69)
(3,463)Net interest income
$1,356
1,400
(48)
2,708

$(19)
2,974
121
3,076

Net interest income, the largest component of our income, was $26.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2012, a $2.7 million increase from net interest income of $23.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Although, our average interest-earning assets increased $14.3 million during the 2012
period as compared to the 2011 period our interest income for the year ended December 31, 2012 declined by $444,000 compared to the prior year. In addition, our average interest-bearing liabilities
decreased by $15.0 million, as compared to the 2011 period, and interest expense declined by $3.2 million during 2012. The $2.7 million increase in net interest income during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2012 was driven primarily by the decreased rates on our interest-bearing liabilities as well as increased loan volume as evidenced in the above table.



During the year ended December 31, 2011, our net interest income increased $3.1 million from net interest
income of $20.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. While our average interest-earning assets increased by $14.2 million more than our average interest-bearing liabilities during 2011 as
compared to the 2010 period, $3.0 million of the increase in net interest income is due to lower rates on our assets and liabilities, rather than increased balances of our interest-earning assets.








Provision for Loan Losses



We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses
charged as an expense on our statements of income. We review our loan portfolio periodically to evaluate our outstanding loans and to measure both the performance of the portfolio and the adequacy of
the allowance for loan losses. Please see the discussion below under “Results of Operations  Allowance for Loan Losses” for a description of the factors we consider in determining
the amount of the provision we expense each period to maintain this allowance.





Following is a summary of the activity in the allowance for
loan losses.



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Balance, beginning of
period
$8,925
8,386
7,760Provision
4,550
5,270
5,610Loan charge-offs
(4,505)
(4,938)
(5,160)Loan recoveries
121
207
176Net loan charge-offs
(4,384)
(4,731)
(4,984)Balance, end of period
$9,091
8,925
8,386



41



For the year ended December 31, 2012, we incurred a noncash expense related to the provision for loan
losses of $4.6 million, bringing the allowance for loan losses to $9.1 million, or 1.41% of gross loans, as of December 31, 2012. In comparison, we added $5.3 million and $5.6 million to the
provision for loan losses during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, resulting in an allowance of $8.9 million and $8.4 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively,
which represented 1.49% and 1.47% of gross loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The lower provision expense of $4.6 million during the 2012 period relates primarily to the overall
improvement in the credit quality of our loan portfolio during 2012.



During the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, our net charge-offs were $4.4 million, representing 0.71%
of average loans, and consisted of $4.5 million in loans charged-off and of $121,000 of recoveries on loans previously charged-off. In addition, our loan balances increased by $47.3 million, while
the amount of our nonperforming and past due loans declined. Factors such as these are also considered in determining the amount of loan loss provision necessary to maintain our allowance for loan
losses at an adequate level.



We reported net charge-offs of $4.7 million and $5.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and
2010, respectively, including recoveries of $207,000 and $176,000 for the same periods in 2011 and 2010. The net charge-offs of $4.7 million and $5.0 million during 2011 and 2010, respectively,
represented 0.81% and 0.86% of the average outstanding loan portfolios for the respective years.



Noninterest Income



The following tables set forth information related to our noninterest income.



Year ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Loan fee income
$1,044
877
711Service fees on deposit accounts
767
638
583Income from bank owned life insurance
632
565
554Gain on sale of investment securities
363
23
1,156Other than temporary impairment on investment
securities
-
(25)
(450)Other income
956
692
491Total noninterest income
$3,762
2,770
3,045

Noninterest income was $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, a $992,000 increase over
noninterest income of $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in total noninterest income during 2012 resulted primarily from the following:

·

Loan fee income increased $167,000 or 19.0%, driven by increased mortgage origination
fee income of $168,000. In 2013, we plan to expand our mortgage operations to include full service mortgage capabilities such as on-site underwriting, closing and funding and expect our mortgage
origination income to continue to increase in the future.

·

Service fees on deposit accounts increased 20.2%, or $129,000, primarily related to
increased non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) fee income and additional income from service charges on our checking, money market, and savings accounts.

·

Income from bank owned life insurance increased $67,000 due primarily to income earned
on $3.0 million of additional life insurance policies purchased during the third quarter of 2011.

·

A gain on sale of investment securities of $363,000 was recognized during the 2012
period, compared to a gain on sale of $23,000 during 2011, as we sold $45.1 million of our mortgage-backed securities and state and municipal obligations, and reinvested $18.1 million of the
securities in similar investments at current rates. In addition, an other-than-temporary impairment of $25,000 was recognized during 2011.

·

Other income increased by $264,000, or 38.2%, due primarily to additional rental income
received from tenants at our Columbia, South Carolina headquarters building, combined with increased fee income driven by increased transaction volume on ATM and debit cards.



Noninterest income decreased $275,000 to $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $3.1
million for 2010. The decrease in total noninterest income during 2011 resulted primarily from the $1.2 million gain on sale of investment securities recorded during 2010, offset in part by the
$450,000 other than temporary impairment also recognized during 2010. Excluding the securities gains and impairment in 2011 and 2010, noninterest income increased by $433,000, or 18.5%, during 2011
as a result of the following:



42



·

Loan fee income increased $166,000 or 23.3%, driven primarily from increased mortgage
origination fee income.

·

Service fees on deposit accounts increased 9.4%, or $55,000, primarily related to
increased income from service charges on our checking, money market, and savings accounts, and additional NSF fee income.

·

Other income increased by $201,000, or 40.9%, due primarily to rental income received
from tenants at our Columbia, South Carolina headquarters building and additional fee income on our ATM and debit card transactions.



The Dodd-Frank Act calls for new limits on interchange transaction
fees that banks receive from merchants via card networks like Visa, Inc. and MasterCard, Inc. when a customer uses a debit card. In June 2011, the Federal Reserve approved the final rule which caps
an issuer’s base fee at 21 cents per transaction and allows an additional 5 basis point charge per transaction to help cover fraud losses. Although the rule technically does not apply to
institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as our Bank, there is concern that the price controls may harm community banks, which could be pressured by the marketplace to lower their own
interchange rates. Our ATM/Debit card fee income is included in other noninterest income and was $451,000, $389,000, and $322,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively,
the majority of which related to interchange fee income.



Noninterest Expenses



The following tables set forth information related to our noninterest expenses.



Years ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Compensation and benefits
$10,073
8,933
8,245Occupancy
2,468
2,282
2,135Real estate owned activity
939
940
674Data processing and related costs
2,070
1,869
1,624Insurance
1,367
1,437
1,533Marketing
637
686
690Professional fees
841
658
659Other
1,118
1,062
1,004Total noninterest expenses
$19,513
17,867
16,564

Noninterest expense was $19.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, a $1.6 million, or 9.2%,
increase from noninterest expense of $17.9 million for 2011.



The increase in total noninterest expenses resulted primarily from the following:

·

Compensation and benefits expense increased $1.1 million, or 12.8%, during 2012 relating
primarily to increases in base and incentive compensation expenses and benefits expense. Base compensation expense increased by $664,000 driven by the cost of 12 additional employees most of whom
were hired to support our new Charleston and Forest Drive offices, combined with annual salary increases. Incentive compensation, which is based on certain targeted financial performance goals met by
management, increased by $220,000, while benefits expenses increased $276,000 during the 2012 period and represented 20.3% of total compensation and benefits during 2012.

·

Occupancy expenses increased 8.2%, or $186,000, driven primarily by increased
depreciation, utilities, and repairs and maintenance expenses.

·

Data processing and related costs increased 10.8%, or $201,000, primarily related to the
increased number of clients and accounts we service.

·

Professional fees increased $183,000, or 27.8%, driven by increased legal and accounting
expenses and loan appraisal fees during the 2012 period. Of the $841,000 in professional fees during 2012, approximately $130,000 is related to expenses associated with the sale of our Series T
Preferred stock by the Treasury in the TARP auction in June 2012 and repurchase of the CPP Warrant in July 2012.

·

Other noninterest expenses increased by 5.3%, or $56,000, driven by increased travel and
other costs associated with opening our two new retail offices.



Offsetting the increases in noninterest expenses was a $70,000, or 4.9%, decrease in insurance expense due
to the change in the assessment base calculation for FDIC insurance which took place in the second quarter of 2011. In addition, we anticipate that our insurance expenses will continue to decline in
2013 due to the recent termination of our Formal Agreement with the OCC.



43



Noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $17.9 million and $16.6 million,
respectively. The $1.3 million increase during 2011 related primarily to the following:

·

Compensation and benefits expense increased $688,000, or 8.3%, during 2011 relating
primarily to increases in base and incentive compensation expenses and benefits expense. Base compensation expense increased $293,000 due primarily to the cost of nine additional employees, as well
as annual salary increases, while incentive compensation expense increased by $126,000 and benefits expense by $291,000 over the prior year. Benefit expense represented 17.9% of total compensation
and benefits during 2011.

·

Occupancy expenses increased 6.9%, or $147,000, driven primarily by increased utilities
and repairs and maintenance expenses.

·

Expenses related to real estate we own increased by $266,000, relating primarily to
costs associated with the disposition of certain other real estate owned, and included a $150,000 gain on the sale of property held for investment.

·

Data processing and related costs increased 15.1%, or $245,000, primarily related to the
costs of new services we offer, such as mobile banking and other electronic banking, as well as the increased number of clients and accounts we service.



Offsetting the increases in noninterest expenses was a $96,000, or 6.3%, decrease in insurance expense
related to a reduction in the quarterly FDIC assessment resulting from a change in the assessment calculation. The assessment base changed to an asset based calculation effective for the second
quarter of 2011.



Our efficiency ratio, excluding gains on sale of investment securities and real estate owned activity, was
63.2% for 2012 compared to 65.0% for 2011. The efficiency ratio represents the percentage of one dollar of expense required to be incurred to earn a full dollar of revenue and is computed by dividing
noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. The improvement in the efficiency ratio relates primarily to the increase in net interest income and noninterest income,
excluding the gain on sale of securities.



Income tax expense was $1.8 million, $833,000 and $193,000 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and
2010, respectively. The increase in income tax expense in 2012 was primarily a result of the increase in our net income. Our effective tax rate was 32.2% for the year ended December 31, 2012, and
28.5% and 17.8% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The lower net income during 2011 and 2010, combined with additional tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance and
state and municipal investment securities, increased the impact that our tax-exempt income had in lowering our effective tax rate.






Investment
Securities



At December 31, 2012, the $86.0 million in our investment securities portfolio
represented approximately 10.8% of our total assets. Our investment portfolio included US agency securities, SBA securities, state and political subdivisions, and mortgage-backed securities with a
fair value of $78.2 million and an amortized cost of $76.4 million for an unrealized gain of $1.8 million.



The amortized costs and the fair value of our investments are as follows.



December 31,2012

2011

2010Amortized
Fair

Amortized
Fair

Amortized
Fair(dollars in thousands)
Cost
Value

Cost
Value

Cost
ValueAvailable for SaleUS Agency securities
$7,781
7,785

-
-

-
-SBA securities
6,060
6,072

-
-

-
-State and political subdivisions
24,167
25,249

17,390
18,248

11,331
11,166Mortgage-backed securities
38,428
39,116

81,694
82,412

53,518
52,617Total
76,436
78,222

99,084
100,660

64,849
63,783

Contractual maturities and yields on our investments are shown in the following table. Expected maturities
may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.



44



December 31, 2012Less Than One Year

One to Five Years

Five to Ten Years

Over Ten Years

Total(dollars in thousands)
Amount
Yield

Amount
Yield

Amount
Yield

Amount
Yield

Amount
YieldAvailable for SaleUS Agency securities
$—
—

—
—

—
—

7,785
2.42%

7,785
2.42%SBA securities
—
—

—
—

—
—

6,072
1.89%

6,072
1.89%State and political subdivisions
421
1.43%

3,671
0.60%

5,031
3.11%

16,126
2.96%

25,249
2.60%Mortgage-backed securities
—
—

—
—

—
—

39,116
2.29%

39,116
2.29%Total
$421
1.43%

$3,671
0.60%

$5,031
3.11%

69,099
2.42%

78,222
2.37%


At December 31, 2012, the Company had 20 individual
investments with a fair market value of $16.1 million, that were in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. The unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest
rates, rather than deterioration in credit quality. The Company considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities have been less than cost to
conclude that such securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired. We also consider other factors such as the financial condition of the issuer including credit ratings and specific events
affecting the operations of the issuer, volatility of the security, underlying assets that collateralize the debt security, and other industry and macroeconomic conditions. As the Company has no
intent to sell securities with unrealized losses and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of amortized cost, we have concluded
that the securities are not impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.



Other investments are comprised of the following and are recorded at cost which approximates fair value.



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Federal Reserve Bank stock
$1,485
1,485Federal Home Loan Bank stock
5,807
5,937Certificates of deposit
99
99Investment in Trust Preferred subsidiaries
403
403Total
$7,794
7,924

Loans



Since loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of
interest-earning assets, a substantial percentage of our earning assets are invested in our loan portfolio. Average loans for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $620.5 million and $584.6
million, respectively. Before allowance for loan losses, total loans outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $646.0 million and $598.6 million, respectively.



The principal component of our loan portfolio is loans secured by real estate
mortgages. As of December 31, 2012, our loan portfolio included $522.5 million, or 80.9%, of real estate loans. As of December 31, 2011, loans secured by real estate made up 79.8% of our loan
portfolio and totaled $477.7 million. Most of our real estate loans are secured by residential or commercial property. We obtain a security interest in real estate, in addition to any other available
collateral. This collateral is taken to increase the likelihood of the ultimate repayment of the loan. Generally, we limit the loan-to-value ratio on loans to coincide with the appropriate regulatory
guidelines. We attempt to maintain a relatively diversified loan portfolio to help reduce the risk inherent in concentration in certain types of collateral and business types. We do not generally
originate traditional long term residential mortgages to hold in our loan portfolio, but we do issue traditional second mortgage residential real estate loans and home equity lines of credit. Home
equity lines of credit totaled $77.9 million as of December 31, 2012, of which approximately 38% were in a first lien position, while the remaining balance was second liens. The average loan had a
balance of approximately $106,000 and a loan to value of approximately 75%. Further, 0.6% of our total home equity lines of credit were over 30 days past due.



Following is a summary of our loan composition for each of the five years ended December 31, 2012. The
$28.8 million increase in consumer real estate loans is related to our focus to continue to originate high quality 1-4 family consumer real estate loans. In addition, our East Bay Street office in
Charleston, South Carolina has contributed to the growth in owner occupied real estate and business loans. Our average consumer real estate loan currently has a principal balance of $294,000, a term
of seven years, and an average rate of 5.04%.





45



December 31,2012

2011

2010

2009

2008%of


%of


%of


%of


%of(dollars in thousands)
Amount
Total

Amount
Total

Amount
Total

Amount
Total

Amount
TotalCommercialOwner occupied RE
$158,790
24.6%

$149,254
24.9%

$137,696
24.0%

$132,328
23.0%

$113,172
20.0%Non-owner occupied RE
165,163
25.6%

164,623
27.5%

163,795
28.6%

160,229
27.9%

150,996
26.7%Construction
20,347
3.1%

17,841
3.0%

11,319
2.0%

22,718
4.0%

52,834
9.3%Business
114,169
17.7%

111,831
18.7%

109,351
19.1%

110,438
19.2%

106,364
18.8%Total commercial loans
458,469
71.0%

443,549
74.1%

422,161
73.7%

425,713
74.1%

423,366
74.8%ConsumerReal estate
86,559
13.4%

57,798
9.7%

54,076
9.5%

55,277
9.6%

60,202
10.6%Home equity
77,895
12.1%

82,664
13.8%

79,528
13.9%

74,348
13.0%

62,987
11.1%Construction
13,749
2.1%

5,546
0.9%

8,550
1.5%

7,914
1.4%

8,861
1.5%Other
9,277
1.4%

9,077
1.5%

8,077
1.4%

11,018
1.9%

11,191
2.0%Total consumer loans
187,480
29.0%

155,085
25.9%

150,231
26.3%

148,557
25.9%

143,241
25.2%Total gross loans, net of deferred fees
645,949
100.0%

598,634
100.0%

572,392
100.0%

574,270
100.0%

566,607
100.0%Less  allowance
for loan losses
(9,091)


(8,925)


(8,386)


(7,760)


(7,005)Total loans, net
$636,858


$589,709


$564,006


$566,510


$559,602

Maturities and Sensitivity of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates



The information in the following table is based on the contractual maturities of
individual loans, including loans which may be subject to renewal at their contractual maturity. Renewal of such loans is subject to review and credit approval, as well as modification of terms upon
maturity. Actual repayments of loans may differ from the maturities reflected below because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.



