q22211.htm
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2010

[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number:  0-22842

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 
Missouri 43-1654695
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.) 
                             
142 East First Street, Mountain Grove, Missouri 65711
(Address of principal executive offices)

(417) 926-5151
(Issuer's telephone number)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes   X   No___

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

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

Large accelerated filer (  )                                                                Accelerated filer (  )
Non-accelerated filer (  )                                                      Smaller reporting company (X)

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, 1,550,815 shares outstanding at February 22, 2011.


 
 

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
 
INDEX
 
 
      Page
No.     
 
 
  Item 1.  Financial Statements:   
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 
  at December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
3
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations  for the Three and Six 
  Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three
  and Six Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
       
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the  
  Six Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
       
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
       
  Item 2. 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
22 
       
  Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  34 
       
  Item 4.  Controls and Procedures  34 
       
Part II.  Other Information  
       
  Item 1.  Legal Proceedings  36 
       
  Item 1A.  Risk Factors  36 
       
  Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  38 
       
  Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities  38 
       
  Item 4.  Removed and Reserved  38 
       
  Item 5.  Other Information  38 
       
  Item 6.  Exhibits  38 
       
  Signatures  39 
     
  Exhibit Index  40 
     
  Certifications  41 
       

 
 
 

 

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Unaudited)
 
           
   
December 31,
 
June 30,
 
   
2010
 
2010
 
           
ASSETS
         
Cash and cash equivalents
$
   9,694,687
$
  20,182,593
 
Certificates of deposit purchased
 
    6,471,578
 
    7,221,578
 
Securities available-for-sale
 
  64,256,711
 
  60,304,479
 
Securities held to maturity, fair market value at:
         
  December 31, 2010, $8,348,120; June 30, 2010, $2,072,084
 
    8,493,854
 
    2,012,940
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
 
    434,000
 
    434,000
 
Loans receivable, net of allowances for loan losses at:
         
  December 31, 2010, $2,521,843; June 30, 2010, $2,526,862
 
101,255,832
 
108,683,381
 
Loans held for sale
 
88,308
 
-
 
Accrued interest receivable
 
       790,996
 
       819,752
 
Prepaid FDIC insurance premiums
 
991,997
 
1,196,465
 
Prepaid expenses
 
     283,266
 
     380,487
 
Property and equipment, net
 
    6,067,358
 
    6,051,423
 
Real estate owned and other repossessed assets
 
    5,281,585
 
    3,945,628
 
Intangible assets, net
 
       110,183
 
       135,241
 
Income taxes recoverable
 
       138,674
 
       152,975
 
Other assets
 
       125,955
 
       136,031
 
     Total assets
$
204,484,984
$
211,656,973
 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
         
Deposits
$
175,170,721
$
180,075,425
 
Retail repurchase agreements
 
    5,071,799
 
    5,352,402
 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
 
  3,000,000
 
   3,000,000
 
Accrued expenses
 
      698,852
 
      617,915
 
     Total liabilities
 
183,941,372
 
189,045,742
 
           
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares
         
 authorized, none issued
 
                  -
 
                   -
 
           
Common stock, $.01 par value; 8,000,000 shares
         
 authorized, 2,895,036 issued at December 31, 2010
         
 and June 30, 2010, 1,550,815 shares outstanding at
         
 December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010
 
         28,950
 
         28,950
 
Paid-in capital
 
  18,059,366
 
  18,056,714
 
Retained earnings - substantially restricted
 
  20,998,870
 
  22,538,555
 
Treasury stock - at cost; 1,344,221 shares
 
  (19,112,627)
 
(19,112,627)
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
        569,053
 
    1,099,369
 
     Total stockholders' equity
 
  20,543,612
 
  22,611,231
 
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
204,484,984
211,656,973
 
           
See notes to consolidated financial statements

 
3

 
 
 


FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
                 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
   
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
                 
Interest Income:
               
   Loans receivable
$
1,525,133
$
1,933,255
$
  3,131,791
$
  4,048,313
   Securities
 
   521,609
 
   494,105
 
1,076,635
 
  994,723
   Other interest-earning assets
 
     46,783
 
     66,620
 
     88,784
 
     114,816
       Total interest income
 
2,093,525
 
2,493,980
 
  4,297,210
 
  5,157,852
Interest Expense:
               
   Deposits
 
485,101
 
788,390
 
  1,085,267
 
  1,652,598
   Retail repurchase agreements
 
     19,647
 
     14,385
 
       38,387
 
       31,888
   Borrowed funds
 
   37,873
 
   48,762
 
     75,747
 
     106,671
       Total interest expense
 
542,621
 
851,537
 
  1,199,401
 
  1,791,157
       Net interest income
 
1,550,904
 
1,642,443
 
  3,097,809
 
  3,366,695
 
Provision for loan losses
 
 
  408,000
 
 
(51,324)
 
           471,181
 
 
           -
Net interest income after
               
 provision for loan losses
 
   1,142,904
 
   1,693,767
 
   2,626,628
 
   3,366,695
Non-interest Income:
               
   Service charges and other fee income
 
  255,144
 
  398,197
 
  537,864
 
  842,592
   Gain on sale of loans
 
   739
 
   2,689
 
      3,109
 
     32,404
   Gain (loss) on sale of property and
               
       equipment and real estate owned
 
  6,456
 
  (5,365)
 
(59,250)
 
42,482
   Provision for loss on real estate owned
 
(500,000)
 
(93,000)
 
(500,000)
 
(128,000)
   Income from bank-owned life insurance
 
     -
 
     -
 
     -
 
     15,064
   Other
 
     12,032
 
     33,200
 
     79,401
 
     61,241
       Total non-interest income
 
  (225,629)
 
   335,721
 
 61,124
 
 865,783
Non-interest Expense:
               
   Compensation and employee benefits
 
852,382
 
912,342
 
  1,719,126
 
  1,846,317
   Occupancy and equipment
 
   328,372
 
   316,442
 
  654,249
 
  699,701
   Professional fees
 
   180,193
 
   140,455
 
     345,726
 
     263,617
   Deposit insurance premiums
 
    108,654
 
    177,876
 
     215,817
 
     264,526
   Other
 
   639,820
 
   327,357
 
  1,004,886
 
  662,190
       Total non-interest expense
 
2,109,421
 
1,874,472
 
  3,939,804
 
  3,736,351
       Income (loss) before taxes
 
(1,192,146)
 
155,016
 
(1,252,052)
 
496,127
Income taxes
 
281,494
 
108,475
 
287,633
 
250,233
       Net income (loss)
$
(1,473,640)
$
46,541
$
(1,539,685)
$
245,894
                 
       Earnings (loss) per share – basic
$
      (0.95)
$
      0.03
$
        (0.99)
$
         0.16
       Earnings (loss) per share – diluted
 
      (0.95)
 
      0.03
 
         (0.99)
 
         0.16
       Dividends per share
 
0.00
 
0.00
 
0.00
 
0.00
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
       
           
 
   

 

 

 

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
                 
   
 
       
   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
December 31,
 
December 31,
   
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
         
                 
Net Income (loss)
$
  (1,473,640)
 $
  46,541
$
 (1,539,685)
 $
  245,894
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
               
    Change in unrealized gain (loss) on securities
               
     available-for-sale, net of deferred income
               
     taxes and reclassification adjustment for
               
     gains realized in income
 
    (518,719)
 
    (201,000)
 
        (530,586)
 
        6,880
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
  (1,992,359)
 $
  (154,459)
$
 (2,070,271)
 $
  252,774
                 
                 
See notes to consolidated financial statements
       
                 
 
 
 
           


 

 

FIRST BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
         
   
Six Months Ended December 31,
   
2010
 
2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
 Net income (loss)
$
  (1,539,685)
$
  245,894
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
       
  cash provided by operating activities:
       
   Depreciation
 
       278,469
 
       278,480
   Amortization
 
         25,058
 
         25,057
   Net amortization of premiums and accretion of (discounts) on securities
 
     (61,268)
 
    (54,501)
   Stock based compensation
 
         2,652
 
         5,108
   Provision for loan losses
 
    471,181
 
    -
   Provision for losses on real estate owned
 
   500,000
 
        128,000
   Gain on the sale of loans
 
     (3,109)
 
     (32,404)
   Proceeds from sales of loans originated for sale
 
 774,386
 
 955,960
   Loans originated for sale
 
(859,576)
 
(83,380)
   Deferred income taxes
 
  273,332
 
  868,548
   Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment
       
    and real estate owned
 
          20,939
 
          (42,063)
   Loss on sale of repossessed assets
 
38,311
 
-
   Income from bank-owned life insurance
 
     -
 
     (15,064)
   Net change in operating accounts:
       
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets
 
      341,012
 
    (1,248,837)
    Deferred loan costs
 
         2,637
 
         (752)
    Income taxes recoverable
 
       14,301
 
       (619,665)
    Accrued expenses
 
       80,937
 
       (723,342)
      Net cash provided by operating activities
 
    359,577
 
    (312,961)
         
Cash flows from investing activities:
       
 Purchase of certificates of deposit purchased
 
  (2,399,000)
 
  (4,558,392)
 Maturities of certificates of deposit purchased
 
     3,149,000
 
     1,795,407
 Purchase of securities available-for-sale
 
(28,204,156)
 
(10,158,091)
 Proceeds from maturities of securities available-for-sale
 
  23,510,326
 
   9,987,349
Purchase of securities held to maturity
 
(7,000,000)
 
