Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Regional / First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.

First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.

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Employees 170
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FY2019 Annual Report · First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.
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To Our 
Shareholders  

I am pleased to report that our company had an exceptional year, 
highlighted by outstanding financial performance, the addition of key team 
members and significant progress toward strategic initiatives. Our 
achievements are a testament to our vision for the company, our ability to 
execute our long-term plan, and our commitment to shareholder value. We 
are extremely well-positioned for the future in spite of the recent economic 
impact from the coronavirus.  

Much of our success can be attributed to the tireless commitment of our associates, who focus their 
efforts every day on our core purpose, which is “to make the lives of our customers better.” By putting 
our customers first, we continue to set ourselves apart from our competitors, providing intangible 
benefits that go beyond dollars and cents. We continue to be recognized for our excellent corporate 
culture as evidenced by our being named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina for the 14th 
consecutive year!  

In our 20-year history, 2019 was pivotal. We began to realize the benefits of our Greenville acquisition, 
as well as our expansions into Winston-Salem, Myrtle Beach and the Lake Norman area - all of which 
helped us grow total assets by 13% to $661.6 million. Although we are excited about our success, we 
recognize that we have significant challenges ahead, including economic uncertainty, increased 
competition, and an ever-complex regulatory environment. We are well positioned to meet these 
challenges and continue to achieve our goals of growth, profitability and efficiency.   

Our Markets 

The markets we serve are one of our greatest strengths. We now have banking operations in three of 
the fastest growing metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in the United States (Myrtle Beach, Charleston 
and Charlotte).    

Our Myrtle Beach market grew loans this year by $15 million and deposits by $8 million. We are 
finalizing our plans for a new Myrtle Beach branch on Grissom Parkway that will be constructed in 
2020.   

The investment we made in North Carolina last year continues to pay off as the market grew loans by 
$40 million and deposits by $9 million. We will relocate our Winston-Salem branch to a new expanded, 
full-service location, which will better position us for growth. We are also looking for branch sites in the 
Lake Norman area.   

i 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Strength 

Net Income 

Net income for 2019 grew $4.1 million or $0.51 per diluted share compared to $0.31 per diluted 
share for the same period a year ago, a 65% increase. That was despite a one-time mortgage 
servicing rights (MSR) valuation adjustment totaling $1.1 million, and a declining rate environment 
which saw a 75% basis point decline in interest rates by the Federal Reserve in the second part of 
the year.  

Loan Growth 

We had an exceptional year of loan growth in both our 
new and existing markets, growing loans by $49.3 
million, 11.4% overall, in a highly competitive market. 
Most of this loan growth came organically through our 
commercial, mortgage and consumer loan portfolios. 
Total loans grew to $480,185,395. While loans 
increased, our asset quality remained strong with non-
performing assets declining overall by $451,000 to 
0.28% compared to 0.39% a year ago.  

Deposit Growth 

Total deposits increased 6.1% to $505.1 million while 
growing our non-interest bearing transaction accounts 
by 33%. We intentionally reduced our exposure to 
higher cost deposits during the second half of the year 
to lower our cost of funds going into 2020.      

ii 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible Book Value 

One of the best measures of our success in building 
value for our shareholders is tangible book value per 
share. In 2019, we successfully grew tangible book 
value per share by 10.6% or $6.76. This reflects the 
strong underlying performance of our business.   

Assets 

We achieved double-digit asset growth in 2019, with 
assets growing by $76.6 million, or 13.1% to $661.6 
million. Our sales and marketing efforts have been 
laser focused this year on winning the main checking 
account for consumers and businesses. Treasury 
services saw double-digit growth in commercial 
deposit accounts and treasury service products. Our 
average services per household are now 5.6, which is 
a good indication that our customers are doing more 
business with us overall and like our brand of banking.   

Our Mortgage Business 

Mortgage production in 2019 was robust. With a favorable mortgage rate environment, production 
totaled $363 million, which exceeded our forecast by $100 million. We expect favorable rates to 
continue into 2020 and for the refinance market to heat up, which should bode well for our mortgage 
production team.  

Our People 

Another key indicator of our success and momentum is our ability to attract and recruit talented and 
experienced people to our team. This year we welcomed Robert Dozier as our Executive Vice 
President and Chief Banking Officer.  Robert has over 30 years of financial service experience. He 

iii 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer at the Federal Home 
Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBA) where he oversaw Sales, Corporate Communications, Community 
Investment Services, Government Relations and Financial Operations Management. The FHLBA is a 
$135 billion dollar wholesale bank owned by 850 financial service institutions throughout the Southeast. 
He will be responsible for the bank's commercial platform, corporate strategy and strategic market 
expansion of our footprint. 

In addition, Brent Mackie joined us as our Regional Executive Midlands. 
Brenton has more than 30 years of banking experience having previously 
served as Regional President and Senior Vice President for South State 
Bank, where he managed and supported the commercial, consumer, 
mortgage and wealth management lines of business.  

Most recently, we announced that Frank Bullard has joined us as Market 
President for Charleston, SC. Frank is responsible for the strategic market 
expansion of our footprint in the Charleston market, and he will oversee 
sales management and community development throughout that footprint. 
Frank has more than 37 years of experience in the banking industry. He 
began his career in BB&T’s Management Development Program in 1981 
and has served in retail and commercial banking roles in both Carolinas. 
He was Market President for the Charleston/Coastal markets prior to his retirement in 2019. Frank has 
had an incredible banking career, and we are honored and excited that he is willing to come out of 
retirement to assist First Reliance Bank as we continue our progress in the Charleston region.  

We are excited about all of the new opportunities these talented and highly experienced bankers add to 
our team. As the banking industry continues to evolve, will continue to seek out and recruit the very 
best people available and continue to strengthen our team.  

Commitment to Technology 

Technology continues to be a hot topic in the banking world. As we look to 2020 and beyond, it is clear 
that we are undergoing a period of transformative change in the way consumers behave and use 
technology. Customer expectations of a bank’s technology platform continue to rise. The big four 
continue to invest heavily in consumer-facing technology to win the retail-banking customer. Many 
community banks are handcuffed with old technology provided by their core operating systems. Much 
of this technology is outdated and inferior to what the larger banks are now offering. Although building 
personal relationships in the communities we serve will continue to be our top priority, we have made 
the commitment to pursue best-in-class technology solutions for our customers and not be locked into 
any one provider. This will allow us the flexibility to offer innovative solutions and an excellent 
experience to our customers. We have already begun to vet options and plan to roll out significant 
enhancements in 2020.     

iv 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our Brand 

We understand the important role that community banks play in the communities they serve. With many 
of our community bank competitors being acquired by larger banks in 2019, we believe that our brand 
has the unique opportunity to fill the voids left in our markets. We are still small enough to properly 
serve the community banking needs of individuals and small businesses in our local markets, and yet 
big enough to have the resources that will best enable our customers to succeed. 

Our customers love our brand and the way we do business.  90% 
of our customers indicating that they are satisfied with their level of 
service and 81% stating that they are likely to recommend us to 
their friends and family. In 2019 we leveraged new digital platforms 
to enhance our brand awareness, which significantly helped us to 
grow our non-interest bearing transaction accounts. We plan to 
continue this effort in 2020.  

A New World  

As we look ahead to 2020 our world is experiencing unprecedented disruption because of COVID-19. 
Americans and people around the world are being asked and/or forced to shelter in place, social 
distance themselves and avoid unnecessary travel. Our global economic outlook is uncertain. But what 
is certain is that many of our customers and our communities are being negatively impacted. As a 
result, we have stepped up to help. 

We are proactively calling our business customers to check in on them and invite help.  We have 
initiated community-wide efforts to support local restaurants, teachers and healthcare workers, and we 
stand ready to provide more help where needed. As difficult and uncertain as the road before us might 
be, we have never been more prepared to help make the lives of our customers BETTER.  

The year ahead will be full of new challenges. However, through strong leadership, our fully engaged 
team of associates and our focus on results, we have never been better positioned for success. Thank 
you for the support you show our associates, our bank and me. 

Thank You and Best Regards, 

F.R. “Rick” Saunders Jr. 
President & CEO  

v 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 

Report on Consolidated Financial Statements 

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Contents 

Page 

Independent Auditor’s Report .............................................................................................................................. 1-2 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Consolidated Balance Sheets ............................................................................................................................... 3 

Consolidated Statements of Operations .............................................................................................................. 4 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income ......................................................................................... 5 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity ............................................................................ 6 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows .......................................................................................................... 7-8 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ................................................................................................. 9-56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor's Report 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Florence, South Carolina 

Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and its 
Subsidiary which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related 
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows 
for  the  years  then  ended  and  the  related  notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  (collectively,  “the 
financial statements”). 

Management’s Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance 
with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America;  this  includes  the  design, 
implementation,  and  maintenance  of  internal  control  relevant  to  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

Auditor’s Responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our 
audits  in  accordance  with  auditing  standards  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  of  America.  Those 
standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of 
the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those 
risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation 
of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but 
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, 
we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used 
and  the  reasonableness of  significant  accounting  estimates  made  by management,  as  well  as evaluating the 
overall presentation of the financial statements. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our 
audit opinion. 

elliottdavis.com 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Opinion 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and its Subsidiary as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results 
of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America. 

Columbia, South Carolina 
March 31, 2020 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Assets 
  Cash and cash equivalents: 
  Cash and due from banks 

Interest-bearing deposits with other banks 
  Total cash and cash equivalents 

  Time deposits in other banks 
  Marketable equity securities 
  Securities available-for-sale  
  Securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $10,746,649,  

  and $14,250,850 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively) 

  Nonmarketable equity securities 

  Total investment securities 

  Mortgage loans held for sale 

Loans receivable 

Less allowance for loan losses 

Loans, net 

  Premises, furniture and equipment, net 
  Accrued interest receivable 
  Other real estate owned 
  Cash surrender value life insurance 
  Net deferred tax assets 
  Mortgage servicing rights 
  Core deposit intangibles 
  Goodwill 
  Right of use asset 
  Other assets 

  Total assets 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 

Liabilities 
  Deposits 

  Noninterest-bearing transaction accounts 
Interest-bearing transaction accounts 

  Savings 
  Time deposits $250,000 and over 
  Other time deposits 
  Total deposits 

  Securities sold under agreement to repurchase 
  Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank 
  Federal Funds Purchased 
  Subordinated debentures 

Junior subordinated debentures 

  Accrued interest payable 

Lease liability 
  Other liabilities 

  Total liabilities 

Shareholders’ Equity 
  Preferred stock 

  Series D non-cumulative preferred stock, no par value; 572 and 581 shares issued and outstanding 

  at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively 

  Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized, 

  8,033,579 and 8,002,172 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively 

  Non voting common stock, $0.01 par value; 430,000 shares authorized, 

  410,499 and 410,499 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively 

  Capital surplus 
  Treasury stock, at cost, 183,591 and 94,505 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively 
  Nonvested restricted stock 
  Retained earnings  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

  Total shareholders’ equity 
  Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

3 

2019 

2018 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

12,945,355 
27,395,328 
40,340,683 
253,911 
30,895 
35,684,146 

10,417,168 
2,423,200 
48,555,409 
27,901,419 
480,185,395 
(3,529,855) 
476,655,540 
20,420,506 
1,473,581 
347,552 
17,692,385 
6,579,640 
11,022,638 
513,035 
690,917 
5,669,144 
3,496,549 
661,612,909 

137,312,316 
89,168,078 
120,472,195 
36,317,110 
121,817,938 
505,087,637 
14,637,332 
43,300,000 
16,500,000 
4,965,214 
10,310,000 
416,302 
5,701,327 
3,609,637 
604,527,449 

572 

80,336 

4,105 
51,136,879 
(1,283,469) 
(1,253,706) 
8,092,455 
308,288 
57,085,460 
661,612,909 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,638,332 
29,923,656 
34,561,988 
253,003 
168,151 
33,388,645 

14,107,252 
1,393,500 
49,057,548 
12,713,361 
430,795,891 
(2,788,188) 
428,007,703 
20,310,879 
1,318,104 
341,519 
17,306,312 
7,923,572 
9,023,859 
684,217 
690,917 
- 
2,796,830 
584,989,812 

103,201,256 
83,251,127 
120,801,341 
42,870,456 
126,044,529 
476,168,709 
16,852,981 
20,000,000 
- 
4,934,877 
10,310,000 
447,883 
- 
4,106,913 
532,821,363 

581 

80,022 

4,105 
50,904,763 
(624,120) 
(1,508,630) 
4,003,616 
   (691,888) 
52,168,449 
584,989,812 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Interest income: 
  Loans, including fees 

Investment securities: 
  Taxable 
  Tax exempt 

  Other interest income 

  Total 

Interest expense: 
  Time deposits 
  Other deposits 
  Other interest expense 

  Total 

Net interest income 

Provision for loan losses 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses 

Noninterest income: 
  Service charges on deposit accounts 
Income from mortgage operations 
Income from bank owned life insurance 

  Gain on sale of investment securities 
  Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustment 
  Other service charges, commissions, and fees 
  Other   
  Total 

Noninterest expenses: 
  Salaries and benefits 
  Occupancy 
  Furniture and equipment related expenses 
  Acquisition-related costs 
  Other   
  Total 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax expense 

Net income 

Average common shares outstanding, basic 

Average common shares outstanding, diluted 

Income per common share: 
  Basic income per common share 
  Diluted income per common share 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statement 

4 

2019 

2018 

$ 

26,189,861 

$ 

22,010,885 

1,197,956 
136,964 
329,038 
27,853,819 

4,071,602 
562,913 
1,322,522 
5,957,037 

1,039,259 
147,950 
426,598 
23,624,692 

2,191,437 
534,572 
964,475 
3,690,484 

21,896,782 

19,934,208 

983,803 

510,356 

20,912,979 

19,423,852 

1,681,812 
6,900,740 
386,073 
37,245 
(1,307,299) 
1,548,202 
456,192 
9,702,965 

15,369,271 
2,376,794 
1,821,523 
- 
5,706,284 
25,273,872 

1,597,211 
4,813,820 
390,557 
800,000 
324,840 
1,510,405 
487,529 
9,924,362 

15,373,131 
2,227,135 
2,021,351 
1,005,195 
5,549,562 
26,176,374 

5,342,072 

3,171,840 

1,253,233 

741,606 

$ 

4,088,839 

$ 

2,430,234 

7,937,617 

7,738,547 

8,062,486 

7,867,586 

$ 

$ 

0.52 
0.51 

0.31 
0.31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Net income 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: 
  Securities available-for-sale 

  Unrealized holding losses arising during the period 

Income tax benefit 
  Net of income taxes 

Securities held-to-maturity 

  Amortization of net unrealized gains  

  capitalized on securities transferred from available-for-sale 
Income tax benefit 
  Net of income taxes 

Other comprehensive income (loss) 

2019 

2018 

$ 

4,088,839 

$ 

2,430,234 

1,373,026 
(336,391) 
1,036,635 

(449,738) 
67,265 
(382,473) 

(49,616) 
13,157 
(36,459) 

(14,987) 
3,680 
(11,307) 

1,000,176 

(393,778) 

Comprehensive income 

$ 

5,089,015 

$ 

2,036,454 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity 
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Preferred   
Stock 

  Common 
Stock 

  Capital 
  Surplus 

  Treasury 
Stock 

  Nonvested   
  Restricted   
Stock 

  Retained 
  Earnings 

    Accumulated   
            Other 
  Comprehensive 
         Income 
           (Loss) 