The following table summarizes the loan maturity distribution by type and related interest rate
characteristics.





December 31, 2012(dollars in thousands)
One year
or less
After one
but within
five years
After five
years
TotalCommercialOwner occupied RE
$23,833
92,681
42,276
158,790Non-owner
occupied RE
47,252
98,514
19,397
165,163Construction
9,206
4,387
6,754
20,347Business
57,947
50,084
6,138
114,169Total commercial loans
138,238
245,666
74,565
458,469ConsumerReal estate
12,907
27,702
45,950
86,559Home equity
7,083
17,832
52,980
77,895Construction
6,032
1,530
6,187
13,749Other
5,475
2,826
976
9,277Total consumer loans
31,497
49,890
106,093
187,480Total gross loan, net of deferred fees
$169,735
295,556
180,658
645,949Loans maturing  after one year withFixed interest
rates



$314,396Floating interest rates



161,818

Nonperforming Assets



Nonperforming assets include real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed taken
in lieu of foreclosure and loans on nonaccrual status. The following table shows the nonperforming assets and the related percentage of nonperforming assets to total assets and gross loans for the
five years ended December 31, 2012. Generally, a loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest, or when we believe, after considering economic and
business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of the loan is doubtful. A payment of interest on a loan that is classified as
nonaccrual is recognized as a reduction in



46



principal when received. Our policy with respect to nonperforming loans requires the borrower to make a
minimum of six consecutive payments in accordance with the loan terms before that loan can be placed back on accrual status. Further, the borrower must show capacity to continue performing into the
future prior to restoration of accrual status. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had no loans 90 days past due and still accruing.



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008CommercialOwner occupied RE
$155
1,061
1,183
736
62Non-owner occupied RE
1,255
1,745
3,311
2,560
2,580Construction
1,006
1,314
1,377
1,483
3,485Business
202
503
1,781
3,351
868ConsumerReal estate
119
476
928
2,551
565Home equity
577
386
251
503
126Construction
-
-
-
-
-Other
44
-
7
75
13Nonaccruing troubled debt restructurings
4,809
4,779
488
482
-Total nonaccrual loans, including nonaccruing TDRs
8,167
10,264
9,326
11,741
7,699Other real estate owned
1,719
3,686
5,629
3,704
2,116Total
nonperforming assets
$9,886
13,950
14,955
15,445
9,815Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:Total assets
1.24%
1.82%
2.03%
2.15%
1.42%Gross loans
1.53%
2.33%
2.61%
2.69%
1.73%Total loans over 90 days past due (1)
$5,027
8,854
6,439
4,686
7,008Loans over 90 days past
due and still accruing
-
-
-
-
-Accruing
troubled debt restructurings
9,421
7,429
-
-
-(1)   Loans over 90 days are included in nonaccrual loans

At December 31, 2012, nonperforming assets were $9.9 million, or 1.24% of total
assets and 1.53% of gross loans. Comparatively, nonperforming assets were $14.0 million, or 1.82% of total assets and 2.33% of gross loans at December 31, 2011. Nonaccrual loans decreased $2.1
million to $8.2 million at December 31, 2012 from $10.3 million at December 31, 2011. During 2012, we added $3.7 million or 17 new loans to nonaccrual
while removing or charging off $2.5 million or 12 nonaccrual loans from 2011 and transferring six properties totaling $1.8 million to real estate acquired in settlement of loans. The amount of
foregone interest income on the nonaccrual loans for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $402,000 and $419,000, respectively.



Nonperforming assets include other real estate owned. These assets decreased $2.0 million to $1.7 million
at December 31, 2012 from $3.7 million at December 31, 2011. During 2012, we sold 11 properties for approximately $2.7 million and recognized a $458,000 loss on the sales. In addition we added eight
properties during 2012, for $1.6 million, and recorded write-downs on seven properties of $419,000. The balance at December 31, 2012 includes five commercial properties for $1.4 million and three
residential real estate properties totaling $294,000. We believe that these properties are appropriately valued at the lower of cost or market as of December 31, 2012.



At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the allowance for loan losses represented 111.3%, 87.0%, and 89.9% of
the amount of non-performing loans. A significant portion, or 89.3%, of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2012 are secured by real estate. Our nonperforming loans have been written down to
approximately 70% of their original nonperforming balance. We have evaluated the underlying collateral on these loans and believe that the collateral on these loans combined with our write-downs on
these loans is sufficient to minimize future losses. As a result of this level of coverage on non-performing loans, we believe the provision of $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 to be
adequate.



As a general practice, most of our loans are originated with relatively short maturities of less than 10
years. As a result, when a loan reaches its maturity we frequently renew the loan and thus extend its maturity using the same credit standards as those used when the loan was first originated. Due to
these loan practices, we may, at times, renew loans which are classified as nonperforming after evaluating the loan’s collateral value and financial strength of its guarantors. Nonperforming
loans are renewed at terms generally consistent with the ultimate source of repayment and rarely at reduced rates. In these cases the Bank will seek additional credit enhancements, such as additional
collateral



47



or additional guarantees to further protect the loan. When a loan is no longer performing in accordance
with its stated terms, the Bank will typically seek performance under the guarantee.



In addition, approximately 81% of our loans are collateralized by real estate and over 94% of our impaired
loans are secured by real estate. The Bank utilizes third party appraisers to determine the fair value of collateral dependent loans. Our current loan and appraisal policies require the Bank to
obtain updated appraisals on an annual basis, either through a new external appraisal or an internal appraisal evaluation. Impaired loans are individually reviewed on a quarterly basis to determine
the level of impairment. As of December 31, 2012, we do not have any impaired loans carried at a value in excess of the appraised value. We typically charge-off a portion or create a specific reserve
for impaired loans when we do not expect repayment to occur as agreed upon under the original terms of the loan agreement.




At December 31, 2012, impaired loans totaled approximately
$17.6 million for which $9.5 million of these loans have a reserve of approximately $3.7 million allocated in the allowance. During 2012, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was
approximately $17.9 million. At December 31, 2011, impaired loans totaled approximately $17.7 million for which $13.2 million of these loans had a reserve of approximately $3.9 million allocated in
the allowance. During 2011, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $13.0 million.



The Company considers a loan to be a troubled debt restructuring
(“TDR”) when the debtor experiences financial difficulties and the Company provides concessions such that we will not collect all principal and interest in accordance with the original
terms of the loan agreement. Concessions can relate to the contractual interest rate, maturity date, or payment structure of the note. As part of our workout plan for individual loan relationships,
we may restructure loan terms to assist borrowers facing challenges in the current economic environment. As of December 31, 2012, we determined that we had loans totaling $14.2 million, which we
considered TDRs. As of December 31, 2011, we had loans totaling $12.2 million, which we considered TDRs. See Notes 1 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on TDRs.



Allowance for Loan Losses




At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the allowance for
loan losses was $9.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively, or 1.41% and 1.49% of outstanding loans, respectively. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of our outstanding loan portfolio
decreased primarily as a result of the overall improvement in the credit quality of our loan portfolio during 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, our net charged-off loans decreased by
$347,000 and our total nonaccrual loans decreased by $2.1 million, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our
allowance for loan losses.





48



The following table summarizes the activity related to our allowance for loan losses for the five years ended December
31, 2012.



Year ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008Balance,
beginning of period
$8,925
8,386
7,760
7,005
5,751Provision for loan losses
4,550
5,270
5,610
4,310
3,161Loan charge-offs:CommercialOwner occupied RE
(1,857)
(72)
(143)
-
(20)Non-owner occupied RE
(513)
(1,052)
(1,343)
(482)
(89)Construction
-
(67)
-
(1,096)
(1,150)Business
(1,230)
(3,243)
(2,982)
(1,741)
(647)Total commercial
(3,600)
(4,434)
(4,468)
(3,319)
(1,906)ConsumerReal estate
(214)
(129)
(235)
(117)
-Home equity
(691)
(175)
(286)
(94)
-Construction
-
-
-
-
-Other
-
(200)
(171)
(134)
(29)Total consumer
(905)
(504)
(692)
(345)
(29)Total loan charge-offs
(4,505)
(4,938)
(5,160)
(3,664)
(1,935)Loan recoveries:CommercialOwner occupied RE
4
14
1
-
10Non-owner occupied RE
42
42
-
14
-Construction
-
-
-
-
-Business
27
149
167
92
17Total commercial
73
205
168
106
27ConsumerReal estate
2
-
4
-
1Home equity
32
2
3
-
-Construction
-
-
-
-
-Other
14
-
1
3
-Total consumer
48
2
8
3
1Total recoveries
121
207
176
109
28Net loan charge-offs
(4,384)
(4,731)
(4,984)
(3,555)
(1,907)Balance, end of period
$9,091
8,925
8,386
7,760
7,005Allowance
for loan losses to gross loans
1.41%
1.49%
1.47%
1.35%
1.24%Net charge-offs to average loans
0.71%
0.81%
0.86%
0.63%
0.35%

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities



Our primary source of funds for loans and investments is our deposits, advances from
the FHLB, and structured repurchase agreements. In the past, we have chosen to obtain a portion of our certificates of deposits from areas outside of our market in order to obtain longer term
deposits than are readily available in our local market. We have adopted guidelines regarding our use of brokered CDs that limit our brokered CDs to 25% of total deposits and dictate that our current
interest rate risk profile determines the terms. In addition, we do not obtain time deposits of $100,000 or more through the Internet. These guidelines allow us to take advantage of the attractive
terms that wholesale funding can offer while mitigating the related inherent risk.



Our retail deposits represented $563.3 million, or 97.7% of total deposits at December 31, 2012, while our
out-of-market, or brokered, deposits represented $13.0 million, or 2.3% of our total deposits. At December 31, 2011, retail deposits represented $517.1 million, or 91.9%, of our total deposits and
brokered CDs were $45.8 million, representing 8.1% of our total deposits. While wholesale deposits decreased $32.8 million, our retail deposits have increased $46.2 million. As our wholesale deposits
have matured during the past three years, we have successfully replaced them with local deposits, and reduced our brokered deposits by over $200 million since June 2009. Our loan-to-deposit ratio was
112%, 106%, and 107% at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.



49



The following table shows the average balance amounts and the average rates paid on deposits held by us.



December 31,2012

2011

2010(dollars in thousands)
Amount
Rate

Amount
Rate

Amount
RateNoninterest bearing demand
deposits
$86,080
-%

$58,573
-%

$45,957
-%Interest bearing demand deposits
152,433
0.58%

140,139
1.03%

96,901
1.27%Money market accounts
107,052
0.41%

107,960
0.77%

94,398
1.00%Savings accounts
5,271
0.13%

3,853
0.18%

2,785
0.21%Time deposits less than $100,000
75,148
1.10%

75,912
1.57%

78,837
2.16%Time
deposits greater than $100,000
139,595
1.45%

167,706
2.10%

212,292
2.61%Total deposits
$565,579
0.74%

$554,143
1.27%

$531,170
1.78%

The $40.3 million increase in average transaction accounts and the $28.1 million
decrease in average time deposits of $100,000 or more for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the 2011 period is a result of our intense focus to replace our out-of-market deposits with
local deposits. The increase in retail funding continued to enable the Company to reduce its wholesale funding by approximately $32.8 million during the last twelve months.



Core deposits, which exclude out-of-market deposits and time deposits of $100,000 or more, provide a
relatively stable funding source for our loan portfolio and other earning assets. Our core deposits were $427.9 million, $413.1 million, and $356.6 million at December 31,
 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Included in time deposits of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2012 is $9.0 million of wholesale CDs scheduled to mature within the next 12
months at a weighted average rate of 2.45%.



All of our time deposits are certificates of deposits. The maturity distribution of
our time deposits of $100,000 or more is as follows:



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Three months or less
$47,713
46,307Over three through six months
32,056
47,972Over six through twelve months
36,396
24,024Over twelve
months
32,198
31,519Total
$148,363
149,822

The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently raises the current standard maximum deposit insurance amount to
$250,000. The FDIC insurance coverage limit applies per depositor, per insured depository institution for each account ownership category. In addition, the FDIC provided unlimited deposit insurance
coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts (typically business checking accounts) and certain funds swept into noninterest-bearing savings accounts; however, the unlimited deposit
insurance coverage for noninterest-bearing savings accounts expired on December 31, 2012. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the expiration for unlimited deposit insurance coverage
for noninterest-bearing saving accounts on our deposit strategy.



Liquidity and Capital Resources



Liquidity represents the ability of a company to convert assets into cash or cash
equivalents without significant loss, and the ability to raise additional funds by increasing liabilities. Liquidity management involves monitoring our sources and uses of funds in order to meet our
day-to-day cash flow requirements while maximizing profits. Liquidity management is made more complicated because different balance sheet components are subject to varying degrees of management
control. For example, the timing of maturities of our investment portfolio is fairly predictable and subject to a high degree of control at the time investment decisions are made. However, net
deposit inflows and outflows are far less predictable and are not subject to the same degree of control.



At December 31, 2012 and 2011, our liquid assets amounted to $29.4 million and $23.0 million, or 3.7% and
3.0% of total assets, respectively. Our investment securities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $86.0 million and $108.6 million, or 10.8% and 14.1% of total assets, respectively. Investment
securities traditionally provide a secondary source of liquidity since they can be converted into cash in a timely manner. However, approximately 50% of these



50



securities are pledged against outstanding debt. Therefore, the related debt would need to be repaid prior
to the securities being sold in order for these securities to be converted to cash.



Our ability to maintain and expand our deposit base and borrowing capabilities
serves as our primary source of liquidity. We plan to meet our future cash needs through the liquidation of temporary investments, the generation of deposits, and from additional borrowings. In
addition, we will receive cash upon the maturity and sale of loans and the maturity of investment securities. We maintain three federal funds purchased lines of credit with correspondent banks
totaling $30.5 million for which there were borrowings of $13.2 million against one of the lines at December 31, 2012.



We are also a member of the FHLB of Atlanta, from which applications for borrowings can be made. The FHLB
requires that securities, qualifying mortgage loans, and stock of the FHLB owned by the Bank be pledged to secure any advances from the FHLB. The unused borrowing capacity currently available from
the FHLB at December 31, 2012 was $10.2 million, based on the Bank’s $5.8 million investment in FHLB stock, as well as qualifying mortgages available to secure any future borrowings. However,
we are able to pledge additional securities to the FHLB in order to increase our available borrowing capacity.



We believe that our existing stable base of core deposits, federal funds purchased lines of credit with
correspondent banks, and borrowings from the FHLB will enable us to successfully meet our long-term liquidity needs. However, as short-term liquidity needs arise, we have the ability to sell a
portion of our investment securities portfolio to meet those needs. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, we developed a need for additional liquidity as we experienced increased loan
demand and, as a result, sold $45.1 million of our mortgage-backed securities and state and municipal obligations, reinvested $18.1 million of the securities in similar investments at current rates,
and recorded a net gain on sale of investment securities of $363,000.



Total shareholders’ equity was $64.1 million at December 31, 2012 and $62.5 million at December 31,
2011. The $1.6 million increase during 2012 is primarily related to net income of $3.9 million for 2012, offset partially by the $904,000 repurchase of 1,000 shares of our Series T Preferred stock
and $1.1 million repurchase of the CPP Warrant.



