form10q0308.htm
 



 



UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.   20549
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

OR

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number:   001-13901



 
AMERIS BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

GEORGIA
 
58-1456434
(State of incorporation)
 
(IRS Employer ID No.)

24 SECOND AVE., SE  MOULTRIE, GA 31768
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(229) 890-1111
(Registrant’s telephone number)

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

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

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
   
                                 Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
             Smaller Reporting Company o

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

 
There were 13,564,937 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of  May 8, 2008.



 
-1-

 



AMERIS BANCORP
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
12
     
Item 3.
20
     
Item 4.
21
     
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
22
     
Item 1A.
22
     
Item 2.
22
     
Item 3.
22
     
Item 4.
23
     
Item 5.
23
     
Item 6.
23
     
 
24
     
     
     
     
     



 
-2-

 

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
                   
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2007
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
 
(Audited)
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
Assets
                 
Cash and due from banks
 
$
63,401
   
$
59,804
   
$
49,640
 
Federal funds sold & interest bearing balances
   
4,389
     
12,022
     
94,496
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
297,589
     
291,170
     
300,322
 
Restricted equity securities, at cost
   
6,996
     
7,559
     
6,884
 
                         
Loans
   
1,622,437
     
1,614,048
     
1,475,869
 
    Less: allowance for loan losses
   
28,094
     
27,640
     
25,113
 
Loans, net
   
1,594,343
     
1,586,408
     
1,450,756
 
                         
Premises and equipment, net
   
60,053
     
59,132
     
47,251
 
Intangible assets, net
   
4,509
     
4,802
     
5,775
 
Goodwill
   
54,675
     
54,813
     
54,419
 
Other assets
   
32,288
     
36,353
     
26,870
 
       Total assets
 
$
2,118,243
   
$
2,112,063
   
$
2,036,413
 
                         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                       
Deposits:
                       
Noninterest-bearing
 
$
199,692
   
$
197,345
   
$
197,845
 
Interest-bearing
   
1,584,599
     
1,559,920
     
1,514,662
 
Total deposits
   
1,784,291
     
1,757,265
     
1,712,507
 
Federal funds purchased & securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
4,987
     
14,705
     
5,370
 
Other borrowings
   
74,500
     
90,500
     
75,500
 
Other liabilities
   
15,888
     
16,075
     
18,003
 
Subordinated deferrable interest debentures
   
42,269
     
42,269
     
42,269
 
       Total liabilities
   
1,921,935
     
1,920,814
     
1,853,649
 
                         
Stockholders' Equity
                       
Common stock, par value $1;  30,000,000 shares authorized;14,886,967, 14,869,924 and 14,850,237 issued
   
14,887
     
14,870
     
14,850
 
Capital surplus
   
82,920
     
82,750
     
81,620
 
Retained earnings
   
104,182
     
103,095
     
98,631
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income(loss)
   
5,093
     
1,303
     
(1,744
)
     
207,082
     
202,018
     
193,357
 
                         
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,330,197, 1,329,939 and 1,322,717 shares
   
(10,774
)
   
(10,769
)
   
(10,593
)
       Total stockholders' equity
   
196,308
     
191,249
     
182,764
 
       Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
2,118,243
   
$
2,112,063
   
$
2,036,413
 
 
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.




 

AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
         
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
   
2008
 
2007
Interest Income
       
Interest and fees on loans
 
$
30,134
 
$
30,760
Interest on taxable securities
   
3,583
   
3,337
Interest on nontaxable securities
   
172
   
179
Interest on deposits in other banks
   
200
   
1,042
Interest on federal funds sold
   
-
   
94
      Total Interest Income
   
34,089
   
35,412
             
Interest Expense
           
Interest on deposits
   
14,142
   
15,205
Interest on other borrowings
   
1,487
   
1,786
      Total Interest Expense
   
15,629
   
16,991
             
     Net Interest Income
   
18,460
   
18,419
Provision for Loan Losses
   
3,200
   
507
     Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
   
15,260
   
17,911
             
Noninterest Income
           
Service charges on deposit accounts
   
3,316
   
2,870
Mortgage banking activity
   
869
   
683
Other service charges, commissions and fees
   
278
   
345
Other noninterest income
   
379
   
627
     Total Noninterest Income
   
4,842
   
4,525
             
Noninterest Expense
           
Salaries and employee benefits
   
8,618
   
7,732
Equipment and occupancy expense
   
1,992
   
1,676
Amortization of intangible assets
   
293
   
324
Data processing fees
   
604
   
793
Other operating expenses
   
4,133
   
3,919
     Total Noninterest Expense
   
15,640
   
14,444
             
     Net Income Before Taxes
   
4,462
   
7,992
             
Provision for Income Taxes
   
1,496
   
2,968
             
     Net Income
 
$
2,966
 
$
5,024
             
Unrealized holding losses arising during period, net of tax
   
871
   
785
Unrealized gain on cashflow hedge arising during period, net of tax
   
1,593
   
-
             
   Comprehensive Income
 
$
5,430
 
$
5,809
             
Income per common share-Basic
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.37
             