Total 

Balance, December 31, 2017 

$  2,956,192  $ 

78,875  $ 46,941,229  $ 

(229,844)  $ 

(868,399)  $ 1,573,382    $     (298,110)    $ 50,153,325 

Net income 

Other comprehensive loss, 
  net of tax 

Conversion of Preferred Stock - 
  Series E to Common Stock 

Conversion of Preferred Stock - 
  Series D to Common Stock 

Net issuance of  
  Common Stock 

Net change in restricted stock 

Stock based compensation 

Purchase of Treasury Stock 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(2,955,593) 

4,105 

  2,951,488 

(18) 

18 

- 

1,129 

954,314 

- 

57,732 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(394,276) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

9 

- 

- 

- 

305 

173,432 

- 

58,684 

Net income 

Other comprehensive income, 
  net of tax 

Conversion of Preferred Stock - 
  Series D to Common Stock 

Net issuance of  
  Common Stock 

Net change in restricted stock 

Stock based compensation 

Purchase of Treasury Stock 

- 

- 

(9) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

    2,430,234    

- 

  2,430,234 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(640,231) 

- 

- 

-   

(393,778) 

(393,778) 

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

955,443 

(640,231) 

57,732 

(394,276) 

- 

  4,088,839   

- 

  4,088,839 

- 

- 

- 

254,924 

- 

- 

-   

1,000,176 

  1,000,176 

-   

-   

-   

-   

-   

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

173,737 

254,924 

58,684 

(659,349) 

Balance, December 31, 2018 

581 

84,127 

  50,904,763 

(624,120) 

(1,508,630) 

  4,003,616   

(691,888) 

  52,168,449 

- 

(659,349) 

Balance, December 31, 2019 

$ 

572  $ 

84,441  $ 51,136,879  $  (1,283,469)  $  (1,253,706)  $  8,092,455  $ 

308,288  $ 57,085,460 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Cash flows from operating activities:  
  Net income 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: 

  Provision for loan losses 
  Depreciation and amortization expense 
  Gain on fair value of marketable equity securities 
  Discount accretion and premium amortization 
  Discount accretion on purchased loans 
  Amortization of lease liability 
  Net gain on sale of other real estate owned 
  Gain on investment securities 
  Write down of other real estate owned 
  Originations of mortgages held for sale 
  Proceeds from sales of mortgages held for sale 
  Gain on sale of mortgage loans 
  Core deposit intangible amortization 
  Deferred income taxes, net of allowance 

Increase in interest receivable 
Increase (decrease) in interest payable 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance 

  Stock based compensation expense 
(Increase) decrease in other assets 
Increase in mortgage servicing rights, net 

  Decrease in other liabilities 

  Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities:  
  Purchases of securities available-for-sale 
  Maturities of securities available-for-sale 
  Maturities of securities held-to-maturity 
  Proceeds on sales of securities available-for-sale 
  Proceeds from sale of marketable equity securities 
  Purchase of trust preferred security  
  Proceeds from sale of trust preferred security 
  Net increase in nonmarketable equity securities 
  Net (increase) decrease in time deposits in other banks 
  Net increase in loans receivable 
  Purchases of premises, furniture and equipment  
  Proceeds from disposal of premises, furniture and equipment 
  Net cash from acquisition of Independence Bancshares, Inc. 
  Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned 
  Net cash used in investing activities  

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

7 

2019 

2018 

$ 

4,088,839 

$ 

2,430,234 

983,803 
814,612 
(13,410) 
60,105 
277,741 
491,586 
(27,676) 
(23,834) 
500 
(362,990,674) 
353,530,732 
(5,728,116) 
171,182 
1,020,697 
(155,477) 
31,581 
(386,073) 
58,684 
(712,875) 
(1,998,779) 
(497,277) 
(11,004,129) 

(8,289,581) 
5,840,439 
3,643,639 
1,485,000 
153,332 
- 
- 
(1,029,700) 
(908) 
(50,092,638) 
(990,793) 
66,554 
- 
204,400 
(49,010,256) 

510,356 
900,631 
(38,151) 
97,010 
206,394 
- 
(203,685) 
(800,000) 
- 
(262,987,343) 
263,027,079 
(4,867,159) 
195,783 
670,812 
(94,058) 
177,054 
(390,557) 
57,732 
650,503 
(2,666,193) 
(40,053) 
(3,163,611) 

(9,947,760) 
13,148,433 
2,854,814 
- 
- 
(2,300,000) 
3,100,000

(34,300) 
4,349,017 
(44,964,315) 
(1,139,657) 
- 
2,118,594
2,618,946 
(30,196,228) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Cash flows from financing activities: 
  Net increase (decrease) in demand deposits, interest-bearing 

transaction accounts and savings accounts 

  Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit and other time deposits 
  Net increase (decrease) in advances from Federal Home Loan Bank 
  Net increase in federal funds purchased 
  Net increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase 
  Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 
  Decrease of restricted stock 
  Accretion of debt issuance costs 
  Purchase of treasury stock 

  Net cash provided by financing activities 

Net increase cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

Cash paid during the year for: 

Income taxes 
Interest 

Supplemental noncash investing and financing activities: 
  Transfer from loans to other real estate owned 
  Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities 

Initial recognition of right-of-use asset 
Initial recognition of lease liability 

2019 

2018 

39,698,865 
(10,779,937) 
23,300,000 
16,500,000 
(2,215,649) 
173,737 
(254,924) 
30,337 
(659,349) 
65,793,080 

(20,352,894) 
63,189,511 
(2,000,000) 
- 
2,923,330 
955,443 
(640,231)
22,914 
(394,276) 
43,703,797 

5,778,695 

9,931,169 

34,561,988 

24,630,819 

$ 

40,340,683 

$ 

34,561,988 

$ 

$ 

(44,786)  $ 

5,988,618 

8,448 
3,496,280 

$ 

183,257 
1,000,176 
6,192,913 
6,192,913 

395,565 
(393,778) 
- 
- 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Organization: 

First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of South Carolina on 
April 12, 2001 to serve as a bank holding company for its subsidiary, First Reliance Bank (the “Bank”), and acquired 
all of the shares of the Bank on April 1, 2002 in a statutory share exchange.  First Reliance Bank was incorporated 
on August 9, 1999 and commenced business on August 16, 1999.  The principal business activity of the Bank is to 
provide banking services to domestic markets throughout South Carolina and North Carolina. The Bank is a South 
Carolina  chartered commercial bank,  and its  deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance  Corporation 
(“FDIC”).  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its wholly-owned 
subsidiary after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions.  In 2005, the Company formed 
First Reliance Capital Trust I (the "Trust") for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. In accordance with 
current accounting guidance, the Trust is not consolidated in these financial statements. 

Management’s Estimates: 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities 
and  disclosure  of  contingent  assets  and  liabilities  at  the  date  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the 
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those 
estimates. 

Material  estimates  that  are  particularly  susceptible  to  significant  change  relate  to  the  determination  of  the 
allowance  for  losses  on  loans,  including  valuation  allowances  for  impaired  loans,  the  valuation  of  real  estate 
acquired  in  connection  with  foreclosures  or  in  satisfaction  of  loans  and  evaluating  other-than-temporary-
impairment of investment securities.  In connection with the determination of the allowances for losses on loans 
and valuation of foreclosed real estate, management obtains independent appraisals in accordance with regulatory 
policy.  Management  must  also  make  estimates  in  determining  the  estimated  useful  lives  and  methods  for 
depreciating premises and equipment. 

While  management  uses  available  information  to  recognize  losses  on  loans  and  foreclosed  real  estate,  future 
additions  to  the  allowances  may  be  necessary,  based  on  changes  in  local  economic  conditions.    In  addition, 
regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowances 
for losses on loans and foreclosed real estate.  Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to 
the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.  
Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the allowances for losses on loans and foreclosed real estate 
may change materially in the near term. 

Concentrations of Credit Risk: 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of 
loans receivable, investment securities, federal funds sold and amounts due from banks. 

The  Company  makes  loans  to  individuals  and  small  businesses  for  various  personal  and  commercial  purposes 
primarily throughout South Carolina and North Carolina.  At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the majority of the total 
loan portfolio was to borrowers from within these areas. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Concentrations of Credit Risk, continued: 

The Company’s loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or a relatively small number of 
borrowers.  Additionally,  management  is  not  aware  of  any  concentrations  of  loans  to  groups  of  borrowers  or 
industries that would also be affected by sector-specific economic conditions. 

In  addition  to  monitoring  potential  concentrations  of  loans  to  particular  borrowers  or  groups  of  borrowers, 
industries and geographic regions, management monitors exposure to credit risk from concentrations of lending 
products  and  practices  such  as  loans  that  subject  borrowers  to  substantial  payment  increases  (e.g.,  principal 
deferral  periods,  loans  with  initial  interest-only  periods,  etc.),  and  loans  with  high  loan-to-value  ratios.  
Management has determined that there is minimal concentration of credit risk associated with its lending policies 
or practices. 

There are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit risk should economic conditions 
change over the course of a loan’s life.  For example, the Company makes variable rate loans and fixed rate principal-
amortizing loans with maturities prior to the loan being fully paid (i.e., balloon payment loans). These loans are 
underwritten  and  monitored  to  manage  the  associated  risks  and  management  believes  that  these  particular 
practices do not subject the Company to unusual credit risk. The Company’s investment portfolio consists principally 
of  obligations  of  the  United  States  and  its  agencies  or  its  corporations  and  obligations  of  state  and  local 
governments.  In the opinion of management, there is no concentration of credit risk in its investment portfolio.  
The  Company  places  its  deposits  and  correspondent  accounts  with  and  sells  its  federal  funds  to  high  quality 
institutions. Management believes credit risk associated with correspondent accounts is not significant. 

Debt Securities Available-for-Sale: 

Debt  securities  available-for-sale  are  carried  at  amortized  cost  and  adjusted  to  fair  value  by  recognizing  the 
aggregate unrealized gains or losses in a valuation account.  Aggregate market valuation adjustments are recorded 
as  part  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  in  shareholders’  equity,  net  of  deferred  income  taxes. 
Reductions in market value considered by management to be other than temporary are reported as a realized loss 
and  a  reduction  in  the  cost  basis  of  the  security.  The  adjusted  cost  basis  of  investments  available-for-sale  is 
determined by specific identification and is used in computing the gain or loss upon sale. 

Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity: 

Investment securities held-to-maturity are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of 
discount computed by the straight-line method.  The Company has the ability and management has the intent to 
hold designated investment securities to maturity.  Reductions in market value considered by management to be 
other than temporary are reported as a realized loss and a reduction in the cost basis of the security. 

Marketable Equity Securities: 

Marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded through the consolidated 
statements of operations. Dividends received on marketable equity securities are included as a separate component 
of interest income.  

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Nonmarketable Equity Securities: 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, nonmarketable equity securities consist of the following: 

  Federal Home Loan Bank stock 
  Community Bankers Bank stock 

  Total 

2019 

2018 

$  2,365,100 
58,100 
$  2,423,200 

$  1,335,400 
58,100 
$  1,393,500 

Nonmarketable  equity  securities  are  carried  at  cost  since  no  quoted  market  value  and  no  ready  market  exists. 
Investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) is a condition to borrowing from that bank, and the 
stock  is  pledged  to  collateralize  such  borrowings.    Dividends  received  on  nonmarketable  equity  securities  are 
included as a separate component of interest income.  

Loans Receivable: 

Loans receivable are stated at their unpaid principal balance, net of charge offs.  Interest income is computed using 
the simple interest method and is recorded in the period earned. 

When serious doubt exists as to the collectability of a loan or when a loan becomes contractually 90 days past due 
as to principal or interest, interest income is discontinued unless the estimated net realizable value of collateral 
exceeds the principal balance and accrued interest. When interest accruals are discontinued, income earned but 
not collected is reversed. Loans are removed from nonaccrual status when they become current as to both principal 
and  interest,  when  concern  no  longer  exists  as  to  the  collectability  of  the  principal  and  interest,  and  after  a 
sufficient history of satisfactory payment performance has been established. 

Loan origination and commitment fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and amortized as an 
adjustment of the related loan yields.  Generally, these  amounts are amortized over the  contractual life of the 
related loans or commitments. 

The Company identifies impaired loans through its normal internal loan review process. Loans on the Company’s 
problem  loan  watch  list  are  considered  potentially  impaired  loans.    These  loans  are  evaluated  in  determining 
whether all outstanding principal and interest are expected to be collected.  Loans are not considered impaired if 
a minimal payment delay occurs and all amounts due, including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate 
for the period of delay, are expected to be collected. 

Allowance for Loan Losses: 

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan 
losses  charged  to  earnings.  Loan  losses  are  charged  against  the  allowance  when  management  believes  the 
collectability of a loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Allowance for Loan Losses, continued: 

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and  is based upon management's 
periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan 
portfolio,  adverse  situations  that  may  affect  the  borrower's  ability  to  repay,  estimated  value  of  any  underlying 
collateral and prevailing economic conditions.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that 
are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. 

The  allowance  consists  of  specific  and  general  components.  The  specific  component  relates  to  loans  that  are 
classified  as  doubtful,  substandard  or  special  mention.  For  such  loans  that  are  also  classified  as  impaired,  an 
allowance  is  established  when  the  discounted  cash  flows  or  collateral  value  or  observable  market  price  of  the 
impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and 
is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. A loan is considered impaired when, based on 
current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments 
of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.   

Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the 
probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant 
payment  delays  and  payment  shortfalls  generally  are  not  classified  as  impaired.  Management  determines  the 
significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the 
circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, 
the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. 
Impairment  is  measured  on  a  loan  by  loan  basis  for  either  the  present  value  of  expected  future  cash  flows 
discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral 
if the loan is collateral dependent. 

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the 
Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures, unless 
such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement. 

In situations where, for economic or legal reasons related to a borrower’s financial difficulties, a concession to the 
borrower is granted that the Company would not otherwise consider, the related loan is classified as a troubled 
debt restructuring.  The restructuring of a loan may include the transfer from the borrower to the Company of real 
estate, receivables from third parties, other assets, or an equity interest in the borrower in full or partial satisfaction 
of the loan, modification of the loan terms, or a combination of the above. 

Premises, Furniture and Equipment: 

Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  The provision for depreciation 
is  computed  by  the  straight-line  method,  based  on  the  estimated  useful  lives  for  buildings  of  40  years  and  for 
furniture and equipment of 5 to 10 years.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the lease. The 
cost  of  assets  sold  or  otherwise  disposed  of  and  the  related  allowance  for  depreciation  is  eliminated  from  the 
accounts and the resulting gains or losses are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations when incurred.  
Maintenance  and  repairs are  charged  to  current expense.    The  costs  of major  renewals  and  improvements  are 
capitalized based upon the Company's policy. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Other Real Estate Owned: 

Other real estate owned includes real estate acquired through foreclosure.  Other real estate owned is carried at 
the lower of cost or the fair market value minus estimated costs to sell.  Any write-downs at the date of foreclosure 
are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  Expenses to maintain such assets and subsequent changes in the 
valuation allowance are included in other noninterest expense along with gains and losses on disposal.  

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance: 

Cash surrender value of life insurance represents the cash value of policies on certain current and former officers 
of the Company. 

Residential Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: 

Loans held for sale represent loans originated or acquired by the Company with the intent to sell. The Company 
has elected the lower of cost or market in accounting for residential mortgage loans held for sale. These loans are 
initially recorded and carried at lower of cost of market value, with changes in fair value recognized in income from 
mortgage operations. Loan origination fees are recorded when earned. 

The  Company  issues  rate  lock  commitments  to  borrowers  on  prices  quoted  by  secondary  market  investors. 
Derivatives related to these commitments are recorded as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and are 
measured  at  fair  value.  Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  derivatives  are  reported  in  current  income  or  other 
comprehensive income depending on the purpose for which the derivative is held. The Company does not currently 
engage in any activities that qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in fair value of these derivative 
instruments are included in noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations.  

