Yes o No. x

 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

INDEX

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

		Page No.
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and Three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income- Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7-12
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition or Plan of Operations	14-37
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk	38
Item 4T.	Controls and Procedures	38
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	39
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	39
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	39
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	39
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders	39-40
Item 5.	Other Information	40
Item 6.	Exhibits	40

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

		June 30,			December 31,
		2008			2007
		(Unaudited)			(Audited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks		$	6,777,796		$	7,164,650
Federal funds sold			6,015,000			-
Total cash and cash equivalents			12,792,796			7,164,650
Securities available-for-sale			55,125,216			58,580,313
Nonmarketable equity securities			4,372,200			3,930,400
Total investment securities			59,497,416			62,510,713
Loans held for sale			10,447,997			19,600,850
Loans receivable			466,428,206			468,137,690
Less allowance for loan losses			(5,740,860	)		(5,270,607	)
Loans, net			460,687,346			462,867,083
Premises, furniture and equipment, net			23,678,331			22,233,746
Accrued interest receivable			2,712,271			3,092,767
Other real estate owned			473,550			196,950
Cash surrender value life insurance			10,769,838			10,540,273
Other assets			4,092,857			3,497,180
Total assets		$	585,152,402		$	591,704,212
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing transaction accounts		$	47,008,751		$	43,542,528
Interest-bearing transaction accounts			28,321,944			39,450,393
Savings			82,073,717			85,819,481
Time deposits $100,000 and over			179,899,406			169,825,252
Other time deposits			118,971,469			110,860,061
Total deposits			456,275,287			449,497,715
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase			6,421,356			7,927,754
Federal funds purchased			-			13,359,000
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank			68,500,000			69,000,000
Note payable			3,000,000			3,000,000
Junior subordinated debentures			10,310,000			10,310,000
Accrued interest payable			596,016			767,577
Other liabilities			2,396,273			814,262
Total liabilities			547,498,932			554,676,308
Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized,
Issued 3,523,775 shares at June 30, 2008 and 3,504,313 shares at December 31, 2007
Shares Outstanding 3,513,524 at June 30, 2008 and 3,494,646 at December 31, 2007			35,135			34,946
Nonvested restricted stock			(237,078	)		(152,762	)
Capital surplus			26,050,718			25,875,012
Treasury stock (10,251 and 9,667 shares at cost in 2008 and 2007, respectively)			(153,500	)		(145,198	)
Retained earnings			12,722,917			11,417,275
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(764,722	)		(1,369	)
Total shareholders’ equity			37,653,470			37,027,904
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	585,152,402		$	591,704,212

 

See notes to condesed financial statements

 

-3-

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,						Three Months Ended June 30,
		2008			2007			2008			2007
Interest income:
Loans, including fees		$	17,660,316		$	16,510,892		$	8,560,841		$	8,618,219
Investment securities:
Taxable			675,964			446,076			329,580			211,742
Nontaxable			655,492			352,957			327,882			182,816
Federal funds sold			11,840			336,410			9,947			257,751
Other interest income			113,964			87,880			62,674			47,575
Total			19,117,576			17,734,215			9,290,924			9,318,103
Interest expense:
Time Deposits over $100,000			4,032,916			3,152,637			1,995,863			1,760,167
Other deposits			3,405,068			4,604,489			1,502,973			2,416,821
Other interest expense			1,884,358			923,937			964,838			476,644
Total			9,322,342			8,681,063			4,463,674			4,653,632
Net interest income			9,795,234			9,053,152			4,827,250			4,664,471
Provision for loan losses			1,147,397			460,436			645,794			325,202
Net interest income after provision for loan losses			8,647,837			8,592,716			4,181,456			4,339,269
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts			929,852			908,437			492,717			465,767
Gain on sales of mortgage loans			1,126,357			1,116,131			566,973			645,889
Brokerage fees			106,557			85,869			56,227			45,009
Income from Bank Owned Life Insurance			229,565			201,050			107,811			100,310
Other charges, commissions and fees			238,095			167,394			124,823			89,632
Gain on sale of securities			-			5,996			-			4,975
Gain on sale of other real estate			-			20,374			-			11,009
Gain on sale of fixed assets			-			16,104			-			1,689
Other non-interest income			100,869			95,556			50,950			59,446
Total			2,731,295			2,616,911			1,399,501			1,423,726
Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits			5,753,376			5,227,430			2,808,625			2,631,655
Occupancy expense			731,432			655,892			391,729			318,496
Furniture and equipment expense			422,490			419,763			209,531			229,102
Other operating expenses			2,554,775			2,688,958			1,317,792			1,307,548
Total			9,462,073			8,992,043			4,727,677			4,486,801
Income before income taxes			1,917,059			2,217,584			853,280			1,276,194
Income tax expense			407,515			602,669			169,859			368,486
Net income		$	1,509,544		$	1,614,915		$	683,421		$	907,708
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share		$	0.43		$	0.47		$	0.20		$	0.26
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.43		$	0.45		$	0.20		$	0.26

 

See notes to condesed financial statements

 

-4-

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)

 

		Common Stock									Restricted				Treasury			Retained			Accumulated  Other  Compre-  hensive  Income
		Shares			Amount			Surplus			Stock				Stock			Earnings			(Loss)			Total
Balance,
December 31, 2006			3,424,878		$	34,249		$	25,257,814		$	(66,131	)		$	-		$	8,857,755		$	9,576		$	34,093,263
Net income																			1,614,915						1,614,915
Other comprehensive
loss, net of tax
benefit of $222,198																						(433,634	)		(433,634	)
Comprehensive income																									1,181,281
Issuance of shares to 404c plan			13,383			134			198,246																198,380
Restricted stock			7,118			71			106,663			(76,397	)												30,337
Exercise of stock options			39,145			391			213,430																213,821
Balance, June 30, 2007			3,484,524		$	34,845		$	25,776,153		$	(142,528	)		$	-		$	10,472,670		$	(424,058	)	$	35,717,082
Balance,
December 31, 2007			3,494,646		$	34,946		$	25,875,012		$	(152,762	)		$	(145,198	)	$	11,417,275		$	(1,369	)	$	37,027,904
Adjustment to reflect the
cumulative-effect of change in
Accounting for Life Insurance
Arrangement																			(203,902	)					(203,902	)
Balance
December 31, 2007			3,494,646			34,946			25,875,012			(152,762	)			(145,198	)		11,213,373			(1,369	)		36,824,002
Net income																			1,509,544						1,509,544
Other comprehensive loss
Net of tax
benefit of $393,242																						(763,353	)		(763,353	)
Comprehensive Income																									746,191
Purchase of Treasury Stock																(8,302	)								(8,302	)
Restricted stock			14,028			140			150,739			(84,316	)												66,563
Exercise of Stock Options			4,850			49			24,967																25,016
Balance, June 30, 2008			3,513,524		$	35,135		$	26,050,718		$	(237,078	)		$	(153,500	)	$	12,722,917		$	(764,722	)	$	37,653,470

 

See notes to condesed financial statements

 

-5-

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2008			2007
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	1,509,544		$	1,614,915
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
Provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses			1,147,397			460,436
Depreciation and amortization expense			472,929			359,363
Gain on sale of equipment			-			(16,104	)
Gain on sale of other real estate owned			-			(20,374	)
Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities			-			(5,996	)
Write down of other real estate owned			106,750			-
Discount accretion and premium amortization			15,581			31,135
Disbursements for loans held-for-sale			(74,296,578	)		(69,616,601	)
Proceeds from loans held-for-sale			83,449,431			69,775,703
Deferred income tax benefit			(582,426	)		(1,005,942	)
Decrease in interest receivable			380,496			42,850
Increase (decrease) in interest payable			(171,561	)		14,131
Amortization of deferred compensation on restricted stock			66,563			30,337
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities			1,405,049			(661,247	)
(Increase) decrease in other assets			3,078			165,044
Net cash provided by operating activities			13,506,253			1,167,650
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable			623,490			(51,218,168	)
Purchases of securities available-for-sale			-			(10,019,236	)
Proceeds on sales of securities available-for-sale			-			9,785,569
Maturities of securities available-for-sale			2,282,921			1,067,689
Purchase of non marketable equity securities			(441,800	)		(857,300	)
Proceeds on sale of nonmarketable equity securities			-			1,052,000
Sales of other real estate owned			25,500			869,222
Proceeds from disposal of premises, furniture, and equipment			-			38,066
Purchases of premises and equipment			(1,797,105	)		(4,489,472	)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities			693,006			(53,771,630	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in demand deposits, interest bearing and savings accounts			(11,407,990	)		6,892,789
Net increase in certificates of deposit and other time deposits			18,185,561			44,922,760
Decrease in Federal Funds purchased			(13,359,000	)		-
Net (decrease) increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase			(1,506,398	)		3,010,825
Decrease in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank			(500,000	)		(2,500,000	)
Proceeds from issuance of shares to ESOP			-			198,380
Sale of treasury stock			(8,302	)		-
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options			25,016			213,821
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities			(8,571,113	)		52,738,575
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			5,628,146			134,595
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			7,164,650			31,463,075
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	12,792,796		$	31,597,670
Cash paid during the period for
Income taxes		$	922,499		$	378,034
Interest		$	9,493,903		$	8,695,194