-
 Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity
 
      518,034
 
      384,587
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
 
-
 
1,107,000
 Net decrease in loans receivable
 
  4,730,268
 
 10,355,267
 Proceeds from redemption of bank owned life insurance policies
 
            -
 
    2,169,089
 Purchases of property and equipment
 
    (294,404)
 
     (109,554)
Net proceeds from sale of property and equipment
 
-
 
313,471
Investment in real estate owned and repossessed assets
 
(6,500)
 
-
 Net proceeds from sale of real estate owned and repossessed assets
 
       334,256
 
       996,194
    Net cash provided by investing activities
 
  (5,662,176)
 
 12,282,327
         
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
 Net change in deposits
 
(4,904,704)
 
(10,167,288)
 Net change in retail repurchase agreements
 
   (280,603)
 
   (2,163,858)
 Repayment of borrowed funds
 
-
 
(7,000,000)
    Net cash used by financing activities
 
(5,185,307)
 
  (19,331,146)
         
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
  (10,487,906)
 
 (7,361,780)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
 
  20,182,593
 
  26,217,607
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
 9,694,687
$
  18,855,827
         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
       
Cash paid during the period for:
       
  Interest on deposits and borrowed funds
$
    1,243,862
$
  1,936,585
  Income taxes
 
                   -
 
                  350
         
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
       
Loans transferred to real estate acquired in settlement of loans
$
  2,222,963
$
  3,309,362
         
See notes to consolidated financial statements
       

 

 

 
FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies followed for interim reporting by First Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") and its consolidated subsidiaries, First Home Savings Bank (the "Bank") and SCMG, Inc. are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods reported have been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements, and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition as of June 30, 2010, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.  It is suggested that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest shareholders’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2010. The results for these interim periods may not be indicative of results for the entire year or for any other period.

2.  
ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

Accounting Standards Codification. The Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became effective on July 1, 2009. At that date, the ASC became FASB’s officially recognized source of authoritative U. S. generally accepted accounting principles  applicable to all public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”), Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) and related literature. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under the authority federal securities laws are also sources of GAAP for SEC registrants. All other accounting literature is considered non-authoritative. The switch to the ASC affects the way companies refer to U. S. GAAP in financial statements and accounting policies. Citing particular content in the ASC involves specifying the unique numeric path to the content through the Topic, Subtopic, Section and Paragraph structure.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820); Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. ASU 2010-06 requires new disclosures on transfers into and out of Level 1 and 2 measurements of the fair value hierarchy and requires separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. It also clarifies existing fair value disclosures relating to the level of disaggregation and inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value. It is effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchase, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this pronouncement has not had a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2010, FASB issued ASU No. 2010-18, Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset—a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (Topic 310).  ASU No. 2010-18 clarifies that a creditor should not apply
 
 
7

 
specific guidance in ASC 310, Receivables, 40, Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, to acquired loans accounted for as a pooled asset under ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.  However, that guidance in ASC 310-30 continues to apply to acquired loans within the scope of ASC 310-30 that a creditor accounts for individually.  This amended guidance is effective for a modification of a loan(s) accounted for within a pool under ASC 310-30 occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010.  The amended guidance must be applied prospectively, and early application is permitted.  Upon initial application of the amended guidance, an entity may make a one-time election to terminate accounting for loans as a pool under ASC 310-30.  An entity may make the election on a pool-by-pool basis.  The election does not preclude an entity from applying pool accounting to future acquisitions of loans with credit deterioration. The implementation of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses, which requires significant new disclosures about the allowance for credit losses (also known as “allowance for estimated losses on loans/leases”) and the credit quality of financing receivables. The requirements are intended to enhance transparency regarding credit losses and the credit quality of loan and lease receivables. Under this statement, allowance for credit losses and fair value are to be disclosed by portfolio segment, while credit quality information, impaired financing receivables and nonaccrual status are to be presented by class of financing receivable. Disclosure of the nature and extent, the financial impact and segment information of troubled debt restructurings will also be required. The disclosures are to be presented at the level of disaggregation that management uses when assessing and monitoring the portfolio’s risk and performance. This ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The Company include these disclosures in the notes to the financial statements for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.
 
 
 
 
8

 
 
3.  
LOANS RECEIVABLE, NET 

 
 At December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, loans consisted of the following:

   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
June 30, 2010
 
 
Type of Loan
Amount
Percent
 
Amount
Percent
 
                 Mortgage Loans:
           
 
Residential
 $   57,766
55.78
%
 $     60,217
54.24
%
 
Commercial Real Estate
      31,225
30.15
 
        34,573
31.15
 
 
Land
        3,874
3.74
 
          4,358
3.93
 
 
Second Mortgage Loans
        4,383
4.23
 
          4,469
4.03
 
 
Total Mortgage Loans
      97,248
93.90
 
      103,617
93.35
 
               
                 Consumer Loans:
           
 
Automobile Loans
           948
0.92
 
          1,127
1.02
 
 
Savings Account Loans
        1,099
1.06
 
          1,181
1.06
 
 
Mobile Home Loans
           158
0.15
 
             188
0.17
 
 
Other Consumer Loans
           273
0.26
 
             392
0.35
 
 
Total Consumer Loans
      2,478
2.39
 
         2,888
2.60
 
               
 
Commercial Business Loans
       3,842
3.71
 
         4,491
4.05
 
               
 
Total Loans
    103,568
100.00
%
      110,996
100.00
%
                 Add:
           
 
Unamortized deferred loan costs,
           
 
  net of origination fees
           214
   
             214
   
                 Less:
           
 
Allowance for possible loan losses
          2,522
   
            2,527
   
                 Total Loans Receivable, net
 $ 101,256
   
 $   108,683
   
 
Loan Origination' Risk Management. The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews and approves these policies and procedures on a regular basis. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.
 
Commercial business and commercial real estate loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower's ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Once it is determined that the borrower's management possesses sound ethics and solid business acumen, the Company's management examines current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay their obligations as agreed. Commercial business loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial business loans are secured by the assets being financed or other
 
 
 
9

 
business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.
 
Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial business loans, in addition to those of real estate loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. The properties securing the Company's commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type and geographic location. This diversity helps reduce the Company's exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk grade criteria. As a general rule, the Company avoids financing single-purpose projects unless other underwriting factors are present to help mitigate risk. The Company also utilizes third-party experts to provide insight and guidance about economic conditions and trends affecting market areas it serves. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans. At December 31, 2010, 62.4% of the outstanding principal balance of the Company's commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties.
 
With respect to loans to developers and builders that are secured by non-owner occupied properties that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company generally requires the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Company and have a proven record of success. Construction loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing.
 
The Company originates consumer loans utilizing a computer-based credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed, jointly by line and staff personnel. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Additionally, trend and outlook reports are reviewed by management on a regular basis. Underwriting standards for home equity loans are heavily influenced by statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value, collection remedies, the total aggregate balance to one borrower and documentation requirements.
 
The Company maintains an independent loan review department that reviews and validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of these reviews are
 
 
 
10

 
 
presented to management. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company's policies and procedures.
 
Concentrations of Credit. Most of the Company's lending activity occurs within the State of Missouri, including eleven counties surrounding one the largest metropolitan area in the State of Missouri Springfield, as well as other markets. The majority of the Company's loan portfolio consists of 1-4 family home loans and commercial business and commercial real estate loans. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were no concentrations of loans related to any single industry in excess of 10% of total loans.

Related Party Loans. In the ordinary course of business, the Company has granted loans to certain directors, executive officers and their affiliates (collectively referred to as "related parties"). These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other unaffiliated persons and do not involve more than normal risk of collectability. Activity in related party loans during the six months ended December 31, 2010 is presented in the following table.
 

Balance outstanding at June 30, 2010
 
 $    627,570
Principal additions
         
                 -
Principal reductions
         
      (26,331)
Balance at December 31, 2010
     
 $    601,239
 
Non-Accrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in management's opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
 
Non-accrual loans segregated by class of loan at December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010 were as follows:
 
       
(Dollars in Thousands)
       
December 31,
 
June 30,
       
2010
 
2010
Non-Accrual Loans
       
 
Real Estate:
       
   
Residential
 
 $         573
 
 $       258
   
Commercial and Land
 
       1,149
 
       3,587
  Commercial Business   76    82
  Consumer    -   -
   
Total Non-Accrual Loans
 
 $      1,798
 
 $    3,927
               
 
Had non-accrual loans performed in accordance with their original contract terms, the Company would have recognized additional interest income, net of tax, of
 
 
 
11 

 
 
approximately $32,000 and $53,000 during the three month and six month periods ended December 31, 2010.
 