Mortgage Servicing Rights: 

Mortgage  servicing  rights  (“MSRs”)  represent  the  present  value  of  the  future  net  servicing  fees  from  servicing 
mortgage loans. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities must be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. For 
subsequent measurements, an entity can choose to measure servicing assets and liabilities based on fair value.  
The Company uses the fair value measurement option for MSRs. 

The methodology used to determine the fair value of MSRs is subjective and requires the development of a number 
of assumptions, including anticipated prepayments of loan principal. Fair value is determined by estimating the 
present value of the asset’s future cash flows utilizing market-based prepayment rates, discount rates and other 
assumptions validated through comparison to trade information, industry surveys and with the use of independent 
third party appraisals.  Risks inherent in the MSRs’ valuation include higher than expected prepayment rates and/or 
delayed receipt of cash flows.  The value of MSRs is significantly affected by mortgage interest rates available in 
the  marketplace,  which  influence  mortgage  loan  prepayment  speeds.    In  general,  during  periods  of  declining 
interest  rates,  the  value  of  mortgage  servicing  rights  declines  due  to  increasing  prepayments  attributable  to 
increased mortgage refinance activity.  Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of servicing 
rights generally increases due to reduced refinance activity.  MSRs are carried at fair value with changes in fair 
value and servicing fees (cost) recorded on the consolidated statements of operations. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Core Deposit Intangible: 

As a result of an acquisition, the Company may recognize an intangible asset representing the estimated value of core 
deposits  assumed.  The  Company  amortizes  the  intangible  assets  over  their  estimated  useful  lives.  Core  deposit 
intangibles  are  periodically  reviewed  for  reasonableness  and  are  evaluated  for  impairment  whenever  events  or 
changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. 

Goodwill: 

Goodwill  represents  the  excess  of  the  purchase  price  over  the  fair  value  of  net  assets  acquired  in  a  business 
combination. Goodwill is not amortized but tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more often, if events or 
circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Goodwill impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value 
of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Authoritative guidance governing the testing of indefinite lived intangible 
assets for impairment allows the option to first assess Goodwill by utilizing qualitative factors in determining if it is 
more likely than not that carrying value exceeds fair value. If, through this analysis, it is determined that it is more 
likely than not that carrying value exceeds fair value, then the next step requires estimation of the fair value of the 
reporting unit by quantitative assessment. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further 
testing is required. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, further analysis is required to determine whether an 
impairment charge must be recorded based upon the implied fair value of goodwill and, if so, the amount of such 
charge. The Company has performed the annual impairment analysis as of December 31, 2019 and concluded no 
impairment exists. 

Liabilities for Representations and Warranties: 

The  Company  is  exposed  to  certain  liabilities  under  representations  and  warranties  made  to  purchasers  of 
mortgage loans and servicing rights that require indemnification or repurchase of loans.  At the time it issues a 
guarantee, the Company is required to recognize an initial liability for the fair value of obligations assumed under 
the guarantee. 

The Company establishes a contingency reserve for its liabilities under representations and warranties provided to 
purchasers of its mortgage loans and servicing rights. This reserve is maintained at a level considered appropriate 
by management to provide adequately for known and inherent losses.  The reserve is based upon a continuing 
review  of  past  loss  experience,  estimates  and  assumptions  of  risk  elements  and  future  economic  conditions.  
Additions to the reserve are recorded in other expenses. 

Management's judgment about the adequacy of the reserve is based upon a number of assumptions about future 
events  which  it  believes  to  be  reasonable  but  which  may  or  may  not  be  accurate.  There  is  no  assurance  that 
additional  increases  in  the  reserve  will  not  be  required.  The  Company  may  from  time-to-time  be  required  to 
repurchase mortgage loans previously sold to investors due to loan nonperformance.  At December 31, 2019, the 
Company had $0, recorded for potential indemnifications to other third-party purchasers based on management’s 
analysis. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Income Taxes: 

Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred taxes on 
temporary differences between the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income and between the tax 
bases  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  their  reported  amounts  in  the  financial  statements.  Deferred  tax  assets  and 
liabilities are included in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in 
which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates 
are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. In addition, 
deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than 
not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Interest and penalties related to income 
tax matters are recognized in income tax expense.   

Advertising Expense: 

Advertising  and  public  relations  costs  are  generally  expensed  as  incurred.    External  costs  incurred  in  producing 
media advertising are expensed the first time the advertising takes place.  External costs relating to direct mailing 
costs are expensed in the period in which the direct mailings are sent.  Advertising and public relations costs of 
$200,187 and $306,278 were included in the Company's results of operations for 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Retirement Benefits: 

A trusteed retirement savings plan is sponsored by the Company and provides retirement benefits to substantially 
all officers and employees who meet certain age and service requirements.  The plan includes a “salary reduction” 
feature pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  In 2004, the Company converted the 401(k) plan 
to a 404(c) plan.  The 404(c) plan changes investment alternatives to include the Company's stock.  Under the plan 
and present policies, participants are permitted to make contributions up to 15% of their annual compensation.  At 
its discretion, the  Company can make matching contributions up to 6%  of the participants’  compensation.  The 
Company  charged  $242,670  and  $273,094  to  earnings  for  the  retirement  savings  plan  in  2019  and  2018, 
respectively. In addition, the Company made an elective contribution to the retirement savings plan during 2019 
and 2018 totaling $154,384 and $142,952, respectively, recorded within salaries and benefits expense.  

During 2006, the Board of Directors approved a supplemental retirement plan for the directors and certain officers. 
These benefits are not qualified under the Internal Revenue Code and they are not funded. For 2019 and 2018, the 
supplemental  retirement  expense  was  $169,881  and  $157,905.  The  current  accrued  but  unfunded  amount  is 
$2,054,855 and $1,899,641 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  However, certain funding is provided 
informally  and  indirectly  by  bank  owned  life  insurance  policies.  The  cash  surrender  value  of  the  life  insurance 
policies is recorded as a separate line item in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at $17,692,385 and 
$17,306,312 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

The Company has split-dollar life insurance arrangements with certain of its officers.  At December 31, 2019 and 
2018, the split-dollar liability relating to these arrangements totaled $365,200 and $343,718, respectively.  For 2019 
and  2018,  the  Company  recognized  net  expenses  of  $21,482  and  $20,221,  respectively,  related  to  these 
arrangements and recorded within salaries and benefits expense. 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Equity Incentive Plan: 

On  January  19,  2006,  the  Company  approved  the  2006  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (the  "2006  Plan")  which  expired 
January 19, 2016.  The Company approved on April 20, 2017, the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2017 Plan"). These 
plans provide for the granting of dividend equivalent rights, options, performance unit awards, phantom shares, 
stock appreciation rights and stock awards, each of which shall be subject to such conditions based upon continued 
employment, passage of time or satisfaction of performance criteria or other criteria as permitted by the plan.  The 
2006 Plan allowed granting up to 950,000 shares of stock to officers, employees, and directors, consultants and 
service providers of the Company or its affiliates.  Awards may be granted for a term of up to ten years from the 
effective date of grant. The 2017 Plan allows granting up to 500,000 shares. The maximum aggregate shares subject 
to options is restricted to 80,000 in any calendar year to any one participant. The aggregate number of restricted 
stock shares available to be granted during any calendar to any one participant is limited to 50,000 shares. Awards 
may be granted for a term of up to five years from the effective date of the grant. Under these Plans, the Board of 
Directors has sole discretion as to the exercise date of any awards granted.  The per-share exercise price of incentive 
stock options may not be less than the market value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted.  
The related compensation cost for all stock-based awards is recognized over the service period for awards expected 
to vest. Any options that expire unexercised or are canceled become available for re-issuance. The Company's equity 
incentive plans are further described in Note 21. 

Common Stock Owned by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”): 

All shares held by the ESOP are treated as outstanding for purposes of computing earnings per share.  Purchases 
and  redemptions  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  by  the  ESOP  are  at  estimated  fair  value  as  determined  by 
independent valuations.  Dividends on shares held by the ESOP are charged to retained earnings.  At December 31, 
2019 and 2018, the ESOP owned 497,684 and 487,820 shares of the Company’s common stock with an estimated 
value of $3,153,877 and $2,169,854, respectively.  All of these shares were allocated to participants. 

Income Per Common Share: 

Basic income per common share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-
average number of common shares  outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional 
common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential 
common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and similar share-based 
compensation instruments and are determined using the treasury stock method (see Note 22).   

Statements of Cash Flows: 

For purposes of reporting cash flows in the consolidated financial statements, the Company considers certain highly 
liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash 
equivalents include amounts due from banks and federal funds sold.  Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day 
periods. Changes in the valuation account of securities  available-for-sale, including the deferred tax  effects, are 
considered noncash transactions for purposes of the statement of cash flows and are presented in detail in the 
notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments: 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet financial instruments consisting of 
commitments to extend credit and letters of credit.  These financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated 
financial statements when they become payable by the customer. 

Business Combinations and Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired: 

The Company accounts for its acquisitions under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 805, 
“Business Combinations,” which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets 
acquired,  including  loans,  are  recorded  at  fair  value.  No  allowance  for  loan  losses  related  to  acquired  loans  is 
recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding 
credit risk. Loans acquired are recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in 
FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” 

Purchased  credit-impaired  loans  (“PCI”)  are  accounted  for  under  the  accounting  guidance  for  loans  and  debt 
securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 310-
30, “Receivables-Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” formerly American Institute 
of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) Statement of Position (“SOP”) 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt 
Securities Acquired in a Transfer,” and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses 
expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Loans acquired in business combinations with evidence of credit 
deterioration since origination and for which it  is probable that all contractually  required payments will not  be 
collected are considered to be PCI loans. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of purchase dates may include 
information such as past-due and nonaccrual status, borrower credit scores and recent loan to value percentages. 
The  Company  considers  expected  prepayments  and  estimates  the  amount  and  timing  of  expected  principal, 
interest and other cash flows for each loan or pool of loans meeting the criteria above, and determines the excess 
of the loan’s scheduled contractual principal and contractual interest payments over all cash flows expected to be 
collected  at  acquisition  as  an  amount  that  should  not  be  accreted  (nonaccretable  difference).  The  remaining 
amount, representing the excess of the loan’s or pool’s cash flows expected to be collected over the fair value for 
the loan or pool of loans, is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable 
difference). Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows expected to be received in excess of the 
Company’s  initial  estimates  are  reclassified  from  nonaccretable  difference  to  accretable  difference  and  are 
accreted into interest income on a level-yield basis over the remaining life of the loan. Decreases in cash flows 
expected to be collected are recognized as impairment through the provision for loan losses. 

Acquired non-PCI loans are recorded at their initial fair value and adjusted for subsequent advances, pay downs, 
amortization or accretion of any premium or discount on purchase, charge-offs and additional provisioning that 
may be required. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements: 

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

In June  2016, the  FASB issued guidance  to change  the  accounting for credit  losses  and modify the impairment 
model  for  certain  debt  securities.  The  amendments  will  be  effective  for  the  Company  for  reporting  periods 
beginning after December 15, 2022.  Early adoption is permitted for all organizations for periods beginning after 
December 15, 2018. The Company will apply the amendments to the ASU through a cumulative-effect adjustment 
to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. The Company is evaluating the impact of the ASU 
on  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  The  Company  expects  the  ASU  will  have  no  material  impact  on  the 
recorded  allowance  for  loan  losses  given  the  change  to  estimated  losses  over  the  contractual  life  of  the  loans 
adjusted for expected prepayments.  In addition to the allowance for loan losses, the Company will also record an 
allowance  for  credit  losses  on  debt  securities  instead  of  applying the  impairment  model  currently  utilized.  The 
amount of the adjustments will be impacted by each portfolio’s composition and credit quality at the adoption 
date as well as economic conditions and forecasts at that time. 

In January  2017, the  FASB amended the Goodwill and Other Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification to 
simplify the accounting for goodwill impairment for public business entities and other entities that have goodwill 
reported in their financial statements and have not elected the private company alternative for the subsequent 
measurement of goodwill. The amendment removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment 
will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying 
amount of goodwill.  The effective date and transition requirements for the technical corrections will be effective 
for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for interim 
or  annual  goodwill  impairment  tests  performed  on  testing  dates  after  January  1,  2017.    The  Company  did  not 
experience a material effect on its financial statements. 

In August 2018, the FASB amended the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification. 
The amendments remove, modify, and add certain fair value disclosure requirements based on the concepts in the 
FASB  Concepts  Statement,  Conceptual  Framework  for  Financial  Reporting—Chapter  8:  Notes  to  Financial 
Statements.  The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal 
years, beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted.  An entity is permitted to early adopt any 
removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until 
their effective date.  The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial 
statements. 

In  November  2018,  the  FASB  issued  guidance  to  amend  the  Financial  Instruments—Credit  Losses  topic  of  the 
Accounting Standards Codification. The guidance aligns the implementation date of the topic for annual financial 
statements  of  nonpublic  companies  with  the  implementation  date  for  their  interim  financial  statements.  The 
guidance  also clarifies  that  receivables  arising  from operating  leases  are  not  within  the  scope of the  topic,  but 
rather, should be  accounted for in accordance with the leases  topic. The amendments will be effective for the 
Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is permitted for all organizations 
for periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact 
of adoption of this guidance on the financial statements. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, continued: 

In May 2019, the FASB issued guidance to provide entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option, 
applied  on  an  instrument-by-instrument  basis  for  eligible  instruments,  upon  adoption  of  ASU  2016-13, 
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments will be effective for the Company for 
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company does not expect these amendments to have 
a material effect on its financial statements. 

In November 2019, the  FASB issued guidance  to defer the effective  dates for private companies, not-for-profit 
organizations,  and  certain  smaller  reporting  companies  applying  standards  on  current  expected  credit  losses 
(CECL). The new effective dates will be fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 including interim periods 
within  those  fiscal years.  The  Company  is  currently  in  the  process  of  evaluating  the  impact  of  adoption of  this 
guidance on its financial statements. 

In  November  2019,  the  FASB  issued  guidance  that  addresses  issues  raised  by  stakeholders  during  the 
implementation of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses 
on Financial Instruments. The amendments affect a variety of Topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. For 
entities that have not yet adopted the amendments in ASU 2016-13, the amendments are effective for fiscal years 
beginning after December 15, 2022 including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted 
in any interim period as long as an entity has adopted the amendments in ASU 2016-13. The Company does not 
expect these amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements. 

In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance to simplify accounting for income taxes by removing specific technical 
exceptions  that  often  produce  information  investors  have  a  hard  time  understanding.  The  amendments  also 
improve  consistent  application  of  and  simplify  GAAP  for  other  areas  of  Topic  740  by  clarifying  and  amending 
existing  guidance.  The  amendments  are  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after December 15, 2020,  including 
interim  periods  within  those  fiscal  years.  Early  adoption  is  permitted.  The  Company  does  not  expect  these 
amendments to have a material effect on its financial statements. 

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

Risks and Uncertainties: 

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

The Company is subject to the regulations of various governmental agencies (regulatory risk).  These regulations 
can and do change significantly from period to period. The Company also undergoes periodic examinations by the 
regulatory agencies, which may subject it to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required 
loss allowances and operating restrictions from the regulators' judgments based on information available to them 
at the time of their examination. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued 

Reclassifications: 

Certain captions and amounts in the 2018 consolidated financial statements were reclassified to conform with the 
2019 presentation. The reclassifications did not have an impact on net income or shareholders’ equity. 

