EX-13 4 ex13.htm EXHIBIT (13)
EXHIBIT (13)
The Annual Report to Security Holders is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

APPENDIX A
ANNUAL REPORT
OF
PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
General Description of Business
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. ("Bancorp"), was formed in 1999 to serve as the holding company for Peoples Bank (the "Bank"). Bancorp is a bank holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve") under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHCA"). Bancorp's principal source of income is dividends declared and paid by the Bank on its capital stock, if any. Bancorp has no operations and conducts no business of its own other than owning the Bank. Accordingly, the discussion of the business which follows concerns the business conducted by the Bank, unless otherwise indicated. Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, along with the Bank's wholly owned subsidiaries are collectively called the "Company".
The Bank, founded in 1912, is a state-chartered commercial bank serving the citizens and business interests of the Catawba Valley and surrounding communities through 20 banking offices, as of December 31, 2016, located in Lincolnton, Newton, Denver, Catawba, Conover, Maiden, Claremont, Hiddenite, Hickory, Charlotte, Monroe, Cornelius, Mooresville and Raleigh, North Carolina. The Bank also operates loan production offices in Denver, Durham and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At December 31, 2016, the Company had total assets of $1.1 billion, net loans of $716.3 million, deposits of $892.9 million, total securities of $252.6 million, and shareholders' equity of $107.4 million.
The Bank operates four banking offices focused on the Latino population under the name Banco de la Gente ("Banco"). These offices are operated as a division of the Bank. Banco offers normal and customary banking services as are offered in the Bank's other branches such as the taking of deposits and the making of loans and therefore is not considered a reportable segment of the Company. The Bank operates one Banco loan production office in Durham County, North Carolina and one Banco loan production office in Forsyth County, North Carolina specifically designed to serve the growing Latino market.
The Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, with no foreign loans and few agricultural loans. Real estate loans are predominately variable rate and fixed rate commercial property loans, which include residential development loans to commercial customers. Commercial loans are spread throughout a variety of industries with no one particular industry or group of related industries accounting for a significant portion of the commercial loan portfolio. The majority of the Bank's deposit and loan customers are individuals and small to medium-sized businesses located in the Bank's market area. The Bank's loan portfolio also includes Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) mortgage loans generated thorough the Bank's Banco offices. Additional discussion of the Bank's loan portfolio and sources of funds for loans can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages A-4 through A-23 of the Annual Report, which is included in this Form 10-K as Exhibit (13).
The operations of the Bank and depository institutions in general are significantly influenced by general economic conditions and by related monetary and fiscal policies of depository institution regulatory agencies, including the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the "Commissioner").
The Company's fiscal year ends December 31. This Form 10-K is also being used as the Bank's Annual Disclosure Statement under FDIC Regulations. This Form 10-K has not been reviewed, or confirmed for accuracy or relevance by the FDIC.
At December 31, 2016, the Company employed 294 full-time employees and 37 part-time employees, which equated to 318 full-time equivalent employees.
Subsidiaries
The Bank is a subsidiary of the Company. At December 31, 2016, the Bank had four subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc., Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc., Community Bank Real Estate Solutions, LLC ("CBRES") and PB Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Through a relationship with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Peoples Investment Services, Inc. provides the Bank's customers access to investment counseling and non-deposit investment products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, tax deferred annuities, and related brokerage services. Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. provides real estate appraisal and real estate brokerage services. CBRES serves as a "clearing-house" for appraisal services for community banks. Other banks are able to contract with CBRES to find and engage appropriate appraisal companies in the area where the property to be appraised is located. This type of service ensures that the appraisal process remains independent from the financing process within the Bank. PB Real Estate Holdings, LLC acquires, manages and disposes of real property, other collateral and other assets obtained in the ordinary course of collecting debts previously contracted.
In June 2006, the Company formed a wholly owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II ("PEBK Trust II"), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company's junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company. The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company, which pay a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points.
A-1

The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used in December 2006 to repay the trust preferred securities issued in December 2001 by PEBK Capital Trust, a wholly owned Delaware statutory trust of the Company, and for general purposes. The debentures represent the sole asset of PEBK Trust II. PEBK Trust II is not included in the consolidated financial statements.
The trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust II accrue and pay quarterly at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The Company has guaranteed distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities to the extent PEBK Trust II does not have funds with which to make the distributions and other payments. The net combined effect of the trust preferred securities transaction is that the Company is obligated to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.
These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the debentures on June 28, 2036, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture. The Company has the right to redeem the debentures purchased by PEBK Trust II, in whole or in part, which became effective on June 28, 2011. As specified in the indenture, if the debentures are redeemed prior to maturity, the redemption price will be the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid interest.
This report contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management of the Company and on the information available to management at the time that these disclosures were prepared. These statements can be identified by the use of words like "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" and "believe," variations of these words and other similar expressions. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, (1) competition in the markets served by the Bank, (2) changes in the interest rate environment, (3) general national, regional or local economic conditions may be less favorable than expected, resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality and the possible impairment of collectibility of loans, (4) legislative or regulatory changes, including changes in accounting standards, (5) significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environment and tax laws, (6) the impact of changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws, rules and regulations and (7) other risks and factors identified in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
A-2

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |
Summary of Operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | $ | 39,809 |  |  |  | 38,666 |  |  |  | 38,420 |  |  |  | 36,696 |  |  |  | 39,245 |
Interest expense |  |  | 3,271 |  |  |  | 3,484 |  |  |  | 4,287 |  |  |  | 5,353 |  |  |  | 7,696 |
Net interest income |  |  | 36,538 |  |  |  | 35,182 |  |  |  | 34,133 |  |  |  | 31,343 |  |  |  | 31,549 |
Provision for loan losses |  |  | (1,206 | ) |  |  | (17 | ) |  |  | (699 | ) |  |  | 2,584 |  |  |  | 4,924 |
Net interest income after provision |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
for loan losses |  |  | 37,744 |  |  |  | 35,199 |  |  |  | 34,832 |  |  |  | 28,759 |  |  |  | 26,625 |
Non-interest income |  |  | 13,976 |  |  |  | 13,312 |  |  |  | 12,164 |  |  |  | 12,652 |  |  |  | 12,537 |
Non-interest expense |  |  | 39,982 |  |  |  | 35,778 |  |  |  | 35,671 |  |  |  | 32,841 |  |  |  | 31,782 |
Earnings before income taxes |  |  | 11,738 |  |  |  | 12,733 |  |  |  | 11,325 |  |  |  | 8,570 |  |  |  | 7,380 |
Income tax expense |  |  | 2,561 |  |  |  | 3,100 |  |  |  | 1,937 |  |  |  | 1,879 |  |  |  | 1,587 |
Net earnings |  |  | 9,177 |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | 9,388 |  |  |  | 6,691 |  |  |  | 5,793 |
Dividends and accretion of preferred stock |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 656 |  |  |  | 1,010 |
Net earnings available to common |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
shareholders |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | 9,388 |  |  |  | 6,035 |  |  |  | 4,783 |
Selected Year-End Balances |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  | $ | 1,087,991 |  |  |  | 1,038,481 |  |  |  | 1,040,494 |  |  |  | 1,034,684 |  |  |  | 1,013,516 |
Investment securities available for sale |  |  | 249,946 |  |  |  | 268,530 |  |  |  | 281,099 |  |  |  | 297,890 |  |  |  | 297,823 |
Net loans |  |  | 716,261 |  |  |  | 679,502 |  |  |  | 640,809 |  |  |  | 607,459 |  |  |  | 605,551 |
Mortgage loans held for sale |  |  | 5,709 |  |  |  | 4,149 |  |  |  | 1,375 |  |  |  | 497 |  |  |  | 6,922 |
Interest-earning assets |  |  | 1,019,661 |  |  |  | 977,079 |  |  |  | 956,900 |  |  |  | 925,736 |  |  |  | 931,738 |
Deposits |  |  | 892,918 |  |  |  | 832,175 |  |  |  | 814,700 |  |  |  | 799,361 |  |  |  | 781,525 |
Interest-bearing liabilities |  |  | 698,120 |  |  |  | 679,937 |  |  |  | 722,991 |  |  |  | 735,111 |  |  |  | 745,140 |
Shareholders' equity |  | $ | 107,428 |  |  |  | 104,864 |  |  |  | 98,665 |  |  |  | 83,719 |  |  |  | 97,747 |
Shares outstanding |  |  | 5,417,800 |  |  |  | 5,510,538 |  |  |  | 5,612,588 |  |  |  | 5,613,495 |  |  |  | 5,613,495 |
Selected Average Balances |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  | $ | 1,076,604 |  |  |  | 1,038,594 |  |  |  | 1,036,486 |  |  |  | 1,023,609 |  |  |  | 1,029,612 |
Investment securities available for sale |  |  | 252,725 |  |  |  | 266,830 |  |  |  | 287,371 |  |  |  | 293,770 |  |  |  | 289,010 |
Net loans |  |  | 703,484 |  |  |  | 669,628 |  |  |  | 631,025 |  |  |  | 614,532 |  |  |  | 648,595 |
Interest-earning assets |  |  | 985,236 |  |  |  | 952,251 |  |  |  | 949,537 |  |  |  | 950,451 |  |  |  | 965,994 |
Deposits |  |  | 856,313 |  |  |  | 816,628 |  |  |  | 808,399 |  |  |  | 787,640 |  |  |  | 786,976 |
Interest-bearing liabilities |  |  | 705,291 |  |  |  | 707,611 |  |  |  | 731,786 |  |  |  | 741,228 |  |  |  | 770,546 |
Shareholders' equity |  | $ | 113,196 |  |  |  | 106,644 |  |  |  | 96,877 |  |  |  | 100,241 |  |  |  | 103,805 |
Shares outstanding |  |  | 5,477,245 |  |  |  | 5,559,235 |  |  |  | 5,615,666 |  |  |  | 5,613,495 |  |  |  | 5,559,401 |
Profitability Ratios |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Return on average total assets |  |  | 0.85 | % |  |  | 0.93 | % |  |  | 0.91 | % |  |  | 0.65 | % |  |  | 0.56 | %
Return on average shareholders' equity |  |  | 8.11 | % |  |  | 9.03 | % |  |  | 9.69 | % |  |  | 6.67 | % |  |  | 5.58 | %
Dividend payout ratio* |  |  | 22.95 | % |  |  | 16.34 | % |  |  | 10.89 | % |  |  | 11.17 | % |  |  | 20.96 | %
Liquidity and Capital Ratios (averages) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loan to deposit |  |  | 82.15 | % |  |  | 82.00 | % |  |  | 78.06 | % |  |  | 78.02 | % |  |  | 82.42 | %
Shareholders' equity to total assets |  |  | 10.51 | % |  |  | 10.27 | % |  |  | 9.35 | % |  |  | 9.79 | % |  |  | 10.08 | %
Per share of Common Stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic net earnings |  | $ | 1.68 |  |  |  | 1.73 |  |  |  | 1.67 |  |  |  | 1.08 |  |  |  | 0.86 |
Diluted net earnings |  | $ | 1.65 |  |  |  | 1.72 |  |  |  | 1.66 |  |  |  | 1.07 |  |  |  | 0.86 |
Cash dividends |  | $ | 0.38 |  |  |  | 0.28 |  |  |  | 0.18 |  |  |  | 0.12 |  |  |  | 0.18 |
Book value |  | $ | 19.83 |  |  |  | 19.03 |  |  |  | 17.58 |  |  |  | 14.91 |  |  |  | 15.18 |
*As a percentage of net earnings available to common shareholders. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

A-3

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of our financial position and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under Item 1A Risk Factors in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto on pages A-24 through A-67.
Introduction
Management's discussion and analysis of earnings and related data are presented to assist in understanding the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. ("Bancorp"), for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Bancorp is a registered bank holding company operating under the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board (the "FRB") and the parent company of Peoples Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank is a North Carolina-chartered bank, with offices in Catawba, Lincoln, Alexander, Mecklenburg, Iredell, Union, Wake, Durham and Forsyth counties, operating under the banking laws of North Carolina and the rules and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC").
Overview
Our business consists principally of attracting deposits from the general public and investing these funds in commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction loans and consumer loans. Our profitability depends primarily on our net interest income, which is the difference between the income we receive on our loan and investment securities portfolios and our cost of funds, which consists of interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds. Net interest income also is affected by the relative amounts of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. When interest-earning assets approximate or exceed interest-bearing liabilities, a positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. Our profitability is also affected by the level of other income and operating expenses. Other income consists primarily of miscellaneous fees related to our loans and deposits, mortgage banking income and commissions from sales of annuities and mutual funds. Operating expenses consist of compensation and benefits, occupancy related expenses, federal deposit and other insurance premiums, data processing, advertising and other expenses.
Our operations are influenced significantly by local economic conditions and by policies of financial institution regulatory authorities. The earnings on our assets are influenced by the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve"), inflation, interest rates, market and monetary fluctuations. Lending activities are affected by the demand for commercial and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at which such financing may be offered. Our cost of funds is influenced by interest rates on competing investments and by rates offered on similar investments by competing financial institutions in our market area, as well as general market interest rates. These factors can cause fluctuations in our net interest income and other income. In addition, local economic conditions can impact the credit risk of our loan portfolio, in that (1) local employers may be required to eliminate employment positions of individual borrowers, and (2) small businesses and commercial borrowers may experience a downturn in their operating performance and become unable to make timely payments on their loans. Management evaluates these factors in estimating the allowance for loan losses and changes in these economic factors could result in increases or decreases to the provision for loan losses.
Current economic conditions, while not as robust as those experienced in the pre-crisis period from 2004 to 2007, have stabilized such that businesses in our market area are growing and investing again. The uncertainty expressed in the local, national and in international markets through the primary economic indicators of activity, however, continues to limit the level of activity in our markets.
Although we are unable to control the external factors that influence our business, by maintaining high levels of balance sheet liquidity, managing our interest rate exposures and by actively monitoring asset quality, we seek to minimize the potentially adverse risks of unforeseen and unfavorable economic trends.
Our business emphasis has been and continues to be to operate as a well-capitalized, profitable and independent community-oriented financial institution dedicated to providing quality customer service. We are committed to meeting the financial needs of the communities in which we operate. We expect growth to be achieved in our local markets and through expansion opportunities in contiguous or nearby markets. While we would be willing to consider growth by acquisition in certain circumstances, we do not consider the acquisition of another company to be necessary for our continued ability to provide a reasonable return to our shareholders. We believe that we can be more effective in serving our customers than many of our non-local competitors because of our ability to quickly and effectively provide senior management responses to customer needs and inquiries. Our ability to provide these services is enhanced by the stability and experience of our Bank officers and managers.
A-4

The Federal Reserve maintained the Federal Funds rate at 0.25% from December 2008 to December 2015 before increasing the Fed Funds rate to 0.50% on December 16, 2015 and to 0.75% on December 14, 2016. This continued period of very low interest rates has presented a challenge to the Company to maintain its net interest margin as loan rates fell and remained low, primarily because of competition for credit worthy customers. The cost of deposits has also fallen but has reached the point where there is little room left to reduce this cost. While the 0.25% Fed Funds rate increases in December 2015 and December 2016 will be helpful, the negative impact of such low interest rates will remain until the Fed Funds rate increases to levels approaching historical norms.
The Company does not have specific plans for additional offices in 2017 but will continue to look for growth opportunities in nearby markets and may expand if considered a worthwhile opportunity.
On August 31, 2015, the FDIC and the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks ("Commissioner") issued a Consent Order (the "Order") in connection with compliance by the Bank with the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations (collectively, the "BSA"). The Order was issued pursuant to the consent of the Bank. In consenting to the issuance of the Order, the Bank did not admit or deny any unsafe or unsound banking practices or violations of law or regulation.
The Order requires the Bank to take certain affirmative actions to comply with its obligations under the BSA, including, without limitation, strengthening its Board of Directors' oversight of BSA activities; reviewing, enhancing, adopting and implementing a revised BSA compliance program; completing a BSA risk assessment; developing a revised system of internal controls designed to ensure full compliance with the BSA; reviewing and revising customer due diligence and risk assessment processes, policies and procedures; developing, adopting and implementing effective BSA training programs; assessing BSA staffing needs and resources and appointing a qualified BSA officer; establishing an independent BSA testing program; ensuring that all reports required by the BSA are accurately and properly filed and engaging an independent firm to review past account activity to determine whether suspicious activity was properly identified and reported.
Prior to implementation, certain of the actions described above are subject to review by and approval or non-objection from the FDIC and the Commissioner. The Order will remain in effect and be enforceable until it is modified, terminated, suspended or set aside by the FDIC and the Commissioner.
The Bank continues to make progress in addressing the issues identified in the Order and expects that it will be able to undertake and implement all required actions within the time period specified in the Order. The Bank has incurred and will continue to incur additional non-interest expenses associated with the implementation of corrective actions; however, these expenses are not expected to have a significant impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Bank or Bancorp. Operating under the Order will limit the Bank's and Bancorp's ability to participate in acquisitions, to open new branches, and to allocate funds to Bancorp's stock repurchase plan until such time as the Order has been modified, terminated, suspended or set aside by the FDIC and the Commissioner.
Summary of Significant and Critical Accounting Policies
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, along with the Bank's wholly owned subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc., Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. ("REAS"), Community Bank Real Estate Solutions, LLC ("CBRES") and PB Real Estate Holdings, LLC (collectively called the "Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. CBRES was moved from a wholly owned subsidiary of Bancorp to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank effective August 31, 2016.
The Company's accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management's discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition. Many of the Company's accounting policies require significant judgment regarding valuation of assets and liabilities and/or significant interpretation of specific accounting guidance. The following is a summary of some of the more subjective and complex accounting policies of the Company. A more complete description of the Company's significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders which is Appendix A to the Proxy Statement for the May 4, 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The allowance for loan losses reflects management's assessment and estimate of the risks associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio. The Bank periodically analyzes the loan portfolio in an effort to review asset quality and to establish an allowance for loan losses that management believes will be adequate in light of anticipated risks and loan losses.
A-5

Many of the Company's assets and liabilities are recorded using various techniques that require significant judgment as to recoverability. The collectability of loans is reflected through the Company's estimate of the allowance for loan losses. The Company performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its lending portfolio to assess overall collectability. In addition, certain assets and liabilities are reflected at their estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements. Such amounts are based on either quoted market prices or estimated values derived from dealer quotes used by the Company, market comparisons or internally generated modeling techniques. The Company's internal models generally involve present value of cash flow techniques. The various techniques are discussed in greater detail elsewhere in this management's discussion and analysis and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
There are other complex accounting standards that require the Company to employ significant judgment in interpreting and applying certain of the principles prescribed by those standards. These judgments include, but are not limited to, the determination of whether a financial instrument or other contract meets the definition of a derivative in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP").
The disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities are intended to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The disclosure requirements include qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about the fair value of, and gains and losses, on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.
The Company has an overall interest rate risk management strategy that has, in prior years, incorporated the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings that are caused by interest rate volatility. When using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair-value gain in the derivative. The Company minimized the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that were reviewed periodically by the Company. The Company did not have any interest rate derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2016 or 2015.
Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Results of Operations
Summary. The Company reported earnings of $9.2 million or $1.68 basic net earnings per share and $1.65 diluted net earnings per share, as compared to $9.6 million or $1.73 basic net earnings per share and $1.72 diluted net earnings per share for the same period one year ago. The decrease in year-to-date net earnings is primarily attributable to an increase in non-interest expense, which was partially offset by an increase in net interest income, an increase in the credit to the provision for loan losses and an increase in non-interest income, as discussed below.
The Company reported earnings of $9.6 million, or $1.73 basic net earnings per share and $1.72 diluted net earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $9.4 million, or $1.67 basic net earnings per share and $1.66 diluted net earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in year-to-date earnings is primarily attributable to an increase in net interest income and an increase in non-interest income, which were partially offset by a decrease in the credit to the provision for loan losses and an increase in non-interest expense, as discussed below.
The return on average assets in 2016 was 0.85%, compared to 0.93% in 2015 and 0.91% in 2014. The return on average shareholders' equity was 8.11% in 2016 compared to 9.03% in 2015 and 9.69% in 2014.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income, the major component of the Company's net income, is the amount by which interest and fees generated by interest-earning assets exceed the total cost of funds used to carry them. Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in the yields earned and rates paid. Net interest margin is calculated by dividing tax-equivalent net interest income by average interest-earning assets, and represents the Company's net yield on its interest-earning assets.
A-6

Net interest income for 2016 was $36.5 million compared to $35.2 million in 2015. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to a $1.1 million increase in interest income, which was primarily attributable to an increase in the average outstanding balance of loans and a 0.25% increase in the prime rate in December 2015, combined with a $213,000 decrease in interest expense, which was primarily attributable to a decrease in the average outstanding balance of time deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Net interest income increased to $35.2 million in 2015 from $34.8 million in 2014.
Table 1 sets forth for each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the average amounts outstanding, the interest incurred on such amounts and the average rate earned or incurred for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The table also sets forth the average rate earned on total interest-earning assets, the average rate paid on total interest-bearing liabilities, and the net yield on total average interest-earning assets for the same periods. Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders' equity. Yields and interest income on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 36.64% for securities that are both federal and state tax exempt and an effective tax rate of 32.64% for federal tax exempt securities. Non-accrual loans and the interest income that was recorded on non-accrual loans, if any, are included in the yield calculations for loans in all periods reported.