An age analysis of past due loans, including non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2010 was as follows:

     
Loans
     
Total
       
     
30 - 89 Days
 
Days 90+
 
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
 
Type of Loan
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
Loans
 
Loans
 
Loans
Mortgage Loans:
  (Dollars in thousands)
 
Residential
 
 $         1,234
 
 $      173
 
 $   1,407
 
 $   56,359
 
 $ 57,766
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
                     -
 
             -
 
             -
 
     31,225
 
     31,225
 
Land
 
                     -
 
          25
 
          25
 
      3,849
 
       3,874
 
Second Mortgage Loans
 
                  10
 
             -
 
          10
 
       4,373
 
       4,383
 
Total Mortgage Loans
 
            1,244
 
        198
 
    1,442
 
     95,806
 
     97,248
Consumer Loans:
                   
 
Automobile Loans
 
                  14
 
               -
 
            14
 
            934
 
            948
 
Savings Account Loans
   -   -    -    1,099   1,099
 
 
 
Mobile Home Loans
 
                 -
 
             -
 
             -
 
          158
 
           158
 
Other Consumer Loans
 
                27
 
             -
 
            27
 
            246
 
            273
 
Total Consumer Loans
 
                  41
 
               -
 
            41
 
         2,437
 
         2,478
 
Commercial Business Loans
 
               581
 
              7
 
         588
 
         3,254
 
         3,842
 
Total Loans
 
 $         1,866
 
 $      205
 
 $   2,071
 
 $ 101,497
 
 $103,568

There were no loans 90 days or more delinquent and continuing to accrue interest at December 31, 2010.

 
Impaired Loans. Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. Impairment is evaluated on an individual loan basis for all loans. If a loan is impaired, a specific valuation allowance is allocated, if necessary, so that the loan is reported net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans, or portions thereof, are charged off when deemed uncollectible.
 
 
 
 
 
12

 
 
Year-end impaired loans are set forth in the following table. No interest income was recognized on impaired loans subsequent to their classification as impaired.
 
December 31, 2010
               
   
Unpaid
 
Total
     
Average
     
   
Principal
 
Recorded
 
Related
 
Recorded
     
    Balance    Investment   Allowance    Investment      
Residential Real Estate
 
 $1,156,736
 
                      $1,156,736
 
 $  193,601
 
 $  951,021
     
Commercial Real Estate
 
   4,423,535
 
   4,423,535      
 
  1,049,385
 
  4,722,011
     
Land
 
     499,221
 
     499,221      
 
       32,390
 
     481,985
     
Commercial Business
 
    363,200
 
     363,200      
 
      65,491
 
     395,909
     
Consumer
 
                 -
 
                 -      
 
                 -
 
                 -
     
   
 $6,442,692
 
$6,442,692      
 
$1,340,867
 
$6,550,926
     
                       
June 30, 2010
                     
   
Unpaid
 
Total
     
Average
     
   
Principal
 
Recorded
 
Related
 
Recorded
     
   
Balance
 
Investment
 
Allowance
 
Investment
     
Residential Real Estate
 
$1,052,316
 
                     $1,052,316
 
$  165,719
 
$1,378,760
     
Commercial  Real Estate
 
  7,034,762
 
 7,034,762       
 
  1,041,463
 
  3,027,617
     
Land
 
     480,296
 
     480,296       
 
       19,980
 
  1,453,010
     
Commercial Business
 
     587,745
 
    587,745       
 
         9,356
 
 1,176,730
     
Consumer
 
                 -
 
                 -       
 
                 -
 
         3,815
     
   
 $9,155,119
 
$9,155,119       
 
$1,236,518
 
$7,039,932
     
                 
 
Credit Quality Indicator. As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Company's loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to (i) the weighted-average risk grade of commercial loans, (ii) the level of classified commercial loans, (iii) net charge-offs, (iv) non-performing loans (see details above) and (v) the general economic conditions in the State of Missouri.
 
The Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its commercial loans. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 8.  A description of the general characteristics of the 8 risk grades is as follows:
 
·  
Grades 1 and 2 - These grades include loans to very high credit quality borrowers. These borrowers are generally (grades 1 and 2), have significant capital strength, moderate leverage, stable earnings, growth, and readily available financing alternatives.
·  
Grades 3 - This grade includes loans that are "pass grade" loans to borrowers of acceptable credit quality and risk. These borrowers have satisfactory asset quality and liquidity, adequate debt capacity and coverage, and good management in critical positions.
·  
Grades 4 - This grade includes loans that require ‘increased management attention” .  These borrowers generally have limited additional debt capacity and modest coverage and average or below average asset quality, margins, and market share.
·  
Grade 5 - This grade is for "Other Assets Especially Mentioned" in accordance with regulatory guidelines. This grade is intended to be temporary and includes loans to borrowers whose credit quality has clearly deteriorated and are at risk of further decline unless active measures are taken to correct the situation.
·  
Grade 6 - This grade includes "Substandard" loans, in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has not been stopped. By definition under regulatory guidelines, a "Substandard" loan has defined weaknesses which make payment default or principal exposure likely, but not yet certain. Such loans are apt to be dependent upon collateral liquidation, a secondary source of repayment or an event
 
 
 
13

 
 
 
  outside of the normal course of business.  Also, including "Substandard" loans, in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest has been stopped. This grade includes loans where interest is more than 90 days past due and not fully secured and loans where a specific valuation allowance may be necessary. 
 ·  
Grade 7 - This grade includes "Doubtful" loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Such loans are placed on non-accrual status and may be dependent upon collateral having a value that is difficult to determine or upon some near-term event which lacks certainty. Additionally, these loans generally have a specific valuation allowance in excess of 30% of the principal balance.
 ·  
Grade 8 - This grade includes "Loss" loans in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Such loans are to be charged-off or charged-down when payment is acknowledged to be uncertain or when the timing or value of payments cannot be determined. "Loss" is not intended to imply that the loan or some portion of it will never be paid, nor does it in any way imply that there has been a forgiveness of debt.
 
The following table presents weighted average risk grades and classified loans by class of commercial loan.
 
 
 
                   
      December 31, 2010    
June 30, 2010
Mortgage Loans:
   
Weighted
Average
Risk Grade
   
Classified
Loans
   
Weighted
Average
Risk Grade
   
Classified
Loans
   Residential
    3.12   $ 1,193,059     3.10   $ 886,597
   Commercial Real Estate
    3.47     2,931,990     3.53     5,395,146
    Land
    3.34     85,891     3.22     73,219
Commercial Business
     3.97     823,380     3.73     86,930
    Consumer      2.35      -      2.37     -
       Total
        $ 5,034,320         $  6,441,892
 
 
Note:  Classified loan amounts are net of specific reserve            
               
Net (charge-offs/recoveries, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:
             
 
(Dollars in thousands)
             
 
December 31, 2010
 
June 30, 2010
             
Mortgage Loans
 $            (499)
 
 $  (1,814)
             
Commercial Business Loans
                  25
 
                 (840)
             
Consumer Loans
               -
 
           (7)
             
                     
Total
 $            (474)
 
 $   (2,661)
             
 
In assessing the general economic conditions in the State of Missouri, management monitors and tracks the State and Counties Unemployment Rates, DJIA, S&P 500, NASDAQ, Fed Funds, Prime Rate, Crude, Gold, Libor and Springfield Builder Permits.  Management believes these indexes provides a reliable indication of the direction of overall economy from expansion to recession throughout the United States and here in the State of Missouri.
 
Allowance for Possible Loan Losses. The allowance for possible loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for possible loan losses charged to expense, which represents management's best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within
 
 
 
14

 
 
 
the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. The Company's allowance for possible loan loss methodology includes allowance allocations calculated in accordance with United State General Acceptable Accounting Principals calculated in accordance with ASC 450 and ASC 310.  Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss experience by type of credit and internal risk grade, specific homogeneous risk pools and specific loss allocations, with adjustments for current events and conditions. The Company's process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for possible loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for possible loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of and trends related to non- accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, criticized loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors. The provision for possible loan losses also reflects the totality of actions taken on all loans for a particular period.   In other words, the amount of the provision reflects not only the necessary increases in the allowance for possible loan losses related to newly identified criticized loans, but it also reflects actions taken related to other loans including, among other things, any necessary increases or decreases in required allowances for specific loans or loan pools.
 
The level of the allowance reflects management's continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific credits; however, the entire allowance is available for any credit that, in management's judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company's control, including, among other things, the performance of the Company's loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications.

 
The Company's allowance for possible loan losses consists of three elements: (i) specific valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 310 based on probable losses on specific loans; (ii) historical valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the impact of current conditions; and (iii) general valuation allowances determined in accordance with ASC Topic 450 based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company.
 
The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the obligor's ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed at the relationship manager level for all commercial loans. When a loan has a calculated grade of 6 or higher, the officer analyzes the loan to determine whether the loan is impaired and, if impaired, the need to specifically allocate a portion of the allowance for possible loan losses to the loan. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower's ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower's industry, among other things.
 
Historical valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans and the internal risk grade of such loans at the time they were charged-off. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar
 
 
15

 
 
loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss ratios are periodically updated based on actual charge-off experience. A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool. The Company's pools of similar loans include similarly risk-graded groups of commercial business loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer real estate loans and consumer and other loans.

General valuation allowances are based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company. In general, such valuation allowances are determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) the experience, ability and effectiveness of the Bank's lending management and staff; (ii) the effectiveness of the Company's loan policies, procedures and internal controls; (iii) changes in asset quality; (iv) changes in loan portfolio volume; (v) the composition and concentrations of credit; (vi) the impact of competition on loan structuring and pricing; (vii) the effectiveness of the internal loan review function; (viii) the impact of environmental risks on portfolio risks; and (ix) the impact of rising interest rates on portfolio risk.
 
Included in the general valuation allowances are allocations for groups of similar loans with risk characteristics that exceed certain concentration limits established by management. Concentration risk limits have been established, among other things, for certain industry concentrations, large balance and highly leveraged credit relationships that exceed specified risk grades, and loans originated with policy exceptions that exceed specified risk grades.
 