The following table shows the return on average assets (net income divided by average total assets), return
on average equity (net income divided by average equity), and equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average total assets) for the three years ended December 31, 2012. Since our inception,
we have not paid cash dividends.



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Return on average assets
0.50%
0.28%
0.12%Return on average equity
6.03%
3.40%
1.47%Return on average common
equity
5.79%
2.10%
(0.53%)Average equity to average assets ratio
8.30%
8.12%
8.16%Common equity to assets ratio
5.99%
5.98%
5.82%


Under the capital adequacy guidelines, regulatory capital is
classified into two tiers. These guidelines require an institution to maintain a certain level of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital consists of common
shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, minus certain intangible assets. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets,
including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100% based on the risks believed to be inherent in the type of asset. Tier 2 capital consists of Tier 1
capital plus the general reserve for loan losses, subject to certain limitations. We are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on total average assets, which is known as the Tier
1 leverage ratio.



At both the holding company and Bank level, we are subject to various regulatory
capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. To be considered “well-capitalized,” we must maintain total risk-based capital of at least 10%, Tier 1 capital of at
least 6%, and a leverage ratio of at least 5%. To be considered “adequately capitalized” under these capital guidelines, we must maintain a minimum total risk-based capital of 8%, with at
least 4% being Tier 1 capital. In addition, we must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4%. As previously noted, on January 3, 2013, the OCC notified the Bank that effective December
19, 2012 it was no longer subject to the Formal Agreement or the Individual Minimum Capital Ratios previously established by the OCC. As of December 31, 2012, our capital ratios exceed these ratios
and we remain “well capitalized.”





51



In December 2010, the Basel Committee adopted the Basel III capital rules, which set new capital
requirements for banking organizations. On June 7, 2012, the Federal Reserve requested comment on three proposed rules that, taken together, would establish an integrated regulatory capital framework
implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms in the United States. As proposed, the U.S. implementation of Basel III would lead to significantly higher capital requirements and more
restrictive leverage and liquidity ratios than those currently in place. The proposed rules indicated that the final rule would become effective on January 1, 2013, and the changes set forth in the
final rules will be phased in from January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2019. However, due to the volume of public comments received, the final rule did not go into effect on January 1, 2013. The
ultimate impact of the U.S. implementation of the new capital and liquidity standards on the Company and the Bank is currently being reviewed and is dependent upon the terms of the final regulations,
which may differ from the proposed regulations. Requirements to maintain higher levels of capital or to maintain higher levels of liquid assets could adversely impact our net income and return on
equity.



The following table summarizes the capital amounts and ratios of the Bank and the regulatory minimum
requirements.



Actual
OCC
Required
Capital Ratio
Minimum
For
capital
adequacypurposes
minimum
To be
wellcapitalized
under prompt
corrective
action provisions
minimum(dollars in
thousands)
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
RatioAs of
December 31, 2012Total Capital (to
risk weighted assets)
$83,763
13.0%
n/a
n/a
$51,498
8.0%
$64,372
10.0%Tier 1
Capital (to risk weighted assets)
75,704
11.8%
n/a
n/a
25,749
4.0%
38,623
6.0%Tier 1 Capital (to
average assets)
75,704
9.6%
n/a
n/a
31,492
4.0%
39,366
5.0%As of December
31, 2011Total
Capital (to risk weighted assets)
$80,885
13.1%
$74,095
12.0%
$49,397
8.0%
$61,746
10.0%Tier 1 Capital (to
risk weighted assets)
73,152
11.9%
61,746
10.0%
24,698
4.0%
37,047
6.0%Tier 1
Capital (to average assets)
73,152
9.5%
69,571
9.0%
30,920
4.0%
38,651
5.0%As of
December 31, 2010Total Capital (to
risk weighted assets)
78,659
13.2%
71,487
12.0%
47,658
8.0%
59,572
10.0%Tier 1
Capital (to risk weighted assets)
71,201
12.0%
59,572
10.0%
23,829
4.0%
35,743
6.0%Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
71,201
9.6%
66,895
9.0%
29,731
4.0%
37,164
5.0%


The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends is dependent
upon receiving cash in the form of dividends from the Bank. The dividends that may be paid by the Bank to the Company are subject to legal limitations and regulatory capital requirements. The
approval of the OCC is required if the total of all dividends declared by a national bank in any calendar year exceeds the total of its net profits for that year combined with its retained net
profits for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus. In addition, the Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding
companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank
holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Further, the Company cannot pay cash dividends on its common stock
during any calendar quarter unless full dividends on the Series T preferred stock for the dividend period ending during the calendar quarter have been declared and the Company has not failed to pay a
dividend in the full amount of the Series T Preferred Stock with respect to the period in which such dividend payment in respect of its common stock would occur.



Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices



The effect of relative purchasing power over time due to inflation has not been
taken into account in our consolidated financial statements. Rather, our financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.



Unlike most industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary
in nature. Therefore, the effect of changes in interest rates will have a more significant impact on our performance than will the effect of changing prices and inflation in general. In addition,
interest rates may generally increase as the rate of inflation increases, although not necessarily in the same magnitude. As discussed previously, we seek to manage the relationships between interest
sensitive assets and liabilities in order to protect against wide rate fluctuations, including those resulting from inflation.



52



Off-Balance Sheet Risk



Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client as long as the
client has not violated any material condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. At
December 31, 2012, unfunded commitments to extend credit were approximately $115.6 million, of which $22.1 million is at fixed rates and $93.5 million is at variable rates. At December 31, 2011,
unfunded commitments to extend credit were $98.9 million, of which approximately $17.6 million was at fixed rates and $81.3 million was at variable rates. A significant portion of the unfunded
commitments related to consumer equity lines of credit. Based on historical experience, we anticipate that a significant portion of these lines of credit will not be funded. We evaluate each
client’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. The
type of collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and commercial and residential real estate.



At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there was a $2.3 million and $2.5 million commitment
under letters of credit, respectively. The credit risk and collateral involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to clients. Since
most of the letters of credit are expected to expire without being drawn upon, they do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.



Except as disclosed in this document, we are not involved in off-balance sheet
contractual relationships, unconsolidated related entities that have off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions that could result in liquidity needs or other commitments that significantly impact
earnings.



Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity



Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates,
which principally arises from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, deposit gathering, and borrowing activities. Other types of market risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate
risk and commodity price risk, do not generally arise in the normal course of our business.



We actively monitor and manage our interest rate risk exposure in order to control
the mix and maturities of our assets and liabilities utilizing a process we call asset/liability management. The essential purposes of asset/liability management are to ensure adequate liquidity and
to maintain an appropriate balance between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to minimize potentially adverse impacts on earnings from changes in market interest rates. Our
asset/liability management committee (“ALCO”) monitors and considers methods of managing exposure to interest rate risk. We have both an internal ALCO consisting of senior management that
meets at various times during each month and a board ALCO that meets monthly. The ALCOs are responsible for maintaining the level of interest rate sensitivity of our interest sensitive assets and
liabilities within board-approved limits.



As of December 31, 2012, the following table summarizes the forecasted impact on net interest income using
a base case scenario given upward and downward movements in interest rates of 100, 200, and 300 basis points based on forecasted assumptions of prepayment speeds, nominal interest rates and loan and
deposit repricing rates. Estimates are based on current economic conditions, historical interest rate cycles and other factors deemed to be relevant. However, underlying assumptions may be impacted
in future periods which were not known to management at the time of the issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, management’s assumptions may or may not prove valid. No
assurance can be given that changing economic conditions and other relevant factors impacting our net interest income will not cause actual occurrences to differ from underlying assumptions. In
addition, this analysis does not consider any strategic changes to our balance sheet which management may consider as a result of changes in market conditions.



Interest rate scenario

Change in net interest income from baseUp 300 basis points

(7.43)%Up 200 basis points

(7.74)%Up 100 basis points

(4.80)%Base

-Down 100 basis points

0.04 %Down 200 basis points

(1.47)%Down 300 basis points

(2.61)%

53



Contractual Obligations



We utilize a variety of short-term and long-term borrowings to supplement our supply of lendable funds, to
assist in meeting deposit withdrawal requirements, and to fund growth of interest-earning assets in excess of traditional deposit growth. Certificates of deposit, structured repurchase agreements,
FHLB advances, and junior subordinate debentures serve as our primary sources of such funds.



Obligations under noncancelable operating lease agreements are payable over several years with the longest
obligation expiring in 2025. We do not feel that any existing noncancelable operating lease agreements are likely to materially impact the Company’s financial condition or results of operations
in an adverse way. Contractual obligations relative to these agreements are noted in the table below. Option periods that we have not yet exercised are not included in this analysis as they do not
represent contractual obligations until exercised.



The following table provides payments due by period for obligations under long-term borrowings and
operating lease obligations as of December 31, 2012.



December 31, 2012Payments Due by Period(dollars in thousands)
Within
One Year
Over One 
to Two
Years
Over Two
to Three
Years
Over Three
to Five
Years
After
Five
Years
TotalCertificates of deposit
$180,195
43,054
4,676
1,658
95
229,678FHLB advances and other borrowings
-
8,900
-
83,000
32,200
124,100Junior subordinated debentures
-
-
-
-
13,403
13,403Operating lease obligations
1,825
1,841
796
915
1,143
6,520Total
$182,020
53,795
5,472
85,573
46,841
373,701



Accounting, Reporting, and Regulatory Matters



The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that could impact
the accounting, reporting, and/or disclosure of financial information by the Company.



In April 2011 the FASB issued ASU 2011-02 to assist creditors with their determination of when a
restructuring is a TDR. The determination is based on whether the restructuring constitutes a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties as both events must be present.
The new guidance was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 and did not have a material effect on the Company’s TDR determinations.



In April 2011, the criteria used to determine effective control of transferred assets in the Transfers and
Servicing topic of the ASC was amended by ASU 2011-03. The requirement for the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms and the
collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion were removed from the assessment of effective control. The other criteria to assess effective control were not changed. The
amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2012 and had no effect on the financial statements.



ASU 2011-04 was issued in May 2011 to amend the Fair Value Measurement topic of the ASC by clarifying the
application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and by changing particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair
value measurements. The amendments were effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 and had no effect on the financial statements.



The Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC was amended in June 2011. The amendment eliminates the option to
present other comprehensive income as a part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive
income. The amendments were applicable to the Company on January 1, 2012 and have been applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the topic was further amended to defer the effective date of
presenting reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. Companies should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated
other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect prior to the amendments while FASB finalizes its conclusions regarding future requirements.





54



The FASB amended the Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC in February 2013. The amendment addresses
reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Specifically, the amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive
income in financial statements. However, the amendments do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In
addition, in certain circumstances an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of
accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amendments will be effective for the Company on a prospective basis for reporting periods beginning after
December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.



Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies
are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.





Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk



See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 Market Risk and Interest Rate Sensitivity and  Liquidity and Capital Resources.





55



Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data







Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm





To the Board of Directors

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Greenville, South Carolina



We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southern First Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December
31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended
December 31, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on
our audits.



We conducted our audits 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 audits 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 audits provide 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 Southern First Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period
ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.





/s/ Elliott Davis, LLC



Greenville, South Carolina

March 5, 2013



56



SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31,(dollars in thousands, except share data)
2012
2011ASSETSCash and cash equivalents:Cash and due
from banks
$13,063
7,417Interest-bearing deposits
with banks
16,350
15,588Total cash and cash equivalents
29,413
23,005Investment securities:Investment
securities available for sale
78,222
100,660Other investments
7,794
7,924Total investment securities
86,016
108,584Loans
645,949
598,634Less allowance for loan losses
(9,091)
(8,925)Loans, net
636,858
589,709Bank owned life insurance
18,725
18,093Property and equipment, net
18,733
17,342Deferred income taxes
3,176
2,951Other assets
5,077
8,061Total assets
$797,998
767,745LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITYDeposits
$576,299
562,912Federal funds purchased
13,190
-Federal Home Loan Bank advances
and other borrowings
124,100
122,700Junior subordinated debentures
13,403
13,403Other liabilities
6,881
6,191Total liabilities
733,873
705,206Shareholders’ equity:Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share,
10,000,000 shares authorized, 16,299 and 17,299 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
16,299
16,596Common stock, par value $.01 per
share, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,247,404 and  3,820,830 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively
43
38Nonvested restricted stock
(160)
(16)Additional paid-in capital
42,396
39,546Accumulated other comprehensive income
1,178
1,041Retained earnings
4,369
5,334Total shareholders’ equity
64,125
62,539Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$797,998
767,745



See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements. Paid in capital,
retained earnings and common shares outstanding have been adjusted to reflect the 10 percent stock dividends in 2013 and 2012.



57



SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the years ended December
31,(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2012
2011
2010Interest incomeLoans
$32,668
32,892
32,587Investment securities
1,963
2,144
2,883Federal funds sold
67
106
59Total interest income
34,698
35,142
35,529Interest expenseDeposits
4,177
6,993
9,424Borrowings
4,525
4,861
5,893Total interest expense
8,702
11,854
15,317Net interest income
25,996
23,288
20,212Provision for loan losses
4,550
5,270
5,610Net interest income after provision for loan losses
21,446
18,018
14,602Noninterest incomeLoan fee income
1,044
877
711Service fees on deposit
accounts
767
638
583Income from bank owned life
insurance
632
565
554Gain on sale of
investment securities
363
23
1,156Other than temporary impairment on
investment securities
-
(25)
(450)Other income
956
692
491Total noninterest income
3,762
2,770
3,045Noninterest expensesCompensation and benefits
10,073
8,933
8,245Occupancy
2,468
2,282
2,135Real estate owned activity
939
940
674Data processing and
related costs
2,070
1,869
1,624Insurance
1,367
1,437
1,533Marketing
637
686
690Professional fees
841
658
659Other
1,118
1,062
1,004Total noninterest expenses
19,513
17,867
16,564Income
before income tax expense
5,695
2,921
1,083Income tax expense
1,833
833
193Net income
3,862
2,088
890Preferred stock dividend
840
865
865Discount accretion (1)
360
279
260Redemption of
preferred stock
(96)
-
-Net income (loss) available to common shareholders (1)
$2,758
944
(235)Earnings (loss) per common share(1)Basic
$0.65
0.22
(0.06)Diluted
$0.64
0.22
(0.06)Weighted average common shares
outstandingBasic
4,229,928
4,200,980
4,178,703Diluted
4,339,958
4,286,418
4,178,703

(1)

See Note 1 to the financial statements for information related to a correction of an error in 2010.



See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements. Earnings per share
and common shares outstanding have been adjusted to reflect the 10 percent stock dividends in 2013, 2012 and 2011.





58



SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

For the years ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Net income
$3,862
2,088
890Other comprehensive income:Unrealized gain
on securities available for sale:Unrealized
holding gain (loss) arising during the period, pretax
573
2,633
(1,330)Tax (expense) benefit
(195)
(895)
452Reclassification of realized gain
(363)
(23)
(1,156)Tax expense
122
8
393Other-than-temporary impairment
-
25
450Other comprehensive income (loss)
137
1,748
(1,191)Comprehensive income (loss)
$3,999
3,836
(301)

See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements.