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

-6-

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements for interim financial statements and, accordingly, they are condensed and omit disclosures, which would substantially duplicate those contained in the most recent annual report to shareholders. The financial statements as of June 30, 2008 and 2007 and for the interim periods then ended are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation. The financial information as of December 31, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date. For further information, refer to the financial statements and the notes included in First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.'s 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

The following is a summary of recent authoritative pronouncements:

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141(R)”) which replaces SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for acquisitions by the Company taking place on or after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. Accordingly, a calendar year-end company is required to record and disclose business combinations following existing accounting guidance until January 1, 2009. The Company will assess the impact of SFAS 141(R) if and when a future acquisition occurs.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Before this statement, limited guidance existed for reporting noncontrolling interests (minority interest). As a result, diversity in practice exists. In some cases minority interest is reported as a liability and in others it is reported in the mezzanine section between liabilities and equity. Specifically, SFAS 160 requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financials statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. Such gain or loss will be measured using the fair value of the noncontrolling equity investment on the deconsolidation date. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improving the transparency of financial reporting. It is intended to enhance the current disclosure framework in SFAS 133 by requiring that objectives for using derivative instruments be disclosed in terms of underlying risk and accounting designation. This disclosure better conveys the purpose of derivative use in terms of the risks that the entity is intending to manage. SFAS 161 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. This pronouncement does not impact accounting measurements but will result in additional disclosures if the Company is involved in material derivative and hedging activities at that time.

In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions” (“FSP 140-3”).  This FSP provides guidance on accounting for a transfer of a financial asset and the transferor’s repurchase financing of the asset.  This FSP presumes that an initial transfer of a financial asset and a repurchase financing are considered part of the same arrangement (linked transaction) under SFAS No. 140. However, if certain criteria are met, the initial transfer and repurchase financing are not evaluated as a linked transaction and are evaluated separately under Statement 140.  FSP 140-3 will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years and earlier application is not permitted. Accordingly, this FSP is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of FSP 140-3 will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

-7-

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements- continued

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP 142-3”). This FSP amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. The intent of this FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” and other U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is prohibited. Accordingly, this FSP is effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. The Company does not believe the adoption of FSP 142-3 will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) which provides a framework for measuring and disclosing fair value under generally accepted accounting principles. SFAS 157 requires disclosures about the fair value of assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet in periods subsequent to initial recognition, whether the measurements are made on a recurring basis (for example, available-for-sale investment securities) or on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired loans).

SFAS 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. SFAS 157 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as U.S. Treasuries and money market funds.
Level 2	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities, and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain derivative contracts and impaired loans.
Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. For example, this category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained residual interests in securitizations, residential mortgage servicing rights, and highly-structured or long-term derivative contracts.

 

		Quoted Market Price in active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for Sale Securities	$	-	$	55,125,216		-
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	$	-	$	10,447,997		-
Total	$	-	$	65,573,213		-

 

-8-

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The Company has no liabilities carried at fair value or measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

The Company is predominantly an asset based lender with real estate serving as collateral on a substantial majority of loans. Loans which are deemed to be impaired are primarily valued on a nonrecurring basis at the fair values of the underlying real estate collateral. Such fair values are obtained using independent appraisals, which the Company considers to be level 2 inputs. The aggregate carrying amount of impaired loans at June 30, 2008 was $3,308,463.

 

-9-

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements- continued

 

FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2 delays the implementation of SFAS 157 until the first quarter of 2009 with respect to goodwill, other intangible assets, real estate and other assets acquired through foreclosure and other non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

The Company has no assets or liabilities whose fair values are measured using level 3 inputs.

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

Note 3 - Equity Incentive Plan

During the first quarter of 2006, the Company adopted the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the granting of dividend equivalent rights, options, performance unit awards, phantom shares, stock appreciation rights, and stock awards of up to 350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to officers, employees, directors, consultants, and other service providers of the Company, or any Affiliate of the Company.

During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company granted 0 and 62,481 stock appreciation rights, respectively. A stock appreciation right entitles an individual to receive the excess of the fair market value from the grant date to the exercise date in a settlement of Company stock. The Company has funded the liability through charges to earnings. The accrued liability for the stock appreciation rights at June 30, 2008 was $139,012.

During the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the company did not issue any stock appreciation rights.

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock appreciation rights as of the six and three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:

 

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,			2008						2007
			Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at January 1			93,981		$	14.95			45,504		$	14.87
Granted			-			-			62,481			15.00
Exercised			-			-			-			-
Forfeited			-			-			-			-
Outstanding at June 30			93,981		$	14.95			107,985		$	14.95

 

 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,			2008						2007
			Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at April 1			93,981			14.95			107,985		$	14.95
Granted			-			-			-			-
Exercised			-			-			-			-
Forfeited			-			-			-			-
Outstanding at June 30			93,981		$	14.95			107,985		$	14.95

 

-10-

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 FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 3 - Equity Incentive Plan - continued

During the six and three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company granted 14,059 and 50 shares of restricted stock, respectively, pursuant to the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The shares “cliff” vests in three years. Compensation cost associated with the grant was $67,068 and $37,053 for the six and three months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.

The following table shows the changes in the Company’s restricted stock for the six and three months ended June 30, 2008:

 

		Six months			Three months
Outstanding at January 1, and April 1, respectively			16,195			28,385
Granted			14,059			50
Exercised			(1,819	)
Forfeited
Outstanding at June 30, 2008			28,435			28.435

 

Note 4 - Stock Compensation Plan

On June 19, 2003, the Company established the 2003 First Reliance Bank Employee Stock Option Plan (Stock Plan) that provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to directors, officers, or employees of the Company. This plan was preceded by the 1999 First Reliance Bank Employee Stock Option Plan, which provided for the granting of options to purchase up to 238,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to directors, officers, or employees of the Company. The per-share exercise price of incentive stock options granted under the Stock Plan may not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date of grant. The per-share exercise price of stock options granted is determined by the Board of Directors. The expiration date of any option may not be greater than ten years from the date of grant. Options that expire unexercised or are canceled become available for reissuance. At June 30, 2008, there were no options available for grant under the 2003 plan and no options available for grant under the 1999 plan.

The following shows the status of the Company’s stock option plan at June 30, 2008 and the changes in the plan for the six and three months ended June 30, 2008:

 

		Six months ended						Three months ended
		Shares			Weighted  Average  Price			Shares			Weighted  Average  Price
Outstanding at January 1, and April 1, respectively			278,847		$	8.32			271,847		$	8.35
Granted
Exercised			(4,700	)		5.00			(200	)		5.00
Forfeited			(2,500	)		11.00
Outstanding at June 30, 2008			271,647		$	8.35			271,647		$	8.35

 

 

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 FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 5 - Earnings Per Share

The following schedule reconciles the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the six and three month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  Dilutive common shares arise from the potentially dilutive effect of the company's stock options and warrants that are outstanding.  The assumed conversion of stock options and warrants can create a difference between basic and dilutive net income per common share. 

