SCBT FINANCIAL CORPORATION 10-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2006

Commission file number 001-12669
 

 
SCBT FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
57-0799315
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

520 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
29201
(Zip Code)

(800) 277-2175
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $2.50 par value per share
The NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X].

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes [ ] No [X].

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve (12) months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ].

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer [ ]
Accelerated Filer [X]
Non-Accelerated Filer [ ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes [ ] No [X].

The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was $291,781,000 based on the closing sale price of $35.65 per share on June 30, 2006. For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors and executive officers of the registrant have been deemed affiliates. The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 6, 2007 was 8,741,929.

Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14.
 


SCBT Financial Corporation
Index to Form 10-K


   
   
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(1) All or portions of this item are incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


Forward-Looking Statements

This Report contains statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on many assumptions and estimates and are not guarantees of future performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors about which are beyond our control. The words “may,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” and “estimate,” as well as similar expressions, are meant to identify such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those described below under “Risk Factors.”

PART I

Item 1. Business

SCBT Financial Corporation, headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, is a bank holding company incorporated in 1985 under the laws of South Carolina. We were formerly named First National Corporation until February 2004. We provide a wide range of banking services and products to our customers through our wholly-owned subsidiaries: South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A. and South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont, N.A., both national banks that opened for business in 1932 and 1996, respectively. The Mortgage Banc, Inc., organized in 2004, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Carolina Bank and Trust. Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM under the ticker symbol “SCBT.”

SCBT Financial Corporation is a legal entity separate and distinct from our subsidiaries. We coordinate the financial resources of the consolidated enterprise and thereby maintain financial, operation and administrative systems that allow centralized evaluation of subsidiary operations and coordination of selected policies and activities. SCBT Financial Corporation’s operating revenues and net income are derived primarily from cash dividends received from our bank subsidiaries.

Our subsidiaries provide a full range of retail and commercial banking services, mortgage lending services, trust and investment services, and consumer finance loans through 45 financial centers in 16 South Carolina counties, and have served South Carolinians for seventy-three years. At December 31, 2006, the Corporation had $2.2 billion in assets, $1.8 billion in loans, $1.7 billion in deposits, $161.9 million in shareholders’ equity, and a market capitalization of $363.8 million.

We began operating in 1934 in Orangeburg, South Carolina and have maintained our ability to provide superior local service while also leveraging our size to offer many products more common to super-regional banks. We have pursued a growth strategy that relies primarily on organic growth, supplemented by the acquisition of select financial institutions or branches in certain market areas.

We have continued to expand our business in South Carolina. We have outlined highlights below:

·  
November 2006—purchased a banking location from Beach First National Bank in Myrtle Beach. We have plans to open the site as a full-service South Carolina Bank and Trust branch in the second quarter of 2007.

·  
October 2006—opened a limited-service branch in Irmo, South Carolina.

·  
June 2006—opened our Indian Land full-service branch in Fort Mill, South Carolina as part of South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont. The branch was converted from a loan production office. We also opened a limited-service branch in Lexington, South Carolina. To replace the location, we are building a full-service branch scheduled to open in 2007.

·  
April 2006—opened a loan production office in Daniel Island, South Carolina. Also in April, we converted our Devine Mortgage location to a full-service branch on Forest Drive in Columbia, South Carolina.

·  
March 2006—merged SunBank, N.A. into our lead bank subsidiary, South Carolina Bank and Trust.

·  
February 2006—opened a loan production office in Charleston, South Carolina as part of South Carolina Bank and Trust and converted the location to a limited-service branch in 2006. We have plans to move the branch to a full-service location in early 2007. We moved the South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont loan production office in Fort Mill, South Carolina to a full-service branch location.

·  
November 2005—expanded our footprint farther up the South Carolina coast with the acquisition of Sun Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary, SunBank. The acquisition provided us with two additional branches in Murrells Inlet and Georgetown, South Carolina. SunBank’s third property is a loan production office located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

·  
May 2005—purchased Devine Mortgage, a small South Carolina mortgage originator.
 
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·  
July 2005—formed SCBT Capital Trust III for the purpose of issuing an aggregate of $20 million of trust preferred securities.

·  
April 2005—formed SCBT Capital Trust I and SCBT Capital Trust II for the purpose of issuing an aggregate of $20 million of trust preferred securities.

·  
April 2005—continued to expand in the western portion of South Carolina with our acquisition of New Commerce BanCorp and we merged its subsidiary, New Commerce Bank, into our lead subsidiary bank. The acquisition provided us with two new branches in Simpsonville and Greenville, South Carolina. Both branches are located in one of the fastest growing markets in the State.
 
·  
December 2004—opened a loan production office in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and moved to a full-service branch.

·  
September 2004—opened two loan production offices, a Summerville service facility, just north of Charleston, South Carolina, which was later granted a branch charter to provide full service banking to its customers, and an additional Fort Mill, South Carolina office serving the Tega Cay community near Charlotte, North Carolina.
 
·  
April 2004—incorporated The Mortgage Banc, Inc. (“TMB”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Carolina Bank and Trust. TMB focuses on providing mortgage products and services to other financial institutions and mortgage companies in South Carolina and some out-of-state markets. TMB’s offices and personnel are located at our headquarters in Columbia, South Carolina.
 
·  
February 2004—purchased the Denmark, South Carolina branch of Security Federal Bank, including premises and equipment, performing loans, and deposits. At the time of the transaction, we vacated the existing leased Denmark office and relocated its operations to a newly acquired banking facility.

Our principal executive offices are located at 520 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. Our mailing address at this facility is Post Office Box 1030, Columbia, South Carolina 29202 and telephone number is (800) 277-2175.

Available Information

We provide our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on our website at www.scbtonline.com. These filings are made accessible as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been filed electronically with the SEC. These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, we make available on our website the following: (i) Corporate Governance Guidelines, (ii) Code of Conduct & Ethics, which applies to our directors and all employees, and (iii) the charters of the Audit, Management Resources & Compensation, and Corporate Governance & Nominating Committees of our Board of Directors. These materials are available in a printed format free of charge to shareholders who request them in writing. Please address your request to: Financial Management Division, SCBT Financial Corporation, 520 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. Statements of beneficial ownership of equity securities filed by directors, officers, and 10% or greater shareholders under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are also available through our website. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report.

Territory Served and Competition

We serve customers through our subsidiary banks located in the state of South Carolina. Through our lead bank, South Carolina Bank and Trust, we conduct our business from thirty-nine financial centers in fourteen South Carolina counties. We conduct our Piedmont business from six financial centers in two South Carolina counties.

We compete in a highly competitive banking and financial services industry. Our profitability depends principally on our ability to effectively compete in the markets in which we conduct business. We expect competition in the industry to continue to increase as a result of consolidation among banking and financial services firms. Competition may further intensify as additional companies enter the markets where we conduct business and we enter mature markets in accordance with our expansion strategy.

We experience strong competition from both bank and non-bank competitors in certain markets. Broadly speaking, we compete with super-regional, smaller community banks, and non-traditional internet based banks. We compete for deposits and loans with commercial banks, savings institutions, and credit unions. In addition, we compete with other financial intermediaries and investment alternatives such as mortgage companies, credit card issuers, leasing companies, finance companies, money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, governmental and corporation bonds, and other securities. Many of these non-bank competitors are not subject to the same regulatory oversight, which provides a competitive advantage in some instances. In many cases, our competitors have substantially greater resources, can provide higher lending limits, and offer certain services that we are unable to provide to our customers.
 
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We encounter strong competition in making loans and attracting deposits. We compete with other financial institutions to offer customers the highest interest rates on deposit accounts, the lowest interest rates charged on loans and other credit, and reasonable service charges. Our customers also consider the quality and scope of the services provided, the convenience of banking facilities, and relative lending limits in the case of loans to commercial borrowers. Our customers may also take into account the fact that other banks offer different services other than those that we provide. The large national and super-regional banks may have significantly greater lending limits and may offer additional products. However, we believe that SCBT has been able to compete successfully with our competitors, regardless of their size. We do this by emphasizing customer service and by providing a wide variety of services.

Employees

As of December 31, 2006, our subsidiaries had 634 full-time equivalent employees compared to 590 as of the same date in 2005. We consider our relationship with our employees instrumental to the success of our business. We provide our employees with a comprehensive employee benefit program which includes the following: group life, health and dental insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, educational opportunities, a cash incentive plan, a stock purchase plan, stock incentive, deferred compensation plans for officers and key employees, a defined benefit pension plan for employees hired on or before December 31, 2005, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Regulation and Supervision

As a financial institution, we operate under a regulatory framework. The framework outlines a regulatory environment applicable to financial holding companies, bank holding companies, and their subsidiaries. Below, we have provided some specific information relevant to SCBT. The regulatory framework under which we operate is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund and not for the protection of our security holders and creditors. To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions.

General

The current regulatory environment for financial institutions includes substantial enforcement activity by the federal banking agencies, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies, reflecting an increase in activity over prior years. This environment entails significant potential increases in compliance requirements and associated costs.

We are a bank holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and are subject to the supervision of, and to regular inspection by, the Federal Reserve Board. Our banks are organized as national banking associations. They are subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"). In addition, SCBT and our banks are subject to regulation (and in certain cases examination) by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"), other federal regulatory agencies, and the South Carolina State Board of Financial Institutions (the "State Board"). The following discussion summarizes certain aspects of banking and other laws and regulations that affect SCBT and its subsidiaries.

Under the Bank Holding Company Act (the "BHC Act"), our activities and those of our subsidiaries are limited to banking, managing or controlling banks, furnishing services to or performing services for our subsidiaries, or any other activity which the Federal Reserve Board determines to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. The BHC Act requires prior Federal Reserve Board approval for, among other things, the acquisition by a bank holding company of direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all the assets of any bank, or for a merger or consolidation of a bank holding company with another bank holding company. The BHC Act also prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any company engaged in a non-banking business unless such business is determined by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. Further, under South Carolina law, it is unlawful without the prior approval of the State Board for any South Carolina bank holding company (i) to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank or any other bank holding company, (ii) to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of a bank or any other bank holding company, or (iii) to merge or consolidate with any other bank holding company.

The Graham-Leach-Bailey Act amended a number of federal banking laws affecting SCBT and our banks. In particular, the Graham-Leach-Bailey Act permits a bank holding company to elect to become a "financial holding company," provided certain conditions are met. A financial holding company, and the companies it controls, are permitted to engage in activities considered "financial in nature" as defined by the Graham-Leach-Bailey Act and Federal Reserve Board interpretations (including, without limitation, insurance and securities activities), and therefore may engage in a broader range of activities than permitted by bank holding companies and their subsidiaries. We remain a bank holding company, but may at some time in the future elect to become a financial holding company.
 
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Interstate Banking

National banks are required by the National Bank Act to adhere to branch office banking laws applicable to state banks in the states in which they are located. In July 1994, South Carolina enacted legislation which effectively provided that, after June 30, 1996, out-of-state bank holding companies may acquire other banks or bank holding companies in South Carolina, subject to certain conditions. Further, pursuant to the Riegel-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Interstate Banking and Branching Act"), a bank holding company became able to acquire banks in states other than its home state, beginning in September 1995, without regard to the permissibility of such acquisition under state law, subject to certain exceptions. The Interstate Banking and Branching Act also authorized banks to merge across state lines, thereby creating interstate branches, unless a state, prior to the July 1, 1997 effective date, determined to "opt out" of coverage under this provision. In addition, the Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act authorized a bank to open new branches in a state in which it does not already have banking operations if such state enacted a law permitting such "de novo" branching. Effective July 1, 1996, South Carolina law was amended to permit interstate branching through acquisitions but not de novo branching by an out-of-state bank. We believe that the foregoing legislation has increased takeover activity of South Carolina financial institutions by out-of-state financial institutions.

Obligations of Holding Company to its Subsidiary Banks

Under the policy of the Federal Reserve Board, a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it otherwise might not desire or be able to do so. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), to avoid receivership of its insured depository institution subsidiary, a bank holding company is required to guarantee the compliance of any insured depository institution subsidiary that may become "undercapitalized" within the terms of any capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary with its appropriate federal banking agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the institution's total assets at the time the institution became undercapitalized, or (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all applicable capital standards as of the time the institution fails to comply with such capital restoration plan.

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

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

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

Under the National Bank Act, if the capital stock of a national bank is impaired by losses or otherwise, the OCC is authorized to require payment of the deficiency by assessment upon the bank's shareholders, pro rata, and if any such assessment is not paid by any shareholder after three months notice, to sell the stock of such shareholder to make good the deficiency.

Capital Adequacy

The various federal bank regulators, including the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC, have adopted risk-based capital requirements for assessing bank holding company and bank capital adequacy. These standards define what qualifies as capital and establish minimum capital standards in relation to assets and off-balance sheet exposures, as adjusted for credit risks. Capital is classified into tiers. For bank holding companies, Tier 1 or "core" capital consists primarily of common and qualifying preferred shareholders' equity, less certain intangibles and other adjustments ("Tier 1 Capital"). Tier 2 capital consists primarily of the allowance for possible loan losses (subject to certain limitations) and certain subordinated and other qualifying debt ("Tier 2 Capital"). A minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.00% is required and Tier 1 Capital must be at least 50% of total capital. The Federal Reserve Board also has adopted a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capital to adjusted average total assets (not risk-weighted) of 3%. The 3% Tier 1 Capital to average total assets ratio constitutes the leverage standard for bank holding companies and national banks, and is used in conjunction with the risk based ratio in determining the overall capital adequacy of banking organizations.
 
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The Federal Reserve Board and the OCC have emphasized that the foregoing standards are supervisory minimums and that an institution would be permitted to maintain such levels of capital only if it had a composite rating of "1" under the regulatory rating systems for bank holding companies and banks. All other bank holding companies are required to maintain a leverage ratio of 3% plus at least 1% to 2% of additional capital. These rules further provide that banking organizations experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels and comparable to peer group averages, without significant reliance on intangible assets. The Federal Reserve Board continues to consider a "tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio" in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activities. The tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio is the ratio of a banking organization's Tier 1 Capital less all intangibles, to total assets, less all intangibles. The Federal Reserve Board has not advised us of any specific minimum leverage ratio applicable to SCBT. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, our subsidiary banks had the following leverage ratios and total risk-based capital:
 
   
December 31,
 
(In percent)
 
2006
 
2005
 
Tier 1 Leverage Ratios
         
SCBT Financial Corporation
 
8.11
 
8.58
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust
 
8.02
 
7.88
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont
   
7.56
   
8.16
 
SunBank
   
n/a
   
12.96
 
               
Total Risk-Based Capital
             
SCBT Financial Corporation
   
11.36
   
11.45
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust
   
11.18
   
10.90
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont
   
11.12
   
11.86
 
SunBank
   
n/a
   
15.96
 

The FDICIA, among other items, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized) and requires the respective Federal regulatory agencies to implement systems for "prompt corrective action" for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within such categories. The FDICIA also imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital raising requirements. An "undercapitalized" bank must develop a capital restoration plan and its parent holding company must guarantee that bank's compliance with the plan (see "Obligations of Holding Company to its Subsidiary Banks," above). In addition, the FDICIA requires the various regulatory agencies to prescribe certain non-capital standards for safety and soundness relating generally to operations and management, asset quality, and executive compensation. The FDICIA permits regulatory action against a financial institution that does not meet such standards.

The various regulatory agencies have adopted substantially similar regulations that define the five capital categories identified by the FDICIA, using the total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as the relevant capital measures. Such regulations establish various degrees of corrective action to be taken when an institution is considered undercapitalized. Under the regulations, a "well capitalized" institution must have a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5% and not be subject to a capital directive order. An "adequately capitalized" institution must have a Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 4%, a total risk-based capital ratio of a least 8%, and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4% (or 3% in some cases). Under these guidelines, each Bank is considered well capitalized.

Banking agencies have also adopted final regulations which mandate that regulators take into consideration (i) concentration of credit risk, (ii) interest rate risk (when the interest rate sensitivity of an institution's assets does not match the sensitivity of its liabilities or its off-balance-sheet position), and (iii) risks from non-traditional activities, as well as an institution's ability to manage those risks, when determining the adequacy of an institution's capital. That evaluation will be made as a part of the institution's regular safety and soundness examination. In addition, the banking agencies have amended their regulatory capital guidelines to incorporate a measure for market risk. In accordance with the amended guidelines, if we were to engage in significant trading activity (as defined in the amendment) we must incorporate a measure for market risk in our respective regulatory capital calculations effective for reporting periods after January 1, 1998.

Payment of Dividends

SCBT is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. Funds for cash distributions to our shareholders are derived primarily from dividends received from our bank subsidiaries. Each of our banks is subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends. Any restriction on the ability of our banks to pay dividends will indirectly restrict the ability of SCBT to pay dividends.
 
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The approval of the OCC is required if the total of all dividends declared by a national bank in any calendar year will exceed the total of its retained net profits for that year combined with its retained net profits for the two preceding years, less any required transfers to surplus. In addition, national banks can only pay dividends to the extent that retained net profits (including the portion transferred to surplus) exceed statutory bad debts in excess of the bank's allowance for loan losses. Further, if in the opinion of the OCC a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the bank, could include the payment of dividends), the OCC may require, after notice and a hearing, that such bank cease and desist from such practice. The OCC has indicated that paying dividends that deplete a national bank's capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, and the FDIC have issued policy statements, which provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings.

In addition to the foregoing, the ability of SCBT and its banks to pay dividends may be affected by the various minimum capital requirements and the capital and non-capital standards established under the FDICIA, as described above. The right of SCBT, its shareholders, and its creditors to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of its subsidiaries is further subject to the prior claims of creditors of SCBT’s subsidiaries.

Certain Transactions by SCBT and its Affiliates

Various legal limitations place restrictions on the ability of the Banks to lend or otherwise supply funds to SCBT and its affiliates. The Federal Reserve Act limits a bank's "covered transactions," which include extensions of credit, with any affiliate to 10% of such bank's capital and surplus. All covered transactions with all affiliates cannot in the aggregate exceed 20% of a bank's capital and surplus. All covered and exempt transactions between a bank and its affiliates must be on terms and conditions consistent with safe and sound banking practices, and banks and their subsidiaries are prohibited from purchasing low-quality assets from the bank's affiliates. Also, the Federal Reserve Act requires that all of a bank's extensions of credit to an affiliate be appropriately secured by acceptable collateral, generally United States government or agency securities. In addition, the Federal Reserve Act limits covered and other transactions among affiliates to terms and circumstances, including credit standards, that are substantially the same or at least as favorable to a bank holding company, a bank or a subsidiary of either as prevailing at the time for transactions with unaffiliated companies.

Insurance of Deposits

Deposits at the bank are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund as administered by the FDIC, up to the applicable limits established by law - generally $100,000 per accountholder and $250,000 for certain retirement accountholders. As FDIC-insured institutions, our banks are subject to insurance assessments imposed by the FDIC. Under current law, the insurance assessment to be paid by FDIC-insured institutions is as specified in a schedule required to be issued by the FDIC that specifies, at semi-annual intervals, target reserve ratios designed to increase the FDIC insurance fund's reserve ratio to 1.25% of estimated insured deposits (or such higher ratio as the FDIC may determine in accordance with the statute) in 15 years. Further, the FDIC is authorized to impose one or more special assessments in any amount deemed necessary to enable repayment of amounts borrowed by the FDIC from the United States Department of the Treasury. The actual assessment to be paid by each FDIC-insured institution is based on the institution's assessment risk classification, which is determined based on whether the institution is considered "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized" or "undercapitalized," as such terms have been defined in applicable federal regulations, and whether such institution is considered by its supervisory agency to be financially sound or to have supervisory concerns (see "Capital Adequacy" above). As a result of the current provisions of federal law, the assessment rates on deposits could increase over present levels. Based on the current financial condition and capital levels of our banks, we do not expect that the current FDIC risk-based assessment schedule will have a material adverse effect on the earnings of our banks in 2007.

International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001

On October 26, 2001, the President signed the USA Patriot Act of 2001 into law. This act contains the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (the "IMLAFA"). The IMLAFA contains anti-money laundering measures affecting insured depository institutions, broker-dealers, and certain other financial institutions. The IMLAFA requires U.S. financial institutions to adopt new policies and procedures to combat money laundering. Further, the Act grants the Secretary of the Treasury broad authority to establish regulations and to impose requirements and restrictions on financial institution's operations. We have adopted policies and procedures to comply with the provisions of the IMLAFA.

Other Laws and Regulations

Interest and certain other charges collected or contracted for by our banks are subject to state usury laws and certain federal laws concerning interest rates. Our banks’ operations are also subject to certain federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the following:
·  
Federal Truth-In-Lending Act, which governs disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers,
·  
Community Reinvestment Act requiring financial institutions to meet their obligations to provide for the total credit needs of the communities they serve (which includes the investment of assets in loans to low- and moderate-income borrowers),
 
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·  
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves,
·  
Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit,
·  
Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978 governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies,
·  
Fair Debt Collection Act governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies, and
·  
rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.
The deposit operations of our banks are also subject to the Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records, and the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E issued by the Federal Reserve Board to implement that act, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services.

From time to time, bills are pending before the United States Congress and in the South Carolina state legislature which in certain cases contain wide-ranging proposals for altering the structure, regulation, and competitive relationships of financial institutions. Among such bills are proposals to prohibit banks and bank holding companies from conducting certain types of activities, to subject banks to increased disclosure and reporting requirements, to alter the statutory separation of commercial and investment banking, and to further expand the powers of banks, bank holding companies and competitors of banks. We cannot predict whether or in what form any of these proposals will be adopted or the extent to which our business may be affected.

Fiscal and Monetary Policy

Banking is a business that depends largely on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest we pay on our deposits and other borrowings, and the interest we receive on our loans and securities holdings, constitutes the major portion of our banks’ earnings. Thus, our earnings and growth will be subject to the influence of economic conditions generally, both domestic and foreign, and also to the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board regulates the supply of money through various means, including open-market dealings in United States government securities, the discount rate at which banks may borrow from the Federal Reserve Board, and the reserve requirements on deposits. We cannot predict the nature and timing of any changes in such policies and their impact on our business.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business operations may be adversely affected by certain risk factors outside of our control. We believe the risk factors listed could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may also be adversely affected by additional risks and uncertainties or those that we believe are currently immaterial to our business operations. In such cases, you could lose part or all of your investment.

General Business Risks

Our net interest income may decline based on the interest rate environment.

We depend on our net interest income to drive profitability. Differences in volume yields or interest rates and differences in income earning products such as interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities determine our net interest income. We are exposed to changes in general interest rate levels and other economic factors beyond our control. Net interest income may decline if:

·  
In a declining interest rate environment, more interest-earning assets than interest-bearing liabilities re-price or mature, or
·  
In a rising interest rate environment, more interest-bearing liabilities than interest-earning assets re-price or mature.

Our net interest income may decline based on our exposure to a difference in short-term and long-term interest rates. If the difference between the interest rates shrink or disappear, the difference between rates paid on deposits and received on loans could narrow significantly resulting in a decrease in net interest income. In addition to these factors, if market interest rates rise rapidly, interest rate adjustment caps may limit increases in the interest rates on adjustable rate loans, thus reducing our net interest income. Also, certain adjustable rate loans re-price based on lagging interest rate indices. This lagging effect may also negatively affect our net interest income when general interest rates continue to rise periodically.
 
7

 
We are exposed to the possibility that more prepayments may be made by customers to pay down loan balances, which could reduce our interest income and profitability.
 