Table 1- Average Balance Table |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| December 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015 |  |  | December 31, 2014
(Dollars in thousands) | Average Balance |  | Interest |  |  | Yield / Rate |  |  | Average Balance |  | Interest |  |  | Yield / Rate |  |  | Average Balance |  |  | Interest |  |  | Yield / Rate |
Interest-earning assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest and fees on loans | $ | 703,484 |  |  | 32,452 |  |  | 4.61 | % |  | 669,628 |  |  | 31,098 |  |  | 4.64 | % |  | 631,025 |  |  | 30,305 |  |  | 4.80 | %
Investments - taxable |  | 78,575 |  |  | 1,925 |  |  | 2.45 | % |  | 89,998 |  |  | 2,240 |  |  | 2.49 | % |  | 120,038 |  |  | 2,840 |  |  | 2.37 | %
Investments - nontaxable* |  | 178,379 |  |  | 7,577 |  |  | 4.25 | % |  | 181,382 |  |  | 7,634 |  |  | 4.21 | % |  | 172,662 |  |  | 7,561 |  |  | 4.38 | %
Other |  | 24,798 |  |  | 123 |  |  | 0.50 | % |  | 11,243 |  |  | 26 |  |  | 0.23 | % |  | 25,812 |  |  | 65 |  |  | 0.25 | %
Total interest-earning assets |  | 985,236 |  |  | 42,077 |  |  | 4.27 | % |  | 952,251 |  |  | 40,998 |  |  | 4.31 | % |  | 949,537 |  |  | 40,771 |  |  | 4.29 | %
Cash and due from banks |  | 44,732 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 42,483 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 47,614 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other assets |  | 59,537 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 59,222 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 56,571 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan losses |  | (8,884 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10,678 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (12,905 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |
Total assets | $ | 1,080,621 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,043,278 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,040,817 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest-bearing liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits | $ | 447,582 |  |  | 495 |  |  | 0.11 | % |  | 418,358 |  |  | 432 |  |  | 0.10 | % |  | 392,822 |  |  | 499 |  |  | 0.13 | %
Time deposits |  | 150,641 |  |  | 586 |  |  | 0.39 | % |  | 173,622 |  |  | 870 |  |  | 0.50 | % |  | 208,194 |  |  | 1,188 |  |  | 0.57 | %
FHLB borrowings |  | 42,903 |  |  | 1,661 |  |  | 3.87 | % |  | 49,840 |  |  | 1,735 |  |  | 3.48 | % |  | 63,712 |  |  | 2,166 |  |  | 3.40 | %
Trust preferred securities |  | 20,619 |  |  | 485 |  |  | 2.35 | % |  | 20,619 |  |  | 402 |  |  | 1.95 | % |  | 20,619 |  |  | 389 |  |  | 1.89 | %
Other |  | 43,546 |  |  | 44 |  |  | 0.10 | % |  | 45,172 |  |  | 45 |  |  | 0.10 | % |  | 46,439 |  |  | 45 |  |  | 0.10 | %
Total interest-bearing liabilities |  | 705,291 |  |  | 3,271 |  |  | 0.46 | % |  | 707,611 |  |  | 3,484 |  |  | 0.49 | % |  | 731,786 |  |  | 4,287 |  |  | 0.59 | %
Demand deposits |  | 258,091 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 224,648 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 207,383 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other liabilities |  | 4,043 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,375 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,771 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders' equity |  | 113,196 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 106,644 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 96,877 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity | $ | 1,080,621 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,043,278 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,040,817 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net interest spread |  |  |  | $ | 38,806 |  |  | 3.81 | % |  |  |  | $ | 37,514 |  |  | 3.82 | % |  |  |  |  | 36,484 |  |  | 3.70 | %
Net yield on interest-earning assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.94 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.94 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3.84 | %
Taxable equivalent adjustment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investment securities |  |  |  | $ | 2,268 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 2,332 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,351 |  |  |  |
Net interest income |  |  |  | $ | 36,538 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 35,182 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 34,133 |  |  |  |
*Includes U.S. Government agency securities that are non-taxable for state income tax purposes of $38.7 million in 2016, $37.3 million in 2015 and $26.0 million in 2014. The tax rates of 4.00%, 5.00% and 6.00% were used to calculate the tax equivalent yields on these securities in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. |

Changes in interest income and interest expense can result from variances in both volume and rates. Table 2 describes the impact on the Company's tax equivalent net interest income resulting from changes in average balances and average rates for the periods indicated. The changes in interest due to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each.
A-7

Table 2 - Rate/Volume Variance Analysis-Tax Equivalent Basis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| December 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands) | Changes in average volume |  |  | Changes in average rates |  |  | Total Increase (Decrease) |  |  | Changes in average volume |  |  | Changes in average rates |  |  | Total Increase (Decrease) |
Interest income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans: Net of unearned income | $ | 1,566 |  |  |  | (212 | ) |  |  | 1,354 |  |  |  | 1,823 |  |  |  | (1,031 | ) |  |  | 792 |
Investments - taxable |  | (282 | ) |  |  | (33 | ) |  |  | (315 | ) |  |  | (729 | ) |  |  | 129 |  |  |  | (600 | )
Investments - nontaxable |  | (127 | ) |  |  | 70 |  |  |  | (57 | ) |  |  | 375 |  |  |  | (302 | ) |  |  | 73 |
Other |  | 50 |  |  |  | 47 |  |  |  | 97 |  |  |  | (35 | ) |  |  | (4 | ) |  |  | (39 | )
Total interest income |  | 1,207 |  |  |  | (128 | ) |  |  | 1,079 |  |  |  | 1,434 |  |  |  | (1,208 | ) |  |  | 226 |
Interest expense: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits |  | 31 |  |  |  | 32 |  |  |  | 63 |  |  |  | 29 |  |  |  | (96 | ) |  |  | (67 | )
Time deposits |  | (103 | ) |  |  | (181 | ) |  |  | (284 | ) |  |  | (185 | ) |  |  | (133 | ) |  |  | (318 | )
FHLB / FRB Borrowings |  | (255 | ) |  |  | 181 |  |  |  | (74 | ) |  |  | (477 | ) |  |  | 46 |  |  |  | (431 | )
Trust Preferred Securities |  | - |  |  |  | 83 |  |  |  | 83 |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |  | 13 |  |  |  | 13 |
Other |  | (1 | ) |  |  | 0 |  |  |  | (1 | ) |  |  | (1 | ) |  |  | 1 |  |  |  | - |
Total interest expense |  | (328 | ) |  |  | 115 |  |  |  | (213 | ) |  |  | (634 | ) |  |  | (169 | ) |  |  | (803 | )
Net interest income | $ | 1,535 |  |  |  | (243 | ) |  |  | 1,292 |  |  |  | 2,068 |  |  |  | (1,039 | ) |  |  | 1,029 |

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis totaled $38.8 million in 2016 as compared to $37.5 million in 2015. The interest rate spread, which represents the rate earned on interest-earning assets less the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, was 3.81% in 2016, as compared to a net interest spread of 3.82% in 2015. The net yield on interest-earning assets was 3.94% in 2016 and 2015.
Tax equivalent interest income increased $1.1 million in 2016 primarily due to an increase in interest income resulting from an increase in the average outstanding principal balance of loans, which was partially offset by a decrease in the average outstanding balance of investment securities. The average outstanding principal balance of loans increased $33.9 million to $703.5 million in 2016 compared to $669.6 million in 2015. The average outstanding balance of investment securities decreased $14.4 million to $257.0 million in 2016 compared to $271.4 million in 2015. The yield on interest-earning assets was 4.27% in 2016 compared to 4.31% in 2015.
Interest expense decreased $213,000 in 2016 compared to 2015. The decrease in interest expense is primarily due to a decrease in the average outstanding balance of FHLB borrowings and time deposits. Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $2.3 million to $705.3 million in 2016 compared to $707.6 million in 2015. The cost of funds decreased to 0.46% in 2016 from 0.49% in 2015.
In 2015 net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $37.5 million compared to $36.5 million in 2014. The net interest spread was 3.82% in 2015 compared to 3.70% in 2014. The net yield on interest-earning assets in 2015 increased to 3.94% from the 2014 net yield on interest-earning assets of 3.84%.
Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to income in order to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a level deemed appropriate by management of the Company based on factors such as management's judgment as to losses within the Bank's loan portfolio, including the valuation of impaired loans, loan growth, net charge-offs, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, delinquencies and management's assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio and general economic climate.
The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2016 was a credit of $1.2 million, as compared to a credit of $17,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The credits to provision for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 resulted from, and were considered appropriate as part of, management's assessment and estimate of the risks in the total loan portfolio and determination of the total allowance for loan losses. The primary factors contributing to the decrease in the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2016 to $7.6 million from $9.6 million at December 31, 2015 were the continuing positive trends in indicators of potential losses on loans, primarily non-accrual loans and the reduction in net charge-offs since 2012, as shown in Table 3 below:
A-8

Table 3 - Net Charge-off Analysis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  | Net charge-offs |  |  |  |  |  | Net charge-offs/(recoveries) as a percent of average loans outstanding |
| Years ended December 31, |  |  |  |  |  | Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |  |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |
Real estate loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development | $ | (3 | ) |  | 153 |  |  | 456 |  |  | 400 |  |  | 4,200 |  |  | (0.01 | %) |  | 0.25 | % |  | 0.78 | % |  | 0.58 | % |  | 4.99 | %
Single-family residential |  | 220 |  |  | 584 |  |  | 237 |  |  | 1,613 |  |  | 814 |  |  | 0.09 | % |  | 0.27 | % |  | 0.12 | % |  | 0.82 | % |  | 0.39 | %
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  | - |  |  | 95 |  |  | 174 |  |  | 131 |  |  | 668 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.21 | % |  | 0.36 | % |  | 0.26 | % |  | 1.25 | %
Commercial |  | 299 |  |  | 308 |  |  | 119 |  |  | 395 |  |  | 563 |  |  | 0.12 | % |  | 0.13 | % |  | 0.05 | % |  | 0.20 | % |  | 0.27 | %
Multifamily and farmland |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | %
Total real estate loans |  | 516 |  |  | 1,140 |  |  | 986 |  |  | 2,539 |  |  | 6,245 |  |  | 0.09 | % |  | 0.20 | % |  | 0.18 | % |  | 0.48 | % |  | 1.12 | %
|  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans not secured by real estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  | (25 | ) |  | (64 | ) |  | 376 |  |  | 458 |  |  | 451 |  |  | (0.03 | %) |  | (0.07 | %) |  | 0.53 | % |  | 0.73 | % |  | 0.75 | %
Farm loans |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | %
Consumer loans (1) |  | 342 |  |  | 400 |  |  | 358 |  |  | 509 |  |  | 409 |  |  | 3.38 | % |  | 4.00 | % |  | 3.63 | % |  | 5.27 | % |  | 4.00 | %
All other loans |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | %
Total loans | $ | 833 |  |  | 1,476 |  |  | 1,720 |  |  | 3,506 |  |  | 7,105 |  |  | 0.12 | % |  | 0.22 | % |  | 0.27 | % |  | 0.57 | % |  | 1.10 | %
(Reduction of) provision for loan losses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
for the period | $ | (1,206 | ) |  | (17 | ) |  | (699 | ) |  | 2,584 |  |  | 4,924 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan losses at end of period | $ | 7,550 |  |  | 9,589 |  |  | 11,082 |  |  | 13,501 |  |  | 14,423 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total loans at end of period | $ | 723,811 |  |  | 689,091 |  |  | 651,891 |  |  | 620,960 |  |  | 619,974 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-accrual loans at end of period | $ | 3,825 |  |  | 8,432 |  |  | 10,728 |  |  | 13,836 |  |  | 17,630 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
total loans outstanding at end of period |  | 1.04 | % |  | 1.39 | % |  | 1.70 | % |  | 2.17 | % |  | 2.33 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-accrual loans as a percent of |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
total loans outstanding at end of period |  | 0.53 | % |  | 1.22 | % |  | 1.65 | % |  | 2.23 | % |  | 2.84 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(1) The loss ratio for consumer loans is elevated because overdraft charge-offs related to DDA and NOW accounts are reported in consumer loan charge-offs and recoveries. The net overdraft charge-offs are not considered material and are therefore not shown separately. |

Another factor considered in taking a credit to provision expense in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was the decline in the construction and land development portfolio. This portfolio experienced the highest percentage of loss in 2012 as shown in Table 3 above. The balance outstanding was $61.7 million at December 31, 2016 and $65.8 million at December 31, 2015, compared to the maximum balance of $213.7 million at December 31, 2008. Please see the section below entitled "Allowance for Loan Losses" for a more complete discussion of the Bank's policy for addressing potential loan losses.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income was $14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in non-interest income is primarily attributable to $729,000 in gains on the sale of securities during the year ended December 31, 2016 and a $298,000 increase in mortgage banking income during the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Non-interest income was $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in non-interest income is primarily attributable to a $867,000 change in gain/(loss) on sales and write-downs of other real estate, a $671,000 increase in miscellaneous non-interest income and a $326,000 increase in mortgage banking income, which were partially offset by a $463,000 decrease in service charges and fees. The $671,000 increase in miscellaneous non-interest income is primarily due to a $282,000 increase in debit card income for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, and $263,000 in net MasterCard debit card incentives recognized in the fourth quarter of 2015.
The Company periodically evaluates its investments for any impairment which would be deemed other-than-temporary. No investment impairments were deemed other-than-temporary in 2016, 2015 or 2014.
Table 4 presents a summary of non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
A-9

Table 4 - Non-Interest Income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Service charges |  | $ | 4,497 |  |  |  | 4,647 |  |  |  | 4,961 |
Other service charges and fees |  |  | 890 |  |  |  | 931 |  |  |  | 1,080 |
Gain on sale of securities |  |  | 729 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 266 |
Mortgage banking income |  |  | 1,428 |  |  |  | 1,130 |  |  |  | 804 |
Insurance and brokerage commissions |  |  | 632 |  |  |  | 714 |  |  |  | 701 |
Gain/(loss) on sale and write-down of other real estate |  |  | 64 |  |  |  | 245 |  |  |  | (622 | )
Visa debit card income |  |  | 3,589 |  |  |  | 3,452 |  |  |  | 3,170 |
Net appraisal management fee income |  |  | 886 |  |  |  | 635 |  |  |  | 525 |
Miscellaneous |  |  | 1,261 |  |  |  | 1,558 |  |  |  | 1,279 |
Total non-interest income |  | $ | 13,976 |  |  |  | 13,312 |  |  |  | 12,164 |

Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense was $40.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in non-interest expense included: (1) a $979,000 increase in salaries and benefits expense resulting primarily from an increase in the number of full-time equivalent employees, salary increases and an increase in compensation expense for restricted stock units, (2) a $971,000 increase in professional fees primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in consulting fees due to expenses associated with the Order issued in August 2015, (3) a $477,000 increase in occupancy expense primarily due to a $588,000 increase in equipment maintenance expense and (4) a $1.5 million increase in non-interest expenses other than salary, employee benefits and occupancy expenses primarily due to a $756,000 increase in penalties associated with the prepayment of FHLB borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.
Non-interest expense was $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Salaries and benefits expense increased by $755,000 resulting primarily from an increase in the number of full-time equivalent employees and annual salary increases, and such increase was offset by a $757,000 decrease in other non-interest expenses during the year ended December 31, 2015, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in other non-interest expenses is primarily due to $870,000 amortization expense incurred during 2014 that was associated with North Carolina income tax credits purchased in 2014.
Table 5 presents a summary of non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Table 5 - Non-Interest Expense |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Salaries and employee benefits | $ | 19,264 |  | 18,285 |  | 17,530
Occupancy expense |  | 6,765 |  | 6,288 |  | 6,251
Office supplies |  | 465 |  | 422 |  | 448
FDIC deposit insurance |  | 494 |  | 681 |  | 739
Visa debit card expense |  | 1,141 |  | 988 |  | 905
Professional services |  | 182 |  | 564 |  | 798
Postage |  | 224 |  | 249 |  | 280
Telephone |  | 754 |  | 588 |  | 574
Director fees and expense |  | 326 |  | 304 |  | 237
Advertising |  | 1,136 |  | 784 |  | 804
Consulting fees |  | 2,257 |  | 904 |  | 609
Taxes and licenses |  | 272 |  | 301 |  | 301
Foreclosure/OREO expense |  | 120 |  | 398 |  | 317
Internet banking expense |  | 710 |  | 671 |  | 644
FHLB advance prepayment penalty |  | 1,260 |  | 504 |  | 869
Other operating expense |  | 4,612 |  | 3,847 |  | 4,365
Total non-interest expense | $ | 39,982 |  | 35,778 |  | 35,671

Income Taxes. The Company reported income tax expense of $2.6 million, $3.1 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company's effective tax rates were 21.82%, 24.35% and 17.10% in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for 2014 is primarily due to North Carolina income tax credits purchased during 2014.
A-10

Liquidity. The objectives of the Company's liquidity policy are to provide for the availability of adequate funds to meet the needs of loan demand, deposit withdrawals, maturing liabilities and to satisfy regulatory requirements. Both deposit and loan customer cash needs can fluctuate significantly depending upon business cycles, economic conditions and yields and returns available from alternative investment opportunities. In addition, the Company's liquidity is affected by off-balance sheet commitments to lend in the form of unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. As of December 31, 2016, such unfunded commitments to extend credit were $195.5 million, while commitments in the form of standby letters of credit totaled $3.7 million.
The Company uses several funding sources to meet its liquidity requirements. The primary funding source is core deposits, which includes demand deposits, savings accounts and non-brokered certificates of deposits of denominations less than $250,000. The Company considers these to be a stable portion of the Company's liability mix and the result of on-going consumer and commercial banking relationships. As of December 31, 2016, the Company's core deposits totaled $865.4 million, or 97% of total deposits.
The other sources of funding for the Company are through large denomination certificates of deposit, including brokered deposits, federal funds purchased, securities under agreement to repurchase and FHLB borrowings. The Bank is also able to borrow from the FRB on a short-term basis. The Bank's policies include the ability to access wholesale funding up to 40% of total assets. The Bank's wholesale funding includes FHLB borrowings, FRB borrowings, brokered deposits and internet certificates of deposit. The Company's ratio of wholesale funding to total assets was 2.50% as of December 31, 2016.
At December 31, 2016, the Bank had a significant amount of deposits in amounts greater than $250,000. Brokered deposits, of $7.2 million at December 31, 2016, are comprised of certificates of deposit participated through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") on behalf of local customers. The balance and cost of brokered deposits are more susceptible to changes in the interest rate environment than other deposits. Access to the brokered deposit market could be restricted if the Bank were to fall below the well capitalized level. For additional information, please see the section below entitled "Deposits."
The Bank has a line of credit with the FHLB equal to 20% of the Bank's total assets, with an outstanding balance of $20.0 million at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral totaled approximately $128.3 million. The remaining availability under the line of credit with the FHLB was $66.8 million at December 31, 2016. The Bank had no borrowings from the FRB at December 31, 2016. The FRB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all qualifying loans that the Bank owns which are not pledged to the FHLB. At December 31, 2016, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral to the FRB totaled approximately $374.5 million.
The Bank also had the ability to borrow up to $59.5 million for the purchase of overnight federal funds from five correspondent financial institutions as of December 31, 2016.
The liquidity ratio for the Bank, which is defined as net cash, interest-bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold and certain investment securities, as a percentage of net deposits and short-term liabilities was 24.78%, 26.10%, and 31.76% at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The minimum required liquidity ratio as defined in the Bank's Asset/Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management Policy for on balance sheet liquidity was 10% at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
As disclosed in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included elsewhere herein, net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $12.2 million during 2016. Net cash used in investing activities was $23.6 million during 2016 and net cash provided by financing activities was $41.7 million during 2016.
Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management. The objective of the Company's Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk strategies is to identify and manage the sensitivity of net interest income to changing interest rates and to minimize the interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at various maturities. This is done in conjunction with the need to maintain adequate liquidity and the overall goal of maximizing net interest income. Table 6 presents an interest rate sensitivity analysis for the interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2016.
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Table 6 - Interest Sensitivity Analysis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) | Immediate |  |  | 1-3 months |  |  | 4-12 months |  |  | Total Within One Year |  |  | Over One Year & Non- sensitive |  |  | Total
Interest-earning assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans | $ | 307,490 |  |  | 22,764 |  |  | 15,584 |  |  | 345,838 |  |  | 377,973 |  |  | 723,811
Mortgage loans held for sale |  | 5,709 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 5,709 |  |  | - |  |  | 5,709
Investment securities available for sale |  | - |  |  | 6,602 |  |  | 14,625 |  |  | 21,227 |  |  | 228,719 |  |  | 249,946
Interest-bearing deposit accounts |  | 16,481 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 16,481 |  |  | - |  |  | 16,481
Other interest-earning assets |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 3,254 |  |  | 3,254
Total interest-earning assets |  | 329,680 |  |  | 29,366 |  |  | 30,209 |  |  | 389,255 |  |  | 609,946 |  |  | 999,201
Interest-bearing liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
NOW, savings, and money market deposits |  | 477,054 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 477,054 |  |  | - |  |  | 477,054
Time deposits |  | 15,313 |  |  | 17,946 |  |  | 53,558 |  |  | 86,817 |  |  | 57,196 |  |  | 144,013
FHLB borrowings |  | - |  |  | 20,000 |  |  | - |  |  | 20,000 |  |  | - |  |  | 20,000
Securities sold under |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
agreement to repurchase |  | 36,434 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 36,434 |  |  | - |  |  | 36,434
Trust preferred securities |  | - |  |  | 20,619 |  |  | - |  |  | 20,619 |  |  | - |  |  | 20,619
Total interest-bearing liabilities |  | 528,801 |  |  | 58,565 |  |  | 53,558 |  |  | 640,924 |  |  | 57,196 |  |  | 698,120
Interest-sensitive gap | $ | (199,121 | ) |  | (29,199 | ) |  | (23,349 | ) |  | (251,669 | ) |  | 552,750 |  |  | 301,081
Cumulative interest-sensitive gap | $ | (199,121 | ) |  | (228,320 | ) |  | (251,669 | ) |  | (251,669 | ) |  | 301,081 |  |  |
Interest-earning assets as a percentage of |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
interest-bearing liabilities |  | 62.34 | % |  | 50.14 | % |  | 56.40 | % |  | 60.73 | % |  | 1066.41 | % |  |

The Company manages its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates through policies established by the Asset/Liability Committee ("ALCO") of the Bank. The ALCO meets quarterly and has the responsibility for approving asset/liability management policies, formulating and implementing strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and/or earnings and reviewing the interest rate sensitivity of the Company. ALCO tries to minimize interest rate risk between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities by attempting to minimize wide fluctuations in net interest income due to interest rate movements. The ability to control these fluctuations has a direct impact on the profitability of the Company. Management monitors this activity on a regular basis through analysis of its portfolios to determine the difference between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities.
The Company's rate sensitive assets are those earning interest at variable rates and those with contractual maturities within one year. Rate sensitive assets therefore include both loans and available for sale ("AFS") securities. Rate sensitive liabilities include interest-bearing checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, time deposits and borrowed funds. At December 31, 2016, rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities totaled $999.2 million and $698.1 million, respectively.
Included in the rate sensitive assets are $288.9 million in variable rate loans indexed to prime rate subject to immediate repricing upon changes by the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC"). The Bank utilizes interest rate floors on certain variable rate loans to protect against further downward movements in the prime rate. At December 31, 2016, the Bank had $182.1 million in loans with interest rate floors. The floors were in effect on $108.9 million of these loans pursuant to the terms of the promissory notes on these loans. The weighted average rate on these loans is 0.62% higher than the indexed rate on the promissory notes without interest rate floors.
An analysis of the Company's financial condition and growth can be made by examining the changes and trends in interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. A discussion of these changes and trends follows.
Analysis of Financial Condition
Investment Securities. The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects the Company's investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of income. The investment portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit risk in other categories of the balance sheet while providing a vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as required collateral for certain deposits.
All of the Company's investment securities are held in the AFS category. At December 31, 2016, the market value of AFS securities totaled $249.9 million, compared to $268.5 million and $281.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Table 7 presents the fair value of the AFS securities held at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
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Table 7 - Summary of Investment Portfolio |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
U. S. Government sponsored enterprises |  | $ | 38,222 |  |  |  | 38,417 |  |  |  | 34,048 |
State and political subdivisions |  |  | 141,856 |  |  |  | 148,245 |  |  |  | 152,246 |
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 67,585 |  |  |  | 77,887 |  |  |  | 90,210 |
Corporate bonds |  |  | 1,533 |  |  |  | 1,906 |  |  |  | 2,467 |
Trust preferred securities |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | 750 |
Equity securities |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,325 |  |  |  | 1,378 |
Total securities |  | $ | 249,946 |  |  |  | 268,530 |  |  |  | 281,099 |

The Company's investment portfolio consists of U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities, municipal securities, U.S. Government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, trust preferred securities and equity securities. AFS securities averaged $252.7 million in 2016, $266.8 million in 2015 and $287.4 million in 2014. Table 8 presents the market value of AFS securities held by the Company by maturity category at December 31, 2016. Yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of shareholders' equity. Yields are calculated on a tax equivalent basis. Yields and interest income on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis using an effective tax rate of 36.64% for securities that are both federal and state tax exempt and an effective tax rate of 32.64% for federal tax exempt securities.