Loans identified as losses by management, internal/external loan review and/or bank examiners are charged-off. Furthermore, consumer loan accounts are charged-off automatically based on regulatory requirements.
 
The following table details activity in the allowance for possible loan losses by portfolio segment for the six months ended December 31, 2010 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
 
 
 
16

 

   
(Amounts in Thousands)
 
   
Mortgage Loans:
   
Commercial
             
December 31, 2010
       
Commercial
         
Business
   
Consumer
       
   
Residential
   
RE
   
Land
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Total
 
Beginning balance – 6-30-2010
  $ 462     $ 1,736     $ 75     $ 234     $ 20     $ 2,527  
Provision for loan losses
    152       327       8       (11 )     (5 )     471  
Charge-offs
    (150 )     (375 )     (2 )     (1 )     (11 )     (539 )
Recoveries
    21       7       -       26       9       63  
Net(Net Charge-offs)/ Recoveries
    (129 )     (368 )     (2 )     25       (2 )     (476 )
Ending balance – 12-31-2010
  $ 485     $ 1,695     $ 81     $ 248     $ 13     $ 2,522  
                                                 
Period-end amount allocated to:
                                               
Loans individually evaluated
  $ 194     $ 1,049     $ 32     $ 66     $ -     $ 1,341  
for impairment
Loans collectively evaluated
    291       646       49       182       13       1,181  
for impairment
Ending balance – 12-31-2010
  $ 485     $ 1,695     $ 81     $ 248     $ 13     $ 2,522  
                                                 
June 30, 2010
                                               
                                                 
Beginning balance – 6-30-2009
  $ 906     $ 991     $ 176     $ 2,027     $ 86     $ 4,186  
Provision for loan losses
    239       1,600       25       (953 )     (59 )     852  
Transfer from reserve on
    -       150       -       -       -       150  
Letters of Credit
Charge-offs
    (694 )     (1,033 )     (126 )     (1,034 )     (28 )     (2,915 )
Recoveries
    12       27       -       194       21       254  
Net (Charge-offs) / Recoveries
    (682 )     (1,006 )     (126 )     (840 )     (7 )     (2,661 )
Ending balance – 6-30-2010
    463       1,735       75       234       20       2,527  
                                                 
Period-end amount allocated to:
                                               
Loans individually evaluated
  $ 166     $ 1,041     $ 20     $ 10     $ -     $ 1,237  
for impairment
Loans collectively evaluated
    297       694       55       224       20       1,290  
for impairment
Ending balance – 6-30-2010
  $ 463     $ 1,735     $ 75     $ 234     $ 20     $ 2,527  
                                                 


 
 
 
 
17

 
The Company's recorded investment in loans as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 related to each balance in the allowance for possible loan losses by portfolio segment and disaggregated on the basis of the Company's impairment methodology was as follows:
 
Net (charge-offs) / recoveries, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:
     
December 31,
 
June 30,
     
2010
 
2010
     
( Dollars in thousands)
Mortgage Loans:
       
 
Residential
 
 $             (129)
 
 $         (682)
 
Commercial Real Estate
 
               (368)
 
         (1,006)
 
Land
 
                   (2)
 
            (126)
Commercial Business Loans
 
                  25
 
            (840)
Consumer Loans
 
                   (2)
 
                (7)
 
Total
 
 $             (476)
 
 $      (2,661)
           
 

4.       EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is based on net income or loss divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect, if any, of the issuance of shares eligible to be issued pursuant to stock option agreements.
 
 
The table below presents the numerators and denominators used in the basic earnings (loss) per common share computations for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
 
 
December 31,
December 31,
 
2010
2009
2010
2009
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
         
Numerator:
         
Net income (loss)
$(1,473,640)
$46,541
$(1,539,685)
$  245,894
 
Denominator:
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding
1,550,815
1,550,815
1,550,815
1,550,815
 
           
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
$(0.95)
$0.03
$(0.99)
$0.16
 
           
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
         
Numerator:
         
Net income (loss)
$(1,473,640)
$46,541
$(1,539,685)
$  245,894
 
Denominator:
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding
1,550,815
1,550,815
1,550,815
1,550,815
 
           
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
$(0.95)
$0.03
$(0.99
$0.16
 


 
18

 
5.           COMMITMENTS

At December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate loans totaling $441,000 and $594,000, respectively.  It is expected that outstanding loan commitments will be funded with existing liquid assets.

 
6.
STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected term of the options granted, volatilities, and other factors.  Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over a period of time.  The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The dividend rate is equal to the dividend rate in effect on the date of grant.  There were no grants made during either the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 or the six months ended December 31, 2010. The exercise price of options granted under the Company’s incentive plans is equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant date. The Company assumes no projected forfeiture rates on its stock-based compensation.

A summary of option activity under the 2004 Stock Option Plan (“Plan”) as of December 31, 2010, and changes during the six months ended December 31, 2010, is presented below:
Options
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Term
       
( in months)
Outstanding at beginning of period
22,000
 
$ 16.85
76
Granted
-
 
-
 
Exercised
-
 
-
 
Forfeited or expired
       -
 
    -
 
Outstanding at end of period
22,000
 
$ 16.85
70
Exercisable at end of period
  15,600
 
$ 16.83
 
         
A summary of the Company’s non-vested shares as of December 31, 2010, and changes during the six months ended December 31, 2010, is presented below:

Non-vested Options
Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
       
Outstanding at beginning of period
6,400
 
$ 6.11
Granted
-
 
-
Exercised
-
 
-
Vested
-
 
-
Forfeited or expired
-
 
-
Outstanding at end of period
6,400
 
$ 6.11

As of December 31, 2010, there was $3,200 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately five months.


7.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FASB ASC Topic 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a hierarchy for measuring fair value in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This hierarchy includes three levels and is based upon the valuation techniques used to measure assets and liabilities. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

 
19

 


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

Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

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

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Securities Available for Sale. Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. For equity securities, unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are utilized to determine fair value at the measurement date.  For all other securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond's terms and conditions, among other things.

Impaired Loans. The Company does not record impaired loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, periodically, a loan is considered impaired and is reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated costs to sell, if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Impaired loans measured at fair value typically consist of loans on non-accrual status and loans with a portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated specifically to the loan. Collateral values are estimated using Level 2 inputs, including recent appraisals and Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria. As a result of the significance of the Level 3 inputs, impaired loans fair values have been classified as Level 3.

Real Estate Owned. Real estate owned represents property acquired through foreclosure and settlement of loans. Property acquired is carried at the lower of the principal amount of the loan outstanding at the time of acquisition, plus any acquisition costs, or the estimated fair value of the property, less disposal costs. The Company considers third party appraisals, as well as, independent fair value assessments from realtors or persons involved in selling real estate owned in determining the fair value of particular properties. Accordingly, the valuation of real estate owned is subject to significant external and internal judgment. The Company periodically reviews real estate owned to determine whether the property continues to be carried at the lower of the recorded book value or the fair value of the property, less disposal costs. As such, the Company classifies real estate owned subjected to non-recurring fair value adjustments as Level 3.
 
The following tables summarize financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 
 
 
20

 


December 31, 2010
 
Level 1
  Level 2    Level 3    Total 
   
Inputs
  Inputs   Inputs  
Fair Value
 
(dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
               
  U. S. Agency securities
 
$     3,067
$
$28,565
$
$           -
$
$31,632
   Residential mortgage-
               
     backed securities
 
-
 
32,238
 
-
 
32,238
  Municipal securities
 
-
 
111
 
-
 
111
  Other
 
-
 
276
 
-
 
276
Total
 
$      3,067
 
$61,190
 
$           -
 
$64,257


June 30, 2010
 
Level 1
  Level 2    Level 3   
Total
   
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Fair Value
   
(dollars in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
               
  U. S. Agency securities
 
$    5,100
$
$21,928
$
$           -
$
$27,028
   Residential mortgage-
               
     backed securities
 
-
 
32,868
 
-
 
32,868
  Municipal securities
 
-
 
132
 
-
 
132
  Other
 
-
 
276
 
-
 
276
Total
 
$    5,100
 
$55,204
 
$           -
 
$60,304

 
Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets and financial liabilities, excluding impaired loans, real estate owned and other repossessed assets, measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were not significant at December 31, 2010.

The following tables summarize financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:


December 31, 2010
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Fair Value
 
(dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans
 
$          -
 
$
$          -
 
$
$4,643
$
$4,643
Real estate owned
 
-
   
-
   
5,281
 
5,281
Other repossessed assets
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
-
Total
 
$          -
   
$          -
   
$9,924
 
$9,924




June 30, 2010
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Inputs
 
Fair Value
 
(dollars in thousands)
Impaired loans
 
$          -
 
$
$          -
 
$
$8,360
$
       $8,360
Real estate owned
 
-
   
-
   
3,885
 
3,885
Other repossessed assets
 
-
   
-
   
61
 
61
Total
 
$          -
   
$          -
   
$12,306
 
$12,306


 
21

 

8.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
               Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified, with no effect on net income or loss or stockholders’ equity, to be consistent with the current period classification.
 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

First Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is a unitary savings and loan holding company whose primary assets are First Home Savings Bank (the “Bank”) and SCMG, Inc.  The Company was incorporated on December 31, 1993, for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of First Home Savings Bank in connection with the Bank's conversion from a state-charted mutual to a state-chartered stock form of ownership. The transaction was completed on December 22, 1993.