Prepayment rates stem from consumer behavior, conditions in the housing and financial markets, general United States economic conditions, and the relative interest rates on fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans. Therefore, changes in prepayment rates are difficult to predict. Recognition of deferred loan origination costs and premiums paid in originating these loans are normally recognized over the contractual life of each loan. As prepayments occur, the rate at which net deferred loan origination costs and premiums are expensed will accelerate. The effect of the acceleration of deferred costs and premium amortization may be mitigated by prepayment penalties paid by the borrower when the loan is paid in full within a certain period of time, which varies between loans. If prepayment occurs after the period of time when the loan is subject to a prepayment penalty, the effect of the acceleration of premium and deferred cost amortization is no longer mitigated. We recognize premiums paid on mortgage-backed securities as an adjustment from interest income over the life of the security based on the rate of repayment of the securities. Acceleration of prepayments on the loans underlying a mortgage-backed security shortens the life of the security, increases the rate at which premiums are expensed and further reduces interest income. We may not be able to reinvest loan and security prepayments at rates comparable to the prepaid instrument particularly in a period of declining interest rates.

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

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

Our estimated allowance for loan losses may be inadequate and an increase in the allowance would reduce earnings.

We are exposed to the risk that our customers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans will not be sufficient to assure full repayment. Credit losses are inherent in the lending business and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and ability to meet obligations. The volatility and deterioration in foreign and domestic markets may also increase our risk for credit losses. The composition of our loan portfolio, primarily secured by real estate, reduces loss exposure. We evaluate the collectibility of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for loan losses that we believe to be adequate based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans, previous loan loss experience, specific loans that have loss potential, delinquency trends, estimated fair market value of the collateral, current economic conditions, the views of our regulators, and geographic and industry loan concentrations. If our evaluation is incorrect and borrower defaults cause losses that exceed our allowance for loan losses, our earnings could be significantly and adversely affected. No assurance can be given that the allowance will be adequate to cover loan losses inherent in our portfolio. We may experience losses in our loan portfolios or perceive adverse conditions and trends that may require us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses in the future, a decision that would reduce earnings.

We are exposed to higher credit risk by commercial real estate, commercial business, and construction lending.

Commercial real estate, commercial business and construction lending usually involves higher credit risks than that of single-family residential lending. These types of loans involve larger loan balances to a single borrower or groups of related borrowers. Commercial real estate loans may be affected to a greater extent than residential loans by adverse conditions in real estate markets or the economy because commercial real estate borrowers’ ability to repay their loans depends on successful development of their properties, as well as the factors affecting residential real estate borrowers. These loans also involve greater risk because they generally are not fully amortizing over the loan period, but have a balloon payment due at maturity. A borrower’s ability to make a balloon payment typically will depend on being able to either refinance the loan or sell the underlying property in a timely manner.

Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon whether our initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction equals or exceeds the cost of the property construction (including interest) and the availability of permanent take-out financing. During the construction phase, a number of factors can result in delays and cost overruns. If estimates of value are inaccurate or if actual construction costs exceed estimates, the value of the property securing the loan may be insufficient to ensure full repayment when completed through a permanent loan or by seizure of collateral.
 
Commercial business loans are typically based on the borrowers’ ability to repay the loans from the cash flow of their businesses. These loans may involve greater risk because the availability of funds to repay each loan depends substantially on the success of the business itself. In addition, the collateral securing the loans have the following characteristics: (i) depreciate over time, (ii) difficult to appraise and liquidate, and (iii) fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.
 
Commercial real estate, commercial business, and construction loans are more susceptible to a risk of loss during a downturn in the business cycle. Our underwriting, review, and monitoring cannot eliminate all of the risks related to these loans.

8

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

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2006, approximately 81.7% of our loans had real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. A weakening of the real estate market in our primary market area could result in an increase in the number of borrowers who default on their loans and a reduction in the value of the collateral securing their loans, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our profitability and asset quality. If we are required to liquidate the collateral securing a loan to satisfy the debt during a period of reduced real estate values, our earnings and capital could be adversely affected. Acts of nature, including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires and floods, which may cause uninsured damage and other loss of value to real estate that secures these loans, may also negatively impact our financial condition.

Our business is predominately focused in one state, South Carolina, and adverse economic conditions in South Carolina could negatively impact results from operations and financial condition.

Because of our concentration of business in the same geographical region, adverse economic conditions in that particular region could make it more difficult to attract deposits and could cause higher rates of loss and delinquency on our loans than if the loans were more geographically diversified.

We could experience a loss due to competition with other financial institutions.

The banking and financial services industry is very competitive. Legal and regulatory developments have made it easier for new and sometimes unregulated competitors to compete with us. The financial services industry has and is experiencing an ongoing trend towards consolidation in which fewer large national and regional banks and firms are replacing many smaller and more local banks and firms. These larger firms hold a large accumulation of assets. These larger institutions have significantly greater resources and a wider geographic presence or greater accessibility. In some instances, these banks operate without the traditional brick and mortar facilities that restrict geographic presence. Some competitors are able to offer more services, more favorable pricing or greater customer convenience than SCBT. In addition, competition has grown from new banks and other financial services providers that target our existing or potential customers. As consolidation continues among large banks, we expect other smaller institutions to try to compete in the markets we serve.
 
Technological developments have allowed competitors, including some non-depository institutions, to compete more effectively in local markets and have expanded the range of financial products, services and capital available to our target customers. If we are unable to implement, maintain and use such technologies effectively, we may not be able to offer products or achieve cost-efficiencies necessary to compete in the industry. In addition, some of these competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and lower cost structures.

We are exposed to the possibility of technology failure.

We rely on our computer systems and the technology of outside service providers. Our daily operations depend on the operational effectiveness of their technology. We rely on our systems to accurately track and record our assets and liabilities. If our computer systems or outside technology sources become unreliable, fail, or experience a breach of security, our ability to maintain accurate financial records may be impaired, which could materially affect our business operations and financial condition.

We are exposed to a possible loss of our employees and critical management team.

We are dependent on the ability and experience of a number of key management personnel who have substantial experience with our operations, the financial services industry, and the markets in which we offer products and services. The loss of one or more senior executives or key managers may have an adverse effect on our operations. Also, as we continue to grow operations, our success depends on our ability to continue to attract, manage, and retain other qualified middle management personnel. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to attract or retain such personnel.
 
We are exposed to a need for additional capital resources for the future and the fact that these capital resources may not be available when needed or at all.

We may need to incur additional debt or equity financing in the future to make strategic acquisitions or investments. We cannot provide assurance that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.
 
9

Legal and Regulatory Risks

We are subject to extensive regulation that could restrict our activities and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business and limit our ability to receive dividends from our bank subsidiaries.

We are subject to Federal Reserve Board regulation. Our Banks are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by their primary federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the regulating authority that insures customer deposits. Also, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), our Banks must comply with applicable regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Board and the FHLB. Regulation by these agencies is intended primarily for the protection of our depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the benefit of our shareholders. Our Banks’ activities are also regulated under consumer protection laws applicable to our lending, deposit, and other activities. A sufficient claim against our subsidiaries under these laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
We are exposed to changes in the regulation of financial services companies.

Proposals for further regulation of the financial services industry are continually being introduced in the Congress of the United States of America and the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina. The agencies regulating the financial services industry also periodically adopt changes to their regulations. For example, regulation of government-sponsored entities has been receiving a great deal of attention recently. It is possible that one or more legislative proposals may be adopted or regulatory changes may be made that would have an adverse effect on our business.
 
We are exposed to declines in the value of qualified pension plan assets or unfavorable changes in laws or regulations that govern pension plan funding, which could require us to provide significant amounts of funding for our qualified pension plan.

We expect to make material cash contributions to our qualified defined benefit pension plan in the near and long term. A significant decline in the value of qualified pension plan assets in the future or unfavorable changes in laws or regulations that govern pension plan funding could materially change the timing and amount of required pension funding. As a result, we may be required to fund our qualified defined benefit pension plan with a greater amount of cash from operations, perhaps by an additional material amount.

Other Risk Factors

We may decide to make future acquisitions, which could dilute current shareholders’ stock ownership and we may become more susceptible to adverse economic events.

In accordance with our strategic plan, we continually evaluate opportunities to acquire other banks and/or branch locations to grow SCBT. As a result, we may be involved in negotiations or discussions that, if they were to result in a transaction, could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition, including short and long-term liquidity.

Our acquisition activities could be material to SCBT. For example, we could issue additional shares of common stock in a purchase transaction, which could dilute current shareholders’ ownership interest in SCBT. These activities could require us to use a substantial amount of cash, other liquid assets, and/or incur debt. In those events, we could become more susceptible to economic downturns and competitive pressures.

We may be exposed to difficulties in combining the operations of acquired entities into our own operations, which may prevent us from achieving the expected benefits from our acquisition activities.

We may not be able to fully achieve the strategic objectives and operating efficiencies in our acquisition activities. Inherent uncertainties exist in integrating the operations of an acquired entity. In addition, the markets and industries in which SCBT and our potential acquisition targets operate are highly competitive. We may lose customers or the customers of acquired entities as a result of an acquisition. We also may lose key personnel from the acquired entity as a result of an acquisition. We may not discover all known and unknown factors when examining a company for acquisition during the due diligence period. These factors could produce unintended and unexpected consequences for us. Undiscovered factors as a result of acquisition, pursued by non-related third party entities, could bring civil, criminal, and financial liabilities against us, our management, and the management of those entities acquired. These factors could contribute to SCBT not achieving the expected benefits from its acquisitions within desired time frames, if at all.

Our stock price may be volatile.

Our stock price has been volatile in the past and several factors could cause the price to fluctuate substantially in the future. These factors include but are not limited to: actual or anticipated variations in earnings, changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections, our announcement of developments related to our businesses, operations and stock performance of other companies deemed to be peers, new technology used or services offered by traditional and non-traditional competitors, news reports of trends, concerns, irrational exuberance on the part of investors, and other issues related to the financial services industry. Our stock price may fluctuate significantly in the future, and these fluctuations may be unrelated to our performance. General market declines or market volatility in the future could adversely affect the price of SCBT’s common stock, and the current market price may not be indicative of future market prices.
 
10

 
The accuracy of our financial statements and related disclosures could be affected because we are exposed to conditions or assumptions different from the judgments, assumptions or estimates used in our critical accounting policies.

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosure in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”), requires us to make judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our critical accounting policies, included in this document, describe those significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements that are considered “critical” by us because they require judgments, assumptions and estimates that materially impact our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As a result, if future events differ significantly from the judgments, assumptions and estimates in our critical accounting policies, such events or assumptions could have a material impact on our audited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.

Item 2. Properties

Our corporate headquarters are located in a four-story facility, located at 520 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The Midlands region lead branch of South Carolina Bank and Trust is also located in this 57,000 square-foot building. The main offices of South Carolina Bank and Trust are in a four-story facility with approximately 48,000 square feet of space for operating and administrative purposes, located at 950 John C. Calhoun Drive, S.E., Orangeburg, South Carolina. South Carolina Bank and Trust also owns twenty-seven other properties and leases twenty properties, all of which are used, substantially, as branch locations or for housing other operational units.
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont owns a 12,000 square foot office building that serves as its main office, located at 1127 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina. The bank owns three additional properties and leases three others, which are used as branches and loan production offices.

Although the properties owned and leased are generally considered adequate, we have a continuing program of modernization, expansion, and when necessary, occasional replacement of facilities.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are not a party to, nor is any of our property the subject of, any pending material proceeding other than those that may occur in our ordinary course of business as of December 31, 2006 and the date of this Form 10-K.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2006.
 
11

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a) The table below describes historical information regarding our common equity securities:
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
Stock Performance
                               
Dividends per share
 
$
0.68
 
$
0.68
 
$
0.65
 
$
0.63
 
$
0.54
 
Dividend payout ratio
   
30.88
%
 
34.29
%
 
36.66
%
 
33.98
%
 
33.71
%
Dividend yield (based on the average
                               
of the high and low for the year)
   
1.81
%
 
2.14
%
 
2.06
%
 
2.47
%
 
2.42
%
Price/earnings ratio (based on year-end
                               
stock price and diluted earnings per share)
   
18.46x
   
16.46x
   
19.52x
   
15.70x
   
13.45x
 
Price/book ratio (end of year)
   
2.25x
   
1.95x
   
2.27x
   
2.05x
   
1.78x
 
                                 
Common Stock Statistics
                               
Stock price ranges:
                               
High
 
$
42.93
 
$
34.94
 
$
37.61
 
$
30.71
 
$
27.96
 
Low
   
32.38
   
28.50
   
25.57
   
20.38
   
16.73
 
Close
   
41.73
   
33.42
   
33.57
   
28.58
   
22.86
 
Volume traded on exchanges
   
2,510,900
   
2,202,700
   
1,711,500
   
1,436,000
   
2,049,200
 
As a percentage of average shares outstanding
   
28.89
%
 
27.09
%
 
21.23
%
 
17.81
%
 
25.46
%
Earnings per share, basic
 
$
2.17
 
$
1.95
 
$
1.66
 
$
1.74
 
$
1.64
 
Earnings per share, diluted
   
2.15
   
1.93
   
1.64
   
1.73
   
1.63
 
Book value per share
   
18.57
   
17.17
   
14.77
   
13.91
   
12.85
 
 
In reference to the table above, per share data have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a 10% common stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on November 22, 2002, a 5% common stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on December 20, 2004, and a 5% common stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on March 9, 2007.

Quarterly Common Stock Price Ranges and Dividends
 
 
2006
2005
Quarter
High
Low
Dividend
High
Low
Dividend
1st
$ 36.08
$ 33.00
$ 0.17
$ 33.70
$ 28.53
$ 0.17
2nd
35.70
32.38
0.17
32.01
28.50
0.17
3rd
39.94
32.50
0.17
34.94
30.75
0.17
4th
42.93
36.20
0.17
34.93
30.81
0.17

As of March 6, 2007, we had issued and outstanding 8,741,929 shares of Common Stock which were held by approximately 5,400 shareholders of record. Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM under the symbol “SCBT.”

We pay cash dividends to SCBT shareholders from our assets, which are provided primarily by dividends paid to SCBT by our bank subsidiaries. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to SCBT in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The approval of the OCC is required to pay dividends in excess of our Banks’ respective retained net profits for the current year plus retained net profits (net profits less dividends paid) for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus. As of December 31, 2006, approximately $37.3 million of our Banks’ retained earnings were available for distribution to SCBT as dividends without prior regulatory approval. For the year ended December 31, 2006, our Banks paid dividends of approximately $5.9 million to SCBT. We anticipate that we will continue to pay comparable cash dividends in the future.

(b) Not applicable.
 
12

 
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

In February 2004, we announced a program with no formal expiration date to repurchase up to 250,000 of our common shares. The following table reflects share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter of 2006:
 
Period
   
(a) Total
Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
 
 
(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share (or Unit)
 
 
(c) Total
Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
 
 
(d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
                           
October 1 - October 31
   
2,988
$
38.22
   
--
   
147,872
 
November 1 - November 30
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
147,872
 
December 1 - December 31
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
147,872
 
                           
Total
   
2,988
         
--
   
147,872
 
 
* These shares were repurchased under arrangements, authorized by our stock-based compensation plans and Board of Directors, whereby officers or directors may sell previously owned shares to SCBT in order to pay for the exercises of stock options or for income taxes owed on vesting shares of restricted stock. These shares were not repurchased under the plan to repurchase 250,000 shares announced in February 2004.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents selected financial data for the five years at December 31:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
Financial Data
                               
Assets
 
$
2,178,413
 
$
1,925,856
 
$
1,436,977
 
$
1,197,692
 
$
1,144,948
 
Loans, net of unearned income *
   
1,760,830
   
1,535,901
   
1,153,230
   
938,760
   
863,422
 
Investment securities
   
210,391
   
182,744
   
165,446
   
152,009
   
164,951
 
Deposits
   
1,706,715
   
1,473,289
   
1,171,313
   
947,399
   
898,163
 
Nondeposit borrowings
   
293,521
   
294,420
   
141,136
   
133,017
   
138,116
 
Shareholders' equity
   
161,888
   
148,403
   
118,798
   
112,349
   
103,495
 
Number of locations
   
45
   
41
   
34
   
32
   
32
 
Full-time equivalent employees
   
634
   
590
   
513
   
514
   
480
 
Number of common shares outstanding
   
8,719,146
   
8,644,883
   
7,657,094
   
7,690,186
   
7,673,339
 
                                        
Selected Ratios
                               
Return on average equity
   
12.72
%
 
13.19
%
 
12.20
%
 
13.72
%
 
14.09
%
Return on average assets
   
0.97
   
1.00
   
1.05
   
1.23
   
1.28
 
Average equity as a percentage of average assets
   
7.59
   
7.56
   
8.65
   
9.00
   
9.05
 
                                 
Asset Quality Ratios
                               
Allowance for loan losses to period end loans
   
1.29
%
 
1.30
%
 
1.25
%
 
1.25
%
 
1.28
%
Allowance for loan losses to period end
                               
nonperforming loans
   
492.14
   
468.74
   
442.64
   
173.30
   
233.47
 
Nonperforming assets to period end
                               
loans and OREO
   
0.30
   
0.32
   
0.43
   
0.87
   
0.67
 
Nonperforming assets to period end total assets
   
0.24
   
0.24
   
0.35
   
0.88
   
0.51
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
0.16
   
0.11
   
0.15
   
0.19
   
0.25
 
 
* - Excludes loans held for sale.
 
13

 
The following table presents selected financial data for the five years ended December 31:
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
Summary of Operations
                               
Interest income
 
$
131,647
 
$
94,293
 
$
67,913
 
$
64,854
 
$
67,324
 
Interest expense
   
54,281
   
28,710
   
14,643
   
14,622
   
18,752
 
Net interest income
   
77,366
   
65,583
   
53,270
   
50,232
   
48,572
 
Provision for loan losses
   
5,268
   
4,907
   
4,332
   
2,345
   
3,227
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
72,098
   
60,676
   
48,938
   
47,887
   
45,345
 
Noninterest income
   
26,709
   
23,855
   
22,650
   
22,915
   
17,848
 
Noninterest expense
   
68,718
   
60,053
   
51,135
   
48,715
   
42,567
 
Income before provision for income taxes
   
30,089
   
24,478
   
20,453
   
22,087
   
20,626
 
Provision for income taxes
   
10,284
   
7,823
   
6,437
   
7,301
   
6,792
 
Net income
 
$
19,805
 
$
16,655
 
$
14,016
 
$
14,786
 
$
13,834
 
                                 
Per Common Share
                               
Net income, basic
 
$
2.17
 
$
1.95
 
$
1.66
 
$
1.74
 
$
1.64
 
Net income, diluted
   
2.15
   
1.93
   
1.64
   
1.73
   
1.63
 
Book value
   
18.57
   
17.17
   
14.77
   
13.91
   
12.85
 
Cash dividends
   
0.68
   
0.68
   
0.65
   
0.63
   
0.54
 
Dividend payout ratio
   
30.88
%
 
34.29
%
 
36.66
%
 
33.98
%
 
33.71
%
 
In reference to the table above, net income per share data have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a 10% common stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on November 22, 2002, a 5% common stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on December 20, 2004, and a 5% common stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on March 9, 2007.
 
14

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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) describes SCBT Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries’ results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005 and also analyzes our financial condition as of December 31, 2006 as compared to December 31, 2005. Like most financial institutions, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments. Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is the amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

Of course, there are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb our estimate of probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. We establish and maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings. In the following section, we have included a detailed discussion of this process.

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other expenses we charge to our customers. We describe the various components of this noninterest income, as well as our noninterest expense, in the following discussion.

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

Overview

We continued to achieve outstanding results during 2006 despite a more difficult banking climate. We grew consolidated net income to $19.8 million and continued to have strong asset growth throughout our bank subsidiaries. Diluted earnings per share grew 11.4% during 2006. Our balance sheet growth in 2006 reflected purely organic growth, as we paused in acquisitions during the year. We experienced a 14.6% increase in total loans net of unearned income and a 15.8% increase in total deposits. We increased total assets by 13.1% during 2006.

As net interest margins continued to fall during 2006, growth in loan balances compensated for the decline and we ended the year with $77.4 million in net interest income, an 18.0% increase from the comparable year in 2005. The increase in our provision for loan losses to $5.3 million from $4.9 million in the comparable year ended December 31, 2005, reflects strong loan growth during the year and inclusion of automated overdraft protection (“AOP”) net charge-offs. We experienced our strongest loan growth during the year in the fourth quarter of 2006. Our credit quality remained very sound despite a change to include AOP net charge-offs in our allowance for loan losses. For the year ended December 31, 2006, the ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was 0.16% (including 0.04% resulting from AOP), a slight increase from 0.11% in the comparable year of 2005. Net charge-offs for AOP was not included in the ratio for the comparable year of 2005. Other real estate owned, or OREO, increased slightly but remained low at $597,000.

Our noninterest income increased during 2006, resulting from higher service charges, secondary market mortgage fees, bankcard fees, and investment services. We were extremely successful in opening 19,312 new checking accounts in 2006. Higher salaries and employee benefits contributed to higher noninterest expense during 2006, a by-product of our expanded footprint in South Carolina. Even with the investment to expand into the Charleston market, we were able to decrease our efficiency ratio to 65.22% from the comparable year of 2005. This reflects the continued success of our existing offices and support staff to adequately control costs. We are focused to continue lowering our efficiency ratio.

Our banks, South Carolina Bank and Trust and South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont, continue to be well capitalized.

At December 31, 2006, we had $2.2 billion in assets and approximately 634 full-time equivalent employees. Through our banking subsidiaries we provide our customers with checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings and time deposits of various types, brokerage services and alternative investment products such as annuities and mutual funds, trust and asset management services, loans for businesses, agriculture, real estate, personal use, home improvement and automobiles, credit cards, letters of credit, home equity lines of credit, safe deposit boxes, bank money orders, wire transfer services, correspondent banking services, and use of ATM facilities.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have established various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in the preparation of our financial statements. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements. These policies may involve significant judgments and estimates that have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. Different assumptions made in the application of these policies could result in material changes in our financial position and results of operations.
 
15

 
The allowance for loan losses reflects the estimated losses that will result from the inability of our subsidiary banks’ borrowers to make required loan payments. In determining an appropriate level for the allowance, we identify portions applicable to specific loans as well as providing amounts that are not identified with any specific loan but are derived with reference to actual loss experience, loan types, loan volumes, economic conditions, and industry standards. Changes in these factors may cause our estimate of the allowance to increase or decrease and result in adjustments to the provision for loan losses. See “Loan Loss Provision” in this MD&A and “Allowance for Loan Losses” in Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements for further detailed descriptions of our estimation process and methodology related to the allowance for loan losses.

Core deposit premium costs, included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, consist of costs that resulted from the acquisition of deposits from other commercial banks. Core deposit premium costs represent the estimated value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in these transactions. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the deposit accounts acquired on a method that we believe reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from the accounts. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated annually for impairment.