59



SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012, 2011 AND 2010



Common stock
Preferred stock
Nonvested
restricted
Additional
paid-in
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Retained(dollars in thousands, except share data)
Shares
Amount
Shares
Amount
stock
capital
(loss)
earnings
TotalDecember 31, 2009 (1)
3,094,481
$31
17,299
$16,056
$(14)
$33,674
$484
$9,610
$59,841Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
890
890Preferred stock
transactions:Cash
dividends on Series T preferred stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(865)
(865)Discount accretion
-
-
-
261
-
-
-
(261)
-Proceeds from exercise of stock
warrants
48,700
1
-
-
-
294
-
-
295Stock dividend on common
stock (10%)
314,696
3
-
-
-
2,529
-
(2,532)
-Amortization of deferred
compensation on  restricted stock
-
-
-
-
14
-
-
-
14Compensation expense
related to stock options, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
232
-
-
232Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,191)
-
(1,191)December 31, 2010 (1)
3,457,877
35
17,299
16,317
-
36,729
(707)
6,842
59,216Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,088
2,088Preferred stock
transactions:Cash
dividends on Series T preferred stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(865)
(865)Discount accretion
-
-
-
279
-
-
-
(279)
-Proceeds from exercise of stock
options
13,236
-
-
-
-
77
-
-
77Stock dividend on common
stock (10%)
347,217
3
-
-
-
2,448
-
(2,451)
-Cash in lieu of fractional shares
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1)
(1)Issuance of restricted
stock
2,500
-
-
-
(20)
20
-
-
-Amortization of deferred
compensation on  restricted stock
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
4Compensation expense
related to stock options, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
272
-
-
272Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,748
-
1,748December 31, 2011
3,820,830
38
17,299
16,596
(16)
39,546
1,041
5,334
62,539Net income
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,862
3,862Preferred stock
transactions:Redemption of
preferred stock
-
-
(1,000)
(1,000)
-
-
-
96
(904)Redemption of CPP Warrant
-
-
-
-
-
(1,100)
-
-
(1,100)Cash
dividends on Series T preferred stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(845)
(845)Discount accretion
-
-
-
703
-
(343)
-
(360)
-Proceeds from exercise of stock
options
15,336
1
-
-
-
95
-
-
96Stock dividend on common
stock (10%)
388,738
4
-
-
-
3,712
-
(3,716)
-Cash in lieu of fractional shares
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2)
(2)Issuance of restricted
stock
22,500
-
-
-
(175)
175
-
-
-Amortization of deferred
compensation on  restricted stock
-
-
-
-
31
-
-
-
31Compensation expense
related to stock options, net of tax
-
-
-
-
-
311
-
-
311Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
137
-
137December 31, 2012
4,247,404
$43
16,299
$16,299
$(160)
$42,396
$1,178
$4,369
$64,125

(1)

See Note 1 to the financial statements for information related to a correction of an error.



See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated
statements.




60



SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



For the years ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Operating activitiesNet income
$3,862
2,088
890Adjustments to reconcile net
income to cash provided by operating activities:Provision for loan losses
4,550
5,270
5,610Depreciation and
other amortization
979
884
853Accretion and amortization
of securities discounts and premiums, net
850
1,066
1,092Loss on sale of
real estate owned
458
318
102Write-down of real estate
owned
419
782
569Gain on sale of
real estate held for investment
-
(150)
-Gain on sale of investment
securities:Available for sale
(363)
(23)
(811)Held to
maturity
-
-
(345)Other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities
-
25
450Loss (gain) on sale of
property and equipment
-
27
(18)Compensation
expense related to stock options and restricted stock grants
342
276
246Increase in cash surrender
value of bank owned life insurance
(632)
(565)
(554)Decrease
(increase) in deferred tax asset
(297)
(853)
1,100Decrease in other assets,
net
1,017
729
1,750Increase (decrease) in other liabilities, net
690
1,316
(144)Net cash provided by operating activities
11,875
11,190
10,790Investing activitiesIncrease (decrease) in cash realized
from:Origination of
loans, net
(53,279)
(31,878)
(6,539)Purchase of property and
equipment
(2,370)
(2,369)
(326)Purchase of
investment securities:Available for
sale
(35,014)
(81,591)
(112,858)Other investments
-
-
(750)Payment and maturity of
investment securities:Available for sale
12,031
14,374
21,904Held to
maturity
-
-
1,110Other investments
130
1,146
138Proceeds from sale of
investment securities:Available for sale
45,143
31,914
100,939Held to
maturity
-
-
8,358Other investments
-
-
755Purchase of life insurance
policies
-
(3,000)
-Proceeds from
sale of property and equipment
-
-
18Proceeds from sale of
property held for investment
-
1,793
-Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
2,670
1,749
837Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
(30,689)
(67,862)
13,586Financing activitiesIncrease (decrease) in cash realized
from:Increase in
deposits, net
13,387
26,616
42,212Increase (decrease) in note payable
1,400
-
(4,250)Increase
(decrease) in Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other borrowings
13,190
-
(20,000)Redemption of preferred
stock
(1,100)
-
-Redemption of
CPP warrant
(904)Cash dividend on preferred
stock
(845)
(865)
(865)Cash in lieu of
fractional shares
(2)
(1)
-Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants
96
77
295Net cash provided by financing activities
25,222
25,827
17,392Net increase
(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
6,408
(30,845)
41,768Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
23,005
53,850
12,082Cash and cash
equivalents, end of year
$29,413
23,005
53,850Supplemental informationCash paid forInterest
$8,669
11,897
15,639Income taxes
2,129
1,685
-Schedule of non-cash
transactionsForeclosure of real estate
1,580
907
3,433Unrealized (gain) loss on securities, net of income taxes
(137)
(1,723)
1,641

See notes to consolidated financial statements that are an integral part of these consolidated statements.



61



NOTE 1  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Activities



Southern First Bancshares, Inc.,(the “Company”) is a bank holding company,
organized in South Carolina, whose principal activity is the ownership and management of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Southern First Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Bank is a national bank
organized under the laws of the United States and located in Greenville, Lexington, Richland, and Charleston Counties in South Carolina. The Bank is primarily engaged in the business of accepting
demand deposits and savings deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and providing commercial, consumer and mortgage loans to the general public. The Greenville First Statutory
Trusts I and II (“Trusts”) are special purpose subsidiaries organized for the sole purpose of issuing an aggregate of $13.4 million of trust preferred securities.



Basis of Presentation



The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned
subsidiary, Southern First Bank, N.A. We have no additional reportable operating segments under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280 “Segment Reporting.”  In
consolidation, all significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. In accordance with guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the operations of the Trusts have not been consolidated in these financial statements.



Use of Estimates



The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, real estate acquired in settlement of loans,
fair value of financial instruments, evaluating other-than-temporary-impairment of investment securities and valuation of deferred tax assets.



Risks and Uncertainties



In the normal course of its business, the Company encounters two significant types of risks: economic and
regulatory. There are three main components of economic risk: interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The Company is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing
liabilities mature or reprice at different speeds, or on different bases, than its interest-earning assets. Credit risk is the risk of default within the Company’s loan portfolio that results
from borrowers’ inability or unwillingness to make contractually required payments. Market risk reflects changes in the value of collateral underlying loans receivable and the valuation of real
estate held by the Company.



The Company is subject to the regulations of various governmental agencies. These regulations can and do
change significantly from period to period. The Company also undergoes periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies, which may subject it to changes with respect to valuation of assets, amount of
required loan loss allowance and operating restrictions resulting from the regulators’ judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examinations.



The Bank makes loans to individuals and businesses in the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry regions of
South Carolina for various personal and commercial purposes. The Bank’s loan portfolio has a concentration of real estate loans. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, real estate loans represented
80.9 and 79.8%, respectively, of total loans. However, borrowers’ ability to repay their loans is not dependent upon any specific economic sector.



Subsequent Events



Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet
date but before financial statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance
sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements. Non-recognized subsequent events are events that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the
date of the balance sheet but arose after that date.





62



On January 3, 2013, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
(“OCC”) notified the Bank that, effective December 19, 2012, it is no longer subject to the Formal Written Agreement (the “Formal Agreement”) entered into on June 8, 2010, as
further described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on June 14, 2010. In addition, the OCC notified the Bank
that, effective December 19, 2012, it is no longer subject to the Individual Minimum Capital Ratios established for the Bank on May 24, 2010, which required the Bank to maintain a tier 1 leverage
capital ratio of at least 8.00%, a tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.00%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12.00%.



On January 9, 2013, the Company redeemed $500,000 of its outstanding preferred
stock from one of its preferred shareholders for $480,000, or 96% of par value. No adjustments have been recorded in these Consolidated Financial Statements.



On January 22, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 10 percent
stock dividend to the Company’s shareholders. The record date was February 1, 2013 and the distribution date was February 15, 2013. Earnings per share and average shares outstanding have been
adjusted to reflect the stock dividend in our financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Management performed an evaluation to determine whether or not there have been any subsequent events
through the date of this filing, and no subsequent events occurred requiring accrual or disclosure other than the stock dividend.



Reclassifications



Certain amounts, previously reported, have been reclassified to state all periods on a comparable basis and
had no effect on shareholders’ equity or net income.



Correction of an Error



During the third quarter of 2011, the Company determined that it had been accounting for its preferred
stock and related discount accretion in error since the issuance of the preferred stock in February 2009. All prior period amounts related to preferred stock, discount accretion, net income (loss) to
common shareholders and earnings (loss) per common share have been restated. The error was not material to the interim or annual financial statements. Correction of this error also required
reclassifications within shareholders’ equity that increased preferred stock, decreased additional paid in capital, and decreased retained earnings.



The tables below quantify the differences between the amounts filed and restated for the respective periods
presented in these Financial Statements.



December 31, 2010(dollars in thousands)
As filed
As restatedPreferred stock
$14,960
16,317Additional
paid-in capital
37,629
36,729Retained earnings
7,299
6,842$59,888
59,888December 31, 2010(dollars in thousands)
As filed
As restatedNet
income
$890
890Preferred stock
dividend
865
865Discount accretion
472
260Net income (loss) to common shareholders
$(447)
(235)Earnings (loss) per common shareBasic
$(0.12)
(0.06)Diluted
(0.12)
(0.06)

Cash and Cash Equivalents



Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits and federal funds
sold. Cash and cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less, and federal funds sold are generally purchased and sold for one-day periods. Accordingly, the carrying value of these
instruments is deemed to be a reasonable



63



estimate of fair value. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, included in cash and cash equivalents was $15.6
million and $15.0 million, respectively, on deposit to meet Federal Reserve Bank requirements.



Investment Securities



We classify our investment securities as held to maturity securities, trading securities and available for
sale securities as applicable.



Debt securities are designated as held to maturity if we have the intent and the ability to hold the
securities to maturity. Held to maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization of any related premiums or the accretion of any related discounts into interest income
using a methodology which approximates a level yield of interest over the estimated remaining period until maturity. Unrealized losses on held to maturity securities, reflecting a decline in value
judged by us to be other than temporary, are charged to income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.



Debt and equity securities that are purchased and held principally for the purpose of selling in the near
term are reported as trading securities. Trading securities are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses included in earnings.



We classify debt and equity securities as available for sale when at the time of purchase we determine that
such securities may be sold at a future date or if we do not have the intent or ability to hold such securities to maturity. Securities designated as available for sale are recorded at fair value.
Changes in the fair value of debt and equity securities available for sale are included in shareholders’ equity as unrealized gains or losses, net of the related tax effect. Unrealized losses
on available for sale securities, reflecting a decline in value judged to be other than temporary, are charged to income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Realized gains or losses on
available for sale securities are computed on the specific identification basis.



Other Investments



The Bank, as a member institution, is required to own stock investments in the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Atlanta (“FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve Bank. These stocks are generally pledged against any borrowings from these institutions. No ready market exists for these stocks and they have no
quoted market value. However, redemption of these stocks has historically been at par value. Other investments also include a $403,000 investment in the Trusts.



Loans



Loans are stated at the principal balance outstanding. Unamortized net loan fees and the allowance for
possible loan losses are deducted from total loans on the balance sheets. Interest income is recognized over the term of the loan based on the principal amount outstanding. The net of loan
origination fees received and direct costs incurred in the origination of loans is deferred and amortized to interest income over the contractual life of the loans adjusted for actual principal
prepayments using a method approximating the interest method.



Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans



Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due, or
when payment in full is not anticipated. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest accrued but not received is generally reversed against interest income. Cash receipts on nonaccrual loans
are not recorded as interest income, but are used to reduce the loan’s principal balance. A nonaccrual loan is generally returned to accrual status and accrual of interest is resumed when
payments have been made according to the terms and conditions of the loan for a continuous six month period. Our loans are considered past due when contractually required principal or interest
payments have not been made on the due dates.



Nonperforming Assets



Nonperforming assets include real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed taken in lieu of foreclosure,
loans on nonaccrual status and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, the collection of additional
interest is uncertain. Thereafter no interest is taken into income until such time as the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay both principal and interest.





64



Impaired Loans



Our impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring
(“TDR”), whether on accrual or nonaccrual status. For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the fair value (discounted cash flows, collateral value, or
observable market price) of the impaired loan less costs to sell, are lower than the carrying value of that loan. 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 considered by management
in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due, among other factors. Loans that experience
insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis,
taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including, without limitation, the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior
payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans 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 are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer loans for
impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a
restructuring agreement.



Loan Charge-off Policy



For commercial loans, we generally fully charge off or charge collateralized loans down to net realizable
value when management determines the loan to be uncollectible; repayment is deemed to be projected beyond reasonable time frames; the loan has been classified as a loss by either our internal loan
review process or our banking regulatory agencies; the client has filed bankruptcy and the loss becomes evident owing to a lack of assets; or the loan is 120 days past due unless both well-secured
and in the process of collection. For consumer loans, we generally charge down to net realizable value when the loan is 180 days past due.



Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDRs)



The Company considers a loan to be a TDR when the debtor experiences
financial difficulties and the Company provides concessions such that we will not collect all principal and interest in accordance with the original terms of the loan agreement. Concessions can
relate to the contractual interest rate, maturity date, or payment structure of the note. As part of our workout plan for individual loan relationships, we may restructure loan terms to assist
borrowers facing challenges in the current economic environment.



Our policy with respect to accrual of interest on loans restructured
in a TDR follows relevant supervisory guidance. That is, if a borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous loan terms and shows capacity to perform under the restructured loan terms;
continued accrual of interest at the restructured interest rate is likely. If a borrower was materially delinquent on payments prior to the restructuring, but shows capacity to meet the restructured
loan terms, the loan will likely continue as nonaccrual going forward. Lastly, if the borrower does not perform under the restructured terms, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status. We will continue
to closely monitor these loans and will cease accruing interest on them if management believes that the borrowers may not continue performing based on the restructured note terms. If, after
previously being classified as a TDR, a loan is restructured a second time, then that loan is automatically placed on nonaccrual status. Our policy with respect to nonperforming loans requires the
borrower to make a minimum of six consecutive payments in accordance with the loan terms before that loan can be placed back on accrual status. Further, the borrower must show capacity to continue
performing into the future prior to restoration of accrual status. To date, we have not restored any nonaccrual loans classified as a TDR to accrual status.



As a result of adopting the amendments in Accounting Standards
Update (“ASU”) 2011-02, we reassessed all restructurings that occurred on or after the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption (January 1, 2011) to determine whether they are considered
TDRs under the amended guidance. The amendments in ASU 2011-02 require prospective application of the impairment measurement guidance in ASC 310-10-35 for those loans newly identified as impaired. In
the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management considers TDRs on commercial loans and subsequent defaults in these restructurings by measuring impairment, on a loan by loan basis,
based on 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,
less costs to sell, if the loan is collateral dependent. Consumer loans, which we typically consider to be homogeneous, are collectively evaluated for impairment.



65



Allowance for Loan Losses



The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan
portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance
when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular
basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse
situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it
requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.



We have an established process to determine the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses that assesses the losses inherent in our portfolio. While we attribute portions of the allowance to specific portfolio segments, the entire allowance is available to absorb
credit losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. Our process involves procedures to appropriately consider the unique risk characteristics of our commercial and consumer loan portfolio segments.
For each portfolio segment, impairment is measured collectively for groups of smaller loans with similar characteristics and individually for larger impaired loans. Our allowance levels are
influenced by loan volumes, loan grade migration or delinquency status, historic loss experience and other economic conditions. See Critical Accounting Policies for additional information on the
Allowance for Loan Losses.