 

		Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
		Income			Shares			Per Share
		(Numerator)			(Denominator)			Amount
Basic earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders		$	1,509,544			3,504,070		$	0.43
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options			-			25,198
Non vested restricted stock			-			3,404
Diluted earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders
plus assumed conversions		$	1,509,544			3,532,672		$	0.43

 

			Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
			Income			Shares			Per Share
			(Numerator)			(Denominator)			Amount
Basic earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders		$	1,614,915			3,445,007		$	0.47
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options			-			104,857
Non vested restricted stock			-			39
Diluted earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders
Plus assumed conversions		$	1,614,915			3,549,903		$	0.45

 

			Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
			Income			Shares			Per Share
			(Numerator)			(Denominator)			Amount
Basic earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders		$	683,421			3,513,278		$	0.20
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options			-			28,435
Non - vested restricted stock			-			8,842
Diluted earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders
plus assumed conversions		$	683,421			3,550,555		$	0.20

 

 

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 FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 5 - Earnings Per Share - continued

 

		Three Months Ended June 30, 2007
		Income			Shares			Per Share
		(Numerator)			(Denominator)			Amount
Basic earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders		$	907,708			3,457,850		$	0.26
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options			-			78,010
Non - vested restricted stock			-			1
Diluted earnings per share
Income available to common shareholders
plus assumed conversions		$	907,708			3,535,861		$	0.26

 

Note 6 - Comprehensive Income

 

The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows:

 

			Pre-tax			Tax			Net-of-tax
			Amount			Benefit			Amount
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008:
Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale		$	(1,156,595	)	$	393,242		$	(763,353	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)
realized in net income
		$	(1,156,595	)	$	393,242		$	(763,353	)
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007:
Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale		$	(659,328	)	$	223,387		$	(435,941	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)
realized in net income			3,496			(1,189	)		2,307
		$	(655,832	)	$	222,198		$	(433,634	)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2008:
Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale		$	(1,301,521	)	$	442,517		$	(859,004	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)
realized in net income
		$	(1,301,521	)	$	442,517		$	(859,004	)
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007:
Unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale		$	(710,552	)	$	241,232		$	(469,320	)
Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses)
realized in net income			2,475			(842	)		1,633
		$	(708,077	)	$	240,390		$	(467,687	)

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income consists solely of net unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of the deferred tax effects.

 

 

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 FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

The following discussion reviews our results of operations and assesses our financial condition.  You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  The commentary should be read in conjunction with the discussion of forward-looking statements, the financial statements and the related notes and the other statistical information included in this report.

Advisory Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained in this report on Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers of this report that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of us to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our expectations of future performance is based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of our knowledge of our business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations.

Factors which could cause actual results to differ from expectations include, among other things:

·	the challenges, costs and complications associated with the continued development of our branches;

·	the potential that loan charge-offs may exceed the allowance for loan losses or that such allowance will be increased as a result of factors beyond the control of us;

·	our dependence on senior management;

·	competition from existing financial institutions operating in our market areas as well as the entry into such areas of new competitors with greater resources, broader branch networks and more comprehensive services;

·	adverse conditions in the stock market, the public debt market, and other capital markets (including changes in interest rate conditions);

·	changes in deposit rates, the net interest margin, and funding sources;

·	inflation, interest rate, market, and monetary fluctuations;

·	risks inherent in making loans including repayment risks and value of collateral;

·

the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations may be different than expected resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on our loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses;

·	fluctuations in consumer spending and saving habits;

·	the demand for our products and services;

·	technological changes;

·	the challenges and uncertainties in the implementation of our expansion and development strategies;

·	the ability to increase market share;

·	the adequacy of expense projections and estimates of impairment loss;

·	the impact of changes in accounting policies by the Securities and Exchange Commission;

·	unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings;

·	the potential negative effects of future legislation affecting financial institutions (including without limitation laws concerning taxes, banking, securities, and insurance);

·	the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System;

·	the timely development and acceptance of products and services, including products and services offered through alternative delivery channels such as the Internet;

·	the impact on our business, as well as on the risks set forth above, of various domestic or international military or terrorist activities or conflicts;

·	other factors described in this report and in other reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and

·	our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

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 FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Overview

The Company conducts virtually all of its activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Reliance Bank. First Reliance Bank, founded in 1999, is ranked in the top 20 banks in South Carolina based on asset size. The bank has assets of approximately $585 million, and employs over 145 highly talented associates. The bank serves the Upstate, Midlands, Piedmont, Low Country, Grand Strand, and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina. The bank has been recognized for its success including being named to the Dave Thomas Foundation’s List of “Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces” and the only company ever to be named to The Top 25 Fastest Growing Companies™ in South Carolina four times including 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006 (SC Chamber/Elliott Davis). In June 2007, the Company was added to the Palmetto 25, a list of South Carolina’s largest publicly held companies. In 2006 and 2007, the bank was also recognized as One of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina by the SC Chamber of Commerce. First Reliance Bank offers Totally FREE Checking, Totally FREE Business, FREE Coin Machines, a Nationwide NO FEE ATM Network, and a 5 Way Mortgage Service Promise. It also offers 8-8 Extended Hours in all of their Florence, Mt. Pleasant, and Lexington locations and is open on most traditional bank holidays. Its Easy to Do Business With™ standard has earned the young bank a customer satisfaction rating of 94.7% (Performance Solutions-December 2007-Audited). First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ OTC Bulletin Board as FSRL.OB.

 

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 FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

The following discussion describes our results of operation for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2007 and also analyzes our financial condition as of June 30, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007

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

There are risks inherent in all loans, so we maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.  We maintain this allowance by charging a provision for loan losses against our operating earnings for each period.  We have included a detailed discussion of this process, as well as several tables describing our allowance for loan losses.

In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other charges to our customers.  We have also included a discussion of the various components of this non-interest income, as well as of our non-interest expense.

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

Critical Accounting Policies

We have adopted various accounting policies which govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States in the preparation of our financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2007 as filed on our annual report on Form 10-K. Certain accounting policies involve significant judgments and assumptions by us which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities. We consider these accounting policies to be critical accounting policies. The judgments and assumptions we use are based on the historical experience and other factors, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions we make, actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates which could have a major impact on our carrying values of assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

We believe the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Refer to the portion of this discussion that addresses our allowance for loan losses for description of our processes and methodology for determining our allowance for loan losses.

Regulatory Matters

We are not aware of any current recommendations by regulatory authorities which, if they were to be implemented, would have a material effect on liquidity, capital resources or operations.

Effect of Economic Trends

Economic conditions, competition and federal monetary and fiscal policies also affect financial institutions. Lending activities are also influenced by regional and local economic factors, such as housing supply and demand, competition among lenders, customer preferences and levels of personal income and savings in our primary market area.

 

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 FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Results of Operations

Income Statement Review

Three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

Our net income was $683,421 and $907,708 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. This represents a decrease of $224,287, or 24.71%. This decline in net income is attributable to the bank’s proactive decision to increase the allowance for loan and lease losses to offset the charge-offs incurred in the period and to increase the bank’s reserve as a precautionary measure for any future economic uncertainties. Net interest income increased to $4.8 million in the second quarter of 2008 over $4.7million reported the same prior year period, while non-interest income was unchanged at $1.4 million for the period ended June 30, 2008. The discussion and tables that follow address the decrease in net income for this period.

 

Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

 

Our net income was $1.5 million and $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. This represents a decrease of $105,371, or 6.52%. This decrease in net income resulted primarily from the bank’s proactive decision to increase the allowance for loan and lease losses to offset the charge-offs incurred in the period and to increase the bank’s reserve as a precautionary measure for any future economic uncertainties.

 

Net Interest Income

Our level of net interest income is determined by the level of earning assets and the management of our net interest margin.  The growth since June 30, 2007 in our loan portfolio is the primary driver of the increase in net interest income.  During the six months ended June 30, 2008, our average loan portfolio increased $105.1million compared to the average for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The growth in the loan portfolio was partially offset by declining loan interest rates. We anticipate the growth in loans will drive the growth in assets and the growth in net interest income.  However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to continue to increase loans at the same levels we have experienced in the past. 

 

At June 30, 2008, net loans represented 78.73% of total assets, while investments represented 10.17% of total assets.  While we plan to focus on increasing the loan portfolio, as rates on investment securities begin to rise and additional deposits are obtained, we also anticipate increasing the size of the investment portfolio. 

We continue to target core deposit growth by offering the competitive deposit and loan rates. This, along with our successful marketing campaigns and cross selling, is producing a more seasoned deposit base. At June 30, 2008, retail deposits represented $276.4 million, or 47.23% of total assets, borrowings represented $88.2 million, or 15.07% of total assets, and wholesale non-core deposits represented $179.9 million, or 30.74% of total assets.  

 

At June 30, 2008, 87.12% of interest-bearing liabilities had a maturity of less than one year. At June 30, 2008, we had $6.1 million more liabilities than assets that reprice within the next three months. Assuming rates remain stable through September 30, 2008, this will improve our net interest margin as liabilities re-price to current market rates.