On December 31, 2010, the Company had total assets of $204.5 million, net loans receivable of $101.3 million, total deposits of $175.2 million and stockholders’ equity of $20.5 million. The Company’s common shares trade on The NASDAQ Global Market of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “FBSI.”

The following discussion focuses on the consolidated financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries, at December 31, 2010, compared to June 30, 2010, and the consolidated results of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended December 31, 2010, compared to the three-month and six-month periods ended December 31, 2009, respectively. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the year ended June 30, 2010.

Recent Developments and Corporate Overview

Economic Conditions

The economic decline that began in calendar 2008, and which continued to varying degrees though calendar 2010, has created significant challenges for financial institutions such as First Home Savings Bank.  Dramatic declines in the housing market, marked by falling home prices and increasing levels of mortgage foreclosures, have resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by many financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities and major commercial and investment banks.  In addition, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced, and in some cases ceased to provide, funding to borrowers, including other financial institutions, as a result of concern about the stability of the financial markets and the strength of counterparties. While the economy has recently shown some small signs of improvement, no upward trend seems to have been established.

Regulatory Matters

On August 17, 2009, the Company and the Bank each entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist from the OTS (collectively the “Orders”).
 
Under the terms of the Orders, the Bank and the Company, without the prior written approval of the OTS, may not:
 
·  
increase assets during any quarter;
·  
pay dividends;
·  
increase brokered deposits;
 

 
22 

 

·  
repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock; and
·  
issue any debt securities or incur any debt (other than that incurred in the normal course of business).

Other material provisions of the Orders require the Bank and the Company to:
 
·  
develop a business plan for enhancing, measuring and maintaining profitability, increasing earnings, improving liquidity, maintaining capital levels, acceptable to the OTS;
·  
ensure the Bank’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and agency guidelines, including the terms of the order;
·  
not appoint any new director or senior executive officer or change the responsibilities of any current senior executive officers without notifying the OTS;
·  
not enter into, renew, extend or revise any compensation or benefit agreements for directors or senior executive officers;
·  
not make any indemnification, severance or golden parachute payments;
·  
enhance its asset classification policy;
·  
provide progress reports to the OTS regarding certain classified assets;
·  
submit a comprehensive plan for reducing classified assets;
·  
develop a plan to reduce its concentration in certain loans contained in the loan portfolio and that addresses the assessment, monitoring and control of the risks associated with the commercial real estate portfolio;
·  
not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the overall operation or financial condition of the Bank, or that is outside the normal course of business; and
·  
prepare and submit progress reports to the OTS. The Orders will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the OTS.

All customer deposits remain insured to the fullest extent permitted by the FDIC since entering into the Orders. The Bank has continued to serve its customers in all areas including making loans, establishing lines of credit, accepting deposits and processing banking transactions. Neither the Company nor the Bank admitted any wrongdoing in entering into the respective Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Cease and Desist Order. The OTS did not impose or recommend any monetary penalties.

For additional information regarding the terms of the orders, please see our Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on August 18, 2009. Further, we may be subject to more severe future regulatory enforcement actions, including but not limited to civil money penalties, if we do not comply with the terms of the Orders.

Review of Loan Portfolio

Since November 2008, in light of a continually worsening economy and the departure of several loan officers, the Bank has conducted ongoing, in depth reviews and analyses of the loans in its portfolio, primarily focusing on its commercial real estate, multi-family, development and commercial business loans. During the year ended June 30, 2009, based primarily on this ongoing loan review, and in light of the economic conditions, the Bank recorded a provision for loan losses of $5.3 million for the year. During the year ended June 30, 2010, an additional provision for loan losses totaling $852,000 was recorded by the Company. During the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, additional provisions for loan losses of $408,000 and $ 472,000, respectively was recorded.

Beginning with the quarter ended December 31, 2009, the Company has engaged the services of a consultant with an extensive background in commercial real estate, multi-family, development and commercial business lending. The purpose of hiring the consultant was to assist the Company and the Bank in meeting reporting deadlines established in the Orders and, to validate the methodology used internally to review, evaluate and analyze loans. This consultant performed an extensive review
 
 
 
 
23

 
 
of the Company’s credits of $250,000 or larger during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and has performed follow up reviews during each quarter since the first review through the quarter ended December 31, 2010.
 
Litigation
 
On January 21, 2011 a jury verdict was entered against the Company and the Bank in the Circuit Court of Ozark County, Missouri, following a jury trial in a claim made by a former employee of the Bank relating to her termination from the Bank in 2007. The former employee claimed that the Bank wrongfully terminated her as a result of her reporting to superiors and Board members what she believed to be illegal activities of two former presidents of the Bank. This alleged cause of action in Missouri is commonly known as a whistleblower lawsuit. Protection for whistleblowers has been carved out as a protected class of employees who, as with certain other classes, such as gender, age, and race for example, cannot be terminated as a result of reporting alleged illegal activities. The jury verdict was against the Bank for $182,000 in compensatory damages (lost wages) and for punitive damages in the amount of $235,000, or a total of $417,000. The Bank believes that the verdict relating to the alleged reporting by the former employee of illegal activities is contrary to the facts and the law, and the Bank intends to file post-trial motions including a motion for a new trial and other relief. Accordingly, the Bank has recorded a liability in the amount of $300,000 in connection with this litigation in anticipation of the final amount it will owe the plaintiff.

Financial Condition

As of December 31, 2010, First Bancshares, Inc. had assets of $204.5 million, compared to $211.7 million at June 30, 2010.  The decrease in total assets of $7.2 million, or 3.4%, was the result of a decrease of $10.5 million, or 52.0%, in cash and cash equivalents, and a decrease of $7.4 million, or 6.8%, in loans receivable. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $10.4 million, or 16.7%, in investment securities and $1.3 million, or 33.9% in real estate owned and other repossessed assets. Deposits decreased $4.9 million, or 2.7%, and retail repurchase agreements decreased by $281,000, or 5.2%.

Loans receivable, net totaled $101.3 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $7.4 million, or 6.8%, from $108.7 million at June 30, 2010.  The decrease in loans is, in part, the result of decreased originations because of the current uncertainty in the economy, both local and national. These problems have affected many sectors of the economy and have created concerns for individuals and businesses.  Housing sales, both new and existing, consumer confidence and other indicators of economic health in our market area have decreased over the last two years. Additionally, net loans totaling $2.2 million were transferred to real estate owned during the six months ended December 31, 2010.

The Company’s deposits decreased by $4.9 million, or 2.7%, from $180.1 million as of June 30, 2010 to $175.2 million as of December 31, 2010.  The decrease was primarily the result of lower offering rates on most of the Company’s deposit products. The decision to lower interest rates was made to reposition the Company relative to other financial institutions in its market areas, thereby providing better control over deposit cash flows and costs. The Company’s retail repurchase agreements decreased by $281,000, or 5.2%, from $5.4 million at June 30, 2010 to $5.1 million at December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2010 the Company’s stockholders’ equity totaled $20.5 million, compared to $22.6 million as of June 30, 2010.  The $2.1 million decrease was attributable to the net loss of $1.5 million during the six months ended December 31, 2010, and by a negative change in the mark-to-market adjustment, net of taxes, of $531,000 on the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio. There were no dividends paid during the six months ended December 31, 2010.
 
 
 
24

 
Non-performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses

Generally, when a loan becomes delinquent 90 days or more, or when the collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will place the loan on non-accrual status and, as a result of this action, previously accrued interest income on the loan is reversed against current income.  The loan will remain on non-accrual status until the loan has been brought current or until other circumstances occur that provide adequate assurance of full repayment of interest and principal.

Non-performing assets decreased from $13.1 million, or 6.2% of total assets, at June 30, 2010 to $11.0 million, or 5.4% of total assets at December 31, 2010.  The Bank’s non-performing assets consist of non-accrual loans, past due loans over 90 days, impaired loans not past due or past due less than 90 days, real estate owned and other repossessed assets. The decrease in non-performing assets consisted of a decrease of $2.0 million in non-accrual loans, a decrease of $82,000 in accruing 90 days past due commercial business loans, a decrease of $1.3 million in impaired loans not past due and a decrease of $60,000 in other repossessed assets. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $1.4 million in real estate owned. The decrease in non-accrual loans consisted of a decrease of $2.4 million in non-accrual commercial real estate loans which was partially offset by increases $314,000 in non-accrual residential mortgages and $76,000 in non-accruing commercial business loans. At December 31, 2010, there were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing. While non-performing assets have been reduced since June 30, 2010, they remain high as a result of two factors.  First is the negative economic environment that has existed over the last two to three years, which has had an adverse impact on individuals and businesses in the Company’s primary market areas. Substantially all of the Company’s problem loans are located in the Company’s primary lending areas. Second, were the concerns regarding the Bank’s underwriting of some of the loans that were originated prior to May 2008. Starting in November 2008, the Company undertook an extensive review of the loan portfolio through which significant strides were made in identifying, analyzing and providing reserves on problem loans. The reviews of the loans in portfolio are an ongoing process. Since May 2008 the Bank has required that all loan originations, renewals and modifications to be approved by the Directors’ Loan Committee. As discussed below, management believes the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2010, was adequate to absorb the known and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date. 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Bank's non-performing assets at the dates indicated.
 