Income per common share-Diluted
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.37
             
Dividends declared per share
 
$
0.14
 
$
0.14



See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 


 
AMERIS BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
Net Income
 
$
2,966
   
$
5,024
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation
   
741
     
769
 
Provision for loan losses
   
3,200
     
507
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
293
     
324
 
Other prepaids, deferrals and accruals, net
   
(5,048
)     
(3,592
)
      Net cash provided by operating activities
   
2,152
     
3,032
 
                 
                 
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Net decrease in federal funds sold & interest bearing deposits
   
7,633
     
40,736
 
Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale
   
36,915
     
8,818
 
Purchase of securities available for sale
   
(39,132
)
   
(24,736
)
Net increase in loans
   
(8,388
)
   
(34,003
)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
   
6,457
     
488
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(1,636
)
   
(1,416
)
      Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
   
1,849
     
(10,113
)
                 
                 
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
   
27,026
     
2,344
 
Net decrease/(increase) in federal funds purchased & securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
(9,718
   
10,563
 
Decrease in other borrowings
   
(16,000
)
   
-
 
Dividends paid
   
(1,898
)
   
(1,916
)
Purchase of treasury shares
   
(4
)
   
-
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
190
     
-
 
        Net cash used in financing activities
   
(404
)
   
(10,135
)
                 
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and due from banks
 
$
3,597
   
$
(17,216
)
                 
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
   
59,804
     
66,856
 
                 
Cash and due from banks at end of period
 
$
63,401
   
$
49,640
 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
 
Note 1 - Basis of Presentation & Accounting Policies
Ameris Bancorp (the “Company” or “Ameris”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Moultrie, Georgia.  Ameris conducts the majority of its operations through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Ameris Bank (the “Bank”).  Ameris Bank currently operates 46 branches in Georgia, Alabama, Northern Florida and South Carolina.  Our business model capitalizes on the efficiencies of a large financial services company while still providing the community with the personalized banking service expected by our customers.  We manage our Bank through a balance of decentralized management responsibilities and efficient centralized operating systems, products and loan underwriting standards.  Ameris’ board of directors and senior managers establish corporate policy, strategy and administrative policies.  Within Ameris’ established guidelines and policies, each advisory board and senior managers make lending and community-specific decisions.  This approach allows the banker closest to the customer to respond to the differing needs and demands of their unique market.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for Ameris have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statement presentation.  The interim consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The results of operations for the three months and quarter ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto and the report of our registered independent public accounting firm included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Certain amounts reported for the periods ended March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2007 have been reclassified to conform with the presentation as of March 31, 2008.  These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or stockholders' equity.

Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157).  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 has been applied prospectively as of the beginning of the period.
 
SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at 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 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in active 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 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.
 
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
 
Securities Available for Sale – The fair value of securities available for sale is determined by various valuation methodologies.  Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows.  Level 2 securities include certain U.S. agency bonds, collateralized mortgage and debt obligations, and certain municipal securities.  In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy and include certain residual municipal securities and other less liquid securities.

Derivatives – The Company’s current hedging strategies involve utilizing interest floors. The fair value of derivatives is recognized as assets or liabilities in the financial statements.  The accounting for the changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative instrument at inception.  As of March 31, 2008, the Company had cash flow hedges with a notional amount of $70 million for the purpose of converting floating rate assets to fixed rate.

Impaired Loans – Impaired loans are carried at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's existing rate, or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.   A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance.  If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan is confirmed.  Throughout the quarter certain impaired loans were partially charged-off or re-evaluated for impairment resulting in a remaining balance for these loans.   The fair value of these impaired loans is considered Level 3, and was computed by analysis of appraisals on the underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis.

Other Real Estate Owned – The fair value of other real estate owned ("OREO") is determined using certified appraisals that value the property at its highest and best uses by applying traditional valuation methods common to the industry.  The Company does not hold any OREO for profit purposes and all other real estate is actively marketed for sale.
 
The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the FAS 157 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall as of March 31, 2008:
 
         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
         
Quoted Prices
             
         
in Active
   
Significant
       
         
Markets for
   
Other
   
Significant
 
         
Identical
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Fair Value
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Securities available for sale
  $ 297,589     $ 11,060     $ 283,463     $ 3,066  
Derivative financial instruments
    3,185               3,185          
Impaired loans carried at fair value
    6,683                       6,683  
Other real estate owned
    5,727                       5,727  
    Total assets at fair value
  $ 313,184     $ 11,060     $ 286,648     $ 15,476  
 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.  The standard provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be reported in earnings.  The objective of SFAS No. 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the chance to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting standards.  This standard is expected to expand the use of fair value measurement, which is consistent with the FASB’s long-term measurement objectives for accounting for financial instruments.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Company has not elected the fair value option for any financial assets or liabilities as of March 31, 2008.