 

We intend to maintain a capital level for the bank that exceeds requirements to be classified as a "well capitalized" bank.  To provide the additional capital needed to support our bank's growth in assets, in 2006 we issued $10.3 million trust preferred security and in 2007 we obtained $3 million in subordinated debt. As of June 30, 2008, the company's regulatory capital levels were over $7.0 million in excess of the various well capitalized requirements.

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation- continued

Results of Operations, continued

In addition to the growth in both assets and liabilities, and the timing of repricing of our assets and liabilities, net interest income is also affected by the ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities and the changes in interest rates earned on our assets and interest rates paid on our liabilities.

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, our rates on both short-term or variable rate earning-assets and short-term or variable rate interest-bearing liabilities continued to decrease primarily as a result of the actions taken by the Federal Reserve over the last twelve months to lower short-term rates.  The impact of the Federal Reserve's actions resulted in a decrease in both the yields on our variable rate assets and the rates that we paid for our short-term deposits and borrowings. 

Our net interest spread for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 was 3.30% and 3.35%, respectively. Because we had more interest-earning liabilities than interest-bearing assets that repriced, our net interest spread decreased 39 basis points and 42 basis points for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the comparable periods ended June 30, 2007.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, our net interest margin was 3.59% and 3.65%, respectively.  Because we had more interest earning liabilities than interest-bearing assets that repriced, our net interest margin decreased 58 basis points and 61 basis points for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, respectively, compared to the comparable period ended June 30, 2007. The decline in our net interest margin was 19 basis points greater than the change in net interest spread for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same periods in 2007.

 

We have included a number of tables to assist in our description of various measures of our financial performance.  For example, the "Average Balances" table shows the average balance of each category of our assets and liabilities as well as the yield we earned or the rate we paid with respect to each category during both the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  A review of this table shows that our loans typically provide higher interest yields than do other types of interest-earning assets, which is why we direct a substantial percentage of our earning assets into our loan portfolio.  Similarly, the "Rate/Volume Analysis" table demonstrates the effect of changing interest rates and changing volume of assets and liabilities on our financial condition during the periods shown.  We also track the sensitivity of our various categories of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates, and we have included tables to illustrate our interest rate sensitivity with respect to interest-earning accounts and interest-bearing accounts.  Finally, we have included various tables that provide detail about our investment securities, our loans, our deposits, and other borrowings.

The following table sets forth information related to our average balance sheets, average yields on assets, and average costs of liabilities.  We derived these yields by dividing income or expense by the average balance of the corresponding assets or liabilities.  We derived average balances from the daily balances throughout the periods indicated. 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Results of Operations, continued

 

		Average Balances, Income and Expenses, and Rates
		For the three months ended    June 30, 2008										For the three months ended June 30, 2007
		Average  Balance			Income/ Expense			Yield/ Rate				Average Balance			Income/ Expense			Yield/ Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Securities, taxable		$	26,064		$	330			5.09	%		$	17,803		$	212			4.77	%
Securities, nontaxable (1)			31,139			439			5.67				17,032			245			5.75
Loans (2)			489,482			8,561			7.03				397,032			8,618			8.71
Federal funds sold and other			2,889			16			2.20				19,883			270			5.46
Nonmarketable equity
securities			4,372			61			5.65				1,760			26			5.71
Total earning assets			553,946			9,407			6.83				453,510			9,371			8.29
Non-earning assets			41,541										38,565
Total assets		$	595,487									$	492,075
Liabilities and
Stockholders' equity
Interest bearing transaction
accounts		$	27,388			36			0.53			$	29,365		$	82			1.13
Savings and money
market accounts			87,611			470			2.16				77,898			788			4.06
Time deposits			294,230			2,993			4.09				258,903			3,307			5.12
Total interest bearing
deposits			409,229			3,499			3.44				366,166			4,177			4.59
Junior subordinated
debentures and N/P			13,310			185			5.59				10,310			155			6.01
Other borrowings			85,957			780			3.65				29,329			322			4.41
Total other interest
bearing liabilities			99,267			965			3.91				39,639			477			4.82
Total interest bearing
liabilities			508,496			4,464			3.53				405,805			4,654			4.60
Non-interest bearing
deposits			44,905										48,150
Other liabilities			3,696										2,584
Stockholders' equity			38,390										35,536
Total liabilities
and equity		$	595,487									$	492,075
Net interest income/spread					$	4,943			3.30	%					$	4,717			3.69	%
Net yield on earning assets									3.59	%									4.17	%

(1)	Fully tax- equivalent basis at 34% tax rate for non-taxable securities

(2)	Includes mortgage loans held for sale

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Results of Operations, continued

Our net interest spread was 3.30% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 3.69% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  The net interest spread is the difference between the yield we earn on our interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

Our net interest margin is calculated as net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.  Our net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was 3.59%, compared to 4.17% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  During the three months ended June 30, 2008, interest-earning assets averaged $553.9 million, compared to $453.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2007.  Interest earning assets exceeded interest bearing liabilities by $45.5 million and $47.7 million for the three month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. 

Our loan yield decreased 168 basis points for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 as a result of federal funds rate reductions and approximately 55.32% of the loan portfolio having variable rates. Offsetting the decrease in our loan yield is a 114 basis point decrease in the cost of our interest-bearing deposits for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  The decrease in the rate of interest bearing liabilities is due to numerous federal funds rate reductions.

Net interest income, the largest component of our income, was $4.8 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The increase in the three months ended June 30, 2008 related primarily to an increase in average earning assets and a decline in rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities and a decline in the rate earned on earning assets.  Average earning assets were $100.4 million higher during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $9.3 million, consisting of $8.6million of interest and fees on loans, $657,462 of investment income, interest of $9,947 on federal funds sold, and $62,674 in other interest income. Interest on loans for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 represented 92.14% and 92.49%, respectively, of total interest income, while income from investments, federal funds sold, and other interest income represented only 7.86% and 7.51% of total interest income.  The high percentage of interest income from loans relates to our strategy to maintain a significant portion of our assets in higher earning loans compared to lower yielding investments.  Average loans represented 88.36% and 87.54% of average interest-earning assets for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. 

Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $4.5 million, consisting of $3.5 million related to deposits and $964,838 related to borrowings. Interest expense on deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 represented 78.39% and 89.76%, respectively, of total interest expense, while interest expense on borrowings represented 21.61% and 10.24%, respectively, of total interest expense for the same three month periods. During the three months ended June 30, 2008, average interest-bearing deposits increased by $43.1 million over the same period in 2007, while average other interest bearing liabilities during the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased $59.6 million over the same period in 2007. 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Results of Operations, continued

 

Average Balances, Income and Expenses, and Rates

For the three months ended    June 30, 2008

For the three months ended June 30, 2007

Average  Balance

Income/ Expense

Yield/ Rate

Average Balance

Income/ Expense

Yield/ Rate

Assets
Securities, taxable		$	26,639		$	676			5.10	%		$	18,854		$	446			4.77	%
Securities, nontaxable (1)			31,045			878			5.69				16,387			473			5.82
Loans (2)			487,754			17,660			7.28				382,608			16,511			8.70
Federal funds sold and other			1,787			21			2.39				13,648			362			5.35
Nonmarketable equity
securities			4,253			101			4.73				1,816			53			5.87
Total earning assets			551,478			19,336			7.05				433,313			17,845			8.30
Non-earning assets			40,736										36,985
Total assets		$	592,214									$	470,298
Liabilities and
Stockholders' equity
Interest bearing transaction
accounts		$	29,458			95			0.65			$	28,232		$	120			0.86
Savings and money
market accounts			88,621			1,103			2.50				77,987			1,564			4.04
Time deposits			287,446			6,240			4.37				241,175			6,073			5.08
Total interest bearing
deposits			405,525			7,438			3.69				347,394			7,757			4.50
Junior subordinated
debentures and N/P			13,310			378			5.71				10,310			307			6.01
Other borrowings			87,851			1,506			3.45				29,029			617			4.74
Total other interest
bearing liabilities			101,161			1,884			3.75				39,339			924			4.74
Total interest bearing
liabilities			506,686			9,322			3.70				386,733			8,681			4.53
Non-interest bearing deposits			44,286										44,939
Other liabilities			3,225										3,610
Stockholders' equity			38,017										35,016
Total liabilities
and equity		$	592,214									$	470,298
Net interest income/interest spread					$	10,014			3.35	%					$	9,164			3.77	%
Net yield on earning assets									3.65	%									4.26	%

(2)	Fully tax- equivalent basis at 34% tax rate for non-taxable securities

(2)	Includes mortgage loans held for sale

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Results of Operations, continued

Our net interest spread was 3.35% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 3.77% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The net interest spread is the difference between the yield we earn on our interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

Our net interest margin is calculated as net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.  Our net interest margin for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was 3.65%, compared to 4.26% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  During the six months ended June 30, 2008, interest-earning assets averaged $551.5 million, compared to $433.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Interest earning assets exceeded interest bearing liabilities by $44.8 million and $46.6 million for the six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. 