 
 
25

 
 
 
December 31,
 
 June 30,
 
2010
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans accounted for on a non-accrual
                     
  basis:
                     
    Real estate:
                     
      Residential
$    573
 
$   258
 
$   593
 
$     94
 
$   245
 
$  322
      Commercial and land
1,149
 
3,587
 
1,714
 
1,882
 
2,171
 
306
    Commercial business
 76
 
82
 
717
 
316
 
467
 
65
    Consumer
-
 
-
 
-
 
21
 
6
 
148
        Total
$1,798
 
$3,927
 
$3,024
 
$2,313
 
$2,889
 
$  841
                       
Accruing loans which are contractually
past due 90 days or more:
                     
    Real estate:
                     
      Residential
 $       -
 
 $    -
 
 $    -
 
$  296
 
$  278
 
$    -
      Commercial and land
-
 
-
 
122
 
64
 
81
 
-
    Commercial business
 -
 
-
 
166
 
-
 
-
 
-
    Consumer
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
3
        Total
$       -
 
$    -
 
$  288
 
$  360
 
$  359
 
$    3
                       
    Total of non-accrual and
                     
      90 days past due loans
$1,798
 
$3,927
 
$3,312
 
$ 2,673
 
$3,248
 
$  844
                       
Real estate owned
5,281
 
3,885
 
1,549
 
1,206
 
291
 
497
Repossessed assets
 -
 
61
 
158
 
-
 
2
 
-
Other non-performing assets:
                     
  Impaired loans not past due
3,966
 
5,228
 
7,013
 
-
 
-
 
-
  Slow home loans (60 to 90 days
                     
    past due)
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
      Total non-performing assets
$11,045
 
$13,101
 
$12,032
 
$ 3,879
 
$3,541
 
$1,341
                       
Total loans delinquent 90 days
                     
  or more to net loans
0.00%
 
0.00%
 
0.22%
 
0.22%
 
0.23%
 
0.59%
                       
Total loans delinquent 90 days
                     
  or more to total consolidated assets
0.00%
 
0.00%
 
0.13%
 
0.14%
 
0.15%
 
0.37%
                       
Total non-performing assets
                     
  to total consolidated assets
5.40%
 
6.19%
 
5.23%
 
1.56%
 
1.47%
 
0.59%
 
 
Real estate owned and other repossessed assets includes real estate and other assets acquired in the settlement of loans, which is recorded at the estimated fair value less the estimated costs to sell the asset.  Any write down at the time of foreclosure is charged against the allowance for loan losses.  Subsequently, net expenses related to holding the property and declines in the market value are charged against income. At June 30, 2010, real estate owned consisted of eighteen properties (ten single family residences, seven commercial properties and one parcel of farmland) with a net book value of $3.9 million. At June 30, 2010, repossessed collateral consisted of 1,168 radiators, 23 sections of steel shelving, a pallet jack and a moveable staircase and a motorcycle. At December 31, 2010, real estate owned consisted of nineteen properties (nine single family residences, nine commercial properties and one parcel of farmland) with a net book value of $5.3 million. At December 31, 2010, there was no repossessed collateral on the Company’s books. During the six months ended December 31, 2010 four properties and a mobile home located on piece of real estate owned, were sold resulting in a net loss of $21,000. Seven properties totaling $2.2 million were foreclosed and added to real estate owned during the six months ended December 31, 2010, and a write-down of $500,000 was provided on one property.

Classified assets.  Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets as "substandard", "doubtful" or "loss", based on the level of weakness determined to be inherent in the collection of the principal and interest.  When loans are classified as either substandard or doubtful, the Company may establish general allowances for loan losses in an amount deemed prudent by
 
 
26

 
management. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem loans. When assets are classified as loss, the Company is required to charge-off the amount determined to be loss. The Company's determination as to the classification of its loans and the amount of its allowances for loan losses are subject to review by its regulatory authorities, which may require the establishment of additional general or specific allowances for loan losses.
 
On the basis of management's review of its loans and other assets, at December 31, 2010, the Company had classified $5.0 million of its assets as substandard, none as doubtful and none as loss.  This compares to classifications at June 30, 2010 of $7.7 million as substandard, none as doubtful and none as loss.
 
Classified assets at December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010 included in real estate owned were $5.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Other repossessed assets were $61,000 June 31, 2010. There were no other repossessed assets on the Company’s books at December 31, 2010.
 
In addition to the classified loans, the Bank has identified an additional $1.0 million of credits at December 31, 2010 as specially mentioned compared to $1.5 million at June 30, 2010. The review and analysis of these loans identified them as credits possessing some element or elements of increased risk. Any deterioration in their financial condition could increase the classified loan totals. The increase in the internal watch list is primarily the result of the current state of the economy which had a negative impact on cash flows for both individuals and businesses. This, along with stricter internal policies, which have been in place during the last two years, relating to the identification and monitoring of problem loans, has resulted in an increase in the number and the total dollar amount of loans identified as problem loans.
 
Allowance for loan losses.  The Company establishes its provision for loan losses, and evaluates the adequacy of its allowance for loan losses based upon a systematic methodology consisting of a number of factors including, among others, historic loss experience, the overall level of classified assets and non-performing loans, the composition of its loan portfolio and the general economic environment within which the Bank and its borrowers operate.

At both December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, the Company had established an allowance for loan losses of $2.5 million. The change in the allowance for loan losses was a decrease of approximately $5,000. There were charge offs totaling $476,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2010 which were substantially offset by the provision for loan losses of $471,000 during the same period. The allowance represents approximately 43.8% and 27.6% of the total non-performing loans (including impaired loans not past due) at December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, respectively.  The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio based on currently available information.  The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2010 was adequate to absorb the known and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date.  While the Company believes the estimates and assumptions used in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will not be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  Future additions to the allowance may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, increased loan balances or changes in the underlying collateral of the loan portfolio.  In addition, the determination of the amount of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.
 
 
 
27

 
Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The financial information contained within these statements is, to a significant extent, financial information that is based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred.  Based on its consideration of accounting policies that involve the most complex and subjective decisions and assessments, management has identified its most critical accounting policy to be the policy related to the allowance for loan losses.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both quantitative and qualitative, in establishing an allowance for loan loss that management believes is appropriate at each reporting date. Quantitative factors include the Company’s historical loss experience, delinquency and charge-off trends, collateral values, changes in non-performing loans, and other factors. Quantitative factors also incorporate known information about individual loans, including borrowers’ sensitivity to interest rate movements.  Qualitative factors include the general economic environment in the Company’s markets, including economic conditions throughout the Midwest and, in particular, the state of certain industries.  Size and complexity of individual credits in relation to loan structure, existing loan policies, and pace of portfolio growth are other qualitative factors that are considered in the methodology.  As the Company adds new products and increases the complexity of its loan portfolio it will enhance its methodology accordingly.  Management may have reported a materially different amount for the provision for loan losses in the statement of operations to change the allowance for loan losses if its assessment of the above factors were different.  This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere herein, as well as the portion of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis section entitled “Non-performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses.”  Although management believes the levels of the allowance as of December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010 were adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio, a decline in local economic conditions, or other factors, could result in additional losses.

Valuation of REO and Foreclosed Assets

Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (“REO”) are recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is generally determined by management based on a number of factors, including third-party appraisals of fair value in an orderly sale. Accordingly, the valuation of REO is subject to significant external and internal judgment. Any differences between management’s assessment of fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and the carrying value of the loan at the date a particular property is transferred into REO are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Management periodically reviews REO values to determine whether the property continues to be carried at fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. Any further decreases in the value of REO are considered valuation adjustments and trigger a corresponding charge to non-interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Expenses from the maintenance and operations of REO are included in other non-interest expense.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred taxes are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
 
 
 
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Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

Due to the cumulative operating losses over the last five years, which resulted in $3.1 million of loss carry-forwards, the Company was required to provide a reserve of approximately $1.1 million against its net deferred tax assets during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.  During the six months ended December 31, 2010, the Company was required to record an additional $274,000 to provide a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax asets.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2009

General.  For the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company reported a net loss of $1.5 million, or $(0.95) per diluted share, compared to net income of $47,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the same period in 2009.  The change to a net loss for the 2010 period was primarily attributable to an increase in the provision for loan losses of $408,000 during the 2010 period from a negative $51,000 during the 2009 period. The negative provision for the 2009 quarter was the result of the reversal of the provision for loan losses made during the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Based on the analyses performed by the outside consultant and by management, it was determined that the provision made in the quarter ended September 30, 2009, created an excess in the allowance for loan losses, which was reversed in the quarter ended December 31, 2009. In addition, non-interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2010 increased to $2.1 million from $1.9 million during the same period in 2009. These were also decreases in net interest income of $92,000, in non-interest income of $561,000 and in the provision for income taxes of $173,000.

Net interest income.  The Company’s net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $1.6 million.  There was a slight decrease during the three months ended December 31, 2010 that reflects a $400,000 decrease in interest income partially offset by a $308,000 decrease in interest expense.