Note 2.  Mergers and Acquisitions 

On January 22, 2018, the Company acquired the outstanding common stock of Independence Bancshares, Inc. and 
its subsidiary, Independence Bank (collectively "INB") which are headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. In 
connection  with  the  acquisition,  the  Company  acquired  $82.3  million  of  assets  and  assumed  $80.4  million  of 
liabilities. The total purchase price was $2.5 million consisting of cash.   

The  INB  transaction  was  accounted  for  using  the  acquisition  method  of  accounting,  and  accordingly,  assets 
acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration exchanged were recorded at fair value on the acquisition date.  Fair 
values are subject to refinement for up to a year. 

The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of January 22, 2018, as recorded by the 
Company on the acquisition date and initial fair value adjustments: 

20 

As Recorded byFair ValueAs RecordedINBAdjustmentsby the CompanyAssetsCash and cash equivalents4,681,439$               -$                                4,681,439$               Investment securities10,436,646               (110,297)                   10,326,349               Certificates of deposit with other insitutions4,500,000                 -                                  4,500,000                 Loans54,976,229               (2,454,693)                52,521,536               Allowance for Loan Losses(1,290,000)                1,290,000                 -                                  Premises and equipment1,953,390                 (412,599)                   1,540,791                 Core Deposit Intangible-                                  880,000                    880,000                    Other Real Estate Owned1,178,900                 (524,450)                   654,450                    Deferred Tax Asset-                                  4,066,293                 4,066,293                 Other assets3,218,853                 (106,152)                   3,112,701                 Total assets79,655,457$            2,628,102$               82,283,559$            LiabilitiesDeposits80,336,319$            (98,290)$                   80,238,029$            Other Liabilities173,602                    -                                  173,602                    Total liabilities80,509,921               (98,290)                     80,411,631               Net assets acquired over  liabilities assumed1,871,928$               Consideration:     Cash exchanged 2,562,845$               Goodwill690,917$                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 2.  Mergers and Acquisitions, Continued 

The merger included the acquisition of $54.9 million in loans and $80.3 million in deposits. The loan portfolio was 
purchased at a $2.5 million  discount.  The  deposits were purchased for a premium, including an  $880,000  core 
deposit intangible. The amortization of the core deposit intangible is based on the cash flows used to value the 
asset over approximately nine years utilizing sum of years’ digits methodology 

The consideration paid exceeded the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired and resulted in the 
establishment of goodwill in the amount of $690,917, representing the intangible value of INB’s business within 
the markets it served.   

Merger-related charges related to the INB acquisition during 2018 totaled $1,005,195, and were recorded in the 
consolidated  statements  of  operations.  These  merger-related  expenses  include  legal,  accounting,  auditing, 
investment banker, travel, and other costs associated with closing the acquisition. 

Note 3.  Cash and Due From Banks 

The Company is required to maintain balances with the Federal Reserve computed as a percentage of deposits.  At 
December 31, 2019 and 2018, this requirement was $7,158,000 and $5,395,000, respectively, net of vault cash and 
balances on deposit with the Federal Reserve. 

Note 4. 

Investment Securities 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities available-for-sale were: 

Amortized 
Cost 

Gross Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair Value 

December 31, 2019 
U.S. Government sponsored agencies  $  10,734,597 
Municipal securities 
1,383,917 
  19,228,985 
Mortgage-backed securities 
3,901,433 
Corporate bonds 
$  35,248,932 
Total 

December 31, 2018 
U.S. Government sponsored agencies  $  14,160,679 
Municipal securities 
1,382,787 
  15,904,130 
Mortgage-backed securities 
2,878,863 
Corporate bonds 
$  34,326,459 
Total 

$  272,415 
80,748 
  233,536 
18,280 
$  604,979 

  $ 

  $ 

68,328 
- 
85,440 
15,997 
169,765 

  $  10,938,684 
1,464,665 
  19,377,081 
3,903,716 
  $  35,684,146 

$ 

62,666 
- 
47,277 
- 
$  109,943 

  $ 

293,495 
49,336 
398,839 
306,087 
  $  1,047,757 

  $  13,929,850 
1,333,451 
  15,552,568 
2,572,776 
  $  33,388,645 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had marketable equity securities totaling $30,895 and $168,151, 
respectively. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 4. 

Investment Securities, Continued 

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities held-to-maturity were: 

Amortized 
Cost 

Gross Unrealized 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair Value 

December 31, 2019 
U.S. Government sponsored agencies  $ 
Mortgage-backed securities 
Municipals 
Total 

2,869,656 
4,997,336 
2,578,386 
$  10,445,378 

  $ 

66,033 
93,564 
  144,232 
  $  303,829 

  $ 

  $ 

- 
2,558 
- 
2,558 

  $ 

2,935,689 
5,088,342 
2,722,618 
  $  10,746,649 

Capitalization of net unrealized gains 
on securities transferred from 
available-for-sale 

Total 

28,210 

$  10,473,588 

December 31, 2018 
U.S. Government sponsored agencies  $ 
Mortgage-backed securities 
Municipals 
Total 

3,384,184 
8,109,388 
2,592,277 
$  14,085,849 

  $ 

46,545 
  108,090 
96,068 
  $  250,703 

  $ 

  $ 

- 
85,702 
- 
85,702 

  $ 

3,430,729 
8,131,776 
2,688,345 
  $  14,250,850 

Capitalization of net unrealized gains 
on  securities  transferred  from 
available-for-sale 

Total 

21,405 
$  14,107,252 

The following is a summary of maturities of securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity as of December 31, 
2019.  The amortized cost and fair values are based on the contractual maturity dates.  Actual maturities may differ 
from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without 
penalty.  Mortgage-backed securities are presented as a separate line, maturities of which are based on expected 
maturities since paydowns are expected to occur before contractual maturity dates.   

Due within one year 
Due after one year but within five years 
Due after five years through ten years 
Due after ten years 

Mortgage-backed securities 
    Total 

Debt Securities 
Available-for-Sale 

Debt Securities 
Held-to-Maturity 

  Amortized   
Cost 

$  2,500,000 
3,552,020 
1,000,000 
8,967,928 
  16,019,948 
  19,228,985 
$  35,248,933 

22 

  Fair Value   

$  2,498,005 
3,538,405 
1,018,280 
9,252,375 
  16,307,065 
  19,377,081 
$  35,684,146 

  Amortized   
Cost 

$ 

- 
- 
565,422 
4,882,620 
5,448,042 
4,997,336 
$  10,445,378 

  Fair Value   

$ 

- 
- 
604,091 
5,054,216 
5,658,307 
5,088,342 
$  10,746,649 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 4. 

Investment Securities, Continued 

The following tables show gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities available-for-sale and securities held-
to-maturity,  aggregated  by  investment  category,  and  length  of  time  that  individual  securities  have  been  in  a 
continuous realized loss position at December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Securities Available-for-Sale 
  Less Than 12 Months 

  Mortgage-backed securities 
  Corporate bonds 

  Total 

  12 Months or More 

December 31, 2019 
Fair 
Value 

  Unrealized   
Losses 

December 31, 2018 
Fair 
Value 

  Unrealized   
Losses 

$ 

$ 

$ 

440,380 
- 
440,380 

5,168 
- 
5,168 

$ 

172,307 
2,572,776 
2,745,083 

$ 

3,399 
306,087 
309,486 

  U.S. Government sponsored agencies 
  Mortgage-backed securities 
  Corporate Bonds 

  Total 
  Total securities available-for-sale 

5,514,542 
5,185,486 
2,885,436 
13,585,464 
$  14,025,844 

Securities Held-to-Maturity 
  Less Than 12 Months 

  Mortgage-backed securities 

  Total 

  12 Months or More 

  Mortgage-backed securities 

  Total 
  Total securities held-to-maturity 

$ 

1,239,512 
1,239,512 

- 
- 
1,239,512 

$ 

68,328 
80,272 
15,997 
164,597 
169,765 

9,016,917 
10,545,054 
1,333,451 
20,895,422 
$  23,640,505 

$ 

2,558 
2,558 

478,186 
478,186 

- 
- 
2,558 

3,485,073 
3,485,073 
3,963,259 

$ 

293,495 
395,440 
49,336 
738,271 
1,047,757 

1,134 
1,134 

84,568 
84,568 
85,702 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

At December 31, 2019, eight securities classified as available-for-sale and one security classified as held-to-maturity 
were in a loss position as detailed in the preceding tables. The Company does not intend to sell these securities in 
the near future and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before 
recovery of their amortized cost. The Company believes that, based on industry analyst reports and credit ratings, 
the deterioration in value is attributable to changes in market interest rates and, therefore, these losses are not 
considered other-than-temporary. 

During 2019, the Company sold securities with proceeds of $1,638,332 and gross gains of $23,834. During 2018, the 
Company  sold  securities  with  proceeds  of  $3,100,000  and  gross  gains  of  $800,000.  During  2018,  the  Company 
recognized gain of $38,151 within the consolidated statement of operations related to the increase in fair value of 
marketable equity securities as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01. During 2019, the Company recognized a 
gain of $13,410 within the consolidated statement of operations related to the increase in fair value of marketable 
equity securities. 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, investment securities with a par value of $14,832,908 and $18,122,712 and a fair 
market  value  of  $15,103,164  and  $17,342,165,  respectively,  were  pledged  as  collateral  for  securities  under 
agreements to repurchase. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses 

Major classifications of loans receivable are summarized as follows at December 31: 

Real estate loans: 
Construction 
Residential 
Nonresidential 

Total real estate loans 
Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 
Total loans 

2019 

2018 

$ 

$ 

41,246,207 
129,087,825 
171,148,893 
341,482,925 
58,439,799 
80,262,671 
480,185,395 

$ 

$ 

30,404,245 
124,789,754 
144,103,065 
299,297,064 
48,522,654 
82,976,173 
430,795,891 

The Company has pledged certain loans as collateral to secure its borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank 
which totaled $183,459,356 and $137,040,574 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Loans sold with limited recourse are 1-4 family residential mortgages originated by the Company and sold to various 
other financial institutions. These loans are sold with the agreement that a loan may be returned to the Company 
within 90 days of purchase, at any time in the event the Company fails to provide necessary documents related to 
the mortgages to the buyers, or if the Company makes false representations or warranties to the buyers. Loans sold 
under these agreements in 2019 and 2018 totaled $353,530,732 and $263,027,079, respectively.  The Company 
uses  the  same  credit  policies  in  making  loans  held  for  sale  as  it  does  for  on-balance-sheet  instruments.    Sales 
commitments are to sell loans at an agreed upon price and are generally funded within 60 days. 

The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses by class of loans for the years ended December 31, 2019 
and 2018. 

December 31, 2019 

Real Estate Loans 

Total 

 Construction  

  Residential   

Non- 
  Residential   

Total 
  Real Estate   
Loans 

 Commercial  
and 
  Industrial 

  Consumer 
  and Other   

Beginning 
  balance 
  Provisions 
  Recoveries 
  Charge-offs 
Ending balance  $  3,529,855  $ 

$  2,788,188  $ 
983,803 
321,714 

        (563,850)   

83,200  $  1,049,913  $ 
(20,826)   
118,484 
- 

(413,291)   
114,281 

          (54,384)   

676,598  $  1,809,711  $ 
569,416 
- 
- 

618,558 
680,963 
62,441 
          (54,384)            (18,520)          (490,946) 
871,016 

359,919  $ 
167,541 
26,508 

135,299 
232,765 

535,448  $ 

180,858  $ 

696,519  $  1,246,014  $  2,123,391  $ 

December 31, 2018 

Real Estate Loans 

Total 

 Construction  

  Residential   

Non- 
  Residential   

Total 
  Real Estate   
Loans 

 Commercial  
and 
  Industrial 

  Consumer   
  and Other   

Beginning 
  balance 
  Provisions 
  Recoveries 
  Charge-offs 
Ending balance  $  2,788,188  $ 

168,541  $ 

$  2,453,875  $ 
510,356 
384,989 

669,783 
402,516 
66,967 
        (561,032)                  (587)            (37,537)               (1,725)             (39,849)                  (475)          (520,708) 
618,558 

372,356  $  1,526,794  $ 
172,517 
133,450 

985,897  $ 
19,271 
82,282 

257,298  $ 
85,778 
17,318 

       (169,726) 
84,972 

676,598  $  1,809,711  $ 

83,200  $  1,049,913  $ 

22,062 
300,704 

359,919  $ 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

The following is a summary of loans evaluated for impairment individually and collectively, by class, for the years 
ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

December 31, 2019 

Real Estate Loans 

Total 

 Construction  

  Residential   

Non- 
  Residential   

Total 
  Real Estate   
Loans 

 Commercial  
and 
  Industrial 

  Consumer 
  and Other 

Allowance 
Evaluated for  
  impairment 
Individually 
  Collectively 
Allowance 
  for loan losses 

Total Loans 
Evaluated for  
  impairment 
Individually 
  Collectively 
Loans 
  receivable 

Allowance 
Evaluated for  
  impairment 
Individually 
  Collectively 
Allowance  
  for loan losses 

Total Loans 
Evaluated for  
  impairment 
Individually 
  Collectively 
Loans 
  receivable 

$ 

27,273  $ 

-  $ 

-  $ 

24,375  $ 

24,375  $ 

2,837  $ 

3,502,582 

180,858 

696,519 

1,221,639 

2,099,016 

532,611 

61 
870,955 

$  3,529,855  $ 

180,858  $ 

696,519  $  1,246,014  $  2,123,391  $ 

535,448  $ 

871,016 

$  4,370,202  $ 
  475,815,193 

  41,246,207 

-  $  2,478,331  $  1,652,395  $  4,130,726  $ 
  169,496,498 

  337,352,199 

  126,609,494 

115,524  $ 

  58,324,275 

123,952 
80,138,719 

$ 480,185,395  $  41,246,207  $ 129,087,825  $ 171,148,893  $ 341,482,925  $  58,439,799  $  80,262,671 

December 31, 2018 

Real Estate Loans 

Total 

 Construction  

  Residential   

Non- 
  Residential   

Total 
  Real Estate   
Loans 

 Commercial  
and 
  Industrial 

  Consumer 
  and Other 

$ 

178,065  $ 

-  $ 

49,382  $ 

15,742  $ 

65,124  $ 

2,610,123 

83,200 

1,000,531 

660,856 

1,744,587 

103,665  $ 
256,254 

9,276 
609,282 

$  2,788,188  $ 

83,200  $  1,049,913  $ 

676,598  $  1,809,711  $ 

359,919  $ 

618,558 

$  9,624,852  $ 
  421,171,039 

  30,404,245 

-  $  2,684,974  $  5,977,695  $  8,622,669  $ 
  138,125,370 

  290,674,395 

  122,104,780 

762,731  $ 

  47,759,923 

199,452 
82,776,721 

$ 430,795,891  $  30,404,245  $ 124,789,754  $ 144,103,065  $ 299,297,064  $  48,522,654  $  82,976,173 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

The following summarizes the Company’s impaired loans as of December 31, 2019. 