Our loan yield decreased 142 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007 as a result of federal funds rate reductions and approximately 55.32% of the loan portfolio having variable rates. Offsetting the decrease in our loan yield is a 81 basis point decrease in the cost of our interest-bearing deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  The decrease in the rate of interest bearing liabilities is due to numerous federal funds rate reductions.

Net interest income, the largest component of our income, was $9.8 million and $9.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The significant increase for the first six months of 2008 related primarily to an increase in average earning assets and a decline in rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing laibliities and a decline in the rate earned on earning assets..  Average earning assets were $118.2 million higher during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.

Interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $19.1 million, consisting of $17.7million of interest and fees on loans, $1.3 million of investment income, interest of $11,840 on federal funds sold, and $113,964 in other interest income. Interest on loans for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 represented 92.38% and 93.11%, respectively, of total interest income, while income from investments, federal funds sold, and other interest income represented only 7.62% and 6.89% of total interest income.  The high percentage of interest income from loans relates to our strategy to maintain a significant portion of our assets in higher earning loans compared to lower yielding investments.  Average loans represented 88.45% and 88.30% of average interest-earning assets for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. 

Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $9.3 million, consisting of $7.4 million related to deposits and $1.9 million related to borrowings. Interest expense on deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 represented 79.79% and 89.36%, respectively, of total interest expense, while interest expense on borrowings represented 20.21% and 10.64%, respectively, of total interest expense for the same six month periods. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, average interest-bearing deposits increased by $58.1 million over the same period in 2007, while average other interest bearing liabilities during the three months ended June 30, 2008 increased $61.8 million over the same period in 2007. 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Rate/Volume Analysis

 

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

 

		Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 compared to 2007
		Rate			Volume			Total
Securities, taxable		$	15		$	103		$	118
Securities, nontaxable			(3	)		198			195
Loans			(1,840	)		1,783			(57	)
Federal funds sold and other			(105	)		(150	)		(255	)
Nonmaketable equity securities						36			36
Total earning assets			(1,933	)		1,970			37
Interest bearing transaction accounts			(41	)		(5	)		(46	)
Savings and money market accounts			(406	)		88			(318	)
Time deposits			(723	)		409			(314	)
Total deposits			(1,170	)		492			(678	)
Junior subordinated debentures			(11	)		42			31
Other borrowings			(64	)		522			458
Total other interest bearing liabilities			(75	)		564			489
Total interest-bearing liabilities			(1,245	)		1,056			(189	)
Net interest income		$	(688	)	$	914		$	226

 

 

		Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 compared to 2007
		Rate			Volume			Total
Securities, taxable		$	33		$	197		$	230
Securities, nontaxable			(11	)		416			405
Loans			(2,962	)		4,111			1,149
Federal funds sold and other			(133	)		(208	)		(341	)
Nonmarketable equity securities			(11	)		59			48
Total earning assets			(3,084	)		4,575			1,491
Interest bearing transaction accounts			(30	)		5			(25	)
Savings and money market accounts			(654	)		193			(461	)
Time deposits			(915	)		1,082			167
Total deposits			(1,599	)		1,280			(319	)
Junior subordinated debentures			(16	)		87			71
Other borrowings			(142	)		1,031			890
Total other interest bearing liabilities			(158	)		1,118			961
Total interest-bearing liabilities			(1,757	)		2,398			642
Net interest income		$	(1,327	)	$	2,177		$	849

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Provision for Loan Losses

We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged as an expense on our statement of income.  We review our loan portfolio periodically to evaluate our outstanding loans and to measure both the performance of the portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Please see the discussion below under "Balance Sheet Review - Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses" for a description of the factors we consider in determining the amount of the provision we expense each period to maintain this allowance.

The provision for loan losses is the charge to operating earnings that we feel is necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the provision for loan losses was $1,147,397 For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the provision for loan losses was $460,436. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, the provision for loan losses was $645,794. For the three months ended June 30, 2007, the provision for loan losses was $325,202.  As the economy continues to weaken, some of our borrowers find that they do not have sufficient cash flow to make payments on time, and we must increase our provisions to cover potential loan losses.

 

Based on present information, we believe the allowance for loan losses was adequate at June 30, 2007 to meet presently known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses was 1.23% and 1.11% of total loans at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. There are risks inherent in making all loans, including risks with respect to the period of time over which loans may be repaid, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers, and, in the case of a collateralized loan, risks resulting from uncertainties about the future value of the collateral. We maintain an allowance for loan losses based on, among other things, historical experience, an evaluation of economic conditions, and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality. The allowance is based upon a number of assumptions about future events, which management believes to be reasonable, but which may not prove to be accurate. Thus, there is a risk that charge-offs in future periods could exceed the allowance for loan losses or that substantial additional increases in the allowance for loan losses could be required. Additions to the allowance for loan losses would result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, in capital.

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Noninterest Income

The following table sets forth information related to our noninterest income.

 

		Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
		2008			2007			2008			2007
Gain on sale of mortgage loans		$	566,973		$	645,889		$	1,126,357		$	1,116,131
Service fees on deposit accounts			492,717			465,767			929,852			908,437
Other income			339,811			312,070			675,086			592,343
Total noninterest income		$	1,399,501		$	1,423,726		$	2,731,295		$	2,616,911

 

Three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Noninterest income in the three month period ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007 was $1.4 million.

Gain on sale of mortgage loans consists primarily of fees from mortgage origination fees, mortgage administrative fees, and mortgage yield spread premium from secondary market.  Gains were $566,973 and $645,889 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The $ 78,916 decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 related primarily to a decrease in volume of loans originated, related to uncertainties in the economy.

Service fees on deposits consist primarily of income from NSF fees and service charges on transaction accounts.  Service fees on deposits were $492,717 and $465,767 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. NSF income was $465,237 and $446,752 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing 94.42% of total service fees on deposits in the 2008 period compared to 95.92% of total service fees on deposits in the 2007 period. In addition, service charges on deposit accounts decreased to $27,480 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $19,015 for the same period ended June 30, 2007. 

Other income consisted primarily of fees received on cash value of life insurance and rental income.  Other income was $339,811 and $312,070 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Noninterest income in the six month period ended June 30, 2008 was $2.7 million, an increase of 4.37% over noninterest income of $2.6 million in the same period of 2007. 

 

Gain on sale of mortgage loans consists primarily of fees from mortgage origination fees, mortgage administrative fees, and mortgage yield spread premium from secondary market.  Gains were $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

Service fees on deposits consist primarily of income from NSF fees and service charges on transaction accounts.  Service fees on deposits were $929,852 and $908,437 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. NSF income was $878,552 and $866,483 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing 94.49% of total service fees on deposits in the 2008 period compared to 95.39% of total service fees on deposits in the 2007 period

Other income consisted primarily of fees received on cash value of life insurance and rental income.  Other income was $675,086 and $592,343 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Noninterest Expense

Three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Total noninterest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $4.7 million, an increase of $240,876, or 5.37% over the three months ended June 30, 2007. The primary reason was the $176,970 increase in salaries and employee benefits over the two periods as we continued to our footprint and business lines. In addition, occupancy expense increased $73,233, or 22.99%, for the three months ending June 30, 2008 as compared to the three months ending June 30, 2007. This increase is primarily associated with the growth of the Bank and extended operating hours. Other operating expenses increased 0.77% to $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Income tax expense was $169,859 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $368,486 during the same period in 2007.   The decrease related to the lower level of income before taxes.

Six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007

Total noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $9.5 million an increase of $470,030, or 5.23% over the six months ended June 30, 2007. As was the case with the three months ended, the primary reason was the $525,946 increase in salaries and employee benefits over the two periods as we continued to hire employees and expand. In addition, occupancy expense increased $75,540, or 11.52%, for the six months ending June 30, 2008 as compared to the six months ending June 30, 2007. Other operating expenses decreased 4.99% to $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Income tax expense was $407,515 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $602,669 during the same period in 2007.   The decrease related to the lower level of income before taxes.