Interest income. Interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2010 decreased $400,000, or 16.1%, to $2.1 million compared to $2.5 million for the same period in 2009. Interest income from loans decreased $408,000 to $1.5 million from $1.9 million in 2009 as a result of a decrease in average loans to $102.5 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 from $123.6 million during the comparable 2009 period and to a decrease in the yield on loans to 5.90% during the three months ended December 31, 2010 from 6.20% during the comparable period in 2009. The decrease in average loans was the result of a decrease in loan volume during and between these three month periods. Additionally, between December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 the Bank had loan write-offs totaling $476,000, transfers of loans totaling $2.2 million to real estate owned and repossessed collateral, and efforts by management to move certain credits out of the Bank. The decrease in yield was the result of a downward trend in interest rates over the three years ending December 31, 2010, which resulted in decreased yields on adjustable rate loans and new loans with lower yields replacing some of the higher rate loans that paid off, were written off or transferred to real estate owned or repossessed collateral.

Interest income from investment securities and other interest-earning assets for the three months ended December 31, 2010 increased $28,000, or 5.7%, to $522,000 from $494,000 for the same period in 2009. The increase was the result of an increase in the average balance of these assets of $14.6 million to $89.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010 from
 
$74.6 million for the 2009 period, which was substantially offset by decrease in the yield on these assets to 2.84% for the three months ended December 31, 2010 from 3.35% for the 2009 period.
 
Interest expense. Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 2010 decreased $309,000 or 36.3%, to $543,000 from $852,000 for the same period in 2009. Interest expense on deposits decreased $303,000 to $485,000 in the three months ended December 31, 2010 from $788,000
 
 
29

 
in the same period in 2009. The decrease resulted from a decrease in the average cost of deposits to 1.17% during the three months ended December 31, 2010 from 1.84% in the 2009 period, and by a decrease in average interest-bearing deposit balances of $4.9 million to $164.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 from $169.8 million in the 2009 period. Interest expense on other interest-bearing liabilities decreased $6,000 to $57,000 in the three months ended December 31, 2010 from $63,000 in the comparable period in 2009. The decrease in interest expense on other interest-bearing liabilities was attributable to a decrease in the average balance of other interest-bearing liabilities of $2.2 million to $8.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 from $10.3 million during the 2009 period, which was partially offset by an increase in the average cost of other interest bearing liabilities to 3.12% during the three months ended December 31, 2010 from 2.72% during the 2009 period. The average outstanding balance of retail repurchase agreements increased to $5.1 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 from $3.8 million during the comparable period in 2009. This was due to our largest retail repurchase agreement customer having more investable cash during the 2010 period than during 2009 period.

Net interest margin. The Company’s net interest margin was 3.21% for the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared to 3.29% for the three months ended December 31, 2009.

Provision for loan loss. During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the provision for loan losses totaled $471,000 compared to a negative $51,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2009.  For a discussion of this change, see “Non-performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses” herein.

Non-interest income.  For the three months ended December 31, 2010, non-interest income totaled a negative $226,000, compared to a positive $336,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009.  The $562,000 decrease between the two periods resulted primarily from a $500,000 provision for loss on real estate owned during 2010 compared to a $93,000 provision during the 2009 period. Additionally, there was a decrease in service charges and other fee income of $143,000, a decrease in profit on the sale of loans of $2,000, and a decrease of $21,000 in other non-interest income. These items were partially offset by a positive change of $12,000 in net loss on the sale of property and equipment and real estate owned. The decrease in service charges and other fee income appears to be occurring throughout the financial services industry with account holders taking greater care that they do not incur overdraft charges for their accounts.

Non-interest expense. Non-interest expense increased by $235,000 from $1.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2009 to $2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010. This was primarily the result of the recording of a liability of $300,000 related to the initial verdict in a lawsuit brought by a former employee, which was discussed in Recent Developments and Corporate Overview. In addition, occupancy and equipment and professional fees increased by $12,000 and $40,000, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $69,000 in deposit insurance premiums, and $60,000 in compensation and benefits

Income tax expense.  State income tax expense and income tax benefits are recorded based on the taxable income or loss of each of the Company. Federal income taxes are calculated based on the combined income of the consolidated group. Pre-tax net income is reduced by non-taxable income items and increased by non-deductible expense items. However, during the year ended June 30, 2010, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.0 million. This was the result of the reversal of current year and previously recorded net deferred tax benefits. In light of the cumulative net losses the Company has experienced over the last five fiscal years, current accounting standards required that the net deferred tax asset be reserved. Future earnings are expected to enable the Company to recover these reserved deferred tax assets.
 
The Company recorded a tax expense of $281,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to a tax expense of $108,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009.  During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the comprehensive income representing the positive
 
 
30

 

difference between the market value and the book value of available-for-sale securities decreased by approximately $786,000. This resulted in a reduction in the deferred tax liability related to this item, which created an increase in the net deferred tax asset. The $281,000 provision includes $267,000 which was required to provide a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets.

Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to the Six Months Ended December 31, 2009

General. For the six months ended December 31, 2010, the Company reported a net loss of $1.5 million, or $(0.99) per diluted share, compared to net income of $246,000, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the same period in 2009.  The change to a net loss during the first six months of 2010 from net income for the comparable 2009 period was the result of several factors. During the six months ended December 31, 2010 a provision for loan losses of $471,000 was recorded while there was no provision during the 2009 period. In addition, net interest income decreased by $269,000 to $3.1 million for the 2010 period from $3.4 million for the 2009 period. In addition, non-interest expense for the six months ended December 31, 2010 increased by $203,000 to $3.9 million from $3.7 million during the same period in 2009. There was also a decrease in non-interest income and an increase in the provision for income taxes, of $805,000 and $38,000, respectively.

Interest income. Interest income for the six months ended December 31, 2010 decreased $861,000, or 16.7%, to $4.3 million compared to $5.2 million for the same period in 2009. Interest income from loans decreased $917,000 to $3.1 million from $4.0 million in 2009. This was attributable to a decrease in the yield on loans to 5.94% during the 2010 period from 6.33% during the comparable 2009 period, and to a decrease in the average loan balances to $104.7 million during the six months ended December 31, 2010 from $126.9 million during the 2009 period.

Interest income from investment securities and other interest-earning assets for the six months ended December 31, 2010 increased $55,000 to $1.2 million from $1.1 million for the same period in 2009. The increase was the result of, an increase in the average balance of these assets of $14.9 million to $89.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2010 from $74.5 million for the same period in 2009, which was partially offset by a decrease in the yield on these assets to 2.59% for the 2010 period from 2.97% for the 2009 period

Interest expense. Interest expense for the six months ended December 31, 2010 decreased $592,000, or 33.0%, to $1.2 million from $1.8 million for the same period in 2009. Interest expense on deposits decreased $567,000 to $1.1 million in the six months ended December 31, 2010 from $1.7 million in the same period in 2009. The decrease resulted from a decrease in average interest-bearing deposit balances of $5.6 million to $166.1 million during the six months ended December 31, 2010 from $171.7 million during the 2009 period, and to a decrease in the average cost of deposits to 1.30% during the six months ended December 31, 2010 from 1.91% in the 2009 period. Interest expense on other interest-bearing liabilities decreased $24,000 to $114,000 in the six months ended December 31, 2010 from $139,000 in the comparable period in 2009. The decrease in interest expense on other interest-bearing liabilities was due to a decrease in the average outstanding balances of other interest-bearing liabilities to $8.2 million during the six months ended December 31, 2010 from $12.3 million during the 2009 period, which was partially offset by an increase in the average cost on other interest-bearing liabilities to 2.76% during the 2010 period from 2.25% during the 2009 period.

Net interest margin. Net interest margin decreased to 3.17% for the six months ended December 31, 2010 from 3.32% for the six months ended December 31, 2009.

Provision for loan loss. During the six months ended December 31, 2010, there was a provision for loan losses of $471,000, compared to no provision for the six months ended December 31. 2009.  For a discussion of this change, see “Non-performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses” herein.
 
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Non-interest income.  For the six months ended December 31, 2010, non-interest income totaled $336,000, compared to $866,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2009.  The $530,000 decrease between the two periods resulted primarily from an increase of $372,000 in the provision for losses on real estate owned in the 2010 period compared to the 2009 period. There were also decreases of $305,000, $29,000, $63,000 and $20,000 in service charges and other fee income, profit on the sale of loans, net profit/(loss) on sale of property and equipment and real estate owned  and other non-interest, respectively. The $101,000 change in net gain on sale of property and equipment and real estate owned was due to a net loss of $59,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2010 compared to net gain of $42,000 during the six months ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in gain on the sale of loans resulted from fewer loans originated for sale during the six months ended December 31, 2010 compared to the six months ended December 31, 2009.

Non-interest expense. Non-interest expense totaled $3.9 million for the six months ended December 31, 2010, compared to $3.7 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009, increasing by $203,000. This was primarily the result of the recording of a liability in a lawsuit brought by a former employee discussed above. Additionally, there was an increase of $82,000 in professional fees. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $127,000 in compensation and benefits, $45,000 in occupancy and equipment expense and $49,000 in deposit insurance premiums. The decreases in compensation and benefits and occupancy and equipment expense are primarily the result of cost reduction and containment efforts begun by current management. The decrease in deposit insurance premiums was due to some additional expenses recoded during the six months ended December 31, 2009 period that did not recur in the comparable period in 2010.