Table 8 - Maturity Distribution and Weighted Average Yield on Investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | After One Year |  |  | After 5 Years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | One Year or Less |  |  | Through 5 Years |  |  | Through 10 Years |  |  | After 10 Years |  |  | Totals |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amount |  |  | Yield |  |  | Amount |  |  | Yield |  |  | Amount |  |  | Yield |  |  | Amount |  |  | Yield |  |  | Amount |  |  | Yield |
Book value: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Government |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sponsored enterprises |  | $ | 1,381 |  |  |  | 1.88 | % |  |  | 7,644 |  |  |  | 2.13 | % |  |  | 22,553 |  |  |  | 2.57 | % |  |  | 6,610 |  |  |  | 2.41 | % |  |  | 38,188 |  |  |  | 1.74 | %
State and political subdivisions |  |  | 5,423 |  |  |  | 3.44 | % |  |  | 73,223 |  |  |  | 3.11 | % |  |  | 53,944 |  |  |  | 3.19 | % |  |  | 5,242 |  |  |  | 3.82 | % |  |  | 137,832 |  |  |  | 3.40 | %
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 12,023 |  |  |  | 2.89 | % |  |  | 26,622 |  |  |  | 2.92 | % |  |  | 13,907 |  |  |  | 2.85 | % |  |  | 14,102 |  |  |  | 3.00 | % |  |  | 66,654 |  |  |  | 2.81 | %
Corporate bonds |  |  | 500 |  |  |  | 5.58 | % |  |  | - |  |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 1,000 |  |  |  | 1.96 | % |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,500 |  |  |  | 1.48 | %
Trust preferred securities |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 500 |  |  |  | 4.75 | % |  |  | 250 |  |  |  | 8.13 | % |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | 5.88 | %
Equity securities |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | - |  |  |  | 0.00 | %
Total securities |  | $ | 19,327 |  |  |  | 2.91 | % |  |  | 107,489 |  |  |  | 2.90 | % |  |  | 91,904 |  |  |  | 2.82 | % |  |  | 26,204 |  |  |  | 3.33 | % |  |  | 244,924 |  |  |  | 2.55 | %

Loans. The loan portfolio is the largest category of the Company's earning assets and is comprised of commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction loans and consumer loans. The Bank grants loans and extensions of credit primarily within the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, which encompasses Catawba, Alexander, Iredell and Lincoln counties and also in Mecklenburg, Union, Wake, Durham and Forsyth counties in North Carolina.
Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, which is dependent upon the real estate market. Real estate mortgage loans include both commercial and residential mortgage loans. At December 31, 2016, the Bank had $115.7 million in residential mortgage loans, $99.8 million in home equity loans and $330.6 million in commercial mortgage loans, which include $266.5 million using commercial property as collateral and $64.1 million using residential property as collateral. Residential mortgage loans include $75.5 million made to customers in the Bank's traditional banking offices and $40.2 million in mortgage loans originated in the Bank's Banco de la Gente offices. All residential mortgage loans are originated as fully amortizing loans, with no negative amortization.
At December 31, 2016, the Bank had $61.7 million in construction and land development loans. Table 9 presents a breakout of these loans.
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Table 9 - Construction and Land Development Loans |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) | Number of Loans |  | Balance Outstanding |  | Non-accrual Balance
Land acquisition and development - commercial purposes | 56 |  | $ | 9,355 |  | -
Land acquisition and development - residential purposes | 223 |  |  | 24,040 |  | 22
1 to 4 family residential construction | 92 |  |  | 18,218 |  | -
Commercial construction | 18 |  |  | 10,136 |  | -
Total acquisition, development and construction | 389 |  | $ | 61,749 |  | 22

The mortgage loans originated in the traditional banking offices are generally 15 to 30 year fixed rate loans with attributes that prevent the loans from being sellable in the secondary market. These factors may include higher loan-to-value ratio, limited documentation on income, non-conforming appraisal or non-conforming property type. These loans are generally made to existing Bank customers and have been originated throughout the Bank's nine county service area, with no geographic concentration.
Banco de la Gente single family residential stated income loans originated from 2005 to 2009 were primarily adjustable rate mortgage loans that adjust annually after the end of the first five years of the loan. The loans are tied to the one-year T-Bill index and, if they were to adjust at December 31, 2016, would have a reduction in the interest rate on the loan. The underwriting on these loans includes both full income verification and no income verification, with loan-to-value ratios of up to 95% without private mortgage insurance. A majority of these loans would be considered subprime loans, as they were underwritten using stated income rather than fully documented income verification. No other loans in the Bank's portfolio would be considered subprime. The majority of these loans have been originated within the Charlotte, North Carolina metro area (Mecklenburg County). Total losses on this portfolio, since the first loans were originated in 2004, have amounted to approximately $3.7 million through December 31, 2016.
The composition of the Bank's loan portfolio at December 31 is presented in Table 10.

Table 10 - Loan Portfolio |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amount |  |  | % of Loans |  |  | Amount |  |  | % of Loans |  |  | Amount |  |  | % of Loans |  |  | Amount |  |  | % of Loans |  |  | Amount |  |  | % of Loans |
Real estate loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | 61,749 |  |  |  | 8.53 | % |  |  | 65,791 |  |  |  | 9.55 | % |  |  | 57,617 |  |  |  | 8.84 | % |  |  | 63,742 |  |  |  | 10.27 | % |  |  | 73,176 |  |  |  | 11.80 | %
Single-family residential |  |  | 240,700 |  |  |  | 33.25 | % |  |  | 220,690 |  |  |  | 32.03 | % |  |  | 206,417 |  |  |  | 31.66 | % |  |  | 195,975 |  |  |  | 31.56 | % |  |  | 195,003 |  |  |  | 31.45 | %
Single-family residential- Banco de la |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gente stated income |  |  | 40,189 |  |  |  | 5.55 | % |  |  | 43,733 |  |  |  | 6.35 | % |  |  | 47,015 |  |  |  | 7.21 | % |  |  | 49,463 |  |  |  | 7.97 | % |  |  | 52,019 |  |  |  | 8.39 | %
Commercial |  |  | 247,521 |  |  |  | 34.20 | % |  |  | 228,526 |  |  |  | 33.16 | % |  |  | 228,558 |  |  |  | 35.06 | % |  |  | 209,287 |  |  |  | 33.70 | % |  |  | 200,633 |  |  |  | 32.36 | %
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | 21,047 |  |  |  | 2.91 | % |  |  | 18,080 |  |  |  | 2.62 | % |  |  | 12,400 |  |  |  | 1.90 | % |  |  | 11,801 |  |  |  | 1.90 | % |  |  | 8,951 |  |  |  | 1.44 | %
Total real estate loans |  |  | 611,206 |  |  |  | 84.44 | % |  |  | 576,820 |  |  |  | 83.71 | % |  |  | 552,007 |  |  |  | 84.68 | % |  |  | 530,268 |  |  |  | 85.39 | % |  |  | 529,782 |  |  |  | 85.45 | %
Loans not secured by real estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 87,596 |  |  |  | 12.11 | % |  |  | 91,010 |  |  |  | 13.22 | % |  |  | 76,262 |  |  |  | 11.71 | % |  |  | 68,047 |  |  |  | 10.97 | % |  |  | 64,295 |  |  |  | 10.38 | %
Farm loans |  |  | - |  |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 7 |  |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 19 |  |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 11 |  |  |  | 0.00 | %
Consumer loans |  |  | 9,832 |  |  |  | 1.36 | % |  |  | 10,027 |  |  |  | 1.46 | % |  |  | 10,060 |  |  |  | 1.54 | % |  |  | 9,593 |  |  |  | 1.54 | % |  |  | 10,148 |  |  |  | 1.64 | %
All other loans |  |  | 15,177 |  |  |  | 2.10 | % |  |  | 11,231 |  |  |  | 1.63 | % |  |  | 13,555 |  |  |  | 2.08 | % |  |  | 13,033 |  |  |  | 2.10 | % |  |  | 15,738 |  |  |  | 2.54 | %
Total loans |  |  | 723,811 |  |  |  | 100.00 | % |  |  | 689,091 |  |  |  | 100.00 | % |  |  | 651,891 |  |  |  | 100.00 | % |  |  | 620,960 |  |  |  | 100.00 | % |  |  | 619,974 |  |  |  | 100.00 | %
Less: Allowance for loan losses |  |  | 7,550 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9,589 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 11,082 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 13,501 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 14,423 |  |  |  |  |
Net loans |  | $ | 716,261 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 679,502 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 640,809 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 607,459 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 605,551 |  |  |  |  |

As of December 31, 2016, gross loans outstanding were $723.8 million, compared to $689.1 million at December 31, 2015. Average loans represented 71% and 70% of total earning assets for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Bank had $5.7 million and $4.1 million in mortgage loans held for sale as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Troubled debt restructured ("TDR") loans modified in 2016, past due TDR loans and non-accrual TDR loans totaled $5.9 million and $8.8 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The terms of these loans have been renegotiated to provide a concession to original terms, including a reduction in principal or interest as a result of the deteriorating financial position of the borrower. There were $81,000 and $354,000 in performing loans classified as TDR loans at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Table 11 identifies the maturities of all loans as of December 31, 2016 and addresses the sensitivity of these loans to changes in interest rates.
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Table 11 - Maturity and Repricing Data for Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) | Within one year or less |  | After one year through five years |  | After five years |  | Total loans
Real estate loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development | $ | 40,674 |  | 12,626 |  | 8,449 |  | 61,749
Single-family residential |  | 112,279 |  | 73,957 |  | 54,464 |  | 240,700
Single-family residential- Banco de la Gente |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
stated income |  | 17,402 |  | - |  | 22,787 |  | 40,189
Commercial |  | 99,527 |  | 106,413 |  | 41,581 |  | 247,521
Multifamily and farmland |  | 6,172 |  | 5,167 |  | 9,708 |  | 21,047
Total real estate loans |  | 276,054 |  | 198,163 |  | 136,989 |  | 611,206
Loans not secured by real estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  | 56,373 |  | 17,907 |  | 13,316 |  | 87,596
Farm loans |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Consumer loans |  | 4,748 |  | 4,880 |  | 204 |  | 9,832
All other loans |  | 8,663 |  | 4,727 |  | 1,787 |  | 15,177
Total loans | $ | 345,838 |  | 225,677 |  | 152,296 |  | 723,811
Total fixed rate loans | $ | 4,924 |  | 196,665 |  | 152,296 |  | 353,885
Total floating rate loans |  | 340,914 |  | 29,012 |  | - |  | 369,926
Total loans | $ | 345,838 |  | 225,677 |  | 152,296 |  | 723,811

In the normal course of business, there are various commitments outstanding to extend credit that are not reflected in the financial statements. At December 31, 2016, outstanding loan commitments totaled $199.3 million. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Additional information regarding commitments is provided below in the section entitled "Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements" and in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses reflects management's assessment and estimate of the risks associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio. The Bank periodically analyzes the loan portfolio in an effort to review asset quality and to establish an allowance for loan losses that management believes will be adequate in light of anticipated risks and loan losses. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, size, quality and risk of loans in the portfolio are reviewed. Other factors considered are:

· | the Bank's loan loss experience;

· | the amount of past due and non-performing loans;

· | specific known risks;

· | the status and amount of other past due and non-performing assets;

· | underlying estimated values of collateral securing loans;

· | current and anticipated economic conditions; and

· | other factors which management believes affect the allowance for potential credit losses.

Management uses several measures to assess and monitor the credit risks in the loan portfolio, including a loan grading system that begins upon loan origination and continues until the loan is collected or collectability becomes doubtful. Upon loan origination, the Bank's originating loan officer evaluates the quality of the loan and assigns one of eight risk grades. The loan officer monitors the loan's performance and credit quality and makes changes to the credit grade as conditions warrant. When originated or renewed, all loans over a certain dollar amount receive in-depth reviews and risk assessments by the Bank's Credit Administration. Before making any changes in these risk grades, management considers assessments as determined by the third party credit review firm (as described below), regulatory examiners and the Bank's Credit Administration. Any issues regarding the risk assessments are addressed by the Bank's senior credit administrators and factored into management's decision to originate or renew the loan. The Bank's Board of Directors reviews, on a monthly basis, an analysis of the Bank's reserves relative to the range of reserves estimated by the Bank's Credit Administration.
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As an additional measure, the Bank engages an independent third party to review the underwriting, documentation and risk grading analyses. This independent third party reviews and evaluates loan relationships greater than $1.0 million, excluding loans in default, and loans in process of litigation or liquidation. The third party's evaluation and report is shared with management and the Bank's Board of Directors.
Management considers certain commercial loans with weak credit risk grades to be individually impaired and measures such impairment based upon available cash flows and the value of the collateral. Allowance or reserve levels are estimated for all other graded loans in the portfolio based on their assigned credit risk grade, type of loan and other matters related to credit risk.
Management uses the information developed from the procedures described above in evaluating and grading the loan portfolio. This continual grading process is used to monitor the credit quality of the loan portfolio and to assist management in estimating the allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses charged or credited to earnings is based upon management's judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level appropriate to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The amount each quarter is dependent upon many factors, including growth and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-offs, delinquencies, management's assessment of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, and other macro-economic factors and trends. The evaluation of these factors is performed quarterly by management through an analysis of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is comprised of three components: specific reserves, general reserves and unallocated reserves. After a loan has been identified as impaired, management measures impairment. When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the amount of the impairment is recorded as a specific reserve. These specific reserves are determined on an individual loan basis based on management's current evaluation of the Bank's loss exposure for each credit, given the appraised value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the general allowance calculations as described below.
The general allowance reflects reserves established under GAAP for collective loan impairment. These reserves are based upon historical net charge-offs using the greater of the last two, three, four or five years' loss experience. This charge-off experience may be adjusted to reflect the effects of current conditions. The Bank considers information derived from its loan risk ratings and external data related to industry and general economic trends in establishing reserves.
The unallocated allowance is determined through management's assessment of probable losses that are in the portfolio but are not adequately captured by the other two components of the allowance, including consideration of current economic and business conditions and regulatory requirements. The unallocated allowance also reflects management's acknowledgement of the imprecision and subjectivity that underlie the modeling of credit risk. Due to the subjectivity involved in determining the overall allowance, including the unallocated portion, the unallocated portion may fluctuate from period to period based on management's evaluation of the factors affecting the assumptions used in calculating the allowance.
There were no significant changes in the estimation methods or fundamental assumptions used in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Revisions, estimates and assumptions may be made in any period in which the supporting factors indicate that loss levels may vary from the previous estimates.
Effective December 31, 2012, stated income mortgage loans from the Banco de la Gente division of the Bank were analyzed separately from other single family residential loans in the Bank's loan portfolio. These loans are first mortgage loans made to the Latino market, primarily in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. These loans are non-traditional mortgages in that the customer normally did not have a credit history, so all credit information was accumulated by the loan officers. These loans were made as stated income loans rather than full documentation loans because the customer may not have had complete documentation on the income supporting the loan.
Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations. Management believes it has established the allowance for credit losses pursuant to GAAP, and has taken into account the views of its regulators and the current economic environment. Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover the estimated losses inherent in the Bank's loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Although management uses the best information available to make evaluations, significant future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions, thus adversely affecting the operating results of the Company.
A-16

Net charge-offs for 2016 and 2015 were $833,000 and $1.5 million, respectively. The ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans was 0.12% in 2016, 0.22% in 2015 and 0.27% in 2014. The Bank strives to proactively work with its customers to identify potential problems. If found, the Bank works to quickly recognize identifiable losses and to establish a plan, with the borrower, if possible, to have the loans paid off. This process of early identification increased the levels of charge-offs and provision for loan losses in 2009 through 2013 as compared to historical periods prior to 2009. The years ended December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 saw a return of net charge-offs to pre-crisis levels. Management expects this to continue in 2017. The allowance for loan losses was $7.6 million or 1.0% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2016. For December 31, 2015 and 2014, the allowance for loan losses amounted to $9.6 million or 1.4% of total loans outstanding and $11.1 million, or 1.7% of total loans outstanding, respectively.
Table 12 presents the percentage of loans assigned to each risk grade at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Table 12 - Loan Risk Grade Analysis |  |
| Percentage of Loans
| By Risk Grade
Risk Grade | 2016 | 2015
Risk Grade 1 (Excellent Quality) | 2.28% | 2.46%
Risk Grade 2 (High Quality) | 26.82% | 24.40%
Risk Grade 3 (Good Quality) | 54.43% | 53.08%
Risk Grade 4 (Management Attention) | 11.99% | 14.26%
Risk Grade 5 (Watch) | 3.07% | 3.27%
Risk Grade 6 (Substandard) | 1.41% | 2.53%
Risk Grade 7 (Doubtful) | 0.00% | 0.00%
Risk Grade 8 (Loss) | 0.00% | 0.00%

Table 13 presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses, including charge-off activity.

Table 13 - Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |
Allowance for loan losses at beginning | $ | 9,589 |  |  |  | 11,082 |  |  |  | 13,501 |  |  |  | 14,423 |  |  |  | 16,604 |
Loans charged off: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial |  | 146 |  |  |  | 38 |  |  |  | 430 |  |  |  | 502 |  |  |  | 555 |
Real estate - mortgage |  | 593 |  |  |  | 1,064 |  |  |  | 789 |  |  |  | 2,441 |  |  |  | 2,491 |
Real estate - construction |  | 7 |  |  |  | 197 |  |  |  | 884 |  |  |  | 777 |  |  |  | 4,728 |
Consumer |  | 492 |  |  |  | 545 |  |  |  | 534 |  |  |  | 652 |  |  |  | 557 |
Total loans charged off |  | 1,238 |  |  |  | 1,844 |  |  |  | 2,637 |  |  |  | 4,372 |  |  |  | 8,331 |
Recoveries of losses previously charged off: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial |  | 170 |  |  |  | 101 |  |  |  | 54 |  |  |  | 44 |  |  |  | 104 |
Real estate - mortgage |  | 74 |  |  |  | 77 |  |  |  | 259 |  |  |  | 302 |  |  |  | 446 |
Real estate - construction |  | 10 |  |  |  | 45 |  |  |  | 428 |  |  |  | 377 |  |  |  | 528 |
Consumer |  | 151 |  |  |  | 145 |  |  |  | 176 |  |  |  | 143 |  |  |  | 148 |
Total recoveries |  | 405 |  |  |  | 368 |  |  |  | 917 |  |  |  | 866 |  |  |  | 1,226 |
Net loans charged off |  | 833 |  |  |  | 1,476 |  |  |  | 1,720 |  |  |  | 3,506 |  |  |  | 7,105 |
Provision for loan losses |  | (1,206 | ) |  |  | (17 | ) |  |  | (699 | ) |  |  | 2,584 |  |  |  | 4,924 |
Allowance for loan losses at end of year | $ | 7,550 |  |  |  | 9,589 |  |  |  | 11,082 |  |  |  | 13,501 |  |  |  | 14,423 |
Loans charged off net of recoveries, as |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
a percent of average loans outstanding |  | 0.12 | % |  |  | 0.22 | % |  |  | 0.27 | % |  |  | 0.57 | % |  |  | 1.10 | %
Allowance for loan losses as a percent |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
of total loans outstanding at end of year |  | 1.04 | % |  |  | 1.39 | % |  |  | 1.70 | % |  |  | 2.17 | % |  |  | 2.33 | %

A-17

Non-performing Assets. Non-performing assets declined to $4.1 million or 0.4% of total assets at December 31, 2016, compared to $9.2 million or 0.9% of total assets at December 31, 2015. The decline in non-performing assets is due to a $4.6 million decrease in non-accrual loans and a $456,000 decrease in other real estate owned properties. Non-performing loans include $22,000 in construction and land development loans, $3.7 million in commercial and residential mortgage loans and $54,000 in other loans at December 31, 2016, as compared to $146,000 in construction and land development loans, $8.1 million in commercial and residential mortgage loans and $181,000 in other loans at December 31, 2015. Other real estate owned totaled $283,000 and $739,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Bank had no repossessed assets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
At December 31, 2016, the Bank had non-performing loans, defined as non-accrual and accruing loans past due more than 90 days, of $3.8 million or 0.53% of total loans. Non-performing loans at December 31, 2015 were $8.4 million or 1.23% of total loans.
Management continually monitors the loan portfolio to ensure that all loans potentially having a material adverse impact on future operating results, liquidity or capital resources have been classified as non-performing. Should economic conditions deteriorate, the inability of distressed customers to service their existing debt could cause higher levels of non-performing loans. Management expects the level of non-accrual loans to be more in-line with the levels at December 31, 2016 as opposed to the level of non-accruals experienced in 2012.
It is the general policy of the Bank to stop accruing interest income when a loan is placed on non-accrual status and any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current income. Generally a loan is placed on non-accrual status when it is over 90 days past due and there is reasonable doubt that all principal will be collected.
A summary of non-performing assets at December 31 for each of the years presented is shown in Table 14.