Recent Accounting Standards and Pronouncements

For information relating to recent accounting standards and pronouncements, see Note 1 to our audited Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

Results of Operations

We grew consolidated net income by $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. Below are key highlights of our results of operations during 2006:

·  
Consolidated net income increased 18.9% to $19.8 million in 2006 compared with $16.7 million in 2005 and $14.0 million in 2004, which reflects an increase of 18.8% in 2005 compared to 2004.
·  
Basic earnings per share increased 11.3% to $2.17 in 2006 compared with $1.95 in 2005 and $1.66 in 2004.
·  
Diluted earnings per share increased 11.4% to $2.15 in 2006 compared with $1.93 in 2005 and $1.64 in 2004.
·  
Book value per common share of $18.57 at the end of 2006, an increase from $17.17 at the end of 2005 and $14.77 at the end of 2004.
·  
Return on average assets decreased slightly to 0.97% in 2006, compared with 1.00% in 2005 and 1.05% in 2004. Our return on average assets was affected by a large increase in total assets and rate increases on our interest-bearing liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2006.
·  
Return on average shareholders' equity decreased somewhat to 12.72% in 2006, compared with 13.19% in 2005 and 12.20% in 2004.

Per share data above have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a 5% stock dividend paid to shareholders of record on March 9, 2007 and December 20, 2004.

Growth in interest-earning assets drove total interest income to increase by $37.3 million, or 39.6%, during 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2006, total interest income was $131.6 million compared to $94.3 million in 2005, which reflects an increase of 38.8% in 2005 from $67.9 million in 2004. The increase was volume driven related to strong loan growth, mainly in commercial real estate loans.

Higher volume and rates on interest-bearing liabilities drove total interest expense higher by $25.6 million, or 89.1%, during 2006. For the year ended December 31, 2006, total interest expense was $54.3 million compared to $28.7 million in 2005 and $14.6 million in 2004. The increase resulted primarily from the rising interest rate environment and growth in certificate of deposit products.

In February 2004, SCBT’s Board of Directors authorized a program with no formal expiration date to repurchase up to 250,000 of its common shares. We did not repurchase any shares under this program during 2006 and 2005. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we repurchased 120,908 shares at a cost of $3.6 million. During 2006 and 2005, we redeemed 13,149 and 8,467 of SCBT shares from officers at an average cost of $37.23 and $30.28, respectively, under an approved program designed to facilitate stock option exercises under SCBT's stock option plans.
 
16

In the table below, we have reported our results of operations by quarter for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005.

Table 1 - Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
 
 
 
2006 Quarters
   
2005 Quarters
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Fourth
 
 
Third
 
 
Second
 
 
First
 
 
Fourth
 
 
Third
 
 
Second
 
 
First
 
                                                   
Interest income
 
$
35,323
 
$
34,085
 
$
32,389
 
$
29,850
 
$
27,379
 
$
24,532
 
$
22,615
 
$
19,767
 
Interest expense
   
15,678
   
14,307
   
12,829
   
11,467
   
9,519
   
7,667
   
6,415
   
5,109
 
Net interest income
   
19,645
   
19,778
   
19,560
   
18,383
   
17,860
   
16,865
   
16,200
   
14,658
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,552
   
1,048
   
1,522
   
1,146
   
1,446
   
1,674
   
1,064
   
723
 
Noninterest income
   
7,044
   
6,968
   
6,662
   
6,035
   
6,238
   
6,549
   
5,788
   
5,280
 
Noninterest expense
   
17,844
   
17,752
   
16,753
   
16,369
   
16,735
   
15,495
   
14,680
   
13,143
 
Income before income taxes
   
7,293
   
7,946
   
7,947
   
6,903
   
5,917
   
6,245
   
6,244
   
6,072
 
Income taxes
   
2,535
   
2,686
   
2,946
   
2,117
   
1,832
   
1,850
   
2,139
   
2,002
 
Net income
 
$
4,758
 
$
5,260
 
$
5,001
 
$
4,786
 
$
4,085
 
$
4,395
 
$
4,105
 
$
4,070
 
 
Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the largest component of our net income. Net interest income is the difference between our income earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is determined by the rates earned on interest-earning assets, rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the degree of mismatch, and the maturity and repricing characteristics of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets represents our net interest margin.

The Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates 100 basis points during 2006 and maintained a 5.25% targeted Fed funds rate as of December 31, 2006. Increases in short-term rates have caused an inversion on the front end of the yield curve. We, like many other financial institutions, have relied more heavily on higher cost certificates of deposit balances for funding during 2006. The decrease in our net interest margin reflects these factors as interest rates on our average interest-bearing liabilities have adjusted higher more quickly than yields on interest-earning assets. However, we have continued to grow interest-earnings assets to sustain net interest income in spite of the margin compression.

Net interest income highlighted for the year ended December 31, 2006:

·  
Net interest income increased by $11.8 million, or 18.0%, to $77.4 million during 2006.
·  
Higher 2006 net interest income was volume related as total average interest-earning assets increased by $347.9 million, or 22.4%, during 2006.
·  
An increase in loans was the largest contributor to volume increase.
·  
Decrease of 29 basis points in net interest spread significantly offset our strong interest-earning asset growth during 2006.
·  
Non-TE (non-taxable equivalent) net interest margin decreased 15 basis points to 4.08%.
·  
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent) decreased 16 basis points to 4.12%.
·  
Interest-free funds favorably impacted net interest margin by 50 basis points.

Net interest income highlighted for the year ended December 31, 2005:

·  
Net interest income increased by $12.3 million, or 23.1%, to $65.6 million during 2005.
·  
Higher 2005 net interest income was volume related as total average interest-earning assets increased by $310.0 million, or 25.0%, during 2005.
·  
Decrease of 14 basis points in net interest spread significantly offset the impact of strong interest-earning asset growth.
·  
Non-TE net interest margin decreased 6 basis points to 4.23%.
·  
Net interest margin decreased 9 basis points to 4.28%.
·  
Interest-free funds favorably impacted net interest margin by 36 basis points.

Net interest income highlighted for the year ended December 31, 2004:

·  
Net interest income increased by $3.0 million, or 6.0%, to $53.3 million during 2004.
·  
Higher 2004 net interest income was related to volume and the decrease in rates on average interest-earning assets.
·  
Total average interest-earning assets increased $117.3 million, or 10.4%, during 2004.
 
17

 
·  
Decrease of 16 basis points in net interest spread partially offset the impact of strong earning asset growth, reflecting a greater decline in rates earned on interest-earning assets as compared with rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
·  
Non-TE net interest margin decreased 18 basis points to 4.29%.
·  
Net interest margin decreased 19 basis points to 4.37%, resulting from a continued low interest rate environment.
·  
Interest-free funds favorably impacted net interest margin by 28 basis points.

Table 2 - Volume and Rate Variance Analysis
 
     
2006 Compared to 2005
   
2005 Compared to 2004
 
     
Changes Due to
   
Changes Due to
 
   
Increase (Decrease) In
   
Increase (Decrease) In
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Volume (1)
 
 
Rate (1)
 
 
Total
 
 
Volume (1)
 
 
Rate (1)
 
 
Total
 
                                       
Interest income on:
                                     
Loans (2)
 
$
21,421
 
$
13,659
 
$
35,080
 
$
15,971
 
$
8,352
 
$
24,323
 
Investments:
                                     
Taxable
   
1,439
   
949
   
2,388
   
739
   
552
   
1,291
 
Tax exempt (3)
   
(140
)
 
88
   
(52
)
 
(267
)
 
23
   
(244
)
Funds sold
   
(377
)
 
486
   
109
   
833
   
(22
)
 
811
 
Interest-earning deposits
                                     
with banks
   
(258
)
 
87
   
(171
)
 
32
   
167
   
199
 
Total interest income
   
22,085
   
15,269
   
37,354
   
17,308
   
9,072
   
26,380
 
                                       
Interest expense on:
                                     
Deposits
                                     
Interest-bearing
                                     
transaction accounts
   
76
   
769
   
845
   
86
   
229
   
315
 
Savings
   
406
   
2,829
   
3,235
   
1,009
   
2,864
   
3,873
 
Certificates of deposit
   
5,950
   
9,654
   
15,604
   
2,080
   
3,635
   
5,715
 
Funds purchased
   
632
   
2,413
   
3,045
   
250
   
2,094
   
2,344
 
Notes payable
   
2,413
   
429
   
2,842
   
1,357
   
463
   
1,820
 
Total interest expense
   
9,477
   
16,094
   
25,571
   
4,782
   
9,285
   
14,067
 
Net interest income
 
$
12,608
 
$
(825
)
$
11,783
 
$
12,526
 
$
(213
)
$
12,313
 
 
(1) The rate/volume variance for each category has been allocated on an equal basis between rate and volumes.
(2) Nonaccrual loans are included in the above analysis.
(3) Tax exempt income is not presented on a taxable-equivalent basis in the above analysis.
 
18

 
Table 3 - Yields on Average Interest-Earning Assets and Rates on Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities

   
 2006
 
 2005
 
 2004
 
Years Ended December 31,
   
Average
 
 
Interest
 
 
Average
 
 
Average
 
 
Interest
 
 
Average
 
 
Average
 
 
Interest
 
 
Average
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Balance
 
 
Earned/Paid
 
 
Yield/Rate
 
 
Balance
 
 
Earned/Paid
 
 
Yield/Rate
 
 
Balance
 
 
Earned/Paid
 
 
Yield/Rate
 
                                                         
Assets
                                                       
Interest-earning assets
                                                       
Loans, net of unearned income
 
$
1,667,312
 
$
120,670
   
7.24
%
$
1,333,554
 
$
85,590
   
6.42
%
$
1,057,813
 
$
61,267
   
5.79
%
Investment securities
                                                       
Taxable
   
181,426
   
8,551
   
4.71
%
 
147,071
   
6,162
   
4.19
%
 
127,370
   
4,861
   
3.82
%
Tax exempt
   
24,031
   
1,165
   
4.85
%
 
27,164
   
1,217
   
4.48
%
 
33,417
   
1,461
   
4.37
%
Funds sold
   
21,647
   
1,058
   
4.89
%
 
30,056
   
949
   
3.16
%
 
11,156
   
138
   
1.24
%
Interest-earning deposits with banks
   
3,899
   
203
   
5.21
%
 
12,568
   
375
   
2.98
%
 
10,613
   
186
   
1.75
%
Total interest-earning assets
   
1,898,315
   
131,647
   
6.93
%
 
1,550,413
   
94,293
   
6.08
%
 
1,240,369
   
67,913
   
5.48
%
Cash and other assets
   
174,438
               
137,299
               
102,103
             
Less, allowance for loan losses
   
(21,135
)
             
(16,687
)
             
(13,026
)
           
Total assets
 
$
2,051,618
             
$
1,671,025
             
$
1,329,446
             
                                                         
Liabilities
                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                                       
Deposits
                                                       
Interest-bearing transaction accounts
 
$
276,101
 
$
1,899
   
0.69
%
$
257,538
 
$
1,054
   
0.41
%
$
230,749
 
$
739
   
0.32
%
Savings
   
361,718
   
9,228
   
2.55
%
 
338,759
   
5,993
   
1.77
%
 
229,545
   
2,120
   
0.92
%
Certificates of deposit
   
694,932
   
29,703
   
4.27
%
 
488,689
   
14,099
   
2.89
%
 
391,542
   
8,384
   
2.14
%
Funds purchased
   
149,081
   
6,076
   
4.08
%
 
123,352
   
3,031
   
2.46
%
 
90,445
   
687
   
0.76
%
Notes payable
   
134,775
   
7,375
   
5.47
%
 
87,959
   
4,533
   
5.15
%
 
58,630
   
2,713
   
4.63
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
1,616,607
   
54,281
   
3.36
%
 
1,296,297
   
28,710
   
2.21
%
 
1,000,911
   
14,643
   
1.46
%
Demand deposits
   
266,400
               
240,941
               
208,106
             
Other liabilities
   
12,896
               
7,527
               
5,549
             
Shareholders' equity
   
155,715
               
126,260
               
114,880
             
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
2,051,618
             
$
1,671,025
             
$
1,329,446
             
                                                         
Net interest spread
               
3.58
%
             
3.87
%
             
4.01
%
Impact on interest free funds
               
0.50
%
             
0.36
%
             
0.28
%
Net interest margin (non-taxable equivalent)
               
4.08
%
             
4.23
%
             
4.29
%
Net interest margin
       
$
77,366
             
$
65,583
             
$
53,270
       
 
19

 
Noninterest Income and Expense

Noninterest income provides us with additional revenues that are significant sources of income. These sources provide stability when our banks experience net interest margin compression as in 2006 and in recent years. In 2006, 2005, and 2004, noninterest income comprised 25.7%, 26.7%, and 29.8%, respectively, of total net interest and noninterest income. The decrease from 2005 resulted from an increase in our net interest income, driven by total interest-earning asset growth and interest rate increases for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Table 4 - Noninterest Income for the Three Years

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
$
13,377
 
$
12,473
 
$
11,854
 
Secondary market mortgage fees
   
5,613
   
5,054
   
3,892
 
Bankcard services income
   
3,422
   
2,647
   
1,690
 
Investment services income
   
1,418
   
1,118
   
866
 
Trust fees
   
730
   
577
   
556
 
Other service charges, commissions, and fees
   
2,149
   
1,986
   
3,792
 
Total noninterest income
 
$
26,709
 
$
23,855
 
$
22,650
 
 
Noninterest income growth of 12.0% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005 came as a result of the following:

·  
Service charges on deposit accounts increased 7.2%, driven by strong deposit growth in 2006.
·  
Secondary market mortgage fees increased 11.1%, driven by an increase in service release premiums for the year ended December 31, 2006. During 2006, production in secondary market mortgages remained consistent with the previous year.
·  
Bankcard services income increased 29.3%, driven largely by the number of new accounts opened in 2006 and the introduction of the SCBT Rewards for debit cards.
·  
Investment services income increased 26.8%, driven by increased productivity of our existing investment consultants and the addition of two investment consultants in the last two quarters of 2006. We continue to retain an experienced staff that we believe contributed to an increase in income for the year ended December 31, 2006. We plan to hire additional investment consultants for targeted high growth South Carolina markets during the first half of 2007.
·  
Other service charges, commissions, and fees grew 8.2% during 2006, driven by a $108,000, or 49.6%, increase in cash surrender value of Bank Owned Life Insurance, a $99,000, or 36.4%, increase in cashier check fees, and a $48,000, or 19.4%, increase in wire, exchange, and other fees.

Noninterest income growth of 5.3% for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to 2004 came as a result of the following:

·  
Service charges on deposit accounts increased 5.2%, driven by the strong deposit account growth during 2005.
·  
Secondary market mortgage fees increased 29.9%. During 2005, we produced $197.0 million more in secondary market mortgages than the previous year. This growth in volume is related to the increase in mortgage originators and their production in our bank subsidiaries and the establishment of The Mortgage Banc in 2004.
·  
Bankcard services income increased 56.6%, driven by an increase in new accounts opened in 2005.
·  
Investment services income increased 29.1%, driven by strong productivity from new and existing investment consultants.
·  
Other service charges, commissions, and fees decreased 47.6% during 2005.

Noninterest expense represents the largest expense category for our company. During 2006, we emphasized carefully controlling our noninterest expense.
 
20

Table 5 - Noninterest Expense for the Three Years

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Salaries and employee benefits
 
$
40,394
 
$
34,074
 
$
27,762
 
Net furniture and equipment expense
   
4,690
   
4,340
   
4,447
 
Net occupancy expense
   
4,227
   
3,493
   
3,309
 
Advertising and public relations
   
3,186
   
2,519
   
1,881
 
Information services expense
   
2,306
   
1,872
   
1,249
 
Bankcard services expense
   
1,026
   
738
   
598
 
Amortization
   
825
   
576
   
488
 
Loss on sale of securities
   
330
   
202
   
4
 
Other
   
11,734
   
12,239
   
11,397
 
Total noninterest expense
 
$
68,718
 
$
60,053
 
$
51,135
 
 
Noninterest expense increased 14.4% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005 primarily as a result of the following:

·  
Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 18.5%, driven by sales volume incentives paid to employees on certain banking products and an increase in the number of employees as a result of organic growth. We expect that salaries and employee benefits expense will be driven largely by sales volume incentives and organic growth in 2007. This expense was the largest component of noninterest expense comprising 58.8% of the category totals for 2006. At December 31, 2006, we employed 634 full-time equivalent employees compared to 590 at the end of 2005.
·  
Net occupancy expense increased 21.0%, driven by newly opened financial centers during 2006 and the increased lease expense and operating costs associated with the new facilities. In 2006, we increased our total number of financial centers to 45 by opening locations in Charleston, Fort Mill, Lexington, and Irmo, South Carolina.
·  
Net furniture and equipment expense increased by 8.1% as a result of purchases for new facilities.
·  
Advertising and public relations expense increased 26.5% from the prior year. While the increase was lower than the increase in 2005, the increase reflects the expanded “How Can We Make Your Day?” advertising initiative in 2006 to build SCBT brand recognition in South Carolina. The increase also reflects advertising to generate customer deposits.
·  
Information services expense increased 23.2%, driven by adding new financial centers.
·  
Recognized loss on the sale of $10.4 million of available-for-sale securities for the year ended December 31, 2006. We expect that the reinvestment of the proceeds from the sale will increase the overall yield of our investment portfolio going forward.
·  
Other noninterest expense decreased 4.1% resulting from our focus on cost reduction during 2006. The decrease was driven by lower property tax accruals, smaller community donations, and a reclassification of overdraft charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses.

Noninterest expense increased 17.4% for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to 2004 primarily as a result of the following:

·  
Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 22.7% percent, driven primarily by the result of an increase in full-time equivalent employees gained in acquisitions made during 2005 and the related benefits and incentive costs associated with increased staffing levels. At December 31, 2005, we employed 590 full-time equivalent employees compared to 513 at the end of 2004.
·  
Net occupancy expense increased 5.6%, driven by newly opened or acquired financial centers during 2005 and the increased lease expense and operating costs associated with the new facilities.
·  
Net furniture and equipment expense decreased 2.4% as service contract costs were largely offset by decreased expenses associated with equipment data processing leases.
·  
Advertising and public relations expense increased 33.9%, driven mainly by continued loan and deposit marketing campaigns and marketing the SCBT brand in newly entered geographical markets.
·  
Information services expense increased 49.9%, driven by our expanded footprint in two additional markets in South Carolina.
·  
Strategically repositioned a portion of our investment portfolio during 2005 for the current interest rate environment generating a loss on the sale of available-for-sale securities.
·  
Other noninterest expense increased 7.4% resulting from an increase in charitable contributions and merger related costs. Charitable contributions increased by $400,000, which included a $100,000 contribution to establish a SCBT Foundation fund within the Central Carolina Community Foundation. We will be able to grow this foundation fund over time through contributions and investment returns, and we will be able to largely centralize our donation activities through self-directed donations. We incurred approximately $266,000 of merger related costs during 2005.
 
21

Investment Securities

We use investment securities, the second largest category of interest-earning assets, to generate interest income through the employment of excess funds, to provide liquidity, to fund loan demand or deposit liquidation, and to pledge as collateral for public funds deposits and repurchase agreements. The composition of the portfolio remained relatively consistent with a bias towards increasing purchases of U.S. government agency bonds rather than mortgage-backed securities. We continued our approach of slightly lengthening the average life of the portfolio as interest rates increased in anticipation of the end of the Federal Reserve’s tightening cycle. At December 31, 2006, investment securities were $210.4 million, or 10.5% of earning assets, compared with $182.7 million, or 10.3% of earning assets, at December 31, 2005. See Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the audited consolidated financial statements for our accounting policy on investment securities.

As securities are purchased, they are designated as held to maturity or available for sale based upon our intent, which incorporates liquidity needs, interest rate expectations, asset/liability management strategies, and capital requirements. We do not currently hold, nor have we ever held, any securities that are designated as trading securities. The following table presents the book value of investment securities for the five years as of December 31, 2006:

Table 6 - Investment Securities for the Five Years

 
 
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
Held-to-maturity (amortized cost):
                               
Mortgage-backed
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
51
 
State and municipal
   
18,112
   
18,194
   
24,604
   
29,487
   
33,160
 
Total held-to-maturity
   
18,112
   
18,194
   
24,604
   
29,487
   
33,211
 
                                 
Available-for-sale (fair value):
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
67,448
   
37,749
   
25,185
   
25,453
   
45,859
 
Mortgage-backed
   
93,238
   
99,595
   
94,664
   
78,560
   
74,694
 
Corporate bonds
   
14,358
   
11,361
   
10,300
   
6,500
   
-
 
Corporate stocks
   
7,069
   
4,923
   
4,909
   
6,734
   
6,414
 
Total available-for-sale
   
182,113
   
153,628
   
135,058
   
117,247
   
126,967
 
Total other investments
    
10,166
   
10,922
   
5,784
   
5,275
   
4,773
 
                                 
Total investment securities
 
$
210,391
 
$
182,744
 
$
165,446
 
$
152,009
 
$
164,951
 
 
During 2006, total investment securities increased $27.6 million, or 15.1%, from the comparable year of 2005. The balance as of December 31, 2005 increased $17.3 million, or 10.5%, from the comparable year of 2004. At December 31, 2006, the fair value of the total investment securities portfolio was $1.7 million, or 0.8%, lower than its book value. Comparable valuations at December 31, 2005 reflected a total investment portfolio fair value that was $1.9 million, or 1.0%, lower than book value.

Held-to-maturity

Securities held to maturity consist mainly of tax-exempt state and municipal securities. The following are highlights:

·  
Total securities held to maturity decreased $82,000 from the balance at December 31, 2005.
·  
The balance of securities held to maturity represented 0.8% of total assets at December 31, 2006 and 0.9% of the total assets at December 31, 2005.
·  
Interest earned amounted to $641,000, a decrease of $264,000, or 29.2%, from $905,000 in the comparable year of 2005. Less interest earned reflected a 143 basis point decrease in the yield on securities held to maturity.

The average maturity of the held to maturity portfolio was 4.3 years and 1.7 years at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Available-for-sale

Securities available for sale consist mainly of Government-sponsored enterprises and mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2006, investment securities with an amortized cost of $183.9 million and fair value of $182.1 million were classified as available for sale. The negative adjustment of $1.8 million between the carrying value of these securities and their amortized cost has been reflected, net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets as accumulated other comprehensive loss. The following are highlights:

·  
Total securities available for sale increased $28.5 million, or 18.5%, from the balance at December 31, 2005.
 
22

 
·  
The balance of securities available for sale represented 8.4% of total assets at December 31, 2006 and 8.0% at December 31, 2005.
·  
Interest earned amounted to $9.0 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 40.6%, from $6.4 million in the comparable year of 2005. Higher interest earned reflected a 55 basis point increase in the yield on available for sale securities and an increase in the average balance for the year ended December 31, 2006.

While securities classified as available for sale may be sold from time to time to meet liquidity or other needs, it is not our normal practice to trade this segment of the investment securities portfolio. While we generally hold these assets on a long-term basis or until maturity, any short-term investments or securities available for sale could be converted at an earlier point, depending partly on changes in interest rates and alternative investment opportunities.

Other Investments

Other investment securities included principally Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) stock, each with no readily determinable market value. The amortized cost and fair value of the securities both equal the same amount. The following are highlights:

·  
Total other investment securities decreased $756,000, or 6.9%, from the balance at December 31, 2005. The balance increased $5.1 million, or 88.8% from the comparable year in 2004. The lower balance between 2006 and 2005 reflected a $1.8 million decrease in FHLB stock during 2006. Our banks are required to maintain a certain level of FHLB stock based on total assets, advances, and letters of credit. The decrease was offset by a $1.0 million increase in Federal Reserve stock. This increase resulted from Sunbank being dissolved and merged into our lead bank subsidiary.
·  
The balance of other investment securities represented 0.5% and 0.6% of total assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

During 2006, we realized a pretax loss on the disposition of investment securities of $330,000, as we elected to strategically reposition a portion of our investment portfolio for the current interest rate environment. We realized a pretax loss of $202,000 in 2005 and $4,000 in 2004.
 