Balance Sheet Review

General

At June 30, 2008, we had total assets of $585.2 million and, consisting principally of $466.4 million in loans, $59.5million in investments, and $12.8 million in cash and due from banks.  Our liabilities at June 30, 2008 totaled $547.5 million, which consisted principally of $456.3 million in deposits, $68.5 million in FHLB advances, $6.0 million in short-term borrowings, $10.3 million in junior subordinated debentures and $3.0 million notes payable. At June 30, 2008, our shareholders' equity was $37.7 million.

At December 31, 2007, we had total assets of $591.7 million, consisting principally of $468.1 million in loans, $62.5 million in investments, and $7.2 million in cash and due from banks.  Our liabilities at December 31, 2007 totaled $554.7 million, consisting principally of $449.5 million in deposits, $69.0 million in FHLB advances, $7.9 million in repurchase agreements, $10.3 million of junior subordinated debentures, $13.4 million in federal funds purchased, and $3.0 million in notes payable.  At December 31, 2007, our shareholders' equity was $37.0 million.

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Investments

Contractual maturities and yields on our investments that are available for sale at June 30, 2008 are shown in the following table.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. 

Available for sale Securities Maturity Distribution and Yields

 

		June 30, 2008
		Estimated			Tax
		Fair			Equivalent
		Value			Yield
Within One Year
Government sponsored enterprises		$	140,725			6.15	%
One to Five Years
Government sponsored enterprises			29,078			0.09	%
Municipals			1,098,676			3.67	%
Mortgage back securities			754,911			1.53	%
Total			1,882,665			5.29	%
Five to Ten Years
Municipals			1,995,019			2.72	%
Mortgage back securities			2,908,328			2.11	%
Total			4,903,347			5.16	%
Over Ten Years
Government sponsored enterprises			1,496,448			0.16	%
Municipals			27,311,017			3.54	%
Mortgage back securities			19,218,599			2.17	%
Total			48,026,064			5.87	%
Other			172,415				%
Total		$	55,125,216			5.79	%

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Investments - continued

The amortized costs and the fair value of our investments at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are shown in the following table.

 

		June 30, 2008						December 31, 2007
		Amortized						Amortized
		Cost			Estimated			Cost			Estimated
		(Book Value)			Fair Value			(Book Value)			Fair Value
Government sponsored enterprises		$	169,845		$	169,803		$	189,745		$	192,746
Mortgage-backed securities			24,768,088			24,378,285			27,028,064			27,066,962
Municipal securities			31,127,202			30,404,713			31,145,829			31,068,955
Other			218,750			172,415			218,750			251,650
		$	56,283,885		$	55,125,216		$	58,582,388		$	58,580,313

 

At June 30, 2008, we had $55.1 million in our investment securities portfolio which represented approximately 9.42% of our total assets.  We held U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other stock with a fair market value of $55.1 million and an amortized cost of $56.3 million for an unrealized loss of $1,158,669.  We believe, based on industry analyst reports and credit ratings that the deterioration in value is attributed to changes in market interest rates and not in the credit quality of the issuer and therefore, these losses are not considered other-than-temporary.  We have the ability and intent to hold these securities until such time as the value recovers or the securities mature.

At December 31, 2007, the $58.6 million in our investment securities portfolio represented approximately 9.90% of our total assets.  We held U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities with a fair value of $58.6 million and an amortized cost of $58.6 million for an unrealized loss of $2,075. 

 

Loans

 

Since loans typically provide higher interest yields than other types of interest earning assets, a substantial percentage of our earning assets are invested in our loan portfolio.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, average loans including mortgage loans held for sale were $487.8 million and $382.6 million, respectively.  Before the allowance for loan losses, total loans outstanding at June 30, 2008 were $466.4 million. Before the allowance for loan losses, total loans outstanding at December 31, 2007 were $468.1 million.

 

The following table summarizes the composition of our loan portfolio June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

 

		June 30,			% of			December 31,			% of
		2008			Total			2007			Total
Mortgage loans on real estate
Residential 1-4 family		$	67,412,852			14.45	%	$	66,259,730			14.15	%
Multifamily			8,559,261			1.84			9,822,699			2.10
Commercial			194,822,839			41.77			195,992,305			41.87
Construction			65,408,007			14.02			65,431,302			13.98
Second mortgages			4,894,405			1.05			4,611,341			0.99
Equity lines of credit			38,020,087			8.15			39,503,898			8.43
Total mortgage loans			379,117,451						381,621,275
Commercial and industrial			70,209,697			15.05			67,771,665			14.48
Consumer			11,089,366			2.38			11,342,435			2.42
Other, net			6,011,692			1.29			7,402,315			1.58
Total loans		$	466,428,206					$	468,137,690

 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Maturities and Sensitivity of Loans to Changes in Interest Rates

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

The following table summarizes the loan maturity distribution by type and related interest rate characteristics at June 30, 2008.

Loan Maturity Schedule and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates

 

June 30, 2008					Over
(Dollars in thousands)					One Year
		One Year or			Through			Over Five
		Less			Five Years			Years			Total
Commercial and industrial		$	42,953		$	25,136		$	2,121		$	70,210
Real estate			143,458			187,591			48,068			379,117
Consumer and other			6,872			10,002			227			17,101
		$	193,283		$	222,729		$	50,416		$	466,428
Loans maturing after one year with:
Fixed interest rates											$	146,952
Floating interest rates												126,193
											$	273,145

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

We have established an allowance for loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged to expense on our statement of income.  The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which we believe will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible.  Our judgment as to the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is based on a number of assumptions about future events, which we believe to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate.  Our determination of the allowance for loan losses is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans, including consideration of factors such as the balance of impaired loans, the quality, mix, and size of our overall loan portfolio, economic conditions that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the amount and quality of collateral securing the loans, our historical loan loss experience, and a review of specific problem loans.  We also consider subjective issues such as changes in the lending policies and procedures, changes in the local/national economy, changes in volume or type of credits, changes in volume/severity of problem loans, quality of loan review and board of director oversight, concentrations of credit, and peer group comparisons.  Due to our limited operating history, the provision for loan losses has been made primarily as a result of our assessment of general loan loss risk compared to banks of similar size and maturity.  Due to the rapid growth of our bank over the past several years and our short operating history, a large portion of the loans in our loan portfolio and of our lending relationships are of relatively recent origin.  In general, loans do not begin to show signs of credit deterioration or default until they have been outstanding for some period of time, a process known as seasoning.  As a result, a portfolio of older loans will usually behave more predictably than a newer portfolio.  Because our loan portfolio is relatively new, the current level of delinquencies and defaults may not be representative of the level that will prevail when the portfolio becomes more seasoned, which may be higher than current levels.  If delinquencies and defaults increase, we may be required to increase our provision for loan losses, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  Periodically, we adjust the amount of the allowance based on changing circumstances.  We charge recognized losses to the allowance and add subsequent recoveries back to the allowance for loan losses.  There can be no assurance that charge-offs of loans in future periods will not exceed the allowance for loan losses as estimated at any point in time or that provisions for loan losses will not be significant to a particular accounting period. 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses - (continued)

The following table summarizes the activity related to our allowance for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:

Risk Elements in the Loan Portfolio

The following is a summary of risk elements in the loan portfolio:

 

		June 30,			June 30,
		2008			2007
Loans
Nonaccrual loans		$	3,308,463		$	582,230
Accruing loans more than 90 days past due			1,399,612			349,703

 

Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses is as follows:

 

			June 30,
			2008			2007
Balance, January 1,		$	5,270,607		$	4,001,881
Provision for loan losses for the period			1,147,397			460,436
Net loans (charged-off) recovered for the period			(677,144	)		(4,240	)
Balance, end of period		$	5,740,860		$	4,458,077
Total loans outstanding, end of period		$	466,428,206		$	404,386,897
Allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding			1.23	%		1.11	%

We do not allocate the allowance for loan losses to specific categories of loans.  Instead, we evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on an overall portfolio basis utilizing our credit grading system which we apply to each loan. 

The allowance for loan losses was $5.7 million and $4.5 million at June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively, or 1.23% and 1.10% of outstanding loans, respectively.  During the six months ended June 30, 2008, we had net charged off loans of $677,144.  During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we had net charged off loans of $4,240.  The increase in charged off loans represents deterioration in the commercial real estate market in a specific region and is primarily isolated to one loan.