With no related allowance recorded: 
Real estate 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Total real estate loans 

Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 

  Total 

With an allowance recorded: 
  Nonresidential 

  Total real estate loans 
Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 

  Total 

Total 
Real estate 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Total real estate loans 
Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 

  Total 

  Recorded 
  Investment   

  Unpaid 
  Principal 

  Related 
  Allowance   

  Average 
  Balance 

Interest 
Income 
  Recognized  

$  2,478,331  $  2,478,331  $ 

1,559,820 
4,038,151 
91,407 
98,047 

1,559,821 
4,038,152 
168,849 
128,458 

$  4,227,606  $  4,335,459  $ 

  $  2,561,287  $ 
1,881,542 
- 
4,442,829 
- 
137,562 
- 
- 
133,031 
-  $  4,713,422  $ 

152,256 
130,091 
282,347 
9,396 
11,062 
302,805 

$ 

$ 

92,575  $ 
92,575 
24,117 
25,905 
142,597  $ 

92,575  $ 
92,575 
24,117 
25,905 
142,597  $ 

24,375  $ 
24,375 
2,837 
61 
27,273  $ 

96,008  $ 
96,008 
25,042 
28,164 
149,214  $ 

6,848 
6,848 
1,840 
1,427 
10,115 

$  2,478,331  $  2,478,331  $ 

-  $  2,561,287  $ 

1,652,395 
4,130,726 
115,524 
123,952 

1,652,396 
4,130,727 
192,966 
154,363 

24,375 
24,375 
2,837 
61 

1,977,550 
4,537,837 
162,604 
161,195 

$  4,370,202  $  4,478,056  $ 

27,273  $  4,861,636  $ 

152,256 
136,939 
289,195 
11,236 
12,489 
312,920 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

The following summarizes the Company’s impaired loans as of December 31, 2018. 

With no related allowance recorded: 
Real estate 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Total real estate loans 
Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 

  Total 

With an allowance recorded: 
Real estate 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Total real estate loans 
Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 

  Total 

Total 
Real estate 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Total real estate loans 
Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 

  Total 

Recorded 
  Investment   

  Unpaid 
  Principal 

  Related 
  Allowance   

  Average 
  Balance 

Income 
  Recognized  

$  2,570,672  $  2,778,105  $ 

5,878,253 
8,448,925 
658,693 
158,808 

5,878,253 
8,656,358 
710,037 
200,253 

$  9,266,426  $  9,566,648  $ 

-  $  3,123,478  $ 
- 
- 
- 
- 
-  $  11,424,271  $ 

7,259,531 
  10,383,009 
713,908 
327,354 

170,470 
411,822 
582,292 
39,363 
12,941 
634,596 

$ 

$ 

114,302  $ 
99,442 
213,744 
104,038 
40,644 
358,426  $ 

114,302  $ 
105,343 
219,645 
104,038 
61,987 
385,670  $ 

49,382  $ 
15,742 
65,124 
103,665 
9,276 
178,065  $ 

136,424  $ 
164,890 
301,314 
127,385 
66,072 
494,771  $ 

1,679 
5,469 
7,148 
5,892 
3,536 
16,576 

$  2,684,974  $  2,892,407  $ 

5,977,695 
8,662,669 
762,731 
199,452 

5,983,596 
8,876,003 
814,075 
262,240 

49,382  $  3,259,902  $ 
15,742 
65,124 
103,665 
9,276 

7,424,421 
  10,684,323 
841,293 
393,426 

$  9,624,852  $  9,952,318  $ 

178,065  $  11,919,042  $ 

172,149 
417,291 
589,440 
45,255 
16,477 
651,172 

The following is an aging analysis of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2019: 

30 - 59 Days  60 - 89 Days 
  Past Due   
  Past Due   

  Greater 
Than 
  90 Days 

Total 
  Past Due   

  Current 

  Total Loans 
  Receivable 

Recorded 
Investment> 
90 Days 
  and Accruing 

Real estate 
  Construction 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 
    Total real estate loans 
Consumer and industrial 
Consumer and other 
  Total 

$ 

-  $ 
- 
156,322 
156,322 
- 
148,559 
$  304,881  $ 

-  $ 

-  $ 
- 
- 
- 
- 
12,171 
12,171  $  522,300  $  839,352  $479,346,043  $ 

-  $  41,246,207  $ 
  128,688,079   
  170,992,571    
  340,926,857   
    58,427,555    
    79,991,631    

399,746 
- 
399,746 
12,244 
110,310 

399,746 
156,322 
556,068 
12,244 
271,040 

41,246,207  $ 

129,087,825 
171,148,893 
341,482,925 
58,439,799 
80,262,671 
480,185,395  $ 

- 
- 
- 
- 
6,294 
49,672 
55,966 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

The following is an aging analysis of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2018: 

30 - 59 Days  60 - 89 Days 
  Past Due   
  Past Due   

  Greater 
Than 
  90 Days 

Total 
  Past Due   

  Current 

  Total Loans 
  Receivable 

Recorded 
Investment> 
90 Days 
  and Accruing 

Real estate 
  Construction 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 
    Total real estate loans 
Consumer and industrial 
Consumer and other 
  Total 

$ 

-  $ 

-  $ 

-  $ 

46,967 
- 
46,967 
- 
131,068 

117,606 
106,146 
223,752 
18,973 
119,509 
$  178,035  $  942,415  $  362,234  $  1,482,684  $429,313,207  $ 

859,533 
205,588 
  1,065,121 
23,287 
394,276 

694,960 
99,442 
794,402 
4,314 
143,699 

-  $  30,404,245  $ 
124,789,754 
  123,930,221   
144,103,065 
  143,897,477   
299,297,064 
  298,231,943   
    48,499,367   
48,522,654 
    82,581,897             82,976,173 

430,795,891  $ 

30,404,245  $ 

- 
114,301 
- 
114,301 
- 
31,961 
146,262 

The following is an analysis of the Company’s nonaccrual loan portfolio recorded at December 31, 2019 and 2018: 

Real Estate 
  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Total real estate loans 

Commercial and industrial 
Consumer and other 

Troubled Debt Restructurings 

2019 

2018 

$ 

590,561 
517,639 
1,108,200 
39,438 
328,183 
$  1,475,821 

$ 

664,667 
205,588 
870,255 
673,698 
321,807 
$  1,865,760 

The following table summarizes the carrying balance of troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) as of December 31, 
2019 and 2018: 

Performing TDRs 
Nonperforming TDRs 
Total TDRs 

2019 

2018 

$  2,469,036 
1,462,960 
$  3,931,996 

$  3,786,544 
482,552 
$  4,269,096 

Loans classified as TDRs may be removed from this status for disclosure purposes after a specified period of time 
if the TDR is subsequently restructured, and the newly restructured agreement specifies an interest rate equal to 
or greater than the rate that the lender was willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with 
comparable risk, the loan is performing in accordance with the terms specified by the restructured agreement, and 
certain  other  criteria  are  met.  The  Company  has  not  removed  any  loans  from  TDR  status  through  subsequent 
restructurings during 2019 or 2018. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

The following is an analysis of TDRs identified during 2019: 

Troubled Debt Restructurings 
  Real Estate 

  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Commercial and industrial 

Consumer and other 

For the year ended December 31, 2019 

  Pre-Modification 
  Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment 

Post-Modification 
  Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment 

Number 
  of Contracts 

1 
1 
1 
4 
7 

$ 

$ 

24,151 
494,423 
24,117 
48,102 
590,793 

$ 

$ 

24,151 
494,423 
24,117 
48,102 
  590,793 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we modified seven loans that were considered to be troubled debt 
restructurings.  The Company provided rate and term concessions for four of these loans due to bankruptcies and 
the other three loans were restructured due to borrower’s inability to obtain financing elsewhere. During the year 
ended December 31, 2019, no loans that had previously been restructured during the year subsequently defaulted 
during the year. 

The following is an analysis of TDRs identified during 2018: 

Troubled Debt Restructurings 
  Real Estate 

  Residential 
  Nonresidential 

  Commercial and industrial 
  Consumer and other 

For the year ended December 31, 2018 

  Pre-Modification 
  Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment 

Post-Modification 
  Outstanding 
Recorded 
Investment 

Number 
  of Contracts 

3 
4 
1 
11 
19 

$ 

288,584 
2,250,846 
96,000 
122,444 
$  2,757,874  

$ 

$ 

288,584 
2,250,846 
96,000 
122,444 
  2,757,874 

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we modified nineteen loans that were considered to be troubled debt 
restructurings.  The Company provided rate concessions for five of these loans and extensions for nineteen of the 
loans. During the year ended December 31, 2018, three loans with an unpaid principal balance of $143,979 as of 
December 31, 2018 that had previously been restructured during the year subsequently defaulted during the year. 

All  loans  modified  in  troubled  debt  restructurings  are  evaluated  for  impairment.  The  nature  and  extent  of 
impairment of TDRs, including those which have experienced a subsequent default, are considered in determining 
an appropriate level of allowance for credit losses.  

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

Credit Indicators 

Loans are categorized into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service 
their  debt,  including,  among  other  factors:  current  financial  information,  historical  payment  experience,  credit 
documentation,  public  information,  and  current  economic  trends.  The  following  definitions  are  utilized  for  risk 
ratings, which are consistent with the definitions used in supervisory guidance:  

Special Mention - Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management's close 
attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects 
for the loan or of the institution's credit position at some future date.  

Substandard  -  Loans  classified  as  substandard  are  inadequately  protected  by the  current  net  worth  and paying 
capacity  of  the  obligor  or  of  the  collateral  pledged,  if  any.  Loans  so  classified  have  a  well-defined  weakness  or 
weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the 
institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  

Doubtful - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with 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.  

Loans  not  meeting  the  criteria  above  that  are  analyzed  individually  as  part  of  the  above  described  process  are 
considered to be pass rated loans. 

The  following  table  lists  the  loan  guides  used  by  the  Bank  as  credit  quality  indicators  and  the  balance  in  each 
category at December 31, 2019: 

Real Estate Loans 

Total 

  Construction  

  Residential   

Non- 
  Residential   

Total 
  Real Estate   
Loans 

 Commercial  

  Consumer   
  and Other   

Pass  
Special mention 
Substandard 
Doubtful   
  Totals   

$  464,643,034  $  40,308,707  $  125,951,550  $  162,804,795  $  329,065,052  $  56,150,250  $  79,427,732 
496,093 
338,846 
- 
$  480,185,395  $  41,246,207  $  129,087,825  $  171,148,893  $  341,482,925  $  58,439,799  $  80,262,671 

11,998,802 
3,543,559 
- 

9,641,982 
2,775,891 
- 

2,166,887 
969,388 
- 

1,860,727 
428,822 
- 

6,537,595 
1,806,503 
- 

937,500 
- 
- 

The  following  table  lists  the  loan  guides  used  by  the  Bank  as  credit  quality  indicators  and  the  balance  in  each 
category at December 31, 2018: 

Real Estate Loans 

Total 

  Construction  

  Residential   

Non- 
  Residential   

Total 
  Real Estate   
Loans 

 Commercial  

  Consumer   
  and Other   

Pass  
Special mention 
Substandard 
Doubtful   
  Totals   

$  410,896,316  $  30,404,245  $  120,829,193  $  133,380,172  $  284,613,610  $  44,136,536  $  82,146,170 
493,821 
336,182 
- 
$  430,795,891  $  30,404,245  $  124,789,754  $  144,103,065  $  299,297,064  $  48,522,654  $  82,976,173 

13,543,249 
6,356,326 
- 

9,748,050 
4,935,404 
- 

2,857,269 
1,103,292 
- 

3,301,378 
1,084,740 
- 

6,890,781 
3,832,112 
- 

- 
- 
- 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

The Company enters into financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet 
the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments consist of commitments to extend credit and 
standby letters of credit.  Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is 
no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or 
other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. A commitment involves, to varying degrees, elements 
of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet.  The Company’s exposure 
to  credit  loss  in  the  event  of  nonperformance  by  the  other  parties  to  the  instrument  is  represented  by  the 
contractual notional amount of the instrument. Since certain commitments are expected to expire without being 
drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Company 
uses the same credit policies in making commitments to extend credit as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.  
Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party and 
have essentially the same credit risk as other lending facilities. 

Collateral held for commitments to extend credit  and standby letters  of credit varies  but may  include  accounts 
receivable, inventory, property, plant, equipment, and income-producing commercial properties. 

The following table summarizes the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments whose contract amounts 
represent credit risk for the years ended December 31: 

Commitments to extend credit 
Standby letters of credit 

Acquired Loans: 

2019 

2018 

$  92,921,655 
589,196 

$  71,885,360 
158,765 

On January 22, 2018, the Company acquired INB (see Note 2 for more information). PCI loans acquired totaled 
$17.3  million,  and  acquired  performing  loans  totaled  $35.2  million,  both  net  of  purchase  discounts.  The  gross 
contractual amount receivable for PCI loans and acquired performing loans was approximately $19 million and $36 
million, respectively, as of the acquisition date. The fair value of the total loan portfolio was estimated to be $52.5 
million, which represents a $2.5 million discount. 

The following table presents changes in the carrying value of PCI loans for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 
2018: 

Balance at beginning of period 
  Additions due to acquisition of INB 
  Change due to payments received and accretion 
  Advances 
Balance at end of period 

$ 

$ 

14,666,715 
- 
(5,646,148) 
93,398 
9,113,965 

$ 

$ 

- 
17,313,626 
(3,042,422) 
395,511 
14,666,715 

       2019 

          2018 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 5. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses, Continued 

The following table presents changes in the nonaccretable yield for PCI loans for the year ended December 31, 
2019 and 2018: 

Balance at beginning of period 
  Additions due to acquisition of INB 
  Reclassification to accretable yield 
  Change due to charge-offs 
Balance at end of period 

       2019 

          2018 

$ 

$ 

1,048,796 
- 
(95,494) 
(461,929) 
491,373 

$ 

$ 

- 
1,423,522 
(158,064) 
(216,662) 
1,048,796 

The following table presents changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans for the year ended December 31, 2019 
and 2018 

       2019 

          2018 

Balance at beginning of period 
  Additions due to acquisition of INB 
  Reclassification for nonaccretable yield 
  Accretion, net cash basis interest collections 
Balance at end of period 

$ 

$ 

618,281 
- 
95,494 
(152,687) 
561,088 

$ 

$ 

- 
421,179 
158,064 
39,038 
618,281 

Note 6.  Premises, Furniture and Equipment 

Premises, furniture and equipment consisted of the following for the years ended December 31: 

Land   
Buildings  
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture and equipment 
Construction in progress 
  Total   
  Less, accumulated depreciation 
  Premises and equipment, net 

2019 

2018 

$ 

7,951,239  $  7,497,839 
  14,766,184 
14,822,259 
1,021,789 
1,630,762 
9,322,077 
9,464,291 
1,062,491 
1,308,421 
  33,916,310 
34,931,042 
    (14,510,536) 
  (13,605,431) 
$  20,420,506  $  20,310,879 

Depreciation  expense  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2019  and  2018  amounted  to  $814,612  and  $900,631, 
respectively. 

At  December  31,  2019  and  2018,  construction  in  progress  consists  mainly  of  architect  fees  and  site  work  for 
potential  new  branches.  As  of  December  31,  2019,  there  were  no  material  commitments  outstanding  for  the 
construction/or purchase of premises, furniture and equipment.    

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 7.  Other Real Estate Owned 

Transactions in other real estate owned for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized below: 

2019 

2018 

Beginning balance 
Additions  
Sales   
Write downs 
Ending balance 

$ 

341,519 
183,257 

$  1,706,765 
1,050,015 
        (176,724)          (2,415,261) 
                (500) 
- 
341,519 
347,552 
$ 

$ 

The Company recognized net gains of $27,676 and $203,685 on the sale of other real estate owned for the years 
ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Note 8.  Mortgage Servicing Rights 

The Company retains right to service the residential mortgage loans that it sells to the Federal National Mortgage 
Association (“FNMA”) and Freddie Mac (“FHLMC”). The Company accounts for MSRs at fair value. The changes in 
fair value are recorded in income from mortgage operations.  