Table 14 - Non-performing Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |  |  | 2013 |  |  | 2012 |
Non-accrual loans |  | $ | 3,825 |  |  |  | 8,432 |  |  |  | 10,728 |  |  |  | 13,836 |  |  |  | 17,630 |
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing |  |  | - |  |  |  | 17 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 882 |  |  |  | 2,403 |
Total non-performing loans |  |  | 3,825 |  |  |  | 8,449 |  |  |  | 10,728 |  |  |  | 14,718 |  |  |  | 20,033 |
All other real estate owned |  |  | 283 |  |  |  | 739 |  |  |  | 2,016 |  |  |  | 1,679 |  |  |  | 6,254 |
Repossessed assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 10 |
Total non-performing assets |  | $ | 4,108 |  |  |  | 9,188 |  |  |  | 12,744 |  |  |  | 16,397 |  |  |  | 26,297 |
TDR loans not included in above, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(not 90 days past due or on nonaccrual) |  |  | 3,337 |  |  |  | 5,102 |  |  |  | 7,217 |  |  |  | 7,953 |  |  |  | 10,864 |
As a percent of total loans at year end |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non-accrual loans |  |  | 0.53 | % |  |  | 1.22 | % |  |  | 1.65 | % |  |  | 2.23 | % |  |  | 2.84 | %
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 0.00 | % |  |  | 0.14 | % |  |  | 0.39 | %
Total non-performing assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
as a percent of total assets at year end |  |  | 0.38 | % |  |  | 0.88 | % |  |  | 1.22 | % |  |  | 1.58 | % |  |  | 2.60 | %
Total non-performing loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
as a percent of total loans at year-end |  |  | 0.53 | % |  |  | 1.23 | % |  |  | 1.65 | % |  |  | 2.37 | % |  |  | 3.23 | %

Deposits. The Company primarily uses deposits to fund its loan and investment portfolios. The Company offers a variety of deposit accounts to individuals and businesses. Deposit accounts include checking, savings, money market and time deposits. As of December 31, 2016, total deposits were $892.9 million, compared to $832.2 million at December 31, 2015. Core deposits, which include demand deposits, savings accounts and non-brokered certificates of deposits of denominations less than $250,000, amounted to $865.4 million at December 31, 2016, compared to $805.0 million at December 31, 2015.
Time deposits in amounts of $250,000 or more totaled $26.8 million and $26.9 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. At December 31, 2016, brokered deposits amounted to $7.2 million as compared to $4.3 million at December 31, 2015. CDARS balances included in brokered deposits amounted to $7.2 million and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Brokered deposits are generally considered to be more susceptible to withdrawal as a result of interest rate changes and to be a less stable source of funds, as compared to deposits from the local market. Brokered deposits outstanding as of December 31, 2016 have a weighted average rate of 0.53% with a weighted average original term of 23 months.
A-18

Table 15 is a summary of the maturity distribution of time deposits in amounts of $250,000 or more as of December 31, 2016.

Table 15 - Maturities of Time Deposits of $250,000 or greater |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2016
Three months or less |  | $ | 7,001
Over three months through six months |  |  | 4,619
Over six months through twelve months |  |  | 3,971
Over twelve months |  |  | 11,180
Total |  | $ | 26,771

Borrowed Funds. The Company has access to various short-term borrowings, including the purchase of federal funds and borrowing arrangements from the FHLB and other financial institutions. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, FHLB borrowings totaled $20.0 million and $43.5 million, respectively. Average FHLB borrowings for 2016 and 2015 were $42.9 million and $49.8 million, respectively. The maximum amount of outstanding FHLB borrowings was $43.5 million in 2016 and $50.0 million in 2015. The FHLB borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2016 had interest rates ranging from 2.68% to 4.12% and all mature in 2018. The weighted average rate on FHLB borrowings was 3.87% and 3.48% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additional information regarding FHLB borrowings is provided in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Bank had no borrowings from the FRB at December 31, 2016 and 2015. FRB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all qualifying loans that the Bank owns which are not pledged to the FHLB. At December 31, 2016, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral totaled approximately $374.5 million.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase were $36.4 million at December 31, 2016, as compared to $27.9 million at December 31, 2015.
Junior subordinated debentures were $20.6 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. The Company's contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2016 are summarized in Table 16 below. The Company's contractual obligations include the repayment of principal and interest related to FHLB advances and junior subordinated debentures, as well as certain payments under current lease agreements. Other commitments include commitments to extend credit. Because not all of these commitments to extend credit will be drawn upon, the actual cash requirements are likely to be significantly less than the amounts reported for other commitments below.

Table 16 - Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Within One Year |  |  | One to Three Years |  |  | Three to Five Years |  |  | Five Years or More |  |  | Total
Contractual Cash Obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term borrowings |  | $ | - |  |  | 20,000 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 20,000
Junior subordinated debentures |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 20,619 |  |  | 20,619
Corporate Center renovation |  |  | 2,170 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 2,170
Operating lease obligations |  |  | 632 |  |  | 1,212 |  |  | 1,193 |  |  | 1,611 |  |  | 4,648
Total |  | $ | 2,802 |  |  | 21,212 |  |  | 1,193 |  |  | 22,230 |  |  | 47,437
Other Commitments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commitments to extend credit |  | $ | 70,204 |  |  | 20,389 |  |  | 18,833 |  |  | 86,102 |  |  | 195,528
Standby letters of credit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
and financial guarantees written |  |  | 3,728 |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | - |  |  | 3,728
Income tax credits |  |  | 639 |  |  | 2,025 |  |  | 81 |  |  | 119 |  |  | 2,864
Total |  | $ | 74,571 |  |  | 22,414 |  |  | 18,914 |  |  | 86,221 |  |  | 202,120

A-19

The Company enters into derivative contracts to manage various financial risks. A derivative is a financial instrument that derives its cash flows, and therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate. Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date. Derivative contracts are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts, which only provide the basis for calculating payments between counterparties and are not a measure of financial risk. Therefore, the derivative amounts recorded on the balance sheet do not represent the amounts that may ultimately be paid under these contracts. Further discussions of derivative instruments are included above in the section entitled "Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management" beginning on page A-11 and in Notes 1, 10 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Resources. Shareholders' equity was $107.4 million, or 9.9% of total assets, as of December 31, 2016, compared to $104.9 million, or 10.1% of total assets, as of December 31, 2015. The increase in shareholders' equity is primarily due to an increase in retained earnings due to net income, which was partially offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from a decrease in the unrealized gain on investment securities and a $2.0 million decrease in common stock due to 92,738 shares of common stock being repurchased under the Company's stock repurchase program implemented during the second quarter of 2016.
Average shareholders' equity as a percentage of total average assets is one measure used to determine capital strength. Average shareholders' equity as a percentage of total average assets was 10.51%, 10.27% and 9.35% for 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The return on average shareholders' equity was 8.11% at December 31, 2016 as compared to 9.03% and 9.69% at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Total cash dividends paid on common stock were $2.1 million, $1.6 million and $1.0 million during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company did not pay any dividends on preferred stock during 2016 and 2015.
The Board of Directors, at its discretion, can issue shares of preferred stock up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares. The Board is authorized to determine the number of shares, voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights.
In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program ("the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program"), pursuant to which up to $2 million was allocated to repurchase the Company's common stock. All purchases under the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program were made periodically as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of the repurchase of shares was determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Company had repurchased approximately $2.0 million, or 106,587 shares of its common stock, under the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program as of December 31, 2015.
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized another stock repurchase program ("the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program"), pursuant to which up to $2 million was allocated to repurchase the Company's common stock. All purchases under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program were made periodically as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of the repurchase of shares was determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Company repurchased approximately $2.0 million, or 92,738 shares of its common stock, under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program during 2016.
In 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved its final rule on the Basel III capital standards, which implement changes to the regulatory capital framework for banking organizations. The Basel III capital standards, which became effective January 1, 2015, include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which will be phased in from 2015 to 2019. The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank under the final rules are as follows: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total risk based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from previous rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% (unchanged from previous rules). An additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes beginning on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and will be phased in through 2019 (increasing by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). This will result in the following minimum ratios beginning in 2019: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Under the final rules, an institution is subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained earnings that could be utilized for such actions.
A-20

Under the regulatory capital guidelines, financial institutions are currently required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% or greater, as required by Basel III capital standards referenced above. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as shareholders' equity and trust preferred securities less all intangible assets and goodwill. Tier 1 capital at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 includes $20.0 million in trust preferred securities. The Company's Tier 1 capital ratio was 15.20% and 15.37% at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Total risk-based capital is defined as Tier 1 capital plus supplementary capital. Supplementary capital, or Tier 2 capital, consists of the Company's allowance for loan losses, not exceeding 1.25% of the Company's risk-weighted assets. Total risk-based capital ratio is therefore defined as the ratio of total capital (Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets. The Company's total risk-based capital ratio was 16.12% and 16.63% at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Company's common equity Tier 1 capital consists of common stock and retained earnings. The Company's common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 12.75% and 12.79% at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Financial institutions are also required to maintain a leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets of 4.0% or greater. The Company's Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 11.19% and 11.44% at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
The Bank's Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.85% at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The total risk-based capital ratio for the Bank was 15.78% and 16.11% at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The Bank's common equity Tier 1 capital ratio was 14.85% at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The Bank's Tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 10.88% and 11.03% at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
A bank is considered to be "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% or greater and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater. Based upon these guidelines, the Bank was considered to be "well capitalized" at December 31, 2016.
The Company's key equity ratios as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are presented in Table 17.

Table 17 - Equity Ratios |  |  |
| 2016 | 2015 | 2014
Return on average assets | 0.85% | 0.93% | 0.91%
Return on average equity | 8.11% | 9.03% | 9.69%
Dividend payout ratio * | 22.95% | 16.34% | 10.89%
Average equity to average assets | 10.51% | 10.27% | 9.35%
* As a percentage of net earnings available to common shareholders. |  |  |

Quarterly Financial Data. The Company's consolidated quarterly operating results for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented in Table 18.

Table 18 - Quarterly Financial Data |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | First |  |  | Second |  |  | Third |  |  | Fourth |  |  | First |  |  | Second |  |  | Third |  |  | Fourth |
Total interest income | $ | 9,905 |  |  | 9,815 |  |  | 9,982 |  |  | 10,107 |  |  | $ | 9,567 |  |  | 9,191 |  |  | 9,947 |  |  | 9,961 |
Total interest expense |  | 809 |  |  | 813 |  |  | 828 |  |  | 821 |  |  |  | 884 |  |  | 875 |  |  | 874 |  |  | 851 |
Net interest income |  | 9,096 |  |  | 9,002 |  |  | 9,154 |  |  | 9,286 |  |  |  | 8,683 |  |  | 8,316 |  |  | 9,073 |  |  | 9,110 |
(Reduction of) provision for loan losses |  | (216 | ) |  | (531 | ) |  | (360 | ) |  | (99 | ) |  |  | 173 |  |  | (214 | ) |  | 235 |  |  | (211 | )
Other income |  | 3,324 |  |  | 3,572 |  |  | 3,414 |  |  | 3,666 |  |  |  | 3,245 |  |  | 3,297 |  |  | 3,266 |  |  | 3,504 |
Other expense |  | 9,492 |  |  | 9,109 |  |  | 9,598 |  |  | 11,783 |  |  |  | 8,748 |  |  | 8,337 |  |  | 8,669 |  |  | 10,024 |
Income before income taxes |  | 3,144 |  |  | 3,996 |  |  | 3,330 |  |  | 1,268 |  |  |  | 3,007 |  |  | 3,490 |  |  | 3,435 |  |  | 2,801 |
Income taxes (benefit) |  | 691 |  |  | 1,032 |  |  | 872 |  |  | (34 | ) |  |  | 679 |  |  | 866 |  |  | 942 |  |  | 613 |
Net earnings |  | 2,453 |  |  | 2,964 |  |  | 2,458 |  |  | 1,302 |  |  |  | 2,328 |  |  | 2,624 |  |  | 2,493 |  |  | 2,188 |
Basic net earnings per share |  | 0.45 |  |  | 0.54 |  |  | 0.45 |  |  | 0.24 |  |  | $ | 0.41 |  |  | 0.47 |  |  | 0.45 |  |  | 0.40 |
Diluted net earnings per share | $ | 0.44 |  |  | 0.53 |  |  | 0.44 |  |  | 0.24 |  |  | $ | 0.41 |  |  | 0.47 |  |  | 0.45 |  |  | 0.39 |

A-21

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. This risk of loss can be reflected in either diminished current market values or reduced potential net interest income in future periods.
The Company's market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending and deposit taking activities. The structure of the Company's loan and deposit portfolios is such that a significant decline (increase) in interest rates may adversely (positively) impact net market values and interest income. Management seeks to manage the risk through the utilization of its investment securities and off-balance sheet derivative instruments. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company used interest rate contracts to manage market risk as discussed above in the section entitled "Asset Liability and Interest Rate Risk Management."
Table 19 presents in tabular form the contractual balances and the estimated fair value of the Company's on-balance sheet financial instruments at their expected maturity dates for the period ended December 31, 2016. The expected maturity categories take into consideration historical prepayment experience as well as management's expectations based on the interest rate environment at December 31, 2016. For core deposits without contractual maturity (i.e. interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market accounts), the table presents principal cash flows based on management's judgment concerning their most likely runoff or repricing behaviors.

Table 19 - Market Risk Table |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Receivable |  | 2017 |  | 2018 |  | 2019 |  | 2020 |  | 2021 |  | Thereafter |  | Total |  | Fair Value
Fixed rate |  | $ | 44,846 |  |  |  | 59,309 |  |  |  | 45,286 |  |  |  | 53,841 |  |  |  | 56,949 |  |  |  | 116,964 |  |  |  | 377,195 |  |  |  | 375,900 |
Average interest rate |  |  | 4.89 | % |  |  | 4.65 | % |  |  | 4.75 | % |  |  | 4.76 | % |  |  | 4.58 | % |  |  | 5.44 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Variable rate |  | $ | 75,294 |  |  |  | 38,558 |  |  |  | 45,379 |  |  |  | 35,034 |  |  |  | 36,069 |  |  |  | 121,991 |  |  |  | 352,325 |  |  |  | 352,325 |
Average interest rate |  |  | 4.66 | % |  |  | 4.51 | % |  |  | 4.28 | % |  |  | 4.36 | % |  |  | 4.45 | % |  |  | 3.93 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 729,520 |  |  |  | 728,225 |
Investment Securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest bearing cash |  | $ | 16,481 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 16,481 |  |  |  | 16,481 |
Average interest rate |  |  | 0.59 | % |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Securities available for sale |  | $ | 44,217 |  |  |  | 20,188 |  |  |  | 22,762 |  |  |  | 23,691 |  |  |  | 31,668 |  |  |  | 107,420 |  |  |  | 249,946 |  |  |  | 249,946 |
Average interest rate |  |  | 4.06 | % |  |  | 4.51 | % |  |  | 4.39 | % |  |  | 4.20 | % |  |  | 4.59 | % |  |  | 4.30 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Nonmarketable equity securities |  | $ | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,635 |  |  |  | 2,635 |  |  |  | 2,635 |
Average interest rate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3.38 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  | $ | 86,781 |  |  |  | 33,212 |  |  |  | 15,117 |  |  |  | 5,384 |  |  |  | 3,519 |  |  |  | 748,905 |  |  |  | 892,918 |  |  |  | 884,510 |
Average interest rate |  |  | 0.33 | % |  |  | 0.56 | % |  |  | 0.61 | % |  |  | 0.75 | % |  |  | 0.75 | % |  |  | 0.07 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Advances from FHLB |  | $ | - |  |  |  | 20,000 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20,000 |  |  |  | 18,864 |
Average interest rate |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3.73 | % |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Securities sold under agreement |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
to repurchase |  | $ | 36,434 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 36,434 |  |  |  | 36,434 |
Average interest rate |  |  | 0.10 | % |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Junior subordinated debentures |  | $ | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20,619 |  |  |  | 20,619 |  |  |  | 20,619 |
Average interest rate |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2.47 | % |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

A-22

Table 20 presents the simulated impact to net interest income under varying interest rate scenarios and the theoretical impact of rate changes over a twelve-month period referred to as "rate ramps." The table shows the estimated theoretical impact on the Company's tax equivalent net interest income from hypothetical rate changes of plus and minus 1%, 2% and 3% as compared to the estimated theoretical impact of rates remaining unchanged. The table also shows the simulated impact to market value of equity under varying interest rate scenarios and the theoretical impact of immediate and sustained rate changes referred to as "rate shocks" of plus and minus 1%, 2% and 3% as compared to the theoretical impact of rates remaining unchanged. The prospective effects of the hypothetical interest rate changes are based upon various assumptions, including relative and estimated levels of key interest rates. This type of modeling has limited usefulness because it does not allow for the strategies management would utilize in response to sudden and sustained rate changes. Also, management does not believe that rate changes of the magnitude presented are likely in the forecast period presented.

Table 20 - Interest Rate Risk |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |
|  | Estimated Resulting Theoretical Net Interest Income
Hypothetical rate change (ramp over 12 months) |  | Amount |  | % Change
+3% |  | $ | 41,807 |  | 4.92%
+2% |  | $ | 41,635 |  | 4.49%
+1% |  | $ | 40,839 |  | 2.49%
0% |  | $ | 39,847 |  | 0.00%
-1% |  | $ | 39,177 |  | -1.68%
-2% |  | $ | 38,936 |  | -2.29%
-3% |  | $ | 38,900 |  | -2.38%
|  | Estimated Resulting Theoretical Market Value of Equity
Hypothetical rate change (immediate shock) |  | Amount |  | % Change
+3% |  | $ | 154,428 |  | 6.03%
+2% |  | $ | 161,219 |  | 10.70%
+1% |  | $ | 158,700 |  | 8.97%
0% |  | $ | 145,641 |  | 0.00%
-1% |  | $ | 122,977 |  | -15.56%
-2% |  | $ | 83,648 |  | -42.57%
-3% |  | $ | 70,407 |  | -51.66%

A-23

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
INDEX
|  | PAGE(S)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Consolidated Financial Statements | A-25 - A-28
Financial Statements |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 | A-29
| Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 | A-30
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016,
| 2015 and 2014 | A-31
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, |
| 2016, 2015 and 2014 | A-32
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 | A-33 - A-34
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | A-35 - A-67

A-24

A-25

A-26

A-27

A-28

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
|  | December 31, |  |  | December 31, |
Assets |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Cash and due from banks, including reserve requirements |  | $ | 53,613 |  |  |  | 29,194 |
of $16,576 at 12/31/16 and $14,587 at 12/31/15 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest-bearing deposits |  |  | 16,481 |  |  |  | 10,569 |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 70,094 |  |  |  | 39,763 |
Investment securities available for sale |  |  | 249,946 |  |  |  | 268,530 |
Other investments |  |  | 2,635 |  |  |  | 3,636 |
Total securities |  |  | 252,581 |  |  |  | 272,166 |
Mortgage loans held for sale |  |  | 5,709 |  |  |  | 4,149 |
Loans |  |  | 723,811 |  |  |  | 689,091 |
Less allowance for loan losses |  |  | (7,550 | ) |  |  | (9,589 | )
Net loans |  |  | 716,261 |  |  |  | 679,502 |
Premises and equipment, net |  |  | 16,452 |  |  |  | 16,976 |
Cash surrender value of life insurance |  |  | 14,952 |  |  |  | 14,546 |
Other real estate |  |  | 283 |  |  |  | 739 |
Accrued interest receivable and other assets |  |  | 11,659 |  |  |  | 10,640 |
Total assets |  | $ | 1,087,991 |  |  |  | 1,038,481 |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noninterest-bearing demand |  | $ | 271,851 |  |  |  | 244,231 |
NOW, MMDA & savings |  |  | 477,054 |  |  |  | 431,052 |
Time, $250,000 or more |  |  | 26,771 |  |  |  | 26,891 |
Other time |  |  | 117,242 |  |  |  | 130,001 |
Total deposits |  |  | 892,918 |  |  |  | 832,175 |
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  |  | 36,434 |  |  |  | 27,874 |
FHLB borrowings |  |  | 20,000 |  |  |  | 43,500 |
Junior subordinated debentures |  |  | 20,619 |  |  |  | 20,619 |
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities |  |  | 10,592 |  |  |  | 9,449 |
Total liabilities |  |  | 980,563 |  |  |  | 933,617 |
Commitments (Note 10) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders' equity: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Series A preferred stock, $1,000 stated value; authorized |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
5,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Common stock, no par value; authorized |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 5,417,800 shares |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
at December 31, 2016 and 5,510,538 shares at December 31, 2015 |  |  | 44,187 |  |  |  | 46,171 |
Retained earnings |  |  | 60,254 |  |  |  | 53,183 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |  |  | 2,987 |  |  |  | 5,510 |
Total shareholders' equity |  |  | 107,428 |  |  |  | 104,864 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |  | $ | 1,087,991 |  |  |  | 1,038,481 |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

A-29

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Earnings |
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Interest income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest and fees on loans |  | $ | 32,452 |  |  |  | 31,098 |  |  |  | 30,305 |
Interest on due from banks |  |  | 123 |  |  |  | 26 |  |  |  | 65 |
Interest on investment securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. Government sponsored enterprises |  |  | 2,531 |  |  |  | 2,616 |  |  |  | 2,995 |
States and political subdivisions |  |  | 4,454 |  |  |  | 4,600 |  |  |  | 4,677 |
Other |  |  | 249 |  |  |  | 326 |  |  |  | 378 |
Total interest income |  |  | 39,809 |  |  |  | 38,666 |  |  |  | 38,420 |
Interest expense: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
NOW, MMDA & savings deposits |  |  | 495 |  |  |  | 432 |  |  |  | 499 |
Time deposits |  |  | 586 |  |  |  | 870 |  |  |  | 1,188 |
FHLB borrowings |  |  | 1,661 |  |  |  | 1,735 |  |  |  | 2,166 |
Junior subordinated debentures |  |  | 485 |  |  |  | 402 |  |  |  | 389 |
Other |  |  | 44 |  |  |  | 45 |  |  |  | 45 |
Total interest expense |  |  | 3,271 |  |  |  | 3,484 |  |  |  | 4,287 |
Net interest income |  |  | 36,538 |  |  |  | 35,182 |  |  |  | 34,133 |
(Reduction of) provision for loan losses |  |  | (1,206 | ) |  |  | (17 | ) |  |  | (699 | )
Net interest income after provision for loan losses |  |  | 37,744 |  |  |  | 35,199 |  |  |  | 34,832 |
Non-interest income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service charges |  |  | 4,497 |  |  |  | 4,647 |  |  |  | 4,961 |
Other service charges and fees |  |  | 890 |  |  |  | 931 |  |  |  | 1,080 |
Gain on sale of securities |  |  | 729 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 266 |
Mortgage banking income |  |  | 1,428 |  |  |  | 1,130 |  |  |  | 804 |
Insurance and brokerage commissions |  |  | 632 |  |  |  | 714 |  |  |  | 701 |
Gain (loss) on sales and write-downs of |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
other real estate |  |  | 64 |  |  |  | 245 |  |  |  | (622 | )
Miscellaneous |  |  | 5,736 |  |  |  | 5,645 |  |  |  | 4,974 |
Total non-interest income |  |  | 13,976 |  |  |  | 13,312 |  |  |  | 12,164 |
Non-interest expense: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Salaries and employee benefits |  |  | 19,264 |  |  |  | 18,285 |  |  |  | 17,530 |
Occupancy |  |  | 6,765 |  |  |  | 6,288 |  |  |  | 6,251 |
Professional fees |  |  | 2,439 |  |  |  | 1,468 |  |  |  | 1,401 |
Advertising |  |  | 1,136 |  |  |  | 784 |  |  |  | 804 |
Debit card expense |  |  | 1,141 |  |  |  | 988 |  |  |  | 905 |
FDIC insurance |  |  | 494 |  |  |  | 681 |  |  |  | 739 |
Other |  |  | 8,743 |  |  |  | 7,284 |  |  |  | 8,041 |
Total non-interest expense |  |  | 39,982 |  |  |  | 35,778 |  |  |  | 35,671 |
Earnings before income taxes |  |  | 11,738 |  |  |  | 12,733 |  |  |  | 11,325 |
Income tax expense |  |  | 2,561 |  |  |  | 3,100 |  |  |  | 1,937 |
Net earnings |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | 9,388 |
Basic net earnings per common share |  | $ | 1.68 |  |  |  | 1.73 |  |  |  | 1.67 |
Diluted net earnings per common share |  | $ | 1.65 |  |  |  | 1.72 |  |  |  | 1.66 |
Cash dividends declared per common share |  | $ | 0.38 |  |  |  | 0.28 |  |  |  | 0.18 |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