Note 3 - Investment Securities
Ameris’ investment policy blends the needs of the Company’s liquidity and interest rate risk with its desire to improve income and provide funds for expected growth in loans.  Under this policy, the Company generally invests in obligations of the United States Treasury or other governmental or quasi-governmental agencies.  Ameris’ portfolio and investing philosophy concentrate activities in obligations where the credit risk is limited.  For a small portion of Ameris’ portfolio that has been found to present credit risk, the Company has reviewed the investments and financial performance of the obligors and believes the credit risk to be acceptable.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale at March 31, 2008, December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2007 are presented below:
 
 
   
March 31, 2008
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
U. S. Government sponsored agencies
 
$
46,665
   
$
1,169
   
$
-
   
$
47,834
 
State and municipal securities
   
18,967
     
406
     
(47
)
   
19,326
 
Corporate debt securities
   
11,733
     
134
     
(177
)
   
11,691
 
Mortgage backed securities
   
213,438
     
3,604
     
(91
)
   
216,950
 
Marketable equity securities
   
1,788
     
-
     
-
     
1,788
 
   
$
292,591
   
$
5,313
   
$
(315
)
 
$
297,589
 

   
December 31, 2007
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
U. S. Government sponsored agencies
 
$
69,562
   
$
366
   
$
(5
)
 
$
69,923
 
State and municipal securities
   
18,232
     
181
     
(93
)
   
18,320
 
Corporate debt securities
   
9,812
     
37
     
(351
)
   
9,498
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
190,896
     
1,281
     
(536
)
   
191,641
 
Marketable equity securities
   
1,788
     
-
     
-
     
1,788
 
   
$
290.290
   
$
1,865
   
$
(985
)
 
$
291,170
 
 
   
March 31, 2007
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
   
Unrealized Gains
   
Unrealized Losses
   
Estimated Fair Value
 
U. S. Government sponsored agencies
 
$
112,248
   
$
73
   
$
(987
)
 
$
111,334
 
State and municipal securities
   
19,178
     
34
     
(481
)
   
18,731
 
Corporate debt securities
   
9,829
     
62
     
(49
)
   
9,842
 
Mortgage-backed securities
   
160,853
     
412
     
(1,599
)
   
159,666
 
Marketable equity securities
   
788
     
-
     
(39
)
   
528
 
   
$
302,896
   
$
581
   
$
(3,155
)
 
$
300,322
 



 
Note 4 - Loans
The Company engages in a full complement of lending activities, including real estate-related loans, agriculture-related loans, commercial and financial loans and consumer installment loans.  Ameris concentrates the majority of its lending activities on real estate loans where the historical loss percentages have been low.  While risk of loss in the Company’s portfolio is primarily tied to the credit quality of the various borrowers, risk of loss may increase due to factors beyond Ameris’ control, such as local, regional and/or national economic downturns.  General conditions in the real estate market may also impact the relative risk in the real estate portfolio.  Of the target areas of lending activities, commercial and financial loans are generally considered to have a greater risk of loss than real estate loans or consumer installment loans.

The Company evaluates loans for impairment when a loan is risk rated as substandard or doubtful.  The Company measures impairment based upon the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except where foreclosure or liquidation is probable or when the primary source of repayment is provided by real estate collateral.  In these circumstances, impairment is measured based upon the estimated fair value of the collateral.  In addition, in certain circumstances, impairment may be based on the loan’s observable estimated fair value.  Impairment with regard to substantially all of Ameris’ impaired loans has been measured based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.  At the time the contractual principal payments on a loan are deemed to be uncollectible, Ameris’ policy is to record a charge-off against the allowance for loan losses.
 
Nonperforming assets include loans classified as nonaccrual or renegotiated and foreclosed assets.  It is the general policy of the Company to stop accruing interest income and place the recognition of interest on a cash basis when any commercial, industrial or commercial real estate loan is 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest and/or the ultimate collection of either is in doubt, unless collection of both principal and interest is assured by way of collateralization, guarantees or other security.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current income unless the collateral for the loan is sufficient to cover the accrued interest or a guarantor assures payment of interest.

Loans are stated at unpaid balances, net of unearned income and deferred loan fees. Balances within the major loans receivable categories are represented in the following table:

 

(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
March 31, 2007
 
Commercial, mortgage, financial & agricultural
 
$
1,190,354
   
$
1,172,198
   
$
1,078,088
 
Residential mortgage
   
377,878
     
386,736
     
340,920
 
Consumer
   
54,205
     
55,114
     
56,861
 
   
$
1,622,,437
   
$
1,614,048
   
$
1,475,869
 





Note 5 - Allowance for Loan Losses
Activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2008, for the year ended December 31, 2007 and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 is as follows:

 
(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
   
March 31, 2007
 
Balance, January 1
 
$
27,640
   
$
24,863
   
$
24,863
 
     Provision for loan losses charged to expense
   
3,200
     
11,321
     
507
 
     Loans charged off
   
(2,945
)
   
(10,418
)
   
(787
)
     Recoveries of loans previously charged off
   
199
     
1,874
     
530
 
Ending balance
 
$
28,094
   
$
27,640
   
$
25,113
 
 