Other Real Estate Owned



Real estate acquired in settlement of loans is initially recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair
value. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, it is carried at the lower of cost or fair value, adjusted for net selling costs. Fair values of real estate owned are reviewed regularly and writedowns
are recorded when it is determined that the carrying value of real estate exceeds the fair value less estimated costs to sell. Costs relating to the development and improvement of such property are
capitalized, whereas those costs relating to holding the property are expensed.



Property and Equipment



Property and equipment are stated at cost. Major repairs are charged to operations, while major
improvements are capitalized. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Upon retirement, sale, or other disposition of property
and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and gain or loss is included in income from operations.



Construction in progress is stated at cost, which includes the cost of construction and other direct costs
attributable to the construction. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use.



Bank Owned Life Insurance Policies



Bank owned life insurance policies represent the cash value of policies on certain officers of the Company.



Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase



The Bank enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase (reverse repurchase agreements).
Repurchase agreements are treated as financing, with the obligation to repurchase securities sold being reflected as a liability and the securities underlying the agreements remaining as assets in
the Consolidated Balance Sheets.



Comprehensive Income (Loss)



Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and net unrealized gains (losses) on securities and is
presented in the statements of shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income. The statement requires only additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements; it does not affect our
results of operations.





66



Income Taxes



The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis. When income and expenses are recognized
in different periods for financial reporting purposes versus for the purposes of computing income taxes currently payable, deferred taxes are provided on such temporary differences. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The Company believes
that its income tax filing positions taken or expected to be taken on its tax returns will more likely than not be sustained upon audit by the taxing authorities and does not anticipate any
adjustments that will result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions
have been recorded pursuant to FIN 48. The Company’s federal and state income tax returns are open and subject to examination from the 2009 tax return year and forward.



Stock-Based Compensation



The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan. Compensation cost is recognized for all stock
options granted and for any outstanding unvested awards as if the fair value method had been applied to those awards as of the date of grant.



Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements



The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements that impacted the accounting, reporting,
and/or disclosure of financial information by the Company.




In April 2011 the FASB issued ASU 2011-02 to assist
creditors with their determination of when a restructuring is a TDR. The determination is based on whether the restructuring constitutes a concession and whether the debtor is experiencing financial
difficulties as both events must be present. Disclosures related to TDRs under ASU 2011-02 have been presented in Note 4.



ASU 2011-04 was issued in May 2011 to amend the Fair Value Measurement topic of the ASC by clarifying the
application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and by changing particular principles or requirements for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair
value measurements. Disclosures related to Fair Value Measurement have been presented in Note 11.



The Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC was amended in June 2011. The amendment eliminates the option to
present other comprehensive income as a part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity and requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive
income. The amendments were applicable to the Company on January 1, 2012 and have been applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the topic was further amended to defer the effective date of
presenting reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements. Companies should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated
other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect prior to the amendments while FASB finalizes its conclusions regarding future requirements.



The FASB amended the Comprehensive Income topic of the ASC in February 2013. The amendment addresses
reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. Specifically, the amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive
income in financial statements. However, the amendments do require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In
addition, in certain circumstances an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of
accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. The amendments will be effective for the Company on a prospective basis for reporting periods beginning after
December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements.



67



NOTE 2  Investment Securities



The amortized costs and fair value of investment securities are as follows:



December 31, 2012Amortized
Gross Unrealized
Fair(dollars in thousands)
Cost
Gains
Losses
ValueAvailable for
saleUS Agency securities
$7,781
14
10
7,785SBA securities
6,060
17
5
6,072State and political
subdivisions
24,167
1,130
48
25,249Mortgage-backed
securitiesFHLMC
8,434
196
-
8,630FNMA
29,718
484
14
30,188GNMA
276
22
-
29838,428
702
14
39,116Total
$76,436
1,863
77
78,222December 31,
2011Amortized
Gross
Unrealized
FairCost
Gains
Losses
ValueAvailable for
saleState and political
subdivisions
$17,390
860
2
18,248Mortgage-backed
securitiesFHLMC
22,549
325
31
22,843FNMA
58,631
441
72
59,000GNMA
514
55
-
56981,694
821
103
82,412Total
$99,084
1,681
105
100,660

During 2012, we developed a need for additional liquidity as we experienced increased loan demand and, as a
result, sold $45.1 million of our mortgage-backed securities and state and municipal obligations, reinvested $18.1 million of the securities in similar investments at current rates, and recorded a
net gain on sale of investment securities of $363,000.



The amortized costs and fair values of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2012 and
2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers have the right to prepay the obligations.



December 31,2012

2011(dollars in thousands)
Amortized

Cost
Fair
Value

Amortized
Cost
Fair
ValueAvailable for saleDue within one year
$417
421

-
-Due after one through five years
3,690
3,671

520
527Due after five through ten years
4,612
5,031

16,634
17,163Due after ten
years
67,717
69,099

81,930
82,970$76,436
78,222

99,084
100,660

The tables below summarize gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the fair market value of
the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2012 and 2011.



68



Less
than 12 months
12 months
or longer
Total(dollars in thousands)
#
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
#
Fair
value
Unrealized
losses
#
Fair
value
Unrealized
lossesAs of December 31, 2012Available for saleUS Agency securities
1
$3,771
$10
-
$-
$-
1
$3,771
$10SBA securities
1
2,015
5
-
-
-
1
2,015
5State and political subdivisions
16
6,608
48
-
-
-
16
6,608
48Mortgage-backedFHLMC
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-FNMA
2
3,669
14
-
-
-
2
3,669
1420
$16,063
$77
-
$-
$-
20
$16,063
$77As of December 31, 2011Available for saleState and political subdivisions
1
$500
$2
-
$-
$-
1
$500
$2Mortgage-backedFHLMC
1
2,602
31
-
-
-
1
2,602
31FNMA
8
19,775
72
-
-
-
8
19,775
7210
$22,877
$105
-
$-
$-
10
$22,877
$105

At December 31, 2012, the Company had 20 individual investments that were in an unrealized loss position
for less than 12 months. The unrealized losses were primarily attributable to changes in interest rates, rather than deterioration in credit quality. The Company considers the length of time and
extent to which the fair value of available-for-sale debt securities have been less than cost to conclude that such securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired. We also consider other
factors such as the financial condition of the issuer including credit ratings and specific events affecting the operations of the issuer, volatility of the security, underlying assets that
collateralize the debt security, and other industry and macroeconomic conditions. As the Company has no intent to sell securities with unrealized losses and it is not more-likely-than-not that
the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of amortized cost, we have concluded that the securities are not impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.



During the second quarter of 2011, the Company recorded a $25,000 OTTI charge to earnings on its one
private-label collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) which had been in an unrealized loss position for over 12 months. During the third quarter of 2011, the Company sold the $2.5
million CMO as part of an investment portfolio restructuring and recognized an additional loss of $512,000 on the security. In addition to the CMO, the Company sold $26.9 million of securities during
the second half of 2011, recognizing a gain on sale of $535,000.



Other investments are comprised of the following and are recorded at cost which approximates fair value:



December
31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Federal Reserve Bank stock
$1,485
1,485Federal Home Loan Bank stock
5,807
5,937Certificates of deposit
99
99Investment in Trust Preferred subsidiaries
403
403$7,794
7,924

The Company has evaluated the Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock for impairment and determined that the
investments in Federal Reserve Bank stock and FHLB stock are not other than temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2012 and ultimate recoverability of the par value of these investments is probable.
All of the FHLB stock is used to collateralize advances with the FHLB.



At December 31, 2012, $22.8 million of securities were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements from
brokers, and approximately $10.5 million was pledged to secure client deposits. At December 31, 2011, $24.0 million of securities were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements from brokers. In
addition, approximately $8.1 million was pledged to secure client deposits.



69



NOTE 3  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses



The Company makes loans to individuals and small businesses for various personal and commercial purposes
primarily in the Upstate, Midlands, and Low Country regions of South Carolina. The Company’s loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or a relatively small number of
borrowers. The Company focuses its lending activities primarily on the professional markets in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston including doctors, dentists, and small business owners. The
principal component of the loan portfolio is loans secured by real estate mortgages which account for 80.9% of total loans at December 31, 2012. Commercial loans comprise 65.9% of total real estate
loans and consumer loans account for 34.1%. Commercial loans are further categorized into owner occupied which represents 24.6% of total loans and non-owner occupied of 25.6%. Commercial construction
loans represent only 3.1% of the total loan portfolio.



In addition to monitoring potential concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or groups of borrowers,
industries and geographic regions, management monitors exposure to credit risk from concentrations of lending products and practices such as loans that subject borrowers to substantial payment
increases (e.g. principal deferral periods, loans with initial interest-only periods, etc.), and loans with high loan-to-value ratios. As of December 31, 2012, approximately $70.8 million, or 11.0%
of our loans had loan-to-value ratios which exceeded regulatory supervisory limits, of which 59 loans totaling approximately $20.7 million had loan-to-value ratios of 100% or more. Additionally,
there are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit risk should economic conditions change over the course of a loan’s life. For example, the Company makes variable
rate loans and fixed rate principal-amortizing loans with maturities prior to the loan being fully paid (i.e. balloon payment loans). The various types of loans are individually underwritten and
monitored to manage the associated risks.



The allowance for loan losses is management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan
portfolio at the balance sheet date. We have an established process to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses that assesses the losses inherent in our portfolio. While we attribute
portions of the allowance to specific portfolio segments, the entire allowance is available to absorb credit losses inherent in the total loan portfolio. Our process involves procedures to
appropriately consider the unique risk characteristics of our commercial and consumer loan portfolio segments. For each portfolio segment, impairment is measured collectively for groups of smaller
loans with similar characteristics and individually for larger impaired loans. Our allowance levels are influenced by loan volumes, loan grade migration or delinquency status, historic loss
experience and other economic conditions.



Portfolio Segment Methodology



Commercial

Commercial loans are assessed for estimated losses by grading each loan using various risk factors
identified through periodic reviews. We apply historic grade-specific loss factors to each funded loan. In the development of our statistically derived loan grade loss factors, we observe historical
losses over the most recent eight quarters for each loan grade. These loss estimates are adjusted as appropriate based on additional analysis of external loss data or other risks identified from
current economic conditions and credit quality trends. The allowance also includes an amount for the estimated impairment on nonaccrual commercial loans and commercial loans modified in a TDR,
whether on accrual or nonaccrual status.



Consumer

For consumer loans, we determine the allowance on a collective basis utilizing forecasted losses to
represent our best estimate of inherent loss. We pool loans, generally by product types with similar risk characteristics. In addition, we establish an allowance for consumer loans that have been
modified in a TDR, whether on accrual or nonaccrual status.





70



The following table summarizes the composition of our loan portfolio.



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011CommercialOwner occupied
$158,790
149,254Non-owner occupied
165,163
164,623Construction
20,347
17,841Business
114,169
111,831Total commercial loans
458,469
443,549ConsumerResidential
86,559
57,798Home equity
77,895
82,664Construction
13,749
5,546Other
9,277
9,077Total consumer loans
187,480
155,085Total gross loans, net of deferred fees
645,949
598,634Less 
allowance for loan losses
(9,091)
(8,925)Total loans, net
$636,858
589,709

The composition of gross loans by rate type is as follows:



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Variable rate loans
$219,462
249,840Fixed rate
loans
426,487
348,794$645,949
598,634

At December 31, 2012, approximately $136.1 million of the Company’s mortgage loans were pledged as
collateral for advances from the FHLB, as set forth in Note 8.



Credit Quality Indicators



Commercial

We manage a consistent process for assessing commercial loan credit quality by monitoring our loan grading
trends and past due statistics. All loans are subject to individual risk assessment. Our categories include Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss, each of which is defined by banking
regulatory agencies. Delinquency statistics are also an important indicator of credit quality in the establishment of our allowance for credit losses.



The following tables provide past due information for outstanding commercial loans and include loans on
nonaccrual status.



December 31, 2012Owner
Non-owner(dollars in thousands)
occupied RE
occupied RE
Construction
Business
TotalCurrent
$157,036
163,700
19,341
112,322
452,39930-59 days past due
306
-
-
539
84560-89 days past due
-
463
-
100
563Greater than 90
days
1,448
1,000
1,006
1,208
4,662$158,790
165,163
20,347
114,169
458,469

71



December 31, 2011Owner
Non-owneroccupied RE
occupied RE
Construction
Business
TotalCurrent
$144,922
161,772
16,528
107,609
430,83130-59 days past due
20
645
2
172
83960-89 days past due
3,004
294
-
789
4,087Greater than 90
days
1,308
1,912
1,311
3,261
7,792$149,254
164,623
17,841
111,831
443,549

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, loans 30 days or more past due represented 1.11% and 2.37% of our total
loan portfolio, respectively. Commercial loans 30 days or more past due were 0.94% and 2.12% as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.



The tables below provide a breakdown of outstanding commercial loans by risk category.



December 31, 2012Owner
Non-owner(dollars in thousands)
occupied RE
occupied RE
Construction
Business
TotalPass
$148,255
141,352
18,265
105,024
412,896Special Mention
7,446
9,358
-
2,750
19,554Substandard
3,089
14,453
2,082
6,395
26,019Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-Loss
-
-
-
-
-$158,790
165,163
20,347
114,169
458,469December 31, 2011Owner
Non-owneroccupied RE
occupied RE
Construction
Business
TotalPass
$139,746
138,407
12,801
103,908
394,862Special Mention
4,289
12,721
-
2,321
19,331Substandard
5,219
13,495
5,040
5,602
29,356Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-Loss
-
-
-
-
-$149,254
164,623
17,841
111,831
443,549

Consumer

We manage a consistent process for assessing consumer loan credit quality by monitoring our loan grading
trends and past due statistics. All loans are subject to individual risk assessment. Our categories include Pass, Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss, each of which is defined by banking
regulatory agencies. Delinquency statistics are also an important indicator of credit quality in the establishment of our allowance for loan losses.



The following tables provide past due information for outstanding consumer loans and include loans on
nonaccrual status.



December 31, 2012(dollars in thousands)
Real estate
Home equity
Construction
Other
TotalCurrent
$85,999
77,430
13,749
9,233
186,41130-59 days past due
560
100
-
-
66060-89 days past due
-
-
-
44
44Greater than
90 days
-
365
-
-
365$86,559
77,895
13,749
9,277
187,480December 31, 2011Real estate
Home equity
Construction
Other
TotalCurrent
$56,748
82,229
5,546
9,072
153,59530-59 days past due
343
80
-
5
42860-89 days past due
-
-
-
-
-Greater than
90 days
707
355
-
-
1,062$57,798
82,664
5,546
9,077
155,085



72



Consumer loans 30 days or more past due were 0.17% and 0.25% as of December 31, 2012 and 2011,
respectively.



The tables below provide a breakdown of outstanding consumer loans by risk category.



December 31, 2012(dollars in thousands)
Real estate
Home equity
Construction
Other
TotalPass
$83,173
73,718
13,749
8,752
179,392Special Mention
2,307
2,290
-
170
4,767Substandard
1,079
1,887
-
355
3,321Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-Loss
-
-
-
-
-$86,559
77,895
13,749
9,277
187,480December 31, 2011Real estate
Home equity
Construction
Other
TotalPass
$54,973
79,129
5,546
8,637
148,285Special Mention
525
2,142
-
65
2,732Substandard
2,300
1,393
-
375
4,068Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-Loss
-
-
-
-
-$57,798
82,664
5,546
9,077
155,085

Nonperforming assets



The following table shows the nonperforming assets and the related percentage of nonperforming assets to
total assets and gross loans. Generally, a loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest, or when we believe, after considering economic and
business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of the contractual principal or interest on the loan is doubtful. A payment of
interest on a loan that is classified as nonaccrual is recognized as a reduction in principal when received.