The following table presents the activity for residential MSRs for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018: 

Balances, beginning of year 
Additions 
Change in MSR fair value 
Balances, end of year 

2019 

2018 

$  9,023,859 
  3,306,078 
      (1,307,299) 
$  11,022,638 

$  6,357,666 
2,991,033 
         (324,840) 
$  9,023,859 

The fair value of MSRs is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions and fair value is determined by estimating the 
present value of the asset’s future cash flows utilizing market-based prepayment rates, discount rates and other 
assumptions validated through comparison to trade information, industry surveys and with the use of independent 
third party appraisals. Changes in prepayment speed assumptions have the most significant impact on the fair value 
of MSRs.  Generally, as interest rates decline, mortgage loan prepayments accelerate due to increased refinance 
activity, which results in a decrease  in the fair value of the MSRs.  Measurement of fair value is limited to the 
conditions existing and the assumptions utilized as of a particular point in time, and those assumptions may not be 
appropriate if they are applied at a different time. 

At December 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of loans serviced by the Company for the benefit of others totaled 
$982,517,259.  

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 8.  Mortgage Servicing Rights, Continued 

The characteristics and sensitivity analysis of the MSRs are included in the following table as of December 31, 2019 
and 2018. 

  Composition of residential loans serviced for others 

  Fixed-rate mortgage loans 

  Weighted average life 

  Constant prepayment rate (“CPR”) 
  Weighted average discount rate 

Note 9.  Derivatives 

2019 

2018 

 100.00% 

100.00% 

9.19 years 

8.93 years 

9.00% 
8.56% 

10.57% 
9.48% 

The derivative positions of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are reported as other 
assets and liabilities and are as follows: 

Derivative assets (liabilities): 

  Mortgage loan interest rate 

lock commitments 
  Mortgage loan forward 
  sales commitments 

2019 

2018 

Fair value 

 Notional value  

     Fair value 

Notional value 

$ 

713,496 

$  19,895,637 

$ 

416,076 

$  22,415,124 

(49,453) 

18,000,000 

(186,133) 

22,250,000 

The Company uses derivatives to reduce interest rate risk incurred as a result of market movements. These derivatives 
primarily consist of mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments. A derivative is a financial instrument that derives 
its cash flows, and therefore its value, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or reference interest rate. The 
Company uses derivatives primarily to minimize interest rate risk related to its pipeline of loan interest rate lock 
commitments issued on residential mortgage loans in the process of origination for sale or loans held for sale. The 
Company’s derivative positions are classified as trading assets and liabilities, and as such, the changes in the fair 
market value of the derivative positions are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations within income 
from mortgage operations. 

Note 10.  Core Deposit Intangible 

The following table presents information about our intangible assets related to acquisition of INB on January 22, 2018 
as of December 31: 

2019 

2018 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Core deposit intangibles 

$ 

880,000  $ 

366,965 

$ 

880,000  $ 

195,783 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 10.  Core Deposit Intangible, Continued 

Based  on  the  core  deposit  intangibles  as  of  December  31,  2019,  the  following  table  presents  the  aggregate 
amortization expense for each of the succeeding years ending December 31: 

2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 and thereafter 

Total 

Amount 

146,582 
121,980 
97,379 
72,778 
74,316 
513,035 

$ 

$ 

Amortization expense of $171,182 and $195,783 related to the core deposit intangibles was recognized in 2019 
and 2018, respectively. 

Note 11.  Deposits 

At December 31, 2019, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows: 

Maturing In: 
2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 
2024  

Total 

$      

Amount 
145,158,645 
7,340,876 
2,679,311 
1,439,054 
1,517,162 
$              158,135,048 

Included in total time deposits at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were brokered time deposits of $13,459,783 and 
$4,966,726. 

Note 12.  Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature on a one to thirty day basis.  Under the terms of 
the  repurchase  agreement,  the  Company  sells  an  interest  in  securities  issued  by  United  States  Government 
agencies  and  agrees  to  repurchase  the  same  securities  the  following  business  day.    Information  concerning 
securities sold under agreements to repurchase is summarized as follows at December 31: 

Balance at December 31 
Maximum month-end balance during the year 
Average balance during the year 
Average interest rate at the end of the year 
Average interest rate during the year 

35 

2019 

2018 

  $  14,637,332 
  15,778,316 
  13,301,943 
0.51% 
0.56% 

$  16,852,981 
  18,649,225 
  16,591,130 
0.15% 
0.15% 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 12.  Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase, Continued 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, investment securities with a par value of $14,832,908 and $18,122,712 and a fair 
market  value  of  $15,103,164  and  $17,342,165,  respectively,  were  pledged  as  collateral  for  the  underlying 
agreements. 

Note 13.  Federal Home Loan Bank Advances 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances consisted of the following at December 31: 

  Fixed rate 

  February 8, 2019 
  August 8, 2019 
  February 7, 2020 
  September 20, 2029 
  October 25, 2020 
  January 27, 2020 

  Daily rate 

  January 17, 2020 

 Interest 
  Rate   

2.36% 
2.64% 
2.76% 
1.62% 
1.34% 
1.80% 

1.78% 

2019 

2018 

- 
- 
3,300,000 
  10,000,000 
5,000,000 
5,000,000 

3,400,000 
3,300,000 
3,300,000 
- 
- 
- 

  20,000,000 
$  43,300,000 

  10,000,000 
$  20,000,000 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has pledged certain loans totaling $183,459,356 and $137,040,574, 
respectively, as collateral to secure its borrowings from the FHLB. Additionally, the Company’s FHLB stock is pledged 
to secure the borrowings.  

Note 14.  Junior Subordinated Debentures 

On June 30, 2005, the Trust (a non-consolidated subsidiary) issued $10,000,000 in trust preferred securities (callable 
without penalty) with a maturity of November 23, 2035.  Interest on these securities is payable quarterly at the 
three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.75%.  In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Trust has not 
been consolidated in these financial statements.  The Company received from the trust the $10,000,000 proceeds 
from the issuance of the securities and the $310,000 initial proceeds from the capital investment in the Trust, and 
accordingly  has  shown  the  funds  due  to  the  trust  as  $10,310,000  junior  subordinated  debentures.    Current 
regulations  allow  the  entire  amount  of  junior  subordinated  debentures  to  be  included  in  the  calculation  of 
regulatory  capital.  As  of  December  31,  2019  and  2018,  the  Company  had  accrued  and  unpaid  interest  totaling 
$40,237 and $50,073, respectively. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 15.  Borrowings 

On August 5, 2016, the Company entered into subordinated debt agreements with  eight lenders which totaled 
$5,000,000.  The  debt  initially  bears  interest  at  a  fixed  rate of 7.00%  per  annum  until  August  1, 2021  and  then 
variable at three-month LIBOR plus 5.86%, payable quarterly with principal and unpaid interest due at maturity, 
August 5, 2026.  The Company recorded $111,450 in issuance costs associated with the subordinated debt, which 
is recorded net within subordinated debentures and to be amortized over five years. As of December 31, 2019, 
remaining issuance costs to be amortized totaled $34,786. 

On July 8, 2016, the Company obtained a note with  CresCom Bank in the amount of $7,000,000.  The  debt  bore 
interest  at  a  fixed  rate  of  4.95%  per  annum  with  principal  and  interest  due  quarterly  based  on  a  nine  year 
amortization  of  the  principal  amount  outstanding  and  any  outstanding  principal  and  unpaid  interest  due  at 
maturity, July 8, 2021.  The Company recorded $115,284 in issuance costs associated with the note payable, which 
was recorded net within the note payable and to be amortized over five years. The debt was securitized by the 
assignment of Company common stock. The note was paid in full during 2017. 

Proceeds from the subordinated debt  and note payable were used to repay the Series A and Series B Preferred 
Stock as described in Note 16. 

Note 16.  Shareholders’ Equity 

Common Stock  - The  following is a summary of the changes  in common  stock outstanding for the years ended 
December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Common shares outstanding at beginning of the period 
Conversion of Series D preferred stock to common stock 
Conversion of Series E preferred stock to non-voting common stock 
Restricted stock issuance 
Forfeiture of restricted shares 
Common shares outstanding at end of the period 

2019 

2018 

8,412,671 
850 
- 
130,557 
(100,000) 
8,444,078 

7,887,486 
1,800 
410,499 
132,886 
(20,000) 
8,412,671 

During 2018, the Company authorized 430,000 shares of non-voting common stock, for which the 410,499 shares 
of Series E Preferred Stock issued during 2017 were converted to non-voting common stock during 2018. 

Preferred Stock - The Company’s Articles of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of a class of 10,000,000 shares 
of  preferred  stock,  having  no  par  value.    Subject  to  certain  conditions,  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors  is 
authorized to issue preferred stock without shareholder approval.  Under the Articles of Incorporation, the Board 
of  Directors  is  authorized  to  determine  the  terms  of  one  or  more  series  of  preferred  stock,  including  the 
preferences, rights, and limitations of each series. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 16.  Shareholders’ Equity, Continued 

On March 6, 2009, the Company completed a transaction with the United States Treasury (the “Treasury”) under 
the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program, whereby the Company sold 15,349 shares of its Series 
A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Shares”) to the Treasury. In addition, the Treasury received 
a warrant to purchase 767 shares of the Company’s Series B Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series B 
Shares”), which was immediately exercised for a nominal exercise price.  The preferred shares issued to the Treasury 
qualify as Tier 1 capital for regulatory purposes.  On March 1, 2013, the Treasury auctioned the subject securities in 
a private transaction with unaffiliated third-party investors.  

The Series A Preferred Stock was a senior cumulative perpetual preferred stock that had a liquidation preference 
of $1,000 per share, paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per year (approximately $767,000 annually) for the 
first five years and beginning May 15, 2014, at a rate of 9% per year (approximately $1,381,000 annually).  Dividends 
were payable quarterly.  At any time, the Company could, at its option and with regulatory approval, redeem the 
Series A Preferred Stock at par value plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  The Series A Preferred Stock was generally 
non-voting.  

The Series B Preferred Stock was a cumulative perpetual preferred stock that had the same rights, preferences, 
privileges, voting rights and other terms as the Series A Preferred Stock, except that dividends were to be paid at 
the rate of 9% per year so long as the Series A Preferred Stock was outstanding and could not be redeemed until 
all the Series A Preferred Stock had been redeemed.   The Series A and Series B Preferred Shares would received 
preferential treatment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.   

The net amount of the accretion and amortization was treated as a deemed dividend to preferred shareholders in 
the computation of income (loss) per share. 

During 2016, the Company redeemed both Series A and Series B Preferred Stock outstanding totaling $15,179,709 
and $767,000, respectively. The preferred stock was repaid through borrowings obtained as described in Note 15. 

The Series D Preferred Stock ("Series D Shares") is a fixed rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, created 
July 16, 2015, with the authorized issuance of 70,000 shares. The Series D shares were created for the purpose of 
converting Common Stock holders with 200 shares or less to Series D Shares. The Series D Shares have no voting 
rights, and in the event dividends are declared on Common Stock, will be entitled to 4% more than those paid on 
the Common Stock. Series D Shares will, with respect to ranking to include but not limited to dividends and rights 
upon liquidation, be junior to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock, and will rank senior to 
all Common Stock.  

On September 22, 2017, the Company issued 410,499 shares of Series E Preferred Stock ("Series E Shares"). The 
Series E Shares were created in conjunction with the 2017 common stock issuance. The Series E Shares have no  
voting rights, and are entitled to receive dividends as declared in the same per share amount as common stock. 
During 2018, the Series E Shares were converted to 410,499 shares of non-voting common stock. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 16.  Shareholders’ Equity, Continued 

Restrictions on Shareholders’ Equity - South Carolina banking regulations restrict the amount of dividends that can 
be paid to shareholders.  All of the Bank’s dividends to the Company are payable only from the undivided profits of 
the Bank.  At December 31, 2019, the Bank had undivided profits of $ 17,670,183. The Bank is authorized to dividend 
100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the South Carolina Commissioner 
of Banks provided that the Bank received a composite CAMELS rating of one or two at the last Federal or State 
regulatory examination.  Under Federal Reserve regulations, the amounts of loans or advances from the Bank to 
the parent company are also restricted.  

Note 17.  Other Operating Expense 

Other operating expenses are summarized below for the years ended December 31: 

Advertising 
Office supplies, postage and printing 
Telephone 
Professional fees and services 
Supervisory fees and assessments 
Debit and credit card expenses 
Insurance expenses 
Net cost of other real estate owned 
Core deposit amortization 
Other 
Total 

Note 18.  Income Taxes 

2019 

2018 

$ 

200,187 
322,021 
313,198 
1,339,913 
164,890 
925,883 
215,072 
11,549 
171,182 
2,042,389 
$  5,706,284 

$ 

306,279 
364,275 
312,631 
730,057 
343,855 
959,931 
230,268 
21,874 
195,783 
2,084,609 
$  5,549,562 

Income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is summarized as follows: 

Provision 
  Current income tax expense 

  Federal 
  State 

  Total current 

  Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 

  Federal 
  State 

  Total deferred  

  Change in valuation allowance 
  Total income tax expense 

39 

2019 

2018 

$ 

$ 

- 
232,536 
232,536 

- 
70,794 
70,794 

1,005,350 
(56,175) 
949,175 

71,522 
$  1,253,233 

$ 

589,897 
19,579 
609,476 

61,336 
741,606 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 18.  Income Taxes, Continued 

The components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, are as follows: 

Deferred tax assets: 
  Allowance for loan losses 
  Accumulated depreciation 
  Net operating losses 
  Non-accrual interest 
  Unrealized loss on securities available for sale 
  Deferred compensation 
  Federal and state credits 
  Other real estate owned 
  Purchase accounting on acquisition 
    Leases 
  Other  

  Gross deferred tax assets 

Less, valuation allowance 

  Net deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
  Accumulated depreciation 
  Prepaid expenses 
  Unrealized gains on securities available for sale 
  Market to market adjustments 
  Other  

  Total gross deferred tax liabilities 
  Net deferred tax assets recognized 

$ 

2019 

2018 

596,882 
- 
8,292,928 
12,893 
- 
589,609 
- 
- 
163,668 
6,758 
129,225 
9,791,963 
(626,955) 
9,165,008 

$ 

585,519 
2,945 
8,670,310 
10,829 
224,520 
507,915 
15,493 
24,636 
309,455 
- 
135,056 
  10,486,678 
(555,433) 
9,931,245 

14,779 
21,547 
98,715 
2,387,453 
62,874 
2,585,368 
$  6,579,640 

- 
22,645 

1,943,298 
41,730 
2,007,673 
$  7,923,572 

Deferred tax assets represent the future tax benefit of deductible differences and, if it is more likely than not that 
a  tax  asset  will  not  be  realized,  a  valuation  allowance  is  required  to  reduce  the  net  deferred  tax  assets  to  net 
realizable value.  As of December 31, 2019, management has determined that it is more likely than not that the 
majority of the deferred tax asset from continuing operations will be realized. In 2019, the balance in the valuation 
allowance changed by $71,522. The remaining valuation allowance relates to the parent company’s state operating 
loss carryforwards for which realizability is uncertain. 

The Company has federal net operating losses of $36,630,028 and $38,719,915 for the years ended December 31, 
2019 and 2018, respectively.  The Company has state net operating losses of $15,205,628 and $13,648,822 for the 
years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In addition, the Company has Alternative Minimum Tax 
("AMT") credit carryforwards which have been reclassified to taxes receivable to reflect the refundable nature of 
the credits under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 18.  Income Taxes, Continued 

A reconciliation between the income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory rate 
of 21% to income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 follows: 

  Tax expense at statutory rate  
  State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal income tax benefit  
  Tax-exempt interest income 
  Disallowed interest expense 
  Life insurance surrender value 
  Change in valuation allowance 
  Other, net  
  Total 

2019 

2018 

$  1,121,835 
139,325 
(28,525) 
1,393 
(81,075) 
71,522 
28,758 
$  1,253,233 

$ 

$ 

666,086 
71,395 
(30,839) 
949 
(82,017) 
61,336 
54,696 
741,606 

The Company had analyzed the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its tax returns and concluded it has 
no liability related to uncertain tax positions.  Tax returns for 2016 and subsequent years are subject to review by 
taxing authorities. 