 
Note 6 - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Earnings per share have been computed based on the following weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
   
2008
 
2007
   
(share data in thousands)
Basic shares outstanding
   
13,497
 
13,444
     Plus: Dilutive effect of ISOs
   
49
 
194
     Plus: Dilutive effect of Restricted Grants
   
14
 
30
Diluted shares outstanding
   
13,560
 
13,668

 


Note 7 – Other Borrowings
The Company has certain borrowing arrangements with various financial institutions that are used in the Company’s operations primarily to fund growth in earning assets when appropriate spreads can be realized.  At March 31, 2008, total other borrowings amounted to $74.5 million compared to $75.5 million at March 31, 2007.  The majority of these balances are comprised in the Company’s borrowing relationship with the FHLB of Atlanta.  Total borrowings at the FHLB were $69.5 million and $70.5 million at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.   

Note 8 – Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets.

The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as are used for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

The Company issues standby letters of credit, which are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements and expire in decreasing amounts with varying terms.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Company holds various assets as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.  Collateral held may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, residential real estate, and income-producing commercial properties on those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

The following represent the Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit:

(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2008
   
March 31, 2007
 
             
Commitments to extend credit
 
$
187,125
   
$
178,343
 
                 
Standby letters of credit
   $
6,804
    $
7,335
 
 


Item 2.
 
 
Certain of the statements made in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements.  You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “predict,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “potential” and other similar words and expressions of the future.  These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, legislative and regulatory initiatives; additional competition in Ameris’ markets; potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or internal restructuring, that may be pursued by Ameris; state and federal banking regulations; changes in or application of environmental and other laws and regulations to which Ameris is subject; political, legal and economic conditions and developments; financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts; changes in commodity prices and interest rates; weather, natural disasters and other catastrophic events; and other factors discussed in Ameris’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act.

All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice.  Our forward-looking statements apply only as of the date of this report or the respective date of the document from which they are incorporated herein by reference.  We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report, or after the respective dates on which such statements otherwise are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Overview
The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors which have affected the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as reflected in the unaudited consolidated statement of condition as of March 31, 2008 as compared to December 31, 2007 and operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007.  These comments should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere herein.

 



The following table sets forth unaudited selected financial data for the previous five quarters.  This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and the information contained in this Item 2.


(in thousands, except
 
2008
   
2007
 
share data, taxable
 
First
   
Fourth
   
Third
   
Second
   
First
 
equivalent)
 
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
 
Results of Operations:
                             
Net interest income
  $ 18,460     $ 19,248     $ 19,081     $ 18,330     $ 18,419  
Net interest income (tax equivalent)
    18,814       19,009       19,257       18,722       18,565  
Provision for loan losses
    3,200       6,914       2,964       936       507  
Non-interest income
    4,842       3,833       4,591       4,643       4,525  
Non-interest expense
    15,640       15,502       15,170       13,780       14,444  
Net income
    2,966       1,186       3,570       5,373       5,024  
Selected Average Balances:
                                       
Loans, net of unearned income
  $ 1,617,991     $ 1,605,006     $ 1,569,906     $ 1,511,333     $ 1,458,725  
Investment securities
    291,708       297,380       299,925       301,848       292,979  
Earning assets
    1,933,179       1,924,212       1,896,044       1,862,381       1,837,001  
Assets
    2,115,561       2,112,579       2,069,715       2,030,018       2,014,040  
Deposits
    1,748,961       1,725,383       1,695,239       1,693,020       1,688,885  
Shareholders’ equity
    193,971       191,124       187,290       185,177       181,645  
Period-End Balances:
                                       
Loans, net of unearned income
  $ 1,622,437     $ 1,614,048     $ 1,593,014     $ 1,556,862     $ 1,475,869  
Earning assets
    1,924,415       1,917,240       1,917,901       1,873,846       1,870,466  
Total assets
    2,118,243       2,112,063       2,103,139       2,049,073       2,036,413  
Deposits
    1,784,291       1,757,265       1,707,855       1,695,185       1,712,507  
Shareholders’ equity
    196,308       191,249       188,596       184,099       182,764  
Per Common Share Data:
                                       
Earnings per share-Basic
  $ 0.22     $ 0.09     $ 0.26     $ 0.40     $ 0.37  
Earnings per share – Diluted
    0.22       0.09       0.26       0.39       0.37  
Book value per share
    14.48       14.12       13.93       13.60       13.51  
End of period shares outstanding
    13,556,770       13,539,985       13,539,195       13,541,476       13,527,520  
Weighted average shares outstanding
                                       
Basic
    13,497,344       13,485,765       13,501,663       13,485,683       13,443,850  
Diluted
    13,559,761       13,573,626       13,620,069       13,663,072       13,667,509  
Market Price:
                                       