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011CommercialOwner
occupied RE
$155
1,061Non-owner occupied RE
1,255
1,745Construction
1,006
1,314Business
202
503ConsumerReal estate
119
476Home equity
577
386Construction
-
-Other
44
-Nonaccruing troubled debt restructurings
4,809
4,779Total nonaccrual loans,
including nonaccruing TDRs
8,167
10,264Other real estate owned
1,719
3,686Total nonperforming assets
$9,886
13,950Nonperforming assets
as a percentage of:Total assets
1.24%
1.82%Gross loans
1.53%
2.33%Total loans over 90 days past
due
$5,027
8,854Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing
-
-Accruing TDRs
9,421
7,429

Foregone interest income on the non-accrual loans for the year ended December 31, 2012 was approximately
$402,000 and approximately $419,000 for the same period in 2011.





73



Impaired Loans



The table below summarizes key information for impaired loans. Our impaired loans include loans on
nonaccrual status and loans modified in a TDR, whether on accrual or nonaccrual status. These impaired loans may have estimated impairment which is included in the allowance for loan losses. Our
commercial impaired loans are evaluated individually to determine the related allowance for loan losses while our consumer impaired loans are evaluated on a collective basis.



December 31, 2012Recorded investmentImpaired loansUnpaid

with related
RelatedPrincipal
Impaired
allowance for
allowance for(dollars in thousands)
Balance
loans
loan losses
loan lossesCommercialOwner occupied RE
$3,071
2,271
2,116
398Non-owner occupied RE
7,497
7,162
2,218
831Construction
4,824
2,082
1,075
213Business
4,048
4,048
3,329
2,092Total commercial
19,440
15,563
8,738
3,534ConsumerReal estate
985
985
162
24Home equity
770
770
605
91Construction
-
-
-
-Other
270
270
-
-Total consumer
2,025
2,025
767
115Total
$21,465
17,588
9,505
3,649December
31, 2011Recorded investmentImpaired loansUnpaid

with related
RelatedPrincipal
Impaired
allowance for
allowance forBalance
loans
loan losses
loan lossesCommercialOwner occupied RE
$5,070
5,070
4,922
870Non-owner occupied RE
4,685
3,638
985
578Construction
4,056
2,068
1,597
498Business
4,904
4,604
4,459
1,807Total commercial
18,715
15,380
11,963
3,753ConsumerReal estate
1,694
1,694
839
126Home equity
386
386
386
58Construction
-
-
-
-Other
233
233
-
-Total consumer
2,313
2,313
1,225
184Total
$21,028
17,693
13,188
3,937

The following table provides the average recorded investment in impaired loans and the amount of interest
income recognized on impaired loans after impairment by portfolio segment and class.



74



Year ended December 31,2012

2011

2010Average
Recognized

Average
Recognized

Average
Recognizedrecorded
interest

recorded
interest

recorded
interest(dollars in thousands)
investment
income

investment
income

investment
incomeCommercialOwner occupied RE
$3,881
17

3,521
220

960
47Non-owner occupied RE
5,811
392

2,520
281

3,048
44Construction
2,127
66

1,425
81

1,430
6Business
3,880
84

3,331
207

2,688
118Total commercial
15,699
559

10,797
789

8,126
215ConsumerReal estate
1,397
44

1,729
64

1,764
37Home equity
518
12

399
-

222
2Construction
-
-

-
-

-
-Other
240
14

38
13

7
1Total consumer
2,155
70

2,166
77

1,993
40Total
$17,854
629

12,963
866

10,119
255

Allowance for Loan Losses



The following table summarizes the activity related to our allowance
for loan losses:



Year ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Balance,
beginning of period
$8,925
8,386Provision for loan losses
4,550
5,270Loan charge-offs:CommercialOwner occupied RE
(1,857)
(72)Non-owner occupied RE
(513)
(1,052)Construction
-
(67)Business
(1,230)
(3,243)Total commercial
(3,600)
(4,434)ConsumerReal estate
(214)
(129)Home
equity
(691)
(175)Construction
-
-Other
-
(200)Total consumer
(905)
(504)Total loan charge-offs
(4,505)
(4,938)Loan recoveries:CommercialOwner occupied RE
4
14Non-owner occupied RE
42
42Construction
-
-Business
27
149Total commercial
73
205ConsumerReal estate
2
-Home
equity
32
2Construction
-
-Other
14
-Total consumer
48
2Total recoveries
121
207Net loan charge-offs
(4,384)
(4,731)Balance, end of period
$9,091
8,925



75



The following tables summarize the activity in the allowance for loan losses by our commercial and consumer
portfolio segments.



Year
ended December 31, 2012(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
Consumer
Unallocated
TotalBalance,
beginning of period
$8,061
864
-
8,925Provision
3,447
1,103
-
4,550Loan charge-offs
(3,600)
(905)
-
(4,505)Loan recoveries
73
48
-
121Net loan charge-offs
(3,527)
(857)
-
(4,384)Balance, end of period
$7,981
1,110
-
9,091Year
ended December 31, 2011Commercial
Consumer
Unallocated
TotalBalance,
beginning of period
$6,706
1,447
233
8,386Provision
5,584
(81)
(233)
5,270Loan charge-offs
(4,434)
(504)
-
(4,938)Loan recoveries
205
2
-
207Net loan charge-offs
(4,229)
(502)
-
(4,731)Balance, end of period
$8,061
864
-
8,925

The following table disaggregates our allowance for loan losses and recorded investment in loans by
impairment methodology.



December 31, 2012Allowance for loan losses

Recorded investment in loans(dollars in thousands)
Commercial
Consumer
Total

Commercial
Consumer
TotalIndividually
evaluated
$3,534
-
3,534

15,563
-
15,563Collectively evaluated
4,447
1,110
5,557

442,906
187,480
630,396Total
$7,981
1,110
9,091

458,469
187,480
645,949December 31, 2011Allowance for loan losses

Recorded investment in loansCommercial
Consumer
Total

Commercial
Consumer
TotalIndividually
evaluated
$3,753
-
3,753

15,380
-
15,380Collectively evaluated
4,308
864
5,172

428,169
155,085
583,284Total
$8,061
864
8,925

443,549
155,085
598,634



NOTE 4  Troubled Debt Restructurings



At December 31, 2012, we had 36 loans totaling $14.2 million and at
December 31, 2011 we had 42 loans totaling $12.2 million, which we considered as TDRs. The Company considers a loan to be a TDR when the debtor experiences financial difficulties and the Company
provides concessions such that we will not collect all principal and interest in accordance with the original terms of the loan agreement. Concessions can relate to the contractual interest rate,
maturity date, or payment structure of the note. As part of our workout plan for individual loan relationships, we may restructure loan terms to assist borrowers facing challenges in the current
economic environment.







76



The following table summarizes the concession at the time of
modification and the recorded investment in our TDRs before and after their modification.



For the year ended December 31, 2012Pre-modification
Post-modificationRenewals
Reduced
Converted
Maturity
Total
outstanding
outstandingdeemed a
or deferred
to interest
date
number
recorded
Recorded(dollars in
thousands)
concession
payments
only
extensions
of loans
investment
InvestmentCommercialOwner occupied RE
1
-
-
-
1
$247
$247Non-owner occupied RE
2
-
-
1
3
4,148
4,148Business
6
-
1
-
7
1,909
1,994ConsumerHome equity
-
1
-
-
-
166
166Total loans
9
1
1
1
11
$6,470
$6,555For the year ended December 31, 2011Pre-modification
Post-modificationRenewals
Reduced
Converted
Maturity
Total
outstanding
outstandingdeemed a
or deferred
to interest
date
number
recorded
Recorded(dollars in thousands)
concession
payments
only
extensions
of loans
investment
InvestmentCommercialOwner occupied RE
-
3
-
1
4
$3,395
$3,395Non-owner occupied RE
1
1
-
1
3
1,484
1,484Construction
1
-
-
-
1
1,086
1,086Business
6
4
2
8
20
3,375
3,382ConsumerReal estate
1
2
-
-
3
684
684Other
2
-
-
-
2
234
234Total loans
11
10
2
10
33
$10,258
$10,265

The following table summarizes the TDRs that are more than 60 days past due, and have subsequently
defaulted.



For the year ended December 31, 2012Number of
Recorded(dollars in thousands)
loans
investmentCommercialOwner
occupied RE
1
$1,292Non-owner occupied RE
1
29Business
3
188Total loans
5
$1,509For the year ended December 31, 2011Number of
Recorded(dollars in thousands)
loans
investmentCommercialOwner
occupied RE
1
$249Non-owner occupied RE
1
26Business
17
3,208ConsumerReal estate
2
649Total loans
21
$4,132



77



NOTE 5  Property and Equipment



Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Components of property and
equipment included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Land
$3,523
3,523Buildings
12,874
11,753Leasehold
Improvements
1,624
1,118Furniture and equipment
5,020
4,312Software
342
343Construction in process
53
19323,436
21,242Accumulated depreciation
(4,703)
(3,900)Total property and equipment
$18,733
17,342

The $1.1 million increase in buildings during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 is related to the
addition of a third retail office in Columbia, South Carolina, while the $506,000 increase in leasehold improvements during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 is primarily related to the upfit
of office space at the Company’s first retail office in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition, furniture and equipment increased $708,000 due to the purchase of assets to furnish the new
offices in Columbia and Charleston.



Construction in process at December 31, 2012 and 2011 related to various bank-related equipment not yet
placed in service. Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $979,000, $884,000, and $853,000, respectively. Depreciation is charged to operations
utilizing a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives for the principal items follow:



Type of Asset
Life in YearsSoftware
3Furniture and equipment
5 to 7Leasehold improvements
5 to 15Buildings
40



NOTE 6  Other Real Estate Owned



Other real estate owned is comprised of real estate held for investment and real estate acquired in
settlement of loans and is included in other assets on the balance sheet. At December 31, 2012, real estate held for investment included 8 properties totaling $1.7 million, a $2.0 million decrease
from the $3.7 million balance at December 31, 2011. The following summarizes the activity in the real estate acquired in settlement of loans portion of other real estate owned:



For the year ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Balance,
beginning of year
$3,686
5,628Additions
1,580
907Sales
(3,128)
(2,067)Write-downs
(419)
(782)Balance, end of year
$1,719
3,686



78



NOTE 7  Deposits



The following is a detail of the deposit accounts:



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Non-interest bearing
$80,880
68,984Interest bearing:NOW accounts
158,874
153,596Money market accounts
100,841
113,737Savings
6,026
4,717Time, less than $100,000
81,315
72,056Time, $100,000 and over
148,363
149,822Total deposits
$576,299
562,912

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had approximately $13.0 million and $45.8 million, respectively,
of time deposits that were obtained outside of the Company’s primary market. Interest expense on time deposits greater than $100,000 was $2.0 million, $3.5 million, and $5.5 million for the
years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.



At December 31, 2012 the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:



(dollars in thousands)2013
$180,1942014
43,0542015
4,6762016
7222017 and after
1,032$229,678



NOTE 8  Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Other Borrowings



At December 31, 2012, the Company had $124.1 million in FHLB advances and other borrowings. Of the $124.1
million, FHLB advances represented $103.5 million, securities sold under structured agreements to repurchase represented $19.2 million, and a line of credit represented $1.4 million. At December 31,
2011, FHLB advances and other borrowings totaled $122.7 million, of which FHLB advances represented $103.5 million and securities sold under structured agreements to repurchase represented $19.2
million.



The FHLB advances are secured with approximately $136.1 million of mortgage loans and $5.8 million of stock
in the FHLB. During 2012, the Company restructured three FHLB advances totaling $45.0 million. In accordance with accounting guidance, we determined that the present value of the cash flows of the
modified advances will not change by more than 10% from the present value of the cash flows of the original advances. Therefore, the modified FHLB advances are considered to be a restructuring and no
gain or loss was recorded in the transaction. The original FHLB advances had a weighted rate of 3.16% and an average remaining life of 52 months. Under the modified arrangements, the $45.0 million in
FHLB advances have a weighted average rate of 2.42% and an average remaining life of 61 months. Under a similar scenario in the third quarter of 2011, the Company restructured four FHLB advances
totaling $44.5 million with a weighted average rate of 3.26% and average remaining life of 32 months under their original terms. Following the restructure, the weighted average rate of the four
advances was 2.71% and the remaining average life was 54 months.



Listed below is a summary of the terms and maturities of the advances at December 31, 2012 and 2011. A
number of the Company’s advances are callable and subject to repricing during 2012 at the option of the FHLB.



79



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012

2011Maturity
Amount
Rate

Amount
RateSeptember 2, 2014
$7,500
2.36%

$7,500
2.58%August 25, 2015
-
-

10,000
2.80%September 28, 2015
-
-

20,000
2.14%October 11, 2016
5,000
4.07%

5,000
4.07%October 18, 2016
7,000
2.38%

7,000
2.55%October 18, 2016
7,500
2.55%

7,500
2.55%October 19, 2016
10,000
2.11%

-
-October 19, 2016
20,000
1.68%

-
-February 13, 2017
7,500
4.38%

7,500
4.38%July 11, 2017
9,000
4.49%

9,000
4.49%July 24, 2017
5,000
4.25%

5,000
4.25%February 15, 2019
10,000
4.47%

10,000
4.47%April 10, 2019
15,000
3.48%

-
-April 22, 2019
-
-

15,000
4.75%$103,500


103,500

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had four structured debt agreements secured by approximately
$24.0 million of various investment securities. Each of these agreements has callable features and is subject to repricing at the option of the seller. Listed below is a summary of the terms and
maturities of these structured agreements to repurchase:



(dollars in thousands)Maturity
Amount
RateSeptember
18, 2017
$10,000
3.63%December 17, 2017
2,000
3.65%March 14,
2018
3,600
2.75%September 15, 2018
3,600
2.55%$19,200

The Company also has an unsecured, interest only line of credit for $1.5 million with another financial
institution for which $1.4 million was outstanding at December 31, 2012. The line of credit bears interest at 5.0% and matures on February 3, 2014. The loan agreement contains various financial
covenants related to capital, earnings and asset quality.



NOTE 9  Junior Subordinated Debentures



On June 26, 2003, Greenville First Statutory Trust I, (a non-consolidated subsidiary) issued $6.0 million
floating rate trust preferred securities with a maturity of June 26, 2033. At December 31, 2012, the interest rate was 3.41% and is indexed to the 3-month LIBOR rate and adjusted quarterly. The
Company received from the Trust the $6.0 million proceeds from the issuance of the securities and the $186,000 initial proceeds from the capital investment in the Trust, and accordingly has shown the
funds due to the Trust as $6.2 million junior subordinated debentures. The debenture issuance cost, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $9,000 at December 31, 2012 and is included in other
assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Amortization of debt issuance costs totaled $18,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and are included in
borrowings interest expense.



On December 22, 2005, Greenville First Statutory Trust II, (a non-consolidated subsidiary) issued $7.0
million floating rate trust preferred securities with a maturity of December 22, 2035. At December 31, 2012, the interest rate was 1.75% and is indexed to the 3-month LIBOR rate and adjusted
quarterly. The Company received from the Trust the $7.0 million proceeds from the issuance of the securities and the $217,000 initial proceeds from the capital investment in the Trust, and
accordingly has shown the funds due to the Trust as $7.2 million junior subordinated debentures.



The current regulatory rules allow certain amounts of junior subordinated debentures to be included in the
calculation of regulatory capital. However, provisions within the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will



80



prohibit institutions that had more than $15 billion in assets on December 31, 2009 from including trust
preferred securities as Tier 1 capital beginning in 2013. One-third will be phased out over the next two years ending in 2015. Financial institutions with less than $15 billion in total assets, such
as the Bank, may continue to include their trust preferred securities issued prior to May 19, 2010 in Tier 1 capital, but cannot included in Tier 1 capital trust preferred securities issued after
such date.



NOTE 10  Unused Lines of Credit



At December 31, 2012, the Company had three lines of credit to purchase federal funds that totaled $30.5
million for which $17.3 million was unused at December 31, 2012. The lines of credit are available on a one to ten day basis for general corporate purposes of the Company. The lender has reserved the
right to withdraw the line at their option. The Company has an additional line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank to borrow funds, subject to a pledge of qualified collateral. The Company has
collateral that would support approximately $32.4 million in additional borrowings at December 31, 2012.