A-30

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income |
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Net earnings |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | 9,388 |
Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
available for sale |  |  | (3,274 | ) |  |  | 93 |  |  |  | 11,117 |
Reclassification adjustment for gains on |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
securities available for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
included in net earnings |  |  | (729 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (266 | )
Total other comprehensive income (loss), |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
before income taxes |  |  | (4,003 | ) |  |  | 93 |  |  |  | 10,851 |
Income tax (benefit) expense related to other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
comprehensive (loss) income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
available for sale |  |  | (1,196 | ) |  |  | 36 |  |  |  | 4,330 |
Reclassification adjustment for gains on |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
securities available for sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
included in net earnings |  |  | (284 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (104 | )
Total income tax expense (benefit) related to |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  | (1,480 | ) |  |  | 36 |  |  |  | 4,226 |
Total other comprehensive income (loss), |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
net of tax |  |  | (2,523 | ) |  |  | 57 |  |  |  | 6,625 |
Total comprehensive income |  | $ | 6,654 |  |  |  | 9,690 |  |  |  | 16,013 |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

A-31

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity |
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Accumulated |  |  |  |
|  | Common |  |  | Common |  |  |  |  |  | Other |  |  |  |
|  | Stock |  |  | Stock |  |  | Retained |  |  | Comprehensive |  |  |  |
|  | Shares |  |  | Amount |  |  | Earnings |  |  | Income (loss) |  |  | Total |
Balance, December 31, 2013 |  |  | 5,613,495 |  |  | $ | 48,133 |  |  |  | 36,758 |  |  |  | (1,172 | ) |  |  | 83,719 |
Common stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
repurchase |  |  | (4,537 | ) |  |  | (82 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (82 | )
Cash dividends declared on |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
common stock |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,022 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,022 | )
Stock options exercised |  |  | 3,630 |  |  |  | 37 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 37 |
Net earnings |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,388 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,388 |
Change in accumulated other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
comprehensive income, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
net of tax |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 6,625 |  |  |  | 6,625 |
Balance, December 31, 2014 |  |  | 5,612,588 |  |  | $ | 48,088 |  |  |  | 45,124 |  |  |  | 5,453 |  |  |  | 98,665 |
Common stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
repurchase |  |  | (102,050 | ) |  |  | (1,917 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,917 | )
Cash dividends declared on |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
common stock |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,574 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,574 | )
Net earnings |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,633 |
Change in accumulated other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
comprehensive income, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
net of tax |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 57 |  |  |  | 57 |
Balance, December 31, 2015 |  |  | 5,510,538 |  |  | $ | 46,171 |  |  |  | 53,183 |  |  |  | 5,510 |  |  |  | 104,864 |
Common stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
repurchase |  |  | (92,738 | ) |  |  | (1,984 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,984 | )
Cash dividends declared on |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
common stock |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (2,106 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | (2,106 | )
Net earnings |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,177 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 9,177 |
Change in accumulated other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
comprehensive income, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
net of tax |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (2,523 | ) |  |  | (2,523 | )
Balance, December 31, 2016 |  |  | 5,417,800 |  |  | $ | 44,187 |  |  |  | 60,254 |  |  |  | 2,987 |  |  |  | 107,428 |
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

A-32

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net earnings |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | 9,388 |
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation, amortization and accretion |  |  | 5,423 |  |  |  | 6,053 |  |  |  | 6,889 |
Reduction of provision for loan losses |  |  | (1,206 | ) |  |  | (17 | ) |  |  | (699 | )
Deferred income taxes |  |  | (547 | ) |  |  | 673 |  |  |  | 178 |
Gain on sale of investment securities |  |  | 1,097 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (266 | )
Gain on sale of other real estate |  |  | (81 | ) |  |  | (363 | ) |  |  | (5 | )
Write-down of other real estate |  |  | 17 |  |  |  | 118 |  |  |  | 627 |
Restricted stock expense |  |  | 932 |  |  |  | 487 |  |  |  | 389 |
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale |  |  | 67,764 |  |  |  | 50,770 |  |  |  | 40,898 |
Origination of loans held for sale |  |  | (69,324 | ) |  |  | (53,544 | ) |  |  | (40,020 | )
Change in: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash surrender value of life insurance |  |  | (406 | ) |  |  | (421 | ) |  |  | (419 | )
Other assets |  |  | (818 | ) |  |  | (408 | ) |  |  | (2,534 | )
Other liabilities |  |  | 211 |  |  |  | 882 |  |  |  | (12,509 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities |  |  | 12,239 |  |  |  | 13,863 |  |  |  | 1,917 |
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Purchases of investment securities available for sale |  |  | (12,707 | ) |  |  | (19,220 | ) |  |  | (32,851 | )
Proceeds from sales, calls and maturities of investment securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
available for sale |  |  | 4,053 |  |  |  | 5,475 |  |  |  | 36,148 |
Proceeds from paydowns of investment securities available for sale |  |  | 20,675 |  |  |  | 22,732 |  |  |  | 20,202 |
Purchases of other investments |  |  | (255 | ) |  |  | (6 | ) |  |  | - |
FHLB stock redemption |  |  | 1,256 |  |  |  | 401 |  |  |  | 959 |
Net change in loans |  |  | (36,116 | ) |  |  | (43,441 | ) |  |  | (36,692 | )
Purchases of premises and equipment |  |  | (1,610 | ) |  |  | (2,354 | ) |  |  | (3,120 | )
Proceeds from sale of other real estate and repossessions |  |  | 1,083 |  |  |  | 6,287 |  |  |  | 3,456 |
Net cash used by investing activities |  |  | (23,621 | ) |  |  | (30,126 | ) |  |  | (11,898 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net change in deposits |  |  | 60,743 |  |  |  | 17,475 |  |  |  | 15,339 |
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase |  |  | 8,560 |  |  |  | (20,556 | ) |  |  | 3,034 |
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings |  |  | 6,000 |  |  |  | 20,001 |  |  |  | - |
Repayments of FHLB borrowings |  |  | (29,500 | ) |  |  | (26,501 | ) |  |  | (15,000 | )
Proceeds from FRB borrowings |  |  | 1 |  |  |  | 1 |  |  |  | 1 |
Repayments of FRB borrowings |  |  | (1 | ) |  |  | (1 | ) |  |  | (1 | )
Proceeds from Fed Funds Purchased |  |  | 9,112 |  |  |  | 5,192 |  |  |  | 2,602 |
Repayments of Fed Funds Purchased |  |  | (9,112 | ) |  |  | (5,192 | ) |  |  | (2,602 | )
Stock options exercised |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 37 |
Common stock repurchased |  |  | (1,984 | ) |  |  | (1,917 | ) |  |  | (82 | )
Cash dividends paid on common stock |  |  | (2,106 | ) |  |  | (1,574 | ) |  |  | (1,022 | )
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities |  |  | 41,713 |  |  |  | (13,072 | ) |  |  | 2,306 |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |  |  | 30,331 |  |  |  | (29,335 | ) |  |  | (7,675 | )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |  |  | 39,763 |  |  |  | 69,098 |  |  |  | 76,773 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |  | $ | 70,094 |  |  |  | 39,763 |  |  |  | 69,098 |

A-33

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued |
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash paid during the year for: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest |  | $ | 3,415 |  |  |  | 3,518 |  |  |  | 4,388 |
Income taxes |  | $ | 2,028 |  |  |  | 2,278 |  |  |  | 1,939 |
Noncash investing and financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on investment securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
available for sale, net |  | $ | (2,523 | ) |  |  | 57 |  |  |  | 6,625 |
Transfer of loans to other real estate and repossessions |  | $ | 563 |  |  |  | 4,825 |  |  |  | 4,415 |
Financed portion of sale of other real estate |  | $ | - |  |  |  | 60 |  |  |  | 374 |
Accrued redemption of Series A Preferred Stock |  | S | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (12,524 | )
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

A-34

PEOPLES BANCORP OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. ("Bancorp") received regulatory approval to operate as a bank holding company on July 22, 1999, and became effective August 31, 1999. Bancorp is primarily regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and serves as the one-bank holding company for Peoples Bank (the "Bank").
The Bank commenced business in 1912 upon receipt of its banking charter from the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks (the "Commissioner"). The Bank is primarily regulated by the Commissioner and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and undergoes periodic examinations by these regulatory agencies. The Bank, whose main office is in Newton, North Carolina, provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking services primarily in Catawba, Alexander, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Iredell, Union, Wake, Durham and Forsyth counties in North Carolina.
Peoples Investment Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operations in 1996 to provide investment and trust services through agreements with an outside party.
Real Estate Advisory Services, Inc. ("REAS") is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operations in 1997 to provide real estate appraisal and property management services to individuals and commercial customers of the Bank.
Community Bank Real Estate Solutions, LLC ("CBRES") is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operations in 2009 as a "clearing house" for appraisal services for community banks. Other banks are able to contract with CBRES to find and engage appropriate appraisal companies in the area where the property is located. CBRES was moved from a wholly owned subsidiary of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank effective August 31, 2016.
PB Real Estate Holdings, LLC ("PBREH") is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and began operation in 2015. PBREH acquires, manages and disposes of real property, other collateral and other assets obtained in the ordinary course of collecting debts previously contracted.
The Bank operates four offices focused on the Latino population under the name Banco de la Gente. These offices are operated as a division of the Bank. Banco de la Gente offers normal and customary banking services as are offered in the Bank's other branches such as the taking of deposits and the making of loans and therefore is not considered a reportable segment of the Company (as defined below).
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, along with the Bank's wholly owned subsidiaries, Peoples Investment Services, Inc., REAS, CBRES and PBREH (collectively called the "Company"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Presentation
The accounting principles followed by the Company, and the methods of applying these principles, conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and with general practices in the banking industry. In preparing the financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Material estimates common to the banking industry that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include, but are not limited to, the determination of the allowance for loan losses and valuation of real estate acquired in connection with or in lieu of foreclosure on loans.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, due from banks and interest-bearing deposits are considered cash and cash equivalents for cash flow reporting purposes.
A-35

Investment Securities
There are three classifications the Company is able to classify its investment securities: trading, available for sale, or held to maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for sale in the near term. Held to maturity securities are those securities for which the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity. All other securities not included in trading or held to maturity are classified as available for sale. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company classified all of its investment securities as available for sale.
Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, are excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized.
Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment on an annual basis. A decline in the market value of any investment below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is charged to earnings for the decline in value deemed to be credit related and a new cost basis in the security is established. The decline in value attributed to non-credit related factors is recognized in comprehensive income.
Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available for sale are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
Other Investments
Other investments include equity securities with no readily determinable fair value. These investments are carried at cost.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at lower of aggregate cost or market value. The cost of mortgage loans held for sale approximates the market value.
Loans
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding. The recognition of certain loan origination fee income and certain loan origination costs is deferred when such loans are originated and amortized over the life of the loan.
A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or at the loan's observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering economic conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. Interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period earnings.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses reflects management's assessment and estimate of the risks associated with extending credit and its evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio. The Bank periodically analyzes the loan portfolio in an effort to review asset quality and to establish an allowance for loan losses that management believes will be adequate in light of anticipated risks and loan losses. In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, size, quality and risk of loans in the portfolio are reviewed. Other factors considered are:

· | the Bank's loan loss experience;

· | the amount of past due and non-performing loans;

· | specific known risks;

· | the status and amount of other past due and non-performing assets;

· | underlying estimated values of collateral securing loans;

· | current and anticipated economic conditions; and

· | other factors which management believes affect the allowance for potential credit losses.

A-36

Management uses several measures to assess and monitor the credit risks in the loan portfolio, including a loan grading system that begins upon loan origination and continues until the loan is collected or collectability becomes doubtful. Upon loan origination, the Bank's originating loan officer evaluates the quality of the loan and assigns one of eight risk grades. The loan officer monitors the loan's performance and credit quality and makes changes to the credit grade as conditions warrant. When originated or renewed, all loans over a certain dollar amount receive in-depth reviews and risk assessments by the Bank's Credit Administration. Before making any changes in these risk grades, management considers assessments as determined by the third party credit review firm (as described below), regulatory examiners and the Bank's Credit Administration. Any issues regarding the risk assessments are addressed by the Bank's senior credit administrators and factored into management's decision to originate or renew the loan. The Bank's Board of Directors reviews, on a monthly basis, an analysis of the Bank's reserves relative to the range of reserves estimated by the Bank's Credit Administration.
As an additional measure, the Bank engages an independent third party to review the underwriting, documentation and risk grading analyses. This independent third party reviews and evaluates loan relationships greater than $1.0 million, excluding loans in default, and loans in process of litigation or liquidation. The third party's evaluation and report is shared with management and the Bank's Board of Directors.
Management considers certain commercial loans with weak credit risk grades to be individually impaired and measures such impairment based upon available cash flows and the value of the collateral. Allowance or reserve levels are estimated for all other graded loans in the portfolio based on their assigned credit risk grade, type of loan and other matters related to credit risk.
Management uses the information developed from the procedures described above in evaluating and grading the loan portfolio. This continual grading process is used to monitor the credit quality of the loan portfolio and to assist management in estimating the allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses charged or credited to earnings is based upon management's judgment of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level appropriate to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The amount each quarter is dependent upon many factors, including growth and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, net charge-offs, delinquencies, management's assessment of loan portfolio quality, the value of collateral, and other macro-economic factors and trends. The evaluation of these factors is performed quarterly by management through an analysis of the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is comprised of three components: specific reserves, general reserves and unallocated reserves. After a loan has been identified as impaired, management measures impairment. When the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, the amount of the impairment is recorded as a specific reserve. These specific reserves are determined on an individual loan basis based on management's current evaluation of the Bank's loss exposure for each credit, given the appraised value of any underlying collateral. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the general allowance calculations as described below.
The general allowance reflects reserves established under GAAP for collective loan impairment. These reserves are based upon historical net charge-offs using the greater of the last two, three, four or five years' loss experience. This charge-off experience may be adjusted to reflect the effects of current conditions. The Bank considers information derived from its loan risk ratings and external data related to industry and general economic trends in establishing reserves.
The unallocated allowance is determined through management's assessment of probable losses that are in the portfolio but are not adequately captured by the other two components of the allowance, including consideration of current economic and business conditions and regulatory requirements. The unallocated allowance also reflects management's acknowledgement of the imprecision and subjectivity that underlie the modeling of credit risk. Due to the subjectivity involved in determining the overall allowance, including the unallocated portion, the unallocated portion may fluctuate from period to period based on management's evaluation of the factors affecting the assumptions used in calculating the allowance.
There were no significant changes in the estimation methods or fundamental assumptions used in the evaluation of the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Revisions, estimates and assumptions may be made in any period in which the supporting factors indicate that loss levels may vary from the previous estimates.
A-37

Effective December 31, 2012, stated income mortgage loans from the Banco de la Gente division of the Bank were analyzed separately from other single family residential loans in the Bank's loan portfolio. These loans are first mortgage loans
made to the Latino market, primarily in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. These loans are non-traditional mortgages in that the customer normally did not have a credit history, so all credit information was accumulated by the loan officers. These loans were made as stated income loans rather than full documentation loans because the customer may not have had complete documentation on the income supporting the loan.
Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examinations. Management believes it has established the allowance for credit losses pursuant to GAAP, and has taken into account the views of its regulators and the current economic environment. Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover the estimated losses inherent in the Bank's loan portfolio as of the date of the financial statements. Although management uses the best information available to make evaluations, significant future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions, thus adversely affecting the operating results of the Company.
Mortgage Banking Activities
Mortgage banking income represents net gains from the sale of mortgage loans and fees received from borrowers and loan investors related to the Bank's origination of single-family residential mortgage loans.
Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of mortgage loans serviced for others was approximately $1.4 million, $1.6 million and $2.1 million at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Bank originates certain fixed rate mortgage loans and commits these loans for sale. The commitments to originate fixed rate mortgage loans and the commitments to sell these loans to a third party are both derivative contracts. The fair value of these derivative contracts is immaterial and has no effect on the recorded amounts in the financial statements.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings for that period. The cost of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the useful life of the respective asset is charged to earnings as incurred, whereas significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. The range of estimated useful lives for premises and equipment are generally as follows:

Buildings and improvements | 10 - 50 years
Furniture and equipment | 3 - 10 years

Other Real Estate
Foreclosed assets include all assets received in full or partial satisfaction of a loan. Foreclosed assets are reported at fair value less estimated selling costs. Any write-downs at the time of foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management, and a valuation allowance is established if fair value less estimated selling costs declines below carrying value. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized. Revenues and expenses from operations are included in other expenses. Changes in the valuation allowance are included in loss on sale and write-down of other real estate.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Additionally, the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, is required to the extent that the realization of such benefits is more likely than not to occur. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
A-38

In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Company's assets and liabilities results in a deferred tax asset, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realizability of a deferred tax asset, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.
Tax effects from an uncertain tax position can be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more likely than not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. The Company assessed the impact of this guidance and determined that it did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or disclosures.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk by modifying the characteristics of the related balance sheet instruments in order to reduce the adverse effect of changes in interest rates. All material derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the financial statements. The fair value of derivative contracts related to the origination of fixed rate mortgage loans and the commitments to sell these loans to a third party is immaterial and has no effect on the recorded amounts in the financial statements.
The disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities have the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The disclosure requirements include qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about the fair value of, and gains and losses on, derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.
On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a trading instrument. Changes in the fair value of instruments used as fair value hedges are accounted for in the earnings of the period simultaneous with accounting for the fair value change of the item being hedged. Changes in the fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges are accounted for in other comprehensive income rather than earnings. Changes in fair value of instruments that are not intended as a hedge are accounted for in the earnings of the period of the change.
If a derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge is terminated or the hedge designation removed, the difference between a hedged item's then carrying amount and its face amount is recognized into income over the original hedge period. Likewise, if a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge is terminated or the hedge designation removed, related amounts accumulated in other accumulated comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings over the original hedge period during which the hedged item affects income.
The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.
The Company formally documents all hedging relationships, including an assessment that the derivative instruments are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.
A-39

Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has an Omnibus Stock Ownership and Long Term Incentive Plan that was approved by shareholders on May 7, 2009 (the "Plan") whereby certain stock-based rights, such as stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units, stock appreciation rights or book value shares, may be granted to eligible directors and employees. A total of 262,520 shares are currently reserved for possible issuance under the Plan. All stock-based rights under the Plan must be granted or awarded by May 7, 2019 (i.e. ten years from the Plan effective date).
The Company granted 29,514 restricted stock units under the Plan at a grant date fair value of $7.90 per share during the first quarter of 2012, of which 5,355 restricted stock units were forfeited by the executive officers of the Company as required by the agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("UST") in conjunction with the Company's participation in the Capital Purchase Program ("CPP") under the Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP"). In July 2012, the Company granted 5,355 restricted stock units at a grant date fair value of $8.25 per share. The Company granted 26,795 restricted stock units under the Plan at a grant date fair value of $11.90 per share during the second quarter of 2013. The Company granted 21,056 restricted stock units under the Plan at a grant date fair value of $15.70 per share during the first quarter of 2014. The Company granted 15,075 restricted stock units under the Plan at a grant date fair value of $17.97 per share during the first quarter of 2015. The Company granted 5,040 restricted stock units under the Plan at a grant date fair value of $18.60 per share during the first quarter of 2016. The Company recognizes compensation expense on the restricted stock units over the period of time the restrictions are in place (five years from the grant date for the 2012 grants, four years from the grant date for the 2013, 2015 and 2016 grants and three years from the grant date for the 2014 grants). The amount of expense recorded each period reflects the changes in the Company's stock price during such period. As of December 31, 2016, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to the restricted stock unit grants under the Plan was $396,000.
The Company recognized compensation expense for restricted stock units granted under the Plan of $932,000, $487,000 and $389,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Net Earnings Per Share
Net earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period while the effects of potential common shares outstanding during the period are included in diluted earnings per common share. The average market price during the year is used to compute equivalent shares.
The reconciliations of the amounts used in the computation of both "basic earnings per common share" and "diluted earnings per common share" for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Net Earnings (Dollars in thousands) |  |  | Weighted Average Number of Shares |  |  | Per Share Amount
Basic earnings per share |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 5,477,245 |  |  | $ | 1.68
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restricted stock units |  |  | - |  |  |  | 70,734 |  |  |  |
Diluted earnings per share |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 5,547,979 |  |  | $ | 1.65
For the year ended December 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Net Earnings (Dollars in thousands) |  |  | Weighted Average Number of Shares |  |  | Per Share Amount
Basic earnings per share |  | $ | 9,633 |  |  |  | 5,559,235 |  |  | $ | 1.73
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restricted stock units |  |  | - |  |  |  | 47,954 |  |  |  |
Diluted earnings per share |  | $ | 9,633 |  |  |  | 5,607,189 |  |  | $ | 1.72

A-40

For the year ended December 31, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Net Earnings (Dollars in thousands) |  |  | Weighted Average Number of Shares |  |  | Per Share Amount
Basic earnings per share |  | $ | 9,388 |  |  |  | 5,615,666 |  |  | $ | 1.67
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restricted stock units |  |  | - |  |  |  | 26,326 |  |  |  |
Diluted earnings per share |  | $ | 9,388 |  |  |  | 5,641,992 |  |  | $ | 1.66

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, (Topic 842): Leases. ASU No. 2016-02 increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU No. 2016-13 provides guidance to change the accounting for credit losses and modify the impairment model for certain debt securities. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that implementation of the new standard will have on its results of operations, financial position and disclosures.
In October 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. ASU No. 2016-16 eliminates the exception for all intra-entity sales of assets other than inventory. ASU No. 2016-16 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
In October 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control. ASU No. 2016-17 amends the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that variable interest entity. ASU No. 2016-17 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
In November 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. ASU No. 2016-18 clarifies guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
In December 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, (Topic 606): Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU No. 2016-20 make a limited number of revisions to several pieces of the revenue recognition standard issued in 2014. ASU No. 2016-20 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
Reclassification
Certain amounts in the 2014 and 2015 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2016 presentation.
A-41

(2) | Investment Securities

Investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2016
|  | Amortized Cost |  |  | Gross Unrealized Gains |  |  | Gross Unrealized Losses |  |  | Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities |  | $ | 66,654 |  |  |  | 1,221 |  |  |  | 290 |  |  |  | 67,585
U.S. Government |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sponsored enterprises |  |  | 38,188 |  |  |  | 308 |  |  |  | 274 |  |  |  | 38,222
State and political subdivisions |  |  | 137,832 |  |  |  | 4,176 |  |  |  | 152 |  |  |  | 141,856
Corporate bonds |  |  | 1,500 |  |  |  | 33 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,533
Trust preferred securities |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 750
Total |  | $ | 244,924 |  |  |  | 5,738 |  |  |  | 716 |  |  |  | 249,946
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2015
|  | Amortized Cost |  |  | Gross Unrealized Gains |  |  | Gross Unrealized Losses |  |  | Estimated Fair Value
Mortgage-backed securities |  | $ | 76,406 |  |  |  | 1,526 |  |  |  | 45 |  |  |  | 77,887
U.S. Government |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sponsored enterprises |  |  | 38,173 |  |  |  | 399 |  |  |  | 155 |  |  |  | 38,417
State and political subdivisions |  |  | 141,500 |  |  |  | 6,817 |  |  |  | 72 |  |  |  | 148,245
Corporate bonds |  |  | 1,928 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 22 |  |  |  | 1,906
Trust preferred securities |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 750
Equity securities |  |  | 748 |  |  |  | 577 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,325
Total |  | $ | 259,505 |  |  |  | 9,319 |  |  |  | 294 |  |  |  | 268,530

The current fair value and associated unrealized losses on investments in debt securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized in the tables below, with the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position.