At June 30, 2008 and 2007, nonaccrual loans represented 0.72% and 0.15% of net loans, respectively.  At June 30, 2008 and 2007, we had $3,308,463 and $582,230 of loans, respectively, on nonaccrual status.   Generally, a loan is placed on nonaccrual status when it becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest, or when we believe, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the borrower's financial condition is such that collection of the loan is doubtful.  A payment of interest on a loan that is classified as nonaccrual is recognized as income when received. As the economy continues to weaken, some of our borrowers find that they do not have sufficient cash flow to make payments on time, and we place their loans on non-accrual status. There are currently 15 borrowers that are on non accrual at June 30, 2008.  Four of those borrowers amount to 79% of the total nonaccrual amount. 

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities

Our primary source of funds for loans and investments is our deposits, advances from the FHLB, and short-term repurchase agreements.  Through successful marketing campaigns and branch expansion, we have been able to increase our deposits in our local markets. Sometimes it’s necessary to obtain a portion of our certificates of deposits from areas outside of our market.  The deposits obtained outside of our market area generally have comparable rates compared to rates being offered for certificates of deposits in our local market.  We also utilize out-of-market deposits in certain instances to obtain longer-term deposits than are readily available in our local market.  We anticipate that the amount of out-of-market deposits will continue to decline as our new retail deposit offices become established.  The amount of out-of-market deposits was $124.2 million at June 30, 2008 and $100.3 million at December 31, 2007.

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

We anticipate being able to either renew or replace these out-of-market deposits when they mature, although we may not be able to replace them with deposits with the same terms or rates.  Our loan-to-deposit ratio was 102.23% and 104.15% at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Deposits and Other Interest-Bearing Liabilities - (continued)

The following table shows the average balance amounts and the average rates paid on deposits held by us for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007. 

 

			2008							2007
(Dollars in thousands)			Average  Amount			Average Rate				Average  Amount			Average Rate
Noninterest bearing demand deposits		$	44,286			-%			$	44,939			-	%
Interest bearing demand deposits			29,458			0.65				28,232			0.86
Savings accounts			88,620			2.50				77,987			4.04
Time deposits			287,447			4.37				241,175			5.08
		$	449,811			3.69	%			392,333			3.95	%

 

The increase in time deposits for the six months ended June 30, 2008 resulted from an increase in retail time deposits, which was offset by a decrease in wholesale deposits.  A significant portion of the increase in retail time deposits is attributed to successful pricing and marketing promotions.

All of our time deposits are certificates of deposits.  The maturity distribution of our time deposits of $100,000 or more at June 30, 2008 (in thousands) was as follows:

 

		June 30,
		2008
Three months or less		$	82,297,298
Over three through twelve months			84,452,074
Over one year through three years			11,864,611
Over three years			1,285,423
Total		$	179,899,406

 

Capital Resources

Total shareholders' equity at June 30, 2008 was $37.7 million.  At December 31, 2007, total shareholders' equity was $37.0 million.  The increase during the first six months of 2008 resulted primarily from the $1.5 million of net income earned.

 

The following table shows the return on average assets (net income divided by average total assets), return on average equity (net income divided by average equity), and equity to assets ratio (average equity divided by average total assets) for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  Since our inception, we have not paid cash dividends.

 

		June 30,			June 30,
		2008			2007
Return on average assets			0.51	%		0.69	%
Return on average equity			7.99	%		9.30	%
Average equity to average assets ratio			6.42	%		7.45	%

 

Our return on average assets was 0.51% for the six months ended June 30, 2008, a decrease from 0.69% reported in the prior year period. Our return on average equity decreased to 7.99% from 9.30% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Equity to assets ratio was 6.42% and 7.45% for June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Capital Resources - (continued)

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

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum ratios of Tier 1 and total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance-sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 100%. Tier 1 capital of the Company consists of common shareholders’ equity, excluding the unrealized gain or loss on securities available-for-sale, minus certain intangible assets. The Company’s Tier 2 capital consists of the allowance for loan losses subject to certain limitations. Total capital for purposes of computing the capital ratios consists of the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. The regulatory minimum requirements are 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for total risk-based capital.

The Company and the Bank are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio. Only the strongest banks are allowed to maintain capital at the minimum requirement of 3%. All others are subject to maintaining ratios 1% to 2% above the minimum.

The following table sets forth the holding company's and the bank's various capital ratios at June 30, 2008 and at December 31, 2007.  For all periods, the bank was considered "well capitalized" and the holding company met or exceeded its applicable regulatory capital requirements.

 

		June 30, 2008						December 31, 2007
		Holding						Holding
		Company			Bank			Company			Bank
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)			10.25	%		9.94			9.26	%		9.50	%
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)			11.39			11.08			10.29			10.53
Leverage or Tier 1 capital (to total average assets)			8.71			8.45			9.46			8.85

 

Borrowings

 

The following table outlines our various sources of borrowed funds during the six months ended June 30, 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2007, the amounts outstanding at the end of each period, at the maximum point for each component during the periods and on average for each period, and the average interest rate that we paid for each borrowing source.  The maximum month-end balance represents the high indebtedness for each component of borrowed funds at any time during each of the periods shown.

 

(Dollars in thousands)								Maximum
At or for the six months ended		Ending			Period-			Month-end			Average for the Period
June 30, 2008		Balance			End Rate			Balance			Balance			Rate
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		$	68,500			4.03	%	$	73,900		$	73,119			3.82	%
Securities sold under agreement
to repurchase			6,421			2.48			7,859			7,998			2.16
Federal funds purchased			-			-			11,482			6,734			3.37
Junior subordinated debentures			10,310			5.93			10,310			10,310			5.93
Note Payable			3,000			3.75			3,000			3,000			4.62

 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

 

(Dollars in thousands)									Maximum
At or for the year ended		Ending			Period-				Month-end			Average for the Period
December 31, 2007		Balance			End Rate				Balance			Balance			Rate
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		$	69,000			3.61	%		$	69,000		$	22,895			4.40	%
Securities sold under agreement
to repurchase			7,928			4.38				11,651			9,128			4.43
Federal funds purchased			13,359			5.11				13,359			1,809			4.50
Junior subordinated debentures			10,310			6.01				10,310			10,310			5.96
Note Payable			3,000			4.50				3,000			3,000			6.00

 

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

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

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

Off-Balance Sheet Risk

 

Through our operations, 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. At June 30, 2008, we had issued commitments to extend credit of $63.4 million and standby letters of credit of $2,2 million through various types of commercial lending arrangements. Approximately $46,6 million of these commitments to extend credit had variable rates.

The following table sets forth the length of time until maturity for unused commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit at June 30, 2008.

 

					After One			After Three
		Within			Through			Through						Greater
		One			Three			Twelve			Within			Than
(Dollars in thousands)		Month			Months			Months			One Year			One Year			Total
Unused commitments
to extend credit		$	10,247		$	5,932		$	15,740		$	31,919		$	31,485		$	63,404
Standby letters of
credit			-			55			564			619			1,621			2,240
Total		$	10,247		$	5,987		$	16,304		$	32,538		$	33,106		$	65,644

 

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.

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

Market Risk

 

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates, which principally arises from interest rate risk inherent in our lending, investing, deposit gathering, and borrowing activities.  Other types of market risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk and commodity price risk, do not generally arise in the normal course of our business.  Our finance committee monitors and considers methods of managing exposure to interest rate risk.  We have both an internal finance committee consisting of senior management that meets at various times during each quarter and are currently structuring a management finance committee that will meet monthly.  The finance committees are responsible for maintaining the level of interest rate sensitivity of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities within board-approved limits.

We actively monitor and manage our interest rate risk exposure principally by measuring our interest sensitivity "gap," which is the positive or negative dollar difference between assets and liabilities that are subject to interest rate repricing within a given period of time.  Interest rate sensitivity can be managed by repricing assets or liabilities, selling securities available for sale, replacing an asset or liability at maturity, or adjusting the interest rate during the life of an asset or liability.  Managing the amount of assets and liabilities repricing in this same time interval helps to hedge the risk and minimize the impact on net interest income of rising or falling interest rates.  We generally would benefit from increasing market rates of interest when we have an asset-sensitive gap position and generally would benefit from decreasing market rates of interest when we are liability-sensitive.