NOTE 11  Fair Value Accounting



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



Level 1  Quoted market price in
active marketsQuoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include certain debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market.Level 2  Significant other
observable inputsObservable 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 for substantially the full
term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include fixed income securities and mortgage-backed securities that are held in the Company’s available-for-sale portfolio and
impaired loans.Level 3  Significant
unobservable inputsUnobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market
activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models,
discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. These methodologies
may result in a significant portion of the fair value being derived from unobservable data.

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



Investment Securities



Securities available for sale are valued on a recurring basis at quoted market prices where available. If
quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable securities. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York
Stock Exchange or U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities and
debentures issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to valuations,
securities are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. Securities held to maturity are valued at quoted market prices or dealer quotes similar to securities available for sale. The
carrying value of Other Investments, such as Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock, approximates fair value based on their redemption provisions.





81



Loans



The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan
may be considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses may be established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the
contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures the impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 310,
“Receivables.” The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value
and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such
loans. At December 31, 2012, substantially all of the impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and
Disclosures,” impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is
based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. The Company’s current loan and appraisal policies require the
Company to obtain updated appraisals on an “as is” basis at renewal, or in the case of an impaired loan, on an annual basis, either through a new external appraisal or an appraisal
evaluation. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price,
the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3. The fair value
of impaired loans may also be estimated using the present value of expected future cash flows to be realized on the loan, which is also considered a Level 3 valuation. These fair value estimates are
subject to fluctuations in assumptions about the amount and timing of expected cash flows as well as the choice of discount rate used in the present value calculation.



Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)



OREO, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the
lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated
selling costs (Level 2). At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan
losses. Gains or losses on sale and generally any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as a component of real estate owned activity. When an appraised value is not available or management
determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company considers the OREO as nonrecurring Level 3.



Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis



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



December 31, 2012(dollars
in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
TotalAssetsSecurities available for sale:US Agency securities
$-
7,785
-
7,785SBA securities
-
6,072
-
6,072State and political subdivisions
-
25,249
-
25,249Mortgage-backed securities
-
39,116
-
39,116Other investments
-
-
7,794
7,794Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$-
78,222
7,794
86,016December 31, 2011Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
TotalAssetsSecurities available for sale:State and political subdivisions
$-
18,248
-
18,248Mortgage-backed securities
-
82,412
-
82,412Other investments
-
-
7,924
7,924Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
$-
100,660
7,924
108,584



82



The Company has no liabilities carried at fair value or measured at fair value on a recurring or
nonrecurring basis. Included in other investments is FHLB stock, a level 3 security, which decreased by $130,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 due to a partial redemption by the
FHLB.



Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis



The Company is predominantly an asset based lender with real estate serving as collateral on more than 80%
of loans as of December 31, 2012. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are valued net of the allowance for loan losses, and other real estate owned is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable
value of the underlying real estate collateral. Such market values are generally obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be level 2 inputs. The tables below present the
recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.



December 31, 2012(dollars in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
TotalAssetsImpaired loans
$-
13,748
191
13,939Other real estate owned
-
1,390
329
1,719Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
$-
15,138
520
15,658December 31, 2011Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
TotalAssetsImpaired loans
$-
12,318
1,438
13,756Other real estate
owned
-
2,461
1,225
3,686Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis
$-
14,779
2,663
17,442

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or
non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2012, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as follows:



Valuation Technique
Significant
Unobservable InputsOther
investments
Carrying Value
NoneImpaired loans
Appraised Value/Discounted Cash Flows
Appraisals and/or sales ofcomparable propertiesOther real
estate owned
Appraised Value/Comparable Sales
Appraisals and/or sales ofcomparable properties/
Independent quotes

Fair Value of Financial Instruments



Financial instruments require disclosure of fair value information, whether or not recognized in the
consolidated balance sheets, when it is practical to estimate the fair value. A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or a contractual obligation
which requires the exchange of cash. Certain items are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements, including the Company’s common stock, premises and equipment and other assets and
liabilities.



The following is a description of valuation methodologies used to estimate fair value for certain other
financial instruments.



Fair value approximates carrying value for the following financial instruments due to the short-term nature
of the instrument: cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, federal funds purchased, and securities sold under agreement to repurchase.





83



Bank Owned Life Insurance The cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance policies held
by the Company approximates fair values of the policies.



Deposits Fair value for demand deposit accounts and interest-bearing accounts with no fixed
maturity date is equal to the carrying value. The fair value of certificate of deposit accounts are estimated by discounting cash flows from expected maturities using current interest rates on
similar instruments.



FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings Fair value for FHLB advances and other borrowings are
estimated by discounting cash flows from expected maturities using current interest rates on similar instruments.



Junior subordinated debentures  Fair value for junior subordinated debentures are estimated by
discounting cash flows from expected maturities using current interest rates on similar instruments.



The Company has used management’s best estimate of fair value based on the above assumptions. Thus,
the fair values presented may not be the amounts that could be realized in an immediate sale or settlement of the instrument. In addition, any income taxes or other expenses, which would be incurred
in an actual sale or settlement, are not taken into consideration in the fair value presented.



The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as
follows:



December
31, 2012(dollars in thousands)
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3Financial Assets:Cash and cash equivalents
$29,413
29,413
29,413
-
-Other investments
7,794
7,794
-
-
7,794Loans, net
636,858
645,852
-
13,748
632,104Bank owned life insurance
18,725
18,725
-
-
18,725Financial
Liabilities:Deposits
576,299
561,599
-
561,599
-FHLB and other borrowings
124,100
140,455
-
140,455
-Junior subordinated debentures
13,403
5,093
-
5,093
-December
31, 2011Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3Financial Assets:Cash and cash equivalents
$23,005
23,005
23,005
-
-Other investments
7,924
7,924
-
-
7,924Loans, net
589,709
603,416
-
12,318
591,098Bank owned life insurance
18,093
18,093
-
-
18,093Financial
Liabilities:Deposits
562,912
521,930
-
521,930
-FHLB and other borrowings
122,700
141,411
-
141,411
-Junior subordinated debentures
13,403
4,212
-
4,212
-

NOTE 12  Earnings Per Common Share



The following schedule reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per
share computations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Dilutive common shares arise from the potentially dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options and warrants that are
outstanding. The assumed conversion of stock options and warrants can create a difference between basic and dilutive net income per common share.



At December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 74,802, 167,937, and 828,764 options, respectively, were anti-dilutive
in the calculation of earnings per share as their exercise price exceeded the fair market value. All earnings per share amounts have been restated to reflect the 10% stock dividends issued in January
2011, 2012, and 2013.



84



December 31,(dollars in thousands, except
share data)
2012
2011
2010Numerator:Net income
$3,862
2,088
890Less:  Preferred stock dividends
840
865
865Discount accretion (1)
360
279
260Add:  Redemption of preferred stock
96
-
-Net income (loss) available to common shareholders (1)
$2,758
944
(235)Denominator:Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic
4,229,928
4,200,980
4,178,703Common stock equivalents
110,030
85,438
-Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted
4,339,958
4,286,418
4,178,703Earnings
(loss) per common share (1):Basic
$0.65
0.22
(0.06)Diluted
$0.64
0.22
(0.06)

(1)

Amounts for 2010 have been restated for a correction of an error. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements.



NOTE 13  Commitments and Contingencies



The Company has entered into a three year employment agreement with its chief executive officer and a two
year employment agreement with its president and with two executive vice presidents. These agreements include a) an incentive program, b) a stock option plan, c) a one-year non-compete agreement upon
termination and a severance payment equal to one year of compensation. The total estimated aggregate commitment is approximately $1.0 million.



The Company has entered into an agreement with a data processor which expires in 2014 to provide certain
item processing, electronic banking, and general ledger processing services. Components of this contract vary based on transaction and account volume and include a base monthly charge of
approximately $89,000.



At December 31, 2012, the Company occupied land and banking office space under leases expiring on various
dates through 2028. The estimated future minimum lease payments under these noncancelable operating leases are summarized as follows:



(dollars in thousands)
For the years ended December 31,2013

$1,8252014

1,8412015

7962016

7952017

120Thereafter

1,143$6,520

Lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, totaled $728,000, $684,000, and
$669,000, respectively.



The Company may be subject to litigation and claims in the normal course of business. As of December 31,
2012, management believes there is no material litigation pending.





85



NOTE 14  Income Taxes



The components of income tax expense were as follows:



For the years ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Current income
taxes:Federal
$2,031
1,627
1,238State
98
63
60Total current tax expense
2,129
1,690
1,298Deferred income tax benefit
(296)
(857)
(1,105)Income tax expense
$1,833
833
193

The following is a summary of the items that caused recorded income taxes to differ from taxes computed
using the statutory tax rate:



For the years ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011
2010Tax expense at
statutory rate
$1,936
993
368Effect of
state income taxes
65
74
40Exempt income and other
(168)
(234)
(215)Income tax expense
$1,833
833
193

The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Deferred tax assets:Allowance for
loan losses
$3,091
3,035Net deferred loan fees
326
207Interest on
nonaccrual loans
617
625Deferred compensation
577
408Sale of real
estate owned
212
235Other
287
2885,110
4,798Deferred tax
liabilities:Property and
equipment
1,188
1,041Unrealized gain on securities available for sale
607
536Other
139
2701,934
1,847Net deferred tax asset
$3,176
2,951

The Company has analyzed the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns and concluded
it has no liability related to uncertain tax positions.



NOTE 15  Related Party Transactions



Certain directors, executive officers, and companies with which they are affiliated, are clients of and
have banking transactions with the Company in the ordinary course of business. These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at
the time for comparable transactions with persons not related to the lender.





86



A summary of loan transactions with directors, including their affiliates and executive officers is as
follows:



For the years ended December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011Balance, beginning of year
$16,968
18,147New loans
14,081
12,717Less loan payments
(13,645)
(13,896)Balance, end of year
$17,404
16,968

Deposits by officers and directors and their related interests at December 31, 2012 and 2011, were $2.2
million and $2.3 million, respectively.



The Company has a land lease with a director on the property for a branch office, with monthly payments of
$4,924. In addition, the Company had various consulting agreements with the director for development, administration and advisory services related to the purchase of property and construction of
current and future branch office sites. Beginning in 2006, the Company also contracted with the director on an annual basis to provide property management services for its four offices in the
Greenville market. The Company paid the director approximately $44,000, $39,000, and $30,000 for these services during 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.



The Company is of the opinion that the lease payments and consulting fees represent market costs that could
have been obtained in similar “arms length” transactions.



NOTE 16  Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk



In the ordinary course of business, and to meet the financing needs of its clients, the Company is a party
to various financial instruments with off balance sheet risk. These financial instruments, which include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, involve, to varying degrees,
elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheets. The contract amount of those instruments reflects the extent of involvement the Company has in
particular classes of financial instruments.



The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the
financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making
commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.



Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a client as long as there is no violation of any
material condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. At December 31, 2012, unfunded
commitments to extend credit were approximately $115.6 million, of which $22.1 million is at fixed rates and $93.5 million is at variable rates. At December 31, 2011, unfunded commitments to extend
credit were approximately $98.9 million, of which $17.6 million is at fixed rates and $81.3 million is at variable rates. The Company evaluates each client’s credit-worthiness on a case-by-case
basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral varies but may
include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and commercial and residential real estate.



At December 31, 2012 and 2011, there was a $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, commitment under
letters of credit. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to clients. Collateral varies but may include accounts
receivable, inventory, equipment, marketable securities and property. Since most of the letters of credit are expected to expire without being drawn upon, they do not necessarily represent future
cash requirements. The fair value of off balance sheet lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the
agreements and the counterparties credit standing. The total fair value of such instruments is not material.





87



NOTE 17  Employee Benefit Plan



On January 1, 2000, the Company adopted the Southern First Bancshares, Inc. Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan
for the benefit of all eligible employees. The Plan was amended in 2006 to provide a Roth 401(k) feature to the Plan. The Company contributes to the Plan annually upon approval by the Board of
Directors. Contributions made to the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 amounted to $195,000, $176,000, and $192,000, respectively.



The Company also provides a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for 14 executive officers in the form
of a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). The plan provides retirement income for these officers. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had an accrued benefit obligation of
$1.7 million. The Company incurred expenses related to this plan of $497,000, $381,000, and $128,000 in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.



NOTE 18  Warrants and Stock Options and Grant Plans



On March 21, 2000, the Company adopted a stock option plan for the benefit of the directors, officers and
employees. Under the Plan, the Board could grant up to 436,424 options at an option price per share not less than the fair market value on the date of grant. The options expire 10 years from the
grant date, but expired or forfeited options may be reissued. Under the terms of the Plan any awards remaining and granted after March 2010 are accounted for as non-qualified stock options. As of
January 2011, all available options under the Plan had been granted.



On May 18, 2010, the Company adopted the 2010 Incentive Plan in order to attract and retain highly
qualified personnel who will contribute to the Company’s success. The Plan makes available for issuance 366,025 stock options (adjusted for the 10% stock dividends in 2013, 2012, and 2011). The
options may be exercised at an option price per share based on the fair market value and determined on the date of grant and expire 10 years from the grant date.



A summary of the status of the stock option plan and changes for the period (adjusted for the stock
dividends in 2011, 2012, and 2013) are presented below:



For the
years ended December 31,2012

2011

2010Shares
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Shares
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Shares
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
ValueOutstanding at beginning
of year
455,698
$6.76


428,469
$7.04


451,428
$6.68Granted
120,615
6.31


87,967
6.05


222,943
5.67Exercised
(17,867)
5.36


(16,615)
4.65


(23,792)
4.55Forfeited or expired
(1,972)
5.17


(44,123)
8.76


(222,110)
5.35Outstanding at end of year
556,474
$6.72
$1,265,486

455,698
$6.76
$117,017

428,469
$7.04
$72,075Options exercisable at year-end
257,290

$1,265,486

181,059

$117,017

137,383

$72,075Shares available for grant
229,616



350,231



438,199

The fair value of the option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model. The following assumptions were used for grants: expected volatility of 44.04% for 2012, 26.76% for 2011 and 2010; risk-free interest rate of 1.86% for 2012, 3.35% for 2011, 3.25% for 2010; 10
year life expectancy of the options, and; assumed dividend rate of zero.



The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the
difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of 2012 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by
the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2012. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.



In 2006, the Company adopted a restricted stock plan for the benefit of the directors, officers and
employees. Under the restricted stock plan, 13,310 shares of restricted stock (adjusted for the stock dividends in 2011 and 2012) were authorized for issuance. As of December 31, 2012 all shares of
restricted stock, authorized under the plan had been granted. In May 2010, the Company adopted the 2010 Incentive Plan which included a provision for the issuance of 79,860 shares of restricted stock
(adjusted for all subsequent stock dividends).



Shares of restricted stock granted to employees under the stock plans are subject to restrictions as to
continuous employment for a specified time period following the date of grant. During this period, the holder is entitled to full voting rights and dividends.





88



A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock and changes for the years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 (adjusted for the stock dividends in 2011, 2012, and 2013) is as follows:



December 31,2012

2011

2010Restricted 
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Restricted 
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Restricted 
Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair ValueNonvested at beginning of year
3,025
$6.53

-
$-

833
$16.25Granted
25,850
6.78

3,025
6.53

-
-Vested
(756)
6.53

-
-

(833)
16.25Forfeited
-
-

-
-

-
-Nonvested at end of year
28,119
$6.76

3,025
$6.53

-
$-

NOTE 19  Preferred Stock Issuance



On February 27, 2009, as part of the Treasury Department’s
Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”), the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“the Treasury”), pursuant to which the
Company sold 17,299 shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series T (the “Series T Preferred Stock”) and a warrant to purchase 399,970.34 shares of the
Company’s common stock (the “Warrant”)for an aggregate purchase price of $17.3 million in cash. The Series T Preferred Stock qualified as Tier 1 capital and was entitled to
cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum thereafter. The Warrant had a 10-year term and was immediately exercisable upon its issuance, with an exercise
price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments equal to $6.487 per share of the common stock.