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2016
|  | Less than 12 Months |  |  | 12 Months or More |  |  | Total
|  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Losses |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Losses |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Losses
Mortgage-backed securities |  | $ | 15,594 |  |  |  | 290 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 15,594 |  |  |  | 290
U.S. Government |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sponsored enterprises |  |  | 10,120 |  |  |  | 94 |  |  |  | 9,562 |  |  |  | 180 |  |  |  | 19,682 |  |  |  | 274
State and political subdivisions |  |  | 10,441 |  |  |  | 123 |  |  |  | 561 |  |  |  | 29 |  |  |  | 11,002 |  |  |  | 152
Total |  | $ | 36,155 |  |  |  | 507 |  |  |  | 10,123 |  |  |  | 209 |  |  |  | 46,278 |  |  |  | 716
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2015
|  | Less than 12 Months |  |  | 12 Months or More |  |  | Total
|  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Losses |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Losses |  |  | Fair Value |  |  | Unrealized Losses
Mortgage-backed securities |  | $ | 7,891 |  |  |  | 45 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 7,891 |  |  |  | 45
U.S. Government |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sponsored enterprises |  |  | 3,074 |  |  |  | 13 |  |  |  | 10,828 |  |  |  | 142 |  |  |  | 13,902 |  |  |  | 155
State and political subdivisions |  |  | 2,198 |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  | 3,930 |  |  |  | 68 |  |  |  | 6,128 |  |  |  | 72
Corporate bonds |  |  | 1,500 |  |  |  | 22 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,500 |  |  |  | 22
Total |  | $ | 14,663 |  |  |  | 84 |  |  |  | 14,758 |  |  |  | 210 |  |  |  | 29,421 |  |  |  | 294

A-42

At December 31, 2016, unrealized losses in the investment securities portfolio relating to debt securities totaled $716,000. The unrealized losses on these debt securities arose due to changing interest rates and are considered to be temporary. From the December 31, 2016 tables above, one out of 168 securities issued by state and political subdivisions contained unrealized losses and five out of 80 securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, including mortgage-backed securities, contained unrealized losses. These unrealized losses are considered temporary because of acceptable financial condition and results of operations on each security and the repayment sources of principal and interest on U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, including mortgage-backed securities, are government backed.
The Company periodically evaluates its investments for any impairment which would be deemed other-than-temporary. No investment impairments were deemed other-than-temporary in 2016, 2015 or 2014.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale at December 31, 2016, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities of mortgage-backed securities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
|  | Amortized Cost |  |  | Estimated Fair Value
Due within one year |  | $ | 7,304 |  |  |  | 7,341
Due from one to five years |  |  | 81,366 |  |  |  | 84,100
Due from five to ten years |  |  | 77,498 |  |  |  | 78,751
Due after ten years |  |  | 12,102 |  |  |  | 12,169
Mortgage-backed securities |  |  | 66,654 |  |  |  | 67,585
Equity securities |  |  | - |  |  |  | -
Total |  | $ | 244,924 |  |  |  | 249,946

During 2016, proceeds from sales of securities available for sale were $1.5 million and resulted in gross gains of $729,000. No securities available for sale were sold during the year ended December 31, 2015. During 2014, proceeds from sales of securities available for sale were $20.2 million and resulted in gross gains of $291,000 and gross losses of $25,000.
Securities with a fair value of approximately $95.6 million and $91.0 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB") borrowings and for other purposes as required by law.
GAAP establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. There is a three-level fair value hierarchy for fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. The table below presents the balance of securities available for sale, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2016
|  | Fair Value Measurements |  |  | Level 1 Valuation |  |  | Level 2 Valuation |  |  | Level 3 Valuation
Mortgage-backed securities |  | $ | 67,585 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 67,585 |  |  |  | -
U.S. Government |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sponsored enterprises |  | $ | 38,222 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 38,222 |  |  |  | -
State and political subdivisions |  | $ | 141,856 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 141,856 |  |  |  | -
Corporate bonds |  | $ | 1,533 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,533 |  |  |  | -
Trust preferred securities |  | $ | 750 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 750

A-43

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2015
|  | Fair Value Measurements |  |  | Level 1 Valuation |  |  | Level 2 Valuation |  |  | Level 3 Valuation
Mortgage-backed securities |  | $ | 77,887 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 77,887 |  |  |  | -
U.S. Government |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
sponsored enterprises |  | $ | 38,417 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 38,417 |  |  |  | -
State and political subdivisions |  | $ | 148,245 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 148,245 |  |  |  | -
Corporate bonds |  | $ | 1,906 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 1,906 |  |  |  | -
Trust preferred securities |  | $ | 750 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 750
Equity securities |  | $ | 1,325 |  |  |  | 1,325 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | -

Fair values of investment securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges when available. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined using matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities.
The following is an analysis of fair value measurements of investment securities available for sale using Level 3, significant unobservable inputs, for the year ended December 31, 2016.

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
|  | Investment Securities Available for Sale
|  | Level 3 Valuation
Balance, beginning of period |  | $ | 750
Change in book value |  |  | -
Change in gain/(loss) realized and unrealized |  |  | -
Purchases/(sales and calls) |  |  | -
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 |  |  | -
Balance, end of period |  | $ | 750
Change in unrealized gain/(loss) for assets still held in Level 3 |  | $ | -

(3) | Loans

Major classifications of loans at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows:
A-44

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | 61,749 |  |  |  | 65,791
Single-family residential |  |  | 240,700 |  |  |  | 220,690
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  |  | 40,189 |  |  |  | 43,733
Commercial |  |  | 247,521 |  |  |  | 228,526
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | 21,047 |  |  |  | 18,080
Total real estate loans |  |  | 611,206 |  |  |  | 576,820
Loans not secured by real estate: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 87,596 |  |  |  | 91,010
Farm loans |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3
Consumer loans |  |  | 9,832 |  |  |  | 10,027
All other loans |  |  | 15,177 |  |  |  | 11,231
Total loans |  |  | 723,811 |  |  |  | 689,091
Less allowance for loan losses |  |  | 7,550 |  |  |  | 9,589
Total net loans |  | $ | 716,261 |  |  |  | 679,502

The above table includes deferred costs, net of deferred fees, totaling $1.4 million and $488,000 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The Bank grants loans and extensions of credit primarily within the Catawba Valley region of North Carolina, which encompasses Catawba, Alexander, Iredell and Lincoln counties and also in Mecklenburg, Union, Wake, Durham and Forsyth counties of North Carolina. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by improved and unimproved real estate, the value of which is dependent upon the real estate market. Risk characteristics of the major components of the Bank's loan portfolio are discussed below:

· | Construction and land development loans – The risk of loss is largely dependent on the initial estimate of whether the property's value at completion equals or exceeds the cost of property construction and the availability of take-out financing. During the construction phase, a number of factors can result in delays or cost overruns. If the estimate is inaccurate or if actual construction costs exceed estimates, the value of the property securing the loan may be insufficient to ensure full repayment when completed through a permanent loan, sale of the property, or by seizure of collateral. As of December 31, 2016, construction and land development loans comprised approximately 9% of the Bank's total loan portfolio.

· | Single-family residential loans – Declining home sales volumes, decreased real estate values and higher than normal levels of unemployment could contribute to losses on these loans. As of December 31, 2016, single-family residential loans comprised approximately 39% of the Bank's total loan portfolio, including Banco de la Gente single-family residential stated income loans which were approximately 6% of the Bank's total loan portfolio.

· | Commercial real estate loans – Repayment is dependent on income being generated in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service. These loans also involve greater risk because they are generally not fully amortizing over a loan period, but rather have a balloon payment due at maturity. A borrower's ability to make a balloon payment typically will depend on being able to either refinance the loan or timely sell the underlying property. As of December 31, 2016, commercial real estate loans comprised approximately 34% of the Bank's total loan portfolio.

· | Commercial loans – Repayment is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the borrower's business. In addition, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, be difficult to appraise, be illiquid, or fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. As of December 31, 2016, commercial loans comprised approximately 12% of the Bank's total loan portfolio.

A-45

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.
The following tables present an age analysis of past due loans, by loan type, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Loans 30-89 Days Past Due |  |  | Loans 90 or More Days Past Due |  |  | Total Past Due Loans |  |  | Total Current Loans |  |  | Total Loans |  |  | Accruing Loans 90 or More Days Past Due
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | - |  |  |  | 10 |  |  |  | 10 |  |  |  | 61,739 |  |  |  | 61,749 |  |  |  | -
Single-family residential |  |  | 4,890 |  |  |  | 80 |  |  |  | 4,970 |  |  |  | 235,730 |  |  |  | 240,700 |  |  |  | -
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  |  | 5,250 |  |  |  | 249 |  |  |  | 5,499 |  |  |  | 34,690 |  |  |  | 40,189 |  |  |  | -
Commercial |  |  | 342 |  |  |  | 126 |  |  |  | 468 |  |  |  | 247,053 |  |  |  | 247,521 |  |  |  | -
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | 471 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 471 |  |  |  | 20,576 |  |  |  | 21,047 |  |  |  | -
Total real estate loans |  |  | 10,953 |  |  |  | 465 |  |  |  | 11,418 |  |  |  | 599,788 |  |  |  | 611,206 |  |  |  | -
Loans not secured by real estate: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 273 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 273 |  |  |  | 87,323 |  |  |  | 87,596 |  |  |  | -
Farm loans |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | -
Consumer loans |  |  | 68 |  |  |  | 6 |  |  |  | 74 |  |  |  | 9,758 |  |  |  | 9,832 |  |  |  | -
All other loans |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 15,174 |  |  |  | 15,177 |  |  |  | -
Total loans |  | $ | 11,297 |  |  |  | 471 |  |  |  | 11,768 |  |  |  | 712,043 |  |  |  | 723,811 |  |  |  | -

December 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Loans 30-89 Days Past Due |  |  | Loans 90 or More Days Past Due |  |  | Total Past Due Loans |  |  | Total Current Loans |  |  | Total Loans |  |  | Accruing Loans 90 or More Days Past Due
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | 330 |  |  |  | 17 |  |  |  | 347 |  |  |  | 65,444 |  |  |  | 65,791 |  |  |  | -
Single-family residential |  |  | 2,822 |  |  |  | 1,385 |  |  |  | 4,207 |  |  |  | 216,483 |  |  |  | 220,690 |  |  |  | -
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  |  | 7,021 |  |  |  | 114 |  |  |  | 7,135 |  |  |  | 36,598 |  |  |  | 43,733 |  |  |  | -
Commercial |  |  | 2,619 |  |  |  | 157 |  |  |  | 2,776 |  |  |  | 225,750 |  |  |  | 228,526 |  |  |  | -
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 18,080 |  |  |  | 18,080 |  |  |  | -
Total real estate loans |  |  | 12,792 |  |  |  | 1,673 |  |  |  | 14,465 |  |  |  | 562,355 |  |  |  | 576,820 |  |  |  | -
Loans not secured by real estate: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 185 |  |  |  | 40 |  |  |  | 225 |  |  |  | 90,785 |  |  |  | 91,010 |  |  |  | 17
Farm loans |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | -
Consumer loans |  |  | 136 |  |  |  | 8 |  |  |  | 144 |  |  |  | 9,883 |  |  |  | 10,027 |  |  |  | -
All other loans |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 11,231 |  |  |  | 11,231 |  |  |  | -
Total loans |  | $ | 13,113 |  |  |  | 1,721 |  |  |  | 14,834 |  |  |  | 674,257 |  |  |  | 689,091 |  |  |  | 17

A-46

The following table presents the Bank's non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | 22 |  |  |  | 146
Single-family residential |  |  | 1,662 |  |  |  | 4,023
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  |  | 1,340 |  |  |  | 1,106
Commercial |  |  | 669 |  |  |  | 2,992
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | -
Total real estate loans |  |  | 3,771 |  |  |  | 8,267
Loans not secured by real estate: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 21 |  |  |  | 113
Consumer loans |  |  | 33 |  |  |  | 52
Total |  | $ | 3,825 |  |  |  | 8,432

At each reporting period, the Bank determines which loans are impaired. Accordingly, the Bank's impaired loans are reported at their estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis. An allowance for each impaired loan that is collateral-dependent is calculated based on the fair value of its collateral. The fair value of the collateral is based on appraisals performed by REAS, a subsidiary of the Bank. REAS is staffed by certified appraisers that also perform appraisals for other companies. Factors, including the assumptions and techniques utilized by the appraiser, are considered by management. If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the measure of fair value of the collateral, a valuation allowance is recorded as a component of the allowance for loan losses. An allowance for each impaired loan that is not collateral dependent is calculated based on the present value of projected cash flows. If the recorded investment in the impaired loan exceeds the present value of projected cash flows, a valuation allowance is recorded as a component of the allowance for loan losses. Impaired loans under $250,000 are not individually evaluated for impairment with the exception of the Bank's troubled debt restructured ("TDR") loans in the residential mortgage loan portfolio, which are individually evaluated for impairment. Impaired loans collectively evaluated for impairment totaled $5.9 million and $8.4 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Accruing impaired loans were $23.5 million and $25.0 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Interest income recognized on accruing impaired loans was $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. No interest income is recognized on non-accrual impaired loans subsequent to their classification as non-accrual.
The following tables present the Bank's impaired loans as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance |  |  | Recorded Investment With No Allowance |  |  | Recorded Investment With Allowance |  |  | Recorded Investment in Impaired Loans |  |  | Related Allowance |  |  | Average Outstanding Impaired Loans |  |  | YTD Interest Income Recognized
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | 282 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 278 |  |  |  | 278 |  |  |  | 11 |  |  |  | 330 |  |  |  | 13
Single-family residential |  |  | 5,354 |  |  |  | 703 |  |  |  | 4,323 |  |  |  | 5,026 |  |  |  | 47 |  |  |  | 7,247 |  |  |  | 164
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  |  | 18,611 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 18,074 |  |  |  | 18,074 |  |  |  | 1,182 |  |  |  | 17,673 |  |  |  | 861
Commercial |  |  | 3,750 |  |  |  | 1,299 |  |  |  | 2,197 |  |  |  | 3,496 |  |  |  | 166 |  |  |  | 4,657 |  |  |  | 152
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | -
Total impaired real estate loans |  |  | 28,075 |  |  |  | 2,002 |  |  |  | 24,950 |  |  |  | 26,952 |  |  |  | 1,406 |  |  |  | 29,985 |  |  |  | 1,190
Loans not secured by real estate: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 27 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 27 |  |  |  | 27 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 95 |  |  |  | -
Consumer loans |  |  | 211 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 202 |  |  |  | 202 |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 222 |  |  |  | 8
Total impaired loans |  | $ | 28,313 |  |  |  | 2,002 |  |  |  | 25,179 |  |  |  | 27,181 |  |  |  | 1,409 |  |  |  | 30,302 |  |  |  | 1,198

A-47

December 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance |  |  | Recorded Investment With No Allowance |  |  | Recorded Investment With Allowance |  |  | Recorded Investment in Impaired Loans |  |  | Related Allowance |  |  | Average Outstanding Impaired Loans |  |  | YTD Interest Income Recognized
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | 643 |  |  |  | 216 |  |  |  | 226 |  |  |  | 442 |  |  |  | 12 |  |  |  | 705 |  |  |  | 18
Single-family residential |  |  | 8,828 |  |  |  | 1,489 |  |  |  | 6,805 |  |  |  | 8,294 |  |  |  | 189 |  |  |  | 10,852 |  |  |  | 224
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  |  | 20,375 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 19,215 |  |  |  | 19,215 |  |  |  | 1,143 |  |  |  | 18,414 |  |  |  | 921
Commercial |  |  | 4,556 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,893 |  |  |  | 4,893 |  |  |  | 179 |  |  |  | 5,497 |  |  |  | 89
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | 96 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 83 |  |  |  | 83 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 93 |  |  |  | 6
Total impaired real estate loans |  |  | 34,498 |  |  |  | 1,705 |  |  |  | 31,222 |  |  |  | 32,927 |  |  |  | 1,523 |  |  |  | 35,561 |  |  |  | 1,258
Loans not secured by real estate: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 180 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 161 |  |  |  | 161 |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 132 |  |  |  | 5
Consumer loans |  |  | 286 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 260 |  |  |  | 260 |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  | 283 |  |  |  | 11
Total impaired loans |  | $ | 34,964 |  |  |  | 1,705 |  |  |  | 31,643 |  |  |  | 33,348 |  |  |  | 1,530 |  |  |  | 35,976 |  |  |  | 1,274

December 31, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance |  |  | Recorded Investment With No Allowance |  |  | Recorded Investment With Allowance |  |  | Recorded Investment in Impaired Loans |  |  | Related Allowance |  |  | Average Outstanding Impaired Loans |  |  | YTD Interest Income Recognized
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  | $ | 5,481 |  |  |  | 3,639 |  |  |  | 555 |  |  |  | 4,194 |  |  |  | 31 |  |  |  | 5,248 |  |  |  | 20
Single-family residential |  |  | 6,717 |  |  |  | 933 |  |  |  | 5,540 |  |  |  | 6,473 |  |  |  | 154 |  |  |  | 7,430 |  |  |  | 214
Single-family residential - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Banco de la Gente stated income |  |  | 21,243 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20,649 |  |  |  | 20,649 |  |  |  | 1,191 |  |  |  | 19,964 |  |  |  | 952
Commercial |  |  | 4,752 |  |  |  | 1,485 |  |  |  | 2,866 |  |  |  | 4,351 |  |  |  | 272 |  |  |  | 4,399 |  |  |  | 76
Multifamily and farmland |  |  | 111 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 110 |  |  |  | 110 |  |  |  | 1 |  |  |  | 154 |  |  |  | -
Total impaired real estate loans |  |  | 38,304 |  |  |  | 6,057 |  |  |  | 29,720 |  |  |  | 35,777 |  |  |  | 1,649 |  |  |  | 37,195 |  |  |  | 1,262
Loans not secured by real estate: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial loans |  |  | 218 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 201 |  |  |  | 201 |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  | 641 |  |  |  | 2
Farm loans (non RE) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | - |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consumer loans |  |  | 318 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 313 |  |  |  | 313 |  |  |  | 5 |  |  |  | 309 |  |  |  | 12
Total impaired loans |  | $ | 38,840 |  |  |  | 6,057 |  |  |  | 30,234 |  |  |  | 36,291 |  |  |  | 1,658 |  |  |  | 38,145 |  |  |  | 1,276

The fair value measurements for mortgage loans held for sale, impaired loans and other real estate on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are presented below. The Company's valuation methodology is discussed in Note 15.