We were asset sensitive during most of the year ended December 31, 2007 and during the six months ended June 30, 2008.  As of June 30, 2007, we expect to be asset sensitive for the next three months, then we expect to be liability sensitive for the following nine months because a significant portion of our variable rate loans and a majority of our deposits reprice over a 12-month period.  Approximately 55.32% of our loans were variable rate loans at June 30, 2008.  The ratio of cumulative gap to total earning assets after 12 months was -25.99% because $141.1 million more liabilities will reprice in a 12 month period than assets.   However, our gap analysis is not a precise indicator of our interest sensitivity position.  The analysis presents only a static view of the timing of maturities and repricing opportunities, without taking into consideration that changes in interest rates do not affect all assets and liabilities equally.  For example, rates paid on a substantial portion of core deposits may change contractually within a relatively short time frame, but those rates are viewed by us as significantly less interest-sensitive than market-based rates such as those paid on noncore deposits.  Net interest income may be affected by other significant factors in a given interest rate environment, including changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

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

At June 30, 2008, our liquid assets, consisting of cash and due from banks and federal funds sold, amounted to $12.8 million, or 2.19% of total assets.  Our investment securities at June 30, 2008 amounted to $59.5 million, or 10.17% of total assets.  Investment securities traditionally provide a secondary source of liquidity since they can be converted into cash in a timely manner.  However, $6.4 million of these securities are pledged against repurchase agreements, other required deposit accounts, and unused FHLB borrowing lines. At December 31, 2007, our liquid assets amounted to $7.2 million, or 1.21% of total assets.  Our investment securities at December 31, 2007 amounted to $62.5 million, or 10.56% of total assets.  However, $7.9 million of these securities were pledged. 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

 

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity - (continued)

 

Our ability to maintain and expand our deposit base and borrowing capabilities serves as our primary source of liquidity.  We plan to meet our future cash needs through the liquidation of temporary investments, the generation of deposits, and from additional borrowings.  In addition, we will receive cash upon the maturity and sale of loans and the maturity of investment securities.  During most of 2007 and the first six months of 2008, as a result of historically low rates that were being earned on short-term liquidity investments, we chose to maintain a lower than normal level of short-term liquidity securities.  In addition, we maintain eight federal funds purchased lines of credit with correspondent banks giving us credit availability totaling $43.0 million for which there were no borrowings against the lines at June 30, 2008.  We are also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, from which applications for borrowings can be made for leverage purposes.  The FHLB requires that securities, qualifying mortgage loans, and stock of the FHLB owned by the bank be pledged to secure any advances from the FHLB. The Company has an available line to borrow funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank up to 30% of the Bank’s total assets which provide additional available funds of $110.4 million at June 30, 2008. At June 30, 2008 the bank had $68.5 million outstanding in FHLB advances. The bank also has a line of credit in place with the Federal Reserve, which will allow the bank to borrow up to $15 million. There were no borrowings against the line as of June 30, 2008. We believe that these funds will be sufficient to meet our future liquidity needs.

Asset/liability management is the process by which we monitor and control the mix and maturities of our assets and liabilities. The essential purposes of asset/liability management are to ensure adequate liquidity and to maintain an appropriate balance between interest sensitive assets and liabilities in order to minimize potentially adverse impacts on earnings from changes in market interest rates.  We have both an internal finance committee consisting of senior management that meets at various times during each quarter and have established a management finance committee that will meet monthly.  The finance committees are responsible for maintaining the level of interest rate sensitivity of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities within board-approved limits.

The following table sets forth information regarding our rate sensitivity as of June 30, 2008 for each of the time intervals indicated. The information in the table may not be indicative of our rate sensitivity position at other points in time.  In addition, the maturity distribution indicated in the table may differ from the contractual maturities of the earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities presented due to consideration of prepayment speeds under various interest rate change scenarios in the application of the interest rate sensitivity methods described above.

Interest Sensitivity Analysis

 

June 30, 2008

 

					After One			Three						Greater Than
					Through			Through						One Year or
		Within One			Three			Twelve			Within One			Non-
(Dollars in thousands)		Month			Months			Months			Year			Sensitive			Total
Assets
Interest-earning assets
Loans		$	262,877		$	21,022		$	32,634		$	316,533		$	149,895		$	466,428
Loans held for sale															10,448			10,448
Securities, taxable			545			738			3,127			4,410			20,310			24,720
Securities, nontaxable			253						1,737			1,990			28,415			30,405
Nonmarketable securities			4,372									4,372						4,372
Federal funds sold			6,015									6,015						6,015
Investment in trust															310			310
Total earning assets			274,062			21,760			37,498			333,320			209,378			542,698

 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - continued

 

Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity - (continued)

 

Interest Sensitivity Analysis

 

June 30, 2008

 

(Dollars in thousands)			Within One Month			After One Through  Three Months			Three  Through Twelve  Months			Within One  Year			Greater Than   One Year or Non-  Sensitive			Total
Liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing deposits:
Demand deposits		$	75,330		$			$			$	75,330		$			$	75,330
Savings deposits			82,074									82,074						82,074
Time deposits			35,813			88,277			144,473			268,563			30,308			298,871
Total interest-bearing deposits			193,217			88,277			144,473			425,967			30,308			456,275
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances			1,000			13,000			28,000			42,000			26,500			68,500
Junior subordinated debentures															10,310			10,310
Note payable															3,000			3,000
Repurchase agreements			6,421									6,421						6,421
Total interest-bearing

Liabilities			200,638			101,277			172,473			474,388			70,118			544,506
Period gap		$	73,424		$	(79,517	)	$	(134,975	)	$	(141,068	)	$	139,260
Cumulative gap		$	73,424		$	(6,093	)	$	(141,068	)	$	(141,068	)	$	(1,808	)
Ratio of cumulative gap			13.53	%		-1.12	%		-25.99	%		-25.99	%		-0.33	%
to total earning assets

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Pursuant to the revised disclosure requirements for smaller reporting companies effective February 4, 2008, no disclosure under this Item is required.

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (“Disclosure Controls”).  Disclosure Controls, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure Controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud.  A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.  Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected.  These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.  The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Based upon their controls evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our Disclosure Controls are effective at a reasonable assurance level.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our second fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

Part II - Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

There are no material, pending legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiary is a party or of which any of their property is the subject.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Actions by other financial institutions during a weakened economy could negatively impact our financial performance.

All financial institutions are subject to the same risks resulting from a weakening economy such as increased charge-offs and levels of past due loans and nonperforming assets. As financial institutions in our market area continue to dispose of problem assets, the already excess inventory of residential homes and lots will continue to negatively impact home values and increase the time it takes us or our borrowers to sell existing inventory. The perception that troubled banking institutions (financial institutions that are not “in trouble”) are risky institutions for purposes of regulatory compliance or safeguarding deposits may cause depositors nonetheless to move their funds to other financial institutions. If our depositors should move their funds based on events happening at other financial institutions, our operating results would suffer.

Other Risks

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1. Business" under the heading "Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a)	Not applicable

(b)	Not applicable

(c)	Stock Repurchases

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased			Average Price Paid per Share			Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs			Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1, 2008 - January 31, 2008			471		$	15.02			-			-
February 1, 2008 - February 29, 2008			-		$	-			-			-
March 1, 2008 - March 31, 2008			28		$	10.86			-
April 1, 2008 - April 30, 2008			-		$	-			-			-
May 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008			-		$	-			-			-
June 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008			85		$	10.86			-			-
			584		$	14.21			-			-

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities

In connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held June 19, 2008, the following votes are hereby certified by the undersigned. Each vote represents one share of common stock. We have received 2,063,217 votes by proxy, representing or 58.9% of the shares of common stock outstanding at April 15, 2008, the record date for the meeting. The outcome of the voting is as follows:

PROPOSAL: Election of Class A Directors

Director Nominee: J. Munford Scott

		No. of Votes		Percent of Outstanding  Shares
For:		2,048,914		99.3 %
Withhold:		14,303		0.7%

 

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

Director Nominee: F. R. Saunders, Jr.

		No. of Votes		Percent of Outstanding  Shares
For:		2,050,614		99.4 %
Withhold:		12,603		0.6 %

Director Nominee: Leonard A. Hoogenboom

		No. of Votes		Percent of Outstanding Shares
For:		2,050,414		99.4 %
Withhold:		12,803		0.6%

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number		Exhibit
31.1		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.

 

SIGNATURE

In accordance with the requirements 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.

	FIRST RELIANCE BANCSHARES, INC.
	By:	/s/ F.R. SAUNDERS, JR.
		F. R. Saunders, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer

Date:     August 14, 2008	By:	/s/ JEFFERY A. PAOLUCCI
		Jeffery A. Paolucci Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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