23

 
Table 7 - Maturity Distribution and Yields of Investment Securities

   
Due In
 
 
Due After
 
 
Due After
 
 
Due After
                         
   
1 Year or Less
 
 
1 Thru 5 Years
 
 
5 Thru 10 Years
 
 
10 Years
 
 
Total
 
 
Par
 
 
Fair
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Amount
 
 
Yield
 
 
Amount
 
 
Yield
 
 
Amount
 
 
Yield
 
 
Amount
 
 
Yield
 
 
Amount
 
 
Yield
 
 
Value
 
 
Value
 
Held-to-maturity
                                                                         
State and municipal
 
$
3,841
   
6.50
%
$
7,434
   
6.70
%
$
3,148
   
6.22
%
$
3,689
   
6.12
%
$
18,112
   
5.21
%
$
18,105
 
$
18,271
 
Total held-to-maturity
   
3,841
   
6.50
%
 
7,434
   
6.70
%
 
3,148
   
6.22
%
 
3,689
   
6.12
%
 
18,112
   
5.21
%
 
18,105
   
18,271
 
                                                                           
Available-for-sale
                                                                         
Government-sponsored enterprises
   
7,112
   
4.03
%
 
56,224
   
5.03
%
 
4,112
   
0.00
%
 
--
   
0.00
%
 
67,448
   
4.96
%
 
67,998
   
67,448
 
Mortgage-backed
   
255
   
5.69
%
 
87,863
   
4.51
%
 
5,120
   
5.01
%
 
--
   
0.00
%
 
93,238
   
5.54
%
 
95,498
   
93,238
 
Corporate bonds
   
--
   
0.00
%
 
--
   
0.00
%
 
--
   
0.00
%
 
14,358
   
0.00
%
 
14,358
   
6.04
%
 
14,300
   
14,358
 
Corporate stocks
   
--
   
0.00
%
 
2,120
   
0.00
%
 
3,958
   
0.00
%
 
991
   
1.27
%
 
7,069
   
7.25
%
 
6,991
   
7,069
 
Total available-for-sale
   
7,367
   
4.09
%
 
146,207
   
4.65
%
 
13,190
   
1.94
%
 
15,349
   
0.08
%
 
182,113
   
4.92
%
 
184,787
   
182,113
 
Total other investments (1)
   
--
   
0.00
%
 
--
   
0.00
%
 
--
   
0.00
%
 
10,166
   
5.92
%
 
10,166
   
5.92
%
 
10,166
   
10,166
 
Total investment securities
 
$
11,208
   
4.92
%
$
153,641
   
4.75
%
$
16,338
   
2.77
%
$
29,204
   
2.11
%
$
210,391
   
5.00
%
$
213,058
 
$
210,550
 
                                                                           
Percent of total
   
5
%
       
73
%
       
8
%
       
14
%
                             
Cumulative percent of total
   
5
%
       
78
%
       
86
%
       
100
%
                             
 
(1) Federal Reserve Bank and other corporate stocks have no set maturity date and are classified in “Due after 10 Years.”
 
24

 
Loan Portfolio

Our loan portfolio remains our largest category of interest-earning assets. A 30.3% increase in loans secured by commercial real estate including owner occupied real estate drove overall growth in total loans for the year ended December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2006, total loans, net of unearned income, grew to $1.8 billion, an increase of $224.9 million, or 14.6%, compared to $1.5 billion at the end of 2005. Average loans outstanding during 2006 were $1.7 billion, an increase of $333.1 million, or 25.4%, over the 2005 average of $1.3 billion. The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio by category:

Table 8 - Distribution of Net Loans by Type

 
 
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
Real estate:
                               
Commercial
 
$
835,892
 
$
641,275
 
$
430,244
 
$
362,897
 
$
322,664
 
Consumer
   
434,957
   
421,860
   
334,578
   
244,425
   
230,945
 
Commercial
   
190,635
   
178,039
   
138,228
   
108,665
   
108,717
 
Firstline
   
144,910
   
145,404
   
128,429
   
101,101
   
81,545
 
Consumer
   
130,596
   
127,817
   
104,553
   
98,180
   
110,732
 
Other loans
   
23,870
   
21,605
   
17,375
   
24,270
   
10,211
 
Total loans
 
$
1,760,860
 
$
1,536,000
 
$
1,153,407
 
$
939,538
 
$
864,814
 
                                 
Percent of Total
                               
Real estate:
                               
Commercial
   
47.5
%
 
41.7
%
 
37.3
%
 
38.6
%
 
37.3
%
Consumer
   
24.7
%
 
27.5
%
 
29.0
%
 
26.0
%
 
26.7
%
Commercial
   
10.8
%
 
11.6
%
 
12.0
%
 
11.6
%
 
12.6
%
Firstline
   
8.2
%
 
9.5
%
 
11.1
%
 
10.8
%
 
9.4
%
Consumer
   
7.4
%
 
8.3
%
 
9.1
%
 
10.4
%
 
12.8
%
Other loans
   
1.4
%
 
1.4
%
 
1.5
%
 
2.6
%
 
1.2
%
Total loans
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
Regarding the table above, the loan category commercial and consumer real estate includes owner occupied real estate. Firstline loans are home equity lines of credit.

Real estate mortgage loans continue to comprise the largest segment of our loan portfolio. All commercial and residential loans secured by real estate are included in this category. As of December 31, 2006 compared to December 31, 2005:

·  
Loans secured by real estate mortgages were $1.4 billion, and comprised 80.4% of the total loan portfolio. This was an increase of $207.2 million, or 17.1%, over year-end 2005.
·  
Loans secured by commercial real estate grew by $194.6 million, or 30.3%.
·  
Loans secured by consumer real estate grew by $13.1 million, or 3.1%.
·  
Commercial non real estate loans grew $12.6 million, or 7.1%, from the comparable year of 2005. The balance represented 10.8% of total loans.

Loan interest income, including fees, was $120.7 million in 2006, an increase of $35.1 million, or 41.0% percent, over 2005 income of $85.6 million. The increase was the result of a substantial increase in the total average outstanding loan balance in 2006 compared with 2005, as well as an average loan portfolio yield in 2006 of 7.24% which was 82 basis points higher than the 6.42% loan yield in 2005. Interest and fee income for 2005 was 39.6% above the 2004 income of $61.3 million. The average loan yield in 2005 was 63 basis points higher than the 2004 yield of 5.79%. The table below shows the maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2006.
 
25

Table 9 - Maturity Distribution of Loans

December 31, 2006
   
 
 
 
1 Year
 
 
Maturity
 
 
Over
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Total
 
 
or Less
 
 
1 to 5 Years
 
 
5 Years
 
Real estate:
                         
Commercial
 
$
835,892
 
$
253,262
 
$
499,674
 
$
82,956
 
Consumer
   
434,957
   
103,662
   
175,123
   
156,172
 
Commercial
   
190,635
   
71,423
   
102,864
   
16,348
 
Firstline
   
144,910
   
3,165
   
16,267
   
125,478
 
Consumer
   
130,596
   
13,458
   
102,805
   
14,333
 
Other loans
   
23,870
   
18,118
   
5,651
   
101
 
Total loans
 
$
1,760,860
 
$
463,088
 
$
902,384
 
$
395,388
 

Nonaccrual Loans

The placement of loans on a nonaccrual status is dependent upon the type of loan, the past due status and the collection activities in progress. Loans well secured and in the process of collection are allowed to remain on an accrual basis until they become 120 days past due. Unsecured commercial loans are charged off on or before the date they become 90 days past due and, therefore, do not reach nonaccrual status. Commercial and real estate loans that are partially secured are written down to the collateral value and placed on nonaccrual status on or before becoming 90 days past due. Closed end consumer loans are charged off or written down to the contractual value on or before becoming 120 days past due. Open end consumer loans are charged off or written down to the contractual value on or before becoming 180 days past due.
 
The level of risk elements in the loan portfolio for the past five years is shown below:

Table 10 - Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

 
 
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
                                 
Loans past due 90 days or more
 
$
1,039
 
$
1,512
 
$
840
 
$
2,082
 
$
1,729
 
Loans on a nonaccruing basis
   
3,567
   
2,760
   
2,429
   
4,669
   
3,010
 
   
$
4,606
 
$
4,272
 
$
3,269
 
$
6,751
 
$
4,739
 
 
Loan Loss Provision

On December 13, 2006, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and other regulatory agencies collectively revised the banking agencies’ 1993 policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses to ensure consistency with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and more recent supervisory guidance. Our loan loss policy adheres to the interagency guidance.

The allowance for loan losses is an estimate made by management. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level that we believe is appropriate to cover estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans that are determined to be impaired as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of our loan portfolio. Arriving at the allowance involves a high degree of management judgment and results in a range of estimated losses. We periodically evaluate the adequacy of the allowance through our internal risk rating system, outside credit review, and regulatory agency examinations to assess the quality of the loan portfolio and identify problem loans. The evaluation process also includes our analysis of current and future economic conditions, composition of the loan portfolio, past due and nonaccrual loans, concentrations of credit, lending policies and procedures, and historical loan loss experience. The provision for loan losses is charged to expense in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at the appropriate level.
 
26

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency recommends that banks take a broad view of certain factors in evaluating their allowance for loan losses. These factors include loan loss experience, specific allocations and other subjective factors. In our ongoing consideration of such factors, we consider our allowance for loan losses to be adequate. The following table presents changes in the allowance for loan losses for the five years at December 31, 2006:

Table 11 - Summary of Loan Loss Experience

(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
                                 
Allowance for loan losses at January 1
 
$
20,025
 
$
14,470
 
$
11,700
 
$
11,065
 
$
9,818
 
Total charge-offs
   
(3,438
)
 
(1,850
)
 
(2,008
)
 
(2,410
)
 
(2,236
)
Total recoveries
   
813
   
383
   
446
   
700
   
256
 
Net charge-offs
   
(2,625
)
 
(1,467
)
 
(1,562
)
 
(1,710
)
 
(1,980
)
Provision for loan losses
   
5,268
   
4,907
   
4,332
   
2,345
   
3,227
 
Reserve acquired in business combination
   
--
   
2,115
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Allowance for loan losses at December 31
 
$
22,668
 
$
20,025
 
$
14,470
 
$
11,700
 
$
11,065
 
                                 
Average loans, net of unearned income *
 
$
1,646,906
 
$
1,313,796
 
$
1,043,471
 
$
899,421
 
$
792,594
 
Ratio of net charge-offs to average
                               
loans, net of unearned income **
   
0.16
%
 
0.11
%
 
0.15
%
 
0.19
%
 
0.25
%
 
* - Average loans, net of unearned income does not include loans held for sale.
** - The increase in the ratio in 2006 is partially attributable to a 0.04% increase resulting from adding AOP net charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses.

The higher provision in 2006 reflects our close attention to asset quality and response to strong loan growth during the year. The following provides highlights for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005:

·  
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income, was 1.29% compared to 1.30% for the comparable year in 2005.
·  
Total charge-offs increased $1.6 million, or 85.9% for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to a $158,000, or 7.9%, decrease for the comparable year in 2005. The increase reflects strong organic loan growth in our loan portfolio during 2006 and adding AOP net charge-offs to the allowance.

Other real estate owned includes certain real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure and deeds in lieu of foreclosure, as well as amounts reclassified as in-substance foreclosures. At December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, other real estate owned was $597,000 and $379,000, respectively.

Liquidity

Liquidity may be defined as the ability of an entity to generate cash to meet its financial obligations. For a bank, liquidity primarily means the consistent ability to meet loan and investment demands and deposit withdrawals. We have employed our funds in a manner to provide liquidity in both assets and liabilities sufficient to meet our cash needs.

Asset liquidity is maintained by the maturity structure of loans, investment securities, and other short-term investments. We have policies and procedures governing the length of time to maturity on loans and investments. As reported in table 7, five percent of the investment portfolio contractually matures in one year or less. This segment of the portfolio consists largely of Government-sponsored enterprises securities, municipal obligations, and agency preferred stock. Loans and other investments are generally held for longer terms and not used for day-to-day operating needs.

Increases in our liabilities provide liquidity on a day-to-day basis. Daily liquidity needs may be met from deposit growth or from the use of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings.

We regularly obtain borrowed funds in the form of cash management or “sweep” accounts that are accommodations to corporate and governmental customers pursuant to the sale of securities sold under agreements to repurchase arrangements. During 2006, we maintained a prudent level of liquidity through growth in interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposits, cash management accounts, federal funds purchased, and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.
 
27

 
Derivatives and Securities Held for Trading

The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that require comprehensive disclosure of accounting policies for derivatives as well as enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures of market risk for derivatives and other financial instruments. The market risk disclosures are classified into two categories: financial instruments entered into for trading purposes and all other instruments (non-trading purposes). We do not currently employ financial derivatives, nor do we maintain a trading portfolio.

Asset-Liability Management and Market Risk Sensitivity

Our earnings and the economic value of our shareholders’ equity may vary in relation to changes in interest rates and in relation to the accompanying fluctuations in market prices of certain of our financial instruments. We use a number of methods to measure interest rate risk, including simulating the effect on earnings of fluctuations in interest rates, monitoring the present value of asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate scenarios, and monitoring the difference, or gap, between rate sensitive assets and liabilities, as discussed below. The earnings simulation model and gap analysis take into account our contractual agreements with regard to investments, loans and deposits. Although our simulation model is subject to the accuracy of the assumptions that underlie the process, we believe that such modeling provides a better illustration of the interest sensitivity of earnings than does static interest rate sensitivity gap analysis. The simulation model assists in measuring and achieving growth in net interest income while managing interest rate risk. The simulations incorporate interest rate changes as well as projected changes in the mix and volume of balance sheet assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the simulations are considered to provide a good indicator of the degree of earnings risk we have, or may incur in future periods, arising from interest rate changes or other market risk factors.

Our policy is to monitor exposure to interest rate increases and decreases of as much as 200 basis points ratably over a 12-month period. Our policy guideline for the maximum negative impact on net interest income from a steady (“ramping”) change in interest rates of 200 basis points over 12 months is 8 percent. We traditionally have maintained a risk position within the policy guideline level. As of December 31, 2006, the earnings simulations indicated that the impact of a 200 basis point decrease in rates over 12 months would result in an approximate 1.0 percent increase in net interest income while a 200 basis point increase in rates over the same period would basically leave net interest income essentially unchanged -- both as compared with a base case unchanged interest rate environment. These results indicate that our rate sensitivity is basically neutral to very slightly liability sensitive to the indicated change in interest rates over a one-year horizon. Actual results may differ from simulated results due to the timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes and changes in market conditions or management strategies, among other factors. The shape of the fixed-income yield curve can also influence interest rate risk sensitivity, with a “flat” to “slightly inverted” yield curve having a dampening effect on our slight liability sensitivity, as is currently the case.

As mentioned above, another (though less useful) indicator of interest rate risk exposure is the interest rate sensitivity gap and cumulative gap. Interest rate sensitivity gap analysis is based on the concept of comparing financial assets that reprice with financial liabilities that reprice within a stated time period. The time period in which a financial instrument is considered to be rate sensitive is determined by that instrument’s first opportunity to reprice to a different interest rate. For variable rate products the period in which repricing occurs is contractually determined. For fixed rate products the repricing opportunity is deemed to occur at the instrument’s maturity or call date, if applicable. For non-interest-bearing funding products, the “maturity” is based solely on a scheduled decay, or runoff, rate. When more assets than liabilities reprice within a given time period, a positive interest rate gap (or “asset sensitive” position) exists. Asset sensitive institutions may benefit in generally rising rate environments as assets reprice more quickly than liabilities. Conversely, when more liabilities than assets reprice within a given time period, a negative interest rate gap (or “liability sensitive” position) exists. Liability sensitive institutions may benefit in generally falling rate environments as funding sources reprice more quickly than earning assets. However, another shortfall of static gap analysis based solely on the timing of repricing opportunities is its lack of attention to the degree of magnitude of rate repricings of the various financial instruments.

As shown in the gap analysis below at December 31, 2006, we had a greater dollar value of financial liabilities that were subject to repricing within a 12-month time horizon than financial assets that were subject to repricing. The next twelve-month period displays about an equal amount of financial liabilities and financial assets subject to repricing. Thereafter, generally there are more financial assets subject to repricing as compared to financial liabilities. We have a cumulatively small negative interest rate gap for the 5-year aggregate period through 2011. The degree of magnitude of rate repricings of the financial assets and liabilities is, as mentioned above, not accounted for by a static gap analysis such as that presented in the table below.

We do not currently use interest rate swaps or other derivatives to modify the interest rate risk of our financial instruments.

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2006 about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For fixed rate loans, securities, time deposits, federal funds and repurchase agreements, and notes payable, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates, call dates, or average-life terminal dates. Variable rate instruments are presented according to their first repricing opportunities. Non-interest bearing deposits and interest-bearing savings and checking deposits have no contractual maturity dates. For purposes of the table below, projected maturity dates for such deposits were determined based on decay rate assumptions used internally by us to evaluate such deposits. For further information on the fair value of financial instruments, see Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
28

Table 12 - Financial Instruments that are Sensitive to Changes in Interest Rates

(Dollars in thousands)
   
2007
 
 
2008
 
 
2009
 
 
2010
 
 
2011
 
 
There-
after
 
 
Total
 
 
Fair Value
12/31/2006
 
                                                   
Financial Assets:
                                                 
Loans, net of unearned income:
                                                 
Fixed Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
 
$
319,743
 
$
227,218
 
$
169,576
 
$
132,159
 
$
109,176
 
$
61,530
 
$
1,019,402
 
$
993,455
 
Average interest rate
   
6.31
%
 
6.35
%
 
6.50
%
 
6.63
%
 
0.00
%
 
7.46
%
 
5.79
%
     
Variable Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
   
649,997
   
32,875
   
30,336
   
24,713
   
9,360
   
700
   
747,981
   
751,032
 
Average interest rate
   
8.02
%
 
6.06
%
 
5.89
%
 
5.95
%
 
0.00
%
 
6.40
%
 
7.68
%
     
Securites held to maturity:
                                                 
Fixed Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
   
6,078
   
3,542
   
1,004
   
1,140
   
1,840
   
4,528
   
18,132
   
18,271
 
Average interest rate
   
7.19
%
 
4.23
%
 
4.34
%
 
5.14
%
 
0.00
%
 
4.03
%
 
4.81
%
     
Variable Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Average interest rate
   
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
     
Securites available for sale:
                                                 
Fixed Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
   
53,435
   
35,064
   
30,927
   
27,178
   
15,756
   
6,327
   
168,687
   
168,687
 
Average interest rate
   
5.25
%
 
4.42
%
 
4.19
%
 
4.87
%
 
0.00
%
 
4.61
%
 
4.31
%
     
Variable Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
   
14,479
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
14,479
   
14,479
 
Average interest rate
   
6.03
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
6.03
%
     
Other investments:
                                                 
Fixed Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
2,912
   
2,912
   
2,912
 
Average interest rate
   
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.00
%
     
Variable Rate:
                                                 
Book Value
   
6,016
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
6,016
   
6,016
 
Average interest rate
   
4.56
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
4.56
%
     
Federal funds sold
   
32,696
   
250
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
32,946
   
32,946
 
Average interest rate
   
5.20
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
5.16
%
     
Total Financial Assets
 
$
1,082,444
 
$
298,949
 
$
231,843
 
$
185,190
 
$
136,132
 
$
75,997
 
$
2,010,555
 
$
1,987,798
 
                                                   
Financial Liabilities:
                                                 
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
50,471
 
$
51,561
 
$
51,561
 
$
51,561
 
$
51,561
 
$
--
 
$
256,716
 
$
225,652
 
Average interest rate
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
       
Interest-bearing
                                                 
savings and checking
   
230,972
   
222,721
   
67,710
   
67,710
   
67,034
   
--
   
656,147
   
614,431
 
Average interest rate
   
1.76
%
 
2.55
%
 
0.89
%
 
0.89
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
1.67
%
     
Time deposits
   
767,243
   
20,591
   
3,480
   
483
   
1,015
   
815
   
793,627
   
793,400
 
Average interest rate
   
4.89
%
 
4.00
%
 
3.86
%
 
4.05
%
 
0.00
%
 
5.21
%
 
4.85
%
 
--
 
Federal funds purchased
                                                 
and securities sold under
                                                 
agreements to repurchase
   
203,105
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
203,105
   
203,105
 
Average Interest Rate
   
4.69
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
0.00
%
 
4.69
%
     
Notes payable
   
13,997
   
3,211
   
13,137
   
8,392
   
29,651
   
22,112
   
90,500
   
90,928
 
Average interest rate
   
7.06
%
 
5.45
%
 
4.65
%
 
6.34
%
 
0.00
%
 
5.86
%
 
3.98
%
 
--
 
Total Financial Liabilities
 
$
1,265,788
 
$
298,084
 
$
135,888
 
$
128,146
 
$
149,261
 
$
22,927
 
$
2,000,095
 
$
1,927,516
 
                                                   
Interest rate sensitivity gap
   
($183,344
)
$
865
 
$
95,955
 
$
57,044
   
($13,130
)
$
53,070
 
$
18,460
       
                                                   
Cumulative interest rate
   
($183,344
)
 
($182,479
)
 
($86,524
)
 
($29,480
)
 
($42,610
)
$
10,460
             
sensitivity gap
                                                 
                                                   
Cumulative interest rate
                                                 
sensitivity gap as percent
                                                 
of total financial assets
   
-9.12
%
 
-9.08
%
 
-4.30
%
 
-1.47
%
 
-2.12
%
 
0.52
%
           
 
29

 
Deposits

We rely on deposits by our customers as a primary source of funds for the continued growth of our loan and investment security portfolios. Customer deposits are categorized as either noninterest-bearing deposits or interest-bearing deposits. Noninterest-bearing deposits (or demand deposits) are transaction accounts that provide SCBT with “interest-free” sources of funds. Interest-bearing deposits include savings deposit, interest-bearing transaction accounts, certificates of deposits, and other time deposits. Interest-bearing transaction accounts include NOW, HSA, IOLTA, and Market Rate checking accounts. The following table presents total deposits for the five years at December 31, 2006:

Table 13 - Total Deposits

 
 
December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
 
2002
 
                                 
Demand deposits
 
$
256,717
 
$
250,899
 
$
226,423
 
$
170,313
 
$
146,116
 
                                 
Savings deposits
   
76,734
   
76,609
   
73,702
   
67,480
   
59,954
 
Interest-bearing deposits
   
579,398
   
545,811
   
457,801
   
339,336
   
293,161
 
Total savings and interest-bearing
   
656,132
   
622,420
   
531,503
   
406,816
   
353,115
 
                                 
Certificates of deposit
   
793,540
   
599,673
   
415,513
   
370,028
   
398,722
 
Other time deposits
   
326
   
297
   
270
   
242
   
223
 
Total time deposits
   
793,866
   
599,970
   
415,783
   
370,270
   
398,945
 
Total deposits
 
$
1,706,715
 
$
1,473,289
 
$
1,173,709
 
$
947,399
 
$
898,176
 
 
Growth in total deposits at December 31, 2006 compared to 2005 resulted largely from an increase in certificates of deposit balances during 2006. The following are key highlights regarding overall growth in total deposits:

·  
Total deposits increased $233.4 million, or 15.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2006, driven largely by the $193.9 million increase in certificates of deposit. We introduced competitive certificate of deposit products in certain South Carolina markets during 2006, which led to an increase in certificate of deposit balances. For the year ended December 31, 2005, total deposits increased $299.6 million, or 25.5%.
·  
Total savings and interest bearing account balances increased $33.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, driven by a $45.7 million, or 17.3%, increase in our Market Rate checking product.
·  
Noninterest-bearing deposits or demand deposits grew by $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
·  
Interest-bearing deposits increased by $227.6 million, or 18.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
·  
At December 31, 2006, the ratio of savings, interest-bearing, and time deposits to total deposits was 85.0%, up slightly from 83.0% at the end of 2005.
·  
Contributing to these increases was a corporate-wide free checking deposit campaign to increase new account activity which resulted in 15,922 new personal accounts and 3,390 new business checking accounts. This represents a 21.2% increase in new checking accounts from 2005.
·  
Whereas $167.9 million in new deposits were acquired in merger transactions in the prior year 2005, we had purely organic deposit growth for the year ended December 31, 2006. We expect to continue to maintain organic deposit growth and grow deposits through future acquisitions.