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2016 |  |  | Level 1 Valuation |  |  | Level 2 Valuation |  |  | Level 3 Valuation
Mortgage loans held for sale |  | $ | 5,709 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,709
Impaired loans |  | $ | 25,931 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 25,931
Other real estate |  | $ | 283 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 283

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Fair Value Measurements December 31, 2015 |  |  | Level 1 Valuation |  |  | Level 2 Valuation |  |  | Level 3 Valuation
Mortgage loans held for sale |  | $ | 4,149 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,149
Impaired loans |  | $ | 31,818 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 31,818
Other real estate |  | $ | 739 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 739

A-48

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Fair Value December 31, 2016 |  |  | Fair Value December 31, 2015 |  | Valuation Technique |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs |  |  | General Range of Significant Unobservable Input Values
Mortgage loans held for sale |  | $ | 5,709 |  |  |  | 4,149 |  | Rate lock commitment |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | N/A
Impaired loans |  | $ | 25,931 |  |  |  | 31,818 |  | Appraised value and discounted cash flows |  | Discounts to reflect current market conditions and ultimate collectability |  |  |  | 0 - 25%
Other real estate |  | $ | 283 |  |  |  | 739 |  | Appraised value |  | Discounts to reflect current market conditions and estimated costs to sell |  |  |  | 0 - 25%

Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Real Estate Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Construction and Land Development |  | Single- Family Residential |  | Single- Family Residential - Banco de la Gente Stated Income |  | Commercial |  | Multifamily and Farmland |  | Commercial |  | Farm |  | Consumer and All Other |  | Unallocated |  | Total |
Allowance for loan losses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ | 2,185 |  | 2,534 |  | 1,460 |  | 1,917 |  | - |  | 842 |  | - |  | 172 |  | 479 |  | 9,589 |
Charge-offs |  | (7 | ) | (275 | ) | - |  | (318 | ) | - |  | (146 | ) | - |  | (492 | ) | - |  | (1,238 | )
Recoveries |  | 10 |  | 55 |  | - |  | 19 |  | - |  | 170 |  | - |  | 151 |  | - |  | 405 |
Provision |  | (1,036 | ) | (188 | ) | (83 | ) | (25 | ) | 52 |  | (191 | ) | - |  | 373 |  | (108 | ) | (1,206 | )
Ending balance | $ | 1,152 |  | 2,126 |  | 1,377 |  | 1,593 |  | 52 |  | 675 |  | - |  | 204 |  | 371 |  | 7,550 |
Ending balance: individually |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | - |  | - |  | 1,160 |  | 159 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,319 |
Ending balance: collectively |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment |  | 1,152 |  | 2,126 |  | 217 |  | 1,434 |  | 52 |  | 675 |  | - |  | 204 |  | 371 |  | 6,231 |
Ending balance | $ | 1,152 |  | 2,126 |  | 1,377 |  | 1,593 |  | 52 |  | 675 |  | - |  | 204 |  | 371 |  | 7,550 |
Loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending balance | $ | 61,749 |  | 240,700 |  | 40,189 |  | 247,521 |  | 21,047 |  | 87,596 |  | - |  | 25,009 |  | - |  | 723,811 |
Ending balance: individually |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | - |  | 935 |  | 16,718 |  | 3,648 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 21,301 |
Ending balance: collectively |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | 61,749 |  | 239,765 |  | 23,471 |  | 243,873 |  | 21,047 |  | 87,596 |  | - |  | 25,009 |  | - |  | 702,510 |

A-49

Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2015 were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Real Estate Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Construction and Land Development |  | Single- Family Residential |  | Single- Family Residential - Banco de la Gente Stated Income |  | Commercial |  | Multifamily and Farmland |  | Commercial |  | Farm |  | Consumer and All Other |  | Unallocated |  | Total |
Allowance for loan losses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ | 2,785 |  | 2,566 |  | 1,610 |  | 1,902 |  | 7 |  | 1,098 |  | - |  | 233 |  | 881 |  | 11,082 |
Charge-offs |  | (198 | ) | (618 | ) | (117 | ) | (329 | ) | - |  | (37 | ) | - |  | (545 | ) | - |  | (1,844 | )
Recoveries |  | 45 |  | 34 |  | 22 |  | 21 |  | - |  | 101 |  | - |  | 145 |  | - |  | 368 |
Provision |  | (447 | ) | 552 |  | (55 | ) | 323 |  | (7 | ) | (320 | ) | - |  | 339 |  | (402 | ) | (17 | )
Ending balance | $ | 2,185 |  | 2,534 |  | 1,460 |  | 1,917 |  | - |  | 842 |  | - |  | 172 |  | 479 |  | 9,589 |
Ending balance: individually |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | - |  | 96 |  | 1,115 |  | 171 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,382 |
Ending balance: collectively |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment |  | 2,185 |  | 2,438 |  | 345 |  | 1,746 |  | - |  | 842 |  | - |  | 172 |  | 479 |  | 8,207 |
Ending balance | $ | 2,185 |  | 2,534 |  | 1,460 |  | 1,917 |  | - |  | 842 |  | - |  | 172 |  | 479 |  | 9,589 |
Loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending balance | $ | 65,791 |  | 220,690 |  | 43,733 |  | 228,526 |  | 18,080 |  | 91,010 |  | 3 |  | 21,258 |  | - |  | 689,091 |
Ending balance: individually |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | 216 |  | 2,636 |  | 17,850 |  | 4,212 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 24,914 |
Ending balance: collectively |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | 65,575 |  | 218,054 |  | 25,883 |  | 224,314 |  | 18,080 |  | 91,010 |  | 3 |  | 21,258 |  | - |  | 664,177 |

Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Real Estate Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Construction and Land Development |  | Single- Family Residential |  | Single- Family Residential - Banco de la Gente Stated Income |  | Commercial |  | Multifamily and Farmland |  | Commercial |  | Farm |  | Consumer and All Other |  | Unallocated |  | Total |
Allowance for loan losses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning balance | $ | 3,218 |  | 3,123 |  | 1,863 |  | 2,219 |  | 37 |  | 1,069 |  | - |  | 245 |  | 1,727 |  | 13,501 |
Charge-offs |  | (884 | ) | (309 | ) | (190 | ) | (290 | ) | - |  | (430 | ) | - |  | (534 | ) | - |  | (2,637 | )
Recoveries |  | 428 |  | 72 |  | 16 |  | 171 |  | - |  | 54 |  | - |  | 176 |  | - |  | 917 |
Provision |  | 23 |  | (320 | ) | (79 | ) | (198 | ) | (30 | ) | 405 |  | - |  | 346 |  | (846 | ) | (699 | )
Ending balance | $ | 2,785 |  | 2,566 |  | 1,610 |  | 1,902 |  | 7 |  | 1,098 |  | - |  | 233 |  | 881 |  | 11,082 |
Ending balance: individually |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | - |  | 82 |  | 1,155 |  | 260 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 1,497 |
Ending balance: collectively |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment |  | 2,785 |  | 2,484 |  | 455 |  | 1,642 |  | 7 |  | 1,098 |  | - |  | 233 |  | 881 |  | 9,585 |
Ending balance | $ | 2,785 |  | 2,566 |  | 1,610 |  | 1,902 |  | 7 |  | 1,098 |  | - |  | 233 |  | 881 |  | 11,082 |
Loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending balance | $ | 57,617 |  | 206,417 |  | 47,015 |  | 228,558 |  | 12,400 |  | 76,262 |  | 7 |  | 23,615 |  | - |  | 651,891 |
Ending balance: individually |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | 3,639 |  | 2,298 |  | 18,884 |  | 3,345 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 28,166 |
Ending balance: collectively |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
evaluated for impairment | $ | 53,978 |  | 204,119 |  | 28,131 |  | 225,213 |  | 12,400 |  | 76,262 |  | 7 |  | 23,615 |  | - |  | 623,725 |

The Bank utilizes an internal risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 8. These risk grades are evaluated on an ongoing basis. A description of the general characteristics of the eight risk grades is as follows:

· | Risk Grade 1 – Excellent Quality: Loans are well above average quality and a minimal amount of credit risk exists. CD or cash secured loans or properly margined actively traded stock or bond secured loans would fall in this grade.

· | Risk Grade 2 – High Quality: Loans are of good quality with risk levels well within the Company's range of acceptability. The organization or individual is established with a history of successful performance though somewhat susceptible to economic changes.

A-50

· | Risk Grade 3 – Good Quality: Loans of average quality with risk levels within the Company's range of acceptability but higher than normal. This may be a new organization or an existing organization in a transitional phase (e.g. expansion, acquisition, market change).

· | Risk Grade 4 – Management Attention: These loans have higher risk and servicing needs but still are acceptable. Evidence of marginal performance or deteriorating trends is observed. These are not problem credits presently, but may be in the future if the borrower is unable to change its present course.

· | Risk Grade 5 – Watch: These loans are currently performing satisfactorily, but there has been some recent past due history on repayment and there are potential weaknesses that may, if not corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company's position at some future date.

· | Risk Grade 6 – Substandard: A Substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or the collateral pledged (if there is any). There is a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. There is a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

· | Risk Grade 7 – Doubtful: Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified Substandard, plus the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values highly questionable and improbable. Doubtful is a temporary grade where a loss is expected but is presently not quantified with any degree of accuracy. Once the loss position is determined, the amount is charged off.

· | Risk Grade 8 – Loss: Loans classified as Loss are considered uncollectable and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this worthless loan even though partial recovery may be realized in the future. Loss is a temporary grade until the appropriate authority is obtained to charge the loan off.

The following tables present the credit risk profile of each loan type based on internally assigned risk grades as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.

December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Real Estate Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Construction and Land Development |  | Single- Family Residential |  | Single- Family Residential - Banco de la Gente Stated Income |  | Commercial |  | Multifamily and Farmland |  | Commercial |  | Farm |  | Consumer |  | All Other |  | Total
1- Excellent Quality | $ | - |  | 14,996 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 541 |  | - |  | 959 |  | - |  | 16,496
2- High Quality |  | 9,784 |  | 109,809 |  | - |  | 39,769 |  | 2,884 |  | 26,006 |  | - |  | 3,335 |  | 2,507 |  | 194,094
3- Good Quality |  | 33,633 |  | 82,147 |  | 16,703 |  | 176,109 |  | 14,529 |  | 55,155 |  | - |  | 4,842 |  | 10,921 |  | 394,039
4- Management Attention |  | 10,892 |  | 25,219 |  | 15,580 |  | 24,753 |  | 2,355 |  | 5,586 |  | - |  | 619 |  | 1,749 |  | 86,753
5- Watch |  | 7,229 |  | 4,682 |  | 3,943 |  | 4,906 |  | 1,201 |  | 246 |  | - |  | 31 |  | - |  | 22,238
6- Substandard |  | 211 |  | 3,847 |  | 3,963 |  | 1,984 |  | 78 |  | 62 |  | - |  | 42 |  | - |  | 10,187
7- Doubtful |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
8- Loss |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 4 |  | - |  | 4
Total | $ | 61,749 |  | 240,700 |  | 40,189 |  | 247,521 |  | 21,047 |  | 87,596 |  | - |  | 9,832 |  | 15,177 |  | 723,811

December 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Real Estate Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Construction and Land Development |  | Single- Family Residential |  | Single- Family Residential - Banco de la Gente Stated Income |  | Commercial |  | Multifamily and Farmland |  | Commercial |  | Farm |  | Consumer |  | All Other |  | Total
1- Excellent Quality | $ | - |  | 15,189 |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | 700 |  | - |  | 1,091 |  | - |  | 16,980
2- High Quality |  | 10,144 |  | 86,061 |  | - |  | 38,647 |  | 2,998 |  | 24,955 |  | - |  | 3,647 |  | 1,665 |  | 168,117
3- Good Quality |  | 35,535 |  | 78,843 |  | 19,223 |  | 148,805 |  | 12,058 |  | 58,936 |  | 3 |  | 4,571 |  | 7,828 |  | 365,802
4- Management Attention |  | 12,544 |  | 30,259 |  | 15,029 |  | 31,824 |  | 335 |  | 5,905 |  | - |  | 620 |  | 1,738 |  | 98,254
5- Watch |  | 7,265 |  | 4,322 |  | 3,308 |  | 4,561 |  | 2,689 |  | 332 |  | - |  | 43 |  | - |  | 22,520
6- Substandard |  | 303 |  | 6,016 |  | 6,173 |  | 4,689 |  | - |  | 182 |  | - |  | 55 |  | - |  | 17,418
7- Doubtful |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
8- Loss |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | - |  | -
Total | $ | 65,791 |  | 220,690 |  | 43,733 |  | 228,526 |  | 18,080 |  | 91,010 |  | 3 |  | 10,027 |  | 11,231 |  | 689,091

A-51

TDR loans modified in 2016, past due TDR loans and non-accrual TDR loans totaled $5.9 million and $8.8 million at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The terms of these loans have been renegotiated to provide a concession to original terms, including a reduction in principal or interest as a result of the deteriorating financial position of the borrower. There were $81,000 and $354,000 in performing loans classified as TDR loans at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
The following table presents an analysis of loan modifications during the year ended December 31, 2016:

Year ended December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Number of Contracts |  |  | Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment |  |  | Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment |
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Single-family residential |  |  | 3 |  |  | $ | 124 |  |  |  | 121 |
Total TDR loans |  |  | 3 |  |  | $ | 124 |  |  |  | 121 |

During the year ended December 31, 2016, three loans were modified that were considered to be new TDR loans. The interest rate was modified on these TDR loans.
The following table presents an analysis of loan modifications during the year ended December 31, 2015:

Year ended December 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Number of Contracts |  |  | Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment |  |  | Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment |
Real estate loans: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Construction and land development |  |  | 1 |  |  | $ | 216 |  |  |  | 216 |
Single-family residential |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 288 |  |  |  | 271 |
Total TDR loans |  |  | 4 |  |  | $ | 504 |  |  |  | 487 |

During the year ended December 31, 2015, four loans were modified that were considered to be new TDR loans. The interest rate was modified on these TDR loans.
There were no TDR loans with a payment default occurring within 12 months of the restructure date, and the payment default occurring during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. TDR loans are deemed to be in default if they become past due by 90 days or more.

(4) | Premises and Equipment

Major classifications of premises and equipment at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015
Land |  | $ | 3,670 |  |  |  | 3,669
Buildings and improvements |  |  | 16,398 |  |  |  | 15,889
Furniture and equipment |  |  | 19,996 |  |  |  | 19,462
Total premises and equipment |  |  | 40,064 |  |  |  | 39,020
Less accumulated depreciation |  |  | 23,612 |  |  |  | 22,044
Total net premises and equipment |  | $ | 16,452 |  |  |  | 16,976

A-52

The Company recognized approximately $2.1 million in depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2016. Depreciation expense was approximately $2.4 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(5) | Time Deposits

At December 31, 2016, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
2017 |  | $ | 86,817
2018 |  |  | 33,184
2019 |  |  | 15,207
2020 |  |  | 5,287
2021 and thereafter |  |  | 3,518
Total |  | $ | 144,013

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Bank had approximately $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, in time deposits purchased through third party brokers, including certificates of deposit participated through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") on behalf of local customers. CDARS balances totaled $7.2 million and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The weighted average rate of brokered deposits as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 0.05% and 0.10%, respectively.

(6) | Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Borrowings

The Bank has borrowings from the FHLB with monthly or quarterly interest payments at December 31, 2016. The FHLB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all residential first mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit and loans secured by multi-family real estate that the Bank owns. At December 31, 2016, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral totaled approximately $128.3 million. The remaining availability under the line of credit with the FHLB was $66.8 million at December 31, 2016.
Borrowings from the FHLB outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 consist of the following:

December 31, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity Date |  | Call Date |  |  | Rate | Rate Type |  | Amount
October 17, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 4.050% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  | $ | 5,000
October 17, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 4.065% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  |  | 5,000
October 17, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 4.120% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  |  | 5,000
May 8, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 2.683% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  |  | 5,000
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 20,000

December 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity Date |  | Call Date |  |  | Rate | Rate Type |  | Amount
October 17, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 3.485% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  | $ | 5,000
October 17, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 3.725% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  |  | 15,000
October 17, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 3.500% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  |  | 5,000
October 17, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 3.555% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  |  | 5,000
May 8, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 2.144% | Adjustable Rate Hybrid |  |  | 5,000
May 8, 2018 |  |  | N/A |  |  |  | 3.734% | Floating to Fixed |  |  | 8,500
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 43,500

A-53

The Bank is required to purchase and hold certain amounts of FHLB stock in order to obtain FHLB borrowings. No ready market exists for the FHLB stock, and it has no quoted market value. The stock is redeemable at $100 per share subject to certain limitations set by the FHLB. The Bank owned $1.8 million and $2.8 million of FHLB stock, included in other investments, at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The Bank prepaid FHLB borrowings totaling $23.5 million in 2016 with prepayment penalties totaling $1.3 million. The Bank prepaid FHLB borrowings totaling $6.5 million in 2015 with prepayment penalties totaling $504,000.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Bank had no borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB"). FRB borrowings are collateralized by a blanket assignment on all qualifying loans that the Bank owns which are not pledged to the FHLB. At December 31, 2016, the carrying value of loans pledged as collateral totaled approximately $374.5 million. Availability under the line of credit with the FRB was $289.7 million at December 31, 2016.

(7) | Junior Subordinated Debentures

In June 2006, the Company formed a second wholly owned Delaware statutory trust, PEBK Capital Trust II ("PEBK Trust II"), which issued $20.0 million of guaranteed preferred beneficial interests in the Company's junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures. All of the common securities of PEBK Trust II are owned by the Company. The proceeds from the issuance of the common securities and the trust preferred securities were used by PEBK Trust II to purchase $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Company. The proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the junior subordinated debentures were used to repay in December 2006 the trust preferred securities issued in December 2001 by PEBK Capital Trust, a wholly owned Delaware statutory trust of the Company, and for general purposes. The debentures represent the sole assets of PEBK Trust II. PEBK Trust II is not included in the consolidated financial statements.
The trust preferred securities issued by PEBK Trust II accrue and pay interest quarterly at a floating rate of three-month LIBOR plus 163 basis points. The Company has guaranteed distributions and other payments due on the trust preferred securities to the extent PEBK Trust II does not have funds with which to make the distributions and other payments. The net combined effect of all the documents entered into in connection with the trust preferred securities is that the Company is liable to make the distributions and other payments required on the trust preferred securities.
These trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the debentures on June 28, 2036, or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indenture. The Company has the right to redeem the debentures purchased by PEBK Trust II, in whole or in part, which became effective on June 28, 2011. As specified in the indenture, if the debentures are redeemed prior to maturity, the redemption price will be the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid interest.

(8) | Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is summarized as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014
Current expense |  | $ | 1,464 |  |  |  | 2,427 |  |  |  | 1,759
Deferred income tax expense |  |  | 1,097 |  |  |  | 673 |  |  |  | 178
Total income tax |  | $ | 2,561 |  |  |  | 3,100 |  |  |  | 1,937

A-54

The differences between the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to earnings before income taxes are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Tax expense at statutory rate (34%) |  | $ | 3,991 |  |  |  | 4,329 |  |  |  | 3,851 |
State income tax, net of federal income tax effect |  |  | 339 |  |  |  | 494 |  |  |  | (283 | )
Tax-exempt interest income |  |  | (1,681 | ) |  |  | (1,682 | ) |  |  | (1,630 | )
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance |  |  | (138 | ) |  |  | (143 | ) |  |  | (143 | )
Nondeductible interest and other expense |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | 103 |  |  |  | 119 |
Other |  |  | (28 | ) |  |  | (1 | ) |  |  | 23 |
Total |  | $ | 2,561 |  |  |  | 3,100 |  |  |  | 1,937 |

The following summarizes the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. The net deferred tax asset is included as a component of other assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015
Deferred tax assets: |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan losses |  | $ | 2,717 |  |  |  | 3,513
Accrued retirement expense |  |  | 1,616 |  |  |  | 1,574
Other real estate |  |  | - |  |  |  | 33
Federal credit carryforward |  |  | 326 |  |  |  | -
State credit carryforward |  |  | 14 |  |  |  | -
Restricted stock |  |  | 745 |  |  |  | 417
Accrued bonuses |  |  | 216 |  |  |  | 238
Interest income on nonaccrual loans |  |  | 27 |  |  |  | 88
Other than temporary impairment |  |  | 14 |  |  |  | 374
Other |  |  | 23 |  |  |  | 16
Total gross deferred tax assets |  |  | 5,698 |  |  |  | 6,253
Deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred loan fees |  |  | 797 |  |  |  | 588
Accumulated depreciation |  |  | 532 |  |  |  | 172
Prepaid expenses |  |  | 78 |  |  |  | 59
Other |  |  | 23 |  |  |  | 70
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities |  |  | 1,807 |  |  |  | 3,308
Total gross deferred tax liabilities |  |  | 3,237 |  |  |  | 4,197
Net deferred tax asset |  | $ | 2,461 |  |  |  | 2,056

The Company has analyzed the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns and has concluded that it has no liability related to uncertain tax positions.
The Company's tax filings for years 2013 through 2016 were at year end 2016 open to audit under statutes of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and State taxing authorities.
(9) Related Party Transactions
The Company conducts transactions with its directors and executive officers, including companies in which they have beneficial interests, in the normal course of business. It is the policy of the Company that loan transactions with directors and officers are made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time made for comparable loans to other persons. The following is a summary of activity for related party loans for 2016 and 2015:
A-55

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Beginning balance |  | $ | 5,674 |  |  |  | 6,055 |
New loans |  |  | 6,048 |  |  |  | 7,857 |
Repayments |  |  | (7,219 | ) |  |  | (8,238 | )
Ending balance |  | $ | 4,503 |  |  |  | 5,674 |

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had deposit relationships with related parties of approximately $27.8 million and $22.1 million, respectively.
A Director of the Company is an officer and partial owner of the construction company engaged to renovate the Bank's Corporate Center located at 518 West C Street, Newton, North Carolina. During 2016 the Company paid a total of approximately $209,000 to this construction company for such renovation work. At December 31, 2016, the remaining commitment to this construction company for renovation work not yet completed was approximately $2.2 million.

(10) | Commitments and Contingencies

The Company leases various office spaces for banking and operational facilities and equipment under operating lease arrangements. Future minimum lease payments required for all operating leases having a remaining term in excess of one year at December 31, 2016 are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
Year ending December 31, |  |
2017 |  | $ | 632
2018 |  |  | 611
2019 |  |  | 601
2020 |  |  | 602
2021 |  |  | 591
Thereafter |  |  | 1,611
Total minimum obligation |  | $ | 4,648

Total rent expense was approximately $752,000, $702,000 and $691,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.
The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.
In most cases, the Bank requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk.

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |
|  | Contractual Amount
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015
Financial instruments whose contract amount represent credit risk: |  |  |  |  |
Commitments to extend credit |  | $ | 195,528 |  |  |  | 189,351
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written |  | $ | 3,728 |  |  |  | 3,872

A-56

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and because they may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount of $199.3 million does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to businesses in the Bank's delineated market area. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank holds real estate, equipment, automobiles and customer deposits as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.
In the normal course of business, the Company is a party (both as plaintiff and defendant) to a number of lawsuits. In the opinion of management and counsel, none of these cases should have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company.
Bancorp and the Bank have employment agreements with certain key employees. The agreements, among other things, include salary, bonus, incentive compensation, and change in control provisions.
The Company has $59.5 million available for the purchase of overnight federal funds from five correspondent financial institutions as of December 31, 2016.
At December 31, 2016, the Bank has a commitment to invest $3 million in an income tax credit partnership owning and developing two multifamily housing developments in Charlotte, North Carolina, with $1.5 million allocated to each property. The Bank funded $136,000 of this commitment in 2016.