High Closing Price
    16.41       18.67       23.05       25.58       28.32  
Low Closing Price
    12.49       13.73       17.72       21.76       23.25  
Closing Price for Quarter
    16.06       16.85       18.08       22.47       24.48  
Trading volume (avg. daily)
    61,780       51,604       50,547       38,941       41,130  
Cash dividends per share
    0.14       0.14       0.14       0.14       0.14  
Price to earnings
    18.25       15.18       12.38       14.40       16.54  
Price to book value
    1.11       1.19       1.30       1.65       1.81  
Performance Ratios:
                                       
        Return on average assets
    0.56 %     0.23 %     0.68 %     1.06 %     1.01 %
        Return on average equity
    6.15 %     2.48 %     7.56 %     11.64 %     11.22 %
        Avg. loans as % of avg. deposits
    92.51 %     93.02 %     92.61 %     89.27 %     86.18 %
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)
    3.91 %     3.92 %     4.03 %     4.03 %     4.10 %
Average equity to average assets
    9.27 %     9.06 %     9.04 %     9.12 %     9.02 %
Efficiency ratio
    67.12 %     67.21 %     64.08 %     59.98 %     62.95 %


Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

Consolidated Earnings and Profitability
Ameris reported net income of $3.0 million, or $0.22 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, compared to net income for the same quarter in 2007 of $5.0 million, or $0.37 per share.  The Company’s return on average assets and average shareholders’ equity declined in the first quarter of 2008 to 0.56% and 6.15%, respectively, compared to 1.01% and 11.22% in the first quarter of 2007.  Declines in credit quality and thinner net interest margins were the primary reasons for the declines in earnings and profitability levels.

Net Interest Income and Margins
Net interest income for the first quarter of 2008 was $18.5 million, a 0.22% increase compared to the same quarter in 2007.  While net interest income increased minimally, the net interest margin declined reflecting the recent declines in short term rates.  The Company’s net interest margin fell to 3.91% at the end of the first quarter compared to 4.10% in the same period of 2007.

Interest income during the first quarter of 2008 was $34.1 million compared to $35.4 million in the same quarter of 2007.  Yields on earning assets also fell, declining from 7.85% in the first quarter of 2007 to 7.17% in the first quarter of 2008.  Yields on loans led overall yields lower, declining to 7.56% in the current quarter compared to 8.57% in the same period in 2007.  Declines in loan yields were primarily to declines in variable loans as fixed rate loans declined only marginally.  At the end of the first quarter, yields on the Company’s variable loan portfolio had decreased to 6.34%, compared to 8.78% for the same quarter of 2007.  When compared to the first quarter of 2007, yields on fixed rate loans in the first quarter of 2008 remained unchanged at 8.03%.  Fixed rate loans account for approximately 47.50% of the total portfolio.

Interest expense also declined materially, offsetting the majority of declines in interest income.  Total interest expense in the first quarter of 2008 amounted to $15.6 million reflecting a decline of 8.02% from the same quarter in 2007.  The Company’s cost of funding declined to 3.30% in the current quarter from 3.79% reported during the first quarter of 2007.  Declines in the cost of CDs contributed the most to declines in interest expense.  Yields on the Company’s CD portfolio declined to 4.78% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to 5.03% in the same quarter of 2007.  In addition to CDs, the Company’s non-deposit funding declined significantly.  Yields on non-deposit borrowing in the first quarter of 2008 were 3.81% compared to 5.68% in the first quarter of 2007.

Provision for Loan Losses and Credit Quality
The Company’s provision for loan loss during the first quarter of 2008 amounted to $3.2 million compared to $507,000 for the first quarter of 2007.  The increase in the provision was related to deteriorating credit quality in two to three of the Bank’s markets.  Non-performing assets as a percentage of loans and OREO increased to 2.00% at March 31, 2008 compared to 0.67% at March 31, 2007.  A severe slowdown in real estate activity (sales and valuations) centered primarily in our north Florida markets has caused an increase in weaker financial conditions of larger borrowers.  Credit quality has been a priority during the last three quarters as conditions deteriorated rapidly. It has been the policy of the company to recognize losses and potential losses as quickly as possible and to manage the accounts appropriately.  Subsequent to March 31, 2008, the Company has either disposed of OREO or upgraded loans amounting to approximately $8.0 million.

Net charge-offs in the first quarter of 2008 amounted to $2.7 million, or 0.68%, of total loans compared to $257,000, or 0.07%, in the first quarter of 2007.  Net charge-offs in the first quarter at 2008 were centered in our north Florida markets on loans that were identified as weaker credits or loans with deficiencies prior to December 31, 2007.

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income in the first quarter of 2008 increased to $4.8 million from $4.5 million in the same quarter of 2007.  Service charges on deposit accounts increased approximately $446,000 to $3.3 million in the current quarter, primarily the results of accelerated sales of transaction accounts and continued efforts to increase service charges where appropriate.  In addition to increases in service charges, income from mortgage banking activities increased 27.20% to $869,000.  Increases in mortgage related income was primarily the result of expansion in the Company’s staff of producers in the second half of 2007.

Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expenses in the first quarter of 2008 increased to $15.6 million compared to $14.4 million in the same quarter of 2007.  Salaries and benefits increased 11.46% to $8.6 million during the current quarter when compared to the same period a year ago.  Increases are due primarily to continued expansion in South Carolina where current operations are significantly more active than in the prior period when the Company was in the initial stages of the strategy.  Similarly, the expansion in South Carolina contributed to a larger than normal 13.2% increase in premises and equipment expense to end the quarter at $2.0 million.  Other operating expenses increased approximately $214,000 to $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2008 when compared to the first quarter of 2007.  These increases are the result of increased expenses associated with non-performing assets as well as increases in advertising and marketing expenses.

Income taxes
Income taxes in the first quarter amounted to $1.5 million, an effective rate of 33.5%, compared to $3.0 million and 37.2%, respectively, in the same quarter of 2007.  Decreases in the effective rate relate mostly to lower levels of net income relative to stable levels of tax free income.

Capital
Capital management consists of providing equity to support both current and anticipated future operations.  The Company is subject to capital adequacy requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”) and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (the “GDBF”), and the Bank is subject to capital adequacy requirements imposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the GDBF.

The FRB, the FDIC and the GDBF have adopted risk-based capital requirements for assessing bank holding company and bank capital adequacy.  These standards define and establish minimum capital requirements in relation to assets and off-balance sheet exposure, adjusted for credit risk.  The risk-based capital standards currently in effect are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among bank holding companies and banks and to account for off-balance sheet exposure.

The minimum requirements established by the regulators for the Bank are set forth in the table below along with the actual ratios at March 31, 2008 and 2007.


 
Well Capitalized Requirement
Adequately Capitalized Requirement
 
March 31, 2008 Actual
 
March 31, 2007 Actual
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
5%
4%
   
8.61
%
   
8.47
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
6%
4%
   
10.58
%
   
10.44
%
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)
10%
8%
   
11.84
%
   
11.68
%

Management believes that the Company and the Bank met all capital requirements to which they are subject as of March 31, 2008.
 



Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
At March 31, 2008, gross loans outstanding were $1.62 billion, an increase of $146.6 million, or 9.9%, over gross loans at March 31, 2007. The growth in the loan portfolio was attributable to a consistent focus on quality loan production and expansion into faster growing markets over the past few years.  The Company regularly monitors the composition of the loan portfolio to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in light of the impact that changes in the economic environment may have on the loan portfolio.

The Company focuses on the following loan categories: (1) commercial, mortgage, financial & agricultural, (2) consumer, and (3) residential mortgage.  The Company’s management has strategically located its branches in south and southeast Georgia, north Florida, southeast Alabama and the state of South Carolina and has taken advantage of the growth in these areas.

The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for loan losses.  The provision for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the size and composition of the loan portfolio, the level of non-performing and past due loans, historical trends of charged-off loans and recoveries, prevailing economic conditions and other factors management deems appropriate.  The Company’s management has established an allowance for loan losses which it believes is adequate for the risk of loss inherent in the loan portfolio.  Based on a credit evaluation of the loan portfolio, management presents a monthly review of the allowance for loan losses to the Company’s Board of Directors.  The review that management has developed primarily focuses on risk by evaluating individual loans in certain risk categories.  These categories have also been established by management and take the form of loan grades.   By grading the loan portfolio in this manner the Company’s management is able to effectively evaluate the portfolio by risk, which management believes is the most effective way to analyze the loan portfolio and thus analyze the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  The Company’s reserve for loan losses is completely allocated to individual loans through this grading system.

The Company’s risk management processes include a loan review program designed to evaluate the credit risk in the loan portfolio and insure credit grade accuracy.  Through the loan review process, the Company maintains a loan portfolio summary analysis, charge-off and recoveries analysis, trends in accruing problem loan analysis, and problem and past due loan analysis which serve as tools to assist management in assessing the overall quality of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Loans classified as “substandard” are loans which are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged.  These assets exhibit a well-defined weakness or are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  These weaknesses may be characterized by past due performance, operating losses and/or questionable collateral values.  Loans classified as “doubtful” are those loans that have characteristics similar to substandard loans but have an increased risk of loss.  Loans classified as “loss” are those loans which are considered uncollectible and are in the process of being charged-off.

The allowance for loan losses is established by examining (1) the large classified loans, nonaccrual loans and loans considered impaired and evaluating them individually to determine the specific reserve allocation, and (2) the remainder of the loan portfolio to allocate a portion of the allowance based on past loss experience and the economic conditions for the particular loan category.  The Company will also consider other factors such as changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in national, regional, and/or local economic and business conditions; changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; changes in the experience, ability and depth of either the bank president or lending staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due and classified loans; changes in the quality of the Company’s corporate loan review system; and other factors management deems appropriate.  Historically, we believe our estimates of the level of allowance for loan losses required have been appropriate and our expectation is that the primary factors considered in the provision calculation will continue to be consistent with prior trends.