The following are key highlights regarding overall growth in total average deposits:

·  
Total deposits averaged $1.6 billion in 2006, an increase of 20.6% from 2005. This increase was attributed to higher certificates of deposit balances during 2006. Total deposits averaged $1.3 billion in 2005, an increase of 25.1% from 2004.
·  
Average interest-bearing transaction account deposits grew by $18.6 million, or 7.2%, in 2006 compared to 2005.
·  
Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased by $25.5 million, or 10.6%, in 2006 compared to 2005.
·  
In 2005, average total deposits were $1.3 billion, an increase of $266.0 million, or 25.1%, from 2004.
 
30

The following table provides a maturity distribution of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more for the next twelve months as of December 31:

Table 14 - Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposits of $100 Thousand or More

 
 
December 31,
       
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
% Change
 
                     
Within three months
 
$
134,609
 
$
78,377
   
71.7
%
After three through six months
   
100,363
   
58,567
   
71.4
%
After six through twelve months
   
126,547
   
81,533
   
55.2
%
After twelve months
   
9,998
   
49,735
   
-79.9
%
   
$
371,517
 
$
268,212
   
38.5
%

Short-Term Borrowed Funds

Our short-term borrowed funds consist of Federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements. Note 8, “Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase,” in our audited financial statements provides a profile of these funds for the last three years at the year-end, the average amounts outstanding during each period, the maximum amounts outstanding at any month-end, and the weighted average interest rates on year-end and average balances in each category. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase most typically have maturities within one to three days from the transaction date. Certain of these borrowings have no defined maturity date.

Capital and Dividends

Traditionally, our strong shareholders’ equity base has provided support for our banking operations and growth opportunities, while ensuring sufficient resources to absorb the risks inherent in our business. As of December 31, 2006, we had $161.9 million in total shareholders’ equity, or 7.4% of total assets. This compares to $148.4 million in total shareholders’ equity, or 7.7% of total assets, at the end of 2005.

The Federal Reserve Board on March 1, 2005 announced changes to its capital adequacy rules, including the capital treatment of trust preferred securities. The Federal Reserve’s new rules, which took effect in early April 2005, permit bank holding companies to treat outstanding trust preferred securities as Tier 1 Capital for the first 25 years of the 30 year term of the related junior subordinated debt securities. We issued $40,000,000 of these types of junior non-consolidated securities during 2005, positively impacting Tier I Capital. We did not issue trust preferred securities for the year ended December 31, 2006. (See Note 1 on page F-10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed explanation of our trust preferred securities.)

We are subject to certain risk-based capital guidelines that measure the relationship of capital to both balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks. Risk values are adjusted to reflect credit risk. Pursuant to guidelines of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, which are substantially similar to those promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Tier 1 capital must be at least fifty percent of total capital and total capital must be eight percent of risk-weighted assets.

As an additional measure of capital soundness, the regulatory agencies have prescribed a leverage ratio of total capital to total assets. The minimum leverage ratio assigned to banks is between three and five percent and is dependent on the institution’s composite rating as determined by its regulators.

Table 15 - Capital Adequacy Ratios

 
 
December 31,
 
(In percent)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Tier 1 risk-based capital
   
10.11
   
10.25
   
9.85
 
Total risk-based capital
   
11.36
   
11.45
   
11.10
 
Tier 1 leverage
   
8.11
   
8.58
   
8.05
 

Compared to December 31, 2005 our capital ratios have slightly declined because of the continuing growth in assets. Our capital ratios are currently well in excess of the minimum standards and continue to be in the “well capitalized” regulatory classifications.
 
31

We pay cash dividends to shareholders from funds provided mainly by dividends received from our subsidiary banks. Dividends paid by our bank subsidiaries are subject to certain regulatory restrictions. We must gain approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in order to pay dividends in excess of our banks’ net earnings for the current year, plus retained net profits for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus. As of December 31, 2006, approximately $37.3 million of the Banks’ retained earnings was available for distribution to the SCBT as dividends without prior regulatory approval. The following table provides the amount of dividends and payout ratios for the years ended December 31:

Table 16 - Dividends Paid to Shareholders

 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
                     
Shareholder dividend payments
 
$
5,911
 
$
5,527
 
$
5,228
 
Dividend payout ratios
   
30.88
%
 
34.29
%
 
36.66
%
 
We retain earnings to grow our loan and investment portfolios and to support certain acquisitions or other business expansion opportunities.

Asset Quality

Asset quality is maintained through our management of certain concentrations of credit risk. We review each individual earning asset including investment securities and loans for credit risk. To facilitate this review, we have established credit and investment policies that include credit limits, documentation, periodic examination, and follow-up. In addition, we examine these portfolios for exposure to concentration in any one industry, government agency, or geographic location.

Loan and Deposit Concentration

We have no material concentration of deposits from any single customer or group of customers. We have no significant portion of our loans concentrated within a single industry or group of related industries. Furthermore, we attempt to avoid making loans that, in an aggregate amount, exceed 10 percent of total loans to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities that could cause these aggregated loans to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, there were no aggregated loan concentrations of this type. We do not believe there are any material seasonal factors that would have a material adverse effect on us. We do not have foreign loans or deposits.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Each category of earning assets has a certain degree of credit risk. We use various techniques to measure credit risk. Credit risk in the investment portfolio can be measured through bond ratings published by independent agencies. In the investment securities portfolio, 99.5% of the investments consist of U.S. Government Agency securities and tax-free securities having a rating of “A” or better by at least one of the major bond rating agencies. The credit risk of the loan portfolio can be measured by historical experience. We maintain our loan portfolio in accordance with credit policies that we have established.

We consider concentrations of credit to exist when, pursuant to regulatory guidelines, the amounts loaned to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by general economic conditions represents 25 percent of total risk-based capital. Based on this criteria, we had six such credit concentrations at December 31, 2006, including loans to borrowers engaged in other activities related to real estate, loans to lessors of nonresidential buildings, loans to religious organizations, loans to borrowers constructing new single family housing, loans to lessors of residential buildings, and loans to physicians for office buildings.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Through the operations of our Banks, we have made contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money to our customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time. We evaluate each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial and residential real estate. We manage the credit risk on these commitments by subjecting them to normal underwriting and risk management processes.

At December 31, 2006, the Banks had issued commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees of $393.9 million through various types of lending arrangements, of which $336.4 million was at variable rates. We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to fund commitments that are drawn upon by the borrowers.
 
32

In addition to commitments to extend credit, we also issue standby letters of credit, which are assurances to third parties that they will not suffer a loss if our customer fails to meet its contractual obligation to the third party. Standby letters of credit totaled $10.7 million at December 31, 2006. Past experience indicates that many of these standby letters of credit will expire unused. However, through our various sources of liquidity, we believe that we will have the necessary resources to meet these obligations should the need arise.

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

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measure of financial position and results of operations in terms of historical dollars, without consideration of changes in the relative purchasing power over time due to inflation. Unlike most other industries, the majority of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant effect on a financial institution’s performance than does the effect of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily change in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services.

While the effect of inflation on banks is normally not as significant as is its influence on those businesses which have large investments in plant and inventories, it does have an effect. During periods of high inflation, there are normally corresponding increases in money supply, and banks will normally experience above average growth in assets, loans and deposits. Also, general increases in the prices of goods and services will result in increased operating expenses. Inflation also affects our Banks’ customers and may result in an indirect effect on our Banks’ business.
 
Contractual Obligations

The following table presents payment schedules for certain contractual obligations of the Company as of December 31, 2006. Long-term debt obligations totaling $90.4 million include advance agreements (borrowings) with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Atlanta and junior subordinated debt. These advances are collateralized by stock in the FHLB of Atlanta and qualifying first mortgage residential loans and commercial real estate loans under a blanket-floating lien. Operating lease obligations of $23.0 million pertain to banking facilities and equipment. Certain lease agreements include payment of property taxes and insurance and contain various renewal options. Additional information regarding leases is contained in Note 19 to the audited consolidated financial statements.

Table 17 - Obligations

 
   
 
 
 
Less Than
 
 
1 to 3
 
 
4 to 5
 
 
More Than
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Total
 
 
1 Year
 
 
Years
 
 
Years
 
 
5 Years
 
                                 
Long-term debt obligations*
 
$
90,416
 
$
1,627
 
$
16,338
 
$
29,768
 
$
42,683
 
Operating lease obligations
   
23,006
   
3,295
   
10,388
   
1,665
   
7,658
 
Total
 
$
113,422
 
$
4,922
 
$
26,726
 
$
31,433
 
$
50,341
 
 
* - Represents principal maturities.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

See “Asset-Liability Management and Market Risk Sensitivity” on page 28 in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
See Table 1 on page 17 for our unaudited quarterly results of operations and the pages beginning with F-1 for the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements.

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

Not applicable.
 
33

 
Item 9A. Controls and Disclosures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2006 (the "Evaluation Date"), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of SCBT’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. We applied our judgment in the process of reviewing these controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding our control objectives. Based upon this evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that SCBT's disclosure controls and procedures as of the Evaluation Date were effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding our control objectives.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of SCBT’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 is included in Item 8 of this Report under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting.”

Our independent auditors have issued an audit report on management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting. This report titled “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” appears in Item 8.

Item 9B. Other Information

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in SCBT’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the caption “Election of Directors,” in the fourth paragraph under the caption “The Board of Directors and Committees,” in the subsection titled “Audit Committee” under the caption “The Board of Directors and Committees,” in the subsection titled “Governance Committee” under the caption “The Board of Directors and Committees,” and under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in SCBT’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the caption “Executive Compensation,” including the sections titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested,” “Pension Benefits,” “Deferred Compensation Plan,” “Compensation Committee Report,” “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control,” “Director Compensation,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”
 
34

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

The following table contains certain information as of December 31, 2006, relating to securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans:

 
   
A
 
 
B
 
 
C
 
Plan Category
   
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
 
 
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
 
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column "A")
 
                     
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
   
293,684
 
$
25.47
   
802,939
 
                     
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
   
None
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
 
Included within the 802,939 number of securities available for future issuance in the table above are a total of 261,271 shares remaining from the authorized total of 315,000 under SCBT’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. All securities totals for the outstanding and remaining available for future issuance amounts described in this Item 12 have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividend paid on January 1, 2005 to shareholders of record as of December 20, 2004.

Other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the captions "Beneficial Ownership of Certain Parties" and "Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers" in the definitive proxy statement of SCBT to be filed in connection with our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the definitive proxy statement of SCBT to be filed in connection with our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption “Audit and Other Fees” in the definitive proxy statement of SCBT to be filed in connection with our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
35

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)    1. The financial statements and independent auditors’ report referenced in “Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” are listed below:

SCBT Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Financial Schedules Filed: None

3. Exhibits

In most cases, documents incorporated by reference to exhibits that have been filed with SCBT’s reports or proxy statements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available to the public over the Internet from the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any such document at the SEC’s pubic reference room located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 under the Company’s SEC file number (001-12669).
 
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit 
   
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 filed with the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004)
   
3.2
Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 filed with the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004)
   
4.1
Specimen SCBT Common Stock Certificate
   
4.2
Articles of Incorporation (included as Exhibit 3.1)
   
4.3
Bylaws (included as Exhibit 3.2)
   
10.1
First National Corporation Dividend Reinvestment Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 33-58692)
   
10.2*
First National Corporation Incentive Stock Option Plan of 1996 (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed in connection with its 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders)
   
10.3*
First National Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-33092)
   
10.4*
First National Corporation 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-90014)
   
10.5*
SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed in connection with its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders)
   
10.6*
Executive Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2005)
 
 
10.7*
Compensation of Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2005)
   
10.8
Guarantee Agreement between SCBT Financial Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2005
 
36

 
10.9
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust among SCBT Financial Corporation, as Sponsor, Wilmington Trust Company, as Institutional Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee, and the Administrators Named therein, including exhibits containing the related forms of the SCBT Capital Trust I Common Securities Certificate and the Preferred Securities Certificate, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2005
 
 
10.10
Guarantee Agreement between SCBT Financial Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2005
   
10.11
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust among SCBT Financial Corporation, as Sponsor, Wilmington Trust Company, as Institutional Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee, and the Administrators Named therein, including exhibits containing the related forms of the SCBT Capital Trust II Common Securities Certificate and the Preferred Securities Certificate, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 13, 2005.
   
10.12
Employment Agreement between SCBT Financial Corporation and Thomas Bouchette, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2005.
   
10.13
Noncompete Agreement between SCBT Financial Corporation and Thomas Bouchette, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2005.
   
10.14
Guarantee Agreement between SCBT Financial Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2005.
   
10.15
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust among SCBT Financial Corporation, as Sponsor, JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Institutional Trustee, Chase Bank USA, National Association, as Delaware Trustee, and the Administrators Named therein, including exhibits containing the related forms of the SCBT Capital Trust III Capital Securities Certificate and the Common Securities Certificate, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2005.
   
10.16
Form of SCBT Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Agreement for Restricted Stock Awarded to Directors Under the SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of May 27, 2004.
   
10.17
Form of SCBT Financial Corporation Restricted Stock Agreement for Restricted Stock Awarded to Employees Under the SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of May 27, 2004.
   
10.18
Form of SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Option Agreement for Options Granted to Directors Under the SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of May 27, 2004.
   
10.19
Form of SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Option Agreement for Options Granted to Affiliates Under the SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Incentive Plan, effective as of May 27, 2004.
   
10.20*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Robert R. Hill, Jr., effective as of May 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.21*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Thomas S. Camp, effective as of September 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.22*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and John C. Pollok, effective as of September 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.23*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Richard C. Mathis, effective as of September 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.24*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Joe E. Burns, effective as of September 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
 
37

 
10.25*
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and John F. Windley, effective as of September 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.26*
Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Dane H. Murray, effective as of September 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.27*
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between South Carolina Bank and Trust, National Association and Robert R. Hill, Jr., effective as of July 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.28*
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between South Carolina Bank and Trust, National Association and Thomas S. Camp, effective as of July 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.29*
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between South Carolina Bank and Trust, National Association and John C. Pollok, effective as of July 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.30*
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between South Carolina Bank and Trust, National Association and Richard C. Mathis, effective as of July 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.31*
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between South Carolina Bank and Trust, National Association and Joseph E. Burns, effective as of July 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.32*
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between South Carolina Bank and Trust, National Association and John F. Windley, effective as of July 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.33*
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement between South Carolina Bank and Trust, National Association and Dane H. Murray, effective as of July 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.34*
2006 Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 7, 2006)
   
10.35*
Amended and Restated South Carolina Bank and Trust Deferred Income Plan executed on November 16, 2006 to be effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006)
   
10.36
Amended and Restated South Carolina Bank and Trust Non-Employee Directors Deferred Income Plan executed on November 16, 2006 to be effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2006)
   
10.37
Form of Agreement for Restricted Stock Issued Pursuant to the Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan
   
14
SCBT Code of Ethics, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2004.
   
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
   
23
Consent of J. W. Hunt and Company, LLP
   
24
Power of Attorney (filed with the signature page hereof)
   
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer
   
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer
   
32
Section 1350 Certifications
 
38

 
99.1
Supplemental Materials Distributed to Shareholders

___________________________________________________________________________________
* Denotes a management compensatory plan or arrangement.

(b) See Exhibit Index following the Annual Report on Form 10-K for a listing of exhibits filed herewith.

(c) Not Applicable.
 
 
 
 
39

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Columbia and State of South Carolina, on the 15th day of March, 2007.

SCBT FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Registrant)

By:   /s/ Robert R. Hill, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer

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

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated.
 
Signature
Title
Date
     
/s/ Robert R. Hill, Jr. 
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 15, 2007
Robert R. Hill, Jr.
   
     
     
/s/ John C. Pollok
Senior Executive Vice President,
March 15, 2007
John C. Pollok
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
     
     
/s/ Richard C. Mathis
Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer
March 15, 2007
Richard C. Mathis
   
     
     
/s/ Karen L. Dey
Senior Vice President and Controller
March 15, 2007
Karen L. Dey
   
     
     
/s/ Robert R. Horger 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
March 15, 2007
Robert R. Horger
   
     
     
/s/ Jimmy E. Addison
Director
March 15, 2007
Jimmy E. Addison
   
     
     
/s/ Colden R. Battey, Jr. 
Director
March 15, 2007
Colden R. Battey, Jr.
   
     
     
/s/ Luther J. Battiste, III 
Director
March 15, 2007
Luther J. Battiste, III
   
     
     
/s/ M. Oswald Fogle
Director
March 15, 2007
M. Oswald Fogle
   
 
40

 
SIGNATURES (CONT.)
 
Signature
Title
Date
     
/s/ Dalton B. Floyd, Jr.
Director
March 15, 2007
Dalton B. Floyd, Jr.
   
     
     
/s/ Dwight W. Frierson 
Director
March 15, 2007
Dwight W. Frierson
   
     
 
   
/s/ R. Caine Halter
Director
March 15, 2007
R. Caine Halter
   
     
     
/s/ Harry M. Mims, Jr. 
Director
March 15, 2007
Harry M. Mims, Jr.
   
     
     
/s/ Ralph W. Norman 
Director
March 15, 2007
Ralph W. Norman
   
     
     
/s/ James W. Roquemore 
Director
March 15, 2007
James W. Roquemore
   
     
     
/s/ Thomas E. Suggs
Director
March 15, 2007
Thomas E. Suggs
   
     
     
/s/ Susie H. VanHuss 
Director
March 15, 2007
Susie H. VanHuss
   
     
     
/s/ A. Dewall Waters 
Director
March 15, 2007
A. Dewall Waters
   
     
     
/s/John W. Williamson, III
Director
March 15, 2007
John W. Williamson, III
   
     
     
/s/ Cathy Cox Yeadon 
Director
March 15, 2007
Cathy Cox Yeadon
   
 
41

 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
4.1
SCBT Financial Corporation Stock Certificate Specimen
10.37
Form of Agreement for Restricted Stock Issued Pursuant to the Long-Term Retention and Incentive Plan
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23
Consent of J.W. Hunt and Company, LLP
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Principal Financial Officer
32
Section 1350 Certifications
99.1
Supplemental Materials Distributed to Shareholders
 

 

 
42

 

 

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING


Management of SCBT Financial Corporation (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management has assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting using the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Based on the testing performed using the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), management of the Company believes that the company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2006.

The Company’s external auditor, J.W. Hunt and Company, LLP, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


SCBT Financial Corporation
Columbia, South Carolina
March 15, 2007
 

 
 
 
www.SCBTonline.com
(803) 771-2265 | P.O. Box 1030 | Columbia, South Carolina | 29202-1030

F-1


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of SCBT Financial Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SCBT Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006. We also have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that SCBT Financial Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). SCBT Financial Corporation’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements, an opinion on management’s assessment, and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
F-2

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SCBT Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment that SCBT Financial Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Furthermore, in our opinion, SCBT Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).


Columbia, South Carolina
March 15, 2007

 
F-3

 
SCBT Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

   
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
ASSETS
             
Cash and cash equivalents:
             
Cash and due from banks
 
$
45,460
 
$
58,554
 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
   
2,946
   
3,140
 
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell
   
30,000
   
41,440
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
   
78,406
   
103,134
 
Investment securities:
             
Securities held to maturity (fair value of $18,271 in 2006 and $18,453 in 2005)
   
18,112
   
18,194
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
182,113
   
153,628
 
Other investments
   
10,166
   
10,922
 
Total investment securities
   
210,391
   
182,744
 
Loans held for sale
   
23,236
   
12,961
 
Loans:
   
1,760,860
   
1,536,000
 
Less unearned income
   
(30
)
 
(99
)
Less allowance for loan losses
   
(22,668
)
 
(20,025
)
Loans, net
   
1,738,162
   
1,515,876
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
48,904
   
43,664
 
Goodwill
   
32,313
   
32,220
 
Other assets
   
47,001
   
35,257
 
Total assets
 
$
2,178,413
 
$
1,925,856
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
Deposits:
             
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
256,717
 
$
250,899
 
Interest-bearing
   
1,449,998
   
1,222,390
 
Total deposits
   
1,706,715
   
1,473,289
 
               
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
203,105
   
150,163
 
Other borrowings
   
90,416
   
144,257
 
Other liabilities
   
16,289
   
9,744
 
Total liabilities
   
2,016,525
   
1,777,453
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 20, 21 and 23)
             
               
Shareholders' equity:
             
Common stock - $2.50 par value; authorized 40,000,000 shares
             
8,719,146 and 8,644,883 shares issued and outstanding
   
21,798
   
21,612
 
Surplus
   
92,099
   
90,481
 
Retained earnings
   
51,508
   
37,614
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(3,517
)
 
(1,304
)
Total shareholders' equity
   
161,888
   
148,403
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
2,178,413
 
$
1,925,856
 
 
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.
 
F-4

 
SCBT Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Interest income:
             
Loans, including fees
  $ 120,670   $ 85,590   $ 61,267  
Investment securities:
                   
Taxable
   
8,551
   
6,162
   
4,861
 
Tax-exempt
   
1,165
   
1,217
   
1,461
 
Federal funds sold and securities
                   
purchased under agreements to resell
   
1,058
   
949
   
138
 
Money market funds
   
--
   
1
   
11
 
Deposits with banks
   
203
   
374
   
175
 
Total interest income
   
131,647
   
94,293
   
67,913
 
Interest expense:
                   
Deposits
   
40,830
   
21,146
   
11,243
 
Federal funds purchased and securities
                   
sold under agreements to repurchase
   
6,076
   
3,031
   
687
 
Other borrowings
   
7,375
   
4,533
   
2,713
 
Total interest expense
   
54,281
   
28,710
   
14,643
 
Net interest income:
                   
Net interest income
   
77,366
   
65,583
   
53,270
 
Provision for loan losses
   
5,268
   
4,907
   
4,332
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
72,098
   
60,676
   
48,938
 
Noninterest income:
                   
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
13,377
   
12,473
   
11,854
 
Other service charges and fees
   
13,332
   
11,375
   
9,030
 
Gain on sale of assets
   
--
   
7
   
1,766
 
Total noninterest income
   
26,709
   
23,855
   
22,650
 
Noninterest expense:
                   
Salaries and employee benefits
   
40,394
   
34,074
   
27,762
 
Net occupancy expense
   
4,227
   
3,493
   
3,309
 
Furniture and equipment expense
   
4,690
   
4,340
   
4,447
 
Realized losses on securities available for sale
   
330
   
202
   
4
 
Other expense
   
19,077
   
17,944
   
15,613
 
Total noninterest expense
   
68,718
   
60,053
   
51,135
 
Earnings:
                   
Income before provision for income taxes
   
30,089
   
24,478
   
20,453
 
Provision for income taxes
   
10,284
   
7,823
   
6,437
 
Net income
 
$
19,805
 
$
16,655
 
$
14,016
 
Earnings per share:
                   
Basic
 
$
2.17
 
$
1.95
 
$
1.66
 
Diluted
 
$
2.15
 
$
1.93
 
$
1.64
 

The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.
 