(11) | Employee and Director Benefit Programs

The Company has a profit sharing and 401(k) plan for the benefit of substantially all employees subject to certain minimum age and service requirements. Under the 401(k) plan, the Company matched employee contributions to a maximum of 4.00% of annual compensation in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Company's contribution pursuant to this formula was approximately $565,000, $539,000 and $439,000 for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Investments of the 401(k) plan are determined by a committee comprised of senior management. No investments in Company stock have been made by the 401(k) plan. Prior to January 1, 2015, the vesting schedule for the 401(k) plan began at 20 percent after two years of employment and graduated 20 percent each year until reaching 100 percent after six years of employment. Effective January 1, 2015, contributions to the 401(k) plan are vested immediately.
In December 2001, the Company initiated a postretirement benefit plan to provide retirement benefits to key officers and its Board of Directors and to provide death benefits for their designated beneficiaries. Under the postretirement benefit plan, the Company purchased life insurance contracts on the lives of the key officers and each director. The increase in cash surrender value of the contracts constitutes the Company's contribution to the postretirement benefit plan each year. Postretirement benefit plan participants are to be paid annual benefits for a specified number of years commencing upon retirement. Expenses incurred for benefits relating to the postretirement benefit plan were approximately $428,000, $413,000 and $422,000 for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The Company is currently paying medical benefits for certain retired employees. The Company did not incur any postretirement medical benefits expense in 2016, 2015 and 2014 due to an excess accrual balance.
The following table sets forth the change in the accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's two postretirement benefit plans described above:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Benefit obligation at beginning of period |  | $ | 3,993 |  |  |  | 3,812 |
Service cost |  |  | 346 |  |  |  | 334 |
Interest cost |  |  | 67 |  |  |  | 65 |
Benefits paid |  |  | (232 | ) |  |  | (218 | )
Benefit obligation at end of period |  | $ | 4,174 |  |  |  | 3,993 |

A-57

The amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are shown in the following two tables:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Benefit obligation |  | $ | 4,174 |  |  |  | 3,993 |
Fair value of plan assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Funded status |  | $ | (4,174 | ) |  |  | (3,993 | )
Unrecognized prior service cost/benefit |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Unrecognized net actuarial loss |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Net amount recognized |  | $ | (4,174 | ) |  |  | (3,993 | )
Unfunded accrued liability |  | $ | (4,174 | ) |  |  | (3,993 | )
Intangible assets |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Net amount recognized |  | $ | (4,174 | ) |  |  | (3,993 | )

Net periodic benefit cost of the Company's postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Service cost |  | $ | 346 |  |  | 334 |  |  | 348
Interest cost |  |  | 67 |  |  | 65 |  |  | 67
Net periodic cost |  | $ | 413 |  |  | 399 |  |  | 415
Weighted average discount rate assumption |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
used to determine benefit obligation |  |  | 5.47% |  |  | 5.47% |  |  | 5.47%

The Company paid benefits under the two postretirement plans totaling $232,000 and $218,000 during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Information about the expected benefit payments for the Company's two postretirement benefit plans is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
Year ending December 31, |  |
2017 |  | $ | 263
2018 |  | $ | 275
2019 |  | $ | 310
2020 |  | $ | 363
2021 |  | $ | 364
Thereafter |  | $ | 9,077

(12) | Regulatory Matters

The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
A-58

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of capital in relation to both on- and off-balance sheet items at various risk weights. Total capital consists of two tiers of capital. Tier 1 Capital includes common shareholders' equity and trust preferred securities less adjustments for intangible assets. Tier 2 Capital consists of the allowance for loan losses, up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and other adjustments. Management believes, as of December 31, 2016, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
As of December 31, 2016, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There have been no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank's category.
In 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved its final rule on the Basel III capital standards, which implement changes to the regulatory capital framework for banking organizations. The Basel III capital standards, which became effective January 1, 2015, include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which will be phased in from 2015 to 2019. The new minimum capital level requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank under the final rules are as follows: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total risk based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from previous rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% (unchanged from previous rules). An additional capital conservation buffer will be added to the minimum requirements for capital adequacy purposes beginning on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and will be phased in through 2019 (increasing by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019). This will result in the following minimum ratios beginning in 2019: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Under the final rules, institutions would be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained earnings that could be utilized for such actions.
The Company's and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented below:
A-59

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Actual |  | For Capital Adequacy Purposes |  | To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
| Amount |  | Ratio |  | Amount |  | Ratio |  | Amount |  | Ratio
As of December 31, 2016: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 131,991 |  | 16.12% |  | 65,508 |  | 8.00% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 129,035 |  | 15.78% |  | 65,426 |  | 8.00% |  | 81,782 |  | 10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 124,441 |  | 15.20% |  | 49,131 |  | 6.00% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 121,485 |  | 14.85% |  | 49,069 |  | 6.00% |  | 65,426 |  | 8.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 124,441 |  | 11.19% |  | 44,488 |  | 4.00% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 121,485 |  | 10.88% |  | 44,677 |  | 4.00% |  | 55,846 |  | 5.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 104,441 |  | 12.75% |  | 36,848 |  | 4.50% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 121,485 |  | 14.85% |  | 36,802 |  | 4.50% |  | 53,158 |  | 6.50%
As of December 31, 2015: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 129,203 |  | 16.63% |  | 62,137 |  | 8.00% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 124,910 |  | 16.11% |  | 62,026 |  | 8.00% |  | 77,532 |  | 10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 119,354 |  | 15.37% |  | 46,603 |  | 6.00% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 115,160 |  | 14.85% |  | 46,519 |  | 6.00% |  | 62,026 |  | 8.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 119,354 |  | 11.44% |  | 41,743 |  | 4.00% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 115,160 |  | 11.03% |  | 41,776 |  | 4.00% |  | 52,220 |  | 5.00%
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated | $ | 99,354 |  | 12.79% |  | 34,952 |  | 4.50% |  | N/A |  | N/A
Bank | $ | 115,160 |  | 14.85% |  | 34,890 |  | 4.50% |  | 50,396 |  | 6.50%

On August 31, 2015, the FDIC and the Commissioner issued a Consent Order (the "Order") in connection with compliance by the Bank with the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations (collectively, the "BSA"). The Order was issued pursuant to the consent of the Bank. In consenting to the issuance of the Order, the Bank did not admit or deny any unsafe or unsound banking practices or violations of law or regulation.
The Order requires the Bank to take certain affirmative actions to comply with its obligations under the BSA, including, without limitation, strengthening its Board of Directors' oversight of BSA activities; reviewing, enhancing, adopting and implementing a revised BSA compliance program; completing a BSA risk assessment; developing a revised system of internal controls designed to ensure full compliance with the BSA; reviewing and revising customer due diligence and risk assessment processes, policies and procedures; developing, adopting and implementing effective BSA training programs; assessing BSA staffing needs and resources and appointing a qualified BSA officer; establishing an independent BSA testing program; ensuring that all reports required by the BSA are accurately and properly filed and engaging an independent firm to review past account activity to determine whether suspicious activity was properly identified and reported.
Prior to implementation, certain of the actions described above are subject to review by and approval or non-objection from the FDIC and the Commissioner. The Order will remain in effect and be enforceable until it is modified, terminated, suspended or set aside by the FDIC and the Commissioner.
The Bank continues to make progress in addressing the issues identified in the Order and expects that it will be able to undertake and implement all required actions within the time period specified in the Order. The Bank has incurred and will continue to incur additional non-interest expenses associated with the implementation of corrective actions; however, these expenses are not expected to have a significant impact on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. Operating under the Order will limit the Company's ability to participate in acquisitions, to open new branches, and to allocate funds to its stock repurchase plan until such time as the Order has been modified, terminated, suspended or set aside by the FDIC and the Commissioner.
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(13) | Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' equity was $107.4 million, or 9.9% of total assets, as of December 31, 2016, compared to $104.9 million, or 10.1% of total assets, as of December 31, 2015. The increase in shareholders' equity is primarily due to an increase in retained earnings due to net income, which was partially offset by a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from a decrease in the unrealized gain on investment securities and a $2.0 million decrease in common stock due to 92,738 shares of common stock being repurchased under the Company's stock repurchase program implemented during the second quarter of 2016.
Annualized return on average equity for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 8.11% compared to 9.03% for the year ended December 31, 2015. Total cash dividends paid on common stock were $2.1 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The Board of Directors, at its discretion, can issue shares of preferred stock up to a maximum of 5,000,000 shares. The Board is authorized to determine the number of shares, voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights. The Board of Directors does not currently anticipate issuing any additional series of preferred stock.
In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program ("the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program"), pursuant to which up to $2 million was allocated to repurchase the Company's common stock. All purchases under the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program were made periodically as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of the repurchase of shares was determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Company had repurchased approximately $2.0 million, or 106,587 shares of its common stock, under the 2014 Stock Repurchase Program as of December 31, 2015.
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company's Board of Directors authorized another stock repurchase program ("the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program"), pursuant to which up to $2 million was allocated to repurchase the Company's common stock. All purchases under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program were made periodically as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any repurchase of shares was determined by the Company's management, based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Company repurchased approximately $2.0 million, or 92,738 shares of its common stock, under the 2016 Stock Repurchase Program during 2016.

(14) | Other Operating Income and Expense

Miscellaneous non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 included the following items that exceeded one percent of total revenues at some point during the following three-year period:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014
Visa debit card income |  | $ | 3,589 |  |  |  | 3,452 |  |  |  | 3,170
Net appraisal management fee income |  | $ | 886 |  |  |  | 635 |  |  |  | 525
Insurance and brokerage commissions |  | $ | 631 |  |  |  | 713 |  |  |  | 701

Other non-interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 included the following items that exceeded one percent of total revenues at some point during the following three-year period:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014
Advertising |  | $ | 1,136 |  |  |  | 784 |  |  |  | 804
FDIC insurance |  | $ | 494 |  |  |  | 681 |  |  |  | 739
Visa debit card expense |  | $ | 1,140 |  |  |  | 988 |  |  |  | 905
Telephone |  | $ | 754 |  |  |  | 588 |  |  |  | 574
Foreclosure/OREO expense |  | $ | 120 |  |  |  | 398 |  |  |  | 317
Internet banking expense |  | $ | 710 |  |  |  | 671 |  |  |  | 644
FHLB advance prepayment penalty |  | $ | 1,260 |  |  |  | 504 |  |  |  | 869
Consulting |  | $ | 2,257 |  |  |  | 904 |  |  |  | 609
NC Tax Credit Amortization |  | $ | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 870

A-61

(15) | Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company is required to disclose fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the face of the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. The assumptions used in the estimation of the fair value of the Company's financial instruments are detailed below. Where quoted prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques. The use of discounted cash flows can be significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The following disclosures should not be considered a surrogate of the liquidation value of the Company, but rather a good faith estimate of the increase or decrease in the value of financial instruments held by the Company since purchase, origination, or issuance.
The Company groups assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

· | Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

· | Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

· | Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For cash, due from banks and interest-bearing deposits, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Cash and cash equivalents are reported in the Level 1 fair value category.
Investment Securities Available for Sale
Fair values of investment securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges when available. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined using matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Fair values for investment securities with quoted market prices are reported in the Level 1 fair value category. Fair value measurements obtained from independent pricing services are reported in the Level 2 fair value category. All other fair value measurements are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.
Other Investments
For other investments, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Other investments are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at lower of aggregate cost or market value. The cost of mortgage loans held for sale approximates the market value. Mortgage loans held for sale are reported in the Level 3 fair value category.
Loans
The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. For variable rate loans, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Loans are reported in the Level 3 fair value category, as the pricing of loans is more subjective than the pricing of other financial instruments.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
For cash surrender value of life insurance, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Cash surrender value of life insurance is reported in the Level 2 fair value category.
Other Real Estate
The fair value of other real estate is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management's estimation of the value of the collateral. Other real estate is reported in the Level 3 fair value category.
A-62

Deposits
The fair value of demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits and savings is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. Deposits are reported in the Level 2 fair value category.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
For securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reported in the Level 2 fair value category.
FHLB Borrowings
The fair value of FHLB borrowings is estimated based upon discounted future cash flows using a discount rate comparable to the current market rate for such borrowings. FHLB borrowings are reported in the Level 2 fair value category.
Junior Subordinated Debentures
Because the Company's junior subordinated debentures were issued at a floating rate, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. Junior subordinated debentures are reported in the Level 2 fair value category.
Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally short-term and at variable interest rates. Therefore, both the carrying value and estimated fair value associated with these instruments are immaterial.
Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on many judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include deferred income taxes and premises and equipment. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.
The fair value presentation for recurring assets is presented in Note 2. There were no recurring liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The fair value presentation for non-recurring assets is presented in Note 3. There were no non-recurring liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
A-63

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  | Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016
|  | Carrying Amount |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 70,094 |  |  |  | 70,094 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 70,094
Investment securities available for sale |  | $ | 249,946 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 249,196 |  |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | 249,946
Other investments |  | $ | 2,635 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 2,635 |  |  |  | 2,635
Mortgage loans held for sale |  | $ | 5,709 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 5,709 |  |  |  | 5,709
Loans, net |  | $ | 716,261 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 720,675 |  |  |  | 720,675
Cash surrender value of life insurance |  | $ | 14,952 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 14,952 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 14,952
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  | $ | 892,918 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 884,510 |  |  |  | 884,510
Securities sold under agreements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
to repurchase |  | $ | 36,434 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 36,434 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 36,434
FHLB borrowings |  | $ | 20,000 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 18,864 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 18,864
Junior subordinated debentures |  | $ | 20,619 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20,619 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20,619

(Dollars in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  | Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015
|  | Carrying Amount |  |  | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 39,763 |  |  |  | 39,763 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 39,763
Investment securities available for sale |  | $ | 268,530 |  |  |  | 1,325 |  |  |  | 266,455 |  |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | 268,530
Other investments |  | $ | 3,636 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 3,636 |  |  |  | 3,636
Mortgage loans held for sale |  | $ | 4,149 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 4,149 |  |  |  | 4,149
Loans, net |  | $ | 679,502 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 683,540 |  |  |  | 683,540
Cash surrender value of life insurance |  | $ | 14,546 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 14,546 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 14,546
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  | $ | 832,175 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 827,874 |  |  |  | 827,874
Securities sold under agreements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
to repurchase |  | $ | 27,874 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 27,874 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 27,874
FHLB borrowings |  | $ | 43,500 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 43,144 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 43,144
Junior subordinated debentures |  | $ | 20,619 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20,619 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 20,619

A-64

(16) | Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (Parent Company Only) Condensed Financial Statements

Balance Sheets |
December 31, 2016 and 2015 |
(Dollars in thousands) |
Assets |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Cash |  | $ | 957 |  |  |  | 553 |
Interest-bearing time deposit |  |  | 1,000 |  |  |  | 1,000 |
Investment in subsidiaries |  |  | 124,471 |  |  |  | 121,848 |
Investment in PEBK Capital Trust II |  |  | 619 |  |  |  | 619 |
Investment securities available for sale |  |  | 750 |  |  |  | 1,234 |
Other assets |  |  | 275 |  |  |  | 249 |
Total assets |  | $ | 128,072 |  |  |  | 125,503 |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Junior subordinated debentures |  | $ | 20,619 |  |  |  | 20,619 |
Liabilities |  |  | 25 |  |  |  | 20 |
Shareholders' equity |  |  | 107,428 |  |  |  | 104,864 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |  | $ | 128,072 |  |  |  | 125,503 |

Statements of Earnings |
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
(Dollars in thousands) |
Revenues: |  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Interest and dividend income |  | $ | 4,569 |  |  |  | 3,979 |  |  |  | 2,718 |
Gain on sale of securities |  |  | 405 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Total revenues |  |  | 4,974 |  |  |  | 3,979 |  |  |  | 2,718 |
Expenses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest |  |  | 485 |  |  |  | 403 |  |  |  | 389 |
Other operating expenses |  |  | 513 |  |  |  | 538 |  |  |  | 527 |
Total expenses |  |  | 998 |  |  |  | 941 |  |  |  | 916 |
Income before income tax benefit and equity in |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
undistributed earnings of subsidiaries |  |  | 3,976 |  |  |  | 3,038 |  |  |  | 1,802 |
Income tax benefit |  |  | 178 |  |  |  | 262 |  |  |  | 239 |
Income before equity in undistributed |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
earnings of subsidiaries |  |  | 4,154 |  |  |  | 3,300 |  |  |  | 2,041 |
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries |  |  | 5,023 |  |  |  | 6,333 |  |  |  | 7,347 |
Net earnings |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | 9,388 |

A-65

Statements of Cash Flows |
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | 2014 |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net earnings |  | $ | 9,177 |  |  |  | 9,633 |  |  |  | 9,388 |
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
cash provided (used) by operating activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries |  |  | (5,023 | ) |  |  | (6,333 | ) |  |  | (7,347 | )
Gain on sale of investment securities |  |  | (405 | ) |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Change in: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other assets |  |  | 61 |  |  |  | (4 | ) |  |  | 28 |
Accrued income |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (5 | )
Accrued expense |  |  | 5 |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |  | 1 |
Other liabilities |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (12,632 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities |  |  | 3,815 |  |  |  | 3,299 |  |  |  | (10,567 | )
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale |  |  | 669 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 500 |
In kind transfer from parent to Bank |  |  | 10 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |
Net change in interest-bearing time deposit |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (1,000 | )
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities |  |  | 679 |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (500 | )
Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash dividends paid on common stock |  |  | (2,106 | ) |  |  | (1,574 | ) |  |  | (1,022 | )
Stock repurchase |  |  | (1,984 | ) |  |  | (1,917 | ) |  |  | (82 | )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | 37 |
Net cash used by financing activities |  |  | (4,090 | ) |  |  | (3,491 | ) |  |  | (1,067 | )
Net change in cash |  |  | 404 |  |  |  | (192 | ) |  |  | (12,134 | )
Cash at beginning of year |  |  | 553 |  |  |  | 745 |  |  |  | 12,879 |
Cash at end of year |  | $ | 957 |  |  |  | 553 |  |  |  | 745 |
Noncash investing and financing activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in unrealized gain on investment securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
available for sale, net |  | $ | (2,523 | ) |  |  | 57 |  |  |  | 6,625 |
Accrued redemption of Series A Preferred Stock |  |  | - |  |  |  | - |  |  |  | (12,524 | )

A-66

(17) | Quarterly Data

|  | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | First |  |  | Second |  |  | Third |  |  | Fourth |  |  | First |  |  | Second |  |  | Third |  |  | Fourth |
Total interest income |  | $ | 9,905 |  |  |  | 9,815 |  |  |  | 9,982 |  |  |  | 10,107 |  |  | $ | 9,567 |  |  |  | 9,191 |  |  |  | 9,947 |  |  |  | 9,961 |
Total interest expense |  |  | 809 |  |  |  | 813 |  |  |  | 828 |  |  |  | 821 |  |  |  | 884 |  |  |  | 875 |  |  |  | 874 |  |  |  | 851 |
Net interest income |  |  | 9,096 |  |  |  | 9,002 |  |  |  | 9,154 |  |  |  | 9,286 |  |  |  | 8,683 |  |  |  | 8,316 |  |  |  | 9,073 |  |  |  | 9,110 |
(Reduction of) provision for loan losses |  |  | (216 | ) |  |  | (531 | ) |  |  | (360 | ) |  |  | (99 | ) |  |  | 173 |  |  |  | (214 | ) |  |  | 235 |  |  |  | (211 | )
Other income |  |  | 3,324 |  |  |  | 3,572 |  |  |  | 3,414 |  |  |  | 3,666 |  |  |  | 3,245 |  |  |  | 3,297 |  |  |  | 3,266 |  |  |  | 3,504 |
Other expense |  |  | 9,492 |  |  |  | 9,109 |  |  |  | 9,598 |  |  |  | 11,783 |  |  |  | 8,748 |  |  |  | 8,337 |  |  |  | 8,669 |  |  |  | 10,024 |
Income before income taxes |  |  | 3,144 |  |  |  | 3,996 |  |  |  | 3,330 |  |  |  | 1,268 |  |  |  | 3,007 |  |  |  | 3,490 |  |  |  | 3,435 |  |  |  | 2,801 |
Income taxes (benefit) |  |  | 691 |  |  |  | 1,032 |  |  |  | 872 |  |  |  | (34 | ) |  |  | 679 |  |  |  | 866 |  |  |  | 942 |  |  |  | 613 |
Net earnings |  |  | 2,453 |  |  |  | 2,964 |  |  |  | 2,458 |  |  |  | 1,302 |  |  |  | 2,328 |  |  |  | 2,624 |  |  |  | 2,493 |  |  |  | 2,188 |
Basic net earnings per share |  |  | 0.45 |  |  |  | 0.54 |  |  |  | 0.45 |  |  |  | 0.24 |  |  | $ | 0.41 |  |  |  | 0.47 |  |  |  | 0.45 |  |  |  | 0.40 |
Diluted net earnings per share |  | $ | 0.44 |  |  |  | 0.53 |  |  |  | 0.44 |  |  |  | 0.24 |  |  | $ | 0.41 |  |  |  | 0.47 |  |  |  | 0.45 |  |  |  | 0.39 |

A-67

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
DIRECTORS
Robert C. Abernethy – Chairman
Chairman of the Board, Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. and Peoples Bank;
President, Secretary and Treasurer, Carolina Glove Company, Inc. (glove manufacturer)
Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, Midstate Contractors, Inc. (paving company)
James S. Abernethy
Vice President, Carolina Glove Company, Inc. (glove manufacturer)
President and Assistant Secretary, Midstate Contractors, Inc. (paving company)
Vice President, Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alexander Railroad Company
Douglas S. Howard
Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, Denver Equipment of Charlotte, Inc.
John W. Lineberger, Jr.
President, Lincoln Bonded Warehouse Company (commercial warehousing facility)
Gary E. Matthews
President and Director, Matthews Construction Company, Inc. (general contractor)
Billy L. Price, Jr. MD
Practitioner of Internal Medicine, BL Price Medical Consultants, PLLC
Larry E. Robinson
Shareholder, Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, The Blue Ridge Distributing Co., Inc. (beer and wine distributor)
Director and member of the Board of Directors, United Beverages of North Carolina, LLC (beer distributor)
William Gregory (Greg) Terry
President, DFH Holdings
Operator/General Manager, Drum & Willis-Reynolds Funeral Homes and Crematory
Dan Ray Timmerman, Sr.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Timmerman Manufacturing, Inc. (wrought iron furniture, railings and gates manufacturer)
Benjamin I. Zachary
President, Treasurer, General Manager and Director, Alexander Railroad Company
OFFICERS
Lance A. Sellers
President and Chief Executive Officer
A. Joseph Lampron, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Treasurer and Assistant Corporate Secretary
William D. Cable, Sr.
Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Assistant Corporate Treasurer
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