Income tax expense.  The Company recorded a tax expense of $288,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to a tax expense of $250,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2009.  During the six months ended December 31, 2010, the comprehensive income representing the positive difference between the market value and the book value of available-for-sale securities decreased by $804,000. This resulted in a reduction in the deferred tax liability related to this item, which created an increase in the net deferred tax asset. The $288,000 provision includes $274,000 which was required to provide a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, investments, and mortgage-backed securities, and funds provided by other operating activities. While scheduled payments on loans, mortgage-backed securities, and short-term investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and early loan repayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition.

The Company uses its capital resources principally to meet ongoing commitments to fund maturing certificates of deposits and loan commitments, to maintain liquidity, and to meet operating expenses.  At December 31, 2010, the Company had commitments to originate loans totaling $441,000. The Company believes that loan repayment and other sources of funds will be adequate to meet its foreseeable short- and long-term liquidity needs.

Regulations require First Home Savings Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and a leverage ratio consisting of Tier 1 capital to average assets.  The following table sets forth First Home Savings Bank's actual capital and required capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2010 which, at that date, exceeded the minimum capital adequacy requirements.
 
 
 
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Actual
Minimum
Requirement For
Capital Adequacy
Purposes
Minimum
Requirement To Be
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions
At December 31, 2010
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
           
             
     Tangible Capital (to adjusted total assets)
                 $18,807
   9.29%
                  $  3,038
1.50%
                           -
-     -
     Tier 1 (Core) Capital (to adjusted total assets)
      18,807
   9.29%
8,101
4.00%
$10,127
  5.00%
     Tier 1 (Core) Capital (to risk weighted assets)
      18,807
18.39%
4,090
4.00%
6,135
  6.00%
     Total Risk Based Capital (to risk weighted assets)
      19,970
 19.53%
8,180
8.00%
10,225
10.00%

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) established five regulatory capital categories and authorized the banking regulators to take prompt corrective action with respect to institutions in an undercapitalized category.  While at December 31, 2010, First Home Savings Bank still exceeded minimum requirements for the well-capitalized category, it is not considered well-capitalized as a result of the cease and desist order currently in place.

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain "forward-looking statements" that relate to the Company within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "project," "estimate," "potential," "seek," "strive," or "try" or other conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may" or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate and about the Company and the Bank, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our strategies. Our ability to predict results or the actual effects of our plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations, as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved or realized. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets and may lead to increased losses and non-performing assets in our loan portfolio, result in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses, and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; deposit flows; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; adverse changes in the securities markets; results of examinations of us by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Missouri Division of Finance and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position or affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; the possibility that we will be unable to comply with the conditions imposed upon us by the Orders to Cease and Desist issued by the OTS, including but not limited to our ability to reduce our non-performing assets, which could result in the imposition of additional restrictions on our operations; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential
 
 
33

 
 
associated charges; computer systems on which we depend could fail or experience a security breach, or the implementation of new technologies may not be successful; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; legislative or regulatory changes such as the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; the inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies, principles and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; our ability to lease excess space in Company-owned buildings; and other risks detailed in this Annual Report. Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-Q and in the other public statements we make may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Additionally, the timing and occurrence or non-occurrence of events may be subject to circumstances beyond our control. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us, and could negatively affect the Company's operating and stock performance.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not applicable

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable (not absolute) assurance that its objectives will be met.  Furthermore, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by the report.

Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2010 the Company’s  disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by the Company  in this Report was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company  in the  reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to its  management, including its  principal executive, president and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


 
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Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


A material weakness is a significant deficiency (within the meaning of PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 2), or a combination of significant deficiencies, that results in there being more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual of interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by management or employees in the normal course of performing their assigned functions.

As of December 31, 2010, the Company did not identify or record certain transactions related to additional allowances for loan losses and valuation allowances on real estate owned. These transactions were identified after discussion with the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and were corrected prior to the release of the Company's earnings for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2010.

Because of the material weakness described above, based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2010, the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

To remediate the material weakness in the Company's internal control over financial reporting described above, the Company will re-examine its policies and proceeds relating to identifying potential losses on problem loans and real estate acquired through foreclosure. Based on the review, the Company will amend its policies as necessary, and streamline its procedures to provide a focal point for the flow of related information through the Company. The person responsible for this information flow will provide the Board of Directors with current information on which the adequacy of loss allowances can be determined.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, except as noted above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

The Company does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any control procedure also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The Company intends to continually review and evaluate the design and effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and to improve its controls and procedures over time and to correct any deficiencies that it may discover in the future.  The goal is to ensure that senior management has timely access to all material financial and non-financial information concerning the Company’s business.  While the Company believes the present design of its disclosure controls and procedures is effective to achieve its goal, future events affecting its business may cause the Company to modify its disclosure controls and procedures.
 
 
 
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FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

FORM 10-Q

Item 1.                      Legal Proceedings

 
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to their respective businesses.

               Item 1A.
Risk  Factors

 
There are no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in our June 30, 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K except as disclosed below.

We are subject to Cease and Desist Orders that place limitations on their operations and could subject us to civil money penalties if we do not comply with the Orders.
 
We are subject to a Cease and Desist Orders that the Company and the Bank entered into with the OTS.  The Orders place limitations on certain aspects of our business including but not limited to our ability to pay dividends, increase deposits, incur debt, and appointing executive officers and directors.  The Orders also require certain actions with respect to the development of a business plan and the reduction of our classified assets and certain lending concentrations. In addition, we may be subject to future enforcement actions or possible civil money penalties if we do not comply with the terms of the Orders.  For further information see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Recent Developments and Corporate Overview-Regulatory Matters.”
 
If our allowance for loan losses is not adequate, we may be required to make further increases in our provisions for loan losses and to charge-off additional loans, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

For the six months ended December 31, 2010 we recorded a provision for loan losses of $471,000 compared to no provision for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. We also recorded net loan charge-offs of $476,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2010 compared to $2.2 million for the six months ended December 31, 2009. During the past three years, we have experienced increasing loan delinquencies and credit losses. Generally, our non-performing loans and assets reflect operating difficulties of individual borrowers resulting from weakness in the local economy; however, more recently adverse conditions in the general economy have become a significant contributing factor to the increased levels of loan delinquencies and non-performing loans. Slower sales and excess inventory in the housing market have been a contributing factor to the increase in delinquencies and non-performing assets. At December 31, 2010, our total non-performing assets remained at an elevated level at $11.1 million, or 5.40% of total loans. This includes $5.3 million of real estate owned.  Our high level of real estate owned has further hampered our earnings and during the six months ended December 31, 2010 we established a provision for real estate owned of $500,000. If current trends in the housing and real estate markets continue, we expect that we will continue to experience higher than normal delinquencies and credit losses. Moreover, until general economic conditions improve, we will continue to experience significantly higher than normal delinquencies and credit losses. As a result, we could be required to make further increases in our provision for loan losses and to charge off additional loans in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 

 
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We may have continuing losses and low earnings.

We have had losses and reduced net income in recent periods and this trend has continued during the quarter and six months ended December 31, 2010.  For the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2011 we incurred net losses of $1.5 million for both periods compared to $47,000 and $246,000 of income during the comparable periods of 2009. We continue to face considerable challenges that will hinder our ability to improve our earnings significantly. These challenges include the restriction on our operations under the Cease and Desist Orders with the Office of Thrift Supervision, the increased level of our problem loans, real estate owned and the pressure on our interest rate spread.

Our future losses or more stringent capital requirements imposed by our regulators may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or the cost of that capital may be very high.
 
 
We are required by state and federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We currently satisfy our capital requirements, however, as a result of our continuing losses or as a result of higher capital requirements that may be imposed by our regulators we may at some point need to raise additional capital.
 
Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we cannot make assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. In addition, we cannot make assurances as to the amount of dilution our shareholders may experience if we are able to raise capital.  If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were determined not to be effective as of December 31, 2010, as evidenced by a material weakness that existed in our internal controls. Our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting may not be effective in future periods, as a result of newly identified material weakness in internal controls.
 
Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and appropriate financial reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process, under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP. As disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting identified a material weakness as discussed in Item 4. Controls and Procedures. A material weakness is a deficiency in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Corporation’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. See Item 4. Controls and Procedures of this Form 10-Q for remediation status of the material weakness identified. However, there can be no assurance that additional material weaknesses will not be identified in the future. We are committed to continuing to improve our internal control processes and we will continue to diligently and vigorously review our financial reporting controls and procedures. As we continue to evaluate and improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may determine to take additional measures to address internal control deficiencies or determine to modify certain of the remediation measures described herein. We will continue to be at an increased risk that our financial statements could contain errors that will be undetected, and we will continue to incur
 
 
 
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significant expense and management burdens associated with the additional procedures required to prepare our consolidated financial statements.

Item 2.   Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
(a) Recent sales of unregistered securities - None.

(b) Use of proceeds - None.

(c) Stock repurchases - None

Item 3.                Defaults Upon Senior Securities - None

Item 4.                Removed and reserved
 
Item 5.                Other Information - None

Item 6.                Exhibits

(a) Exhibits:
   31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the    Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the  Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the    Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 

 
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SIGNATURES


In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 
    FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.
     
     
     
Date:      February 22, 2011 By:  /s/ Thomas M. Sutherland      
    Thomas M. Sutherland, 
      Chief Executive Officer 
     
     
     
Date:      February 22, 2011 By:  /s/ Ronald J. Walters               
    Ronald J. Walters, Senior Vice President 
      Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer 
     
     
 

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.                           Description of Exhibit

31.1
     Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
     Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
     Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
     Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
40