Note 19.  Related Party Transactions 

Certain parties (principally certain directors and executive officers of the Company, their immediate families and 
business  interests)  are  loan  customers  of  the  Company.    In  compliance  with  relevant  law  and  regulations,  the 
Company’s related party loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as 
those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons not related to the lender and do not involve 
more than the normal risk of collectability.  As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had related party 
loans totaling $1,318,435 and $1,422,497, respectively.  

Deposits  from  directors and  executive  officers  and  their  related  interests  totaled  $2,546,515  and $1,610,022  at 
December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

Note 20.  Commitments and Contingencies 

In  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  the  Company  may,  from  time  to  time,  become  a  party  to  legal  claims  and 
disputes.  At  December  31,  2019,  management  and  legal  counsel  are  not  aware  of  any  pending  or  threatened 
litigation  or  unasserted  claims  or  assessments  that  could  result  in  losses,  if  any,  that  would  be  material  to  the 
consolidated financial statements. 

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842 “Leases”. Currently, the Company has operating leases 
on  eleven of  its  facilities  that  are  accounted  for  under  this  standard.  At  December 31, 2019  the  Company  had 
operating lease right of use asset of $5,669,144, and operating lease liability of $5,701,327.  

Rental expense recorded under the leases for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $1,028,736 and 
$937,904, respectively.  

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 20.  Commitments and Contingencies 

The weighted average remaining lease term as of December 31, 2019 is 10.32 years and the weighted average 
discount rate used is 3.12%. The following table shows future undiscounted lease payments for operating leases 
with initial terms of one year or more as of December 31, 2019 are as follow:  

2020 
2021 
2022 
2023 
2024 
Thereafter 
     Total undiscounted lease payments 
Less effect of discounting 
Present value of estimate lease payments (lease liability) 

Note 21. Equity Incentive Plan 

  $ 

815,341 
628,880 
651,205 
583,722 
595,877 
3,316,203 
6,591,228 
(889,901) 
  $      5,701,327 

On April 20, 2017, the Company approved the 2017 Plan (collectively "the Plan"). The 2017 Plan allows granting up 
to 500,000 shares. The maximum aggregate shares subject to options is restricted to 80,000 in any calendar year 
to any one participant. The aggregate number of shares subject to awards of restricted stock is restricted to 50,000 
in any calendar year to any one participant. Awards may be granted for a term of up to five years from the effective 
date of the grant. 

The  Company  can  issue  the  restricted  shares  as  of  the  grant  date  either  by  the  issuance  of  share  certificate(s) 
evidencing restricted shares or by documenting the issuance in uncertificated or book entry form on the Company's 
stock records. Except as provided by the Plans, the employee does not have the right to make or permit to exist any 
transfer or hypothecation of any restricted shares. When restricted shares vest, the employee must either pay the 
Company within two business days the amount of all tax withholding obligations imposed on the Company or make 
an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code to pay taxes at grant date. 

Restricted shares may be subject to one or more objective employment, performance or other forfeiture conditions 
established by the Plan Committee at the time of grant.  Under the terms of the Plans, the restricted shares will vest 
completely based on the individual grants vesting period, which is between four and seven years. The shares are 
forfeited entirely if the participant terminates employment for any reason other than changes in control. Any shares 
of  restricted  stock  that  are  forfeited  will  again  become  available  for  issuance  under  the  Plan.    An  employee  or 
director has the right to vote the shares of restricted stock after grant until they are forfeited.  Compensation cost 
for  restricted  stock  is  equal  to  the  market  value  of  the  shares  at  the  date  of  the  award  and  is  amortized  to 
compensation expense over the vesting period.  Dividends, if any, will be paid on awarded but unvested stock. 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 21. Equity Incentive Plan 

During 2019 and 2018, the Company issued 130,557 and 132,886 shares, respectively, of restricted stock pursuant 
to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, 558,176 and 579,838 shares, 
respectively,  issued  under  the  Plans  vest  between  the  fourth  and  seventh  anniversary  of  the  date  of  grant, 
depending on the  individual restricted stock  grant  and thus will be  fully vested in 2024, subject  to meeting the 
performance criteria of the Plan. During 2019 and 2018, 8,496 and 26,618 shares, respectively, were issued which 
vested during each of the respective years. The weighted-average fair value of restricted stock issued during 2019 
and  2018  was  $7.07  and  $7.39  per  share,  respectively.  During  2019  and  2018,  100,000  and  27,930  shares, 
respectively, were either forfeited or cancelled having a weighted average price of $7.50. Also, during 2019 and 
2018, 53,552 and 26,618 shares were exercised, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of restricted stock  
Exercised during 2019 and 2018 was $5.84 and $3.82, respectively. Deferred compensation expense of $354,714 
and $294,069 during 2019 and 2018, respectively, was recorded in salaries and employee benefits expense.   

During 2019 no stock options were issued. During 2018, the Company issued 40,000 stock options pursuant to the 
2017 Equity Incentive Plan.  

The  fair  value  of  2018  options  granted  was  estimated  on  the  date  of  the  grant  using  the  Black-Scholes  option 
pricing, resulting in a total expense of $92,958. The Black-Scholes model with assumptions is presented below: 

Grant date 
Total number of options granted 
Expected volatility 
Expected term 
Expected dividend 
Risk-free rate 
Grant date fair value 

January 18, 2018 
40,000 
20.58% 
7 years 
0.00% 
2.55% 
$7.75 

Outstanding at December 31, 2018 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding at December 31, 2019 
Options exercisable as of December 31, 2019 

 Weighted-  
  Average 
 Remaining  
 Life (Years)  

 Weighted-  
  Average 
  Exercise 
Price 

$ 

7.26 
- 
- 
- 
7.26 
7.26 

3.80 
3.77 

  Options 

200,000 
- 
- 
- 
200,000 
82,944 

The Company recognized stock-based compensation costs related to stock options of $58,684 and $57,532 for the 
years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2019, there was $248,984 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the outstanding 
stock options that will be recognized over the remainder of their vesting schedule. 

At December 31, 2019, there were 300,000 stock awards available for grant under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 22.  Income Per Common Share 

Net income available to common shareholders represents net income adjusted for preferred dividends including 
dividends  declared,  accretions  of  discounts  and  amortization  of  premiums  on  preferred  stock  issuances  and 
cumulative dividends related to the current dividend period that have not been declared as of period end.   

The following is a summary of the income per common share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2019 
and 2018. 

Income available to common shareholders 
  Net income 
  Preferred stock dividends 
  Net income available to common shareholders 

Basic income per common share:  
  Net income available to common shareholders 

  Average common shares outstanding - basic 

  Basic income per common share 

Diluted income per common share: 
  Net income available to common shareholders 

  Average common shares outstanding - basic 

  Dilutive potential common shares 
  Average common shares outstanding - diluted 

  Diluted income per common share 

Note 23.  Regulatory Matters 

2019 

2018 

$  4,088,839 
- 
$  4,088,839 

$  2,430,234 
- 
$  2,430,234 

$  4,088,839 

$  2,430,234 

7,937,617 

7,738,547 

$ 

0.52  $ 

0.31 

$  4,088,839 

$  2,430,234 

7,937,617 

7,738,547 

124,869 
8,062,486 

129,039 
7,867,586 

$ 

0.51  $ 

0.31 

The  Bank  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 adverse material effect on the Company's financial 
statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the 
Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and 
certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts 
and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, 
and other factors. 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum 
ratios (set forth in the table below) of Tier 1, Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”), and total capital as a percentage of 
assets and off-balance-sheet exposures, adjusted for risk-weights ranging from 0% to 150%.  Tier 1 capital of the 
Bank consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available-for-
sale,  minus  certain  intangible  assets,  while  CET1  is  comprised  of  Tier  1  capital,  adjusted  for  certain  regulatory 
deductions and limitations. Tier 2 capital consists of the allowance for loan losses subject to certain limitations. 
Total capital for purposes of computing the capital ratios consists of the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 23.  Regulatory Matters, Continued 

The Bank  is also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on total assets, which is known as the 
leverage ratio. The Bank is required to maintain a required minimum leverage ratio of 4%. 

Effective  March  31,  2015,  quantitative  measures  established  by  applicable  regulatory  standards,  including  the 
newly implemented Basel III revised capital adequacy standards and relevant provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall 
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd Frank Act”), require the Bank to maintain (i) a minimum ratio 
of Tier 1 capital to average total assets, after certain adjustments, of 4.00%, (ii) a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to 
risk-weighted  assets  of  6.00%,  (iii)  a  minimum  ratio  of  total-capital  to  risk-weighted  assets  of  8.00%  and  (iv)  a 
minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of 4.50%. A “well-capitalized” institution must generally maintain 
capital ratios 2% higher than the minimum guidelines. 

In order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments to executives, the Bank is 
required to maintain a “capital conservation buffer” in addition to its minimum risk-based capital requirements. 
This buffer is required to consist solely of CET1, but the buffer applies to all three risk-based measurements (CET1, 
Tier 1 and total capital). The capital conservation buffer began to be phased in incrementally over time, beginning 
January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and was fully effective on January 1, 2019, consisting of an additional amount of Tier 1 
capital equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.  

The  following  table  summarizes  the  capital  amounts  and  ratios  of  the  Bank  and  the  regulatory  minimum 
requirements at December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

(Dollars in Thousands) 

December 31, 2019 
The Bank 
  Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) 
  Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 
  Tier 1 capital (to average assets) 
  Common Equity Tier 1 Capital 
(to risk-weighted assets) 

December 31, 2018 
The Bank 
  Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) 
  Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) 
  Tier 1 capital (to average assets) 
  Common Equity Tier 1 Capital 
(to risk-weighted assets) 

Actual 

  Amount   

  Ratio  

For Capital 
 Adequacy Purposes  
  Ratio  
  Amount   

To Be Well 
  Capitalized Under  
 Prompt Corrective  
  Action Provisions   
 Ratio  
  Amount   

$  62,299 
58,752 
58,752 
58,752 

  11.54%  $  43,183 
32,387 
  10.88 
24,290 
  9.23 
25,473 
  10.88 

  8.00%  $  53,978 
43,183 
  6.00 
35,086 
  4.00 
31,841 
  4.50 

  10.00% 
  8.00 
  5.00 
  6.50 

$  56,216 
53,191 
53,191 
53,191 

  12.05%  $  37,308 
27,981 
  11.41 
22,380 
  9.51 
20,986 
  11.41 

  8.00%  $  46,635 
37,308 
  6.00 
27,975 
  4.00 
30,313 
  4.50 

  10.00% 
  8.00 
  5.00 
  6.50 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 24.  Unused Lines of Credit 

The Bank had available at December 31, 2019 several unsecured lines of credit, which were unused, to purchase up 
to $22,500,000 of federal funds from one unrelated correspondent institution. Also, as of December 31, 2019, the 
Bank had the ability to borrow funds from the FHLB of up to $150,158,851.  At that date, $43,300,000, had been 
advanced.  

Note 25.  Fair Value Measurements 

Generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) provide a framework for measuring and disclosing fair value that 
requires  disclosures  about  the  fair  value  of  assets  and  liabilities  recognized  in  the  balance  sheet,  whether  the 
measurements  are  made  on  a  recurring  basis  (for  example,  available-for-sale  investment  securities)  or  on  a 
nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired loans). 

Fair value is defined as the exchange in price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an 
exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between 
market participants on the measurement date. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity 
to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. 

The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine 
fair value disclosures. Securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from 
time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as 
loans held for sale, loans held for investment and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments 
typically involve application of the lower of cost or market accounting or the writing down of individual assets. 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of significant financial instruments: 

Fair Value Hierarchy 

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 the 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 the use of 
option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques. 

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

Securities Available-for-Sale and Marketable Equity Securities - Securities available for sale are recorded at fair 
value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are 
not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation  

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 25.  Fair Value Measurements, Continued 

techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment 
assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active 
exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange, Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active 
over-the counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage backed securities issued 
by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities classified as Level 3 
include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets. 

Loans - The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis, however, from time to time, a loan 
is considered impaired and an allowance for loan loss is established.  Loans for which it is probable that payment 
of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan are considered 
impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment. The fair value of 
impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the collateral value, market value of similar 
debt, enterprise value, liquidation value, and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring a specific 
allowance  represent  loans  for  which  the  fair  value  of  expected  repayments  or  collateral  exceed  the  recorded 
investment in such loans. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, a significant portion of impaired loans were evaluated 
based upon the fair value of the collateral. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair 
value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on 
an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the loan as nonrecurring Level 2. 
When  an  appraised  value  is  not  available  or management  determines  the  fair value  of the  collateral  is  further 
impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the loan as 
nonrecurring Level 3. 

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale  -  Mortgage  loans held for sale are comprised of loans originated  for sale in the 
ordinary course of business. The fair value of mortgage loans originated for sale in the secondary market is based 
on purchase commitments or quoted prices for the same or similar loans and are classified as recurring Level 2. 

Other Real Estate Owned - Foreclosed assets are adjusted to fair value upon transfer of the loans to OREO.  Real 
estate acquired in settlement of loans is recorded initially at estimated fair value of the property less estimated 
selling  costs  at  the  date  of  foreclosure.  The  initial  recorded  value  may  be  subsequently  reduced  by  additional 
allowances, which are charges to earnings if the estimated fair value of the property less estimated selling costs 
declines below the initial recorded value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of 
the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is 
based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the foreclosed asset as 
nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the 
collateral is further impaired below  the  appraised value  and there  is no observable market price, the  Company 
records the foreclosed asset as nonrecurring Level 3. 

Mortgage Servicing Rights - Mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable 
market data.  As a result, the Company estimates the fair value of mortgage servicing rights by using a discounted 
cash flow model to calculate the present value of estimated future net servicing income.  The Company stratifies 
its mortgage servicing portfolio on the basis of loan type.  The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model 
are  those  that  market  participants  would  use  in  estimating  future  net  servicing  income.   Assumptions  in  the 
valuation of mortgage servicing rights may include estimated loan repayment rates, the discount rate, servicing 
costs,  and the timing  of  cash  flows,  among other  factors.  The  Company measures mortgage  servicing  rights  as 
recurring Level 3. 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 25.  Fair Value Measurements, Continued 

Derivatives - The Company’s valuation techniques and inputs to internally-developed models depend on the type 
of derivative and nature of the underlying rate, price or index upon which the derivative's value is based. Key inputs 
can  include  yield  curves,  credit  curves,  foreign-exchange  rates,  prepayment  rates,  volatility  measurements  and 
correlation of such inputs. Where model inputs can be observed in a liquid market and the model does not require 
significant  judgment,  such derivatives  are  typically classified as Level 2 of the fair value  hierarchy. Examples of 
derivatives classified as Level 2 include interest rate lock commitments written for our residential mortgage loans 
that we intend to sell. When instruments are traded in less liquid markets and significant inputs are unobservable, 
such derivatives are classified as Level 3.  Additionally, significant judgments are required when classifying financial 
instruments within the fair value hierarchy, particularly between Level 2 and 3, as is the case for certain derivatives. 

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level 
within the hierarchy at December 31, 2019 and 2018. 