F-5


SCBT Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
                       
Accumulated
     
                       
Other
     
 
 
Common Stock
 
Stock Dividend
 
 
 
Retained
 
Comprehensive
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
 Amount
 
 Distributable
 
 Surplus
 
 Earnings
 
 Income (Loss)
 
 Total
 
                                             
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
7,690,186
 
$
19,225
 
$
-
 
$
62,722
 
$
29,787
 
$
615
 
$
112,349
 
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
14,016
   
--
   
14,016
 
Change in net unrealized gain on securities available for sale,
                                           
net of reclassification adjustment and tax effects 
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(480
)
 
(480
)
Total comprehensive income
                                       
13,536
 
Cash dividends declared at $.68 per share
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(5,228
)
 
--
   
(5,228
)
Stock options exercised
   
71,617
   
179
   
--
   
1,125
   
--
   
--
   
1,304
 
Employee stock purchases
   
11,199
   
28
   
--
   
253
   
--
   
--
   
281
 
Restricted stock awards
   
5,000
   
13
   
--
   
133
   
--
   
--
   
146
 
Common stock repurchased
   
(120,908
)
 
(302
)
 
--
   
(3,288
)
 
--
   
--
   
(3,590
)
Common stock dividend of 5%, record date, December 20, 2004
   
-
   
-
   
955
   
11,134
   
(12,089
)
 
--
    --  
Balance, December 31, 2004
   
7,657,094
   
19,143
   
955
   
72,079
   
26,486
   
135
   
118,798
 
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
16,655
   
--
   
16,655
 
Change in net unrealized loss on securities available for sale,
                                           
net of reclassification adjustment and tax effects 
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(1,439
)
 
(1,439
)
Total comprehensive income
                                       
15,216
 
Cash dividends declared at $.68 per share
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(5,527
)
 
--
   
(5,527
)
Stock options exercised
   
21,191
   
53
   
--
   
342
   
--
   
--
   
395
 
Employee stock purchases
   
12,166
   
30
   
--
   
287
   
--
   
--
   
317
 
Restricted stock awards
   
17,067
   
43
   
--
   
516
   
--
   
--
   
559
 
Common stock repurchased
   
(8,342
)
 
(21
)
 
--
   
(231
)
 
--
   
--
   
(252
)
Common stock issued
   
564,379
   
1,411
   
--
   
17,486
   
--
   
--
   
18,897
 
Common stock dividend issued
   
381,328
   
953
   
(955
)
 
2
   
--
   
--
    --  
Balance, December 31, 2005
   
8,644,883
 
$
21,612
 
$
--
 
$
90,481
 
$
37,614
 
$
(1,304
)
 
148,403
 
 
F-6

 
SCBT Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
                       
Accumulated
     
                       
Other
     
 
 
 Common Stock
 
 Stock Dividend
     
 Retained
 
 Comprehensive
     
 
 
Shares
 
 Amount
 
 Distributable
 
 Surplus
 
 Earnings
 
 Income (Loss)
 
 Total
 
                                             
Balance, December 31, 2005
   
8,644,883
 
$
21,612
 
$
--
 
$
90,481
 
$
37,614
 
$
(1,304
)
$
148,403
 
Comprehensive income:
                                           
Net income
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
19,805
   
--
   
19,805
 
Change in net unrealized loss on securities available for sale,
                                           
net of reclassification adjustment and tax effects
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
402
   
402
 
Total comprehensive income
                                       
20,207
 
Cash dividends declared at $.68 per share
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(5,911
)
 
--
   
(5,911
)
Stock options exercised
   
45,523
   
114
   
--
   
727
   
--
   
--
   
841
 
Employee stock purchases
   
14,054
   
35
   
--
   
388
   
--
   
--
   
423
 
Restricted stock awards
   
26,441
   
66
   
--
   
(66
)
 
--
   
--
   
--
 
Common stock repurchased
   
(11,755
)
 
(29
)
 
--
   
(414
)
 
--
   
--
   
(443
)
Share-based compensation expense
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
983
   
--
   
--
   
983
 
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax 
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(2,615
)
 
(2,615
)
Balance, December 31, 2006
   
8,719,146
 
$
21,798
 
$
--
 
$
92,099
 
$
51,508
 
$
(3,517
)
$
161,888
 
 
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.
 
F-7

 
SCBT Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2006
 
 
2005
   
2004
 
                     
Cash flows from operating activities:
                   
Net income
 
$
19,805
 
$
16,655
 
$
14,016
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                   
provided by operating activities:
                   
Depreciation and amortization
   
3,267
   
3,057
   
2,698
 
Provision for loan losses
   
5,268
   
4,907
   
4,332
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(714
)
 
(1,591
)
 
(651
)
Loss on sale of securities available for sale
   
330
   
202
   
4
 
Share-based compensation expense
   
983
   
--
   
--
 
Gain on sale of assets
   
--
   
(7
)
 
(1,766
)
Net amortization (accretion) of investment securities
   
(96
)
 
309
   
526
 
Net change in:
                   
Loans held for sale
   
(10,275
)
 
876
   
(1,491
)
Accrued interest receivable
   
(2,648
)
 
(2,317
)
 
(1,120
)
Prepaid assets
   
244
   
(614
)
 
256
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
(10,000
)
 
--
   
--
 
Miscellaneous other assets
   
(87
)
 
1,620
   
(2,856
)
Accrued interest payable
   
4,674
   
1,622
   
429
 
Accrued income taxes
   
4
   
517
   
36
 
Miscellaneous other liabilities
   
120
   
445
   
356
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
10,875
   
25,681
   
14,769
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale
   
10,371
   
6,998
   
1,996
 
Proceeds from maturities and calls of
                   
investment securities held to maturity
   
6,437
   
6,367
   
2,595
 
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale
   
23,935
   
25,262
   
56,594
 
Proceeds from sales of other investment securities
   
4,639
   
788
   
832
 
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
   
(62,264
)
 
(34,698
)
 
(75,415
)
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
   
(6,384
)
 
--
   
--
 
Purchases of other investment securities
   
(3,884
)
 
(4,991
)
 
(1,341
)
Net increase in customer loans
   
(228,368
)
 
(229,171
)
 
(225,341
)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off
   
813
   
383
   
446
 
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
   
--
   
(20,650
)
 
--
 
Purchase of trust preferred securities
   
--
   
(840
)
 
--
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(8,700
)
 
(5,300
)
 
(3,337
)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
   
399
   
141
   
277
 
Proceeds from sale of credit card portfolio
   
--
   
--
   
9,814
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(263,006
)
 
(255,711
)
 
(232,880
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
                   
Net increase in deposits
   
233,426
   
133,975
   
236,753
 
Net increase in federal funds purchased and securities sold
                   
under agreements to repurchase
   
52,942
   
60,956
   
8,240
 
Proceeds from issuance of debt
   
41,500
   
103,329
   
96,000
 
Repayment of debt
   
(95,375
)
 
(17,602
)
 
(96,122
)
Payment in connection with sale of branch
   
--
   
--
   
(12,214
)
Common stock issuance
   
423
   
876
   
427
 
Common stock repurchased
   
(443
)
 
(252
)
 
(3,590
)
Dividends paid
   
(5,911
)
 
(5,527
)
 
(5,228
)
Stock options exercised
   
841
   
395
   
1,304
 
Payments on noncompete agreements
   
--
   
(123
)
 
--
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
227,403
   
276,027
   
225,570
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(24,728
)
 
45,997
   
7,459
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
103,134
   
57,137
   
49,678
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
78,406
 
$
103,134
 
$
57,137
 
 
F-8

 
SCBT Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
                     
Supplemental Disclosures:
                   
Cash Flow Information:
                   
Cash paid for:
                   
Interest
 
$
49,607
 
$
26,351
 
$
14,231
 
Income taxes
 
$
11,141
 
$
8,887
 
$
7,110
 
                     
Schedule of Noncash Investing Transactions:
                   
Acquisition of SunBank, N.A.:
                   
Fair value of tangible assets acquired
 
$
--
 
$
97,497
 
$
--
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired
   
--
   
17,424
   
--
 
Liabilities assumed
   
--
   
(88,346
)
 
--
 
Common stock issued
   
--
   
(18,897
)
 
--
 
Real estate acquired in full or in partial settlement of loans
   
703
   
1,073
   
1,911
 
   
$
703
 
$
8,751
 
$
1,911
 
 
The Accompanying Notes are an Integral Part of the Financial Statements.
 
F-9


Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations
SCBT Financial Corporation (the “Company”) is a bank holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A. and South Carolina Bank and Trust of the Piedmont, N.A. The Banks provide general banking services within the State of South Carolina. The Mortgage Banc, Inc. (“TMB”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A., provides mortgage products and services to other financial institutions and mortgage companies in South Carolina and some out-of-state markets. TMB’s offices and personnel are located in the Company’s headquarters facility in Columbia, South Carolina. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. SCBT Capital Trust I and SCBT Capital Trust II are unconsolidated subsidiaries of the Company established for the purpose of issuing an aggregate of $20,000,000 of trust preferred securities. SCBT Capital Trust III is an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company established for the purpose of issuing an aggregate of $20,000,000 of trust preferred securities.

In March 2006, the Company merged SunBank, N.A. into its lead bank subsidiary, South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A.

Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and other entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Assets held by the Company in trust are not assets of the Company and are not included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Segments
The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies in South Carolina. These services include demand, time and savings deposits; lending and credit card servicing; ATM processing; and trust services. While the Company’s decision makers monitor the revenue streams of the various financial products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on an organization-wide basis. Accordingly, the Company’s banking and finance operations are not considered by management to be more than one reportable operating segment.
 
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet 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 in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, and valuation of deferred tax assets. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management has identified specific loans as well as adopted a policy of providing amounts for loan valuation purposes which are not identified with any specific loan but are derived from actual loss experience ratios, loan types, loan volume, economic conditions and industry standards. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the banking subsidiaries’ allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
The Company’s subsidiaries grant agribusiness, commercial, and residential loans to customers throughout South Carolina. Although the subsidiaries have a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of their debtors’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon economic conditions within South Carolina and the surrounding region.

The Company considers concentrations of credit to exist when, pursuant to regulatory guidelines, the amounts loaned to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by general economic conditions represents 25% of total risk-based capital, or $47,755,000 at December 31, 2006. Based on this criteria, the Company had six such credit concentrations at the end of 2006, including $122,941,000 of loans to borrowers engaged in other activities related to real estate, $87,430,000 of loans to lessors of nonresidential buildings, $66,761,000 of loans to religious organizations, $61,087,000 of loans to borrowers constructing new single family housing, $60,406,000 of loans to lessors of residential buildings, and $44,879,000 loans to physicians for office buildings.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purpose of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in process of collection, amounts due from banks, interest bearing deposits with banks, purchases of securities under agreements to resell, and federal funds sold. Due from bank balances are maintained in other financial institutions. Federal funds sold are generally purchased and sold for one-day periods, but may from time to time have longer terms.

F-10

 
The Company enters into purchases of securities under agreements to resell substantially identical securities for the purpose of collateralizing certain customer deposit relationships. Securities purchased under agreements to resell at December 31, 2006 and 2005 consisted of U.S. Government agency and mortgage-backed securities. It is the Company’s policy to take possession of securities purchased under agreements to resell. The securities are delivered by appropriate entry into the Company’s account maintained by a third-party custodian designated by the Company under a written custodial agreement that explicitly recognizes the Company’s interest in the securities. At December 31, 2006, these agreements were considered to be short-term investments with maturities of three months or less.

Investment Securities
Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as "held to maturity" and carried at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as "available for sale" and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the terms of the securities. Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification method. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuers, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Other investments include stock acquired for regulatory purposes and trust preferred securities. Stock acquired for regulatory purposes includes Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock. These securities do not have a readily determinable fair value because their ownership is restricted and they lack a market for trading. As a result, these securities are carried at cost and are periodically evaluated for impairment. Trust preferred securities represent a minority investment in SCBT Capital Trust I, SCBT Capital Trust II, and SCBT Capital Trust III. These investments are recorded at cost and the Company receives quarterly dividend payments on these investments.

Loans Held for Sale
Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Estimated fair value is determined on the basis of existing forward commitments, or the current market value of similar loans. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income.

Loans
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their unpaid principal balances, less unearned income and the allowance for loan losses. Unearned income on installment loans are recognized as income over the terms of the loans by methods that generally approximate the interest method. Interest on other loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status depending upon the type of loan, the past due status, and the collection activities in progress. Well-secured loans, in the process of collection, are allowed to remain on an accrual basis until they become 120 days past due. Partially secured loans are written down to the collateral value and placed on nonaccrual status on or before becoming 90 days past due. Unsecured commercial loans are charged off on or before the date they become 90 days past due. Closed end consumer loans and open end consumer loans are charged off or written down to the fair value of collateral on or before becoming 120 and 180 days past due, respectively. A nonaccrual loan may not be considered impaired if it is expected that the delay in payment is minimal.

A loan is considered impaired when, in management’s judgment, 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. Management determines when loans become impaired through its normal loan administration and review functions. Loans identified as substandard or doubtful as a result of the loan review process are potentially impaired loans. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired, provided that management expects to collect all amounts due, including interest accrued at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual residential mortgage, overdraft protection, home equity line, and consumer installment loans for impairment disclosures.

F-11

 
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is established for estimated loan charge-offs through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectibility 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, general and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as either 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. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.

Although management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, because of uncertainties associated with local economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, it is reasonably possible that a material change could occur in the allowance for loan losses in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Changes in the allowance relating to impaired loans are charged or credited to the provision for loan losses.

Rate Lock Commitments
The Company enters into rate lock commitments to originate mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding. Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are originated for resale are considered to be derivatives. The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment and closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from 10 to 60 days. For such rate lock commitments, the Company is protected from changes in interest rates through the use of best efforts forward delivery commitments, whereby an investor commits to buy the loan at the time the borrower commits to an interest rate with the intent that the investor has assumed the interest rate risk on the loan. As a result, the Company is not exposed to losses nor will it realize gains or losses related to its rate lock commitments due to changes in interest rates. Operational processes may create timing differences where the final delivery of a forward contract to purchase a loan may occur in the reporting period immediately following the period when the loan was originally closed. The market values of rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts are not readily ascertainable with precision because rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts are not actively traded.

Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”)
Real estate acquired in satisfaction of a loan and in-substance foreclosures are reported in other assets. In-substance foreclosures are properties in which the borrower has little or no equity in the collateral. Properties acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure and in-substance foreclosures are transferred to OREO and recorded at the lower of the outstanding loan balance at the time of acquisition or the estimated market value. Market value is determined on the basis of the properties being disposed of in the normal course of business and not on a liquidation or distress basis. Loan losses arising from the acquisition of such properties are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses arising from the sale of OREO are reflected in current operations.

Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Premises and Equipment
Land is carried at cost. Office equipment, furnishings, and buildings are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed principally on the declining-balance and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the terms of the related leases including lease renewals only when the Company is reasonably assured of the aggregate term of the lease. Additions to premises and equipment and major replacements are added to the accounts at cost. Maintenance and repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred. Gains and losses on routine dispositions are reflected in current operations.

F-12

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill and core deposit premium costs that result from the acquisition of other companies or branches from other banks. Core deposit premium costs represent the value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in these transactions. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the fair value of the liabilities assumed. Core deposit premium costs are being amortized over the estimated useful lives of the deposit accounts acquired on a method that reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from the accounts. Goodwill is not amortized, and is reviewed annually for potential impairment. The impairment tests are performed at a reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. To the extent that impairment exists, write-downs to realizable value are recorded.

Advertising Costs
The Company expenses advertising production costs as they are incurred and advertising communication costs the first time the advertising takes place. The Company may establish accruals for anticipated advertising expenses within the course of a current year.

Comprehensive Income
Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income (see Note 13).

Employee Benefit Plans
A summary of the Company’s various employee benefit plans follows:

Pension Plan - The Company and its subsidiaries have a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering all employees hired on or before December 31, 2005, who have attained age 21, and who have completed one year of eligible service. The Company’s funding policy is based principally, among other considerations, on contributing an amount necessary to satisfy the Internal Revenue Service’s funding standards.

Profit-Sharing Plan - The Company and its subsidiaries have a profit-sharing plan, including Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k) provisions. Electing employees are eligible to participate after attaining age 21 and completing one year of eligible service. Plan participants elect to contribute portions of their annual base compensation as a before tax contribution. In 2005 and prior years, the Company has matched 50% of these contributions up to a 6% employee conribution. Employer contributions may be made from current or accumulated net profits. Participants may elect to contribute an additional 1% to 6% (or higher, in certain cases) of annual base compensation as a before tax contribution with no employer matching contribution. In 2006, the Company continued its previous matching policy for employees hired before 2006 and who were age 45 and higher with five or more years of service. The Company has changed some of the provisions in its defined benefit plan and as a result of reduced benefits for certain employees, will match 100% of contributions up to 6% of salary of current employees under age 45 or with less than five years of service. Additionally, any employee hired in 2006 or thereafter will not participate in the defined benefit pension plan, but will receive the Company’s 100% matching of their 401(k) plan contribution, up to 6% of salary.

Retiree Medical Plan - Post-retirement health and life insurance benefits are provided to eligible employees, such benefits being limited to those employees of the Company eligible for early retirement under the pension plan on or before December 31, 1993, and former employees who are currently receiving benefits. The plan was unfunded at December 31, 2006, and the liability for future benefits has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan - The Company has registered 315,000 shares of common stock in connection with the establishment of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Plan, which is effective for the seven-year period commencing July 1, 2002, is available to all employees who have attained age 21 and completed six months of service. The price at which common stock may be purchased for each quarterly option period is the lesser of 85% of the common stock’s fair value on either the first or last day of the quarter.

Income Taxes
Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of available-for-sale securities, allowance for loan losses, accumulated depreciation, net operating loss carryforwards, accretion income, deferred compensation, intangible assets, and pension plan and post-retirement benefits. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or 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. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its subsidiaries.

Share-Based Compensation Plans
The Company accounts for its share-based compensation awards including stock options, restricted stock awards, and the employee stock purchase plan using the fair value method in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“Statement”) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (see “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below and Note 17).

F-13

 
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share represents income available to shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options, and are determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the number of incremental shares is determined by assuming the issuance of the outstanding stock options, reduced by the number of shares assumed to be repurchased from the issuance proceeds, using the average market price for the year of the Company’s stock.

Reclassification
Certain amounts previously reported have been restated only for the purpose of conforming with the current year’s presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R), which revises the reporting of assets and liabilities for pensions and other post-retirement benefits. The new standard requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan (other than a multi-employer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income. This statement requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions. Statement 158 applies to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2006. The requirement to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year-end statement of financial position is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Before adoption, the Company recognized a prepaid pension cost in other assets for its pension retirement plan and an accrued pension cost for its post-retirement benefits plan. After adoption, the Company recognizes an accrued pension cost in other liabilities for its pension retirement plan and an increase in the accrued pension cost for its post-retirement benefits plan. The accrued pension cost is the equivalent of the underfunded status on a projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) basis for its retirement plan and post-retirement benefit plan as of the plans’ measurement date of October 31, 2006.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which provides a common definition of fair value and a framework for measuring assets and liabilities at fair values when a particular standard prescribes it. In addition, the statement prescribes a more enhanced disclosure of fair value measures, and requires a more expanded disclosure when non-market data is used to assess fair values. The statement will be effective January 1, 2008. The Company is in the process of determining the effects, if any, on its financial statements.

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”)  No. 108 which expressed the staff’s views regarding the process of quantifying financial statement misstatements due to the diversity in practice. The staff is requiring that a company accumulate and quantify misstatements using both the “rollover” and “iron curtain” approaches. The rollover approach quantifies a misstatement based on the amount of the error originating in the current year income statement. The iron curtain approach quantifies a misstatement based on the effects of correcting the misstatement existing in the balance sheet at the end of the current year, irrespective of the misstatement’s year or years of origination. The SEC requires application for the year ending December 31, 2006. The adoption of the Bulletin did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 06-4, Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements and Issue No. 06-5, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance—Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin, No. 85-4. EITF 06-4 requires that policyholders recognize a liability for the postretirement benefits provided through endorsement split-dollar life insurance. The liability to recognize is dependent upon whether the Company is deemed to have promised a death benefit to the participant or to maintain the split-dollar arrangement for the participant’s benefit. EITF 06-5 provides guidance for calculating policy amounts that could be realized and recognized as assets on the policyholder’s balance sheet. Both EITF 06-4 and 06-5 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company does not anticipate that these Issues will have a material effect on its financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48 is an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not anticipate that this Interpretation will have a material effect on its financial statements.

F-14

 
In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets. Statement No. 156, which is an amendment to Statement No. 140, simplifies the accounting for servicing assets and liabilities, such as those common with mortgage securitization activities. The new standard clarifies when an obligation to service financial assets should be separately recognized as a servicing asset or a servicing liability; requires that a separately recognized servicing asset or servicing liability be initially measured at fair value, if practicable; and permits an entity with a separately recognized servicing asset or servicing liability to choose either the amortization method or fair value method for subsequent measurement. Statement No. 156 is effective for separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In February 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Instruments, which is an amendment of Statements No. 133 and 140. Statement No. 155 allows financial instruments that have embedded derivatives to be accounted for as a whole (eliminating the need to bifurcate the derivative from its host) if the holder elects to account for the whole instrument on a fair value basis. The statement also clarifies which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject to the requirements of Statement No. 133; establishes a requirement to evaluate interests in securitized financial assets to identify interests that are freestanding derivatives or that are hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation; clarifies that concentrations of credit risk in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives; and amends Statement No. 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying special-purpose entity from holding a derivative financial instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative financial instrument. Statement No. 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. Adoption of this statement is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In November 2005, the FASB issued Statement 115-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments. The provisions of Statement No. 115-1 are effective for other-than-temporary impairment analysis conducted in periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Adoption of this Statement did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
 
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-based Payment, which eliminates the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, and generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair value-based method with the resulting compensation cost recognized over the period that the employee is required to provide service in order to receive their compensation. Statement No. 123R also amends Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows, requiring the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as currently required. In the first quarter of 2005, the SEC issued SAB 107, which addresses the interaction between Statement No. 123R and certain SEC rules and regulations and provides the SEC staff’s views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies. Also, in April 2005, the SEC adopted a new rule that made Statement No. 123R effective beginning with the first interim or annual reporting period of the registrant’s first fiscal year beginning on or after June 15, 2005. The Company adopted Statement No. 123R in the first quarter of 2006 and currently discloses the effect on net income and earnings per share based on the fair value recognition provisions of Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29. Statement No. 153 addresses the measurement of nonmonetary exchanges and eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets in APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. Statement No. 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of Statement No. 153 are effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Statement No. 153 did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Note 2 - Restriction on Cash and Due from Banks

The Banks are required to maintain a specified average amount of reserve funds in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The average amount of such reserve funds at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was approximately $2,500,000 and $14,073,000, respectively. In accordance with regulatory guidelines, the Banks were able to maintain a smaller reserve of funds with the Federal Reserve as a result of a system change to reclassify demand deposit accounts from transactional to non-transactional.