On June 28, 2012, the Treasury sold its Series T Preferred Stock through a public offering structured as a
modified Dutch auction. The Company bid on a portion of the Series T Preferred Stock in the auction after receiving approval from its regulators to do so. The clearing price per share for the
preferred shares was $904 (compared to a par value of $1,000 per share), and the Company was successful in repurchasing 1,000 shares of the 17,299 shares of Series T Preferred Stock outstanding
through the auction process. The remaining 16,299 shares of Series T Preferred Stock held by the Treasury were sold to unrelated third-parties through the auction process. Included in the September
30, 2012 operating results are approximately $130,000 of costs incurred by the Company related to the offering. These costs are not tax-deductible. The net balance sheet impact was a reduction to
shareholders’ equity of $904,000 which is comprised of a decrease in Series T Preferred Stock of $1.0 million and a $96,000 increase to retained earnings related to the discount on the shares
repurchased. The redemption of the $1.0 million in preferred shares will save the Company $50,000 annually in dividend expenses.



In addition, on July 25, 2012, the Company completed its repurchase of the Warrant from the Treasury for a
mutually agreed upon price of $1.1 million. The difference between the fair value of the Warrant, as originally recorded, and the $1.1 million was $343,000 which resulted in a decrease to additional
paid in capital. The Company also recorded the remaining accretion of $180,000 on the Series T Preferred Stock which brought the Preferred Stock to its par value. In conjunction with the repurchase
of the Warrant, the Company obtained an interest only line of credit for $1.5 million with another financial institution. Interest is payable quarterly at a rate of 5%, and the line of credit matures
on February 3, 2014.



Following the settlement of the Warrant on July 25, 2012, the Treasury has completely eliminated its equity
stake in the Company through the Capital Purchase Program. As a result, the executive compensation and corporate governance standards that were applicable to the Company while the Treasury held
shares of the Series T Preferred Stock are no longer applicable to our Company, and we have the option to increase the compensation for our executive officers and other senior employees on a going
forward basis.



NOTE 20  Dividends



The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends is dependent upon receiving cash in the form of dividends
from the Bank. The dividends that may be paid by the Bank to the Company are subject to legal limitations and regulatory capital requirements. The approval of the OCC is required if the total of all
dividends declared by a national bank in any



89



calendar year exceeds the total of its net profits for that year combined with its retained net profits for
the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus.



Also, the payment of cash dividends on the Company’s common stock by the Company in the future will
be subject to certain other legal and regulatory limitations (including the requirement that the Company’s capital be maintained at certain minimum levels) and will be subject to ongoing review
by banking regulators. The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve’s policies provide that
dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital
needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Further, as long as shares of our Series T Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividends may be paid on our common stock unless all dividends on
the Series T Preferred Stock have been paid in full. The Series T Preferred Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum for the first five years until 2014, and 9% per annum
thereafter.



On January 15, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a ten percent stock dividend to the
Company’s shareholders. The record date was February 1, 2013 and the distribution date was February 15, 2013. On January 17, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors also approved a ten
percent stock dividend to the Company’s shareholders. The record date was February 3, 2012 and the distribution date was February 17, 2012. Earnings per share and average shares outstanding
have been adjusted to reflect the stock dividend in our Consolidated Statements of Income.



NOTE 21  Regulatory Matters



The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal
banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct
material effect on the Company and Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital
guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities, and certain off balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and
classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.



Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to
maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. Total capital includes Tier 1 and Tier
2 capital. Tier 2 capital consists of the allowance for loan losses subject to certain limitations. Management believes, as of December 31, 2012, that the Company and Bank exceed all well capitalized
requirements to which they are subject.



The OCC notified the Bank that, effective December 19, 2012, it is
no longer subject to the Formal Written Agreement (the “Formal Agreement”) entered into on June 8, 2010. In addition, the OCC notified the Bank that, effective December 19, 2012, it is no
longer subject to the Individual Minimum Capital Ratios established for the Bank on May 24, 2010, which required the Bank to maintain a tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 8.00%, a tier 1
risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.00%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12.00%.





90



The following table summarizes the capital amounts and ratios of the Bank and the Company and the
regulatory minimum requirements at December 31, 2012 and 2011.



Actual
OCC Required
Capital Ratio
Minimum
For capital
adequacy purposes
minimum
To be well 
capitalized
under prompt
corrective action

provisions minimum(dollars in thousands)
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
RatioAs of
December 31, 2012The BankTotal Capital
(to risk weighted assets)
$83,763
13.0%
n/a
n/a
51,498
8.0%
64,372
10.0%Tier 1 Capital (to risk
weighted assets)
75,704
11.8%
n/a
n/a
25,749
4.0%
38,623
6.0%Tier 1
Capital (to average assets)
75,704
9.6%
n/a
n/a
31,492
4.0%
39,366
5.0%The
CompanyTotal Capital (to risk
weighted assets)
84,006
13.1%
n/a
n/a
51,498
8.0%
n/a
n/aTier 1
Capital (to risk weighted assets)
75,947
11.8%
n/a
n/a
25,749
4.0%
n/a
n/aTier 1 Capital (to average assets)
75,947
9.7%
n/a
n/a
31,492
4.0%
n/a
n/aAs of
December 31, 2011The BankTotal Capital
(to risk weighted assets)
$80,885
13.1%
74,095
12.0%
49,397
8.0%
61,746
10.0%Tier 1 Capital (to risk
weighted assets)
73,152
11.9%
61,746
10.0%
24,698
4.0%
37,047
6.0%Tier 1
Capital (to average assets)
73,152
9.5%
69,571
9.0%
30,920
4.0%
38,651
5.0%The
CompanyTotal Capital (to risk
weighted assets)
82,231
13.3%
n/a
n/a
49,397
8.0%
n/a
n/aTier 1
Capital (to risk weighted assets)
74,498
12.1%
n/a
n/a
24,698
4.0%
n/a
n/aTier 1 Capital (to average assets)
74,498
9.6%
n/a
n/a
30,920
4.0%
n/a
n/a

NOTE 22  Parent Company Financial Information



Following is condensed financial information of Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (parent company only):



Condensed Balance Sheets



December 31,(dollars in thousands)
2012
2011AssetsCash and cash equivalents
$82
16Investment in
subsidiaries
77,285
74,596Other assets
1,578
1,336Total assets
$78,945
$75,948Liabilities and
Shareholders’ EquityAccounts payable and
accrued expenses
$17
6Other borrowings
1,400
-Junior subordinated
debentures
13,403
13,403Shareholders’ equity
64,125
62,539Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$78,945
75,948



91



Condensed Statements of Income



For the years ended December 31,2012
2011
2010RevenuesInterest income
$-
1
11Total revenue
-
1
11ExpensesInterest expense
406
350
452Other expenses
342
276
245Total expenses
748
626
697Income tax benefit
254
212
233Loss before equity
in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
(494)
(413)
(453)Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
4,356
2,501
1,343Net income
$3,862
2,088
890

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows



For the
years ended December 31,2012
2011
2010Operating activitiesNet income
$3,862
2,088
890Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used foroperating activitiesEquity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
(4,356)
(2,501)
(1,343)Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock grants
341
276
245Increase in other assets
(241)
(194)
(163)Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
11
-
(47)Net cash used for operating activities
(383)
(331)
(418)Investing
activitiesInvestment in subsidiaries
1,804
550
-Net cash used for investing activities
1,804
550
-Financing activitiesIncrease (decrease) in note payable
1,400
-
(4,250)Redemption of preferred stock
(1,100)
-
-Redemption of CPP Warrant
(904)
-
-Cash dividend on preferred stock
(845)
(865)
(865)Cash in lieu
(2)
(1)Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants
96
77
295Net cash used for financing activities
(1,355)
(789)
(4,820)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
66
(570)
(5,238)Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
16
586
5,824Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
$82
16
586



92



NOTE 23  Selected Condensed Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)



2012For the quarters ended(dollars in thousands, except
share data)
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31Interest income
$8,557
8,534
8,790
8,817Interest expense
2,428
2,156
2,082
2,037Net interest income
6,129
6,378
6,708
6,780Provision for loan losses
1,200
1,275
1,125
950Noninterest income
837
741
1,286
897Noninterest expenses
4,779
4,655
5,025
5,053Income before income tax expense
987
1,189
1,844
1,674Income tax expense
299
374
618
541Net income
688
815
1,226
1,133Preferred stock dividends
216
216
204
204Discount accretion
(1)
73
106
180
-Redemption of preferred stock
-
96
-
-Net income available to common shareholders (1)
$399
589
842
929Earnings per common share (1)Basic
$0.09
0.14
0.20
0.22Diluted
$0.09
0.13
0.19
0.22Weighted average
common shares outstandingBasic
4,222,622
4,225,993
4,229,819
4,241,280Diluted
4,267,813
4,436,920
4,349,971
4,305,1272011For the quarters endedMarch 31
June 30
September 30
December 31Interest income
$8,605
8,887
8,851
8,799Interest expense
3,204
3,085
2,877
2,688Net interest income
5,401
5,802
5,974
6,111Provision for loan losses
725
650
1,670
2,225Noninterest income
556
618
723
873Noninterest expenses
4,467
4,855
4,352
4,193Income (loss) before income tax expense
765
915
675
566Income tax expense (benefit)
228
287
192
126Net income
537
628
483
440Preferred stock dividends
216
216
216
217Discount accretion (1)
68
69
70
72Net income(loss) available to common shareholders (1)
$253
343
197
151Earnings (loss) per
common share (1)Basic
$0.06
0.08
0.05
0.04Diluted
$0.06
0.08
0.05
0.04Weighted average common shares
outstandingBasic
4,194,705
4,203,072
4,203,072
4,203,072Diluted
4,291,538
4,300,180
4,328,383
4,225,569

(1)

Amounts for the first two quarters of 2011 have been restated for a correction of an error.
See Note 1 to the financial statements.







93



Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure



None.



Item 9A. Controls and Procedures



Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures



Based on our management’s evaluation (with the participation of our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer), as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to
be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission
rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.



Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting



Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). A system of internal control over financial reporting is a process 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.



Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer
and the principal financial officer, the Company’s management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 based on the criteria
established in a report entitled “Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission” and the interpretive
guidance issued by the Commission in Release No. 34-55929. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s management has evaluated and concluded that the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.



The Company is continuously seeking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations and of
its internal controls. This results in modifications to its processes throughout the Company. However, there has been no change in its internal control over financial reporting that occurred during
the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



Internal Control over Financial Reporting



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



Item 9B. Other Information



None





PART III



Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.



In response to this Item, this information is contained in our Proxy Statement for
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference.



Item 11. Executive Compensation.



In response to this Item, this information is contained in our Proxy Statement for
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference.





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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
 and
Related Shareholder Matters.





In response to this Item, the
information required by Item 201(d) is contained in Item 5 of this report. The other information required by this item is contained in our Proxy Statement for the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference.



Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.




The information is contained in our Proxy Statement for the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2013 is incorporated herein by reference.



Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.



In response to this Item, this information is contained in our Proxy Statement for
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 21, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference.



Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules



(a)
(1)
Financial StatementsThe following consolidated financial statements are located in Item 8 of
this report.Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmConsolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012,
2011 and 2010Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income  (Loss) for the years ended
December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
2012, 2011 and 2010Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements(2)
Financial Statement Schedules 
These schedules have been omitted because they are not required, are not applicable or have been included in our consolidated financial statements.(3)
ExhibitsSee  the  “Exhibit  Index”  immediately  following
the signature page of this report.



SIGNATURES



In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
“Exchange Act”), the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



SOUTHERN FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.





Date:  March 5, 2013
By:

/s/R. Arthur Seaver,
Jr.Chief Executive Officer

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints R. Arthur Seaver, Jr., his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto the attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about
the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.





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In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



Signature

Title
    
Date/s/R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.

Director, Chief Executive Officer
    
March 5, 2013R. Arthur Seaver, Jr.

(Principal Executive Officer)/s/Michael D.
Dowling

Chief Financial Officer
    
March 5, 2013Michael D. Dowling

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)/s/Andrew B. Cajka, Jr.

Director
    
March 5, 2013Andrew B. Cajka, Jr./s/Mark A. Cothran

Director
    
March 5, 2013Mark A. Cothran/s/Leighton M. Cubbage

Director
    
March 5, 2013Leighton M. Cubbage/s/David G. Ellison

Director
    
March 5, 2013David G. Ellison/s/Anne S. Ellefson

Director
    
March 5, 2013Anne S. Ellefson/s/Fred Gilmer, Jr.

Director
    
March 5, 2013Fred Gilmer, Jr./s/Tecumseh Hooper, Jr.

Director
    
March 5, 2013Tecumseh Hooper, Jr./s/Rudolph G. Johnstone, III, M.D.

Director
    
March 5, 2013Rudolph G. Johnstone, III, M.D./s/James B. Orders, III

Director, Chairman
    
March 5, 2013James B. Orders, III/s/William B. Sturgis

Director
    
March 5, 2013William B. Sturgis



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EXHIBIT INDEX

1.1Underwriting Agreement for 17,299 Preferred Shares, dated June 27, 2012, among Southern First Bancshares, Inc, Southern First Bank, the United States Department of
the Treasury, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Sandler ONeill & Partners, L.P. and the other several Underwriters named in Schedule A thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Companys Form 8-K filed July 3,
2012).3.1Articles of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Companys Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-83851).3.2Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation establishing the terms of the Series T Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the
Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2009).3.3Amended and Restated Bylaws dated March 18, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Companys Form 10-K filed March 24, 2008).4.1See Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 for provisions in Southern First Bancsharess Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws defining the rights of holders of the common
stock and the Series T Preferred Stock.4.2Form of certificate of common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Companys Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-83851).4.3Form of Series T Preferred Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Companys Form 8-K filed March 3, 2009).*10.12000 Greenville First Bancshares, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan and Form of Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Companys Form
10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 2000).*10.2Sublease Agreement between Greenville First Bank, N.A. and Augusta Road Holdings, LLC dated February 26, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the
Companys Form 10-QSB for the period ended June 30, 2004).10.3Bonaventure I Office Lease Agreement with Greenville First Bank, N.A., dated September 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Companys
Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005).10.4First Amendment to Office Lease Agreement with Greenville First Bank, N.A., dated September 20, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Companys
Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2005).10.5Employment Agreement by and between Southern First Bancshares, Inc. with R. Arthur Seaver, Jr. dated December 17, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
of the Companys Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008).*10.6Employment Agreement by and between Southern First Bancshares, Inc. with F. Justin Strickland dated December 17, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4
of the Companys Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008).*10.7Employment Agreement by and between Southern First Bancshares, Inc. with Frederick Gilmer, III dated December 17, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6
of the Companys Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008).*10.8Employment Agreement by and between Southern First Bancshares, Inc. Michael D. Dowling dated October 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Companys Form 8-K filed October 3, 2012).*10.9Form of Split Dollar Agreement between certain executives and Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Companys
Form 8-K filed February 18, 2009).*

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10.10First Amendment to the Southern First Bancshares 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, adopted October 21, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Companys Form 10-Q filed for the period ended September 30, 2008).*10.11Form of Southern First Bank, N.A. Salary Continuation Agreement dated December 17, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Companys
Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008).*10.12Form of First Amendment to Southern First Bank, N.A. Salary Continuation Agreement dated December 17, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the
Companys Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008).*21Subsidiaries.23Consent of Independent Public Accountants.24Power of Attorney (contained herein as part of the signature pages).31.1Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer.31.2Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer.32Section 1350 Certifications of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.99.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 111(b)(4) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.99.2Certification of the Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 111(b)(4) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.101The following materials from the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language
(XBRL); (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity and
Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.(1)__________

*        Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form
10-K.

(1)
Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or
prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.









98