For the three month period ending March 31, 2008, the Company recorded net charge-offs totaling $2.7 million compared to $257,000 for the same period in 2007.  The provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $3.2 million and $507,000, respectively.  The allowance for loan losses totaled $28.1 million, or 1.73% of total loans at March 31, 2008, compared to $25.1 million, or 1.70% of total loans at March 31, 2007.

The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007:
 

(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2008
 
March 31, 2007
Balance of allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
 
$
27,640
   
$
24,863
 
Provision charged to operating expense
   
3,200
     
507
 
Charge-offs:
               
Commercial, mortgage, financial, & agricultural
   
2,058
     
353
 
        Consumer
   
272
     
146
 
Residential mortgage
   
615
     
288
 
                Total charge-offs
   
2,945
     
787
 
Recoveries:
               
Commercial, mortgage, financial, & agricultural
   
84
     
357
 
        Consumer
   
91
     
121
 
Residential mortgage
   
24
     
51
 
Total recoveries
   
199
     
530
 
Net charge-offs
   
2,746
     
257
 
Balance of allowance for loan losses at end of period
 
$
28,094
   
$
25,113
 
Net annualized charge-offs as a percentage of average loans
   
0.68
%
   
0.07
%
Reserve for loan losses as a percentage of loans at end of period
   
1.73
%
   
1.70
%
 


Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets include nonaccrual loans, accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more, repossessed personal property, and other real estate.  Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when management has concerns relating to the ability to collect the principal and interest and generally when such loans are 90 days or more past due.  A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that not all principal and interest amounts will be collected according to the loan contract.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current income.  Non-performing assets increased $7.1 million during the quarter ending March 31, 2008 to end at $32.5 million.  Non-performing assets as a percentage of loans and repossessed collateral were 2.00% and 1.57% at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
Slowing real estate activity in some of the Company’s markets has altered the Company’s risk profile.  These markets are centered primarily in northern Florida and include Jacksonville, Gainesville and Crawfordville, Florida.  Deteriorating credit quality has been the result of primarily development or construction loans in areas where there was significant speculation on real estate.  As the speculation diminished, many of the planned projects were slower to develop or sell.  Certain borrowers did not have the liquidity necessary to withstand a severe downturn in the market place but do have sufficient equity in the project that ultimately limits the Company’s potential loss.  The Company anticipates continued stress on its borrowers in these markets until real estate activity increases.

Non-performing assets were as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
 
March 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
Total nonaccrual loans
 
$
26,812
   
$
18,468
 
Accruing loans delinquent 90 days or more
   
-
     
-
 
Other real estate owned and repossessed collateral
   
5,727
     
6,991
 
Total non-performing assets
 
$
32,539
   
$
25,459
 
 
 


Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity
The Company’s primary market risk exposures are credit, interest rate risk, and to a lesser degree, liquidity risk.  The Bank operates under an Asset Liability Management Policy approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and the Asset and Liability Committee (the “ALCO Committee”).  The policy outlines limits on interest rate risk in terms of changes in net interest income and changes in the net market values of assets and liabilities over certain changes in interest rate environments.  These measurements are made through a simulation model which projects the impact of changes in interest rates on the Bank’s assets and liabilities.  The policy also outlines responsibility for monitoring interest rate risk, and the process for the approval, implementation and monitoring of interest rate risk strategies to achieve the Bank’s interest rate risk objectives.

The ALCO Committee is comprised of senior officers of Ameris and two outside members of the Company’s Board of Directors.  The ALCO Committee makes all strategic decisions with respect to the sources and uses of funds that may affect net interest income, including net interest spread and net interest margin.  The objective of the ALCO Committee is to identify the interest rate, liquidity and market value risks of the Company’s balance sheet and use reasonable methods approved by the Company’s board and executive management to minimize those identified risks.

The normal course of business activity exposes the Company to interest rate risk.  Interest rate risk is managed within an overall asset and liability framework for the Company.  The principal objectives of asset and liability management are to predict the sensitivity of net interest spreads to potential changes in interest rates, control risk and enhance profitability.  Funding positions are kept within predetermined limits designed to properly manage risk and liquidity.  The Company employs sensitivity analysis in the form of a net interest income simulation to help characterize the market risk arising from changes in interest rates.  In addition, fluctuations in interest rates usually result in changes in the fair market value of the Company’s financial instruments, cash flows and net interest income.  The Company’s interest rate risk position is managed by the ALCO Committee.

The Company uses a simulation modeling process to measure interest rate risk and evaluate potential strategies.  Interest rate scenario models are prepared using software created and licensed from an outside vendor.  The Company’s simulation includes all financial assets and liabilities.  Simulation results quantify interest rate risk under various interest rate scenarios.  Management then develops and implements appropriate strategies.  ALCO has determined that an acceptable level of interest rate risk would be for net interest income to decrease no more than 5.00% given a change in selected interest rates of 200 basis points over any 24 month period.