At December 31, 2006, the Company and its subsidiaries had due from bank balances in excess of federally insured limits of approximately $2,767,000. The risk associated with this excess is limited due to the soundness of the financial institutions with which the funds are deposited.
 
F-15

 
Note 3 - Investment Securities

The following is the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities held to maturity:
       
Gross
 
Gross
     
   
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
December 31, 2006:
                 
State and municipal
 
$
18,112
 
$
165
 
$
(6
)
$
18,271
 
                           
December 31, 2005:
                         
State and municipal
 
$
18,194
 
$
264
 
$
(5
)
$
18,453
 
 
The fair values of obligations of states and political subdivisions are established with the assistance of an independent pricing service. The values are based on data, which often reflect transactions of relatively small size and are not necessarily indicative of the value of the securities when traded in large volumes.

The following is the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available for sale:
 
       
Gross
 
Gross
     
   
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
December 31, 2006:
                         
Government-sponsored enterprises*
 
$
67,791
 
$
52
 
$
(395
)
$
67,448
 
Mortgage-backed
   
94,894
   
197
   
(1,853
)
 
93,238
 
Corporate bonds
   
14,260
   
107
   
(9
)
 
14,358
 
Corporate stocks
   
6,991
   
120
   
(42
)
 
7,069
 
   
$
183,936
 
$
476
 
$
(2,299
)
$
182,113
 
                           
December 31, 2005:
                         
Government-sponsored enterprises*
 
$
38,228
 
$
55
 
$
(534
)
$
37,749
 
Mortgage-backed
   
101,754
   
201
   
(2,360
)
 
99,595
 
Corporate bonds
   
11,309
   
54
   
(2
)
 
11,361
 
Corporate stocks
   
4,522
   
401
   
--
   
4,923
 
   
$
155,813
 
$
711
 
$
(2,896
)
$
153,628
 
 
* - Government-sponsored enterprises are comprised of securities offered by Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) or Freddie Mac, Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) or Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and Federal Farm Credit Banks (“FFCB”).

The following is the amortized cost and fair value of other investment securities:
 
       
Gross
 
Gross
     
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
December 31, 2006:
                         
Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
$
2,911
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
2,911
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
6,016
   
--
   
--
   
6,016
 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
1,239
   
--
   
--
   
1,239
 
   
$
10,166
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
10,166
 
December 31, 2005:
                         
Federal Reserve Bank stock
 
$
1,888
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
1,888
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
   
7,795
   
--
   
--
   
7,795
 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries
   
1,239
   
--
   
--
   
1,239
 
   
$
10,922
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
10,922
 
 
F-16

 
The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2006 by contractual maturity are detailed below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
 
   
Securities
 
Securities
 
 
 
Held to Maturity
 
Available for Sale
 
 
 
Amortized
 
Fair
 
Amortized
 
Fair
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Cost
 
Value
 
                           
Due in one year or less
 
$
3,841
 
$
3,848
 
$
7,444
 
$
7,367
 
Due after one year through five years
   
7,434
   
7,531
   
145,871
   
144,086
 
Due after five years through ten years
   
3,148
   
3,177
   
9,370
   
9,233
 
Due after ten years
   
3,689
   
3,715
   
14,260
   
14,358
 
   
$
18,112
 
$
18,271
 
$
176,945
 
$
175,044
 
 
There were no sales or transfers of held-to-maturity securities during 2006, 2005 or 2004. The following table summarizes information with respect to sale of available-for-sale securities:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Sale proceeds
 
$
10,371
 
$
6,998
 
$
1,996
 
                     
Gross realized gains
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
Gross realized losses
   
(330
)
 
(202
)
 
(4
)
Net realized loss
 
$
(330
)
$
(202
)
$
(4
)
 
The Company had 91 securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2006. Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2006 and 2005, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position follows:
 
   
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Twelve Months or More
 
 
  
Gross
        
Gross
        
 
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
December 31, 2006:
                         
Securities Held to Maturity
                         
State and municipal
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
6
 
$
559
 
 
  $ --  
$
--
 
$
6
 
$
559
 
                           
Securities Available for Sale
                         
Government-sponsored enterprises
 
$
54
 
$
22,868
 
$
341
 
$
26,625
 
Mortgage-backed
   
114
   
10,442
   
1,739
   
62,701
 
Corporate bonds
   
9
   
3,951
   
--
       
Corporate stocks
   
42
   
3,958
   
--
   
--
 
   
$
219
 
$
41,219
 
$
2,080
 
$
89,326
 
December 31, 2005:
                         
Securities Held to Maturity
                         
State and municipal
 
$
5
 
$
785
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
   
$
5
 
$
785
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
                           
Securities Available for Sale
                         
Government-sponsored enterprises
 
$
214
 
$
24,185
 
$
320
 
$
11,175
 
Mortgage-backed
   
551
   
40,213
   
1,809
   
50,309
 
Corporate bonds
   
2
   
506
   
--
   
--
 
   
$
767
 
$
64,904
 
$
2,129
 
$
61,484
 
 
F-17

 
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, debt securities with unrealized losses have depreciated only 1.7% and 2.2%, respectively, from their amortized cost basis. These unrealized losses relate principally to mortgage-backed securities whose prepayment speeds were different than anticipated at the time of purchase. In analyzing an issuer's financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer's financial condition. As management has the ability to hold debt securities until maturity, or for the foreseeable future if classified as available for sale, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a monthly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates, and (4) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

At December 31, 2006 and 2005, investment securities with a carrying value of $76,860,000 and $74,424,000, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits, FHLB advances and for other purposes required and permitted by law. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the carrying amount of the securities pledged to secure repurchase agreements was $95,967,000 and $62,564,000, respectively.

Note 4 - Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following is a summary of loans by category at December 31:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
           
Real estate:
         
Commercial
 
$
835,892
 
$
641,275
 
Consumer
   
434,957
   
421,860
 
Commercial
   
190,635
   
178,039
 
Firstline
   
144,910
   
145,404
 
Consumer
   
130,596
   
127,817
 
Other loans
   
23,870
   
21,605
 
Total loans
   
1,760,860
   
1,536,000
 
Less, unearned income
   
(30
)
 
(99
)
Less, allowance for loan losses
   
(22,668
)
 
(20,025
)
Loans, net
 
$
1,738,162
 
$
1,515,876
 
 
Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three years ended December 31, were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
                     
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
20,025
 
$
14,470
 
$
11,700
 
Loans charged-off
   
(3,438
)
 
(1,850
)
 
(2,008
)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
   
813
   
383
   
446
 
Balance before provision for loan losses
   
17,400
   
13,003
   
10,138
 
Provision for loan losses
   
5,268
   
4,907
   
4,332
 
Allowance acquired in business combinations
   
--
   
2,115
   
--
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
22,668
 
$
20,025
 
$
14,470
 
 
F-18


The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired and nonaccrual loans at December 31:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
           
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
 
$
3,499
 
$
3,160
 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
   
303
   
621
 
   
$
3,802
 
$
3,781
 
               
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans
 
$
83
 
$
220
 
Average of impaired loans during the year
 
$
3,791
 
$
3,355
 
               
Total nonaccrual loans
 
$
3,567
 
$
2,760
 
Total loans past due ninety days or more and
             
still accruing
 
$
1,039
 
$
1,512
 
 
Included in the balance sheet under the caption "Other assets" are certain real properties that were acquired as a result of completed foreclosure proceedings. Also included in the caption are amounts reclassified as in-substance foreclosures. Other real estate owned totaled $597,000 and $379,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Note 5 - Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
 
       
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Useful Life
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Land
       
$
12,163
 
$
10,216
 
Buildings and leasehold improvements
   
15-40 years
   
36,803
   
33,108
 
Equipment and furnishings
   
3-10 years
   
19,042
   
18,039
 
Construction in process
         
1,545
   
2,725
 
Total
         
69,553
   
64,088
 
Less, accumulated depreciation
         
20,649
   
20,424
 
         
$
48,904
 
$
43,664
 
 
Depreciation expense charged to operations was $2,956,000, $2,473,000, and $2,210,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Computer software with an original cost of $2,304,000 is being amortized using the straight-line method over thirty-six months. Amortization expense totaled $299,000, $261,000, and $302,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Note 6 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company ceased amortization of goodwill as of January 1, 2002. The Company has determined that there has been no impairment of goodwill, based on analysis through December 31, 2006. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:
 
Balance, January 1, 2005
 
$
3,717
 
Devine Mortgage, New Commerce BanCorp,
       
and Sun Bancshares acquisitions
   
28,503
 
Balance, December 31, 2005
   
32,220
 
SunBank acquisition
   
93
 
Balance, December 31, 2006
 
$
32,313
 
 
F-19


 
The Company’s other intangible assets, consisting primarily of core deposit premium costs, are included in “Other assets”. The following is a summary of gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of core deposit premium costs at December 31:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
           
Gross carrying amount
 
$
7,821
 
$
7,821
 
Accumulated amortization
   
(4,455
)
 
(3,973
)
   
$
3,366
 
$
3,848
 
 
Amortization expense totaled $482,000, $305,000, and $186,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006,  2005, and 2004, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for core deposit premium costs for each of the next five years is as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
     
         
Years ending December 31:
       
2007
 
$
463
 
2008
   
445
 
2009
   
427
 
2010
   
409
 
2011
   
391
 
   
$
2,135
 
 
Note 7 - Deposits

The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $371,517,000 and $268,212,000, respectively.

At December 31, 2006, the scheduled maturities of time deposits of all denominations are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
     
       
Years ending December 31:
       
2007
 
$
767,097
 
2008
   
20,591
 
2009
   
3,540
 
2010
   
483
 
2011
   
1,015
 
Thereafter
   
814
 
   
$
793,540
 
 
F-20

 
Note 8 - Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within one to three days from the transaction date, but may have maturities as long as nine months. Certain of the borrowings have no defined maturity date. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The Company monitors the fair value of the underlying securities on a daily basis. Some securities underlying these agreements include arrangements to resell securities from broker-dealers approved by the Company. Information concerning federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are below:

   
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
                                       
At period-end:
                                     
Federal funds purchased
                                     
and securities sold under
                                     
repurchase agreeements
 
$
203,105
   
4.46%
 
$
150,163
   
3.47%
 
$
89,206
   
1.43%
 
               
 
                     
Average for the year:
                                     
Federal funds purchased
                                     
and securities sold under
                                     
repurchase agreeements
 
$
149,081
   
4.08%
 
$
123,352
   
2.46%
 
$
90,445
   
0.76%
 
                                       
Maximum month-end balance:
                                     
Federal funds purchased
                                     
and securities sold under
                                     
repurchase agreeements
 
$
203,105
       
$
163,593
       
$
111,889
       

F-21

 
Note 9 - Other Borrowings

The Company’s other borrowings were as follows as of December 31:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
FHLB advances with various maturity dates (ranging from less than one to eighteen years), various contractual terms, and various repayment schedules with fixed rates of interest (net of discount of $84 and $117 in 2006 and 2005, respectively).
 
$
47,677
 
$
101,018
 
               
SCBT Capital Trust I junior subordinated debt with a variable interest rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate (5.36% at December 31, 2006) plus a spread adjusted quarterly; guaranteed by the Company on a subordinated basis, matures in 30 years, and can be called by the issuer without penalty on or after June 30, 2010.
   
12,372
   
12,372
 
               
SCBT Capital Trust II junior subordinated debt with a fixed interest rate of 6.37% for five years and thereafter at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus a spread; guaranteed by the Company on a subordinated basis, matures in 30 years, and can be called by the issuer without penalty on or after June 30, 2010.
   
8,248
   
8,248
 
               
SCBT Capital Trust III junior subordinated debt with a fixed interest rate of 5.92% for ten years and thereafter at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus a spread; matures in 30 years, and can be called by the issuer without penalty on or after September 15, 2012.
   
20,619
   
20,619
 
               
Other
   
1,500
   
2,000
 
   
$
90,416
 
$
144,257
 
 
FHLB Advances

The Company has entered into borrowing agreements with the FHLB. Advances under these agreements are collateralized by stock in the FHLB, qualifying first and second mortgage residential loans, and commercial real estate loans under a blanket-floating lien.
 
Advances outstanding of $26,500,000 and $3,000,000 at December 31, 2006 will convert to a floating interest rate indexed to LIBOR when the index equals or exceeds 7.50% and 7.00%, respectively. There were no advances at variable rates as of December 31, 2006. Net eligible loans of the Company pledged to the FHLB for advances and letters of credit at December 31, 2006, were approximately $230,085,000. With the haircut reduction, total borrowing capacity at FHLB was $149,405,000. After accounting for outstanding advances totaling $47,761,000 and letters of credit totaling $26,000,000, the Company had unused net credit available in the amount of $75,644,000 at December 31, 2006.

The maximum FHLB advances outstanding at any month-end for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $101,012,000 and $104,045,000, respectively. The average amount outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was $93,536,000 and $63,327,000, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate during the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was 5.10% and 4.90%, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was 5.05% and 4.72%, respectively.

Junior Subordinated Debt

The obligations of the Company with respect to the issuance of the capital securities constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the Trusts’ obligations with respect to the capital securities. Subject to certain exceptions and limitations, the Company may elect from time to time to defer interest payments on the junior subordinated debt securities, which would result in a deferral of distribution payments on the related capital securities.

As of December 31, 2006, the sole asset of the Trusts is an aggregate of $41,239,000 of the Company’s junior subordinated debt securities with like maturities and like interest rates to the trust preferred securities.
 
F-22

 
For regulatory purposes, the junior subordinated debt securities may be classified as Tier 1 Capital. The trust preferred securities represent a minority investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary, which is currently included in Tier 1 Capital so long as it does not exceed 25% of total Tier 1 Capital.

Principal maturities of other borrowings are summarized below:
 
       
Junior
     
   
FHLB
 
Subordinated
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Borrowings
 
Debt
 
Other
 
                     
Years Ended December 31,
                   
2007
 
$
127
 
$
--
 
$
1,500
 
2008
   
3,208
   
--
   
--
 
2009
   
13,130
   
--
   
--
 
2010
   
133
   
--
   
--
 
2011
   
29,635
   
--
   
--
 
Thereafter
   
1,444
   
41,239
   
--
 
   
$
47,677
 
$
41,239
 
$
1,500
 

 Note 10 - Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Current:
                   
Federal
 
$
10,078
 
$
8,634
 
$
6,454
 
State
   
920
   
780
   
634
 
Total current tax expense
   
10,998
   
9,414
   
7,088
 
                     
Deferred:
                   
Federal
   
(714
)
 
(1,539
)
 
(510
)
State
   
--
   
(52
)
 
(141
)
Total deferred tax benefit
   
(714
)
 
(1,591
)
 
(651
)
Provision for income taxes
 
$
10,284
 
$
7,823
 
$
6,437
 
 
Temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial reporting purposes resulted in net deferred income tax expense (benefit) as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Provision for loan losses
 
$
(951
)
$
(569
)
$
(1,049
)
Net operating loss carryforwards
   
568
   
(1,189
)
 
--
 
Pension cost and post-retirement benefits
   
79
   
131
   
307
 
Intangible assets
   
(139
)
 
429
   
136
 
Depreciation
   
(146
)
 
(143
)
 
221
 
Share-based compensation
   
(180
)
 
--
   
--
 
Deferred compensation
   
(4
)
 
(137
)
 
(250
)
Other
   
59
   
(113
)
 
(16
)
   
$
(714
)
$
(1,591
)
$
(651
)
 
F-23

 
The provision for income taxes differs from that computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% to income before provision for income taxes, as indicated in the following analysis:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Income taxes at federal statutory rate
 
$
10,531
 
$
8,567
 
$
7,159
 
Increase (reduction) of taxes resulting from:
                   
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
   
608
   
500
   
430
 
Tax-exempt interest
   
(432
)
 
(489
)
 
(558
)
Income tax credits
   
(324
)
 
(354
)
 
(194
)
Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards
   
--
   
(266
)
 
--
 
Dividends received deduction
   
(183
)
 
(116
)
 
(158
)
Other, net
   
84
   
(19
)
 
(242
)
   
$
10,284
 
$
7,823
 
$
6,437
 
 
The components of the net deferred tax asset, included in other assets at December 31 are as follows:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
7,935
 
$
6,984
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
   
1,037
   
1,443
 
Pension plan
   
681
   
--
 
Unrealized losses on investment
             
securities available for sale
   
615
   
943
 
Deferred compensation
   
391
   
387
 
Share-based compensation
   
180
   
--
 
Post-retirement benefits
   
114
   
107
 
Other real estate owned
   
5
   
--
 
Total deferred tax assets
   
10,958
   
9,864
 
Depreciation
   
1,414
   
1,559
 
Intangible assets
   
139
   
279
 
Pension plan
   
--
   
837
 
Other
   
164
   
100
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
1,717
   
2,775
 
Net deferred tax asset before
             
valuation allowance
   
9,241
   
7,089
 
Less, valuation allowance
   
(418
)
 
(257
)
Net deferred tax asset
 
$
8,823
 
$
6,832
 
 
At December 31, 2006, the Company had operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $1,775,000 and $8,311,000, respectively, available to offset future taxable income. The carryforwards expire in varying amounts through 2020. The valuation allowance is based on management's estimate of the ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset.
 
F-24

Note 11 - Other Expense

The following is a summary of the components of other noninterest expense:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Advertising
 
$
3,186
 
$
2,519
 
$
1,881
 
Data and computer services
   
1,805
   
1,384
   
1,040
 
Telephone and postage
   
1,738
   
1,559
   
1,462
 
Business development and staff related
   
1,717
   
1,519
   
1,315
 
Professional fees
   
1,605
   
1,501
   
1,987
 
Office supplies
   
1,464
   
1,443
   
1,077
 
Bankcard services
   
1,026
   
738
   
598
 
Regulatory fees
   
1,021
   
884
   
731
 
Other loan expense
   
1,014
   
1,352
   
1,367
 
Amortization
   
825
   
576
   
488
 
Retail products
   
594
   
450
   
483
 
Directors fees
   
507
   
443
   
438
 
Property and sales tax
   
483
   
891
   
889
 
Donations
   
375
   
582
   
282
 
Insurance
   
327
   
277
   
251
 
Other
   
1,390
   
1,826
   
1,324
 
   
$
19,077
 
$
17,944
 
$
15,613
 

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Numerator:
                   
Net income - numerator for basic
                   
and diluted earnings per share
 
$
19,805
 
$
16,655
 
$
14,016
 
                     
Denominator:
                   
Denominator for basic earnings per share -
                   
weighted-average shares outstanding
   
9,126
   
8,539
   
8,466
 
                     
Effect of dilutive securities:
                   
Employee stock options
   
92
   
83
   
84
 
                     
Dilutive potential shares:
                   
Denominator for diluted earnings per
                   
share - adjusted weighted-average
                   
shares and assumed conversions
   
9,218
   
8,622
   
8,550
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
2.17
 
$
1.95
 
$
1.66
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
2.15
 
$
1.93
 
$
1.64
 
 
The earnings per share data above has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to a 5% common stock dividend paid to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2007 and December 20, 2004.
 
F-25

The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding stock options that have exercise prices greater than the average market price of the common shares for the year as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Number of shares
   
--
   
36,848
   
--
 
Range of exercise prices
   
--
 
$
30.39 to $31.97
   
--
 
 
Note 13 - Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of other comprehensive loss and related tax effects related to unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale are as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities
                   
available for sale arising during the year
 
$
319
 
$
(2,603
)
$
(779
)
Less, reclassification adjustment for losses
                   
realized in net income
   
330
   
202
   
4
 
Net change in unrealized holding losses
   
649
   
(2,401
)
 
(775
)
Tax effect
   
(247
)
 
962
   
295
 
Net-of-tax amount
 
$
402
 
$
(1,439
)
$
(480
)
 
For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company recognized the following amounts in other comprehensive loss related to the adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
       
Retirement plan:
       
Net loss
 
$
(5,280
)
Prior service credit
   
1,243
 
     
(4,037
)
Post-retirement benefits:
       
Net gain
   
10
 
Transition obligation
   
(190
)
     
(180
)
Net change in unrecognized amounts
   
(4,217
)
Tax effect
   
1,602
 
Net-of-tax amount
 
$
(2,615
)

Note 14 - Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends, Loans, or Advances

The Company pays cash dividends to shareholders from its assets, which are mainly provided by dividends from the banking subsidiaries. However, certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the subsidiaries to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) is required to pay dividends in excess of the subsidiaries’ net profits for the current year plus retained net profits (net profits less dividends paid) for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus. As of December 31, 2006, approximately $37,317,000 of the Banks’ retained earnings are available for distribution to the Company as dividends without prior regulatory approval. In addition, dividends paid by the Banks to the Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Banks’ capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.

Under Federal Reserve regulation, the Banks are also limited as to the amount they may lend to the Company. The maximum amount available for transfer from the Banks to the Company in the form of loans or advances was approximately $39,747,000 at December 31, 2006.
 
F-26

Note 15 - Retirement Plans

The following sets forth the pension plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements at December 31:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Change in benefit obligation:
             
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
15,658
 
$
14,059
 
Service cost
   
624
   
948
 
Interest cost
   
822
   
834
 
Plan amendment
   
(1,154
)
 
--
 
Actuarial loss
   
659
   
153
 
Benefits paid
   
(345
)
 
(336
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
   
16,264
   
15,658
 
               
Change in plan assets:
             
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
   
13,062
   
11,279
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
1,356
   
530
 
Employer contribution
   
780
   
1,589
 
Benefits paid
   
(345
)
 
(336
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
   
14,853
   
13,062
 
Funded status
   
(1,411
)
 
(2,596
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
--
   
5,242
 
Unrecognized prior service benefit
   
--
   
(261
)
Prepaid benefit cost (accrued pension liability)
 
$
(1,411
)
$
2,385
 
 
The incremental effect of applying Statement No. 158, including the Company’s post-retirement plan in Note 16, on individual line items in the statement of financial position follows:
 
   
Before
     
After
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Application
 
Adjustments
 
Application
 
                     
Prepaid benefit cost
 
$
2,625
 
$
(2,625
)
$
--
 
Liability for pension benefits and
                   
post-retirement benefits
   
324
   
1,593
   
1,917
 
Deferred income taxes
   
7,218
   
1,603
   
8,821
 
Total liabilities
   
2,014,932
   
1,593
   
2,016,525
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(902
)
 
(2,615
)
 
(3,517
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
164,503
   
(2,615
)
 
161,888
 
 
The components of net periodic pension cost are as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Service cost
 
$
624
 
$
948
 
$
665
 
Interest cost
   
822
   
834
   
716
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(1,106
)
 
(957
)
 
(792
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
(173
)
 
(38
)
 
(38
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
372
   
359
   
186
 
   
$
539
 
$
1,146
 
$
737
 
 
F-27

The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
     
         
Net loss
 
$
5,280
 
Prior service credit
   
(1,243
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
--
 
Total amount recognized
 
$
4,037
 
 
Amortization of prior service cost will be a component of the annual change in 2007. As a result of implementing Statement No. 158, the change to other comprehensive loss is the full existing unrecognized amount.

The following is information as of the measurement date:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Information as of the measurement date:
             
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
16,264
 
$
15,658
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
14,516
   
12,953
 
Fair value of plan assets at October 31
   
14,853
   
13,062
 
 
The Company used a 5.75% discount rate and a 5.00% rate of compensation increase in its weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at the October 31 measurement date. The assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 are as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Discount rate
   
5.75
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.50
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
The expected rate of return for the pension plan represents the average rate of return to be earned on plan assets over the period the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid. In developing the expected rate of return, the Company considered long-term compound annualized returns of historical market data as well as historical actual returns on the Company’s plan assets. Using this reference information, the Company developed forward-looking return expectations for each asset category and a weighted average expected long-term rate of return for a targeted portfolio allocated across these investment categories. The asset allocation of the Company’s pension plan is targeted at 55% in U.S. equities, 10% in international equities, 30% in fixed income, and 5% in cash equivalents.

In developing the 8% long-term rate of return assumption for the pension plan, the Company utilized the following long-term rate of return and standard deviation assumptions:
   
Rate of
 
Standard
 
 
 
Return
 
Deviation
 
Asset Class
 
Assumption
 
Assumption
 
               
High Grade Fixed Income
   
6.93
%
 
7.27
%
High Yield Fixed Income
   
9.26
%
 
7.74
%
International Fixed Income
   
9.91
%
 
8.56
%
Large Cap Equity
   
12.21
%
 
16.42
%
Small Cap Equity
   
13.20
%
 
19.68
%
Foreign Equity
   
11.06
%
 
18.81
%
Inflation
   
3.00
%
 
n/a
 
 
The portfolio’s equity weighting is consistent with the long-term nature of the Plan’s benefit obligation, and the expected annual return on the portfolio of 8%.

The policy, as established by the Pension Committee, seeks to maximize return within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. The overall long-term objective of the Plan is to achieve a rate of return that exceeds the actuarially assumed rate of return of 8%. The investment policy will be reviewed on a regular basis and revised when appropriate based on the legal or regulatory environment, market trends, or other fundamental factors.
 
F-28

Below is a summary of the Plan’s year-end asset allocation:
   
2006
 
2005
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Percentage
 
Fair Value
 
Percentage
 
                           
Cash or cash equivalents
 
$
3,455
   
23.26
%
$
529
   
4.00
%
Guaranteed investment account
   
--
   
0.00
%
 
1,914
   
14.70
%
Short-term fixed income
   
2,136
   
14.38
%
 
2,049
   
15.70
%
Broad market fixed income
   
2,145
   
14.44
%
 
2,050
   
15.70
%
Domestic equity
   
6,255
   
42.11
%
 
5,840
   
44.70
%
Foreign equity
   
862
   
5.81
%
 
680
   
5.20
%
   
$
14,853
   
100.00
%
$
13,062
   
100.00
%
 
As of December 31, 2006, the Plan’s domestic equity securities did not include any of the Company’s common stock. The Plan sold $793,000 or 19,554 shares of the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2005, the Plan’s domestic equity securities included $648,000 (19,382 shares representing 4.96% of plan assets) of the Company’s common stock. The plan made purchases totaling $6,000 or 172 shares and $32,000 or 1,040 shares of the Company’s common stock for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Dividends on the Company’s common stock received by the plan totaled $10,000 and $13,000 for 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Estimated future benefit payments (including expected future service as appropriate):
(Dollars in thousands)
       
         
2007
 
$
403
 
2008
   
490
 
2009
   
593
 
2010
   
623
 
2011
   
679
 
2012-2016
   
4,706
 
   
$
7,494
 
 
Expenses incurred and charged against operations with regard to all of the Company’s retirement plans were as follows:
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Pension
 
$
539
 
$
1,146
 
$
737
 
Profit-sharing
   
900
   
479
   
460
 
   
$
1,439
 
$
1,625
 
$
1,197
 
 
The Company expects to contribute approximately $650,000 to the pension plan in 2007, but reserves the right to contribute between the minimum required and maximum deductible amounts as determined under applicable federal laws.

Effective January 1, 2006, amendments were made to our pension plan and 401(k) savings plan. On this date a new benefit formula applies only to participants who have not attained age 45 or who do not have five years of service. Concurrently, changes in our 401(k) plan will be effective for new employees hired on or after this date or for employees under the age of 45 or who have attained at least five years of service.
 
F-29

Note 16 - Post-Retirement Benefits

The following sets forth the plan’s funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's accompanying consolidated financial statements at December 31:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
               
Change in benefit obligation:
             
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
 
$
548
 
$
547
 
Interest cost
   
30
   
31
 
Actuarial (gain) / loss
   
(22
)
 
23
 
Benefits paid
   
(50
)
 
(53
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
   
506
   
548
 
               
Change in plan assets:
             
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
   
--
   
--
 
Employer contribution
   
50
   
53
 
Benefits paid
   
(50
)
 
(53
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
   
--
   
--
 
Funded status
 
 
(506
)
 
(548
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
--
   
12
 
Unrecognized transition obligation
   
--
   
221
 
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(506
)
$
(315
)
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost using an October 31 measurement date are as follows:
   
2006
 
2005
 
               
Weighted-average assumptions used to
             
determine benefit obligation
             
as of measurment date:
             
Discount rate
   
5.75
%
 
5.75
%
               
Weighted-average assumptions used to
             
determine net periodic benefit cost for years
             
ended December 31:
             
Discount rate
   
5.75
%
 
6.00
%
               
Assumed health care cost trend rates
             
at December 31:
             
Health care cost trend rate assumed
           
for next year
   
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
Year that the rate reaches the
             
ultimate trend rate
   
2006
   
2005
 
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
                     
Interest cost
 
$
30
 
$
31
 
$
36
 
Amortization of transition obligation
   
32
   
31
   
31
 
Net periodic benefit cost
 
$
62
 
$
62
 
$
67
 
 
F-30

The other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
     
         
Net (gain) loss
 
$
(10
)
Transition obligation
   
190
 
Amortization of transition obligation
   
--
 
Total amount recognized
 
$
180
 
 
Amortization of transition obligation will be a component of the annual change in 2007. As a result of implementing Statement No. 158, the change to other comprehensive loss is the full existing unrecognized amount.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects at the end of 2006:
   
One-Percentage Point
 
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Increase
   
Decrease
 
               
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
3
 
$
(2
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
   
41
   
(37
)
 
Estimated future benefit payments (including expected future service as appropriate):
(Dollars in thousands)
     
       
2007
 
$
48
 
2008
   
48
 
2009
   
48
 
2010
   
47
 
2011
   
46
 
2012-2016
   
217
 
   
$
454
 
 
The Company expects to contribute approximately $48,000 to the post-retirement medical plan in 2007.

Note 17 - Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s 1999 and 2004 stock option programs are long-term retention programs intended to attract, retain, and provide incentives for key employees and non-employee directors in the form of incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock.

With the exception of non-qualified options granted to directors under the 1999 and 2004 plans, which in some cases may be exercised at any time prior to expiration and in some other cases may be exercised at intervals less than one year following the grant date, incentive stock options granted under the plans may not be exercised in whole or in part within one year following the date of the grant, as these incentive stock options become exercisable in 25% increments ratably over the four year period following the grant date. The options are granted at an exercise price at least equal to the fair value of the common stock at the date of grant and have terms ranging from five to ten years. No options were granted under the 1999 plan after January 2, 2004, and the plan is closed other than for any options still unexercised and outstanding. The 2004 plan is the only plan from which new share-based compensation grants may be issued. It is the Company’s policy to grant options out of the 600,000 shares registered under the 2004 plan.

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company’s stock option plans were accounted for under the recognition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 (“Opinion 25”), Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations, as permitted by FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (as amended by Statement No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure) (collectively “Statement No. 123”). No share-based employee compensation cost related to stock options was recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income through December 31, 2005, as all options granted under the plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, using the modified-prospective transition method. Under that transition method, compensation cost recognized in 2006 includes: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value calculated in accordance with the original provisions of Statement No. 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 123R.
 
F-31

Activity in the Company’s stock option plans is summarized in the following table. All information has been retroactively adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits.


   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
 
 
 
 
 
Average
     
Average
     
Average
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise
     
Exercise
     
Exercise
 
 
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
 
                                       
Outstanding at January 1
   
304,018
 
$
23.32
   
298,748
 
$
21.66
   
316,247
 
$
19.12
 
Granted
   
41,714
   
33.85
   
45,568
   
32.47
   
73,080
   
28.57
 
Exercised
   
(45,525
)
 
18.47
   
(21,191
)
 
18.66
   
(75,030
)
 
17.36
 
Expired/Forfeited
   
(6,523
)
 
27.73
   
(19,107
)
 
24.37
   
(15,549
)
 
23.16
 
Outstanding at December 31
   
293,684
   
25.47
   
304,018
   
23.32
   
298,748
   
21.66
 
                                       
Exercisable at December 31
   
189,215
   
22.46
   
171,809
   
20.14
   
117,457
   
18.97
 
                                       
Weighted-average fair value of
                                     
options granted during the year
 
$
7.75
       
$
9.53
       
$
8.76
       
 
Information pertaining to options outstanding at December 31, 2006, is as follows:
   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
       
Weighted-
             
       
Average
             
       
Remaining
 
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
 
 
 
Number
 
Contractual
 
Average
 
Number
 
Average
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Life
 
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding
 
Exercise Price
 
                                 
$11.96 - $16.71
   
56,063
   
4.8 years
 
$
15.53
   
56,063
 
$
15.53
 
$19.05 - $23.24
   
80,188
   
5.1 years
   
21.67
   
67,607
   
21.42
 
$24.68 - $29.50
   
83,376
   
7.1 years
   
28.50
   
53,959
   
28.52
 
$31.91 - $33.57
   
60,057
   
8.5 years
   
33.45
   
8,086
   
33.47
 
$33.86 - $36.38
   
14,000
   
9.2 years
   
34.71
   
3,500
   
34.46
 
     
293,684
   
6.5 years
         
189,215
       
 
The fair value of options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and expensed over the options’ vesting periods. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in valuing options issued:
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
                     
Dividend yield
   
2.15%
 
 
2.19%
 
 
2.47%
 
Expected life
   
7 years
   
10 years
   
10 years
 
Expected volatility
   
19%
 
 
24%
 
 
25%
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
4.49%
 
 
4.24%
 
 
4.67%
 
 
F-32

 
The following table presents pro forma net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards for years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Net income, as reported
 
$
16,655
 
$
14,016
 
Less, total share-based employee
             
compensation expense determined under the fair
             
value based method, net of related tax effects
   
280
   
237
 
Pro forma net income
 
$
16,375
 
$
13,779
 
               
Earnings per share:
             
Basic - as reported
 
$
1.95
 
$
1.66
 
Basic - pro forma
   
1.91
   
1.63
 
Diluted - as reported
 
$
1.93
 
$
1.64
 
Diluted - pro forma
   
1.90
   
1.61
 
 
As a result of adopting Statement No. 123R on January 1, 2006, earnings before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2006 were $536,000 lower than if share-based compensation had continued to be accounted for under Opinion 25. The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based compensation arrangements was $204,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006.

The Company from time-to-time also grants shares of restricted stock to key employees and non-employee directors. These awards help align the interests of these employees and directors with the interests of the shareholders of the Company by providing economic value directly related to increases in the value of the Company’s stock. The value of the stock awarded is established as the fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant. The Company recognizes expense, equal to the total value of such awards, ratably over the vesting period of the stock grants. Grants to employees typically vest over a 48-month period, while grants to non-employee directors typically vest within a 12-month period.

All restricted stock agreements are conditioned upon continued employment. Termination of employment prior to a vesting date, as described below, would terminate any interest in non-vested shares. Prior to vesting of the shares, as long as employed by the Company, the key employees and non-employee directors will have the right to vote such shares and to receive dividends paid with respect to such shares. All restricted shares will fully vest in the event of change in control of the Company or upon the death of the officer. The Company granted 27,435, 17,592, and 5,000 shares in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. The weighted-average-grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted in 2006, 2005, and 2004 was $33.56, $32.70, and $29.00, respectively. Compensation expense of $447,000, $275,000, and $81,000 was recorded in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Nonvested restricted stock for the year ended December 31, 2006 is summarized in the following table. All information has been retroactively adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits.
       
Weighted-
 
       
Average
 
 
         
Grant-Date 
 
 
   
Shares 
   
Fair Value
 
               
Nonvested at January 1
   
34,656
 
$
30.29
 
Granted
   
27,435
   
33.56
 
Vested
   
15,066
   
32.91
 
Nonvested at December 31
   
47,025
   
31.30
 
 
F-33

The vesting schedule of non-vested shares at December 31, 2006, is as follows:
   
Shares
 
         
2007
   
14,663
 
2008
   
8,464
 
2009
   
17,214
 
2010
   
5,184
 
2011
   
1,500
 
     
47,025
 
 
The 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase Company stock at a 15% discounted price. For the year ended December 31, 2006, employees participating in the plan purchased 14,054 shares. As a result of adopting Statement No. 123R, the Company recognized $75,000 in share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 related to employee stock purchases under this plan.

As of December 31, 2006, there was $1,982,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.16 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2006 was $951,000.

Note 18 - Stock Repurchase Program

In February 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program to acquire up to 250,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. This program superseded any previously  announced programs that may have had remaining available shares for repurchase. No shares were repurchased under this program in 2006 and 2005. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company repurchased 120,908 shares at a cost of $3,590,000. Under other arrangements where directors or officers sold or surrendered currently owned shares to the Company to acquire proceeds for exercising stock options or paying taxes on currently vesting restricted stock, the Company repurchased 13,149, 8,467, and 18,780 shares at a cost of $443,000, $256,000, and $613,000 in 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively.

Note 19 - Lease Commitments

The Company’s subsidiaries were obligated at December 31, 2006, under certain noncancelable operating leases extending to the year 2030 pertaining to banking premises and equipment. Some of the leases provide for the payment of property taxes and insurance and contain various renewal options. The exercise of renewal options is, of course, dependent upon future events. Accordingly, the following summary does not reflect possible additional payments due if renewal options are exercised.

Future minimum lease payments, by year and in the aggregate, under noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
     
       
Years Ending December 31,
     
2007
  $ 3,295  
2008
   
3,450
 
2009
   
3,451
 
2010
   
3,487
 
2011
   
1,665
 
Thereafter
   
7,658
 
   
$
23,006
 

Total lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 was $2,924,000, $2,695,000, and $3,003,000, respectively.

Note 20 - Contingent Liabilities

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved at times in various litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, there is no pending or threatened litigation that will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
F-34

Note 21 - Related Party Transactions

During 2006 and 2005, the Company’s banking subsidiaries had loan and deposit relationships with certain related parties, principally directors and executive officers, their immediate families and their business interests. All of these relationships were in the ordinary course of business. Loans outstanding to this group (including immediate families and business interests) totaled $35,785,000 and $34,701,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005 respectively. During 2006, $15,864,000 of new loans were made to this group while repayments of $14,661,000 were received during the year. Other changes resulted in an decrease of $119,000. Related party deposits totaled approximately $25,338,000 and $31,571,000 at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Note 22 - Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company’s subsidiaries are parties to credit related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of their customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate, or liquidity risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of these instruments express the extent of involvement the subsidiaries have in particular classes of financial instruments.

The subsidiaries’ exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The subsidiaries use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as they do for on-balance sheet instruments. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the following financial instruments were outstanding whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
     
2006
   
2005
 
               
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
383,233
 
$
389,114
 
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees
   
10,697
   
7,499
 
   
$
393,930
 
$
396,613
 

Commitments to Extend 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. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements. The subsidiary banks evaluate each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the subsidiaries upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and personal guarantees. Unfunded commitments under commercial lines-of-credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. These lines-of-credit are uncollateralized and usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn to the extent to which the banking subsidiaries are committed.

Standby Letters of Credit and Financial Guarantees

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees are conditional commitments issued by the banking subsidiaries to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those letters of credit and guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. Essentially, all standby letters of credit have expiration dates within one year. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer.

Note 23 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company's various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
 
F-35

 
Cash and Cash Equivalents

The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investment Securities

Securities available for sale are valued at quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable securities. Securities held to maturity are valued at quoted market prices or dealer quotes. The carrying value of Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on their redemption provisions. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries approximates fair value.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices.

Loans

For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for certain mortgage loans (e.g., one-to-four family residential) and other consumer loans are based on quoted market prices of similar loans sold in conjunction with securitization transactions, adjusted for differences in loan characteristics. Fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and investment property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Fair values for non-performing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

Deposit Liabilities

The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest bearing checking, passbook savings, and certain types of money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of variable-rate, fixed-term money market accounts, and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

The fair value of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values.

Other Borrowings

The fair value of other borrowings is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of instruments.

Accrued Interest

The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

Commitments to Extend Credit, Standby Letters of Credit and Financial Guarantees

The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of guarantees and letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.
 
F-36


The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts, of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
   
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Value
 
Financial assets:
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
78,406
 
$
78,406
 
$
103,134
 
$
103,134
 
Investment securities
   
210,391
   
210,550
   
182,744
   
183,003
 
Loans, net and loans held for sale
   
1,761,398
   
1,744,486
   
1,528,837
   
1,517,196
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
11,760
   
11,760
   
9,112
   
9,112
 
Financial liabilities:
                         
Deposits
   
1,706,715
   
1,633,483
   
1,473,289
   
1,403,000
 
Federal funds purchased and securities
                         
sold under agreements to repurchase
   
203,105
   
203,105
   
150,163
   
150,163
 
Other borrowings
   
90,416
   
90,928
   
144,257
   
144,933
 
Accrued interest payable
   
8,918
   
8,918
   
4,244
   
4,244
 
Unrecognized financial instruments:
                         
Commitments to extend credit
   
383,233
   
374,622
   
389,114
   
386,189
 
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees
   
10,697
   
10,697
   
7,499
   
7,499
 
 
Note 24 - Regulatory Matters

The Company and its banking subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its subsidiaries must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet-items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and its subsidiaries to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, at December 31, 2006 and 2005, that the Company and its subsidiaries met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of their most recent regulatory examinations, the Company and its subsidiaries were considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events subsequent to the most recent examinations that management believes have changed the institutions’ category.


F-37

Actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table below:
                   
Minimum To Be Well
 
                   
Capitalized Under
 
           
Minimum Capital
 
Prompt Corrective
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Actual
 
Requirement
 
Action Provisions
 
   
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
December 31, 2006:
                         
Total risk-based capital
                         
(to risk-weighted assets):
                                     
Consolidated
 
$
191,018
   
11.36
%
$
134,486
   
8.00
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A.
   
166,528
   
11.18
%
 
119,201
   
8.00
%
 
149,001
   
10.00
%
South Carolina Bank and Trust
                                     
of the Piedmont, N.A.
   
21,348
   
11.12
%
 
15,360
   
8.00
%
 
19,200
   
10.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
                                     
Consolidated
   
169,949
   
10.11
%
 
67,243
   
4.00
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A.
   
147,850
   
9.92
%
 
59,601
   
4.00
%
 
89,401
   
6.00
%
South Carolina Bank and Trust
                                     
of the Piedmont, N.A.
   
18,947
   
9.87
%
 
7,680
   
4.00
%
 
11,520
   
6.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
                                     
Consolidated
   
169,949
   
8.11
%
 
83,844
   
4.00
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A.
   
147,850
   
8.02
%
 
73,762
   
4.00
%
 
92,202
   
5.00
%
South Carolina Bank and Trust
                                     
of the Piedmont, N.A.
   
18,947
   
7.56
%
 
10,021
   
4.00
%
 
12,527
   
5.00
%
                                       
December 31, 2005:
                                     
Total risk-based capital
                                     
(to risk-weighted assets):
                                     
Consolidated
 
$
171,888
   
11.45
%
$
120,120
   
8.00
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A.
   
137,304
   
10.90
%
 
100,806
   
8.00
%
 
126,008
   
10.00
%
South Carolina Bank and Trust
                                     
of the Piedmont, N.A.
   
19,189
   
11.86
%
 
12,938
   
8.00
%
 
16,173
   
10.00
%
SunBank, N.A.
   
12,764
   
15.96
%
 
6,399
   
8.00
%
 
7,999
   
10.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
                                     
Consolidated
   
153,874
   
10.25
%
 
60,060
   
4.00
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A.
   
121,696
   
9.66
%
 
50,403
   
4.00
%
 
75,605
   
6.00
%
South Carolina Bank and Trust
                                     
of the Piedmont, N.A.
   
17,165
   
10.61
%
 
6,469
   
4.00
%
 
9,704
   
6.00
%
SunBank, N.A.
   
11,762
   
14.70
%
 
3,199
   
4.00
%
 
4,799
   
6.00
%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets):
                                     
Consolidated
   
153,874
   
8.58
%
 
71,745
   
4.00
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
 
South Carolina Bank and Trust, N.A.
   
121,696
   
7.88
%
 
61,779
   
4.00
%
 
77,224
   
5.00
%
South Carolina Bank and Trust
                                     
of the Piedmont, N.A.
   
17,165
   
8.16
%
 
8,412
   
4.00
%
 
10,515
   
5.00
%
SunBank, N.A.
   
11,762
   
12.96
%
 
3,629
   
4.00
%
 
4,536
   
5.00
%
 
F-38

 
Note 25 - Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company

Financial information pertaining only to SCBT Financial Corporation is as follows:
 
Condensed Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)
   
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
ASSETS
         
Cash
  $ 1,004   $
971
 
Investment securities available for sale
   
956
   
888
 
Investment in subsidiaries
   
199,976
   
186,391
 
Less allowance for loan losses
   
(34
)
 
(29
)
Premise and equipment
   
--
   
5
 
Other assets
   
1,342
   
1,626
 
Total assets
 
$
203,244
 
$
189,852
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
             
               
Liabilities
 
$
41,356
 
$
41,449
 
Shareholders' equity
   
161,888
   
148,403
 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
 
$
203,244
 
$
189,852
 
 
Condensed Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
     
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Income:
                   
Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
5,981
 
$
5,531
 
$
5,728
 
Operating income
   
7
   
18
   
14
 
Total income
   
5,988
   
5,549
   
5,742
 
Operating expenses
   
2,977
   
1,908
   
572
 
Income before income tax benefit and equity in
                   
undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
3,011
   
3,641
   
5,170
 
Applicable income tax benefit
   
1,016
   
629
   
191
 
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
15,778
   
12,385
   
8,655
 
Net income
 
$
19,805
 
$
16,655
 
$
14,016
 
 
F-39


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
               
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
Net income
  $ 19,805   $ 16,655   $
 14,016
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
             
provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
 
39
 
10
 
11
 
Provision for loan losses
 
6
 
48
 
--
 
Share-based compensation
 
983
 
--
 
--
 
Decrease (increase) in other assets
 
110
 
(136
) 
110
 
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
 
59
 
(277
) 
(7
) 
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
   
(15,778
)
 
(12,385
)
 
(8,655
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
5,224
   
3,915
   
5,475
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                   
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
   
(100
)
 
--
   
(110
)
Payments for investments in subsidiaries
   
--
   
(40,916
)
 
--
 
Recoveries on loans previously charged off
   
17
   
15
   
16
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
--
   
--
   
(685
)
Other, net
   
(18
)
 
623
   
--
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(101
)
 
(40,278
)
 
(779
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
                   
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
   
--
   
41,239
   
--
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(5,911
)
 
(5,527
)
 
(5,228
)
Common stock issuance
   
423
   
876
   
427
 
Common stock redeemed
   
(443
)
 
(252
)
 
(3,590
)
Stock options exercised
   
841
   
395
   
1,304
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(5,090
)
 
36,731
   
(7,087
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
33
   
368
   
(2,391
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
971
   
603
   
2,994
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
1,004
 
$
971
 
$
603
 
 
Note 26 - Subsequent Event

On January 18, 2007, the Board of Directors declared a 5% stock dividend payable on March 23, 2007 to stockholders of record on March 9, 2007. Per-share amounts in the accompanying financial statements have been restated for the stock dividend.
 
 
F-40