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

December 31, 2019 

Available-for-sale securities: 
  U.S. Government sponsored agencies 
  Municipal securities 
  Mortgage-backed securities 
  Corporate bonds 

  Total available-for-sale securities 

Marketable equity securities 
Mortgage loans held for sale 
Mortgage servicing rights 
Derivative assets (liabilities): 
  Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments 
  Mortgage loan forward sales commitments 

Available-for-sale securities: 
  U.S. Government sponsored agencies 
  Municipal securities 
  Mortgage-backed securities 
  Corporate bonds 

  Total available-for-sale securities 

Marketable equity securities 
Mortgage loans held for sale 
Mortgage servicing rights 
Derivative assets (liabilities): 
  Mortgage loan interest rate lock commitments 
  Mortgage loan forward sales commitments 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

$  10,938,684 
1,464,665 
19,377,081 
3,903,716 
35,684,146 
30,895 
27,901,419 
- 

$ 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
11,022,638 

713,496 
(49,453) 
$  64,280,503 

- 
- 
$  11,022,638 

December 31, 2018 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

$ 

$  13,929,850 
1,333,451 
15,552,568 
2,572,776 
33,388,645 
168,151 
12,713,361 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
9,023,859 

416,076 
(186,133) 
$  46,500,100 

$ 

- 
- 
9,023,859 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$  10,938,684 
1,464,665 
19,377,081 
3,903,716 
35,684,146 
30,895 
27,901,419 
11,022,638 

713,496 
(49,453) 
$  75,303,141 

Total 

$  13,929,850 
1,333,451 
15,552,568 
2,572,776 
33,388,645 
168,151 
12,713,361 
9,023,859 

416,076 
(186,133) 
$  55,523,959 

$ 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 25.  Fair Value Measurements, Continued 

The changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows: 

Balance, December 31, 2017 
Transfers into/out of Level 3 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net 
Total net gains (losses) included in: 
  Net income 
Balance, December 31, 2018 
Transfers into/out of Level 3 
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net 
Total net gains (losses) included in: 
  Net income 
Balance, December 31, 2019 

  Mortgage 
  Servicing 

Rights 

$  6,357,666 
- 
2,991,033 

(324,840) 
9,023,859 
- 
3,306,078 

(1,307,299) 
$  11,022,638 

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is,  the instruments are not 
measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for 
example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The following table presents the assets and liabilities measured 
at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, aggregated by level in the fair 
value hierarchy within which those measurements fall. 

December 31, 2019 
Impaired loans 

  Other real estate owned 

  Total assets at fair value 

December 31, 2018 
Impaired loans 

  Other real estate owned 

  Total assets at fair value 

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,342,929 
347,552 
4,690,481 

Total 

9,446,787 
341,519 
9,788,306 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Level 1 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Level 2 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,342,929 
347,552 
4,690,481 

Level 3 

9,446,787 
341,519 
9,788,306 

The Company had no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 25.  Fair Value Measurements, Continued 

For Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis as of December 31, 
2019 and December 31, 2018, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements were as 
follows: 

Fair Value as of 
December 31, 
2019 

  Valuation Technique 

Significant 
Observable Inputs 

Significant Unobservable 
Inputs 

Impaired loans  

$ 

4,342,929 

Appraisal Value 

Appraisals and/or 
sales of comparable 
properties 

Other real estate 

$ 

347,552 

owned 

Appraisal 
Value/Comparison 
Sales/Other estimates 

Appraisals and/or 
sales of comparable 
properties 

Appraisals discounted 5% 
to 30% for sales 
commissions and other 
holding cost 

Appraisals discounted 10% 
to 20% for sales 
commissions and other 
holding cost 

Fair Value as of 
December 31, 
2018 

  Valuation Technique 

Significant 
Observable Inputs 

Significant Unobservable 
Inputs 

Impaired loans  

$ 

9,446,787 

Appraisal Value 

Appraisals and/or 
sales of comparable 
properties 

Other real estate 

$ 

341,519 

owned 

Appraisal 
Value/Comparison 
Sales/Other estimates 

Appraisals and/or 
sales of comparable 
properties 

Appraisals discounted 5% 
to 30% for sales 
commissions and other 
holding cost 

Appraisals discounted 10% 
to 20% for sales 
commissions and other 
holding cost 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

The following table includes the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities. The 
methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured on a recurring and 
nonrecurring basis are discussed above.  The methodologies for estimating the fair value for other financial assets 
and  financial  liabilities  are  discussed  below.  The  estimated  fair  value  amounts  have  been  determined  by  the 
Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.  However, considerable 
judgement is required to interpret market data in order to develop the estimates of fair value.  Accordingly, the 
estimates presented below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current 
market exchange.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation techniques may have a material 
effect on the estimated fair value amounts at December 31, 2019 and 2018.   

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 25.  Fair Value Measurements, Continued 

December 31, 

2019 

2018 

  Carrying 

Value 

Fair 
Value 

  Carrying 

Value 

Fair 
Value 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Securities available-for-sale 
Marketable equity securities 
Securities held-to-maturity 
Mortgage loans held for sale 
Loans held for investment, net 
Nonmarketable equity securities 
Deposits 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase 
Federal funds purchased 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 
Subordinated debentures 

$  40,340,683  $  40,340,683  $  34,561,988  $  34,561,988 
33,388,645 
168,151 
14,250,850 
12,713,361 
  426,199,683 
1,393,500 
  477,204,481 
16,852,981 
- 
20,020,000 
14,546,533 

33,388,645 
168,151 
14,107,252 
12,713,361 
  428,007,703 
1,393,500 
  476,168,709 
16,852,981 
- 
20,000,000 
15,244,877 

35,684,146 
30,895 
10,417,168 
27,901,419 
  476,655,540 
2,423,200 
  505,087,637 
14,637,332 
16,500,000 
43,300,000 
15,275,214 

35,684,146 
30,895 
10,746,649 
27,901,419 
  474,301,267 
2,423,200 
  505,307,623 
14,637,332 
16,500,000 
42,997,000 
13,813,483 

Cash and cash equivalents 
The carrying amount approximates fair value for these instruments.   

Investment securities 
The  fair  value  of  investment  securities  are  generally  determined  using  widely  accepted  valuation  techniques 
including market prices, matrix pricing, and broker-quote-based applications.   

Loans held for sale 
Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.  These loans currently consist of on-to-four family 
residential real estate loans originated for sale to qualified third parties.  Fair value is based upon the contractual 
price to be received from these third parties, which may be different than cost.   

Loans held for investment 
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics if collateral-dependent.  Loans 
are  segregated  by  type.    The  fair  value  of  performing  loans  is  calculated  by  discounting  scheduled  cash  flows 
through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect observable market information 
incorporating the credit, liquidity, yield and other risks inherent in the loan.  The estimate of maturity is based upon 
the  Company’s  historical  experience  with  repayments  for  each  loan  classification,  modified,  as  required, by  an 
estimate of the effect of the current economic and lending conditions.   

Fair value for significant non-performing loans is generally based upon recent external appraisals.  If appraisals are 
not available, estimated cash flows are discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk associated with the 
estimated  cash  flows.  Assumptions  regarding  credit  risk,  cash  flows  and  discounted  rates  are  judgmentally 
determined using available market information and specific borrower information.   

Loan fair value estimated using exit price notion as of December 31, 2019 based on adoption of ASU 2016-01. The 
methods used to estimate fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price as of December 31, 2018. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 25.  Fair Value Measurements, Continued 

Nonmarketable equity securities 
Nonmarketable equity securities are carried at original cost basis, as cost approximates fair value and there is no 
ready market for such investments.   

Deposits 
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity date, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings and 
money market and checking accounts, is based on the discounted value of estimated cash flows.  The fair value of 
time deposits is based upon the discounted value of contractual cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using 
the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.   

Notes payable 
The fair carrying value of notes payable is estimated by using discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental 
borrowing rates for similar types of instruments These are classified as Level 2. 

Subordinated debentures 
The fair value of subordinated debentures is estimated by using discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental 
borrowing rates for similar types of instruments These are classified as Level 2. 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances 
Fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows using current market rates for borrowing with similar terms 
and are classified as of Level 2. 

Other borrowings 
The fair value of federal funds purchased and securities under agreements to repurchase approximate 
the carrying amount because of the short maturity of these borrowings.  

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 26.  Revenue and Recognition 

In accordance with Topic 606, revenues are recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred 
to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for 
those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within 
the scope of Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; 
(ii)  identify  the  performance  obligations  in  the  contract;  (iii)  determine  the  transaction  price;  (iv)  allocate  the 
transaction  price  to  the  performance  obligations  in  the  contract;  and  (v)  recognize  revenue  when  (or  as)  the 
Company satisfies a performance obligation. 

The  Company  only  applies  the  five-step  model  to  contracts  when  it  is  probable  that  the  entity  will  collect  the 
consideration  it  is  entitled  to  in  exchange  for  the  goods  or  services  it  transfers  to  the  customer.  At  contract 
inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods 
or services that are promised within each contract and identifies those that contain performance obligations, and 
assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount 
of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance 
obligation is satisfied. 

Deposit  Service  Charges:  The  Bank  earns  fees  from  its  deposit  customers  for  account  maintenance, 
transaction-based  and  overdraft  services.   Account  maintenance  fees  consist  primarily  of  account  fees  and 
analyzed account fees charged on deposit accounts on a monthly basis.  The performance obligation is satisfied 
and  the  fees  are  recognized  on  a  monthly  basis  as  the  service  period  is  completed.  Transaction-based  fees  on 
deposits accounts are charged to deposit customers for specific services provided to the customer, such as non-
sufficient funds fees, overdraft fees, and wire fees. The performance obligation is completed as the transaction 
occurs and the fees are recognized at the time each specific service is provided to the customer. 

Check Card Fee Income: Check card fee income represents fees earned when a debit card issued by the 
Bank  is  used.   The  Bank  earns  interchange  fees  from  debit  cardholder  transactions  through  the  VISA  payment 
network.   Interchange  fees  from  cardholder  transactions  represent  a  percentage  of  the  underlying  transaction 
value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. 
The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are earned when the cost of the transaction is charged to the 
card.  Certain expenses directly associated with the debit card are recorded on a net basis with the fee income. 
This income is recognized within “Other” below.  

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 26.  Revenue and Recognition, Continued  

Gains/Losses on OREO Sales: Gains/losses on the sale of OREO are included in non-interest income and 

are generally recognized when the performance obligation is complete. This is typically at delivery of control over 
the property to the buyer at the time of each real estate closing. 

December 31,  
2019 

December 31,  
2018 

$ 

$ 

Non-Interest Income 
Deposit service charges 
Mortgage banking income (1) 
Income from bank owned life insurance (1) 
Gain on sale of securities (1) 
Gain on nonmarketable securities (1) 
Other service charges, commissions and fees 
Other (2) 
Total non-interest income 
(1) Not within the scope of ASC 606 
(2) Includes Check Card Fee income discussed above.  No other items are within the scope of ASC 606 

1,681,812 
5,593,441 
386,073 
21,168 
16,077 
1,548,202 
456,192 
9,702,965 

1,597,211 
5,138,660 
390,557 
- 
800,000 
1,510,405 
487,529 
9,924,362 

$ 

$ 

Note 27.  Subsequent Events 

Subsequent  events  are  events  or  transactions  that  occur  after  the  balance  sheet  date  but  before  financial 
statements are issued. Recognized subsequent events are events or transactions that provide additional evidence 
about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of 
preparing  financial  statements.  Nonrecognized  subsequent  events  are  events  that  provide  evidence  about 
conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date.  Management has reviewed 
events occurring through March 31, 2020, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. 

The 2019 novel coronavirus (or “COVID-19”) has adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect economic 
activity  globally,  nationally  and  locally.  Following  the  COVID-19 outbreak  in December  2019  and  January 2020, 
market interest rates have declined significantly, with the 10-year Treasury bond falling below 1.00% on March 3, 
2020 for the first time. Such events also may adversely affect business and consumer confidence, generally, and 
the Company and its customers, and their respective suppliers, vendors and processors may be adversely affected. 
On March 3, 2020, the Federal Open Market Committee reduced the target federal funds rate by 50 basis points 
to 1.00% to 1.25%. This rate was further reduced to 0% to 0.25% on March 16, 2020.  These reductions in interest 
rates  and  other  effects  of  the  COVID-19  outbreak  may  adversely  affect  the  Company’s  financial  condition  and 
results of operations. 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 27.  First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company Only) 

Condensed Balance Sheets 

Assets 
  Cash 

Investment in banking subsidiary 

  Equity securities 
  Nonmarketable equity securities 

Investment in trust 
  Deferred tax asset 
  Other assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities 
  Junior subordinated debentures 
  Subordinated debentures 
  Accrued salary benefits 
  Accrued interest payable 
Total liabilities 
Shareholders’ equity 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

Condensed Statements of Operations 

Income 

Interest income 

  Gain on sale of trust preferred security 
  Dividend from banking subsidiary 
  Gain on fair value of equity securities 

  Total income 

Expenses 
  Salaries and employee benefits 
  Equipment expense 
Interest expense 

  Acquisition-related costs 
  Other expenses 
  Total expenses 

Income before income taxes and equity in 
  undistributed income of banking subsidiary 
Equity in undistributed earnings of banking subsidiary 

Net income before income taxes  
Income tax benefit 
  Net income 

55 

December 31, 

2019 

2018 

$  1,380,350 
  69,046,787 
30,895 
58,100 
310,000 
1,687,908 
129,637 
$  72,643,677 

$  3,235,365 
  62,420,978 
168,151 
58,100 
310,000 
1,338,543 
81,897 
$  67,613,034 

$  10,310,000 
4,965,214 
105,196 
177,807 
  15,558,217 
  57,085,460 
$  72,643,677 

$  10,310,000 
4,934,877 
- 
199,708 
  15,444,585 
  52,168,449 
$  67,613,034 

For the years ended 
December 31, 

2019 

2018 

$ 

$ 

14,161 
- 
- 
16,076 
30,237 

666,563 
56,154 
782,220 
37,210 
393,749 
1,935,896 

12,023 
800,000 
2,100,000 
38,151 
2,950,175 

351,801 
57,630 
765,076 
1,005,195 
293,160 
2,472,862 

(1,905,659) 
5,625,633 

477,313 
1,653,666 

3,719,974 
         (368,865) 
$  4,088,839 

2,130,979 
         (299,256) 
$  2,430,234 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
December 31, 2019 and 2018 

Note 27.  First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company Only), Continued 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 

Cash flows from operating activities 
  Net income 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 

  used in operating activities: 

Deferred income tax expense 
Net equity in undistributed earnings of banking subsidiary 
Gain on sale of trust preferred security 
Gain on fair value of equity securities 
Stock based compensation expense 
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable 
Increase in other assets 
Increase in accrual salary benefits 

Net cash used in operating activities 

Cash flows from by investing activities  
  Proceeds from sale of equity security 
  Purchase of trust preferred security 
  Proceeds from sale of trust preferred security 

Net cash provided by investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
  Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 
  Accretion of debt issuance costs 
  Decrease (increase) in restricted stock 
  Capital contribution to subsidiary 
  Purchase of treasury stock 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Decrease in cash 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents, ending of year 

For the years ended 
December 31, 

2019 

2018 

$  4,088,839 

$  2,430,234 

(349,365) 
(5,625,633) 
- 
16,076 
58,683 
(21,901) 
(47,740) 
105,196 
(1,775,845) 

121,180 
- 
- 
121,180 

173,738 
30,337 
254,924 
- 
(659,349) 
(200,350) 

(318,756) 
(1,653,666) 
(800,000) 
(38,151) 
57,732 
15,219 
(15,459) 
- 
(963,078) 

- 
(2,300,000) 
3,100,000 
800,000 

955,443 
22,914 
(640,231) 
(15,000,000) 
(394,276) 
(15,056,150) 

(1,855,015) 
3,235,365 
$  1,380,350 

(14,578,997) 
  17,814,362 
$  3,235,365 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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