Liquidity management involves the matching of the cash flow requirements of customers, who may be either depositors desiring to withdraw funds or borrowers needing assurance that sufficient funds will be available to meet their credit needs, and the ability of Ameris to manage those requirements.  The Company strives to maintain an adequate liquidity position by managing the balances and maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities so that the balance it has in short-term investments at any given time will adequately cover any reasonably anticipated immediate need for funds.  Additionally, the Bank maintains relationships with correspondent banks, which could provide funds on short notice, if needed.  The Company has invested in Federal Home Loan Bank stock for the purpose of establishing credit lines with the Federal Home Loan Bank.  The credit availability to the Bank is equal to 20% of the Bank's total assets as reported on the most recent quarterly financial information submitted to the regulators subject to the pledging of sufficient collateral.  At March 31, 2008, there were $69.5 million in advances outstanding with the Federal Home Loan Bank and there were $5 million in advances outstanding on the Company’s line of credit held with a corresponding bank.
 
 
The following liquidity ratios compare certain assets and liabilities to total deposits or total assets:
 

 
   
March 31, 2008
   
December 31,
2007
   
September 30, 2007
   
June 30,
2007
   
March 31,
2007
 
Total securities to total deposits
   
16.68
%
   
16.57
%
   
17.68
%
   
17.73
%
   
17.53
%
Total loans (net of unearned income) to total deposits
   
90.93
%
   
91.85
%
   
93.26
%
   
91.82
%
   
86.17
%
Interest-earning assets to total assets
   
90.85
%
   
90.78
%
   
91.10
%
   
91.31
%
   
91.65
%
Interest-bearing deposits to total deposits
   
88.81
%
   
88.77
%
   
89.12
%
   
88.30
%
   
88.52
%
 
 
The liquidity resources of the Company are monitored continuously by the ALCO Committee and on a periodic basis by state and federal regulatory authorities.  As determined under guidelines established by these regulatory authorities, the Company’s and the Bank's liquidity ratios at March 31, 2008 were considered satisfactory.  The Company is aware of no events or trends likely to result in a material change in liquidity.
 



Item 3.                      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed only to U. S. dollar interest rate changes, and, accordingly, the Company manages exposure by considering the possible changes in the net interest margin.  The Company does not have any trading instruments nor does it classify any portion of the investment portfolio as held for trading.  The Company’s hedging activities are limited to cash flow hedges and are part of the Company’s program to manage interest rate sensitivity.  At March 31, 2008, the Company had two effective interest rate floors with notional amounts totaling $70 million.  These floors are hedging specific cash flows associated with certain variable rate loans and have strike rates of 7.00%.  Maturities range from September 2009 to September 2011.  Finally, the Company has no exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk, commodity price risk and other market risks.

Interest rates play a major part in the net interest income of a financial institution.  The sensitivity to rate changes is known as “interest rate risk”. The repricing of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities can influence the changes in net interest income.  As part of the Company’s asset/liability management program, the timing of repriced assets and liabilities is referred to as "Gap management".

The Company uses simulation analysis to monitor changes in net interest income due to changes in market interest rates.  The simulation of rising, declining and flat interest rate scenarios allows management to monitor and adjust interest rate sensitivity to minimize the impact of market interest rate swings.  The analysis of the impact on net interest income over a twelve-month period is subjected to a gradual 200 basis point increase or decrease in market rates on net interest income and is monitored on a quarterly basis.

Additional information required by Item 305 of Regulation S-K is set forth under Part I, Item 2 of this report.
 
 



 
Item 4.                      Controls and Procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), as of the end of the period covered by this report, as required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act.  Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, there was not any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 






PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.
 
 
Nothing to report with respect to the period covered by this Report.
 
     
Item 1A.
 
 
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A. of Part 1 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
       
       
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
None.
   
       
       
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
 
None.
 
       






Item 4.
 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
   
No matter was submitted to a vote of our security holders by solicitation of proxies or otherwise during the first quarter of 2008.
         
         
Item 5.
 
   
None.
   
         
         
Item 6.
     
   
The exhibits required to be furnished with this report are listed on the exhibit index attached hereto.
         
     
 
 
 
           
     
 
 
 
           
     
 
 
 
           
     
 
 
 
           






 

Pursuant to 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.
 
   
   
   
 
AMERIS BANCORP
   
Date:  May 12, 2008
 
   
 
 /s/Dennis J. Zember, Jr.
 
Dennis J. Zember, Jr.,
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
(duly authorized signatory and principal financial officer)







EXHIBIT INDEX
 

Exhibit No.
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Ameris Bancorp, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Regulation A Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed August 14, 1987).
   
3.2
Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Form 10-K filed March 28, 1996).
   
3.3
Amendment to Amended Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Ameris Bancorp’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission on July 17, 1996).
   
3.4
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 25, 1998).
   
3.5
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 26, 1999).
   
3.6
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to Ameris Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 31, 2003).
   
3.7
Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 1, 2005).
   
3.8
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Ameris Bancorp’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).
   
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
   
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer
   
32.1
Section 1350 Certification by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
   
32.2
Section 1350 Certification by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer