Document
 
 
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
 
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to _________

Commission File No. 0-13660
 
SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF
FLORIDA
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Florida
 
59-2260678
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
815 Colorado Avenue, Stuart, FL
 
34994
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
(772) 287-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
 
Common Stock, Par Value $0.10
Nasdaq Global Select Market
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
                                              ý Yes            ¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
                                              ¨ Yes           ý No
 
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.
ý Yes            ¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
                                              ý Yes            ¨ No
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.              ý
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large Accelerated Filer x
Accelerated Filer ¨
 
Non-Accelerated Filer ¨
Smaller Reporting Company ¨
 
 
 
Emerging Growth Company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

The aggregate market value of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida common stock, par value $0.10 per share, held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the price at which the stock was last sold on June 30, 2018, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, was $1,489,410,982. The number of shares outstanding of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida common stock, par value $0.10 per share, as of January 31, 2019, was 51,319,414.




TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Certain portions of the registrant’s 2019 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2019 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10 through 14 of this report. Other than those portions of the 2019 Proxy Statement specifically incorporated by reference herein pursuant to Items 10 through 14, no other portions of the 2019 Proxy Statement shall be deemed so incorporated.
 
SPECIAL CAUTIONARY NOTICE
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements made or incorporated by reference herein which are not statements of historical fact, including those under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere herein, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning and 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, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“Seacoast” or the “Company”) or its wholly-owned banking subsidiary, Seacoast National Bank ("Seacoast Bank") to be materially different from those set forth in the 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,” “further,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “could,” “intend,” “target” 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:
 
•
the effects of current and future economic, business and market conditions in the United States generally or in the communities we serve;

•
changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”);

•
legislative and regulatory changes, including changes in banking, securities and tax laws and regulations and their application by our regulators, including those associated with the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and changes in the scope and cost of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance and other coverage;

•
changes in accounting policies, rules and practices and applications or determinations made thereunder, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”), the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or “SEC”), and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”);

•
the risks of changes in interest rates on the levels, composition and costs of deposits, including the risk of losing customer checking and savings account deposits as customers pursue other, high-yield investments, which could increase our funding costs;

•
the risks of changes in interest rates on loan demand, and the values and liquidity of loan collateral, debt securities, and interest sensitive assets and liabilities;

•
changes in borrower credit risks and payment behaviors;

•
changes in the availability and cost of credit and capital in the financial markets;

•
changes in the prices, values and sales volumes of residential and commercial real estate in the United States and in the communities we serve, which could impact write-downs of assets, our ability to liquidate non-performing assets, realized losses on the disposition of non-performing assets and increased credit losses;

•
our ability to comply with any requirements imposed on us or our banking subsidiary, Seacoast Bank by regulators and the potential negative consequences that may result;


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•
the effects of problems encountered by other financial institutions that adversely affect us or the banking industry generally could require us to change certain business practices, reduce our revenue, impose additional costs on us, or otherwise negatively affect our businesses;

•
our concentration in commercial real estate loans;

•
the failure of assumptions and estimates, as well as differences in, and changes to, economic, market and credit conditions, including changes in borrowers’ credit risks and payment behaviors from those used in our loan portfolio stress test;

•
the effects of competition from a wide variety of local, regional, national and other traditional and non-traditional providers of financial, investment and insurance services;

•
the failure of assumptions and estimates underlying the establishment of reserves for possible loan losses and other estimates;

•
the impact on the valuation of our investments due to market volatility or counterparty payment risk;

•
statutory and regulatory restrictions on our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders;

•
any applicable regulatory limits on Seacoast Bank’s ability to pay dividends to us;

•
increases in regulatory capital requirements for banking organizations generally, which may adversely affect our ability to expand our business or could cause us to shrink our business;

•
the risks of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including, without limitation, the related time and costs of implementing such transactions, integrating operations as part of these transactions and possible failures to achieve expected gains, revenue growth and/or expense savings from such transactions;

•
our ability to continue to identify acquisition targets and successfully acquire desirable financial institutions to sustain our growth, to expand our presence in our markets and to enter new markets;

•
changes in technology or products that may be more difficult, costly, or less effective than anticipated;

•
our ability to identify and address increased cybersecurity risks, including data security breaches, malware, "denial of service" attacks, "hacking", and identity theft, a failure of which could result in potential business disruptions or financial losses;

•
inability of our risk management framework to manage risks associated with our business such as credit risk and operational risk, including third party vendors and other service providers;

•
dependence on key suppliers or vendors to obtain equipment or services for our business on acceptable terms;

•
reduction in or the termination of our ability to use the mobile-based platform that is critical to our business growth strategy, including a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or those of its third party service providers;

•
the effects of war or other conflicts, acts of terrorism, natural disasters or other catastrophic events that may affect general economic conditions;

•
unexpected outcomes of, and the costs associated with, existing or new litigation involving us;

•
our ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting;

•
potential claims, damages, penalties, fines and reputational damage resulting from pending or future litigation, regulatory proceedings and enforcement actions;

•
the risks that our deferred tax assets could be reduced if estimates of future taxable income from our operations and tax planning strategies are less than currently estimated and sales of our capital stock could trigger a reduction in the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that we may be able to utilize for income tax purposes; and


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•
other factors and risks described under “Risk Factors” herein and in any of our subsequent reports filed with the SEC and available on its website at www.sec.gov.

All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by us or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. We assume no obligation to update, revise or correct any forward-looking statements that are made from time to time, either as a result of future developments, new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Part I
 
Item 1.
Business
 
General
 
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“Seacoast” or the “Company”) is a financial holding company, incorporated in Florida in 1983, and registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). Our principal subsidiary is Seacoast National Bank, a national banking association (“Seacoast Bank”). Seacoast Bank commenced its operations in 1933, and operated as “First National Bank & Trust Company of the Treasure Coast” prior to 2006 when we changed its name to “Seacoast National Bank.”
 
As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s legal structure includes one domestic subsidiary bank, Seacoast Bank, which has four wholly owned subsidiaries and seven trusts formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. Seacoast coordinates the financial resources of the consolidated enterprise and maintains financial, operational and administrative systems that allow centralized evaluation of subsidiary operations and coordination of selected policies and activities.

As of December 31, 2018, Seacoast had total consolidated assets of approximately $6.7 billion, total deposits of approximately $5.2 billion, total consolidated liabilities, including deposits, of approximately $5.9 billion and consolidated shareholders’ equity of approximately $864.3 million. Our operations are discussed in more detail under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Consolidated Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
Our principal offices are located at 815 Colorado Avenue, Stuart, Florida 34994, and the telephone number at that address is (772) 287-4000. We and our subsidiary Seacoast Bank maintain Internet websites at www.seacoastbanking.com and www.seacoastbank.com, respectively. We are not incorporating the information on our or Seacoast Bank’s website into this report, and neither of these websites nor the information appearing on these websites is included or incorporated in, or is a part of, this report.
 
We make available, free of charge on our corporate website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with or furnish it to the SEC.
 
Expansion of Market, Products and Services
 
Seacoast has grown to be one of the largest community banks headquartered in Florida. This growth has been achieved through a balanced strategy consisting of organic growth and acquisitions focused on the state's most attractive MSAs. Seacoast provides integrated financial services including commercial and retail banking, wealth management, treasury management and home mortgage products through the Company's network of 51 traditional branches of its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Seacoast Bank, and seven commercial banking centers. Offices stretch from Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach north through the Daytona Beach area, into Orlando and Central Florida and the adjacent Tampa market, and west to Okeechobee and surrounding counties. Seacoast customers can also access their account information and perform transactions online, through mobile applications, or through our telephone customer support center, which offers extended hours. These options combined with our traditional branch footprint allows us to meet a broad range of customer needs.

During 2018, the Company continued to make enhancements to its customer analytics platforms which equip our bankers with the tools to analyze our customers needs, resulting in an enhanced customer experience and improved banker efficiency. The

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Company has also made investments in its new loan origination platforms which streamline the underwriting and approval process. Seacoast has continued to expand its digital offerings to customers designed to improve the customer experience and lower the cost to serve. As more customers adopt these channels, transactions have shifted from the traditional branch network to digital banking. This combination allows Seacoast to serve the ever changing needs of its customer base. Seacoast Bank also provides brokerage and annuity services. Seacoast Bank personnel managing the sale of these services are dual employees with LPL Financial, the company through which Seacoast Bank presently conducts its brokerage and annuity services. In 2018, the Company established Seacoast Insurance Services, Inc., providing our customers with access to a range of insurance products.

In the fourth quarter, Seacoast completed the acquisition of First Green Bancorp, Inc. headquartered in central Florida. This acquisition enhanced Seacoast's presence in the Orlando and Fort Lauderdale MSAs, two of the strongest and fastest growing economies in Florida.

 Employees
 
As of December 31, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries employed 902 full-time equivalent employees. The Company considers its employee relations to be favorable, and we have no collective bargaining agreements with any employees.

Seasonality; Cycles
 
We believe our commercial banking operations are somewhat seasonal in nature. Investment management fees and deposits often peak in the first and second quarters, and often are lowest in the third quarter. Transactional fees from merchants, and ATM and debit card use also typically peak in the first and second quarters. Public deposits tend to increase with tax collections in the first and fourth quarters and decline as a result of spending thereafter. Commercial and residential real estate activity, demand, prices and sales volumes are less seasonal and vary based upon various factors, including economic conditions, interest rates and credit availability.
  
Competition
 
Seacoast operates in a highly competitive market. Its competitors include other banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, personal and commercial financing companies, investment brokerage and advisory firms, mutual fund companies and insurance companies. These competitors range in both size and geographic footprint. Seacoast operates primarily in Florida from Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach north through the Daytona Beach area, into Orlando and Central Florida and the adjacent Tampa market, and west to Okeechobee and surrounding counties. Seacoast Bank's competition includes not only other banks of comparable or larger size in its markets, but also various other nonbank financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage companies, personal and commercial financial companies, peer to peer lending businesses, investment brokerage and financial advisory firms and mutual fund companies. We compete for deposits, commercial, fiduciary and investment services and various types of loans and other financial services. Seacoast Bank also competes for interest-bearing funds with a number of other financial intermediaries, including brokerage and insurance firms, as well as investment alternatives, including mutual funds, governmental and corporate bonds, and other securities. Continued consolidation and rapid technological changes within the financial services industry will most likely continue to change the nature and intensity of competition that we face, but also creates opportunities for us to demonstrate and leverage what we believe are our competitive advantages.

Our competitors include not only financial institutions based in the State of Florida, but also a number of large out-of-state and foreign banks, bank holding companies and other financial institutions that have an established market presence in the State of Florida, or that offer products by mail, telephone or online. Many of our competitors are engaged in local, regional, national and international operations and have greater assets, personnel and other resources. Some of these competitors are subject to less regulation and/or more favorable tax treatment than we are subject to. Many of these institutions have greater resources, broader geographic markets and higher lending limits than us and may offer services that we do not offer. In addition, these institutions may be able to better afford and make broader use of media advertising, support services, and electronic and other technology than we do. To offset these potential competitive disadvantages, we depend on our reputation for superior service, ability to make credit and other business decisions quickly, and the delivery of an integrated distribution of traditional branches and bankers, with digital technology.
 
Supervision and Regulation
 
We are extensively regulated under federal and state law. The following is a brief summary that does not purport to be a complete description of all regulations that affect us or all aspects of those regulations. This discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions described below and is not intended to be an exhaustive description

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of the statutes or regulations applicable to the Company’s and Seacoast Bank’s business. In addition, proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the banking industry are frequently raised at both the state and federal levels. The likelihood and timing of any changes in these laws and regulations, and the impact such changes may have on us and Seacoast Bank, are difficult to predict. In addition, bank regulatory agencies may issue enforcement actions, policy statements, interpretive letters and similar written guidance applicable to us or Seacoast Bank. Changes in applicable laws, regulations or regulatory guidance, or their interpretation by regulatory agencies or courts may have a material adverse effect on our and Seacoast Bank’s business, operations, and earnings. Supervision and regulation of banks, their holding companies and affiliates is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and customers, the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), and the U.S. banking and financial system rather than holders of our capital stock.

Regulation of the Company

We are registered as a bank holding company with the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”) and have elected to be a financial holding company. As such, we are subject to comprehensive supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve and are subject to its regulatory reporting requirements. Federal law subjects financial holding companies, such as the Company, to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage, and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations. Violations of laws and regulations, or other unsafe and unsound practices, may result in regulatory agencies imposing fines or penalties, cease and desist orders, or taking other enforcement actions. Under certain circumstances, these agencies may enforce these remedies directly against officers, directors, employees and other parties participating in the affairs of a bank or bank holding company.

Activity Limitations: As a financial holding company, we are permitted to engage directly or indirectly in a broader range of activities than those permitted for a bank holding company. Bank holding companies are generally restricted to engaging in the business of banking, managing or controlling banks and certain other activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking. Financial holding companies may also engage in activities that are considered to be financial in nature, as well as those incidental or complementary to financial activities. We and Seacoast Bank must each remain “well-capitalized” and “well-managed” and Seacoast Bank must receive a Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) rating of at least “Satisfactory” at its most recent examination in order for us to maintain our status as a financial holding company. In addition, the Federal Reserve has the power to order a financial holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any nonbanking activity or terminate its ownership or control of any nonbank subsidiary, when it has reasonable cause to believe that continuation of such activity or such ownership or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of any bank subsidiary of that financial holding company. As further described below, each of the Company and Seacoast Bank is well-capitalized as of December 31, 2018, and Seacoast Bank has a rating of “Outstanding” in its most recent CRA evaluation.

Source of Strength Obligations: A financial holding company is required to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary bank and to maintain resources adequate to support its bank. The term “source of financial strength” means the ability of a company, such as us, that directly or indirectly owns or controls an insured depository institution, such as Seacoast Bank, to provide financial assistance to such insured depository institution in the event of financial distress. The appropriate federal banking agency for the depository institution (in the case of Seacoast Bank, this agency is the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”)) may require reports from us to assess our ability to serve as a source of strength and to enforce compliance with the source of strength requirements and require us to provide financial assistance to Seacoast Bank in the event of financial distress.

Acquisitions: The BHC Act permits acquisitions of banks by bank holding companies, such that we and any other bank holding company, whether located in Florida or elsewhere, may acquire a bank located in any other state, subject to certain deposit-percentages, age of bank charter requirements, and other restrictions. The BHC Act requires that a bank holding company obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before (i) acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any additional bank or bank holding company, (ii) taking any action that causes an additional bank or bank holding company to become a subsidiary of the bank holding company, or (iii) merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company. The Federal Reserve may not approve any such transaction that would result in a monopoly or would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or attempt to monopolize the business of banking in any section of the United States, or the effect of which may be substantially to lessen competition or to tend to create a monopoly in any section of the country, or that in any other manner would be in restraint of trade, unless the anticompetitive effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed by the public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served. The Federal Reserve is also required to consider: (1) the financial and managerial resources of the companies involved, including pro forma capital ratios; (2) the risk to the stability of the United States banking or financial system; (3) the convenience and needs of the communities to be served, including performance under the CRA; and (4) the effectiveness of the companies in combating money laundering.

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Change in Control: Federal law restricts the amount of voting stock of a bank holding company or a bank that a person may acquire without the prior approval of banking regulators. Under the federal Change in Bank Control Act and the regulations thereunder, a person or group must give advance notice to the Federal Reserve before acquiring control of any bank holding company, such as the Company, and the OCC before acquiring control of any national bank, such as Seacoast Bank. Upon receipt of such notice, the bank regulatory agencies may approve or disapprove the acquisition. The Change in Bank Control Act creates a rebuttable presumption of control if a member or group acquires a certain percentage or more of a bank holding company’s or bank’s voting stock, or if one or more other control factors are present. As a result, a person or entity generally must provide prior notice to the Federal Reserve before acquiring the power to vote 10% or more of our outstanding common stock. The overall effect of such laws is to make it more difficult to acquire a bank holding company and a bank by tender offer or similar means than it might be to acquire control of another type of corporation. Consequently, shareholders of the Company may be less likely to benefit from the rapid increases in stock prices that may result from tender offers or similar efforts to acquire control of other companies. Investors should be aware of these requirements when acquiring shares of our stock.

Governance and Financial Reporting Obligations: We are required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”), and NASDAQ. In particular, we are required to include management and independent registered public accounting firm reports on internal controls as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K in order to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We have evaluated our controls, including compliance with the SEC rules on internal controls, and have and expect to continue to spend significant amounts of time and money on compliance with these rules. Our failure to comply with these internal control rules may materially adversely affect our reputation, ability to obtain the necessary certifications to financial statements, and the value of our securities. The assessments of our financial reporting controls as of December 31, 2018 are included in this report under “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.”

Corporate Governance:  The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) addresses many investor protection, corporate governance, and executive compensation matters that affect most U.S. publicly traded companies. The Dodd-Frank Act: (1) grants shareholders of U.S. publicly traded companies an advisory vote on executive compensation; (2) enhances independence requirements for Compensation Committee members; and (3) requires companies listed on national securities exchanges to adopt incentive-based compensation claw-back policies for executive officers.

Incentive Compensation: The Dodd-Frank Act requires the banking agencies and the SEC to establish joint rules or guidelines for financial institutions with more than $1 billion in assets, such as us and Seacoast Bank, which prohibit incentive compensation arrangements that the agencies determine to encourage inappropriate risks by the institution. The banking agencies issued proposed rules in 2011 and issued guidance on sound incentive compensation policies. In 2016, the Federal Reserve and the OCC also proposed rules that would, depending upon the assets of the institution, directly regulate incentive compensation arrangements and would require enhanced oversight and recordkeeping. As of December 31, 2018, these rules have not been implemented. We and Seacoast Bank have undertaken efforts to ensure that our incentive compensation plans do not encourage inappropriate risks, consistent with three key principles: that incentive compensation arrangements should appropriately balance risk and financial rewards, be compatible with effective controls and risk management, and be supported by strong corporate governance.

Shareholder Say-On-Pay Votes: The Dodd-Frank Act requires public companies to provide shareholders with an advisory vote on executive compensation (known as say-on-pay votes), the frequency of a say-on-pay vote, and the golden parachutes available to executives in connection with change-in-control transactions. Public companies must give shareholders the opportunity to vote on say-on-pay proposals at least every three years and the opportunity to vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes at least every six years, indicating whether the say-on-pay vote should be held annually, biennially, or triennially. The first say-on-pay vote occurred at our 2011 annual shareholders meeting. The say-on-pay, the say-on-parachute and the say-on-frequency votes are advisory and explicitly nonbinding and cannot override a decision of our board of directors.

Other Regulatory Matters: We and our subsidiaries are subject to oversight by the SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, (“FINRA”), the PCAOB, NASDAQ and various state securities regulators. We and our subsidiaries have from time to time received requests for information from regulatory authorities in various states, including state attorneys general, securities regulators and other regulatory authorities, concerning our business practices. Such requests are considered incidental to the normal conduct of business.

Capital Requirements

The Company and Seacoast Bank are required under federal law to maintain certain minimum capital levels based on ratios of capital to total assets and capital to risk-weighted assets. The required capital ratios are minimums, and the Federal Reserve

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and OCC may determine that a banking organization, based on its size, complexity or risk profile, must maintain a higher level of capital in order to operate in a safe and sound manner. Risks such as concentration of credit risks and the risk arising from non-traditional activities, as well as the institution’s exposure to a decline in the economic value of its capital due to changes in interest rates, and an institution’s ability to manage those risks are important factors that are to be taken into account by the federal banking agencies in assessing an institution’s overall capital adequacy. The following is a brief description of the relevant provisions of these capital rules and their potential impact on our capital levels.

The Company and Seacoast Bank are subject to the following risk-based capital ratios: a common equity Tier 1 ("CET1") risk-based capital ratio, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, which includes CET1 and additional Tier 1 capital, and a total capital ratio, which includes Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. CET1 is primarily comprised of the sum of common stock instruments and related surplus net of treasury stock, retained earnings, and certain qualifying minority interests, less certain adjustments and deductions, including with respect to goodwill, intangible assets, mortgage servicing assets and deferred tax assets subject to temporary timing differences. Additional Tier 1 capital is primarily comprised of noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, tier 1 minority interests and grandfathered trust preferred securities. Tier 2 capital consists of instruments disqualified from Tier 1 capital, including qualifying subordinated debt, other preferred stock and certain hybrid capital instruments, and a limited amount of loan loss reserves up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, subject to certain eligibility criteria. The capital rules also define the risk-weights assigned to assets and off-balance sheet items to determine the risk-weighted asset components of the risk-based capital rules, including, for example, “high volatility” commercial real estate, past due assets, structured securities and equity holdings.

The leverage capital ratio, which serves as a minimum capital standard, is the ratio of Tier 1 capital to quarterly average assets net of goodwill, certain other intangible assets, and certain required deduction items. The required minimum leverage ratio for all banks and bank holding companies is 4%.

In addition, the capital rules require a capital conservation buffer of up to 2.5% above each of the minimum capital ratio requirements (CET1, Tier 1, and total risk-based capital), which is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. These buffer requirements must be met for a bank or bank holding company to be able to pay dividends, engage in share buybacks or make discretionary bonus payments to executive management without restriction. This capital conservation buffer is being phased in, and was 1.875% as of January 1, 2018 and is 2.5% effective January 1, 2019.

Failure to be well-capitalized or to meet minimum capital requirements could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an adverse material effect on our operations or financial condition. For example, only a well-capitalized depository institution may accept brokered deposits without prior regulatory approval. Failure to be well-capitalized or to meet minimum capital requirements could also result in restrictions on the Company’s or Seacoast Bank’s ability to pay dividends or otherwise distribute capital or to receive regulatory approval of applications or other restrictions on its growth.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), among other things, requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to take “prompt corrective action” regarding depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIA establishes five regulatory capital tiers: “well capitalized”, “adequately capitalized”, “undercapitalized”, “significantly undercapitalized”, and “critically undercapitalized”. A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare to various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive restraints on operations, management and capital distributions, depending on the category in which an institution is classified. FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. All of the federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted regulations establishing relevant capital measures and relevant capital levels for federally insured depository institutions.

To be well-capitalized, Seacoast Bank must maintain at least the following capital ratios:

•
6.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;
•
8.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets;
•
10.0% Total capital to risk-weighted assets; and
•
5.0% leverage ratio.

The Federal Reserve has not yet revised the well-capitalized standard for bank holding companies to reflect the higher capital requirements imposed under the current capital rules. For purposes of the Federal Reserve’s Regulation Y, including determining whether a bank holding company meets the requirements to be a financial holding company, bank holding companies, such as the Company, must maintain a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater

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to be well-capitalized. If the Federal Reserve were to apply the same or a similar well-capitalized standard to bank holding companies as that applicable to Seacoast Bank, the Company’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2018 would exceed such revised well-capitalized standard. Also, the Federal Reserve may require bank holding companies, including the Company, to maintain capital ratios substantially in excess of mandated minimum levels, depending upon general economic conditions and a bank holding company’s particular condition, risk profile and growth plans.

The Company’s and Seacoast Bank’s regulatory capital ratios were above the well-capitalized standards and met the then-applicable capital conservation buffer as of December 31, 2018. Based on current estimates, we believe that the Company and Seacoast Bank will continue to exceed all applicable well-capitalized regulatory capital requirements and the capital conservation buffer.  As of December 31, 2018, the consolidated capital ratios of Seacoast and Seacoast Bank were as follows:

 
Seacoast
(Consolidated)
 
Seacoast
Bank
 
Minimum to be
Well-Capitalized(1)
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
14.43
%
 
13.60
%
 
10.0
%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio
13.80
%
 
12.97
%
 
8.0
%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio (CET1)
12.43
%
 
12.97
%
 
6.5
%
Leverage Ratio
11.16
%
 
10.49
%
 
5.0
%
(1)For subsidiary bank only
 

 
 

 
 

 
On November 21, 2018, the federal banking agencies jointly issued a proposed rule to simplify the regulatory capital requirements for eligible banks and holding companies with less than $10 billion in consolidated assets that opt into the Community Bank Leverage Ratio (“CBLR”) framework, as required by Section 201 of the Economic Growth, Relief and Consumer Protection Act (the “Regulatory Relief Act”). The Regulatory Relief Act mandates that the banking agencies develop a CBLR of not less than 8% and not more than 10% for qualifying community banking organizations. A qualifying community banking organization that exceeds the CBLR threshold would be exempt from the agencies’ current capital framework, including the risk-based capital requirements and capital conservation buffer described above, and would be deemed well-capitalized under the agencies’ prompt corrective action regulations. The Regulatory Relief Act defines a “qualifying community banking organization” as a depository institution or depository institution holding company with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion. Under the proposed rule, if a qualifying community banking organization elects to use the CBLR framework, it will be considered “well-capitalized” so long as its CBLR is greater than 9%. The agencies are expected to issue a final rule in the first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this proposed rule.

On December 21, 2018, federal banking agencies issued a joint final rule to revise their regulatory capital rules to (i) address the upcoming implementation of the “current expected credit losses” (“CECL”) accounting standard under GAAP; (ii) provide an optional three-year phase-in period for the day-one adverse regulatory capital effects that banking organizations are expected to experience upon adopting CECL; and (iii) require the use of CECL in stress tests beginning with the 2020 capital planning and stress testing cycle for certain banking organizations. In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, which introduced CECL as the methodology to replace the current “incurred loss” methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost, and changed the approaches for recognizing and recording credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased credit impaired financial assets. Under the incurred loss methodology, credit losses are recognized only when the losses are probable or have been incurred; under CECL, companies are required to recognize the full amount of expected credit losses for the lifetime of the financial assets, based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This change will result in earlier recognition of credit losses that the Company deems expected but not yet probable. For SEC reporting companies with December 31 fiscal-year ends, such as the Company, CECL will become effective beginning with the first quarter of 2020.

Payment of Dividends

The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from Seacoast Bank and our other subsidiaries. Our primary source of cash, other than securities offerings, is dividends from Seacoast Bank. The prior approval of the OCC is required if the total of all dividends declared by a national bank (such as Seacoast Bank) in any calendar year will exceed the sum of such bank’s net profits for that year and its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years, less any required transfers to surplus. Federal law also prohibits any national bank from paying dividends that would be greater than such bank’s undivided profits after deducting statutory bad debts in excess of such bank’s allowance for possible loan losses.

In addition, the Company and Seacoast Bank are subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The appropriate

10


federal bank regulatory authority may prohibit the payment of dividends where it has determined that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice. The OCC and the Federal Reserve have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a bank’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsound and unsafe banking practice. The OCC and the Federal Reserve have each indicated that depository institutions and their holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

Under a Federal Reserve policy adopted in 2009, the board of directors of a bank holding company must consider different factors to ensure that its dividend level is prudent relative to maintaining a strong financial position, and is not based on overly optimistic earnings scenarios, such as potential events that could affect its ability to pay, while still maintaining a strong financial position. As a general matter, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the board of directors of a bank holding company should consult with the Federal Reserve and eliminate, defer or significantly reduce the bank holding company’s dividends if:

•
its net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends;

•
its prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with its capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or

•
it will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.


Seacoast Bank recorded net income in 2018, 2017, and 2016, but no dividends were paid to us during any of these years. Prior approval by the OCC is required if the total of all dividends declared by a national bank in any calendar year exceeds the bank’s profits for that year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years. Under this restriction Seacoast Bank is eligible to distribute dividends up to $134.5 million to the Holding Company, without prior OCC approval, as of December 31, 2018.
 
No dividends on our common stock were declared or paid in 2018, 2017, and 2016.

Regulation of the Bank

As a national bank, our primary bank subsidiary, Seacoast Bank, is subject to comprehensive supervision and regulation by the OCC and is subject to its regulatory reporting requirements. The deposits of Seacoast Bank are insured by the FDIC and, accordingly, the bank is also subject to certain FDIC regulations and the FDIC has backup examination authority and certain enforcement powers over Seacoast Bank.  Seacoast Bank also is subject to certain Federal Reserve regulations.  

In addition, as discussed in more detail below, Seacoast Bank and any other of our subsidiaries that offer consumer financial products and services are subject to regulation and potential supervision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”). Authority to supervise and examine the Company and Seacoast Bank for compliance with federal consumer laws remains largely with the Federal Reserve and the OCC, respectively. However, the CFPB may participate in examinations on a “sampling basis” and may refer potential enforcement actions against such institutions to their primary regulators. The CFPB also may participate in examinations of our other direct or indirect subsidiaries that offer consumer financial products or services. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and regulations that are stricter than those regulations promulgated by the CFPB, and state attorneys general are permitted to enforce certain federal consumer financial protection rules adopted by the CFPB.

Broadly, regulations applicable to Seacoast Bank include limitations on loans to a single borrower and to its directors, officers and employees; restrictions on the opening and closing of branch offices; the maintenance of required capital and liquidity ratios; the granting of credit under equal and fair conditions; the disclosure of the costs and terms of such credit; requirements to maintain reserves against deposits and loans; limitations on the types of investments that may be made by Seacoast Bank; and requirements governing risk management practices. Seacoast Bank is permitted under federal law to open a branch on a de novo basis across state lines where the laws of that state would permit a bank chartered by that state to open a de novo branch.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders: Seacoast Bank is subject to restrictions on extensions of credit and certain other transactions between Seacoast Bank and the Company or any nonbank affiliate. Generally, these covered transactions with either the Company or any affiliate are limited to 10% of Seacoast Bank’s capital and surplus, and all such transactions between Seacoast Bank and the Company and all of its nonbank affiliates combined are limited to 20% of Seacoast Bank’s capital and surplus. Loans and other extensions of credit from Seacoast Bank to the Company or any affiliate generally are required to be secured by eligible

11


collateral in specified amounts. In addition, any transaction between Seacoast Bank and the Company or any affiliate are required to be on an arm’s length basis. Federal banking laws also place similar restrictions on certain extensions of credit by insured banks, such as Seacoast Bank, to their directors, executive officers and principal shareholders.
 
Reserves: Federal Reserve rules require depository institutions, such as Seacoast Bank, to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts, primarily interest bearing and non-interest bearing checking accounts. For 2019, the first $16.3 million of covered balances are exempt from these reserve requirements, aggregate balances between $16.3 million and $124.2 million are subject to a 3% reserve requirement, and aggregate balances above $124.2 million are subject to a reserve requirement of $3,237,000 plus 10% of the amount over $124.2 million. These reserve requirements are subject to annual adjustment by the Federal Reserve.

FDIC Insurance Assessments and Depositor Preference: Seacoast Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC’s DIF up to the limits under applicable law, which currently are set at $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. Seacoast Bank is subject to FDIC assessments for its deposit insurance. The FDIC calculates quarterly deposit insurance assessments based on an institution’s average total consolidated assets less its average tangible equity, and applies one of four risk categories determined by reference to its capital levels, supervisory ratings, and certain other factors. The assessment rate schedule can change from time to time, at the discretion of the FDIC, subject to certain limits. As of September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Seacoast Bank’s rate was 3.37 basis points, 4.38 basis points, and 5.06 basis points, respectively. Seacoast Bank’s deposit insurance premiums totaled $2.2 million for 2018, $2.3 million for 2017, and $2.4 million for 2016. Our FICO assessment averaged 0.31 basis points for all four quarters during 2018. On September 30, 2018, the FDIC announced that the designated reserve ratio (“DRR”) of the DIF reached 1.36 percent, exceeding the required 1.35 percent, two years ahead of the deadline imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act. Though the FDIC has clarified that assessment rates will not change in the immediate future, banks with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, such as Seacoast Bank, will start receiving credits against their deposit insurance assessments when the DRR reaches or exceeds 1.38 percent. In addition, Seacoast Bank is subject to quarterly assessments by the FDIC to pay interest on Financing Corporation (“FICO”) bonds. Our FICO assessment rate for the first quarter of 2019 is 0.14 basis points. The FDIC has announced that the remaining FICO bonds are expected to mature in September 2019, and that the final FICO assessment is expected to be made in March 2019 (at a rate of 0.14 (annual) basis points).

Deposit insurance may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by a bank’s federal regulatory agency. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that, in the event of the liquidation or other resolution of an insured depository institution, the claims of depositors of the institution, including the claims of the FDIC as subrogee of insured depositors, and certain claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as a receiver, will have priority over other general unsecured claims against the institution, including those of the parent bank holding company.    

Standards for Safety and Soundness: The Federal Deposit Insurance Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to prescribe, by regulation or guideline, operational and managerial standards for all insured depository institutions relating to: (1) internal controls; (2) information systems and audit systems; (3) loan documentation; (4) credit underwriting; (5) interest rate risk exposure; and (6) asset quality. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement these required standards. These guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards used to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. Under the regulations, if a regulator determines that a bank fails to meet any standards prescribed by the guidelines, the regulator may require the bank to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance, consistent with deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.
 
Anti-Money Laundering: The International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorism Funding Act of 2001 specifies “know your customer” requirements that obligate financial institutions to take actions to verify the identity of the account holders in connection with opening an account at any U.S. financial institution. Banking regulators will consider compliance with the Act’s money laundering provisions in acting upon acquisition and merger proposals. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and have been active in imposing cease and desist and other regulatory orders and money penalty sanctions against institutions found to be violating these obligations. Sanctions for violations of the Act can be imposed in an amount equal to twice the sum involved in the violating transaction, up to $1 million. Under the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (“USA PATRIOT”) Act of 2001, financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships as well as enhanced due diligence and “know your customer” standards in their dealings with foreign financial institutions and foreign customers. The USA PATRIOT Act, and its implementing regulations adopted by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, requires financial institutions to establish anti-money laundering programs with minimum standards that include:


12


•
the development of internal policies, procedures, and controls;
•
the designation of a compliance officer;
•
an ongoing employee training program; and
•
an independent audit function to test the programs.

Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these anti-money laundering obligations and recently have been active in imposing “cease and desist” and other regulatory orders and money penalty sanctions against institutions found to be in violation of these requirements. In addition, FinCEN issued rules that became effective on May 11, 2018, that require, subject to certain exclusions and exemptions, covered financial institutions to identify and verify the identity of beneficial owners of legal entity customers.

Economic Sanctions: The Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) is responsible for helping to ensure that U.S. entities do not engage in transactions with certain prohibited parties, as defined by various Executive Orders and acts of Congress. OFAC publishes, and routinely updates, lists of names of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts, including the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. If we find a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, we must undertake certain specified activities, which could include blocking or freezing the account or transaction requested, and we must notify the appropriate authorities.

Concentrations in Lending: During 2006, the federal bank regulatory agencies released guidance on “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending” (the “Guidance”) and advised financial institutions of the risks posed by commercial real estate (“CRE”) lending concentrations. The Guidance requires that appropriate processes be in place to identify, monitor and control risks associated with real estate lending concentrations. Higher allowances for loan losses and capital levels may also be required. The Guidance is triggered when CRE loan concentrations exceed either:

•
Total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land of 100% or more of a bank’s total risk based capital; or
•
Total reported loans secured by multifamily and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land of 300% or more of a bank’s total risk based capital.

The Guidance also applies when a bank has a sharp increase in CRE loans or has significant concentrations of CRE secured by a particular property type. We have always had exposures to loans secured by commercial real estate due to the nature of our markets and the loan needs of both our retail and commercial customers. We believe our long term experience in CRE lending, underwriting policies, internal controls, and other policies currently in place, as well as our loan and credit monitoring and administration procedures, are generally appropriate to managing our concentrations as required under the Guidance. At December 31, 2018, we had outstanding $251.5 million in commercial construction and residential land development loans and $192.1 million in residential construction loans to individuals, which represents approximately 63% of Seacoast Bank’s total risk based capital at December 31, 2018, well below the Guidance’s threshold. At December 31, 2018, the total CRE exposure for Seacoast Bank represents approximately 227% of total risk based capital, also below the Guidance’s threshold.

Community Reinvestment Act: Seacoast Bank is subject to the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), which imposes a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with their safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of entire communities where the bank accepts deposits, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The OCC’s assessment of Seacoast Bank’s CRA record is made available to the public. Further, a less than satisfactory CRA rating will slow, if not preclude, expansion of banking activities and prevent a company from becoming or remaining a financial holding company. Following the enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLB”), CRA agreements with private parties must be disclosed and annual CRA reports must be made to a bank’s primary federal regulator. A bank holding company is not permitted to become or remain a financial holding company and no new activities authorized under GLB may be commenced by a holding company or by a bank financial subsidiary if any of its bank subsidiaries receive less than a “satisfactory” CRA rating in its latest CRA examination. Federal CRA regulations require, among other things, that evidence of discrimination against applicants on a prohibited basis, and illegal or abusive lending practices be considered in the CRA evaluation. On April 3, 2018, the Department of the Treasury published recommendations for amending the regulations implementing the CRA; on August 28, 2018, the OCC issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking seeking industry comment on how the CRA might be modernized. Seacoast Bank has a rating of “Outstanding” in its most recent CRA evaluation.

Privacy and Data Security:  The GLB generally prohibits disclosure of consumer information to non-affiliated third parties unless the consumer has been given the opportunity to object and has not objected to such disclosure. Financial institutions are further required to disclose their privacy policies to customers annually. Financial institutions, however, will be required to comply with state law if it is more protective of consumer privacy than the GLB. The GLB also directs federal regulators, including the FDIC and the OCC, to prescribe standards for the security of consumer information. Seacoast Bank is subject to such standards,

13


as well as standards for notifying customers in the event of a security breach. Under federal law, Seacoast Bank must disclose its privacy policy to consumers, permit customers to opt out of having nonpublic customer information disclosed to third parties in certain circumstances, and allow customers to opt out of receiving marketing solicitations based on information about the customer received from another subsidiary. States may adopt more extensive privacy protections. We are similarly required to have an information security program to safeguard the confidentiality and security of customer information and to ensure proper disposal. Customers must be notified when unauthorized disclosure involves sensitive customer information that may be misused.

Consumer Regulation:  Activities of Seacoast Bank are subject to a variety of statutes and regulations designed to protect consumers. These laws and regulations include, among numerous other things, provisions that:

•
limit the interest and other charges collected or contracted for by Seacoast Bank, including new rules respecting the terms of credit cards and of debit card overdrafts;

•
govern Seacoast Bank’s disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;

•
require Seacoast Bank to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether it is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;

•
prohibit Seacoast Bank from discriminating on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors when it makes decisions to extend credit;

•
govern the manner in which Seacoast Bank may collect consumer debts; and

•
prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in the provision of consumer financial products and services.

Mortgage Regulation: The CFPB adopted a rule that implements the ability-to-repay and qualified mortgage provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act (the “ATR/QM rule”), which requires lenders to consider, among other things, income, employment status, assets, payment amounts, and credit history before approving a mortgage, and provides a compliance “safe harbor” for lenders that issue certain “qualified mortgages.” The ATR/QM rule defines a “qualified mortgage” to have certain specified characteristics, and generally prohibits loans with negative amortization, interest-only payments, balloon payments, or terms exceeding 30 years from being qualified mortgages. The rule also establishes general underwriting criteria for qualified mortgages, including that monthly payments be calculated based on the highest payment that will apply in the first five years of the loan and that the borrower have a total debt-to-income ratio that is less than or equal to 43%. While “qualified mortgages” will generally be afforded safe harbor status, a rebuttable presumption of compliance with the ability-to-repay requirements will attach to “qualified mortgages” that are “higher priced mortgages” (which are generally subprime loans). In addition, the securitizer of asset-backed securities must retain not less than 5 percent of the credit risk of the assets collateralizing the asset-backed securities, unless subject to an exemption for asset-backed securities that are collateralized exclusively by residential mortgages that qualify as “qualified residential mortgages.”

The CFPB has also issued rules to implement requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act pertaining to mortgage loan origination (including with respect to loan originator compensation and loan originator qualifications) as well as integrated mortgage disclosure rules. In addition, the CFPB has issued rules that require servicers to comply with new standards and practices with regard to: error correction; information disclosure; force-placement of insurance; information management policies and procedures; requiring information about mortgage loss mitigation options be provided to delinquent borrowers; providing delinquent borrowers access to servicer personnel with continuity of contact about the borrower’s mortgage loan account; and evaluating borrowers’ applications for available loss mitigation options. These rules also address initial rate adjustment notices for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), periodic statements for residential mortgage loans, and prompt crediting of mortgage payments and response to requests for payoff amounts.

Non-Discrimination Policies: Seacoast Bank is also subject to, among other things, the provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (the “ECOA”) and the Fair Housing Act (the “FHA”), both of which prohibit discrimination based on race or color, religion, national origin, sex, and familial status in any aspect of a consumer or commercial credit or residential real estate transaction. The Department of Justice (the “DOJ”), and the federal bank regulatory agencies have issued an Interagency Policy Statement on Discrimination in Lending that provides guidance to financial institutions in determining whether discrimination exists, how the agencies will respond to lending discrimination, and what steps lenders might take to prevent discriminatory lending practices. The DOJ has increased its efforts to prosecute what it regards as violations of the ECOA and FHA.
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors

14


 
In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, you should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the risk factors and uncertainties discussed in our other public filings with the SEC under the caption “Risk Factors” in evaluating us and our business and making or continuing an investment in our stock. The risks contained in this Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks that are not presently known, or that we presently deem to be immaterial, could also harm our business, results of operations and financial condition and an investment in our stock. The trading price of our securities could decline due to the materialization of any of these risks, and our shareholders may lose all or part of their investment. This Form 10-K also contains forward-looking statements that may not be realized as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, the risks described herein and in our other public filings with the SEC. Please refer to the section in this Form 10-K entitled “Special Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for additional information regarding forward-looking statements.

Risks Related to Our Business
 
A reduction in consumer confidence could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Significant market volatility driven in part by concerns relating to, among other things, actions by the U.S. Congress or imposed through Executive Order by the President of the United States, as well as global political actions, could adversely affect the U.S. or global economies, with direct or indirect impacts on the Company and our business. Results could include reduced consumer and business confidence, credit deterioration, diminished capital markets activity, and delays in the Federal Reserve Board increases in interest rates.
 
Consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions, which could adversely affect our net income.
 
Technology and other changes now allow parties to complete financial transactions without banks. For example, consumers can pay bills, transfer funds directly and obtain loans without banks. This process could result in the loss of interest and fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the income generated from those deposits.
 
Further, clients may choose to conduct business with other market participants who engage in business or offer products in areas we deem speculative or risky, such as cryptocurrencies. Increased competition may negatively affect our earnings by creating pressure to lower prices or credit standards on our products and services requiring additional investment to improve the quality and delivery of our technology and/or reducing our market share, or affecting the willingness of our clients to do business with us.
 
In addition, the widespread adoption of new technologies, including internet banking services, cryptocurrencies and payment systems, could require substantial expenditures to modify or adapt our existing products and services as we grow and develop our internet banking and mobile banking channel strategies in addition to remote connectivity solutions. We might not be successful in developing or introducing new products and services, integrating new products or services into our existing offerings, responding or adapting to changes in consumer behavior, preferences, spending, investing and/or saving habits, achieving market acceptance of our products and services, reducing costs in response to pressures to deliver products and services at lower prices or sufficiently developing and maintaining loyal customers.
 
Our customers may pursue alternatives to bank deposits, causing us to lose a relatively inexpensive source of funding.
 
We may experience a decrease in customer deposits if customers perceive alternative investments, such as the stock market, as providing superior expected returns. When customers move money out of bank deposits in favor of alternative investments, we may lose a relatively inexpensive source of funds, and be forced to rely more heavily on borrowings and other sources of funding to fund our business and meet withdrawal demands, thereby increasing our funding costs and adversely affecting our net interest margin.
 
Our future success is dependent on our ability to compete effectively in highly competitive markets.
 
We operate from Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach north through the Daytona Beach area, into Orlando and Central Florida and the adjacent Tampa market, and west to Okeechobee and surrounding counties. Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in these and other potential markets. We compete for loans, deposits and other financial services in geographic markets with other local, regional and national commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and securities and insurance brokerage firms. Many of our competitors offer products and services different from us, and have substantially greater resources, name recognition and market presence than we do, which benefits them in attracting business.

15


Larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we can, and have broader customer and geographic bases to draw upon.
 
Lending goals may not be attainable.
 
Future demand for additional lending is unclear and uncertain, and opportunities to make loans may be more limited and/or involve risks or terms that we likely would not find acceptable or in our shareholders’ best interest. A failure to meet our lending goals could adversely affect our results of operation, and financial condition, liquidity and capital.

Deterioration in the real estate markets, including the secondary market for residential mortgage loans, can adversely affect us.
 
The effects of ongoing mortgage market challenges, combined with a correction in residential real estate market prices and reduced levels of home sales, could result in lower single family home values, adversely affecting the liquidity and value of collateral securing commercial loans for residential land acquisition, construction and development, as well as residential mortgage loans and residential property collateral securing loans that we hold, mortgage loan originations and gains on the sale of mortgage loans. Declining real estate prices cause higher delinquencies and losses on certain mortgage loans, generally, and particularly on second lien mortgages and home equity lines of credit. Significant ongoing disruptions in the secondary market for residential mortgage loans can limit the market for and liquidity of most residential mortgage loans other than conforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. Deteriorating trends could occur, as various government programs implemented to boost the residential mortgage markets and stabilize the housing markets after the financial crisis wind down or are discontinued. Declines in real estate values, home sales volumes and financial stress on borrowers as a result of job losses, interest rate resets on adjustable rate mortgage loans or other factors could have adverse effects on borrowers that result in higher delinquencies and greater charge-offs in future periods, which would adversely affect our financial condition, including capital and liquidity, or results of operations. In the event our allowance for loan losses is insufficient to cover such losses, our earnings, capital and liquidity could be adversely affected.
 
Our real estate portfolios are exposed if weakness in the Florida housing market or general economy arises.
 
Florida has historically experienced deeper recessions and more dramatic slowdowns in economic activity than other states and a decline in real estate values in Florida can be significantly larger than the national average. Declines in home prices and the volume of home sales in Florida, along with the reduced availability of certain types of mortgage credit, can result in increases in delinquencies and losses in our portfolios of home equity lines and loans, and commercial loans related to residential real estate acquisition, construction and development. Declines in home prices coupled with high or increased unemployment levels and increased interest rates can cause losses which adversely affect our earnings and financial condition, including our capital and liquidity.

In addition, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Reform Act”) that was signed into law on December 22, 2017 contains several provisions that will affect the tax consequences of home ownership and related borrowing. We cannot predict what impact, if any, the Tax Reform Act will have on our mortgage lending business or the value of homes securing mortgages or other loans, but any decrease in mortgage lending, decrease in home values, or early repayment of mortgage loans caused by changes to the tax code as a result of the Tax Reform Act could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and capital.

 Our concentration in commercial real estate loans could result in increased loan losses.
 
Commercial real estate (“CRE”) is cyclical and poses risks of loss to us due to our concentration levels and risks of the asset, especially during a difficult economy. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 44.2% and 47.9%, respectively, of our loan portfolio was comprised of CRE loans. The banking regulators continue to give CRE lending greater scrutiny, and banks with higher levels of CRE loans are expected to have implemented improved underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as higher levels of allowances for possible losses and capital levels as a result of CRE lending growth and exposures.
 
Seacoast Bank has a written CRE concentration risk management program and monitors its exposure to CRE; however, there is no guarantee that the program will be effective in managing our concentration in CRE.
 
Nonperforming assets could result in an increase in our provision for loan losses, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
 
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, our nonperforming loans (which consist of nonaccrual loans) totaled $26.5 million and $19.5 million, or 0.6% and 0.5% of the loan portfolio, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, our nonperforming assets (which include foreclosed real estate and bank branches taken out of service) were $39.3 million and $27.2 million, or 0.6% and

16


0.5% of assets, respectively. Other real estate owned (“OREO”) included $9.4 million for branches taken out of service at December 31, 2018, versus $3.8 million at December 31, 2017. In addition, we had approximately $22.8 million and $8.9 million in accruing loans that were 30 days or more delinquent at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our nonperforming assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We generally do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or OREO, thereby adversely affecting our income, and increasing our loan administration costs. When the only source of repayment expected is the underlying collateral, we are required to mark the related loan to the then fair market value of the collateral, which may result in a loss. These loans and OREO also increase our risk profile and the capital our regulators believe is appropriate in light of such risks. We may incur additional losses relating to an increase in nonperforming loans. If economic conditions and market factors negatively and/or disproportionately affect some of our larger loans, then we could see a sharp increase in our total net charge-offs and our provision for loan losses. Any further increase in our nonperforming assets and related increases in our provision for losses on loans could negatively affect our business and could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition and results of operations.

Decreases in the value of these assets, or the underlying collateral, or in these borrowers’ performance or financial conditions, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant commitments of time from management and our personnel, which can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities. There can be no assurance that we will not experience further increases in nonperforming loans in the future, or that nonperforming assets will not result in further losses in the future.
 
Our allowance for loan losses may prove inadequate or we may be adversely affected by credit risk exposures.
 
Our business depends on the creditworthiness of our customers. We review our allowance for loan losses for adequacy, at a minimum quarterly, considering economic conditions and trends, collateral values and credit quality indicators, including past charge-off experience and levels of past due loans and nonperforming assets. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. We cannot be certain that our allowance for loan losses will be adequate over time to cover credit losses in our portfolio because of unanticipated adverse changes in the economy, market conditions or events adversely affecting specific customers, industries or markets, or borrowers repaying their loans. Generally speaking, the credit quality of our borrowers can deteriorate as a result of economic downturns in our markets. Although the economy is stable and growing, if the credit quality of our customer base or their debt service behavior materially decreases, if the risk profile of a market, industry or group of customers declines or weakness in the real estate markets and other economics were to arise, or if our allowance for loan losses is not adequate, our business, financial condition, including our liquidity and capital, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. If charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, we will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses, which would result in a decrease in net income and capital, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
We must effectively manage our information systems risk.  Disruptions to our information systems and security breaches could adversely affect our business and reputation.
 
We rely heavily on our communications and information systems to conduct our business. The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. Our ability to compete successfully depends in part upon our ability to use technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands. Many of the Company’s competitors invest substantially greater resources in technological improvements than we do. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers, which may negatively affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
 
Our communications and information systems remain vulnerable to unexpected disruptions and failures. Any failure or interruption of these systems could impair our ability to serve our customers and to operate our business and could damage our reputation, result in a loss of business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny or enforcement or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability. While we have developed extensive recovery plans, we cannot assure that those plans will be effective to prevent adverse effects upon us and our customers resulting from system failures. While we maintain an insurance policy which we believe provides sufficient coverage at a manageable expense for an institution of our size and scope with similar technological systems, we cannot assure that this policy would be sufficient to cover all related financial losses and damages should we experience any one or more of our or a third party’s systems failing or experiencing a cyber-attack.


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We collect and store sensitive data, including personally identifiable information of our customers and employees. Computer break-ins of our systems or our customers’ systems, thefts of data and other breaches and criminal activity may result in significant costs to respond, liability for customer losses if we are at fault, damage to our customer relationships, regulatory scrutiny and enforcement and loss of future business opportunities due to reputational damage. Although we, with the help of third-party service providers, will continue to implement security technology and establish operational procedures to protect sensitive data, there can be no assurance that these measures will be effective. We advise and provide training to our customers regarding protection of their systems, but there is no assurance that our advice and training will be appropriately acted upon by our customers or effective to prevent losses. In some cases we may elect to contribute to the cost of responding to cybercrime against our customers, even when we are not at fault, in order to maintain valuable customer relationships.
 
In our ordinary course of business, we rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct our businesses and to store sensitive data, including financial information regarding our customers. The integrity of information systems of financial institutions are under significant threat from cyber-attacks by third parties, including through coordinated attacks sponsored by foreign nations and criminal organizations to disrupt business operations and other compromises to data and systems for political or criminal purposes. We employ an in-depth, layered, defense approach that leverages people, processes and technology to manage and maintain cyber security controls.
 
Notwithstanding the strength of our defensive measures, the threat from cyber-attacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures , and there is no guarantee that our response to any cyber-attack or system interruption, breach or failure will be effective to mitigate and remediate the issues resulting from such an event, including the costs, reputational harm and litigation challenges that we may face as a result. Cyber security risks may also occur with our third-party service providers, and may interfere with their ability to fulfill their contractual obligations to us, with attendant potential for financial loss or liability that could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. We offer our clients the ability to bank remotely and provide other technology based products and services, which services include the secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet and other remote channels. To the extent that our client’s systems are not secure or are otherwise compromised, our network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, malicious software, phishing schemes and other security breaches. To the extent that our activities or the activities of our clients or third-party service providers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and malicious software could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation and other possible liabilities. While to date we have not experienced a significant compromise, significant data loss or material financial losses related to cyber security attacks, our systems and those of our clients and third-party service providers are under constant threat and it is possible that we could experience a significant event in the future. We may suffer material financial losses related to these risks in the future or we may be subject to liability for compromises to our client or third-party service provider systems. Any such losses or liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations, and could expose us to reputation risk, the loss of client business, increased operational costs, as well as additional regulatory scrutiny, possible litigation, and related financial liability. These risks also include possible business interruption, including the inability to access critical information and systems. In addition, as the regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business, compliance with those requirements could also result in additional costs.
 
We operate in a heavily regulated environment. Regulatory compliance burdens and associated costs can affect our business.
 
We and our subsidiaries are regulated by several regulators, including, but not limited to, the Federal Reserve, the OCC, the FDIC, the CFPB, the SEC, and NASDAQ. Our success is affected by state and federal regulations affecting banks and bank holding companies, the securities markets and banking, securities and insurance regulators. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect consumers and depositors, not shareholders. The financial services industry also is subject to frequent legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes, the effects of which cannot be predicted. These changes, if adopted, could require us to maintain more capital, liquidity and risk controls which could adversely affect our growth, profitability and financial condition. Any such changes in law can impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to our operating policies and procedures, or otherwise adversely impact our business.

 The CFPB’s issued rules may have a negative impact on our loan origination process, and compliance and collection costs, which could adversely affect our mortgage lending operations and operating results.
 
The CFPB has issued mortgage-related rules required under the Dodd-Frank Act addressing borrower ability-to-repay and qualified mortgage standards. The CFPB has also issued rules for loan originators related to compensation, licensing requirements, administration capabilities and restrictions on pursuance of delinquent borrowers. These rules could have a negative effect on the financial performance of Seacoast Bank’s mortgage lending operations such as limiting the volume of mortgage originations and

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sales into the secondary market, increased compliance burden and impairing Seacoast Bank’s ability to proceed against certain delinquent borrowers with timely and effective collection efforts.
 
Higher FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely affect our financial condition.
 
FDIC insurance premiums we pay may change and be significantly higher in the future. Market developments may significantly deplete the insurance fund of the FDIC and further reduce the ratio of reserves to insured deposits, thereby making it requisite upon the FDIC to charge higher premiums prospectively.
 
Changes in accounting and tax rules applicable to banks could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
 
From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in a restatement of our prior period financial statements.
 
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 may have an impact on net income, shareholders’ equity and the Company’s regulatory capital ratios.
 
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) into law. Under the Tax Reform Act, the highest marginal federal tax rate for corporations has been lowered from 35% to 21% resulting in a reduction to the Company’s deferred tax assets (“DTAs”). This remeasurement resulted in an immediate, one-time adjustment increasing the provision for taxes, and lowering net income for 2017 by $8.6 million. Over prospective periods, a lower federal tax rate could result in improved net income performance. We believe the initial impact of a reduction to the federal rate, and the resultant reduction to DTAs and capital, via higher tax provisioning at inception, will be recovered with lower tax provisioning prospectively from the date of inception. The reduction in our DTAs negatively impacted our capital ratios (as a small portion of our DTA is includable in regulatory capital calculations) but not below well-capitalized levels, as defined by our regulators. As higher net income is recorded due to lower tax provisioning, and increases shareholders’ equity, the detrimental impact to capital ratios will diminish and accrete capital over time.

Our ability to realize our deferred tax assets may be further reduced in the future if our estimates of future taxable income from our operations and tax planning strategies do not support our deferred tax amount. Additionally, the amount of net operating loss carry-forwards and certain other tax attributes realizable for income tax purposes may be reduced under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”) by issuance of our capital securities or purchase of concentrations by investors.
 
As of December 31, 2018, we had net DTAs of $29.0 million, based on management’s estimation of the likelihood of those DTAs being realized. These and future DTAs may be reduced in the future if our estimates of future taxable income from our operations and tax planning strategies do not support the amounts recorded.
 
The Company recorded income for 2018, 2017 and 2016. Management expects to realize the $29.0 million in net DTAs well in advance of the statutory carryforward period, based on its forecast of future taxable income. We consider positive and negative evidence, including the impact of reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and projected earnings within the statutory tax loss carryover period. This process requires significant judgment by management about matters that are by nature uncertain. If we were to conclude that significant portions of our DTAs were not more likely than not to be realized (due to operating results or other factors), a requirement to establish a valuation allowance could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
 
The amount of net operating loss carry-forwards and certain other tax attributes realizable annually for income tax purposes may be reduced by an offering and/or other sales of our capital securities, including transactions in the open market by 5% or greater shareholders, if an ownership change is deemed to occur under Section 382. The determination of whether an ownership change has occurred under Section 382 is highly fact-specific and can occur through one or more acquisitions of capital stock (including open market trading) if the result of such acquisitions is that the percentage of our outstanding common stock held by shareholders or groups of shareholders owning at least 5% of our common stock at the time of such acquisition, as determined under Section 382, is more than 50 percentage points higher than the lowest percentage of our outstanding common stock owned by such shareholders or groups of shareholders within the prior three-year period. Management does not believe any stock offerings, issuances, or reverse stock split have had any negative implications for the Company under Section 382 to date.


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The Federal Reserve has implemented significant economic strategies that have impacted interest rates, inflation, asset values, and the shape of the yield curve, and currently is transitioning from many years of easing to what may be an uneven, but extended, period of tightening.

In recent years, in response to the recession in 2008 and the following uneven recovery, the Federal Reserve implemented a series of domestic monetary initiatives. Several of these have emphasized so-called quantitative easing strategies, the most recent of which ended during 2014. Since then the Federal Reserve raised rates nine times during 2015-2018, in each case by a modest 25 basis points. Further rate changes reportedly are dependent on the Federal Reserve’s assessment of economic data as it becomes available. This data-dependent process, now in its fifth year, may represent a fitful transition to a tightening trend, or it may represent merely an interim period during which rates have little clear up or down long-term trend.

 Future acquisition and expansion activities may disrupt our business, dilute existing shareholders and adversely affect our operating results.
 
We periodically evaluate potential acquisitions and expansion opportunities. To the extent we grow through acquisition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately or profitably manage this growth. Acquiring other banks, branches or businesses, as well as other geographic and product expansion activities, involve various risks including:
 
•risks of unknown or contingent liabilities;
•unanticipated costs and delays;
•risks that acquired new businesses do not perform consistent with our growth and profitability expectations;
•risks of entering new market or product areas where we have limited experience;
•
risks that growth will strain our infrastructure, staff, internal controls and management, which may require additional personnel, time and expenditures;
•exposure to potential asset quality issues with acquired institutions;
•
difficulties, expenses and delays of integrating the operations and personnel of acquired institutions, and start-up delays and costs of other expansion activities;
•potential disruptions to our business;
•possible loss of key employees and customers of acquired institutions;
•potential short-term decrease in profitability; and
•diversion of our management’s time and attention from our existing operations and businesses.

Attractive acquisition opportunities may not be available to us in the future.

While we seek continued organic growth, we anticipate continuing to evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities presented to us in our core markets and beyond. The number of financial institutions headquartered in Florida, the Southeastern United States, and across the country continues to decline through merger and other activity. We expect that other banking and financial companies, many of which have significantly greater resources, will compete with us to acquire financial services businesses. This competition, as the number of appropriate merger targets decreases, could increase prices for potential acquisitions which could reduce our potential returns, and reduce the attractiveness of these opportunities to us. Also, acquisitions are subject to various regulatory approvals. If we fail to receive the appropriate regulatory approvals, we will not be able to consummate an acquisition that we believe is in our best interests. Among other things, our regulators consider our capital, liquidity, profitability, regulatory compliance, including with respect to anti-money laundering ("AML") obligations, consumer protection laws and CRA obligations and levels of goodwill and intangibles when considering acquisition and expansion proposals. Any acquisition could be dilutive to our earnings and shareholders’ equity per share of our common stock.

Our business strategy includes significant growth plans, and our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively.
 
We intend to continue to pursue an organic growth strategy for our business while also regularly evaluating potential acquisitions and expansion opportunities. If appropriate opportunities present themselves, we expect to engage in selected acquisitions of financial institutions, branch acquisitions and other business growth initiatives or undertakings. There can be no assurance that we will successfully identify appropriate opportunities, that we will be able to negotiate or finance such activities or that such activities, if undertaken, will be successful.
 
There are risks associated with our growth strategy. To the extent that we grow through acquisitions, we cannot ensure that we will be able to adequately or profitably manage this growth. Acquiring other banks, branches or other assets, as well as other expansion activities, involves various risks including the risks of incorrectly assessing the credit quality of acquired assets, encountering greater than expected costs of integrating acquired banks or branches into us, the risk of loss of customers and/or

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employees of the acquired institution or branch, executing cost savings measures, not achieving revenue enhancements and otherwise not realizing the transaction’s anticipated benefits. Our ability to address these matters successfully cannot be assured. In addition, our strategic efforts may divert resources or management’s attention from ongoing business operations, may require investment in integration and in development and enhancement of additional operational and reporting processes and controls and may subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny.
 
Our growth initiatives may also require us to recruit and retain experienced personnel to assist in such initiatives. Accordingly, the failure to identify and retain such personnel would place significant limitations on our ability to successfully execute our growth strategy. In addition, to the extent we expand our lending beyond our current market areas, we could incur additional risks related to those new market areas. We may not be able to expand our market presence in our existing market areas or successfully enter new markets.
 
If we do not successfully execute our acquisition growth plan, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and growth prospects. In addition, if we were to conclude that the value of an acquired business had decreased, that conclusion may result in an impairment charge to goodwill or other tangible or intangible assets, which would adversely affect our results of operations. While we believe we have the executive management resources and internal systems in place to successfully manage our future growth, there can be no assurance growth opportunities will be available or that we will successfully manage our growth.
 
Additionally, we may pursue divestitures of non-strategic branches or other assets. Such divestitures involve various risks, including the risks of not being able to timely or fully replace liquidity previously provided by deposits which may be transferred as part of a divestiture, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to successfully integrate our acquisitions or to realize the anticipated benefits of them.

A successful integration of each acquired bank with ours will depend substantially on our ability to successfully consolidate operations, corporate cultures, systems and procedures and to eliminate redundancies and costs. While we have substantial experience in successfully integrating institutions we have acquired, we may encounter difficulties during integration, such as:

•the loss of key employees;
•the disruption of operations and businesses;
•loan and deposit attrition, customer loss and revenue loss;
•possible inconsistencies in standards, control procedures and policies;
•unexpected issues with expected branch closures; and/or
•unexpected issues with costs, operations, personnel, technology and credit;

all of which could divert resources from regular banking operations. Additionally, general market and economic conditions or governmental actions affecting the financial industry generally may inhibit our successful merger integrations.

Further, we acquire banks with the expectation that these mergers will result in various benefits including, among other things, benefits relating to enhanced revenues, a strengthened market position for the combined company, cross selling opportunities, technology, cost savings and operating efficiencies. Achieving the anticipated benefits of these mergers is subject to a number of uncertainties, including whether we integrate these institutions in an efficient and effective manner, and general competitive factors in the marketplace. Failure to achieve these anticipated benefits could result in a reduction in the price of our shares as well as in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management's time and energy and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
The implementation of other new lines of business or new products and services may subject us to additional risk.

We continuously evaluate our service offerings and may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business in the future. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts.  In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, we undergo a process to assess the risks of the initiative, and invest significant time and resources to build internal controls, policies and procedures to mitigate those risks, including hiring experienced management to oversee the implementation of the initiative.  Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business and/or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could require the establishment of new key and other controls and have a significant impact on our existing system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and

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implementation of new lines of business and/or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

Liquidity risks could affect operations and jeopardize our financial condition.
 
Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our non-core funding sources include federal funds purchases, securities sold under repurchase agreements, non-core deposits, and short- and long-term debt. We are also members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (the “FHLB”) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, where we can obtain advances collateralized with eligible assets. We maintain a portfolio of securities that can be used as a secondary source of liquidity. Other sources of liquidity available to us or Seacoast Bank include the acquisition of additional non-core deposits, the issuance and sale of debt securities, and the issuance and sale of preferred or common securities in public or private transactions.
 
Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate or on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by other factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a downturn in the markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory action against us. In addition, our access to deposits may be affected by the liquidity and/or cash flow needs of depositors. Although we have historically been able to replace maturing deposits and FHLB advances as necessary, we might not be able to replace such funds in the future and can lose a relatively inexpensive source of funds and increase our funding costs if, among other things, customers move funds out of bank deposits and into alternative investments, such as the stock market, that may be perceived as providing superior expected returns. We may be required to seek additional regulatory capital through capital raises at terms that may be very dilutive to existing shareholders.
 
Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry.
 
Our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity and ability to pay interest on our trust preferred securities or reinstate dividends.
 
We are a legal entity separate and distinct from Seacoast Bank and our other subsidiaries. Our primary source of cash, other then securities offerings, is dividends from Seacoast Bank. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on our common stock, interest on our trust preferred securities and interest and principal on our debt. Various laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that Seacoast Bank may pay us, as further described in "Supervision and Regulation - Payment of Dividends". Also, our right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. Limitations on our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and on our ability to pay dividends on common stock. Additionally, if our subsidiaries’ earnings are not sufficient to make dividend payments to us while maintaining adequate capital levels, we may not be able to make payments on our trust preferred securities or reinstate dividend payments to our common shareholders.
 
We must effectively manage our interest rate risk. The impact of changing interest rates on our results is difficult to predict and changes in interest rates may impact our performance in ways we cannot predict.
 
Our profitability is dependent to a large extent on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income paid to us on our loans and investments and the interest we pay to third parties such as our depositors, lenders and debt holders. Changes in interest rates can impact our profits and the fair values of certain of our assets and liabilities. Prolonged periods of unusually low interest rates may have an incrementally adverse effect on our earnings by reducing yields on loans and other earning assets over time. Increases in market interest rates may reduce our customers’ desire to borrow money from us or adversely affect their ability to repay their outstanding loans by increasing their debt service obligations through the periodic reset of adjustable interest rate loans. If our borrowers’ ability to pay their loans is impaired by increasing interest payment obligations, our level of nonperforming assets would increase, producing an adverse effect on operating results. Increases in interest rates can have a material impact on the volume of mortgage originations and re-financings, adversely affecting the profitability of our mortgage finance business. Interest rate risk can also result from mismatches between the dollar amounts of re-pricing or maturing assets and liabilities and from mismatches in the timing and rates at which our assets and liabilities re-price. We actively monitor and manage the balances of our maturing and re-pricing assets and liabilities to reduce the adverse impact of changes in interest rates, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to avoid material adverse effects on our net interest margin in all market conditions.

Federal prohibitions on the ability of financial institutions to pay interest on commercial demand deposit accounts were repealed in 2011 by the Dodd-Frank Act. This change has had limited impact to date due to the excess of commercial liquidity and the very low rate environment in recent years. There can be no assurance that we will not be materially adversely affected in

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the future if economic activity increases and interest rates rise, which may result in our interest expense increasing, and our net interest margin decreasing, if we must offer interest on commercial demand deposits to attract or retain customer deposits.

Interest rates on our outstanding financial instruments might be subject to change based on regulatory developments, which could adversely affect our revenue, expenses, and the value of those financial instruments.

LIBOR and certain other “benchmarks” are the subject of recent national, international, and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. These reforms may cause such benchmarks to perform differently than in the past or have other consequences which cannot be predicted. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, publicly announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. It is unclear whether, at that time, LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established. If LIBOR ceases to exist or if the methods of calculating LIBOR change from current methods for any reason, interest rates on our floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives, and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates, as well as the revenue and expenses associated with those financial instruments, may be adversely affected. Any uncertainty regarding the continued use and reliability of LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate could adversely affect the value of our floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives, and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates

A portion of our variable rate loans are tied to LIBOR. While many of these loans contain “fallback” provisions providing for alternative rate calculations in the event LIBOR is unavailable, not all of our loans contain these “fallback” provisions and existing “fallback” provisions may not adequately address the actual changes to LIBOR or successor rates. We may not be able to successfully amend these loans to provide for alternative rate calculations and such amendments could prove costly. Even with “fallback” provisions, changes to or the discontinuance of LIBOR could result in customer uncertainty and disputes around how variable rates should be calculated. All of this could result in damage to our reputation, loss of customers and additional costs to us, all of which could be material.
  
We are required to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, and if we fail to maintain sufficient capital, whether due to losses, growth opportunities, or an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as our compliance with regulatory requirements, would be adversely affected.
 
Both we and Seacoast Bank must meet regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity and our regulators may modify and adjust such requirements in the future. Our ability to raise additional capital, when and if needed in the future, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, general economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry and the market, governmental activities, many of which are outside our control, and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we fail to meet these capital and other regulatory requirements, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
 
Although the Company currently complies with all capital requirements, we will be subject to more stringent regulatory capital ratio requirements in the future and we may need additional capital in order to meet those requirements. Our failure to remain “well capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes could affect customer confidence, our ability to grow, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to resume payments of dividends on common stock, make distributions on our trust preferred securities, our ability to make acquisitions, and our business, results of operations and financial condition, generally. Under FDIC rules, if Seacoast Bank ceases to be a “well capitalized” institution for bank regulatory purposes, its ability to accept brokered deposits and the interest rates that it pays may both be restricted.
  
Our cost of funds may increase as a result of general economic conditions, FDIC insurance assessments, interest rates and competitive pressures.
 
We have traditionally obtained funds through local deposits and thus we have a base of lower cost transaction deposits. Generally, we believe local deposits are a cheaper and more stable source of funds than other borrowings because interest rates paid for local deposits are typically lower than interest rates charged for borrowings from other institutional lenders and reflect a mix of transaction and time deposits, whereas brokered deposits typically are higher cost time deposits. Our costs of funds and our profitability and liquidity are likely to be adversely affected if, and to the extent, we have to rely upon higher cost borrowings from other institutional lenders or brokers to fund loan demand or liquidity needs, and changes in our deposit mix and growth could adversely affect our profitability and the ability to expand our loan portfolio.


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Federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including for compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to comply with any supervisory actions to which we are or become subject as a result of such examinations may adversely affect us.
 
The Federal Reserve and the OCC periodically conduct examinations of our business and Seacoast Bank’s business, including for compliance with laws and regulations, and Seacoast Bank also may be subject to future regulatory examinations by the CFPB as discussed in the “Supervision and Regulation” section above. If, as a result of an examination, the Federal Reserve, the OCC and/or the CFPB were to determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, asset concentrations, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, sensitivity to market risk, or other aspects of any of our or Seacoast Bank’s operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we or our management were in violation of any law, regulation or guideline in effect from time to time, the regulators may take a number of different remedial actions as they deem appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative actions to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to change the composition of our concentrations in portfolio or balance sheet assets, to assess civil monetary penalties against our officers or directors or to remove officers and directors.
 
We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of one or more of those key personnel could harm our business.
 
Our future success significantly depends on the continued services and performance of our key management personnel. We believe our management team’s depth and breadth of experience in the banking industry is integral to executing our business plan. We also will need to continue to attract, motivate and retain other key personnel. The loss of the services of members of our senior management team or other key employees or the inability to attract additional qualified personnel as needed could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We are subject to losses due to fraudulent and negligent acts on the part of loan applicants, mortgage brokers, other vendors and our employees.
 
When we originate mortgage loans, we rely heavily upon information supplied by loan applicants and third parties, including the information contained in the loan application, property appraisal, title information and employment and income documentation provided by third parties. If any of this information is misrepresented and such misrepresentation is not detected prior to loan funding, we generally bear the risk of loss associated with the misrepresentation.
  
We are subject to internal control reporting requirements that increase compliance costs and failure to comply with such requirements could adversely affect our reputation and the value of our securities.
 
We are required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules and regulations adopted by the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and NASDAQ. In particular, we are required to include management and independent registered public accounting firm reports on internal controls as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The SEC also has proposed a number of new rules or regulations requiring additional disclosure, such as lower-level employee compensation. We expect to continue to spend significant amounts of time and money on compliance with these rules. Our failure to track and comply with the various rules may materially adversely affect our reputation, ability to obtain the necessary certifications to financial statements, and the value of our securities.
 
Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.   
 
Management regularly reviews and updates our internal controls over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
Our operations rely on external vendors.   
 
We rely on certain external vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations, particularly in the areas of operations, treasury management systems, information technology and security, exposing us to the risk that these vendors will not perform as required by our agreements. An external vendor’s failure to perform in accordance with our agreement could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition

24


and results of operations. Our regulators also impose requirements on us with respect to monitoring and implementing adequate controls and procedures in connection with our third party vendors.

From time to time, we may decide to retain new vendors for new or existing products and services. Transition to these new vendors may not proceed as anticipated and could negatively impact our customers or our ability to conduct business, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
The anti-takeover provisions in our Articles of Incorporation and under Florida law may make it more difficult for takeover attempts that have not been approved by our board of directors.
 
Florida law and our Articles of Incorporation include anti-takeover provisions, such as provisions that encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to consult with our board, and which enable the board to negotiate and give consideration on behalf of us and our shareholders and other constituencies to the merits of any offer made. Such provisions, as well as supermajority voting and quorum requirements, and a staggered board of directors, may make any takeover attempts and other acquisitions of interests in us, by means of a tender offer, open market purchase, a proxy fight or otherwise, that have not been approved by our board of directors more difficult and more expensive. These provisions may discourage possible business combinations that a majority of our shareholders may believe to be desirable and beneficial. As a result, our board of directors may decide not to pursue transactions that would otherwise be in the best interests of holders of our common stock.
 
Hurricanes or other adverse weather events could negatively affect our local economies or disrupt our operations, which would have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
 
Our market areas in Florida are susceptible to hurricanes, tropical storms and related flooding and wind damage. Such weather events can disrupt operations, result in damage to properties and negatively affect the local economies in the markets where we operate. We cannot predict whether or to what extent damage that may be caused by future hurricanes will affect our operations or the economies in our current or future market areas, but such weather events could result in a decline in loan originations, a decline in the value or destruction of properties securing our loans and an increase in delinquencies, foreclosures or loan losses. Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by these and other negative effects of future hurricanes, tropical storms, related flooding and wind damage and other similar weather events. As a result of the potential for such weather events, many of our customers have incurred significantly higher property and casualty insurance premiums on their properties located in our markets, which may adversely affect real estate sales and values in our markets.
  
Risks Related to our Common Stock
 
We may issue additional shares of common or preferred stock, which may dilute the interests of our shareholders and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
We are currently authorized to issue up to 120 million shares of common stock, of which 51.4 million shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2018, and up to 4 million shares of preferred stock, of which no shares are outstanding. Subject to certain NASDAQ requirements, our board of directors has authority, without action or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of the remaining authorized but unissued shares and to establish the terms of any series of preferred stock. These authorized but unissued shares could be issued on terms or in circumstances that could dilute the interests of other shareholders.
 
Our stock price is subject to fluctuations, and the value of your investment may decline.
 
The trading price of our common stock is subject to wide fluctuations and may be subject to fluctuations in the future. The stock market in general, and the market for the stocks of commercial banks and other financial services companies in particular, has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that sometimes have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance, and the value of your investment may decline.

Securities analysts might not continue coverage on our common stock, which could adversely affect the market for our common stock.
 
The trading price of our common stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities analysts publish about us and our business. We do not have any control over these analysts, and they may not continue to cover our common stock. If securities analysts do not continue to cover our common stock, the lack of research coverage may adversely affect its market price. If securities analysts continue to cover our common stock, and our common stock is the subject of an unfavorable report, the price

25


of our common stock may decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to publish regular reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price or trading volume of our common stock to decline.
 
Offerings of debt, which would rank senior to our common stock upon liquidation, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
We may attempt to increase our capital resources or, if our or Seacoast Bank’s regulatory capital ratios fall below the required minimums, we could be forced to raise additional capital by making additional offerings of debt or equity securities, senior or subordinated notes, preferred stock and common stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock.
 
Shares of our common stock are not insured deposits and may lose value.
 
Shares of our common stock are not savings accounts, deposits or other obligations of any depository institution and are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency or instrumentality, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity, and are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of principal. 

Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.
 
Item 2.
Properties
 
Seacoast maintains its corporate headquarters in a 68,000 square foot, three story building at 815 Colorado Avenue in Stuart, Florida. The building is owned by Seacoast Bank.
 
Seacoast Bank owns or leases all of the buildings in which we operate our business. At December 31, 2018, we and our subsidiaries had 51 branch offices, seven commercial lending offices, and its main office in Florida. For additional information regarding our properties, please refer to Notes G and K of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
 
We and our subsidiaries are subject, in the ordinary course, to litigation incidental to the businesses in which we are engaged. Management presently believes that none of the legal proceedings to which we are a party are likely to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, operating results or cash flows, although no assurance can be given with respect to the ultimate outcome of any such claim or litigation.
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.
 
Part II
 
Item 5.
Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

26


 
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented to shareholders as provided in our Articles of Incorporation.

Our common stock is traded under the symbol “SBCF” on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which is a national securities exchange (“NASDAQ”). As of January 31, 2019, there were 51,319,414 shares of our common stock outstanding, held by approximately 1,819 record holders.
 
Dividends from Seacoast Bank are our primary source of funds to pay dividends on our common stock. Under the National Bank Act, national banks may in any calendar year, without the approval of the OCC, pay dividends to the extent of net profits for that year, plus retained net profits for the preceding two years (less any required transfers to surplus). The need to maintain adequate capital in Seacoast Bank also limits dividends that may be paid to us. 
 
Additional information regarding restrictions on the ability of Seacoast Bank to pay dividends to us is contained in Note C of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See “Item 1. Business- Payment of Dividends” of this Form 10-K for information with respect to the regulatory restrictions on dividends.
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
 
See the information included under Part III, Item 12, which is incorporated in response to this item by reference.
 
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
 
Five years of selected financial data of the Company is set forth under the caption “Financial Highlights” on pages 84-85.
 
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appears under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on pages 36-81.

Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
For discussion of the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see “Securities”, “Interest Rate Sensitivity”, and “Market Risk” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations on pages 48 and pages 61-62.
 
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
The Consolidated Financial Statements and the report of Crowe LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, appear on pages 86-138.

Supplementary financial data for each full quarter in the two years ended December 31, 2018 are included on pages 82-83 in the section entitled “Selected Quarterly Information”.
 
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
 
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


27


We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
 
In connection with the preparation of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed, with the participation of the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
(b)Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes.
 
Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. This assessment was based on the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 2013. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
 
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Crowe LLP, has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting which is included herein.
 
(c)Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended December 31, 2018, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred or that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.
Other Information.
 
None.

Part III
 
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
Information concerning our directors and executive officers is set forth under the headings “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Certain Transactions and Business Relationships” in the 2019 Proxy Statement, incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
 
Information regarding the compensation paid by us to our directors and executive officers is set forth under the headings “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” “Compensation and Governance Committee Report” and “2018 Director Compensation” in the 2019 Proxy Statement which are incorporated herein by reference.
 

28


Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The following table sets forth information about our common stock that may be issued under all of our existing compensation plans as of December 31, 2018.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan Category
 
(a)
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
 
Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
represented
in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders:
 
 

 
 

 
 

2013 Plan(1)
 
933,495

 
$
22.00

 
1,255,593

Employee Stock Purchase Plan(2)
 
—

 
—

 
69,434

TOTAL
 
933,495

 
$
22.00

 
1,325,027

(1)Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Shares reserved under this plan are available for issuance pursuant to the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the plan, and may be granted as awards of restricted stock, performance shares, or other stock-based awards, prospectively.
(2)Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.

Additional information regarding the ownership of our common stock is set forth under the headings “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors” and “Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Holders” in the 2019 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
Information regarding certain relationships and transactions between us and our officers, directors and significant shareholders is set forth under the heading “Compensation and Governance Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Certain Transactions and Business Relationships” and “Corporate Governance” in the 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
Information concerning our principal accounting fees and services is set forth under the heading “Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm; Audit and Non- Audit Fees” in the 2019 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Part IV
 
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)(1)    The Consolidated Financial Statements and the report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon listed in Item 8 are set forth commencing on page 86.
 
(a)(2)     List of financial statement schedules
 
All schedules normally required by Form 10-K are omitted, since either they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.

29


 
(a)(3)    Listing of Exhibits
 
PLEASE NOTE: It is inappropriate for readers to assume the accuracy of, or rely upon any covenants, representations or warranties that may be contained in agreements or other documents filed as Exhibits to, or incorporated by reference in, this report. Any such covenants, representations or warranties may have been qualified or superseded by disclosures contained in separate schedules or exhibits not filed with or incorporated by reference in this report, may reflect the parties’ negotiated risk allocation in the particular transaction, may be qualified by materiality standards that differ from those applicable for securities law purposes, may not be true as of the date of this report or any other date, and may be subject to waivers by any or all of the parties. Where exhibits and schedules to agreements filed or incorporated by reference as Exhibits hereto are not included in these Exhibits, such exhibits and schedules to agreements are not included or incorporated by reference herein.
 
The following Exhibits are attached hereto or incorporated by reference herein (unless indicated otherwise, all documents referenced below were filed pursuant to the Exchange Act by Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, Commission File No. 0-13660):

Exhibit 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger
Dated November 3, 2016, by and among the Company, Seacoast Bank, GulfShore Bancshares, Inc. and GulfShore Bank, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed November 9, 2016.
 
Exhibit 2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger
Dated May 4, 2017, by and among the Company, Seacoast Bank, Palm Beach Community Bank, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed May 9, 2017.
 
Exhibit 2.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger
Dated May 8, 2017, by and among the Company, Seacoast Bank, and NorthStar Banking Corporation and NorthStar Bank incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed May 24, 2017.
 
Exhibit 2.4 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of June 11, 2018, by and among Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida, Seacoast National Bank, First Green Bancorp, Inc. and First Green Bank
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed June 15, 2018.

Exhibit 3.1.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 10, 2006.
 
Exhibit 3.1.2 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed December 23, 2008.
 
Exhibit 3.1.3 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form S-1, filed June 22, 2009.
 
Exhibit 3.1.4 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed July 20, 2009.
 
Exhibit 3.1.5 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed December 3, 2009.
 
Exhibit 3.1.6 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K/A, filed July 14, 2010.
 
Exhibit 3.1.7 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed June 25, 2010.
 
Exhibit 3.1.8 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed June 1, 2011.
 
Exhibit 3.1.9 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed December 13, 2013.
 

30


Exhibit 3.1.10 Articles of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed May 30, 2018.

Exhibit 3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed December 21, 2007.
 
Exhibit 4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed on March 17, 2014.
 
Exhibit 4.2 Junior Subordinated Indenture
Dated as of March 31, 2005, between the Company and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee (including the form of the Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Note, which appears in Section 2.1 thereof), incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 5, 2005.
 
Exhibit 4.3 Guarantee Agreement
Dated as of March 31, 2005 between the Company, as Guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Guarantee Trustee, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 5, 2005.
 
Exhibit 4.4 Amended and Restated Trust Agreement
Dated as of March 31, 2005, among the Company, as Depositor, Wilmington Trust Company, as Property Trustee, Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee and the Administrative Trustees named therein, as Administrative Trustees (including exhibits containing the related forms of the SBCF Capital Trust I Common Securities Certificate and the Preferred Securities Certificate), incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed April 5, 2005.
 
Exhibit 4.5 Indenture
Dated as of December 16, 2005, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (including the form of the Junior Subordinated Debt Security, which appears as Exhibit A to the Indenture), incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 21, 2005.

Exhibit 4.6 Guarantee Agreement
Dated as of December 16, 2005, between the Company, as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Guarantee Trustee, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 21, 2005.
 
Exhibit 4.7 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
Dated as of December 16, 2005, among the Company, as Sponsor, Dennis S. Hudson, III and William R. Hahl, as Administrators, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Institutional Trustee (including exhibits containing the related forms of the SBCF Statutory Trust II Common Securities Certificate and the Capital Securities Certificate), incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 21, 2005.
 
Exhibit 4.8 Indenture
Dated June 29, 2007, between the Company and LaSalle Bank, as Trustee (including the form of the Junior Subordinated Debt Security, which appears as Exhibit A to the Indenture), incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 3, 2007.
 
Exhibit 4.9 Guarantee Agreement
Dated June 29, 2007, between the Company, as Guarantor, and LaSalle Bank, as Guarantee Trustee, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 3, 2007.
 

31


Exhibit 4.10 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
Dated June 29, 2007, among the Company, as Sponsor, Dennis S. Hudson, III and William R. Hahl, as Administrators, and LaSalle Bank, as Institutional Trustee (including exhibits containing the related forms of the SBCF Statutory Trust III Common Securities Certificate and the Capital Securities Certificate), incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed July 3, 2007.

Exhibit 10.1 Amended and Restated Retirement Savings Plan*
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 15, 2011.
 
Exhibit 10.2 Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan*
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on DEF 14A, filed with the Commission on April 27, 2009.
 
Exhibit 10.3 Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form S-3 File No. 333-221822, filed on November 30, 2017.
 
Exhibit 10.4 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan*
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 30, 2001.
 
Exhibit 10.5 Change of Control Employment Agreement*
Dated December 24, 2003 between William R. Hahl and the Company, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed December 29, 2003.
 
Exhibit 10.6 Amended and Restated Directors Deferred Compensation Plan*
Incorporated herein to the Company’s Form 10-K filed March 14, 2016.
 
Exhibit 10.7 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan*
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit A to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A, filed March 18, 2008.

Exhibit 10.8 Form of 409A Amendment to Employment Agreement with William R. Hahl*
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed January 5, 2009.
 
Exhibit 10.9 2013 Incentive Plan
Incorporated herein by reference from Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A, filed April 9, 2013.
 
Exhibit 10.10 Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement with Daniel Chappell, Charles Cross, David Houdeshell, Jeffery D. Lee and Charles Shaffer*
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed November 3, 2014.
 
Exhibit 10.11 Employment Agreement*
Dated December 18, 2014 between Dennis S. Hudson, III and the Company, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed December 19, 2014.
 
Exhibit 10.12 Form of Change of Control Employment Agreement with Charles Cross, David Houdeshell and Charles Shaffer
Incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed September 23, 2016.
 
Exhibit 10.13 Amendment to Employment Agreement with Dennis S. Hudson, III
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed June 27, 2017.
 
Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of Registrant
 
Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32



Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 32.1** Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 111 the Emergency Economic Stability Act, as amended
 
Exhibit 32.2** Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Section 111 the Emergency Economic Stability Act, as amended

Exhibit 101 Interactive Data File
 
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
**
The certifications attached as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are “furnished” to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed “filed” by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
 
(b)Exhibits

The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted under item (a)(3) above.
 
(c)Financial Statement Schedules

None.
 
 
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
 
Not applicable.


33


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Dennis S. Hudson, III
 
 
Dennis S. Hudson, III
 
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: February 26, 2019
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
 
 
Date
 
 
 
/s/ Dennis S. Hudson, III
 
February 26, 2019
Dennis S. Hudson, III, Chairman of the Board,
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Charles M. Shaffer
 
February 26, 2019
Charles M. Shaffer, Executive Vice President and
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(principal financial and accounting officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Julie H. Daum
 
February 26, 2019
Julie H. Daum, Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jacqueline L. Bradley
 
February 26, 2019
Jacqueline L. Bradley, Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ H. Gilbert Culbreth, Jr.
 
February 26, 2019
H. Gilbert Culbreth, Jr, Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Christopher E. Fogal
 
February 26, 2019
Christopher E. Fogal, Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Maryann Goebel
 
February 26, 2019
Maryann Goebel, Director
 
 

34


/s/ Herbert Lurie
 
February 26, 2019
Herbert Lurie, Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Alvarro Monserrat
 
February 26, 2019
Alvaro Monserrat, Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Thomas E. Rossin
 
February 26, 2019
Thomas E. Rossin, Director
 
 


35


Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The purpose of this discussion and analysis is to aid in understanding significant changes in the financial condition of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) and their results of operations during 2018, 2017 and 2016. Nearly all of the Company’s operations are contained in its banking subsidiary, Seacoast Bank (“Seacoast Bank” or the “Bank”). This discussion and analysis is intended to highlight and supplement information presented elsewhere in the annual report on Form 10-K, particularly the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in Item 8. For purposes of the following discussion, the words the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the combined entities of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and its direct and indirect wholly owned subsidiaries.
 
Overview – Strategy and Results
 
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“Seacoast” or the “Company”), a financial holding company, incorporated in Florida in 1983, and registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), is one of the largest community banks in Florida with approximately $6.7 billion in assets and $5.2 billion in deposits as of December 31, 2018. The Company provides integrated financial services including commercial and retail banking, wealth management, and mortgage services to customers through advanced banking solutions, 51 traditional branches of its locally-branded wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Seacoast National Bank (“Seacoast Bank”), a national banking association, and seven commercial banking centers.
 
The Company’s offices stretch from Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach north through the Daytona Beach area, into Orlando and Central Florida, and the adjacent Tampa market as well as Okeechobee and surrounding counties.
 
Seacoast is executing a balanced growth strategy, combining both organic growth with strategic acquisitions in growing urban markets. The Company delivers integrated banking services, combining traditional retail locations with online and mobile technology and a convenient telephone banking center.
 
Seacoast has built a fully integrated distribution platform across all channels to provide our customers with the ability to choose their path of convenience to satisfy their banking needs, providing us an opportunity to reach our customers through a variety of sales channels. Non-teller transactions surpassed teller transactions during 2018, with 45% of checks now deposited outside the branch network, compared to 41% a year ago in December. This shift in customer preference is expected to continue, requiring our continued focus on building and enhancing our digitally integrated business model.
         
We believe our digital delivery and products are contributing to growing our franchise, primarily due to increases in debit card activation, direct deposit and mobile banking users. Personal and business mobile banking has grown from over 47,000 users at December 31, 2016, to over 62,000 users at December 31, 2017, to over 83,000 users at December 31, 2018, a 77% growth in two years. There were over 99,000 online banking customers at year-end 2018, increasing 19% from December 31, 2017.

The Company enhanced its footprint with the acquisitions of First Green Bancorp, Inc. ("First Green") in 2018, GulfShore Bancshares, Inc. ("GulfShore"), NorthStar Banking Corporation ("NorthStar") and Palm Beach Community Bank ("PBCB") in 2017, Floridian Financial Group, Inc. ("Floridian") and the Orlando banking operation of BMO Harris Bank, N.A. ("BMO") in 2016 (see “Note S – Business Combinations”). The acquisition of First Green continued our expansion in the Orlando, Daytona and Fort Lauderdale markets. During 2017, our acquisitions of GulfShore and NorthStar expanded the Seacoast franchise into the Tampa market. We look forward to significant opportunities in the fast-growing, business rich Tampa market. Our approach to the Tampa market uses lessons learned from our successful growth in the fast-growing Orlando marketplace following our acquisitions in 2016. We are now the largest Florida-based bank in Orlando and a top-10 bank in that market overall. The First Green, GulfShore, NorthStar, PBCB, Floridian and BMO transactions solidified our market share in the attractive Palm Beach and Central Florida markets, expanded our customer base and leveraged operating costs through economies of scale. All of these acquisitions not only increased our customer households, but opened markets and customer bases where our convenience offering resonates and were immediately accretive to earnings. In aggregate, our acquisitions over the past several years have added the following to our loans and deposits:


36


(In thousands)
 
Date of Acquisition
 
Acquired Loans
 
Acquired Deposits
First Green Bank(1)
 
October 19, 2018
 
$
631,497

 
$
624,289

Palm Beach Community Bank
 
November 3, 2017
 
270,318

 
268,633

NorthStar Bank(2)
 
October 20, 2017
 
136,832

 
182,443

GulfShore Bank(3)
 
April 7, 2017
 
250,876

 
285,350

BMO Harris(4)
 
June 3, 2016
 
62,671

 
314,248

Floridian Bank(5)
 
March 11, 2016
 
266,137

 
337,341

(1)Wholly-owned subsidiary of First Green Bancorp, Inc.
(2)Wholly-owned subsidiary of NorthStar Banking Corporation, Inc.
(3)Wholly-owned subsidiary of GulfShore BancShares, Inc.
(4)Orlando banking operations of BMO Harris Bank, N.A.
(5)Wholly-owned subsidiary of Floridian Financial Group, Inc.

The Company will likely continue to consider strategic acquisitions as part of the Company’s overall future growth plans. The Florida economy continues to amplify our success and the state of Florida remains an attractive market in which to live and work. We believe that there are many positive indications that Florida’s economy will continue to expand.
 
During 2018, we continued to focus on our technology investments, including the addition of a Chief Technology Officer to our executive team, investments in a fully digital loan origination platform across all business units, enhanced digital services including for mobile wire transfer approvals, same day ACH and card controls, and a continued push to move transactions from the branch market to digital. As of December 31, 2018, 53% of consumer deposit transactions originated through our digital channels, compared to 47% as of December 31, 2017.
 
Highlights of our performance in 2018 included:
 
•
An 11% year-over-year growth in revenue on a GAAP basis in excess of an 8% increase in noninterest expense on the same basis. A 19% year-over-year adjusted revenue growth during 2018, out pacing a 15% increase in adjusted noninterest expense over the corresponding period. Adjusted revenues and adjusted noninterest expense are non-GAAP measures (see pages 46-47, “Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in “Results of Operations,” and accompanying non-GAAP reconciliations to GAAP);

•
Diluted earnings per share of $1.38 for 2018, compared to $0.99 diluted earnings per share for 2017 on a GAAP basis. Achievement of our $1.62 adjusted diluted earnings per share goal for 2018, a non-GAAP measure (see pages 46-47, “Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in “Results of Operations,” and accompanying non-GAAP reconciliations to GAAP). This metric represented a 26% increase from the prior year, exiting 2018 on a strong upward trajectory and on a path to outperform peers;

•
Continued execution on the Company’s balanced growth strategy through the completion and successful integration of the acquisition of First Green on October 19, 2018, together with organic and acquisition-related revenue growth momentum and cost reductions, which drove continued growth through 2018;

•
Reduction in costs related to branch consolidations, with the addition of seven branches in 2018 from acquisition, offset by the consolidation of seven branches, ten branches added from acquisitions during 2017 offset by the successful consolidation of six branches, and the addition of 24 branches and the closure of 20 branches in 2016. Deposits per branch improved, with total deposits per banking center exceeding $101.5 million at December 31, 2018, up from $90.1 million one year earlier and $75.0 million at year-end 2016. We expect to continue consolidating our more expensive, traditional banking facilities, and related personnel costs, as digital and call center channels expand;

•
Continued discipline around controlling expenses, focused primarily on reducing overhead and streamlining our approach to our business and cost savings. These reductions have allowed us to re-deploy overhead to hiring on additional bankers in Tampa and South Florida and technology investments in 2018 and will continue to support growth and operating leverage into 2020; and

•
Continuation of the Company’s analytics-driven product marketing and service delivery combined with a favorable Florida economy that drove record loan production; total loans increased 26% compared to a year ago; excluding acquisitions, total loans were 10% higher year over year.


37



Results of Operations
 
Earnings Summary
 
The Company has steadily improved results over the past three years. Net income for 2018 totaled $67.3 million or $1.38 diluted earnings per share, compared to $42.9 million or $0.99 diluted earnings per share for 2017, and $29.2 million or $0.78 diluted earnings per share for 2016. Return on average assets (“ROA”) increased to 1.11% during 2018, and return on average equity (“ROE”) to 9.08% for the same period.
 
Adjusted net income(1) totaled $79.1 million and was $23.7 million or 43% higher year-over-year for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. In comparison, adjusted net income(1) increased $16.3 million or 42% during 2017, compared to 2016. Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) increased to $1.62 for 2018, compared to $1.28 for 2017 and $1.04 for 2016.

(1)See pages 46-47, "Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Net Interest Income and Margin

Net interest income (on a fully taxable equivalent basis) for 2018 totaled $212.0 million, increasing $35.0 million or 20%, as compared to 2017’s net interest income of $177.0 million, which increased by $36.5 million or 26% compared to 2016. The Company’s net interest margin increased 12 basis points to 3.85% during 2018 from 2017, and increased 10 basis points to 3.73% during 2017 from 2016.
 
Loan growth, balance sheet mix and yield/cost management have been the primary forces affecting net interest income and net interest margin results. Acquisitions have further accelerated these trends. Organic loan growth (excluding acquisitions) year-over-year was $376.3 million, or 10%. For 2018, the First Green acquisition added loans and deposits of $631.5 million and $624.3 million, respectively. For 2017, GulfShore loans and deposits added $250.9 million and $285.4 million, respectively, NorthStar loans and deposits added $136.8 million and $182.4 million, respectively, and PBCB loans and deposits added $270.3 million and $268.6 million, respectively. These acquisitions were contributors to net interest income improvement year-over-year for 2018 compared to 2017, and for 2017 compared to 2016. The same full-year income growth dynamic occurred in 2016 compared to 2015, with the acquisition of Floridian adding $266.1 million in loans, $67.0 million in securities and $337.3 million in deposits, and the purchase of investment securities ahead of the BMO acquisition, which added $62.7 million in loans and $314.2 million in deposits. We expect net interest income in 2019 will continue to benefit from the full year impact of the acquisition completed in the fourth quarter of 2018.
 
The increase in margin in 2018 compared to 2017 reflects significantly improved yields on investment securities, federal funds sold and other investments, and loans, up 27 basis points, 98 basis points and 23 basis points, respectively. Lower non-cash related loan accretion associated with acquisitions limited the increase in yield on loans to one basis point for 2017, compared to 2016, but yields on investment securities and federal funds sold and other investments were higher for 2017 compared to 2016, up 35 basis points and 118 basis points, respectively.
 
Table 2 presents the Company’s average balance sheets, interest income and expenses, and yields and rates, for the past three years.
 
The following table details the trend for net interest income and margin results (on a tax equivalent basis)(1), and yield on earning assets and rate on interest bearing liabilities.  
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Net Interest
Income(1)
 
Net Interest
Margin(1)
 
Yield on
Earning Assets(1)
 
Rate on Interest
Bearing Liabilities
Fourth quarter 2017
 
$
48,402

 
3.71
%
 
4.11
%
 
0.56
%
First quarter 2018
 
49,853

 
3.80

 
4.23

 
0.62

Second quarter 2018
 
50,294

 
3.77

 
4.25

 
0.71

Third quarter 2018
 
51,709

 
3.82

 
4.38

 
0.82

Fourth quarter 2018
 
60,100

 
4.00

 
4.67

 
0.97

 (1)On tax equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure. See pages 46-47, "Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

 

38


Total average loans increased $788.6 million or 24% during 2018 compared to 2017, and increased $739.0 million or 29% during 2017 compared to 2016. Our average investment securities decreased $14.9 million or 1% during 2018 versus 2017, and increased $144.9 million or 12% during 2017 compared to 2016.
 
For 2018, average loans (the highest yielding component of earning assets) as a percentage of average earning assets totaled 75%, compared to 70% for 2017 and 67% for 2016 while interest earning deposits and other investments decreased to 1%, compared to 2% in 2017 and 2% in 2016, reflecting the Company’s continuing efforts to reduce lower yielding excess liquidity. As average total loans as a percentage of earning assets increased, the mix of loans has remained fairly stable, with volumes related to commercial real estate representing 49% of total loans at December 31, 2018 (compared to 48% at December 31, 2017 and 50% at December 31, 2016). Residential loan balances with individuals (including home equity loans and lines, and personal construction loans) represented 31% of total loans at December 31, 2018 (versus 31% at December 31, 2017 and 32% at December 31, 2016) (see “Loan Portfolio”).
 
Commercial and commercial real estate loan production for 2018 totaled $552.9 million, compared to production for all of 2017 and 2016 of $482.7 million and $432.4 million, respectively. Consumer and small business originations reached $443.4 million during 2018, compared to $354.4 million during 2017 and $302.3 million during 2016. Closed residential loan production totaled $495.2 million for 2018 compared to production for all of 2017 and 2016 of $487.8 million and $403.4 million, respectively. A $19.5 million adjustable rate residential loan pool, with a weighted average yield of 4.15% and average FICO score of 775, was acquired during 2018 and included in residential loans retained. During 2017, an additional $43.0 million pool of whole loan adjustable rate residential mortgages with a weighted average yield of 3.2% and average FICO score of 751 was acquired and added to our portfolio, offset by $86.3 million in sales of two seasoned pools of portfolio residential mortgages. The sales during 2017 were deemed opportunities given the Treasury yield curve at the time, and to manage interest rate risk, adjust loan mix to permit growth in construction lending and to manage liquidity. During 2016, an additional $63.5 million of residential mortgage and $19.2 million of marine loan pools were purchased, and partially offset by $70.6 million in sales of seasoned pools of portfolio residential mortgages.
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Commercial/commercial real estate loan pipeline at year-end
 
$
164,064

 
$
118,930

 
$
88,814

Commercial/commercial real estate loans closed
 
552,878

 
482,705

 
432,438

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential loan pipeline at year-end
 
$
43,655

 
$
48,836

 
$
72,604

Residential loan originations retained
 
305,953

 
312,656

 
243,831

Residential loan originations sold(1)
 
189,235

 
261,458

 
230,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consumer and small business pipeline
 
$
53,453

 
$
38,790

 
$
45,936

Consumer and small business originations
 
443,406

 
354,383

 
302,317

 (1)Includes sales of previously retained seasoned production of $86.3 million for 2017 and $70.6 million for 2016.

Pipelines at year-end 2018 (loans in underwriting and approval or approved and not yet closed) reflect the robust Florida economy, while year-end 2017 pipelines reflected the lingering effects of the fall 2017 hurricanes. At December 31, 2018, pipelines were $164.1 million in commercial, $43.7 million in residential mortgages, and $53.5 million in consumer and small business. Commercial pipelines increased $45.1 million or 38%, over 2017, mortgage pipelines were $5.2 million or 11% lower compared to 2017, and consumer and small business pipelines increased from 2017 by $14.7 million, or 38%.
 
Loan production remains strong, supported by customer analytics and expansion of the banking teams, particularly in the Tampa, Orlando and South Florida MSAs. During the third quarter of 2018, we added senior leadership in Tampa with the hiring of the former President & CEO of SunTrust for the Tampa MSA. The addition of lending personnel from the First Green acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2018 is expected to provide growth in the Orlando and South Florida MSAs, prospectively. The GulfShore team added in the second quarter of 2017 supplemented the commercial pipeline and commercial loans closed during the third and fourth quarters of 2017, and the addition of NorthStar and PBCB during the fourth quarter of 2017 provided additional opportunities to further grow our balance sheet during 2018.
 
The average securities portfolio grew in size but was a smaller percentage of average earning assets, 24% for 2018 compared to 28% for 2017. However, careful portfolio management has resulted in increased securities yields. For 2018 our securities yielded 2.93%, up from 2.66% in 2017 and 2.31% in 2016.
 

39


For 2018, the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased 33 basis points to 0.79% from 2017. For 2017, this cost increased 15 basis points to 0.46% from 2016. The cost of our funding reflects the Company’s successful core deposit focus that produced strong growth in customer relationships over the past several years. Noninterest bearing demand deposits at December 31, 2018 represent 30.3% of total deposits, compared to 30.5% and 32.6% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The cost of average total deposits (including noninterest bearing demand deposits) for the fourth quarter of 2018 was 0.54%, compared to 0.29% and 0.15% for the fourth quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
The following table provides trend detail on the ending balance components of our customer relationship funding as of:
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Noninterest demand
 
$
1,569,602

 
$
1,400,227

 
$
1,148,309

Interest-bearing demand
 
1,014,032

 
1,050,755

 
873,727

Money market
 
1,173,950

 
931,458

 
802,697

Savings
 
493,807

 
434,346

 
346,662

Time certificates of deposit
 
925,849

 
775,934

 
351,850

Total deposits
 
$
5,177,240

 
$
4,592,720

 
$
3,523,245

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer sweep accounts
 
$
214,323

 
$
216,094

 
$
204,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total core customer funding(1)
 
$
4,465,714

 
$
4,032,880

 
$
3,375,597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest demand deposit mix
 
30.3
%
 
30.5
%
 
32.6
%
(1)Total deposits and customer sweep accounts, excluding time certificates of deposit.

The Company’s focus on convenience, with high quality customer service, expanded digital offerings and distribution channels provides stable, low cost core deposit funding for the Company. Over the past several years, the Company has strengthened its retail deposit franchise using new strategies and product offerings, while maintaining a focus on growing customer relationships. We believe that digital product offerings are central to core deposit growth as access via these distribution channels is required by customers. During 2018, 2017 and 2016, we have significantly grown our average transaction deposits (noninterest and interest bearing demand), with significant increases of $268.3 million or 12% in 2018, $370.8 million or 20% in 2017 and $379.3 million or 26% in 2016. Along with new relationships, our deposit programs and digital sales have improved our market share and deepened our relationships with existing customers.
 
Our growth in core deposits has also provided low funding costs. The Company’s deposit mix remains favorable, with 83% of average deposit balances comprised of savings, money market, and demand deposits in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Company’s average cost of deposits, including noninterest bearing demand deposits, was 0.43% for 2018, above 2017’s rate of 0.21% and 2016's rate of 0.14%, with higher interest rates and acquired deposits marginally increasing the Company’s cost of deposits. We believe this reflects the significant value of the deposit franchise, despite the increases of 22 basis points during 2018 and 7 basis points during 2017.
 
Short-term borrowings (principally comprised of sweep repurchase agreements with customers of Seacoast Bank) decreased $29.2 million or 17% to average $200.8 million during 2018, after decreasing $15.9 million or 8% to average $171.7 million for 2017, as compared to 2016. With balances typically peaking during the fourth and first quarters each year, public fund clients with larger balances have the most significant influence on average sweep repurchase agreement balances outstanding during the year. The average rate on customer repurchase accounts was 0.90% for 2018, compared to 0.45% and 0.26% for 2017 and 2016, respectively. No federal funds purchased were utilized at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
 
FHLB borrowings, all maturing within six months or less, totaled $380.0 million at December 31, 2018, with an average rate of 2.45% at year-end, compared to $211.0 million at December 31, 2017, maturing in 30 days or less (along with $7.0 million of FHLB borrowings acquired from PBCB maturing in 2018 and 2019), with an average rate of 1.39% at year-end. Advances from the FHLB of $50.0 million at a fixed rate of 3.22% to mature in late 2017 were redeemed early in April 2016 with an early redemption penalty of $1.8 million incurred. FHLB borrowings averaged $225.0 million for 2018, down from $377.4 million for 2017 but higher than $198.3 million for 2016 (see “Note I – Borrowings” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements).
 

40


For 2018, average subordinated debt of $70.7 million related to trust preferred securities issued by subsidiary trusts of the Company (including subordinated debt for Grand Bankshares, Inc. (“Grand”) and The BANKshares Inc. (“BANKshares”) assumed on July 17, 2015 and October 1, 2014, respectively) carried an average cost of 4.48%, up from 3.47% for 2017 and 2.94% for 2016 reflecting higher market interest rates as the subordinated debt cost is based on LIBOR plus a spread (see "Note I- Borrowings").
      
Fully taxable equivalent net interest income is a common term and measure used in the banking industry but is not a term used under GAAP. We believe that these presentations of tax-equivalent net interest income and tax equivalent net interest margin aid in the comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources over the periods presented. We further believe these non-GAAP measures enhance investors’ understanding of the Company’s business and performance, and facilitate an understanding of performance trends and comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. The limitations associated with these measures are the risk that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items comprising these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently, including as a result of using different assumed tax rates. These disclosures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP. The following information is provided to reconcile GAAP measures and tax equivalent net interest income and net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis.

 
 
Total
Year
 
Fourth
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
First
Quarter
 
Total
Year
 
Fourth
Quarter
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
2017
 
2017
Nontaxable interest adjustment
 
$
441

 
$
116

 
$
147

 
$
87

 
$
91

 
$
706

 
$
176

Tax rate
 
21
%
 
21
%
 
21
%
 
21
%
 
21
%
 
35
%
 
35
%
Net interest income (TE)
 
$
211,956

 
$
60,100

 
$
51,709

 
$
50,294

 
$
49,853

 
$
177,002

 
$
48,402

Total net interest income (not TE)
 
211,515

 
59,984

 
51,562

 
50,207

 
49,762

 
176,296

 
48,226

Net interest margin (TE)
 
3.85
%
 
4.00
%
 
3.82
%
 
3.77
%
 
3.80
%
 
3.73
%
 
3.71
%
Net interest margin (not TE)
 
3.84

 
3.99

 
3.81

 
3.76

 
3.79

 
3.72

 
3.70

 TE = Tax Equivalent, a non-GAAP measure.
 
Noninterest Income
 
Noninterest income (excluding securities losses and gains, and the gain on sale of Class B Visa stock) totaled $50.6 million for 2018, an increase of $7.4 million or 17%, compared to 2017. On the same basis, noninterest income totaled $43.2 million for 2017, an increase of $5.8 million or 16% compared to 2016. The gain on sale of Class B Visa stock totaled $15.2 million and was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Visa shares were purchased early in 2017. Noninterest income accounted for 19% of total revenue in 2018 (net interest income plus noninterest income, excluding securities losses and gains, and the gain on sale of Class B Visa stock), compared to 20% in 2017 and 21% for 2016 (on the same basis). Results for the year ended December 31, 2018, reflect growth in deposits and increased customer engagement, resulting in revenue improvement in nearly every category. Analytics driven product marketing and service delivery, combined with organic and acquisition-related growth, were primary factors contributing to the growth in noninterest income during 2018, 2017 and 2016.
 
Table 4 provides detail regarding noninterest income components for the past three years.
 
For 2018, most categories of service fee income showed strong year over year growth compared to 2017, with service charges on deposit accounts increasing $1.1 million or 11% to $11.2 million, interchange income up $1.8 million or 17% to $12.3 million, while other deposit based EFT charges were generally flat year over year. These increases reflect continued strength in customer acquisition and cross sell and benefits from acquisition activity. Overdraft fees represent 55% of total service charges on deposits for 2018, versus 57% for 2017 and 60% for 2016. Overdraft fees totaled $6.2 million during 2018, increasing $0.5 million from 2017, after decreasing $0.1 million during 2017 from 2016. The decrease for 2017 was, in part, due to third quarter 2017’s post-hurricane Irma accommodations for customers including waivers of fees where circumstances were appropriate. Regulators continue to review the banking industry’s practices for overdraft programs and additional regulation could reduce fee income for the Company’s overdraft services.

Interchange revenue is dependent upon business volumes transacted, as well as the fees permitted by VISA® and MasterCard®. For 2018, 2017 and 2016, this revenue totaled $12.3 million, $10.6 million and $9.2 million, respectively, with steady increases year over year of 17% and 15%, respectively.


41


Wealth management, including brokerage commissions and fees, and trust income, increased during 2018 by $0.9 million or 17%. Growth in trust revenues of $0.5 million or 13% and an increase in the Company’s brokerage fees of $0.4 million is the result of a growing sales and support team, industry leading products including digital tools, and the benefit of direct referrals from the branches and lending network. Our wealth management team added nearly $100 million in new assets under management during the year ended December 31, 2018. While trust income was higher in 2017 compared to 2016 by $0.3 million or 8%, the result was entirely offset by a decline in brokerage fees of $0.7 million, compared to 2016, reflecting our shift to fee-based accounts and an investment management model in 2017. We fully expect wealth management revenues to continue to grow over time.
 
Mortgage production was lower during 2018 (see “Loan Portfolio”), with mortgage banking activity generating fees of $4.7 million, which were $1.8 million or 27% lower compared to 2017. The opposite was true for 2017 compared to 2016, when fees increased $0.6 million or 10%. Fee income opportunities were more limited during 2018, in part, as a result of higher interest rates, shifting consumer demand to construction products, and low inventory levels of homes for sale. Also, during 2017, two pools of seasoned portfolio mortgages were sold, generating incremental gains of $1.3 million. During 2016, two pools of seasoned portfolio mortgages were sold as well, generating additional gains of $0.9 million. Originated residential mortgage loans are processed by commissioned employees of Seacoast, with many mortgage loans referred by the Company’s branch personnel.
 
Marine lending originations sold were higher in both 2018 and 2017. Continued strong demand for marine vessel financing and a larger portion of originations being sold were primary contributors to the improvement year over year for 2018 compared to 2017, and 2017 compared to 2016. Fees from marine financing grew $0.5 million or 54% from 2017 levels and $0.2 million or 35% from 2016 levels. In addition to our principal marine lending office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, we continue to use third party independent contractors in Texas and on the West coast of the United States to assist in generating marine loans.
 
During 2018, BOLI income was significantly higher, totaling $4.3 million, up $0.9 million or 25% from 2017, and for 2017 up $1.2 million or 55% from 2016. An additional purchase of $30.0 million of BOLI in the third quarter of 2017 and a purchase in the fourth quarter of 2016 were contributing factors. At December 31, 2018, the BOLI asset totaled $123.4 million.
 
Other income was $4.1 million or 60% higher for 2018 compared to 2017, with incremental fees by our Small Business Administration ("SBA") lending team of $2.5 million, $1.5 million from Small Business Investment Company ("SBIC") related revenue, and $0.5 million for swap related income with loan customers. A general increase in other fee categories also occurred year over year for 2018, the result of pricing increases implemented across the franchise on a number of services offered.

For 2017, other income was $2.5 million or 57% higher compared to 2016. Additional fees include $0.8 million for swap related income with loan customers, $0.5 million for secondary market activities with the SBA, $0.2 million from SBIC related revenue, $0.2 million for check cashing fees, $0.1 million for wire transfer activity, $0.1 million for credit card related fees, and $0.1 million for income generated by factoring fees related to asset-based lending.
    
Noninterest Expense
 
Table 5 provides detail of noninterest expense components for the years ending December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
 
Seacoast management expects its efficiency ratios to improve in 2019. The Company expects its digital servicing capabilities and technology to support better, more efficient channel integration allowing consumers to choose their path of convenience to satisfy their banking needs, resulting in organic growth of our products and services as well as related revenue, in addition to increased efficiency in how we serve our customers. Acquisition activity added to noninterest expenses with acquisition related costs for First Green in 2018, GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB in 2017, Floridian and BMO in 2016 of approximately $9.7 million, $12.9 million and $9.0 million, respectively, as well as ongoing costs related to this growth. In 2018, the Company consolidated seven branches in conjunction with the acquisition of First Green and in alignment with our Vision 2020 objective of reducing our footprint to meet the evolving demands of our customers, and we announced an additional legacy banking center consolidation to occur by mid-2019. Our investments in 2018 launched a number of new enhancements, resulting in even greater digital access for our customers, and providing improvements in productivity for our customers in their daily lives. For 2019, we are targeting $7.0 million of expense reduction, which will be reinvested to expand the number of bankers in Tampa and South Florida, install a fully digital loan origination platform, and develop digital direct fulfillment for small business lending. We expect these investments to support growth and greater operating leverage in 2020 and beyond. At year-end 2018, we had initiated 70% of the 2019 expense reductions resulting in a $0.4 million one-time expense in the fourth quarter of 2018.
 
For 2018, our efficiency ratio, defined as noninterest expense less foreclosed property expense and amortization of intangibles divided by net operating revenue (net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis plus noninterest income excluding securities gains and the gain on sale of Visa stock in 2017) was 60.0% compared to 66.7% for 2017 and 72.1% for 2016. Adjusted noninterest expense (a non-GAAP measure, see table below for a reconciliation to noninterest expense, the most comparable GAAP number)

42


was $147.7 million for 2018, compared to $129.0 million for 2017 and $114.2 million for 2016. Noninterest expense includes the addition during the fourth quarter of 2018 and the second and fourth quarters of 2017 of personnel and expenses associated with our acquisitions. The adjusted efficiency ratio1 for the past three years steadily improved over the course of each year, from 64.6% in 2016, to 58.7% in 2017, and to 56.1% for 2018. For 2018, an adjusted efficiency ratio(1) of 57.0% during the first quarter declined to 54.2% during the the fourth quarter of 2018.
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Noninterest expense, as reported
 
$
162,273

 
$
149,916

 
$
130,881

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merger related charges
 
9,681

 
12,922

 
9,028

Amortization of intangibles
 
4,300

 
3,360

 
2,486

Branch reductions and other expense initiatives
 
587

 
4,321

 
3,357

Business continuity expenses for Hurricane Irma
 
—

 
352

 
—

Early redemption cost for FHLB advances
 
—

 
—

 
1,777

Total adjustments
 
14,568

 
20,955

 
16,648

Adjusted noninterest expense(1)
 
$
147,705

 
$
128,961

 
$
114,233

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted efficiency ratio(1)(2)
 
56.1
%
 
58.7
%
 
64.6
%
(1)See pages 46-47, "Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
(2)Adjusted efficiency ratio is defined as noninterest expense, including adjustments to noninterest expense (see pages 46-47) divided by aggregated tax equivalent net interest income (see pages 41) and noninterest income, including adjustments to revenue (see pages 46-47).
  
Salaries and wages totaling $71.1 million were $5.4 million or 8% higher for 2018 than for 2017. Base salaries were $7.4 million or 14% higher during 2018, reflecting the full-year impact of additional personnel retained as part of second quarter 2017’s purchase of GulfShore, fourth quarter 2017’s acquisitions of NorthStar and PBCB, and fourth quarter 2018's purchase of First Green. Improved revenue generation and lending production, among other factors, resulted in commissions, cash and stock incentives (aggregated) that were $4.1 million higher for 2018, compared to 2017. Temporary services and severance costs increased $0.1 million and decreased $2.2 million, respectively, in 2018. Deferred loan origination costs (a contra expense), increased $3.9 million, reflecting the greater number of loans produced during 2018.
 
Similarly, salaries and wages for 2017 were $11.6 million or 21% higher than for 2016. A significant portion of the increase was for base salaries that were $6.9 million or 15% greater, reflecting the full-year impact of first quarter 2016's acquisition of Floridian, second quarter 2016's purchase of BMO's Orlando operations, second quarter 2017's purchase of GulfShore, and fourth quarter 2017's acquisitions of NorthStar and PBCB. Commissions, cash and stock incentives (aggregated) were $3.5 million higher for 2017 compared to 2016. Temporary services and severance costs increased $1.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively, in 2017. Deferred loan origination costs increased by $1.7 million, reflecting a greater number of loans produced during 2017 than in 2016.
 
During 2018, employee benefits costs (group health insurance, defined contribution plan, payroll taxes, as well as unemployment compensation) increased $1.2 million or 10% to $12.9 million from 2017, and compared to a $1.8 million or 18% increase in 2017, versus 2016 expenditures. These costs reflect the increased staffing and salary costs, discussed above. Our self funded health care plan comprises the largest portion of employee benefits, totaling $6.0 million for 2018, and payroll taxes totaling $4.7 million was the second largest category. The Company offers competitively priced health coverage to all of its associates that qualify for benefits, to attract the best professional talent to the Company, at a reasonable cost and competitive with other businesses in the Florida markets where we conduct business.

Seacoast Bank utilizes third parties for its core data processing systems and outsourced data processing costs are directly related to the number of transactions processed. Outsourced data processing costs totaled $16.4 million for 2018, an increase of $2.3 million or 16% from 2017, and were $0.6 million higher for 2017 versus 2016. Data processing costs include one-time charges for conversion activity related to our acquisitions. We continue to improve and enhance our mobile and other digital products and services through our core data processor, which may increase our outsourced data processing costs as customers adopt improvements and products and as the Company’s business volumes grow.
 
Telephone and data line expenditures, including electronic communications with customers and between branch locations and personnel, as well as our third party data processors, increased $0.2 million or 8% to $2.5 million for 2018 when compared to 2017, and were $0.2 million or 9% higher in 2017 compared to 2016. Additional activity for acquired First Green locations in

43


2018 and GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB locations in 2017, and locations closed during 2018 and 2017, as well as additional customers from the acquisitions, were the primary contributors to the increases in telephone and data line expenses for each year.
 
Total occupancy, furniture and equipment expense for 2018 increased $0.8 million or 4% (on an aggregate basis) to $20.1 million year over year. For 2017, these costs were $1.5 million or 8% higher than in 2016. For 2017, the increases were primarily driven by the 10 offices acquired from GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions. Seacoast Bank consolidated 7 offices and 6 offices, respectively, during the 2018 and 2017 calendar years. Lease payments were higher by $0.8 million or 15% and $0.5 million or 9% for 2018 and 2017, respectively, and include recurring payments for many of the closed offices. Depreciation was also $0.7 million or 13% greater for 2018 than 2017. Write downs totaling $1.2 million were incurred for 2018, compared to $2.3 million expended during both 2017 and 2016 for closed offices. We believe branches are still valuable to our customers for more complex transactions, but simple tasks, such as depositing and withdrawing funds, are rapidly migrating to a digital world. Our goal at the beginning of 2017 was to close 20% of our locations over the next 24 to 36 months. Some of the operational expense savings has and will be invested into technology and talent to deliver products and services in more convenient ways. We anticipate that branch consolidations will continue for the Company and the banking industry in general (see “Item 2, Properties” for a complete description of our banking offices).
 
For 2018, marketing expenses (including sales promotion costs, ad agency production and printing costs, digital, newspaper, TV and radio advertising, and other public relations costs) increased by $0.3 million or 6% to $5.1 million, compared to 2017. For 2017, these costs were $1.2 million or 32% higher, versus 2016. Incremental use of outdoor media, digital media and direct mail to connect and solidify customer acquisition and corporate brand awareness within the Orlando and new Tampa footprint contributed to the increases in 2018 and 2017.
 
Legal and professional fees for 2018 were lower by $1.1 million or 10% from 2017, and were $1.4 million higher for 2017 versus 2016. Included were acquisition related fees that totaled $2.1 million for 2018, $1.9 million for 2017, and $1.5 million for 2016. Regulatory examination fees increased as total assets increased (the basis for examination fee calculation).

Growth in total assets (both organic and through acquisitions) increased the basis for calculating our FDIC premiums. The Company’s total assets and equity have increased during the past three years and Seacoast expects increases prospectively. Improved earnings and asset quality have favorably affected the rate paid by Seacoast. Also, the FDIC rates declined for financial institutions under $10 billion in total assets during 2016 as FDIC insurance pools achieved higher amounts specified by the U.S. Congress. FDIC assessments were $2.2 million, $2.3 million and $2.4 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
As nonperforming assets have declined so have associated costs (see “Nonperforming Loans, Troubled Debt Restructurings, Other Real Estate Owned, and Credit Quality”). For the last three years, asset disposition costs and net (gains) losses on other real estate owned and repossessed assets on an aggregated basis have been stable, from zero for 2016 to a gain of $0.3 million for 2017 to a loss of $0.5 million for 2018.    
 
Other expenses were higher by $1.7 million or 11% for 2018 compared to 2017, totaling $17.2 million. For 2017, other expenses were $2.0 million or 15% higher, compared to 2016. For 2018, larger increases in other expenses included: loan servicing costs and dealer fees for lending (each up by $0.4 million from 2017), and director fees and SBA expenses (each rising $0.2 million from 2017). Contributing to the $2.0 million increase for 2017 were the following: miscellaneous losses and charge-offs (up $0.4 million from 2016), travel related expenses (up $0.4 million), bank meetings costs (rising $0.2 million compared to 2016), robberies (rising $0.1 million from 2016), director fees (higher by $0.1 million), employee placement fees (increasing $0.1 million), and armored car services (higher by $0.1 million).

Income Taxes
 
For 2018, 2017 and 2016, provision for income taxes totaled $20.3 million, and $36.3 million and $14.9 million, respectively. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Reform Act"), enacted by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President of the United States on December 22, 2017, had a significant impact on our deferred tax position and provision for taxes at year-end 2017. The new legislation resulted in additional provisioning of $8.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2017.
 
While various tax strategies have been implemented to reduce the Company’s overall effective tax rate, the reduction in provisioning for taxes benefited from the enactment of the Tax Reform Act, resulting in a rate of 23.1% for 2018, a decrease from 45.9% in 2017 and 33.8% in 2016. Without the additional provision from the legislation, the effective rate for 2017 was 35.1%. For 2018, 2017 and 2016, a portion of investment banking fees, and legal and professional fees expended and related to bank acquisitions were not deductible for tax purposes. Additionally, changes in ASC Topic 718 -- Compensation-Stock Compensation, adopted in the third quarter of 2016, provided a tax benefit of $1.1 million, $1.1 million, and $0.8 million for 2018, 2017 and

44


2016, respectively. Taxes for 2018 also included taxes and penalties of $0.5 million on the redemption of First Green BOLI policies in the fourth quarter.
 
Management believes all of the future tax benefits of the Company’s deferred tax assets can be realized and no valuation allowance is required (see “Note L – Income Taxes”).

Fourth Quarter Review
 
Earnings highlights for the fourth quarter 2018:
 
•
Net income totaled $16.0 million, an increase of $2.9 million or 22% from the fourth quarter of 2017, and a decline of $0.4 million or 2% compared with third quarter 2018 levels. Adjusted net income(1) increased $6.6 million or 38% from fourth quarter 2017 levels and $6.3 million or 36% from third quarter 2018. Diluted earnings per common share (“EPS”) were $0.31 and adjusted diluted EPS(1) were $0.47 in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to diluted EPS of $0.28 and adjusted diluted EPS(1) of $0.37 in the fourth quarter of 2017; and
•
Revenues decreased $2.2 million or 3% from fourth quarter 2017 levels, primarily due to the $15.2 million gain realized on the sale of Visa Class B stock in fourth quarter of 2017. Net interest income improved $11.8 million or 24% compared to fourth quarter 2017, due to organic growth and impact of the acquisitions settled during the fourth quarter of both 2018 and 2017.
(1) See pages 46-47, "Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures."
 
Net interest income (on a tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure) for the fourth quarter 2018 totaled $60.1 million, a $11.7 million or 24% increase from the fourth quarter 2017 and $8.4 million or 16% higher than third quarter 2018. Net interest margin (on a tax-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure) increased to 4.00%, a 29 basis point increase from 2017, and 18 basis points higher than third quarter 2018. Year-over-year net interest income growth was amplified by the acquisition of First Green. The margin increase year over year reflects increased loan and securities yields, reflecting the rising interest rate environment, and improved balance sheet mix. Linked quarter results reflect higher rates on deposits and higher loan accretion associated with the acquisition of First Green.
 
Noninterest income (excluding securities losses and gains and gain on sale of Class B Visa stock) totaled $13.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2018, an increase of $1.8 million or 15% from fourth quarter 2017 and compared to $12.3 million in the third quarter 2018. Service charges on deposits, interchange income and other income increased the most year-over-year, increasing $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Service charges on deposits and interchange income reflect continued growth and benefits from our acquisition activity, including the First Green, NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2018 and 2017. Other income benefited from increased SBA fee income, a BOLI payout, increased SBIC investment income, and higher other miscellaneous related fees associated with the acquisition of First Green. Partially offsetting, mortgage banking fees declined $0.7 million for the fourth quarter, year over year, the result of continued tight inventory levels and increasing customer demand for new home construction.

Noninterest expenses for the fourth quarter 2018 totaled $49.5 million, up 26% from 2017 and 32% higher than third quarter 2018. Of the $10.3 million increase year-over-year for fourth quarter 2018, salaries, wages and employee benefits increased $6.7 million, outsourced data processing grew $1.6 million, and occupancy and furniture and equipment costs (aggregated) were $1.1 million higher. The acquisitions of First Green, NorthStar and PBCB were the primary cause, although for 2018, the number of branch offices remained flat compared to year-end 2017. Fourth quarter 2018 expense also reflected merger related charges of $8.0 million from the First Green acquisition, including related severance. The most significant factor impacting the fourth quarter 2017’s noninterest expense was also merger related charges, totaling $6.8 million from acquisitions, and including related severance.
 
A provision for loan losses of $2.3 million was recorded in both fourth quarters for 2018 and 2017, respectively. Third quarter 2018’s provision for loan losses totaled $5.8 million, including an increase in provisioning of $3.1 million for a single impaired commercial real estate loan, subsequently charged off in the fourth quarter of 2018. Our fourth quarter 2017 provisioning reflects the effect of higher charge-offs, including a $0.6 million charge-off related to one customer whose business exporting to the Caribbean was significantly impacted by the hurricanes of 2017. For the fourth quarter of 2018, net charge-offs totaled $3.7 million, compared to $1.3 million for fourth quarter 2017.The allowance for loan losses to portfolio loans outstanding ratio at December 31, 2018 was 0.67%, compared to 0.71% a year earlier, and the coverage ratio (the allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans) was 122.5% at December 31, 2018 compared to 138.9% at December 31, 2017, reflecting improvement in credit quality.
 

45


Update on Vision 2020
 
Our Vision 2020 objectives were introduced at our investor day in early 2017. These targets are reiterated below. We feel confident in our ability to achieve these objectives.
 
 
Vision 2020 Targets
Year-End 2018(1)
Return on Tangible Assets
 
1.30%+
1.49%
Return on Tangible Common Equity
 
16%+
15.44%
Efficiency Ratio
 
Below 50%
54.19%
(1)Annualized fourth quarter 2018 results. See below for "Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Explanation of Certain Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
This report contains financial information determined by methods other than Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), including adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, tax equivalent net interest income and margin, and adjusted noninterest expense and adjusted efficiency ratios. The most directly comparable GAAP measures are net income, earnings per share, net interest income, net interest margin, noninterest expense, and efficiency ratios. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance and believes these presentations provide useful supplemental information, and a clearer understanding of the Company’s performance. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures enhance investors’ understanding of the Company’s business and performance and if not provided would be requested by the investor community. These measures are also useful in understanding performance trends and facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. The limitations associated with operating measures are the risk that persons might disagree as to the appropriateness of items comprising these measures and that different companies might calculate these measures differently. The Company provides reconciliations between GAAP and these non-GAAP measures. These disclosures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP.

The tables below provide reconciliation between GAAP net income and adjusted net income.
 
 
 
Quarters
 
 
 
 
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
 
Total
(In thousands except per share data)
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
2018
 
Year
Net income, as reported:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
15,962

 
$
16,322

 
$
16,964

 
$
18,027

 
$
67,275

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.31

 
$
0.34

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.38

 
$
1.38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
15,962

 
$
16,322

 
$
16,964

 
$
18,027

 
$
67,275

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


BOLI benefits on death (included in other income)
 
$
(280
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(280
)
Securities losses
 
425

 
48

 
48

 
102

 
623

Total adjustments to revenue
 
145

 
48

 
48

 
102

 
343

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Merger related charges
 
8,034

 
482

 
695

 
470

 
9,681

Amortization of intangibles
 
1,303

 
1,004

 
1,004

 
989

 
4,300

Branch reductions and other expense initiatives
 
587

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
587

Total adjustments to noninterest expense
 
9,924

 
1,486

 
1,699

 
1,459

 
14,568

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax effect of adjustments
 
(2,623
)
 
(230
)
 
(443
)
 
(538
)
 
(3,834
)
Taxes and tax penalties on acquisition-related BOLI redemption
 
485

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
485

Effect of change in corporate tax rate
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
248

 
248

Adjusted net income
 
$
23,893

 
$
17,626

 
$
18,268

 
$
19,298

 
$
79,085

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.47

 
$
0.37

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.40

 
$
1.62


46


 
 
Quarters
 
 
 
 
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
 
Total
(In thousands except per share data)
 
2017
 
2017
 
2017
 
2017
 
Year
Net income, as reported:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
13,047

 
$
14,216

 
$
7,676

 
$
7,926

 
$
42,865

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
13,047

 
$
14,216

 
$
7,676

 
$
7,926

 
$
42,865

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of VISA stock
 
(15,153
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(15,153
)
Securities (gains) losses
 
(112
)
 
47

 
(21
)
 
—

 
(86
)
Total adjustments to revenue
 
(15,265
)
 
47

 
(21
)
 
—

 
(15,239
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merger related charges
 
6,817

 
491

 
5,081

 
533

 
12,922

Amortization of intangibles
 
963

 
839

 
839

 
719

 
3,360

Business continuity expenses - Hurricane Irma
 
—

 
352

 
—

 
—

 
352

Branch reductions and other expense initiatives(1)
 
—

 
(127
)
 
1,876

 
2,572

 
4,321

Total adjustments to noninterest expense
 
7,780

 
1,555

 
7,796

 
3,824

 
20,955

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax effect of adjustments
 
3,147

 
(673
)
 
(2,786
)
 
(1,480
)
 
(1,792
)
Effect of change in corporate tax rate
 
8,552

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
8,552

Adjusted net income
 
$
17,261

 
$
15,145

 
$
12,665

 
$
10,270

 
$
55,341

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.37

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.26

 
$
1.28

(1)Includes severance, contract termination costs, disposition of branch, premises and fixed assets, and other costs to effect our branch consolidation and other expense reduction strategies.
 
 
Quarters
 
 
 
 
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
 
Total
(In thousands except per share data)
 
2016
 
2016
 
2016
 
2016
 
Year
Net income, as reported:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
10,771

 
$
9,133

 
$
5,332

 
$
3,966

 
$
29,202

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.28

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.14

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted net income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Net income
 
$
10,771

 
$
9,133

 
$
5,332

 
$
3,966

 
$
29,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities gains
 
(7
)
 
(225
)
 
(47
)
 
(89
)
 
(368
)
BOLI benefits on death (included in other income)
 
0

 
0

 
0

 
(464
)
 
(464
)
Total adjustments to revenue
 
(7
)
 
(225
)
 
(47
)
 
(553
)
 
(832
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merger related charges
 
561

 
1,699

 
2,446

 
4,322

 
9,028

Amortization of intangibles
 
719

 
728

 
593

 
446

 
2,486

Branch reductions and other expense initiatives(1)
 
163

 
894

 
1,587

 
713

 
3,357

Early redemption cost for FHLB advances
 
—

 
—

 
1,777

 
—

 
1,777

Total adjustments to noninterest expense
 
1,443

 
3,321

 
6,403

 
5,481

 
16,648

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax effect of adjustments
 
(404
)
 
(1,168
)
 
(2,532
)
 
(1,845
)
 
(5,949
)
Adjusted net income
 
$
11,803

 
$
11,061

 
$
9,156

 
$
7,049

 
$
39,069

Adjusted diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.31

 
$
0.29

 
$
0.24

 
$
0.20

 
$
1.04

(1)Includes severance, contract termination costs, disposition of branch, premises and fixed assets, and other costs to effect our branch consolidation and other expense reduction strategies.


47


Financial Condition
 
Total assets increased $0.9 billion or 16% year-over-year to $6.7 billion at December 31, 2018, and $1.1 billion or 24% year-over-year to $5.8 billion in 2017. Growth highlights were our acquisitions: First Green which closed October 19, 2018, GulfShore which closed April 7, 2017, NorthStar which closed October 20, 2017, and PBCB which closed November 3, 2017, expanding our presence in Central Florida, Tampa, and Palm Beach (particularly in the greater Tampa and Orlando markets), and increasing total assets by $817.4 million, $357.6 million, $216.3 million, and $357.0 million, respectively, along with organic growth.  

Securities
 
Information related to yields, maturities, carrying values and fair value of the Company’s securities is set forth in Tables 13-16 and “Note D – Securities” of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
At December 31, 2018, the Company had no trading securities, $865.8 million in securities available for sale, and $357.9 million in securities held to maturity. The Company's total debt securities portfolio decreased $142.5 million or 10% from December 31, 2017. Given the current interest rate environment, the securities portfolio is being used as a liquidity source to fund loan growth. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, debt security purchases aggregated to $72.5 million, and were less than maturities (principally pay-downs) over the same period. Debt security purchases during the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2017 totaled $43.1 million, $212.9 million, $35.4 million and $220.1 million, respectively. Funding for investments in 2017 was derived from liquidity, both legacy and that acquired in mergers, and increases in funding from our core customer deposit base and FHLB borrowings.

During 2018, proceeds from the sales of lower yielding securities totaled $31.7 million (including net losses of $0.5 million). In comparison, proceeds from the sales of securities totaled $235.6 million (with net gains of $0.1 million) for 2017 and $40.4 million (including net gains of $0.4 million) for 2016. Management believes the securities sold had minimal opportunity to further increase in value.
 
Securities are generally acquired which return principal monthly. During 2018, maturities (primarily pay-downs of $198.0 million) totaled $199.5 million. During 2017, maturities (primarily pay-downs of $294.1 million) totaled $297.6 million and for 2016, maturities (primarily pay-downs of $175.1 million) totaled $176.6 million. The modified duration of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2018 was 4.8 years, compared to 4.4 years at December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2018, available for sale securities had gross unrealized losses of $18.3 million and gross unrealized gains of $1.3 million, compared to gross unrealized losses of $8.5 million and gross unrealized gains of $4.2 million at December 31, 2017. All of the securities with unrealized losses are reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment at least quarterly. As a result of these reviews it was determined that the securities were not other than temporarily impaired (see additional discussion under “Other Fair Value Measurements” and “Other than Temporary Impairment of Securities” in “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”).
 
Company management considers the overall quality of the securities portfolio to be high. The Company has no exposure to securities with subprime collateral. The Company does not have an investment position in trust preferred securities.
 
The credit quality of the Company’s securities holdings are primarily investment grade. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s investment securities, except for $39.4 million of securities issued by states and their political subdivisions, generally are traded in liquid markets. U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government agency obligations totaled $865.7 million, or 71% of the total portfolio. The portfolio also includes $77.3 million in private label securities, most secured by residential real estate collateral originated in 2005 or prior years with low loan to values, and current FICO scores above 700. Generally these securities have credit support exceeding 5%. The collateral underlying these mortgage investments are primarily 30- and 15-year fixed rate, 5/1 and 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage loans. Historically, the mortgage loans serving as collateral for those investments have had minimal foreclosures and losses. The Company also has invested $241.4 million in uncapped 3-month LIBOR floating rate collateralized loan obligations. Collateralized loan obligations are special purpose vehicles that purchase 1st lien sub-investment grade corporate loans while providing support to senior tranche investors. As of December 31, 2018, the Company held 84% in AAA/AA tranches and 16% in A rated tranches with average credit support of 33% and 19%, respectively. The Company performs routine stress testing on these securities to assess both structure and collateral.
 

48


Loans
 
Total loans (net of unearned income and excluding the allowance for loan losses) were $4.8 billion at December 31, 2018, $1.0 billion or 26% more than at December 31, 2017, and were $3.8 billion at December 31, 2017, $0.9 billion or 33% more than at December 31, 2016. Loan production of $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion was retained in the loan portfolio during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Seacoast generated loan growth across all business lines for 2018 and 2017. For 2018, $552.9 million in commercial and commercial real estate loans were originated compared to $482.7 million for 2017. Our loan pipeline for commercial and commercial real estate loans totaled $164.1 million at December 31, 2018, versus $118.9 million at December 31, 2017. The Company also closed $495.2 million in residential loans during 2018, compared to $574.1 million in 2017. The residential loan pipeline at December 31, 2018 totaled $43.7 million, versus $48.8 million at December 31, 2017. Consumer and small business originations totaled $443.4 million during 2018, compared to $354.4 million during 2017, and the pipeline for these loans totaled $53.5 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $38.8 million at a year ago at December 31, 2017.

Successful acquisition activity has further supplemented loan growth. The First Green acquisition in 2018, and GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions in 2017, contributed $631.5 million, $250.9 million, $136.8 million, and $270.3 million, respectively. During the third quarter of 2018, a $19.5 million pool of whole loan fixed rate mortgages with a weighted average yield of 4.15% and average FICO score of 775 was acquired and added to the portfolio. During the first quarter of 2017, we purchased a whole loan adjustable rate mortgage pool of $43.0 million with a weighted average yield of 3.20% and average FICO score of 751. Also in 2017, the Company sold two seasoned mortgage loan pools totaling $86.3 million ($58.0 million in the third quarter of 2017 and $28.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017). The mortgage pools sold were believed to have reached their peak in market value and resulted in gains of $1.3 million during 2017. An $11.0 million Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan pool acquired in 2017 had a weighted average yield of 3.00% at acquisition and was zero risk weighted for capital calculations. Success in commercial lending through continued investment in our business bankers has increased loan growth. Analytics and digital marketing have further fueled loan growth in the consumer and small business channels.

We will continue to expand our business banking teams, adding new, seasoned, commercial loan officers where market opportunities arise, and improving service through electronic and digital means. We believe that achieving our loan growth objectives, together with the prudent management of credit risk will provide us with the potential to make further, meaningful improvements to our earnings in 2019.
 
Our strong growth is accompanied by sound risk management procedures. Our lending policies contain numerous guardrails that pertain to lending by type of collateral and purpose, along with limits regarding loan concentrations and the dollar amount (size) of loans. Our exposure to commercial real estate lending is significantly below regulatory limits (see “Loan Concentrations”).
 
Table 7 shows total loans (net of unearned income) for commercial and residential real estate, commercial and financial and consumer loans outstanding for the last five years.
 
The following table details loan portfolio composition at December 31, 2018 and 2017 for portfolio loans, purchased credit impaired loans (“PCI”), and purchased unimpaired loans (“PUL”) as defined in Note E-Loans.
 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Portfolio Loans
 
PCI Loans
 
PULs
 
Total
Construction and land development
 
$
301,473

 
$
151

 
$
141,944

 
$
443,568

Commercial real estate(1)
 
1,437,989

 
10,828

 
683,249

 
2,132,066

Residential real estate
 
1,055,525

 
2,718

 
266,134

 
1,324,377

Commercial and financial
 
603,057

 
737

 
118,528

 
722,322

Consumer
 
190,207

 
—

 
12,674

 
202,881

Net Loan Balances(2)
 
$
3,588,251

 
$
14,434

 
$
1,222,529

 
$
4,825,214

 

49


 
 
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Portfolio Loans
 
PCI Loans
 
PULs
 
Total
Construction and land development
 
$
215,315

 
$
1,121

 
$
126,689

 
$
343,125

Commercial real estate(1)
 
1,170,618

 
9,776

 
459,598

 
1,639,992

Residential real estate
 
845,420

 
5,626

 
187,764

 
1,038,810

Commercial and financial
 
512,430

 
894

 
92,690

 
606,014

Consumer
 
178,826

 
—

 
10,610

 
189,436

Net Loan Balances(2)
 
$
2,922,609

 
$
17,417

 
$
877,351

 
$
3,817,377

 (1)Commercial real estate includes owner-occupied balances of $970.2 million and $791.4 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(2)Net loan balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 include deferred costs of $16.9 million and $12.9 million, respectively.
 
Commercial real estate loans were higher by $492.1 million or 30% totaling $2.1 billion at December 31, 2018, compared to December 31, 2017. Owner occupied loans represent $970.2 million or 46% of the commercial real estate portfolio. Office building loans of $630.0 million or 30% of commercial real estate mortgages, comprise our largest concentration with a substantial portion owner-occupied. Portfolio composition also includes lending for retail trade, industrial, health care, churches and educational facilities, recreation, multifamily, agriculture, convenience stores, marinas, and other types of real estate.
 
The Company’s ten largest commercial real estate funded and unfunded loan relationships at December 31, 2018 aggregated to $218.6 million (versus $169.7 million a year ago), of which $162.5 million was funded. The Company’s 128 commercial real estate relationships in excess of $5 million totaled $1.3 billion, of which $1.0 billion was funded (compared to 89 relationships of $803.5 million a year ago, of which $684.2 million was funded).
 
Fixed rate and adjustable rate loans secured by commercial real estate, excluding construction loans, totaled approximately $1.6 billion and $533.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018, compared to $1.2 billion and $410.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.

Reflecting the impact of organic loan growth and the First Green, GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB loan acquisitions, commercial loans (“C&I”) outstanding at year-end 2018 increased to $722.3 million, up from $606.0 million at December 31, 2017. Commercial lending activities are directed principally towards businesses whose demand for funds are within the Company’s lending limits, such as small- to medium-sized professional firms, retail and wholesale outlets, and light industrial and manufacturing concerns. Such businesses are smaller and subject to the risks of lending to small- to medium-sized businesses, including, but not limited to, the effects of a downturn in the local economy, possible business failure, and insufficient cash flows.
 
Residential mortgage loans increased $285.6 million or 27% year-over-year to $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2018. Substantially all residential originations have been underwritten to conventional loan agency standards, including loans having balances that exceed agency value limitations. During 2018 and 2017, $19.5 million and $43.0 million of whole loan mortgages were acquired and added to the portfolio, respectively. At December 31, 2018, approximately $618.1 million or 47% of the Company’s residential mortgage balances were adjustable 1-4 family mortgage loans (including hybrid adjustable rate mortgages). Fixed rate mortgages totaled $370.2 million or 28% of the residential mortgage portfolio at December 31, 2018, of which 15- and 30-year mortgages totaled $32.1 million and $276.5 million, respectively. Remaining fixed rate balances were comprised of home improvement loans totaling $135.8 million, most with maturities of 10 years or less. Home equity lines of credit, primarily floating rates, totaled $261.9 million at December 31, 2018. In comparison, loans secured by residential properties having fixed rates totaled $246.9 million at December 31, 2017, with 15- and 30-year fixed rate residential mortgages totaling $22.2 million and $172.9 million, respectively, and home equity mortgages and lines of credit totaled $123.1 million and $233.3 million, respectively.
 
The Company also provides consumer loans (including installment loans, loans for automobiles, boats, and other personal, family and household purposes) which increased $13.0 million or 7% year over year and totaled $201.7 million at December 31, 2018 (versus $188.7 million at December 31, 2017). Of the $13.0 million increase, automobile and truck loans, marine loans, and other consumer loans increased $1.5 million, $4.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively. In comparison, consumer loans increased $34.8 million or 23% year over year for 2017 compared to year-end 2016, with nominal changes in automobile and truck loans and other consumer loans, but a $35.1 million increase in marine loans. Marine loans at December 31, 2017 included $10.8 million from a purchased loan pool acquired in 2016, and management has chosen to retain a larger portion of marine production in the portfolio.
 
At December 31, 2018, the Company had unfunded commitments to make loans of $982.7 million, compared to $807.7 million at December 31, 2017 (see “Note P - Contingent Liabilities and Commitments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements).

50


 
Loan Concentrations
 
The Company has developed guardrails to manage loan types that are most impacted by stressed market conditions in order to achieve lower levels of credit loss volatility in the future. Outstanding balances for commercial and commercial real estate ("CRE") loan relationships greater than $10 million totaled $502.1 million, representing 10% of the total portfolio at December 31, 2018, compared to $161.7 million or 13% at year-end 2010.

Concentrations in total construction and land development loans and total CRE loans are maintained well below regulatory limits. Construction and land development and CRE loan concentrations as a percentage of total risk based capital, were stable at 63% and 227%, respectively, at December 31, 2018. Regulatory guidance suggests limits of 100% and 300%, respectively. To determine these ratios, the Company defines CRE in accordance with the guidance on “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending” (the “Guidance”) issued by the federal bank regulatory agencies in 2006 (and reinforced in 2015), which defines CRE loans as exposures secured by land development and construction, including 1-4 family residential construction, multifamily property, and non-farm nonresidential property where the primary or a significant source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property (i.e. loans for which 50 percent or more of the source of repayment comes from third party, non-affiliated, rental income) or the proceeds of the sale, refinancing, or permanent financing of the property. Loans to real estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, and unsecured loans to developers that closely correlate to the inherent risks in CRE markets would also be considered CRE loans under the Guidance. Loans on owner occupied CRE are generally excluded.
 
Nonperforming Loans, Troubled Debt Restructurings, Other Real Estate Owned, and Credit Quality
 
Table 12 provides certain information concerning nonperforming assets for the years indicated.
 
Nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) at December 31, 2018 totaled $39.3 million, and were comprised of $15.8 million of nonaccrual portfolio loans, $10.7 million of nonaccrual purchased loans, $0.4 million of non-acquired other real estate owned (“OREO”), $3.0 million of acquired OREO and $9.4 million of branches out of service. NPAs increased at December 31, 2018 from $27.2 million at December 31, 2017 (comprised of $12.6 million of nonaccrual portfolio loans, $7.0 million of nonaccrual purchased loans, and $2.2 million of non-acquired OREO, $1.6 million of acquired OREO, and $3.8 million of branches out of service). At December 31, 2018, approximately 87% of nonaccrual loans were secured with real estate. See the tables below for details about nonaccrual loans. At December 31, 2018, nonaccrual loans have been written down by approximately $4.3 million or 14% of the original loan balance (including specific impairment reserves). During 2018, total OREO increased $5.2 million or 68%, primarily related to seven branches consolidated and taken out of service during 2018, with balances for closed branches increasing $6.3 million from September 30, 2018 and $5.6 million from year end 2017. A single residence valued at $3.8 million (added to acquired OREO during the first quarter of 2018) was subsequently sold in the third quarter of 2018.
 
Nonperforming loans to total loans outstanding at December 31, 2018 increased to 0.55% from 0.51% at December 31, 2017.
 
The Company’s asset mitigation staff handles all foreclosure actions together with outside legal counsel.
 
The Company pursues loan restructurings in selected cases where it expects to realize better values than may be expected through traditional collection activities. The Company has worked with retail mortgage customers, when possible, to achieve lower payment structures in an effort to avoid foreclosure. Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) have been a part of the Company’s loss mitigation activities and can include rate reductions, payment extensions and principal deferrals. Company policy requires TDRs that are classified as nonaccrual loans after restructuring remain on nonaccrual until performance can be verified, which usually requires six months of performance under the restructured loan terms. Accruing restructured loans totaled $13.3 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $15.6 million at December 31, 2017. Accruing TDRs are excluded from our nonperforming asset ratios. The tables below set forth details related to nonaccrual and accruing restructured loans.

51


 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
Nonaccrual Loans
 
Accruing
Restructured
(In thousands)
 
Non-Current
 
Current
 
Total
 
Loans
Construction & land development
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

Commercial
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
14

Individuals
 
16

 
28

 
44

 
170

 
 
16

 
28

 
44

 
184

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate mortgages
 
5,567

 
8,141

 
13,708

 
7,176

Commercial real estate mortgages
 
7,720

 
1,500

 
9,220

 
5,662

Real estate loans
 
13,303

 
9,669

 
22,972

 
13,022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and financial
 
2,488

 
833

 
3,321

 
—

Consumer
 
108

 
75

 
183

 
324

Total loans
 
$
15,899

 
$
10,577

 
$
26,476

 
$
13,346

 
At December 31, 2018 and 2017, total TDRs (performing and nonperforming) were comprised of the following loans by type of modification:
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
Rate reduction
 
56

 
$
10,739

 
71

 
$
12,843

Maturity extended with change in terms
 
48

 
5,083

 
51

 
5,803

Chapter 7 bankruptcies
 
22

 
1,275

 
28

 
1,812

Not elsewhere classified
 
11

 
966

 
11

 
1,190

Total loans
 
137

 
$
18,063

 
161

 
$
21,648

 
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, there were 4 newly identified TDRs totaling $0.2 million, compared to $0.1 million for all of 2017. Loan modifications are not reported in calendar years after modification if the loans were modified at an interest rate equal to the yields of new loan originations with comparable risk and the loans are performing based on the terms of the restructuring agreements. No accruing loans that were restructured within the twelve months preceding December 31, 2018 defaulted during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, or during 2017. A restructured loan is considered in default when it becomes 90 days or more past due under the modified terms, has been transferred to nonaccrual status, or has been transferred to OREO.
 
At December 31, 2018, loans (excluding PCI loans) totaling $36.7 million were considered impaired (comprised of total nonaccrual, loans 90 days or more past due, and TDRs) and $2.7 million of the allowance for loan losses was allocated for probable losses on these loans, compared to $30.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.

In accordance with regulatory reporting requirements, loans are placed on nonaccrual following the Retail Classification of Loan interagency guidance. Typically loans 90 days or more past due are reviewed for impairment, and if deemed impaired, are placed on nonaccrual. Once impaired, the current fair market value of the collateral is assessed and a specific reserve and/or charge-off taken. Quarterly thereafter, the loan carrying value is analyzed and any changes are appropriately made as described above.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Liquidity Risk Management and Contractual Commitments
 
Cash and cash equivalents (including interest bearing deposits) totaled $116.0 million on a consolidated basis at December 31, 2018, compared to $109.5 million at December 31, 2017.
 
Liquidity risk involves the risk of being unable to fund assets with the appropriate duration and rate-based liability, as well as the risk of not being able to meet unexpected cash needs. Liquidity planning and management are necessary to ensure the ability

52


to fund operations cost effectively and to meet current and future potential obligations such as loan commitments and unexpected deposit outflows.
 
The table below presents maturities of our funding. In this table, all deposits with indeterminate maturities such as interest bearing and noninterest bearing demand deposits, savings accounts and money market accounts are presented as having a maturity of one year or less. We consider these low cost deposits to be our largest, most stable funding source, despite no contracted maturity.
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
One Year
 
Over One
Year Through
 
Over Three
Years Through
 
Over Five
(In thousands)
 
Total
 
or Less
 
Three Years
 
Five Years
 
Years
Deposit maturities
 
$
5,177,240

 
$
4,936,266

 
$
216,498

 
$
23,237

 
$
1,239

Short-term borrowings
 
214,323

 
214,323

 
—

 
—

 
—

FHLB borrowings
 
380,000

 
380,000

 
—

 
—

 
—

Subordinated debt
 
70,804

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
70,804

Operating leases(1)
 
36,889

 
6,671

 
10,293

 
6,685

 
13,240

Total
 
$
5,879,256

 
$
5,537,260

 
$
226,791

 
$
29,922

 
$
85,283

(1)Of the $36.9 million, approximately $7.1 million is related to offices taken out of service (closed).
    
Funding sources primarily include customer-based core deposits, collateral-backed borrowings, cash flows from operations, cash flows from our loan and investment portfolios and asset sales (primarily secondary marketing for residential real estate mortgages and marine financings). Cash flows from operations are a significant component of liquidity risk management and we consider both deposit maturities and the scheduled cash flows from loan and investment maturities and payments when managing risk.
 
Deposits are also a primary source of liquidity. The stability of this funding source is affected by numerous factors, including returns available to customers on alternative investments, the quality of customer service levels, perception of safety and soundness and competitive forces. We routinely use securities and loans as collateral for secured borrowings. In the event of severe market disruptions, we have access to secured borrowings through the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta under its borrower-in-custody program.

Contractual maturities for assets and liabilities are reviewed to meet current and expected future liquidity requirements. Sources of liquidity, both anticipated and unanticipated, are maintained through a portfolio of high quality marketable assets, such as residential mortgage loans, debt securities available for sale and interest-bearing deposits. The Company is also able to provide short term financing of its activities by selling, under an agreement to repurchase, United States Treasury and Government agency securities not pledged to secure public deposits or trust funds. At December 31, 2018, Seacoast Bank had available unsecured lines of $130.0 million and lines of credit under current lendable collateral value, which are subject to change, of $781.7 million. Seacoast Bank had $665.7 million of United States Treasury and Government agency securities and mortgage backed securities not pledged and available for use under repurchase agreements, and had an additional $869.8 million in residential and commercial real estate loans available as collateral. In comparison, at December 31, 2017, Seacoast Bank had available unsecured lines of $95.0 million and lines of credit under current lendable collateral value, which are subject to change, of $1.01 billion. Seacoast Bank had $455.1 million of United States Treasury and Government agency securities and mortgage backed securities not pledged and available for use under repurchase agreements, and had an additional $593.5 million in residential and commercial real estate loans available as collateral. The Company does not rely on and is not dependent on off-balance sheet financing or significant amounts of wholesale funding. Brokered certificates of deposit ("CDs") at December 31, 2018 total $220.6 million, compared to $217.4 million at year-end 2017. All of the brokered CDs at December 31, 2018 have maturities of 12 months or less and will mature in 2019.

The Company has traditionally relied upon dividends from Seacoast Bank and securities offerings to provide funds to pay the Company’s expenses and to service the Company’s debt. At December 31, 2018, Seacoast Bank was permitted to distribute dividends to the Company of approximately $134.5 million. At December 31, 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents at the parent of approximately $40.3 million, compared to $34.3 million (exclusive of $21.3 million that settled in early 2018 for the sale of Visa Class B stock) at December 31, 2017, with the increase directly related to the Company’s offering of common stock in February 2017 (see “Note N – Shareholders’ Equity”), net of cash paid in the GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions (see “Note S – Business Combinations”).
 

53


Deposits and Borrowings
 
The Company’s balance sheet continues to be primarily funded by core deposits.
 
Total deposits increased $584.5 million or 13% to $5.2 billion at December 31, 2018, compared to December 31, 2017. Excluding the First Green acquisition, total deposits decreased $50.3 million or 1% from December 31, 2017. In comparison, total deposits increased $1.1 billion or 30% to $4.6 billion at December 31, 2017, compared to one year earlier. Excluding the GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB acquisitions, total deposits increased $123.0 million or 4% from December 31, 2016.
 
Since December 31, 2017, interest bearing deposits (interest bearing demand, savings and money markets deposits) increased $265.2 million or 11% to $2.7 billion at December 31, 2018, noninterest bearing demand deposits increased $169.4 million or 12% to $1.6 billion, and CDs increased $149.9 million or 19% to $925.8 million. Excluding acquired deposits, noninterest demand deposits were lower by $7.0 million or slightly less than 1% from year-end 2017, but still represented 30% of deposits, the same as at December 31, 2017. Core deposit growth reflects our success in growing relationships both organically and through acquisitions.
 
The addition of CDs from the First Green acquisition has been the primary contributor to the increase in CDs during 2018, whereas an increase in brokered CDs through prior, multiple acquisitions contributed to higher CD balances for 2017, compared to 2016.
 
Customer repurchase agreements totaled $214.3 million at December 31, 2018, decreasing $1.8 million or 1% from December 31, 2017, after increasing $11.9 million or 6% at year-end 2017 from December 31, 2016. Repurchase agreements are offered by Seacoast to select customers who wish to sweep excess balances on a daily basis for investment purposes. Public funds comprise a significant amount of the outstanding balance.
    
No unsecured federal funds purchased were outstanding at December 31, 2018, or 2017.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, borrowings were comprised of subordinated debt of $70.8 million and $70.5 million, respectively, related to trust preferred securities issued by trusts organized or acquired by the Company, and borrowings from the FHLB of $380.0 million and $211.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, our FHLB borrowings were substantially all maturing within 30 days, with the exception of $63.0 million that mature in April and June 2019, and the 30-day rate for FHLB funds at year-end 2018 and 2017 was 2.45% and 1.39%, respectively. During the second quarter of 2016, we paid an early redemption fee of $1.8 million related to prepayment of $50.0 million of FHLB advances having a weighted average cost 3.22% and scheduled to mature in late 2017 (see "Noninterest Expense"). The two FHLB advances comprising the $50.0 million redemption had been outstanding since 2007. Secured FHLB borrowings are an integral tool in liquidity management for the Company.

The Company issued subordinated debt in conjunction with its wholly owned trust subsidiaries, SBCF Capital Trust I and SBCF Statutory Trust II that were formed in 2005. In 2007, the Company issued additional subordinated debt for its wholly owned trust subsidiary, SBCF Statutory Trust III. The 2005 subordinated debt for each trust totaled $20.6 million (aggregating to $41.2 million) and the 2007 subordinated debt totaled $12.4 million. As part of the October 1, 2014 The BANKshares Inc. (“BANKshares”) acquisition, the Company inherited three junior subordinated debentures totaling $5.2 million, $4.1 million, and $5.2 million, respectively. Also, as part of the Grand acquisition, the Company inherited an additional junior subordinated debenture totaling $7.2 million. The acquired junior subordinated debentures (in accordance with ASC Topic 805 Business Combinations) were recorded at fair value, which collectively is $4.5 million lower than face value at December 31, 2018. This amount is being amortized into interest expense over the acquired subordinated debts’ remaining term to maturity. All trust preferred securities are guaranteed by the Company on a junior subordinated basis.
 
Under Basel III and Federal Reserve rules, qualified trust preferred securities and other restricted capital elements can be included as Tier 1 capital, within limitations. The Company believes that its trust preferred securities qualify under these capital rules. The weighted average interest rate of our outstanding subordinated debt related to trust preferred securities was 4.48% for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2018, compared to 3.47% for all of 2017.
 
Go to “Note I – Borrowings” of our consolidated financial statements for more detailed information pertaining to borrowings.
 

54


Off-Balance Sheet Transactions
 
In the normal course of business, we may engage in a variety of financial transactions that, under generally accepted accounting principles, either are not recorded on the balance sheet or are recorded on the balance sheet in amounts that differ from the full contract or notional amounts. These transactions involve varying elements of market, credit and liquidity risk.
 
Lending commitments include unfunded loan commitments and standby and commercial letters of credit. For loan commitments, the contractual amount of a commitment represents the maximum potential credit risk that could result if the entire commitment had been funded, the borrower had not performed according to the terms of the contract, and no collateral had been provided. A large majority of loan commitments and standby letters of credit expire without being funded, and accordingly, total contractual amounts are not representative of our actual future credit exposure or liquidity requirements. Loan commitments and letters of credit expose the Company to credit risk in the event that the customer draws on the commitment and subsequently fails to perform under the terms of the lending agreement.
 
For commercial customers, loan commitments generally take the form of revolving credit arrangements. For retail customers, loan commitments are generally lines of credit secured by residential property. These instruments are not recorded on the balance sheet until funds are advanced under the commitment. Loan commitments were $982.7 million at December 31, 2018, and $807.7 million at December 31, 2017 (see “Note P-Contingent Liabilities and Commitments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements).

Capital Resources and Management
 
Table 6 summarizes the Company’s capital position and selected ratios.

The ratio of shareholders’ equity to period end total assets was 12.81% and 11.87% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The ratio of tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets was 9.72% and 9.27% at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Equity has also increased as a result of earnings retained by the Company.
 
Activity in shareholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 follows: 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Beginning balance at January 1, 2018 and 2017
 
$
689,664

 
$
435,397

Net income
 
67,275

 
42,865

Issuance of stock via common stock offering on February 21, 2017
 
—

 
55,641

Issuance of stock pursuant to acquisition of First Green Bancorp, Inc. (2018), GulfShore Bancshares, Inc., NorthStar Banking Corporation, and Palm Beach Community Bank (2017)
 
107,486

 
146,547

Stock compensation (net of Treasury shares acquired)
 
8,801

 
5,211

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)
 
(8,959
)
 
4,003

Ending balance at December 31, 2018 and 2017
 
$
864,267

 
$
689,664


The Company’s equity capital at December 31, 2018 increased $174.6 million to $864.3 million since December 31, 2017, and was $254.3 million higher at December 31, 2017, when compared to year-end 2016.
 
On February 21, 2017, the Company closed on an offering of 8,912,500 shares of common stock, consisting of 2,702,500 shares sold by the Company and 6,210,000 shares sold by one of its shareholders. Seacoast received proceeds (net of expense) of $55.6 million from the issuance of the 2,702,500 shares of its common stock. The Company has used and intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions completed, potential future acquisitions, and to support organic growth. Seacoast did not receive any proceeds from the sale of its shareholder’s shares (see “Note N – Shareholders’ Equity”).
 
The Company also issued common shares valued at $107.5 million, $62.9 million, $27.4 million, and $56.3 million in conjunction with the acquisitions of First Green in 2018 and GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB in 2017, respectively. The Company issued shares of common stock as consideration for each of the mergers.
 
Capital ratios are well above regulatory requirements for well-capitalized institutions. Seacoast management’s use of risk-based capital ratios in its analysis of the Company’s capital adequacy are not GAAP financial measures. Seacoast’s management

55


uses these measures to assess the quality of capital and believes that investors may find it useful in their analysis of the Company. The capital measures are not necessarily comparable to similar capital measures that may be presented by other companies and Seacoast does not nor should investors consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for GAAP financial information (see “Table 6 - Capital Resources” and “Note N – Shareholders’ Equity”).
 
 
 
Seacoast
(Consolidated)
 
Seacoast
Bank
 
Minimum to be
Well-Capitalized(1)
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
 
14.43
%
 
13.60
%
 
10.0
%
Tier 1 Capital Ratio
 
13.80
%
 
12.97
%
 
8.0
%
Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio (CET1)
 
12.43
%
 
12.97
%
 
6.5
%
Leverage Ratio
 
11.16
%
 
10.49
%
 
5.0
%
(1)For subsidiary bank only
 
 

 
 

 
 

  
The Company’s total risk-based capital ratio was 14.43% at December 31, 2018, an increase from December 31, 2017’s ratio of 14.24%. Higher earnings have been a primary contributor. As of December 31, 2018, the Bank’s leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets) was 10.49%, compared to 9.72% at December 31, 2017.

Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") declined $8.8 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, and reflects the impact of higher interest rates on available for sale securities.

The Company and Seacoast Bank are subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums. The appropriate federal bank regulatory authority may prohibit the payment of dividends where it has determined that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or unsound practice. The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from Seacoast Bank and its other subsidiaries, and the Company’s primary source of cash and liquidity, other than securities offerings and borrowings, is dividends from its bank subsidiary. Without Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) approval, Seacoast Bank can pay $134.5 million of dividends to the Company (see “Part I. Item 1. Business”).
 
The OCC and the Federal Reserve have policies that encourage banks and bank holding companies to pay dividends from current earnings, and have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by national banks and bank holding companies, respectively, if such payment may be deemed to constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. If, in the particular circumstances, either of these federal regulators determined that the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice, either the OCC or the Federal Reserve may, among other things, issue a cease and desist order prohibiting the payment of dividends by Seacoast Bank or us, respectively. Under a recently adopted Federal Reserve policy, the board of directors of a bank holding company must consider different factors to ensure that its dividend level is prudent relative to the organization’s financial position and is not based on overly optimistic earnings scenarios such as any potential events that may occur before the payment date that could affect its ability to pay, while still maintaining a strong financial position. As a general matter, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the board of directors of a bank holding company, such as Seacoast, should consult with the Federal Reserve and eliminate, defer, or significantly reduce the bank holding company’s dividends if: (i) its net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (ii) its prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with its capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) it will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios.
 
The Company has seven wholly owned trust subsidiaries, two of which, SBCF Capital Trust I and SBCF Statutory Trust II, were formed in 2005 to issue trust preferred securities. In 2007, the Company formed an additional wholly owned trust subsidiary, SBCF Statutory Trust III. The 2005 trusts each issued $20.0 million (totaling $40.0 million) of trust preferred securities and the 2007 trust issued an additional $12.0 million in trust preferred securities. In 2014, as part of the BANKshares acquisition, the Company acquired BankFIRST Statutory Trust I, BankFIRST Statutory Trust II and The BANKshares Capital Trust I that issued in the aggregate $14.4 million in trust preferred securities. In 2015, as part of the Grand acquisition, the Company also acquired Grand Bankshares Capital Trust I that issued $7.2 million in trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities from our acquisitions are recorded at fair value when acquired. All trust preferred securities are guaranteed by the Company on a junior subordinated basis. The Federal Reserve’s rules permit qualified trust preferred securities and other restricted capital elements to be included under Basel III capital guidelines, with limitations, and net of goodwill and intangibles. The Company believes that its trust preferred securities qualify under these revised regulatory capital rules and believes that it will be able to treat all $70.8 million of trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital. For regulatory purposes, the trust preferred securities are added to the Company’s tangible common shareholders’ equity to calculate Tier 1 capital.
 

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The Company’s capital is expected to continue to increase with positive earnings.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, (“GAAP”), including prevailing practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments in the application of certain of its accounting policies that involve significant estimates and assumptions. We have established policies and control procedures that are intended to ensure valuation methods are well controlled and applied consistently from period to period. These estimates and assumptions, which may materially affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements, and changes in this information over time and the use of revised estimates and assumptions could materially affect amounts reported in subsequent financial statements. Management, after consultation with the Company’s Audit Committee, believes the most critical accounting estimates and assumptions that involve the most difficult, subjective and complex assessments are:
 
•the allowance and the provision for loan losses;
•acquisition accounting and purchased loans;
•intangible assets and impairment testing;
•other fair value adjustments;
•other than temporary impairment of debt securities;
•realization of deferred tax assets; and
•contingent liabilities.

The following is a discussion of the critical accounting policies intended to facilitate a reader’s understanding of the judgments, estimates and assumptions underlying these accounting policies and the possible or likely events or uncertainties known to us that could have a material effect on our reported financial information. For more information regarding management’s judgments relating to significant accounting policies and recent accounting pronouncements (see “Note A-Significant Accounting Policies” to the Company’s consolidated financial statements).
 
Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Management determines the allowance for loan losses by continuously analyzing and monitoring delinquencies, nonperforming loan levels and the outstanding balances for each loan category, as well as the amount of net charge-offs, for estimating losses inherent in its portfolio. While the Company’s policies and procedures used to estimate the allowance for loan losses are considered adequate by management, factors beyond the control of the Company, such as general economic conditions, both locally and nationally, make management’s judgment as to the adequacy of the provision and allowance for loan losses approximate and imprecise (see “Nonperforming Assets”).

The provision for loan losses is the result of a detailed analysis estimating for probable loan losses. The analysis includes the evaluation of impaired and purchased credit impaired loans as prescribed under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 310, Receivables as well as an analysis of homogeneous loan pools not individually evaluated as prescribed under ASC Topic 450, Contingencies. For 2018, the Company recorded provision for loan losses of $11.7 million, which compared to provision for loan losses for 2017 of $5.6 million and 2016 of $2.4 million. The Company incurred net charge-offs for 2018 of $6.2 million, compared to net charge-offs for 2017 of $1.6 million, and net recoveries for 2016 of $2.1 million, representing 0.15%, 0.05% and (0.08)% of average total loans for each year, respectively. For 2018, provision for loan losses included $3.1 million for a single impaired commercial real estate loan, originated in 2007, and moved to nonaccrual status in the second quarter of 2018, which was subsequently charged off in the fourth quarter of 2018. The effects of portfolio growth were the primary cause for the increase in provision for loan losses for 2018, compared to prior years. Delinquency trends remain low at year-end 2018, with nonperforming loans increasing $7.0 million from year-end 2017, but totaling 0.55% of loans at December 31, 2018, compared to 0.51% and 0.63% at year-end 2017 and 2016, respectively. For 2017, provisioning for loan losses reflected continued strong credit metrics, decreases in the residential loan portfolio with lower modeled loss rates given near-zero historical losses and lower balances (after the $57.9 million sale in the third quarter of 2017 and $28.5 million sale in the fourth quarter of 2017), and reflecting a continued focus on managing concentration risk in the commercial and commercial real estate portfolios. Delinquency trends show continued stability (see section titled “Nonperforming Loans, Troubled Debt Restructurings, Other Real Estate Owned, and Credit Quality”).
 
Management continuously monitors the quality of the Company’s loan portfolio and maintains an allowance for loan losses it believes is sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio. The ALLL increased $5.3 million to $32.4 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $27.1 million at December 31, 2017. The ALLL framework has four basic elements: (1) specific allowances for loans individually evaluated for impairment; (2) general allowances for pools of homogeneous non-

57


purchased loans (“portfolio loans”) within the portfolio that have similar risk characteristics, which are not individually evaluated; (3) specific allowances for purchased impaired loans which are individually evaluated based on the loan's expected principal and interest cash flows; and (4) general allowances for purchased unimpaired pools of homogeneous loans that have similar risk characteristics. The aggregate of these four components results in our total ALLL.
 
The first component of the ALLL analysis involves the estimation of an allowance specific to individually evaluated impaired portfolio loans, including accruing and non-accruing restructured commercial and consumer loans. In this process, a specific allowance is established for impaired loans based on an analysis of the most probable sources of repayment, including discounted cash flows, liquidation or operation of the collateral, or the market value of the loan itself. It is the Company’s policy to charge off any portion of the loan deemed uncollectible. Restructured consumer loans are also evaluated and included in this element of the estimate. As of December 31, 2018, the specific allowance related to impaired portfolio loans individually evaluated totaled $2.7 million, compared to $2.4 million at December 31, 2017. Residential loans that become 90 days past due are placed on nonaccrual and a specific allowance is made for any loan that becomes 120 days past due. Residential loans are subsequently written down if they become 180 days past due and such write-downs are supported by a current appraisal, consistent with current banking regulations.
 
The second component of the ALLL analysis, the general allowance for homogeneous portfolio loan pools not individually evaluated, is determined by applying factors to pools of loans within the portfolio that have similar risk characteristics. The general allowance is determined by applying a migration model to portfolio segments that allows us to observe performance over time, and to separately analyze sub-segments based in vintage, risk rating, and origination tactics. Adjustments may be made to baseline reserves for some of the loan pools based on an assessment of internal and external influences on credit quality not fully reflected in the historical loss experience. These influences may include elements such as changes in concentration, macroeconomic conditions, and/or recent observable asset quality trends. Our analysis of the adequacy of the ALLL also takes into account qualitative factors such as credit quality, loan concentrations, internal controls, audit results, staff turnover, local market conditions, employment levels and loan growth.

The third component consists of amounts reserved for purchased credit-impaired ("PCI") loans. On a quarterly basis, the Company updates the amount of loan principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected, incorporating assumptions regarding default rates, loss severities, the amounts and timing of prepayments and other factors that are reflective of current market conditions. Probable decreases in expected loan cash flows trigger the recognition of impairment, which is then measured as the present value of the expected principal loss plus any related foregone interest cash flows discounted at the pool’s effective interest rate. Impairments that occur after the acquisition date are recognized through the provision for loan losses. Probable and significant increases in expected principal cash flows would first reverse any previously recorded allowance for loan losses; any remaining increases are recognized prospectively as interest income. The impacts of (i) prepayments, (ii) changes in variable interest rates, and (iii) any other changes in the timing of expected cash flows are recognized prospectively as adjustments to interest income. Disposals of loans, which may include sales of loans, receipt of payments in full by the borrower, or foreclosure, result in removal of the loan from the PCI portfolio.
     
The final component consists of amounts reserved for purchased unimpaired loans ("PUL"). Loans collectively evaluated for impairment reported at December 31, 2018 include loans acquired from acquisitions that are not PCI loans. These loans are performing loans recorded at estimated fair value at the acquisition date. Fair value discount amounts are accreted into income over the remaining lives of the related loans on a level yield basis.
 
The allowance as a percentage of portfolio loans outstanding (excluding PCI and PUL loans) was 0.89% at December 31, 2018, compared to 0.90% at December 31, 2017. The risk profile of the loan portfolio reflects adherence to credit management methodologies to execute a low risk strategic plan for loan growth. New loan production is focused on residential real estate loans, owner-occupied commercial real estate, small business loans for professionals and businesses, as well as consumer lending. Strategies, processes and controls are in place to ensure that new production is well underwritten and maintains a focus on smaller, diversified and lower-risk lending.

Concentrations of credit risk, discussed under the caption “Loan Portfolio” of this discussion and analysis, can affect the level of the allowance and may involve loans to one borrower, an affiliated group of borrowers, borrowers engaged in or dependent upon the same industry, or a group of borrowers whose loans are predicated on the same type of collateral. At December 31, 2018, the Company had $1.3 billion in loans secured by residential real estate and $2.1 billion in loans secured by commercial real estate representing 27% and 44% of total loans outstanding, respectively. In addition, the Company is subject to a geographic concentration of credit because it only operates in Florida.
 
It is the practice of the Company to ensure that its charge-off policy meets or exceeds regulatory minimums. Losses on unsecured consumer loans are recognized at 90 days past due, compared to the regulatory loss criteria of 120 days. In compliance

58


with Federal Financial Institution Examination Council guidelines, secured consumer loans, including residential real estate, are typically charged-off or charged down between 120 and 180 days past due, depending on the collateral type. Commercial loans and real estate loans are typically placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest is past due for 90 days or more, unless the loan is both secured by collateral having realizable value sufficient to discharge the debt in-full and the loan is in process of collection. Secured loans may be charged-down to the estimated value of the collateral with previously accrued unpaid interest reversed. Subsequent charge-offs may be required as a result of changes in the market value of collateral or other repayment prospects. Initial charge-off amounts are based on valuation estimates derived from appraisals, broker price opinions, or other market information. Generally, new appraisals are not received until the foreclosure process is completed; however, collateral values are evaluated periodically based on market information and incremental charge-offs are recorded if it is determined that collateral values have declined from their initial estimates.
 
While it is the Company’s policy to charge off in the current period loans for which a loss is considered probable, there are additional risks of future losses that cannot be quantified precisely or attributed to particular loans or classes of loans. Because these risks include the state of the economy, borrower payment behaviors and local market conditions as well as conditions affecting individual borrowers, management’s judgment of the allowance is necessarily approximate and imprecise. The allowance is also subject to regulatory examinations and determinations as to adequacy, which may take into account such factors as the methodology used to calculate the ALLL and the size of the ALLL in comparison to a group of peer companies identified by the regulatory agencies.

Management has established a transition oversight committee responsible for implementing the allowance guidance set forth under ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). Development of accounting policies and business processes is currently underway and will be established in time for the Company to adopt the new guidance on January 1, 2020.
 
Table 10 provides certain information concerning the Company’s ALLL for the years indicated.
 
Note F to the financial statements (titled "Allowance for Loan Losses") summarizes the Company’s allocation of the ALLL to construction and land development loans, commercial and residential estate loans, commercial and financial loans, and consumer loans, and provides more specific detail regarding charge-offs and recoveries for each loan component and the composition of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Acquisition Accounting and Purchased Loans – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The Company accounts for its acquisitions under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date as the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk. All loans acquired are recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The fair value estimates associated with the loans include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of expected principal, interest and other cash flows.
 
Over the life of the PCI loans acquired, the Company continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected. The Company evaluates at each balance sheet date whether the present value of the acquired loans using the effective interest rates has decreased and if so, recognizes a provision for loan loss in its consolidated statement of income. For any increases in cash flows expected to be collected, the Company adjusts the amount of accretable yield recognized on a prospective basis over the loan’s remaining life.
 
Intangible Assets and Impairment Testing – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Intangible assets consist of goodwill and core deposit intangibles. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business acquisitions. The core deposit intangible represents the excess intangible value of acquired deposit customer relationships as determined by valuation specialists. Core deposit intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis, and are evaluated for indications of potential impairment at least annually. Goodwill is not amortized but rather is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis. We performed an annual impairment test of goodwill as required by ASC Topic 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, in the fourth quarter of 2018. Seacoast conducted the test internally, documenting the impairment test results, and concluded that no impairment occurred. Goodwill was not recorded for the Grand acquisition (on July 17, 2015) that resulted in a bargain purchase gain; however a core deposit intangible was recorded.
 
Fair value estimates for acquired assets and assumed liabilities are based on the information available, and are subject to change for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to closing date fair values becomes available.

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Other Fair Value Measurements – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
“As Is” values are used to measure fair market value on impaired loans, OREO and repossessed assets. All impaired loans, OREO and repossessed assets are reviewed quarterly to determine if fair value adjustments are necessary based on known changes in the market and/or the project assumptions.  When necessary, the “As Is” appraised value may be adjusted based on more recent appraisal assumptions received by the Company on other similar properties, the tax assessed market value, comparative sales and/or an internal valuation. Collateral dependent impaired loans are loans where repayment is solely dependent on the liquidation of the collateral or operation of the collateral for repayment.  If an updated assessment is deemed necessary and an internal valuation cannot be made, an external “As Is” appraisal will be requested. Upon receipt of the “As Is” appraisal a charge-off is recognized for the difference between the loan amount and its current fair market value.

The fair value of the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2018 was less than historical amortized cost, producing net unrealized losses of $17.0 million that have been included in other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders’ equity (net of taxes). The Company made no change to the valuation techniques used to determine the fair values of securities during 2018 and 2017. The fair value of each security available for sale was obtained from independent pricing sources utilized by many financial institutions or from dealer quotes. The fair value of many state and municipal securities are not readily available through market sources, so fair value estimates are based on quoted market price or prices of similar instruments. Generally, the Company obtains one price for each security. However, actual values can only be determined in an arms-length transaction between a willing buyer and seller that can, and often do, vary from these reported values. Furthermore, significant changes in recorded values due to changes in actual and perceived economic conditions can occur rapidly, producing greater unrealized losses or gains in the available for sale portfolio.
 
During 2014, management identified $158.8 million of investment securities available for sale and transferred them to held for investment. The unrealized holding losses at the date of transfer totaled $3.1 million. For the securities that were transferred into the held for investment category from the available for sale category, the unrealized holding losses at the date of the transfer will continue to be reported in other comprehensive income, and will be amortized over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment of yield in a manner consistent with the amortization of a discount. At December 31, 2018, the remaining unamortized amount of these losses was $0.7 million. The amortization of unrealized holding losses reported in equity will offset the effect on interest income of the amortization of the discount. Management believes the securities transferred are a core banking asset that they now intend to hold until maturity, and if interest rates were to increase before maturity, the fair values would be impacted more significantly and therefore are not consistent with the characteristics of an available for sale investment.
 
The Company also holds 11,330 shares of Visa Class B stock which, following resolution of Visa’s litigation will be converted to Visa Class A shares. Under the current conversion rate that became effective June 28, 2018, the Company expects to receive 1.6298 shares of Class A stock for each share of Class B stock, for a total of 18,465 shares of Visa Class A stock. Our ownership is related to prior ownership in Visa’s network, while Visa operated as a cooperative. This ownership is recorded on our financial records at a zero basis. Also, included in other assets is a $6.2 million investment in a CRA related mutual fund carried at fair value.
 
Other Than Temporary Impairment of Debt Securities – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Seacoast reviews investments quarterly for other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”). The following primary factors are considered for securities identified for OTTI testing: percent decline in fair value, rating downgrades, subordination, duration, amortized loan-to-value, and the ability of the issuers to pay all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms. Prices obtained from pricing services are usually not adjusted. Based on our internal review procedures and the fair values provided by the pricing services, we believe that the fair values provided by the pricing services are consistent with the principles of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. However, on occasion pricing provided by the pricing services may not be consistent with other observed prices in the market for similar securities. Using observable market factors, including interest rate and yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities and default rates, the Company may at times validate the observed prices using a discounted cash flow model and using the observed prices for similar securities to determine the fair value of its securities.

Changes in the fair values, as a result of deteriorating economic conditions and credit spread changes, should only be temporary. Further, management believes that the Company’s other sources of liquidity, as well as the cash flow from principal and interest payments from its securities portfolio, reduces the risk that losses would be realized as a result of a need to sell securities to obtain liquidity.
 
Income Taxes and Realization of Deferred Taxes – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 

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Seacoast is subject to income tax laws of the various jurisdictions in which it operates, including U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions. These laws can be complex and subject to interpretation. Seacoast makes assumptions about how these laws should be applied when determining the provision for income tax expense, including assumptions around the timing of when certain items may be deemed taxable.
 
Seacoast’s provision for income taxes is comprised of current and deferred taxes. Deferred taxes represent the difference in measurement of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes compared to income tax return purposes. Deferred tax assets may also be recognized in connection with certain net operating losses (NOLs) and tax credits. Deferred tax assets are recognized if, based upon management’s judgment, it is more likely than not the benefits of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
 
At December 31, 2018, the Company had net deferred tax assets (“DTA”) of $29.0 million. Although realization is not assured, management believes that realization of the carrying value of the DTA is more likely than not, based upon expectations as to future taxable income and tax planning strategies, as defined by ASC Topic 740 Income Taxes. In comparison, at December 31, 2017 the Company had a net DTA of $25.4 million.
 
Factors that support this conclusion:
 
•
Income before tax (“IBT”) has steadily increased as a result of organic growth, and the 2016 Floridian and BMO, 2017 GulfShore, NorthStar and PBCB, and 2018 First Green acquisitions will further assist in achieving management’s forecast of future earnings which recovers the remaining state net operating loss carry-forwards well before expiration;
•
The Company has utilized all of its federal net operating loss carry-forwards, with the exception of those inherited in the acquisitions to which section 382 limitations apply;
•
Credit costs and overall credit risk have been stable which decreases their impact on future taxable earnings;
•
Growth rates for loans are at levels adequately supported by loan officers and support staff;
•
We believe new loan production credit quality and concentrations are well managed; and
•
Current economic growth forecasts for Florida and the Company’s markets are supportive.

Contingent Liabilities – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
The Company is subject to contingent liabilities, including judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings, and tax and other claims arising from the conduct of our business activities. These proceedings include actions brought against the Company and/or our subsidiaries with respect to transactions in which the Company and/or our subsidiaries acted as a lender, a financial adviser, a broker or acted in a related activity. Accruals are established for legal and other claims when it becomes probable that the Company will incur an expense and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Company management, together with attorneys, consultants and other professionals, assesses the probability and estimated amounts involved in a contingency. Throughout the life of a contingency, the Company or our advisers may learn of additional information that can affect our assessments about probability or about the estimates of amounts involved. Changes in these assessments can lead to changes in recorded reserves. In addition, the actual costs of resolving these claims may be substantially higher or lower than the amounts reserved for the claims. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no significant accruals for contingent liabilities and had no known pending matters that could potentially be significant.

Interest Rate Sensitivity
 
Fluctuations in interest rates may result in changes in the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, cash flows and net interest income. This risk is managed using simulation modeling to calculate the most likely interest rate risk utilizing estimated loan and deposit growth. The objective is to optimize the Company’s financial position, liquidity, and net interest income while limiting their volatility.
 
Senior management regularly reviews the overall interest rate risk position and evaluates strategies to manage the risk. The Company’s fourth quarter 2018 Asset and Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) model simulation indicates net interest income would increase 8.4% if interest rates increased 200 basis points in a parallel fashion over the next 12 months and 4.4% if interest rates increased 100 basis points in a parallel fashion, and improve 13.3% and 7.0%, respectively, on a 13 to 24 month basis. This compares with the Company’s fourth quarter 2017 model simulation, which indicated net interest income would increase 7.5% if interest rates increased 200 basis points over the next 12 months in a parallel fashion and 3.9% if interest rates increased 100 basis points in a parallel fashion, and improve 11.6% and 6.1%, respectively, on a 13 to 24 month basis. These simulations do not include the impact of accretion from purchased credit impaired loans, or unimpaired loans.
 

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The Company had a positive gap position based on contractual and prepayment assumptions for the next 12 months, with a positive cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total earning assets of 18.9% at December 31, 2018. This result includes assumptions for core deposit re-pricing validated for the Company by an independent third party consulting group.
 
The computations of interest rate risk do not necessarily include certain actions management may undertake to manage this risk in response to changes in interest rates. Derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, options, caps, floors, futures and forward contracts may be utilized as components of the Company’s risk management profile.

Market Risk
 
Market risk refers to potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, and other relevant market rates or prices.

Interest rate risk, defined as the exposure of net interest income and Economic Value of Equity, or “EVE,” to adverse movements in interest rates, is the Company’s primary market risk, and mainly arises from the structure of the balance sheet (non-trading activities). The Company is also exposed to market risk in its investing activities. The ALCO meets regularly and is responsible for reviewing the interest rate sensitivity position of the Company and establishing policies to monitor and limit exposure to interest rate risk. The policies established by the ALCO are reviewed and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The primary goal of interest rate risk management is to control exposure to interest rate risk, within policy limits approved by the Board. These limits reflect the Company’s tolerance for interest rate risk over short-term and long-term horizons.
 
The Company also performs valuation analyses, which are used for evaluating levels of risk present in the balance sheet that might not be taken into account in the net interest income simulation analyses. Whereas net interest income simulation highlights exposures over a relatively short time horizon, valuation analysis incorporates all cash flows over the estimated remaining life of all balance sheet positions. The valuation of the balance sheet, at a point in time, is defined as the discounted present value of asset cash flows minus the discounted value of liability cash flows, the net result of which is the EVE. The sensitivity of EVE to changes in the level of interest rates is a measure of the longer-term re-pricing risks and options risks embedded in the balance sheet. In contrast to the net interest income simulation, which assumes interest rates will change over a period of time, EVE uses instantaneous changes in rates.
 
EVE values only the current balance sheet, and does not incorporate the growth assumptions that are used in the net interest income simulation model. As with the net interest income simulation model, assumptions about the timing and variability of balance sheet cash flows are critical in the EVE analysis. Particularly important are the assumptions driving prepayments and the expected changes in balances and pricing of the indeterminate life deposit portfolios. Core deposits are a more significant funding source for the Company, making the lives attached to core deposits more important to the accuracy of our modeling of EVE. The Company periodically reassesses its assumptions regarding the indeterminate lives of core deposits utilizing an independent third party resource to assist. With lower interest rates over a prolonged period, the average lives of core deposits have trended higher and favorably impacted our model estimates of EVE for higher rates. Based on our fourth quarter 2018 modeling, an instantaneous 100 basis point parallel increase in rates is estimated to increase the EVE 9.4% versus the EVE in a stable rate environment, while a 200 basis point parallel increase in rates is estimated to increase the EVE 15.7%.
 
While an instantaneous and severe shift in interest rates is used in this analysis to provide an estimate of exposure under an extremely adverse scenario, a gradual shift in interest rates would have a much more modest impact. Since EVE measures the discounted present value of cash flows over the estimated lives of instruments, the change in EVE does not directly correlate to the degree that earnings would be impacted over a shorter time horizon, i.e., the next fiscal year. Further, EVE does not take into account factors such as future balance sheet growth, changes in product mix, change in yield curve relationships, and changing product spreads that could mitigate the adverse impact of changes in interest rates.

Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money, over time, due to inflation.
 

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Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the general level of inflation. However, inflation affects financial institutions by increasing their cost of goods and services purchased, as well as the cost of salaries and benefits, occupancy expense, and similar items. Inflation and related increases in interest rates generally decrease the market value of investments and loans held and may adversely affect liquidity, earnings, and shareholders’ equity. Mortgage originations and re-financings tend to slow as interest rates increase, and higher interest rates likely will reduce the Company’s earnings from such activities and the income from the sale of residential mortgage loans in the secondary market.


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Table 1 - Condensed Income Statement(1) 
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net interest income
 
3.50
%
 
3.40
%
 
3.34
%
Provision for loan losses
 
0.19

 
0.11

 
0.06

Noninterest income
 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities (losses) gains, net
 
(0.01
)
 
—

 
0.01

Gain on sale of Visa stock
 
—

 
0.29

 
—

Other
 
0.83

 
0.83

 
0.89

Noninterest expense
 
2.68

 
2.88

 
3.11

Income before income taxes
 
1.45

 
1.53

 
1.07

Provision for income taxes including tax equivalent adjustment
 
0.34

 
0.71

 
0.38

Net income
 
1.11
%
 
0.82
%
 
0.69
%
(1) On a fully taxable equivalent basis. Balances presented as a percentage of average assets.

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Table 2 – Three Year Summary
 
Average Balances, Interest Income and Expenses, Yields and Rates(1) 
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earning Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
 
$
1,299,089

 
$
37,860

 
2.91
%
 
$
1,316,972

 
$
34,442

 
2.62
%
 
$
1,174,627

 
$
26,133

 
2.22
%
Nontaxable
 
31,331

 
1,115

 
3.56

 
28,369

 
1,401

 
4.94

 
25,841

 
1,592

 
6.16

Total Securities
 
1,330,420

 
38,975

 
2.93

 
1,345,341

 
35,843

 
2.66

 
1,200,468

 
27,725

 
2.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds sold and other investments
 
61,048

 
2,670

 
4.37

 
71,352

 
2,416

 
3.39

 
75,442

 
1,669

 
2.21

Loans, net
 
4,112,009

 
200,194

 
4.87

 
3,323,403

 
154,043

 
4.64

 
2,584,389

 
119,587

 
4.63

Total Earning Assets
 
5,503,477

 
241,839

 
4.39

 
4,740,096

 
192,302

 
4.06

 
3,860,299

 
148,981

 
3.86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
 
(29,972
)
 
 

 
 

 
(25,485
)
 
 

 
 

 
(21,131
)
 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
 
114,936

 
 

 
 

 
106,710

 
 

 
 

 
88,919

 
 

 
 

Bank premises and equipment, net
 
67,332

 
 

 
 

 
59,842

 
 

 
 

 
60,470

 
 

 
 

Bank owned life insurance
 
124,452

 
 

 
 

 
97,939

 
 

 
 

 
45,009

 
 

 
 

Intangible assets
 
178,287

 
 

 
 

 
115,511

 
 

 
 

 
66,611

 
 

 
 

Other assets
 
98,823

 
 

 
 

 
112,004

 
 

 
 

 
101,645

 
 

 
 

 Total Assets
 
$
6,057,335

 
 

 
 

 
$
5,206,617

 
 

 
 

 
$
4,201,822

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand
 
$
978,030

 
1,883

 
0.19
%
 
$
922,353

 
1,065

 
0.12
%
 
$
764,917

 
616

 
0.08
%
Savings deposits
 
457,542

 
811

 
0.18

 
385,515

 
241

 
0.06

 
325,371

 
161

 
0.05

Money market
 
1,049,900

 
6,069

 
0.58

 
868,427

 
2,348

 
0.27

 
791,998

 
1,816

 
0.23

Time deposits
 
811,741

 
11,684

 
1.44

 
523,646

 
4,678

 
0.89

 
351,646

 
2,074

 
0.59

Federal funds purchased and other short term borrowings
 
200,839

 
1,804

 
0.90

 
171,686

 
781

 
0.45

 
187,560

 
484

 
0.26

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
 
224,982

 
4,468

 
1.99

 
377,396

 
3,744

 
0.99

 
198,268

 
1,256

 
0.63

Other borrowings
 
70,658

 
3,164

 
4.48

 
70,377

 
2,443

 
3.47

 
70,097

 
2,060

 
2.94

Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities
 
3,793,692

 
29,883

 
0.79

 
3,319,400

 
15,300

 
0.46

 
2,689,857

 
8,467

 
0.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest demand
 
1,492,451

 
 

 
 

 
1,279,825

 
 
 
 
 
1,066,463

 
 

 
 

Other liabilities
 
30,621

 
 

 
 

 
36,993

 
 
 
 
 
31,628

 
 

 
 

Total Liabilities
 
5,316,764

 
 

 
 

 
4,636,218

 
 

 
 

 
3,787,948

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
 
740,571

 
 

 
 

 
570,399

 
 
 
 
 
413,874

 
 

 
 

Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
 
$
6,057,335

 
 

 
 

 
$
5,206,617

 
 

 
 

 
$
4,201,822

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of deposits
 
 
 
 
 
0.43
%
 
 
 
 
 
0.21
%
 
 
 
 
 
0.14
%
Interest expense as % of earning assets
 
 

 
 

 
0.54
%
 
 

 
 

 
0.32
%
 
 

 
 

 
0.22
%
Net interest income/yield on earning assets
 
 

 
$
211,956

 
3.85
%
 
 

 
$
177,002

 
3.73
%
 
 

 
$
140,514

 
3.63
%
(1)On a fully taxable equivalent basis. All yields and rates have been computed using amortized costs.
Fees on loans have been included in interest on loans. Nonaccrual loans are included in loan balances.


65


Table 3 - Rate/Volume Analysis(1) 
 
 
 
2018 vs 2017
Due to Change in:
 
2017 vs 2016
Due to Change in:
(In thousands)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Total
 
 
Amount of increase (decrease)
Earning Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
 
$
(494
)
 
$
3,912

 
$
3,418

 
$
3,445

 
$
4,864

 
$
8,309

Nontaxable
 
126

 
(412
)
 
(286
)
 
140

 
(331
)
 
(191
)
Total Securities
 
(368
)

3,500


3,132


3,585


4,533


8,118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal funds sold and other investments
 
(400
)
 
654

 
254

 
(115
)
 
862

 
747

Loans, net
 
37,473

 
8,678

 
46,151

 
34,225

 
231

 
34,456

Total Earning Assets
 
36,705


12,832


49,537


37,695


5,626


43,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing demand
 
86

 
732

 
818

 
154

 
295

 
449

Savings deposits
 
86

 
484

 
570

 
34

 
46

 
80

Money market accounts
 
770

 
2,951

 
3,721

 
192

 
340

 
532

Time deposits
 
3,360

 
3,646

 
7,006

 
1,276

 
1,328

 
2,604

Federal funds purchased and other short term borrowings
 
197

 
825

 
1,022

 
(57
)
 
355

 
298

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
 
(2,269
)
 
2,994

 
725

 
1,456

 
1,031

 
2,487

Other borrowings
 
11

 
710

 
721

 
9

 
374

 
383

Total Interest Bearing Liabilities
 
(2,061
)

4,529


2,468


1,408


1,760


3,168

Net Interest Income
 
$
38,766

 
$
8,303

 
$
47,069

 
$
34,631

 
$
1,857

 
$
36,488

(1)On a fully taxable equivalent basis. All yields and rates have been computed using amortized costs.
Fees on loans have been included in interest on loans. Nonaccrual loans are included in loan balances.
Changes attributable to rate/volume (mix) are allocated to rate and volume on an equal basis.

66


Table 4 – Noninterest Income
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
18/17
 
17/16
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
$
11,198

 
$
10,049

 
$
9,669

 
11.4
%
 
3.9
%
Trust fees
 
4,183

 
3,705

 
3,433

 
12.9

 
7.9

Mortgage banking fees
 
4,682

 
6,449

 
5,864

 
(27.4
)
 
10.0

Brokerage commissions and fees
 
1,732

 
1,352

 
2,044

 
28.1

 
(33.9
)
Marine finance fees
 
1,398

 
910

 
673

 
53.6

 
35.2

Interchange income
 
12,335

 
10,583

 
9,227

 
16.6

 
14.7

BOLI income
 
4,291

 
3,426

 
2,213

 
25.2

 
54.8

Other
 
10,826

 
6,756

 
4,304

 
60.2

 
57.0

 
 
50,645


43,230


37,427

 
17.2

 
15.5

Gain on sale of Visa stock
 
—

 
15,153

 
—

 
(100.0
)
 
100.0

Securities (losses) gains, net
 
(623
)
 
86

 
368

 
n/m

 
(76.6
)
Total Noninterest Income
 
$
50,022


$
58,469


$
37,795

 
(14.4
)
 
54.7

 n/m = not meaningful

67


Table 5 - Noninterest Expense
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
% Change
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
18/17
 
17/16
Salaries and wages
 
$
71,111

 
$
65,692

 
$
54,096

 
8.2
 %
 
21.4
 %
Employee benefits
 
12,945

 
11,732

 
9,903

 
10.3

 
18.5

Outsourced data processing costs
 
16,374

 
14,116

 
13,516

 
16.0

 
4.4

Telephone / data lines
 
2,481

 
2,291

 
2,108

 
8.3

 
8.7

Occupancy
 
13,394

 
13,290

 
13,122

 
0.8

 
1.3

Furniture and equipment
 
6,744

 
6,067

 
4,720

 
11.2

 
28.5

Marketing
 
5,085

 
4,784

 
3,633

 
6.3

 
31.7

Legal and professional fees
 
9,961

 
11,022

 
9,596

 
(9.6
)
 
14.9

FDIC assessments
 
2,195

 
2,326

 
2,365

 
(5.6
)
 
(1.6
)
Amortization of intangibles
 
4,300

 
3,361

 
2,486

 
27.9

 
35.2

Foreclosed property expense and net (gain)/loss on sale
 
461

 
(300
)
 
44

 
n/m

 
n/m

Early redemption cost for Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
—

 
—

 
1,777

 
n/m

 
(100.0
)
Other
 
17,222

 
15,535

 
13,515

 
10.9

 
14.9

Total Noninterest Expense
 
$
162,273

 
$
149,916

 
$
130,881

 
8.2

 
14.5

n/m = not meaningful

68


Table 6 - Capital Resources
 

 
 
December 31,
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Tier 1 Capital
 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock
 
$
5,136

 
$
4,693

 
$
3,802

Additional paid in capital
 
778,501

 
661,632

 
454,001

Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit)
 
97,074

 
29,914

 
(13,657
)
Treasury stock
 
(3,384
)
 
(2,359
)
 
(1,236
)
Goodwill
 
(204,753
)
 
(147,578
)
 
(64,649
)
Intangibles
 
(24,808
)
 
(15,150
)
 
(6,371
)
Other
 
(6,426
)
 
(7,320
)
 
(20,121
)
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital
 
641,340

 
523,832

 
351,769

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Qualifying trust preferred securities
 
70,804

 
70,521

 
70,241

Other
 
—

 
(1,791
)
 
(13,414
)
Total Tier 1 Capital
 
712,144

 
592,562

 
408,596

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 2 Capital
 
 

 
 

 
 

Allowance for loan losses, as limited
 
32,543

 
27,184

 
23,462

Total Tier 2 Capital
 
32,543

 
27,184

 
23,462

Total Risk-Based Capital
 
$
744,687

 
$
619,746

 
$
432,058

Risk weighted assets
 
$
5,159,431

 
$
4,352,390

 
$
3,259,871

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common equity Tier 1 ratio (CET1)
 
12.43
%
 
12.04
%
 
10.79
%
Regulatory minimum(1)
 
4.50

 
4.50

 
4.50

Tier 1 capital ratio
 
13.80

 
13.61

 
12.53

Regulatory minimum(1)
 
6.00

 
6.00

 
6.00

Total capital ratio
 
14.43

 
14.24

 
13.25

Regulatory minimum(1)
 
8.00

 
8.00

 
8.00

Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets
 
11.16

 
10.68

 
9.15

Regulatory minimum
 
4.00

 
4.00

 
4.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity to assets
 
12.81

 
11.87

 
9.30

Average shareholders' equity to average total assets
 
12.23

 
10.96

 
9.85

Tangible shareholders' equity to tangible assets
 
9.72

 
9.27

 
7.74

 
(1)Excludes the capital conservation buffer of 1.875% for 2018, 1.250% for 2017, and 0.625% for 2016, which if not exceeded may constrain dividends, equity repurchases and compensation.



69


Table 7 - Loans Outstanding
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Construction and land development
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential
 
$
123,326

 
$
97,725

 
$
29,693

 
$
31,650

 
$
16,155

Commercial
 
128,175

 
91,043

 
57,856

 
31,977

 
37,194

 
 
251,501

 
188,768

 
87,549

 
63,627

 
53,349

Individuals
 
192,067

 
154,357

 
72,567

 
45,160

 
33,687

 
 
443,568

 
343,125

 
160,116

 
108,787

 
87,036

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner-occupied
 
970,181

 
791,400

 
623,800

 
453,300

 
362,300

Non owner-occupied
 
1,161,885

 
848,592

 
733,792

 
556,078

 
474,847

 
 
2,132,066

 
1,639,992

 
1,357,592

 
1,009,378

 
837,147

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential real estate
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Adjustable
 
618,123

 
487,231

 
418,276

 
429,826

 
441,238

Fixed rate
 
370,224

 
246,884

 
210,365

 
110,391

 
93,865

Home equity mortgages
 
74,127

 
71,367

 
44,484

 
69,339

 
71,838

Home equity lines
 
261,903

 
233,328

 
163,662

 
114,229

 
79,956

 
 
1,324,377

 
1,038,810

 
836,787

 
723,785

 
686,897

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and financial
 
722,322

 
606,014

 
370,589

 
228,517

 
157,396

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Installment loans to individuals
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Automobiles and trucks
 
20,482

 
19,006

 
19,234

 
14,965

 
7,817

Marine loans
 
83,606

 
78,855

 
78,993

 
46,534

 
26,236

Other
 
97,606

 
90,851

 
55,718

 
23,857

 
18,844

 
 
201,694

 
188,712

 
153,945

 
85,356

 
52,897

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other loans
 
1,187

 
724

 
507

 
507

 
512

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Loans
 
$
4,825,214

 
$
3,817,377

 
$
2,879,536

 
$
2,156,330

 
$
1,821,885

 




70


Table 8 - Loan Maturity Distribution
 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Commercial and
Financial
 
Construction and
Land Development
 
Total
In one year or less
$
331,320

 
$
207,549

 
$
538,869

 
 
 
 
 
 
After one year but within five years:
 

 
 

 


Interest rates are floating or adjustable
74,175

 
48,429

 
122,604

Interest rates are fixed
202,370

 
31,361

 
233,731

 
 
 
 
 
 
In five years or more:
 

 
 

 
 

Interest rates are floating or adjustable
6,375

 
69,467

 
75,842

Interest rates are fixed
108,082

 
86,762

 
194,844

Total
$
722,322

 
$
443,568

 
$
1,165,890


71


Table 9 - Maturity of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 or More

Maturity of Certificates of Deposit of $100,000 through $250,000

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
% of
 
 
 
% of
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
Total
 
2017
 
Total
Maturity Group:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Under 3 Months
 
$
46,410

 
17.9
%
 
$
22,266

 
10.5
%
3 to 6 Months
 
33,291

 
12.9

 
36,380

 
17.1

6 to 12 Months
 
83,280

 
32.2

 
89,486

 
42.2

Over 12 Months
 
95,798

 
37.0

 
63,954

 
30.2

Total Time Deposits
 
$
258,779

 
100.0
%
 
$
212,086

 
100.0
%
 
Maturity of Certificates of Deposit of more than $250,000

 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
% of
 
 
 
% of
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
Total
 
2017
 
Total
Maturity Group:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Under 3 Months
 
$
30,542

 
15.9
%
 
$
17,774

 
12.3
%
3 to 6 Months
 
23,077

 
12.0

 
20,100

 
13.9

6 to 12 Months
 
68,600

 
35.8

 
59,344

 
41.2

Over 12 Months
 
69,722

 
36.3

 
47,054

 
32.6

Total Time Deposits
 
$
191,941

 
100.0
%
 
$
144,272

 
100.0
%

72


Table 10 - Summary of Allowance for Loan Loss Experience
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Beginning balance
 
$
27,122

 
$
23,400

 
$
19,128

 
$
17,071

 
$
20,068

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision (recapture) for loan losses
 
11,730

 
5,648

 
2,411

 
2,644

 
(3,486
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge offs:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,271

 
640

Commercial real estate
 
3,139

 
407

 
256

 
263

 
285

Residential real estate
 
80

 
569

 
205

 
779

 
1,126

Commercial and financial
 
3,396

 
1,869

 
439

 
726

 
398

Consumer
 
1,411

 
1,257

 
244

 
341

 
193

Total Charge Offs
 
8,026

 
4,102

 
1,144

 
3,380

 
2,642

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recoveries:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
27

 
896

 
226

 
404

 
415

Commercial real estate
 
292

 
747

 
306

 
700

 
1,683

Residential real estate
 
816

 
336

 
786

 
1,260

 
902

Commercial and financial
 
325

 
226

 
1,809

 
531

 
170

Consumer
 
329

 
290

 
109

 
117

 
74

Total Recoveries
 
1,789

 
2,495

 
3,236

 
3,012

 
3,244

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loan charge offs (recoveries)
 
6,237

 
1,607

 
(2,092
)
 
368

 
(602
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TDR valuation adjustments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
—

 
2

 
8

 
(43
)
 
12

Commercial real estate
 
62

 
64

 
132

 
69

 
(25
)
Residential real estate
 
121

 
244

 
86

 
151

 
118

Commercial and financial
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6

 
—

Consumer
 
9

 
9

 
5

 
36

 
8

Total TDR Valuation Adjustments
 
192


319


231


219


113

Total Allowance for Loan Losses
 
$
32,423

 
$
27,122

 
$
23,400

 
$
19,128

 
$
17,071

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans outstanding at end of year(1)
 
$4,825,214
 
$3,814,377
 
$2,879,536
 
$2,156,330
 
$1,821,885
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans outstanding at end of year
 
0.67
%
 
0.71
%
 
0.81
 %
 
0.89
%
 
0.94
 %
Daily average loans outstanding(1)
 
$4,112,009
 
$3,323,403
 
$2,584,389
 
$1,984,545
 
$1,452,751
Ratio of net charge offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding
 
0.15
%
 
0.05
%
 
(0.08
)%
 
0.02
%
 
(0.04
)%
(1)Net of unearned income.


73


Table 11 - Allowance for Loan Losses
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Allocation by Loan Type
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
$
2,233

 
$
1,642

 
$
1,219

 
$
1,151

 
$
765

Commercial real estate loans
 
11,112

 
9,285

 
9,273

 
6,756

 
4,531

Residential real estate loans
 
7,775

 
7,131

 
7,483

 
8,057

 
9,802

Commercial and financial loans
 
8,585

 
7,297

 
3,636

 
2,042

 
1,179

Consumer loans
 
2,718

 
1,767

 
1,789

 
1,122

 
794

Total Allowance for Loan Losses
 
$
32,423

 
$
27,122

 
$
23,400

 
$
19,128

 
$
17,071

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year End Loan Types as a Percent of Total Loans
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
9.2
%
 
9.0
%
 
5.6
%
 
5.0
%
 
4.8
%
Commercial real estate loans
 
44.2

 
43.0

 
47.1

 
46.8

 
46.0

Residential real estate loans
 
27.4

 
27.2

 
29.1

 
33.6

 
37.7

Commercial and financial loans
 
15.0

 
15.9

 
12.9

 
10.6

 
8.6

Consumer loans
 
4.2

 
4.9

 
5.3

 
4.0

 
2.9

Total
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

74


Table 12 - Nonperforming Assets
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Nonaccrual loans(1)(2)
 
 
Construction and land development
 
$
44

 
$
238

 
$
470

 
$
309

 
$
1,963

Commercial real estate loans
 
9,220

 
2,833

 
7,341

 
6,410

 
4,189

Residential real estate loans
 
13,708

 
13,856

 
9,844

 
10,290

 
14,797

Commercial and financial loans
 
3,321

 
2,499

 
246

 
130

 
—

Consumer loans
 
183

 
98

 
170

 
247

 
191

Total Nonaccrual Loans
 
26,476

 
19,524

 
18,071

 
17,386

 
21,140

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other real estate owned
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
1,543

 
1,268

 
1,203

 
2,617

 
223

Commercial real estate loans
 
1,566

 
2,550

 
3,041

 
3,959

 
5,771

Residential real estate loans
 
297

 
60

 
—

 
463

 
1,468

Bank branches closed
 
9,396

 
3,762

 
5,705

 
—

 
—

Total Other Real Estate Owned
 
12,802

 
7,640

 
9,949

 
7,039

 
7,462

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Nonperforming Assets
 
$
39,278

 
$
27,164

 
$
28,020

 
$
24,425

 
$
28,602

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of loans outstanding at end of year(2)
 
4,825,214

 
3,817,377

 
2,879,536

 
2,156,330

 
1,821,885

Ratio of total nonperforming assets to loans outstanding and other real estate owned at end of period
 
0.81
%
 
0.71
%
 
0.97
%
 
1.13
%
 
1.56
%
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
 
$
526

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
311

Loans restructured and in compliance with modified terms(3)
 
13,346

 
15,559

 
17,711

 
19,970

 
24,997

 (1)Interest income that could have been recorded during 2018, 2017, and 2016 related to nonaccrual loans was $1.0 million, $0.7 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, none of which was included in interest income or net income. All nonaccrual loans are secured.
(2)Net of unearned income.
(3)Interest income that would have been recorded based on original contractual terms was $0.5 million, $0.7 million, and $1.1 million, respectively, for 2018, 2017 and 2016. The amount included in interest income under the modified terms for 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $0.7 million , $0.7 million, and $0.8 million, respectively.

75


Table 13 - Debt Securities Available For Sale
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
Gross
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
$
7,200

 
$
7,300

 
$
106

 
$
(6
)
2017
 
9,475

 
9,744

 
274

 
(5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of US Government Sponsored Entities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
567,753

 
554,006

 
300

 
(14,047
)
2017
 
560,396

 
553,525

 
1,163

 
(8,034
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
55,569

 
55,728

 
560

 
(401
)
2017
 
75,152

 
76,021

 
1,154

 
(285
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized loan obligations
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
212,807

 
209,366

 
1

 
(3,442
)
2017
 
263,579

 
264,309

 
798

 
(68
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
39,543

 
39,431

 
339

 
(451
)
2017
 
45,118

 
45,861

 
813

 
(70
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debt Securities Available For Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
$
882,872

 
$
865,831

 
$
1,306

 
$
(18,347
)
2017
 
$
953,720

 
$
949,460

 
$
4,202

 
$
(8,462
)

76


Table 14 - Debt Securities Held to Maturity
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
Gross
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
$
304,423

 
$
297,099

 
$
—

 
$
(7,324
)
2017
 
353,541

 
350,184

 
802

 
(4,159
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
21,526

 
21,673

 
277

 
(130
)
2017
 
22,799

 
23,460

 
714

 
(53
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateralized loan obligations
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
32,000

 
31,123

 
—

 
(877
)
2017
 
40,523

 
40,826

 
303

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debt Securities Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

2018
 
$
357,949

 
$
349,895

 
$
277

 
$
(8,331
)
2017
 
$
416,863

 
$
414,470

 
$
1,819

 
$
(4,212
)

77


Table 15 - Maturity Distribution of Debt Securities Available For Sale
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 
1 Year
Or Less
 
1-5
Years
 
5-10
Years
 
After 10
Years
 
Total
 
Average
Maturity
In Years
Amortized Cost
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
—

 
$
5,726

 
$
1,474

 
$
—

 
$
7,200

 
4.17

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of US Government Sponsored Entities
 
7,363

 
262,724

 
295,120

 
2,546

 
567,753

 
4.18

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
2

 
41,502

 
14,065

 
—

 
55,569

 
4.41

Collateralized loan obligations
 
4,220

 
70,514

 
138,073

 
—

 
212,807

 
5.28

Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
7,970

 
12,162

 
15,946

 
3,465

 
39,543

 
3.55

Total Debt Securities Available For Sale
 
$
19,555

 
$
392,628

 
$
464,678

 
$
6,011

 
$
882,872

 
4.25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
—

 
$
5,804

 
$
1,496

 
$
—

 
$
7,300

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of US Government Sponsored Entities
 
7,307

 
256,887

 
287,203

 
2,609

 
554,006

 
 

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
2

 
41,612

 
14,114

 
—

 
55,728

 
 

Collateralized loan obligations
 
4,219

 
69,808

 
135,339

 
—

 
209,366

 
 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
7,912

 
12,197

 
15,871

 
3,451

 
39,431

 
 

Total Debt Securities Available For Sale
 
$
19,440

 
$
386,308

 
$
454,023

 
$
6,060

 
$
865,831

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Yield(1)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
—
%
 
3.44
%
 
4.64
%
 
—
%
 
3.68
%
 
 

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of US Government Sponsored Entities
 
1.08
%
 
2.36
%
 
2.75
%
 
4.05
%
 
2.55
%
 
 

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
5.00
%
 
3.74
%
 
3.59
%
 
—
%
 
3.70
%
 
 

Collateralized loan obligations
 
4.18
%
 
3.75
%
 
4.09
%
 
—
%
 
3.98
%
 
 

Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
2.19
%
 
3.13
%
 
2.74
%
 
3.02
%
 
2.77
%
 
 

Total Debt Securities Available For Sale
 
2.20
%
 
2.80
%
 
3.18
%
 
3.46
%
 
2.99
%
 
 

(1)On a fully taxable equivalent basis. All yields and rates have been computed using amortized costs.


78


Table 16 - Maturity Distribution of Debt Securities Held to Maturity
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 
1 Year
Or Less
 
1-5
Years
 
5-10
Years
 
After 10
Years
 
Total
 
Average
Maturity
In Years
Amortized Cost
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
—

 
$
172,280

 
$
132,143

 
$
—

 
$
304,423

 
4.20

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
—

 
10,622

 
10,904

 
—

 
21,526

 
4.93

Collateralized loan obligations
 
—

 
—

 
32,000

 
—

 
32,000

 
7.42

Total Debt Securities Held for Investment
 
$
—

 
$182,902
 
$175,047
 
$
—

 
$357,949
 
4.68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
—

 
$
168,499

 
$
128,600

 
$
—

 
$
297,099

 
 

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
—

 
10,853

 
10,820

 
—

 
21,673

 
 

Collateralized loan obligations
 
—

 
—

 
31,123

 
—

 
31,123

 
 

Total Debt Securities Held for Investment
 
$
—

 
$179,352
 
$170,543
 
$—
 
$349,895
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Yield(1)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
—
%
 
2.20
%
 
2.77
%
 
—
%
 
2.45
%
 
 

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
—
%
 
4.21
%
 
3.76
%
 
—
%
 
3.98
%
 
 

Collateralized loan obligations
 
—
%
 
—
%
 
4.95
%
 
—
%
 
4.95
%
 
 

Total Debt Securities Held for Investment
 
—
%
 
2.31
%
 
3.23
%
 
—
%
 
2.76
%
 
 

(1)On a fully taxable equivalent basis. All yields and rates have been computed using amortized costs.


79


Table 17 - Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis(1) 
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 
0-3
Months
 
4-12
Months
 
1-5
Years
 
Over
5 Years
 
Total
Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits
 
$
12,553

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
12,553

Securities(2)
 
491,399

 
58,750

 
282,622

 
539,896

 
1,372,667

Loans, net(3)
 
1,316,938

 
486,273

 
1,468,700

 
569,772

 
3,841,683

Earning assets
 
1,820,890

 
545,023

 
1,751,322

 
1,109,668

 
5,226,903

Savings deposits(4)
 
2,416,559

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,416,559

Time deposits
 
154,351

 
473,088

 
147,466

 
1,028

 
775,933

Borrowings
 
497,615

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
497,615

Interest bearing liabilities
 
3,068,525

 
473,088

 
147,466

 
1,028

 
3,690,107

Interest sensitivity gap
 
$
(1,247,635
)
 
$
71,935

 
$
1,603,856

 
$
1,108,640

 
$
1,536,796

Cumulative gap
 
$
(1,247,635
)
 
$
(1,175,700
)
 
$
428,156

 
$
1,536,796

 
 

Cumulative gap to total earning assets (%)
 
(23.9
)
 
(22.5
)
 
8.2

 
29.4

 
 

Earning assets to interest bearing liabilities (%)
 
59.3

 
115.2

 
1,187.6

 
n/m

 
 

 
(1)The repricing dates may differ from maturity dates for certain assets due to prepayment assumptions.
(2)Securities are stated at carrying value.
(3)Includes loans available for sale.
(4)This category is comprised of interest-bearing demand, savings and money market deposits. If interest-bearing demand and savings deposits (totaling $1,365,804) were deemed repriceable in "4-12 months", the interest sensitivity gap and cumulative gap would be $118,169 or 2.3% of total earning assets and earning assets to interest bearing liabilities percentage for the 0-3 months category of 106.9%.
n/m = not meaningful


80


Stock Performance Graph
 
The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Seacoast common stock for the five years ended December 31, 2018 with the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index and the SNL Southeast Bank Index for the same period. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on December 31, 2013 (the last day of trading for the year ended December 31, 2013) in each of Seacoast common stock, the NASDAQ Composite Index and the SNL Southeast Bank Index. The cumulative total return represents the change in stock price and the amount of dividends received over the period, assuming all dividends were reinvested.

chart-8dcb940acf23150f756.jpg

 
 
 
 
Period Ending
 
 
Index
 
12/31/2013
 
12/31/2014
 
12/31/2015
 
12/31/2016
 
12/31/2017
 
12/31/2018
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida
 
100.00

 
112.70

 
122.79

 
180.82

 
206.64

 
213.28

NASDAQ Composite Index
 
100.00

 
114.75

 
122.74

 
133.62

 
173.22

 
168.30

SNL Southeast Bank Index
 
100.00

 
112.63

 
110.87

 
147.18

 
182.06

 
150.42

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence © 2019


81


SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
2018 Quarters
 
2017 Quarters
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
 
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
Net interest income:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
 
$
70,058

 
$
59,154

 
$
56,709

 
$
55,477

 
$
53,344

 
$
50,079

 
$
47,398

 
$
40,775

Interest expense
 
10,074

 
7,592

 
6,502

 
5,715

 
5,118

 
4,330

 
3,242

 
2,610

Net interest income
 
59,984

 
51,562

 
50,207

 
49,762

 
48,226

 
45,749

 
44,156

 
38,165

Provision for loan losses
 
2,342

 
5,774

 
2,529

 
1,085

 
2,263

 
680

 
1,401

 
1,304

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
 
57,642

 
45,788

 
47,678

 
48,677

 
45,963

 
45,069

 
42,755

 
36,861

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
 
3,019

 
2,833

 
2,674

 
2,672

 
2,566

 
2,626

 
2,435

 
2,422

Trust fees
 
1,040

 
1,083

 
1,039

 
1,021

 
941

 
967

 
917

 
880

Mortgage banking fees
 
809

 
1,135

 
1,336

 
1,402

 
1,487

 
2,138

 
1,272

 
1,552

Brokerage commissions and fees
 
468

 
444

 
461

 
359

 
273

 
351

 
351

 
377

Marine finance fees
 
185

 
194

 
446

 
573

 
313

 
137

 
326

 
134

Interchange income
 
3,198

 
3,119

 
3,076

 
2,942

 
2,836

 
2,582

 
2,671

 
2,494

BOLI income
 
1,091

 
1,078

 
1,066

 
1,056

 
1,100

 
836

 
757

 
733

Other income
 
3,329

 
2,453

 
2,671

 
2,373

 
1,861

 
1,844

 
1,738

 
1,313

Gain on sale of VISA stock
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
15,153

 
—

 
—

 
—

Securities gains (losses), net
 
(425
)
 
(48
)
 
(48
)
 
(102
)
 
112

 
(47
)
 
21

 
—

Total noninterest income
 
12,714

 
12,291

 
12,721

 
12,296

 
26,642

 
11,434

 
10,488

 
9,905

Noninterest expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
 
22,172

 
17,129

 
16,429

 
15,381

 
16,321

 
15,627

 
18,375

 
15,369

Employee benefits
 
3,625

 
3,205

 
3,034

 
3,081

 
2,812

 
2,917

 
2,935

 
3,068

Outsourced data processing costs
 
5,809

 
3,493

 
3,393

 
3,679

 
4,160

 
3,231

 
3,456

 
3,269

Telephone / data lines
 
602

 
624

 
643

 
612

 
538

 
573

 
648

 
532

Occupancy
 
3,747

 
3,214

 
3,316

 
3,117

 
3,265

 
2,447

 
4,421

 
3,157

Furniture and equipment
 
2,452

 
1,367

 
1,468

 
1,457

 
1,806

 
1,191

 
1,679

 
1,391

Marketing
 
1,350

 
1,139

 
1,344

 
1,252

 
1,490

 
1,298

 
1,074

 
922

Legal and professional fees
 
3,668

 
2,019

 
2,301

 
1,973

 
3,054

 
2,560

 
3,276

 
2,132

FDIC assessments
 
571

 
431

 
595

 
598

 
558

 
548

 
650

 
570

Amortization of intangibles
 
1,303

 
1,004

 
1,004

 
989

 
964

 
839

 
839

 
719

Net (gain)/loss on other real estate owned and repossessed assets
 
—

 
(136
)
 
405

 
192

 
(7
)
 
(297
)
 
297

 
(293
)
Other
 
4,165

 
3,910

 
4,314

 
4,833

 
4,223

 
3,427

 
3,975

 
3,910

Total noninterest expenses
 
49,464

 
37,399

 
38,246

 
37,164

 
39,184

 
34,361

 
41,625

 
34,746

Income before income taxes
 
20,892

 
20,680

 
22,153

 
23,809

 
33,421

 
22,142

 
11,618

 
12,020

Income taxes
 
4,930

 
4,358

 
5,189

 
5,782

 
20,374

 
7,926

 
3,942

 
4,094

Net income
 
$
15,962

 
$
16,322

 
$
16,964

 
$
18,027

 
$
13,047

 
$
14,216

 
$
7,676

 
$
7,926

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PER COMMON SHARE DATA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income diluted
 
$
0.31

 
$
0.34

 
$
0.35

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.28

 
$
0.32

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.20

Net income basic
 
0.32

 
0.35

 
0.36

 
0.38

 
0.29

 
0.33

 
0.18

 
0.20


82


Cash dividends declared:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

Market price common stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Low close
 
21.74

 
28.30

 
25.61

 
23.96

 
22.42

 
20.58

 
21.65

 
20.59

High close
 
29.86

 
34.95

 
33.51

 
28.44

 
27.13

 
24.87

 
25.88

 
25.13

Bid price at end of period
 
26.02

 
29.20

 
31.58

 
26.47

 
25.21

 
23.89

 
24.10

 
23.98


83


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
 
For the Year Ended and at December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Net interest income
 
$
211,515

 
$
176,296

 
$
139,588

 
$
109,487

 
$
74,907

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision (recapture) for loan losses
 
11,730

 
5,648

 
2,411

 
2,644

 
(3,486
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
50,645

 
43,230

 
37,427

 
32,018

 
24,744

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities (losses) gains, net
 
(623
)
 
86

 
368

 
161

 
469

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of VISA stock
 
—

 
15,153

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bargain purchase gains, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
416

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest expenses
 
162,273

 
149,916

 
130,881

 
103,770

 
93,366

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
87,534

 
79,201

 
44,091

 
35,668

 
10,240

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes
 
20,259

 
36,336

 
14,889

 
13,527

 
4,544

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202

 
$
22,141

 
$
5,696

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share Data
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income available to common shareholders:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted
 
1.38

 
0.99

 
0.78

 
0.66

 
0.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
1.40

 
1.01

 
0.79

 
0.66

 
0.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared
 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
0.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Book value per share common
 
16.83

 
14.70

 
11.45

 
10.29

 
9.44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible book value per share
 
12.33
 
11.15
 
9.37
 
9.31
 
8.51
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
$
6,747,659

 
$
5,810,129

 
$
4,680,932

 
$
3,534,780

 
$3,093,335
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities
 
1,223,780

 
1,372,667

 
1,323,001

 
994,291

 
949,279

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loans
 
4,792,791

 
3,790,255

 
2,856,136

 
2,137,202

 
1,804,814

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
5,177,240

 
4,592,720

 
3,523,245

 
2,844,387

 
2,416,534

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB borrowings
 
380,000

 
211,000

 
415,000

 
50,000

 
130,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subordinated debt
 
70,804

 
70,521

 
70,241

 
69,961

 
64,583

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity
 
864,267

 
689,664

 
435,397

 
353,453

 
312,651

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

84


Performance ratios:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
 
1.11
%
 
0.82
%
 
0.69
%
 
0.67
%
 
0.23
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average equity
 
9.08

 
7.51

 
7.06

 
6.56

 
2.22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest margin(1)
 
3.85

 
3.73

 
3.63

 
3.64

 
3.25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average equity to average assets
 
9.72

 
10.96

 
9.85

 
10.21

 
10.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on tangible assets
 
1.20
 
0.88
 
0.75
 
0.71
 
0.26
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on tangible common equity
 
12.54
 
9.90
 
8.87
 
7.59
 
2.57
(1)On a fully taxable equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure (see pages 46-47 of Management's Discussion and Analysis).
 


 


85


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida
Stuart, Florida
 
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (the "Company") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
 
Basis for Opinions
 
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
 
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 

86


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
/s/ Crowe LLP
Crowe LLP
 
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2014.
 
Atlanta, Georgia
February 26, 2019



87



SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Interest Income
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest on securities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
 
$
37,860

 
$
34,442

 
$
26,133

Nontaxable
 
884

 
913

 
1,036

Interest and fees on loans
 
199,984

 
153,825

 
119,217

Interest on federal funds sold and other investments
 
2,670

 
2,416

 
1,669

Total Interest Income
 
241,398

 
191,596

 
148,055

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on savings deposits
 
8,763

 
3,654

 
2,593

Interest on time certificates
 
11,684

 
4,678

 
2,074

Interest on federal funds purchased and other short term borrowings
 
1,804

 
781

 
484

Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
 
4,468

 
3,744

 
1,256

Interest on subordinated debt
 
3,164

 
2,443

 
2,060

Total Interest Expense
 
29,883

 
15,300

 
8,467

Net Interest Income
 
211,515

 
176,296

 
139,588

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
 
11,730

 
5,648

 
2,411

Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses
 
199,785

 
170,648

 
137,177

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest Income (Note M)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain on sale of Visa stock
 
—

 
15,153

 
—

Securities (losses) gains, net (includes net losses of ($96) for 2018, net gains of $1,950 for 2017, and net losses of ($617) for 2016 in other comprehensive income reclassifications)
 
(623
)
 
86

 
368

Other
 
50,645

 
43,230

 
37,427

Total Noninterest Income
 
50,022

 
58,469

 
37,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest Expense (Note M)
 
162,273

 
149,916

 
130,881

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Before Income Taxes
 
87,534

 
79,201

 
44,091

Income taxes
 
20,259

 
36,336

 
14,889

Net Income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share of common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted
 
$
1.38

 
$
0.99

 
$
0.78

Basic
 
1.40

 
1.01

 
0.79

Average common shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted
 
48,748

 
43,350

 
37,508

Basic
 
47,969

 
42,613

 
36,872

 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


88


SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net Income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
 
(13,266
)
 
5,976

 
(2,129
)
Amortization of unrealized losses on securities transferred to held to maturity, net
 
550

 
596

 
488

Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
 
485

 
(86
)
 
(368
)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
3,272

 
(2,483
)
 
709

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
(8,959
)
 
4,003

 
(1,300
)
Comprehensive Income
 
$
58,316

 
$
46,868

 
$
27,902


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


89


SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands, except share data)
 
2018
 
2017
Assets
 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
 
$
92,242

 
$
104,039

Interest bearing deposits with other banks
 
23,709

 
5,465

Total Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
115,951

 
109,504

 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits with other banks
 
8,243

 
12,553

 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale (at fair value)
 
865,831

 
949,460

Securities held to maturity (fair value $349,895 in 2018 and $414,470 in 2017)
 
357,949

 
416,863

Total Debt Securities
 
1,223,780

 
1,366,323

 
 
 
 
 
Loans held for sale
 
11,873

 
24,306

 
 
 
 
 
Loans
 
4,825,214

 
3,817,377

 Less: Allowance for loan losses
 
(32,423
)
 
(27,122
)
Loans, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses
 
4,792,791

 
3,790,255

 
 
 
 
 
Bank premises and equipment, net
 
71,024

 
66,883

Other real estate owned
 
12,802

 
7,640

Goodwill
 
204,753

 
147,578

Other intangible assets, net
 
25,977

 
19,099

Bank owned life insurance
 
123,394

 
123,981

Net deferred tax assets
 
28,954

 
25,417

Other assets
 
128,117

 
116,590

Total Assets
 
$
6,747,659

 
$
5,810,129

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
 
 
 
Noninterest demand
 
$
1,569,602

 
$
1,400,227

Interest-bearing demand
 
1,014,032

 
1,050,755

Savings
 
493,807

 
434,346

Money market
 
1,173,950

 
931,458

Other time deposits
 
513,312

 
414,277

Brokered time certificates
 
220,594

 
217,385

Time certificates of more than $250,000
 
191,943

 
144,272

Total Deposits
 
5,177,240

 
4,592,720

 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, maturing within 30 days
 
214,323

 
216,094

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
 
380,000

 
211,000

Subordinated debt
 
70,804

 
70,521

Other liabilities
 
41,025

 
30,130

Total Liabilities
 
5,883,392

 
5,120,465

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes K and P)
 


 



90


 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity
 
 

 
 

Common stock, par value $0.10 per share authorized 120,000,000 shares, issued 51,514,734 and outstanding 51,361,079 shares in 2018 and authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued 47,032,259 and outstanding 46,917,735 shares in 2017
 
5,136

 
4,693

Additional paid-in capital
 
778,501

 
661,632

Retained earnings
 
97,074

 
29,914

Less: Treasury stock (153,655 shares in 2018 and 114,524 shares in 2017), at cost
 
(3,384
)
 
(2,359
)
 
 
877,327

 
693,880

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 
(13,060
)
 
(4,216
)
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
864,267

 
689,664

Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity
 
$
6,747,659

 
$
5,810,129


 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

91


SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS


 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 


 


 


Depreciation
 
6,353

 
5,614

 
5,076

Amortization of premiums and discounts on securities, net
 
3,196

 
3,977

 
7,559

Other amortization and accretion, net
 
(1,158
)
 
(697
)
 
(2,238
)
Stock based compensation
 
7,823

 
5,267

 
4,154

Origination of loans designated for sale
 
(303,928
)
 
(213,027
)
 
(175,842
)
Sale of loans designated for sale
 
326,328

 
211,091

 
190,843

Provision for loan losses
 
11,730

 
5,648

 
2,411

Deferred income taxes
 
459

 
35,827

 
14,206

Losses (gains) on sale of securities
 
485

 
(86
)
 
(368
)
Gain on sale of VISA Class B stock
 
—

 
(15,153
)
 
—

Gains on sale of loans
 
(8,961
)
 
(7,038
)
 
(6,335
)
Gains on sale and write-downs of other real estate owned
 
(107
)
 
(711
)
 
(509
)
Losses on disposition of fixed assets
 
1,235

 
2,270

 
2,442

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquired companies:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net increase (decrease) in other assets
 
10,051

 
(5,506
)
 
(11,573
)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
8,827

 
(21,432
)
 
2,979

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
129,608

 
48,909

 
62,007

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
 

 


 


Maturities and repayments of debt securities available for sale
 
141,223

 
211,173

 
127,879

Maturities and repayments of debt securities held to maturity
 
58,315

 
86,460

 
48,705

Proceeds from sale of debt securities available for sale
 
31,694

 
235,613

 
40,421

Purchases of debt securities available for sale
 
(72,505
)
 
(371,926
)
 
(297,719
)
Purchases of debt securities held to maturity
 
—

 
(131,439
)
 
(218,654
)
Maturities of time deposits with other banks
 
4,310

 
4,720

 
—

Net new loans and principal repayments
 
(365,816
)
 
(328,868
)
 
(396,862
)
Proceeds from the sale of portfolio loans
 
—

 
106,815

 
71,433

Purchases of loans held for investment
 
(19,541
)
 
(55,352
)
 
(64,925
)
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned
 
10,072

 
6,069

 
7,952

Proceeds from sale of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
 
44,731

 
48,295

 
9,350

Purchase of FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
 
(51,505
)
 
(42,680
)
 
(28,857
)
Purchase of Visa Class B stock
 
—

 
(6,180
)
 
—

Proceeds from sale of Visa Class B stock
 
21,333

 
—

 
—

Redemption of bank owned life insurance
 
4,232

 
3,609

 
—

Purchase of bank owned life insurance
 
—

 
(30,000
)
 
(40,000
)
Net cash from bank acquisitions
 
22,876

 
23,825

 
235,546

Additions to bank premises and equipment
 
(4,019
)
 
(5,710
)
 
(6,054
)

92


Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
(174,600
)
 
(245,576
)
 
(511,785
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
 

 


 


Net (decrease) increase in deposits
 
(39,769
)
 
333,049

 
27,320

Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements
 
(1,771
)
 
11,892

 
32,196

Net increase (decrease) in FHLB borrowings with original maturities of three months or less
 
32,000

 
(204,000
)
 
415,000

Proceeds from FHLB borrowings with original maturities of more than three months
 
60,000

 
—

 
—

Early redemption of FHLB borrowings
 
—

 
—

 
(50,000
)
Stock based employee benefit plans
 
979

 
(55
)
 
(1,161
)
Issuance of common stock, net of related expense
 
—

 
55,641

 
—

Dividends paid
 
—

 
—

 
—

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
 
51,439

 
196,527

 
423,355

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
6,447

 
(140
)
 
(26,423
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
109,504

 
109,644

 
136,067

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
 
$
115,951

 
$
109,504

 
$
109,644

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for interest
 
$
28,301

 
$
15,125

 
$
7,855

Cash paid during the period for taxes
 
13,200

 
400

 
703

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of non cash investing activities:
 
 

 


 


Transfer from loans to other real estate owned
 
$
5,549

 
$
1,774

 
$
3,009

Transfer from bank premises to other real estate owned
 
9,168

 
1,212

 
7,708

Transfer from loans held for investment to loans held for sale
 
—

 
5,664

 
—


 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


93


SEACOAST BANKING CORPORATION OF FLORIDA AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
 
Accumulated
Other
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
(Accumulated
 
Treasury
 
Comprehensive
 
 
(Dollars and shares in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Deficit)
 
Stock
 
Income (Loss), Net
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
34,351

 
$
3,435

 
$
399,162

 
$
(42,858
)
 
$
(73
)
 
$
(6,213
)
 
$
353,453

Comprehensive income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
29,202

 
—

 
(1,300
)
 
27,902

Stock based compensation expense
 
—

 
—

 
4,154

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,154

Common stock issued for stock based employee benefit plans
 
87

 
—

 
2

 
—

 
(1,163
)
 
—

 
(1,161
)
Common stock issued for stock options
 
12

 
1

 
133

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
134

Issuance of common stock, pursuant to acquisition
 
3,291

 
329

 
50,584

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
50,913

Other
 
281

 
37

 
(34
)
 
(1
)
 
—

 
—

 
2

Balance at December 31, 2016
 
38,022

 
$
3,802

 
$
454,001

 
$
(13,657
)
 
$
(1,236
)
 
$
(7,513
)
 
$
435,397

Comprehensive income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
42,865

 
—

 
4,003

 
46,868

Reclassification of disproportionate tax effects upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
706

 
—

 
(706
)
 
—

Stock based compensation expense
 
—

 
—

 
5,267

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,267

Common stock issued for stock based employee benefit plans
 
61

 
—

 
(15
)
 
—

 
(1,123
)
 
—

 
(1,138
)
Common stock issued for stock options
 
91

 
16

 
1,066

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,082

Issuance of common stock, net of related expenses
 
2,703

 
270

 
55,371

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
55,641

Issuance of common stock, pursuant to acquisition
 
6,041

 
605

 
145,942

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
146,547

Balance at December 31, 2017
 
46,918

 
$
4,693

 
$
661,632

 
$
29,914

 
$
(2,359
)
 
$
(4,216
)
 
689,664

Comprehensive income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
67,275

 
—

 
(8,959
)
 
58,316

Reclassification of unrealized losses on equity investment upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(115
)
 
—

 
115

 
—

Stock based compensation expense
 
32

 
—

 
7,823

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
7,823

Common stock issued for stock based employee benefit plans
 
43

 
—

 
(6
)
 
—

 
(1,025
)
 
—

 
(1,031
)
Common stock issued for stock options
 
368

 
43

 
1,966

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,009

Issuance of common stock, pursuant to acquisition
 
4,000

 
400

 
107,086

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
107,486

Balance at December 31, 2018
 
51,361

 
$
5,136

 
$
778,501

 
$
97,074

 
$
(3,384
)
 
$
(13,060
)
 
$
864,267


 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 


94


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida and Subsidiaries
 
Note A - Significant Accounting Policies
 
General: Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (“Seacoast” or the “Company”) is a single segment financial holding company with one operating subsidiary bank, Seacoast National Bank (“Seacoast Bank”). The Company provides integrated financial services including commercial and retail banking, wealth management, and mortgage services to customers through advanced banking solutions, 51 traditional branch offices and seven commercial banking centers operated by Seacoast Bank. Offices stretch from Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach north through the Daytona Beach area, into Orlando and Central Florida and the adjacent Tampa market, and west to Okeechobee and surrounding counties.
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Seacoast and all its majority-owned subsidiaries but exclude trusts created for the issuance of trust preferred securities. In consolidation, all significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
 
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and they conform to general practices within the applicable industries. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
 
Use of Estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments in the application of certain of its accounting policies that involve significant estimates and assumptions. We have established policies and control procedures that are intended to ensure valuation methods are well controlled and applied consistently from period to period. These estimates and assumptions, which may materially affect the reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements, and changes in this information over time and the use of revised estimates and assumptions could materially affect amounts reported in subsequent financial statements. Specific areas, among others, requiring the application of management’s estimates include determination of the allowance for loan losses, acquisition accounting and purchased loans, intangible assets and impairment testing, other fair value adjustments, other than temporary impairment of securities, income taxes and realization of deferred tax assets and contingent liabilities.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks and interest-bearing bank balances. Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less, and accordingly, the carrying amount of these instruments is deemed to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Time deposits with other banks: Time deposits with other banks consist of certificates of deposit with a maturity greater than three months and are carried at cost.

Securities Purchased and Sold Agreements: Securities purchased under resale agreements and securities sold under repurchase agreements are generally accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at the amount at which the securities were acquired or sold plus accrued interest. It is the Company’s policy to take possession of securities purchased under resale agreements, which are primarily U.S. Government and Government agency securities. The fair value of securities purchased and sold is monitored and collateral is obtained from or returned to the counterparty when appropriate.
 
Securities: Debt securities are classified at date of purchase as available for sale or held to maturity. Debt securities that may be sold as part of the Company's asset/liability management or in response to, or in anticipation of changes in interest rates and resulting prepayment risk, or for other factors are stated at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reflected as a component of shareholders' equity net of tax or included in noninterest income as appropriate. Debt securities that the Company has the ability and intent to hold to maturity are carried at amortized cost. Equity securities are stated at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included in noninterest income as securities gains or losses.

The estimated fair value of a security is determined based on market quotations when available or, if not available, by using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flow analyses, using observable market data where available.
 
Realized gains and losses, including other than temporary impairments, are included in noninterest income as investment securities gains (losses). Interest and dividends on securities, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on

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debt securities, is recognized in interest income on an accrual basis using the interest method. The Company anticipates prepayments of principal in the calculation of the effective yield for collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage backed securities by obtaining estimates of prepayments from independent third parties. The adjusted cost of each specific security sold is used to compute realized gains or losses on the sale of securities on a trade date basis.
 
On a quarterly basis, the Company makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. Management considers many factors including the length of time the security has had a fair value less than the cost basis; recent events specific to the issuer or industry; external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a debt security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Debt securities for which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be other-than temporary are written down to fair value with the write-down recorded as a realized loss.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-1, "Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." Upon adoption, the Company reclassified $0.1 million of accumulated unrealized loss pertaining to an equity investment previously classified as available for sale from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.
 
Seacoast Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system. Members are required to own a certain amount of FHLB stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value.  Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
 
Loans: The Company accounts for a loan depending on the strategy for the loan and on the credit impaired status of the loan upon acquisition. Loans are accounted for using the following categories:
 
•
Loans and leases held for sale
•
Loans and leases originated by the Company and held for investment
•
Loans and leases purchased by the Company, which are considered purchased unimpaired (“PUL), and held for investment
•
Loans and leases purchased by the Company, which are considered purchased credit impaired (“PCI”)

Loans that are held for sale are carried as held for sale based on management’s intent to sell the loans, either as part of a core business strategy or related to a risk mitigation strategy. Loans held for sale and any related unfunded lending commitments are recorded at fair value, if elected, or the lower of cost (which is the carrying amount net of deferred fees and costs and applicable allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments) or fair market value less costs to sell. Adjustments to reflect unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value and realized gains and losses upon ultimate sale of the loans are classified as noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. At the time of the transfer to loans held for sale, if the fair market value is less than cost, the difference is recorded as additional provision for credit losses in the results of operations. Fair market value is determined based on quoted market prices for the same or similar loans, outstanding investor commitments or discounted cash flow analyses using market assumptions.
 
Fair market value for substantially all the loans in loans held for sale was obtained by reference to prices for the same or similar loans from recent transactions. Fair market value changes occur due to changes in interest rates, the borrower’s credit, the secondary loan market and the market for a borrower’s debt.
 
Individual loans or pools of loans are transferred from the loan portfolio to loans held for sale when the intent to hold the loans has changed and there is a plan to sell the loans within a reasonable period of time.
 
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are considered held for investment. Loans originated by Seacoast and held for investment are recognized at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income and amounts charged off. Unearned income includes discounts, premiums and deferred loan origination fees reduced by loan origination costs. Unearned income on loans is amortized to interest income over the life of the related loan using the effective interest rate method. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis.
 
As a part of business acquisitions, the Company acquires loans which are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date. Accordingly, the associated allowance for credit losses related to these loans is not carried over at the acquisition date. Any losses after acquisition are recognized through the allowance for loan losses.
 

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These loans fall into two groups: purchased unimpaired loans (“PUL”) and purchased credit-impaired loans (“PCI”). PULs demonstrate no evidence of significant credit deterioration and there is an expectation that all contractual payments will be made. The Company determines fair value by estimating the amount and timing of expected future cash flows and assigning a discount or premium to each loan. The difference between the expected cash flows and the amount paid is recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan.
 
PCI loans demonstrate evidence of credit deterioration since origination and the risk that all contractual payments will not be made. The Company estimates fair value by estimating the amount of loan principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected, incorporating assumptions regarding default rates, loss severities, the amounts and timing of prepayments and other factors that are reflective of current market conditions on a quarterly basis. Probable decreases in expected loan principal cash flows trigger the recognition of impairment, which is then measured as the present value of the expected principal loss plus any related foregone interest cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. Impairments that occur after the acquisition date are recognized through the provision for loan losses. Probable and significant increases in expected principal cash flows would first reverse any previously recorded allowance for loan losses; any remaining increases are recognized prospectively as interest income. The impacts of (i) prepayments, (ii) changes in variable interest rates, and (iii) any other changes in the timing of expected cash flows are recognized prospectively as adjustments to interest income. Disposals of loans, which may include sales of loans, receipt of payments in full by the borrower, or foreclosure, result in removal of the loan from the purchased credit impaired portfolio. In contrast, PULs are evaluated using the same procedures as used for the Company’s non-purchased loan portfolio.
 
Under certain scenarios, the Company will grant modifications to a loan when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. Such modifications allow the Company to minimize the risk of loss on the loan and maximize future cash flows received from the borrower. Such modifications are referred to as troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans. TDRs are considered impaired and placed in nonaccrual status. If borrowers perform pursuant to the modified loan terms for at least six months and the remaining loan balances are considered collectible, the loans are returned to accrual status.
 
The Company reviews all loans for impairment on a periodic basis. A loan is considered to be impaired when based on current information, it is probable the Company will not receive all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of a loan agreement. The fair value is measured based on either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When the ultimate collectability of the principal balance of an impaired loan is in doubt, all cash receipts are applied to principal. Once the recorded principal balance has been reduced to zero, future cash receipts are applied to interest income, to the extent any interest has been forgone, and then they are recorded as recoveries of any amounts previously charged off.
 
The accrual of interest is generally discontinued on loans, except consumer loans, that become 90 days past due as to principal or interest unless collection of both principal and interest is assured by way of collateralization, guarantees or other security. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest is reversed against interest income. Consumer loans that become 120 days past due are generally charged off. When borrowers demonstrate over an extended period the ability to repay a loan in accordance with the contractual terms of a loan classified as nonaccrual, the loan is returned to accrual status. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is either recorded using the cash basis method of accounting or recognized after the principal has been reduced to zero, depending on the type of loan.
 
Derivatives: The Company enters into derivative contracts with customers who request such services, and into offsetting contracts with substantially matching terms with third parties to minimize the risks involved with these types of transactions.
 
Loan Commitments and Letters of Credit: Loan commitments and letters of credit are an off-balance sheet item and represent commitments to make loans or lines of credit available to borrowers. The face amount of these commitments represents an exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such commitments are recognized as loans when funded.
 
Fees received for providing loan commitments and letters of credit that may result in loans are typically deferred and amortized to interest income over the life of the related loan, beginning with the initial borrowing. Fees on commitments and letters of credit are amortized to noninterest income as banking fees and commissions on a straight-line basis over the commitment period when funding is not expected.
 
Fair Value Measurements: The Company measures or monitors many of its assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Certain assets are measured on a recurring basis, including available for sale securities and loans held for sale. These assets are carried at fair value on the Company’s balance sheets. Additionally, fair value is measured on a non-recurring basis to evaluate assets or liabilities for impairment or for disclosure purposes. Examples include impaired loans, OREO, mortgage servicing rights, goodwill, and long-lived assets.
 

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Fair value is defined 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. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the Company uses various valuation techniques and assumptions when estimating fair value.
 
The Company applies the following fair value hierarchy:
 
Level 1 – Assets or liabilities for which the identical item is traded on an active exchange, such as publicly-traded instruments or futures contracts.
 
Level 2 – Assets and liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments.
 
Level 3 – Assets and liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market; instruments valued based on the best available data, some of which is internally-developed, and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require.
 
When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at and/or marked to fair value, the Company considers the principal market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. When possible, the Company looks to active and observable markets to price identical assets or liabilities. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, the Company looks to market observable data for similar assets and liabilities. Nevertheless, certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets and the Company must use alternative valuation techniques to derive a fair value measurement.
 
Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned (“OREO”) consists primarily of real estate acquired in lieu of unpaid loan balances. These assets are carried at an amount equal to the loan balance prior to foreclosure plus costs incurred for improvements to the property, but no more than the estimated fair value of the property less estimated selling costs. Any valuation adjustments required at the date of transfer are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequently, unrealized losses and realized gains and losses are included in other noninterest expense. Operating results from OREO are recorded in other noninterest expense.
 
OREO may also include bank premises no longer utilized in the course of our business (closed branches) that are initially recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value, less costs to sell. If fair value of the premises is less than amortized book value, a write down is recorded through noninterest expense. Costs to operate the facility are expensed.
 
Bank Premises and Equipment: Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Premises and equipment include certain costs associated with the acquisition of leasehold improvements. Depreciation and amortization are recognized principally by the straight-line method, over the estimated useful lives as follows: buildings - 25-40 years, leasehold improvements 5-25 years, furniture and equipment - 3-12 years. Leasehold improvements typically amortize over the shorter of lease terms or estimated useful life. Premises and equipment and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are written down to fair value with a corresponding impact to noninterest expense.
 
Intangible assets. The Company’s intangible assets consist of goodwill and core deposit intangibles (CDIs). Goodwill results from business combinations and represents the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill may be adjusted for up to one year from the acquisition date in the event new information is obtained which, if known at the date of acquisitions would have impacted the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite useful life and is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more often if circumstances arise that may indicate risk of impairment. If impaired, Goodwill is written down with a corresponding impact to noninterest expense.
 
The Company recognizes CDIs that result from either whole bank acquisitions or branch acquisitions. They are initially measured at fair value and then amortized over periods ranging from six to eight years on a straight line basis. The Company evaluates CDIs for impairment annually, or more often if circumstances arise that may indicate risk of impairment. If impaired, the CDI is written down with a corresponding impact to noninterest expense.
 
Bank owned life insurance (BOLI): The Company, through its subsidiary bank, has purchased or acquired through bank acquisitions, life insurance policies on certain key executives. BOLI is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.
 

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Revenue Recognition: On January 1, 2018, we adopted FASB ASU 2014-9, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and all the related amendments (collectively, Accounting Standards Codification “ASC” Topic 606) using the modified retrospective approach applied to all contracts in place at that date. Adoption had no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements including no change to the amount or timing of revenue recognized for contracts within the scope of the new standard.

Revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for the services provided and is recognized when the promised services (performance obligations) are transferred to a customer, requiring the application of the following five-steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Activity in the scope of the new standard includes:

•Service Charges on Deposits: Seacoast Bank offers a variety of deposit-related services to its customers through several delivery channels including branch offices, ATMs, telephone, mobile, and internet banking. Transaction-based fees are recognized when services, each of which represents a performance obligation, are satisfied. Service fees may be assessed monthly, quarterly, or annually; however, the account agreements to which these fees relate can be canceled at any time by Seacoast and/or the customer. Therefore, the contract term is considered a single day (a day-to-day contract).

•Trust Fees: The Company earns trust fees from fiduciary services provided to trust customers which include custody of assets, recordkeeping, collection and distribution of funds. Fees are earned over time and accrued monthly as the Company provides services, and are generally assessed based on the market value of the trust assets under management at a particular date or over a particular period.

•Brokerage Commissions and Fees: The Company earns commissions and fees from investment brokerage services provided to its customers through an arrangement with a third-party service provider. Commissions received from the third-party service provider are recorded monthly and are based upon customer activity. Fees are earned over time and accrued monthly as services are provided. The Company acts as an agent in this arrangement and therefore presents the brokerage commissions and fees net of related costs.

•Interchange Income: Fees earned on card transactions depend upon the volume of activity, as well as the fees permitted by the payment network. Such fees are recognized by the Company upon fulfilling its performance obligation to approve the card transaction.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when the Company believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
The allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments is maintained at a level the Company believes is adequate to absorb probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio and unfunded lending commitments as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. The Company employs a variety of modeling and estimation tools in developing the appropriate allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments. If necessary, a specific allowance is established for individually evaluated impaired loans. The specific allowance established for these loans is based on a thorough analysis of the most probable source of repayment, including the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows, the loan’s estimated market value, or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral depending on the most likely source of repayment. General allowances are established for loans grouped into pools based on similar characteristics. In this process, general allowance factors are based on an analysis of historical charge-off experience, portfolio trends, regional and national economic conditions, and expected loss given default derived from the Company’s internal risk rating process.

The Company monitors qualitative and quantitative trends in the loan portfolio, including changes in the levels of past due, criticized and nonperforming loans. The distribution of the allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments between the various components does not diminish the fact that the entire allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments is available to absorb credit losses in the loan portfolio. The principal focus is, therefore, on the adequacy of the total allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
 
In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s bank subsidiary’s allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments. These agencies may require such subsidiary to recognize changes to the allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
 

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Income Taxes: The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and their related tax bases and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are in effect. A valuation allowance is recognized for a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in rates is recognized as income or expense in the period in which the change occurs.
 
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”) was signed into law. Some of the most significant impacts included a decrease in the highest marginal corporate tax, from 35% to 21%, the repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax, changes to net operating losses such that they may only be used as a carryforward, with a limit of 80% of taxable income, expansion of bonus depreciation rules, and limitation of the deduction for net business interest expense to 30% of adjusted taxable income. The Company remeasured its deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the impact of the Tax Reform Act, resulting in additional income tax expense of $8.6 million in 2017.
 
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, which permits companies to reclassify the disproportionate tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income, caused by the Tax Reform Act, to retained earnings. The Company early adopted ASU 2018-02 in 2017, and elected to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Reform Act, totaling $0.7 million, from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. 
   
Earnings per Share: Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period, plus common share equivalents calculated for stock options and performance restricted stock outstanding using the treasury stock method.
 
Stock-Based Compensation: The stock option plans are accounted for under ASC Topic 718 and the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with market assumptions. This amount is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, generally five years. For restricted stock awards, which generally vest based on continued service with the Company, the deferred compensation is measured as the fair value of the shares on the date of grant, and the deferred compensation is amortized as salaries and employee benefits in accordance with the applicable vesting schedule, generally straight-line over five years. Some shares vest based upon the Company achieving certain performance goals and salary amortization expense is based on an estimate of the most likely results on a straight line basis. Forfeitures are estimated at the date of grant based on historical rates, and updated as necessary.

Note B - Recently Issued Accounting Standards, Not Adopted at December 31, 2018
 
The following provides a brief description of accounting standards that have been issued but are not yet adopted that could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements:
 
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
Description
In February 2016, the FASB amended existing guidance that requires lessees recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date:
1.    A lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis.
2.    A right-of-use specified asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term.
Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Certain targeted improvements were made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.
Date of Adoption
This amendment is effective for public business entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company will adopt the new standard effective January 1, 2019. Upon adoption, the Company will record lease liabilities and right-of-use assets totaling approximately $33 million and $29 million, respectively, and will remove other liabilities of approximately $4 million recorded under prior guidance for fair value adjustments, vacated properties, and straight line adjustments. Adoption is not expected to be material to the Company's consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

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ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments –Credit Losses (Topic 326)
Description
In June 2016, FASB issued guidance to replace the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held to maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (i.e. loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees and other similar instruments).
Date of Adoption
This amendment is effective for public business entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that period.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company's transition oversight committee is in the process of evaluating and implementing changes to credit loss estimation models and related processes. Updates to business processes and the documentation of accounting policy decisions are ongoing. The company may recognize an increase in the allowance for credit losses upon adoption, recorded as a one-time cumulative adjustment to retained earnings. However, the magnitude of the impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements has not yet been determined. The Company will adopt this accounting standard effective January 1, 2020.
ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill
Description
In January 2017, the FASB amended the existing guidance to simplify the goodwill impairment measurement test by eliminating Step 2. The amendment requires the Company to perform the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Additionally, an entity should consider the tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount when measuring the impairment loss.
Date of Adoption
This amendment is effective for public business entities for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted on annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements
The impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to be material.
ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
Description
In August 2017, the FASB provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance.
 
Date of adoption
The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods with those periods.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements
The impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to be material.
ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
Description
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in topic 820. The amendments in this ASU are the result of a broader disclosure project called FASB Concepts Statement, Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting - Chapter 8: Notes to Financial Statements. the ASU modifies or removes certain existing disclosures, and add new disclosures.
Date of adoption
The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods with those periods.
Effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements
The impact to the consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to be material.

Note C - Cash, Dividend and Loan Restrictions
 
In the normal course of business, the Company and Seacoast Bank enter into agreements, or are subject to regulatory agreements that result in cash, debt and dividend restrictions. A summary of the most restrictive items follows:
 

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Seacoast Bank may be required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank; the average amount of those reserve balances was $0.9 million for 2018 and $0.5 million for 2017.
 
Under Federal Reserve regulation, Seacoast Bank is limited as to the amount it may loan to its affiliates, including the Company, unless such loans are collateralized by specified obligations. At December 31, 2018, the maximum amount available for transfer from Seacoast Bank to the Company in the form of loans approximated $82.4 million, if the Company has sufficient acceptable collateral. There were no loans made to affiliates during the periods ending December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Note D - Securities
 
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of securities available for sale and held to maturity at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Debt Securities Available for Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
7,200

 
$
106

 
$
(6
)
 
$
7,300

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of US Government Sponsored Entities
 
567,753

 
300

 
(14,047
)
 
554,006

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
55,569

 
560

 
(401
)
 
55,728

Collateralized loan obligations
 
212,807

 
1

 
(3,442
)
 
209,366

Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
39,543

 
339

 
(451
)
 
39,431

 
 
$
882,872

 
$
1,306

 
$
(18,347
)
 
$
865,831

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt Securities Held to Maturity
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
304,423

 
$
—

 
$
(7,324
)
 
$
297,099

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
21,526

 
277

 
(130
)
 
21,673

Collateralized loan obligations
 
32,000

 
—

 
(877
)
 
31,123

 
 
$
357,949

 
$
277

 
$
(8,331
)
 
$
349,895

 

102


 
 
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Debt Securities Available for Sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
9,475

 
$
274

 
$
(5
)
 
$
9,744

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of US Government Sponsored Entities
 
560,396

 
1,163

 
(8,034
)
 
553,525

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
75,152

 
1,154

 
(285
)
 
76,021

Collateralized loan obligations
 
263,579

 
798

 
(68
)
 
264,309

Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
45,118

 
813

 
(70
)
 
45,861

 
 
$
953,720

 
$
4,202

 
$
(8,462
)
 
$
949,460

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt Securities Held to Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
353,541

 
$
802

 
$
(4,159
)
 
$
350,184

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
22,799

 
714

 
(53
)
 
23,460

Collateralized loan obligations
 
40,523

 
303

 
—

 
40,826

 
 
$
416,863

 
$
1,819

 
$
(4,212
)
 
$
414,470

 
Proceeds from sales of debt securities during 2018 were $31.7 million, with gross gains of $0.2 million and gross losses of $0.7 million. Proceeds from sales of debt securities during 2017 were $235.6 million with gross gains of $1.6 million and gross losses of $1.5 million. Proceeds from sales of debt securities during 2016 were $40.4 million with gross gains of $0.5 million and gross losses of $0.1 million. Included in "Securities (losses) gains net" for 2018 is $0.1 million representing the decline in the value of an investment in shares of a mutual fund that invests in CRA-qualified debt securities.
 
At December 31, 2018, debt securities with a fair value of $180.9 million were pledged as collateral for United States Treasury deposits, other public deposits and trust deposits. Debt securities with a fair value of $214.3 million were pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements.
 
The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because prepayments of the underlying collateral for these securities may occur, due to the right to call or repay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

 
 
Held to Maturity
 
Available for Sale
(In thousands)
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
Due in less than one year
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
12,190

 
$
12,131

Due after one year through five years
 
—

 
—

 
88,402

 
87,808

Due after five years through ten years
 
32,000

 
31,123

 
155,493

 
152,707

Due after ten years
 
—

 


 
3,465

 
3,451

 
 
32,000

 
31,123

 
259,550

 
256,097

Mortgage-backed securities of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
304,423

 
297,099

 
567,753

 
554,006

Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
21,526

 
21,673

 
55,569

 
55,728

 
 
$
357,949

 
$
349,895

 
$
882,872

 
$
865,831

 

103


The estimated fair value of a security is determined based on market quotations when available or, if not available, by using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flows analyses, using observable market data where available. The tables below indicate the fair value of debt securities with unrealized losses and the period of time for which these losses were outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
99

 
$
(1
)
 
$
642

 
$
(5
)
 
$
741

 
$
(6
)
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
200,184

 
(2,235
)
 
623,420

 
(19,136
)
 
823,604

 
(21,371
)
Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
20,071

 
(344
)
 
12,739

 
(187
)
 
32,810

 
(531
)
Collateralized loan obligations
 
238,894

 
(4,319
)
 
—

 
—

 
238,894

 
(4,319
)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
19,175

 
(241
)
 
9,553

 
(210
)
 
28,728

 
(451
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
478,423

 
$
(7,140
)
 
$
646,354

 
$
(19,538
)
 
$
1,124,777

 
$
(26,678
)
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or longer
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
1,107

 
$
(5
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,107

 
$
(5
)
Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
304,723

 
(2,047
)
 
413,725

 
(10,146
)
 
718,448

 
(12,193
)
Private mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
—

 
—

 
20,744

 
(338
)
 
20,744

 
(338
)
Collateralized loan obligations
 
14,933

 
(68
)
 
—

 
—

 
14,933

 
(68
)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
 
5,414

 
(14
)
 
5,864

 
(56
)
 
11,278

 
(70
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
326,177

 
$
(2,134
)
 
$
440,333

 
$
(10,540
)
 
$
766,510

 
$
(12,674
)
 
The two tables above include debt securities held to maturity that were transferred from available for sale into held to maturity in 2014. Those securities had unrealized losses of $3.1 million at the date of transfer, and at December 31, 2018, the unamortized balance was $0.7 million. The fair value of those securities in an unrealized loss position for less than 12 months at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is $35.7 million and $22.9 million respectively, with unrealized losses of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The fair value of those securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is $31.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively, with unrealized losses of $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2018, the Company had $21.4 million of unrealized losses on mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of government sponsored entities having a fair value of $823.6 million that were attributable to a combination of factors, including relative changes in interest rates since the time of purchase. The contractual cash flows for these securities are guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Based on the assessment of these mitigating factors, management believes that the unrealized losses on these debt security holdings are a function of changes in investment spreads and interest movements and not changes in credit quality. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities.

At December 31, 2018, the Company had unrealized losses of $4.3 million on collateralized loan obligations with a fair value of $238.9 million. The collateral for these securities is first lien senior secured corporate debt. The Company holds senior tranches

104


rated credit A or higher and management has tested that these tranches are sufficient to prevent loss of principal. Management expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities.

At December 31, 2018, the Company does not intend to sell debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position and it is not more than likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis. Therefore, management does not consider any investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2018.
  
Included in other assets at December 31, 2018 is $44.5 million of Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock stated at par value. The Company has not identified events or changes in circumstances which may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these cost method investment securities. Also included in other assets is a $6.2 million investment in a mutual fund carried at fair value.
  
The Company holds 11,330 shares of Visa Class B stock, which following resolution of Visa litigation will be converted to Visa Class A shares. Under the current conversion ratio that became effective June 28, 2018, the company would receive 1.6298 shares of Class A stock for each share of Class B stock for a total of 18,465 shares of Visa Class A stock. Our ownership is related to prior ownership in Visa's network, while Visa operated as a cooperative. This ownership is recorded on our financial records at zero basis. In March 2017, the Company acquired 200,000 shares of Visa Class B stock at a cost of $6.2 million. The shares were sold in December 2017 at a gain of $15.2 million.

Note E - Loans
 
The Company accounts for a loan depending on the strategy for the loan and on the credit impaired status of the loan upon acquisition. Loans are accounted for using the following categories:
 
•
Loans and leases held for sale
•
Loans and leases originated by the Company and held for investment
•
Loans and leases purchased by the Company, which are considered purchased unimpaired (“PUL”), and held for investment
•
Loans and leases purchased by the Company, which are considered purchased credit impaired (“PCI”)

Refer to Note A for further discussion on how the categories above are defined.
 
Loans are also categorized based on the customer and use type of the credit extended. The following outlines the categories used:
 
•
Construction and Land Development Loans: The Company defines construction and land development loans as exposures secured by land development and construction (including 1-4 family residential construction), multi-family property, and non-farm nonresidential property where the primary or significant source of repayment is from proceeds of the sale, refinancing, or permanent financing of the property.

•
Commercial Real Estate Loans: Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans.  These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and the repayment of these loans is largely dependent on rental income from the successful operation of the property.  Loan performance may be adversely affected by factors impacting the general economy or conditions specific to the real estate market such as geographic location and/or property type.

•
Residential Real Estate Loans: The Company selectively adds residential mortgage loans to its portfolio, primarily loans with adjustable rates, home equity mortgages and home equity lines. Substantially all residential originations have been underwritten to conventional loan agency standards, including loans having balances that exceed agency value limitations.

•
Commercial and Financial Loans: Commercial credit is extended primarily to small to medium sized professional firms, retail and wholesale operators and light industrial and manufacturing concerns.   Such credits typically comprise working capital loans, loans for physical asset expansion, asset acquisition and other business loans. Loans to closely held businesses will generally be guaranteed in full or for a meaningful amount by the businesses’ major owners. Commercial loans are based primarily on the historical and projected cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the capacity of credit enhancements, guarantees and underlying collateral provided by the borrower.  The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not behave as forecasted and collateral securing loans may fluctuate in value due to

105


economic or individual performance factors.  Minimum standards and underwriting guidelines have been established for all commercial loan types.

•
Consumer Loans: The Company originates consumer loans including installment loans and revolving lines, loans for automobiles, boats, and other personal, family and household purposes. For each loan type several factors including debt to income, type of collateral and loan to collateral value, credit history and Company relationship with the borrower are considered during the underwriting process.

The following table outlines net loans balances by category as of:
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Portfolio Loans
 
PCI Loans
 
PULs
 
Total
Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
$
301,473

 
$
151

 
$
141,944

 
$
443,568

Commercial real estate
 
1,437,989

 
10,828

 
683,249

 
2,132,066

Residential real estate
 
1,055,525

 
2,718

 
266,134

 
1,324,377

Commercial and financial
 
603,057

 
737

 
118,528

 
722,322

Consumer
 
190,207

 
—

 
12,674

 
202,881

    Total Loans(1)
 
$
3,588,251

 
$
14,434

 
$
1,222,529

 
$
4,825,214

 
 
 
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Portfolio Loans
 
PCI Loans
 
PULs
 
Total
Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
$
215,315

 
$
1,121

 
$
126,689

 
$
343,125

Commercial real estate
 
1,170,618

 
9,776

 
459,598

 
1,639,992

Residential real estate
 
845,420

 
5,626

 
187,764

 
1,038,810

Commercial and financial
 
512,430

 
894

 
92,690

 
606,014

Consumer
 
178,826

 
—

 
10,610

 
189,436

    Total Loans(1)
 
$
2,922,609

 
$
17,417

 
$
877,351

 
$
3,817,377

 
(1)Loan balances at December 31, 2018 and 2017 include deferred costs of $16.9 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

Loan accrual status is a primary qualitative credit factor monitored by the Company’s Credit Risk Management when determining the allowance for loan and lease losses. As a loan remains delinquent, the likelihood increases that a borrower is either unable or unwilling to repay. Loans are moved to nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due, have been evaluated for impairment and have been deemed impaired. The following table presents the balances outstanding status by class of loans as of:
 

106


 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Accruing
30-59 Days
 
Accruing
60-89 Days
 
Accruing
Greater
Than
 
 
 
Total
Financing
(In thousands)
 
Current
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
90 Days
 
Nonaccrual
 
Receivables
Portfolio Loans
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
$
301,348

 
$
97

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
28

 
$
301,473

Commercial real estate
 
1,427,413

 
3,852

 
97

 
141

 
6,486

 
1,437,989

Residential real estate
 
1,044,375

 
2,524

 
525

 
295

 
7,806

 
1,055,525

Commercial and financial
 
594,930

 
5,186

 
1,661

 
—

 
1,280

 
603,057

Consumer
 
189,061

 
637

 
326

 
—

 
183

 
190,207

Total Portfolio Loans
 
3,557,127

 
12,296

 
2,609

 
436

 
15,783

 
3,588,251

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PULs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
140,013

 
1,931

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
141,944

Commercial real estate
 
680,060

 
1,846

 
—

 
—

 
1,343

 
683,249

Residential real estate
 
260,781

 
1,523

 
—

 
90

 
3,740

 
266,134

Commercial and financial
 
116,173

 
342

 
—

 
—

 
2,013

 
118,528

Consumer
 
12,643

 
—

 
31

 
—

 
—

 
12,674

Total PULs
 
1,209,670

 
5,642

 
31

 
90

 
7,096


1,222,529

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PCI Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
135

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
16

 
151

Commercial real estate
 
8,403

 
1,034

 
—

 
—

 
1,391

 
10,828

Residential real estate
 
556

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2,162

 
2,718

Commercial and financial
 
74

 
635

 
—

 
—

 
28

 
737

Consumer
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total PCI Loans
 
9,168

 
1,669


—


—


3,597


14,434

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Total Loans
 
$
4,775,965


$
19,607


$
2,640


$
526


$
26,476


$
4,825,214


107


 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Accruing
30-59 Days
 
Accruing
60-89 Days
 
Accruing
Greater
Than
 
 
 
Total
Financing
(In thousands)
 
Current
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
90 Days
 
Nonaccrual
 
Receivables
Portfolio Loans
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
$
215,077

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
238

 
$
215,315

Commercial real estate
 
1,165,738

 
2,605

 
585

 
—

 
1,690

 
1,170,618

Residential real estate
 
836,117

 
812

 
75

 
—

 
8,416

 
845,420

Commercial and financial
 
507,501

 
2,776

 
26

 
—

 
2,127

 
512,430

Consumer
 
178,676

 
52

 
—

 
—

 
98

 
178,826

Total Portfolio Loans
 
2,903,109

 
6,245


686


—


12,569


2,922,609

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PULs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
126,655

 
34

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
126,689

Commercial real estate
 
457,899

 
979

 
—

 
—

 
720

 
459,598

Residential real estate
 
186,549

 
128

 
87

 
—

 
1,000

 
187,764

Commercial and financial
 
92,315

 
54

 
—

 
—

 
321

 
92,690

Consumer
 
10,610

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
10,610

Total PULs
 
874,028


1,195


87


—


2,041


877,351

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PCI Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
1,121

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,121

Commercial real estate
 
9,352

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
424

 
9,776

Residential real estate
 
544

 
642

 
—

 
—

 
4,440

 
5,626

Commercial and financial
 
844

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
50

 
894

Consumer
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total PCI Loans
 
11,861


642


—


—


4,914


17,417

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Loans
 
$
3,788,998


$
8,082


$
773


$
—


$
19,524


$
3,817,377

 
The reduction in interest income associated with loans on nonaccrual status was approximately $1.0 million, $0.7 million, and $0.7 million, for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.
 
The Company’s Credit Risk Management also utilizes an internal asset classification system as a means of identifying problem and potential problem loans.  The following classifications are used to categorize loans under the internal classification system:

•
Pass: Loans that are not problems or potential problem loans are considered to be pass-rated.
•
Special Mention: Loans that do not currently expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant classification in the Substandard or Doubtful categories, but possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention are deemed to be Special Mention. 
•
Substandard: Loans with the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
•
Doubtful: Loans that have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.  The principal balance of loans classified as doubtful are likely to be charged off.

Risk ratings on commercial lending facilities are re-evaluated during the annual review process at a minimum, based on the size of the aggregate exposure, and/or when there is a credit action of the existing credit exposure. The following tables present the risk category of loans by class of loans based on the most recent analysis performed as of:

108


 

 
 
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
Net Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
$
428,044

 
$
10,429

 
$
5,095

 
$
—

 
$
443,568

Commercial real estate
 
2,063,589

 
41,429

 
27,048

 
—

 
2,132,066

Residential real estate
 
1,296,634

 
3,654

 
24,089

 
—

 
1,324,377

Commercial and financial
 
707,663

 
8,387

 
6,247

 
25

 
722,322

Consumer
 
198,367

 
3,397

 
1,117

 
—

 
202,881

Total Net Loans
 
$
4,694,297

 
$
67,296

 
$
63,596

 
$
25

 
$
4,825,214


 
 
 
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Total
Net Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
$
328,127

 
$
10,414

 
$
4,584

 
$
—

 
$
343,125

Commercial real estate
 
1,586,932

 
29,273

 
23,787

 
—

 
1,639,992

Residential real estate
 
1,023,925

 
4,621

 
10,203

 
61

 
1,038,810

Commercial and financial
 
593,689

 
3,237

 
8,838

 
250

 
606,014

Consumer
 
189,354

 
—

 
82

 
—

 
189,436

Total Net Loans
 
$
3,722,027

 
$
47,545

 
$
47,494

 
$
311

 
$
3,817,377


Loans to directors and executive officers totaled $0.9 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. No new loans were originated to directors or officers in 2018.
 
At December 31, 2018 and 2017 loans pledged as collateral for borrowings totaled $380 million and $211 million, respectively.

Concentrations of Credit
 
The Company’s lending activity primarily occurs within the State of Florida, specifically in the Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Orlando and Tampa MSAs.
 
PCI Loans
 
PCI loans are accounted for pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loan in situations where there is a reasonable expectation about the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected. The difference between the contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition, considering the impact of prepayments, is referred to as the nonaccretable difference.
 

109


The table below summarizes the changes in accretable yield on PCI loans for the years ended:
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Beginning balance
 
$
3,699

 
$
3,807

 
$
2,610

Additions
 
—

 
763

 
2,052

Deletions
 
(43
)
 
(11
)
 
(15
)
Accretion
 
(1,291
)
 
(1,647
)
 
(1,734
)
Reclassifications from non-accretable difference
 
559

 
787

 
894

Ending Balance
 
$
2,924

 
$
3,699

 
$
3,807

 
See Note S for information related to loans purchased in transactions accounted for as business combinations during the periods presented.
 
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
 
The Company pursues troubled debt restructures (TDR) for loans in selected cases where it expects to realize better values than may be expected through traditional collection activities. The Company has worked with retail mortgage customers, when possible, to achieve lower payment structures in an effort to avoid foreclosure. TDRs have been a part of the Company’s loss mitigation activities and can include rate reductions, payment extensions and principal deferrals. Company policy requires TDRs that are classified as nonaccrual loans after restructuring remain on nonaccrual until performance can be verified, which usually requires six months of performance under the restructured loan terms.

The Company’s TDR concessions granted generally do not include forgiveness of principal balances. Loan modifications are not reported in the calendar years after modification if the loans were modified at an interest rate equal to yields of originations with comparable risk and loans are performing based on the terms of the restructuring agreements. When a loan is modified as a TDR, there is not a direct, material impact on the carrying value of the loans within the consolidated balance sheet, as principal balances generally are not forgiven. Most loans prior to modification were classified as an impaired loan and the allowance for loan losses is determined in accordance with Company policy. Loans modified in a TDR were immaterial during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, and there were no material payment defaults on loans that had been modified to a TDR within the previous twelve months. The Company considers a loan to have defaulted when it becomes 90 days or more delinquent under the modified terms, has been transferred to nonaccrual status or has been transferred to other real estate owned. A defaulted TDR is generally placed on nonaccrual status and a specific allowance for loan losses assigned in accordance with the Company’s policy.
 
Impaired Loans
 
Loans are considered impaired if they are 90 days or more past due, in nonaccrual status, or are TDRs. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s recorded investment in impaired loans, excluding PCI loans, and related valuation allowance was as follows:

110


 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
Recorded
 
Unpaid
Principal
 
Related
Valuation
(In thousands)
 
Investment
 
Balance
 
Allowance
Impaired Loans with No Related Allowance Recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
$
15

 
$
229

 
$
—

Commercial real estate
 
3,852

 
5,138

 
—

Residential real estate
 
13,510

 
18,111

 
—

Commercial and financial
 
1,191

 
1,414

 
—

Consumer
 
280

 
291

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired Loans with an Allowance Recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
196

 
211

 
22

Commercial real estate
 
9,786

 
12,967

 
369

Residential real estate
 
5,537

 
5,664

 
805

Commercial and financial
 
2,131

 
2,309

 
1,498

Consumer
 
202

 
211

 
34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Impaired Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
211

 
440

 
22

Commercial real estate
 
13,638

 
18,105

 
369

Residential real estate
 
19,047

 
23,775

 
805

Commercial and financial
 
3,322

 
3,723

 
1,498

Consumer
 
482

 
502

 
34

Total Impaired Loans
 
$
36,700

 
$
46,545

 
$
2,728

 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Recorded
 
Unpaid
Principal
 
Related
Valuation
(In thousands)
 
Investment
 
Balance
 
Allowance
Impaired Loans with No Related Allowance Recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
$
223

 
$
510

 
$
—

Commercial real estate
 
3,475

 
4,873

 
—

Residential real estate
 
10,272

 
15,063

 
—

Commercial and financial
 
19

 
29

 
—

Consumer
 
105

 
180

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impaired Loans with an Allowance Recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
251

 
264

 
23

Commercial real estate
 
4,780

 
4,780

 
195

Residential real estate
 
8,448

 
8,651

 
1,091

Commercial and financial
 
2,436

 
883

 
1,050

Consumer
 
282

 
286

 
43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Impaired Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
474

 
774

 
23

Commercial real estate
 
8,255

 
9,653

 
195

Residential real estate
 
18,720

 
23,714

 
1,091

Commercial and financial
 
2,455

 
912

 
1,050

 Consumer
 
387

 
466

 
43

Total Impaired Loans
 
$
30,291

 
$
35,519

 
$
2,402

 

111


Impaired loans also include TDRs where concessions have been granted to borrowers who have experienced financial difficulty. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, accruing TDRs totaled $13.3 million and $15.6 million, respectively.
 
Average impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were $35.3 million, $30.9 million, and $31.2 million, respectively. The impaired loans were measured for impairment based on the value of underlying collateral or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The valuation allowance is included in the allowance for loan losses.

Interest payments received on impaired loans are recorded as interest income unless collection of the remaining recorded investment is doubtful at which time payments received are recorded as reductions in principal. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded $2.0 million, $1.5 million, and $1.6 million, respectively, in interest income on impaired loans.
 
For impaired loans whose impairment is measured based on the present value of future cash flows, a total of $0.2 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for 2018, 2017, and 2016 was included in interest income and represents the change in present value attributable to the passage of time.


112


Note F - Allowance for Loan Losses
 
Activity in the allowance for loans losses for the three years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is summarized as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Provision
for Loan
Losses
 
Charge-
Offs
 
Recoveries
 
TDR
Allowance
Adjustments
 
Ending
Balance
December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Construction and land development
 
$
1,642

 
$
564

 
$
—

 
$
27

 
$
—

 
$
2,233

Commercial real estate
 
9,285

 
4,736

 
(3,139
)
 
292

 
(62
)
 
11,112

Residential real estate
 
7,131

 
29

 
(80
)
 
816

 
(121
)
 
7,775

Commercial and financial
 
7,297

 
4,359

 
(3,396
)
 
325

 
—

 
8,585

Consumer
 
1,767

 
2,042

 
(1,411
)
 
329

 
(9
)
 
2,718

Total
 
$
27,122


$
11,730


$
(8,026
)

$
1,789


$
(192
)

$
32,423

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
$
1,219

 
$
(471
)
 
$
—

 
$
896

 
$
(2
)
 
$
1,642

Commercial real estate
 
9,273

 
(264
)
 
(407
)
 
747

 
(64
)
 
9,285

Residential real estate
 
7,483

 
125

 
(569
)
 
336

 
(244
)
 
7,131

Commercial and financial
 
3,636

 
5,304

 
(1,869
)
 
226

 
—

 
7,297

Consumer
 
1,789

 
954

 
(1,257
)
 
290

 
(9
)
 
1,767

Total
 
$
23,400


$
5,648


$
(4,102
)

$
2,495


$
(319
)

$
27,122

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Construction and land development
 
$
1,151

 
$
(150
)
 
$
—

 
$
226

 
$
(8
)
 
$
1,219

Commercial real estate
 
6,756

 
2,599

 
(256
)
 
306

 
(132
)
 
9,273

Residential real estate
 
8,057

 
(1,069
)
 
(205
)
 
786

 
(86
)
 
7,483

Commercial and financial
 
2,042

 
224

 
(439
)
 
1,809

 
—

 
3,636

Consumer
 
1,122

 
807

 
(244
)
 
109

 
(5
)
 
1,789

Total
 
$
19,128


$
2,411


$
(1,144
)

$
3,236


$
(231
)

$
23,400


As discussed in Note A, "Significant Accounting Policies," the allowance for loan losses is comprised of specific allowances for certain impaired loans and general allowances grouped into loan pools based on similar characteristics. The Company's loan portfolio (excluding PCI loans) and related allowance at December 31, 2018 and 2017 is shown in the following tables.
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
Individually Evaluated for
Impairment
 
Collectively Evaluated for
Impairment
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
Construction and land development
 
$
211

 
$
22


$
443,206

 
$
2,211

 
$
443,417

 
$
2,233

Commercial real estate
 
13,638

 
369

 
2,107,600

 
10,743

 
2,121,238

 
11,112

Residential real estate
 
19,047

 
805

 
1,302,612

 
6,970

 
1,321,659

 
7,775

Commercial and financial
 
3,322

 
1,498

 
718,263

 
7,087

 
721,585

 
8,585

Consumer
 
482

 
34

 
202,399

 
2,684

 
202,881

 
2,718

Total
 
$
36,700

 
$
2,728

 
$
4,774,080

 
$
29,695

 
$
4,810,780

 
$
32,423

 

113


 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Individually Evaluated for
Impairment
 
Collectively Evaluated for
Impairment
 
Total
(In thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
Construction and land development
 
$
474

 
$
23

 
$
341,530

 
$
1,619

 
$
342,004

 
$
1,642

Commercial real estate
 
8,255

 
195

 
1,621,960

 
9,090

 
1,630,215

 
9,285

Residential real estate
 
18,720

 
1,091

 
1,014,465

 
6,040

 
1,033,185

 
7,131

Commercial and financial
 
2,455

 
1,050

 
602,666

 
6,247

 
605,121

 
7,297

Consumer
 
387

 
43

 
189,049

 
1,724

 
189,436

 
1,767

Total
 
$
30,291

 
$
2,402

 
$
3,769,670

 
$
24,720

 
$
3,799,961

 
$
27,122

 
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment reported at December 31, 2018 included acquired loans that are not PCI loans. At December 31, 2018, the remaining fair value adjustments for loans acquired was $47.0 million, or 3.86% of the outstanding aggregate PUL balances. At December 31, 2017, the remaining fair value adjustments for loans acquired was $17.5 million, or 2.00% of the outstanding aggregate PUL balances.
 
These amounts, which represent the remaining fair value discount of each PUL, are accreted into interest income over the remaining lives of the related loans on a level yield basis. Recapture for loan losses of $0.2 million and net recoveries of $0.1 million were recorded for these loans during 2018. Recapture of $0.2 million and net recoveries of $0.1 million were recorded during 2017. No provision for loan losses was recorded related to these loans during 2016.
 
The table below summarizes PCI loans that were individually evaluated for impairment based on expected cash flows at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
PCI Loans Individually
Evaluated for Impairment
 
PCI Loans Individually
Evaluated for Impairment
(In thousands)
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Associated
Allowance
Construction and land development
 
$
151

 
$
—

 
$
1,121

 
$
—

Commercial real estate
 
10,828

 
—

 
9,776

 
—

Residential real estate
 
2,718

 
—

 
5,626

 
—

Commercial and financial
 
737

 
—

 
894

 
—

Consumer
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total
 
$
14,434

 
$
—

 
$
17,417

 
$
—




114


Note G - Bank Premises and Equipment
 
Bank premises and equipment as of:
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
 
Accumulated
Depreciation &
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

Premises (including land of $18,546)
 
$
85,027

 
$
(26,107
)
 
$
58,920

Furniture and equipment
 
36,892

 
(24,788
)
 
12,104

Total
 
$
121,919

 
$
(50,895
)
 
$
71,024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 

 
 

 
 

Premises (including land of $18,269)
 
$
78,255

 
$
(24,045
)
 
$
54,210

Furniture and equipment
 
34,532

 
(21,859
)
 
12,673

Total
 
$
112,787

 
$
(45,904
)
 
$
66,883


Note H - Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets
 
The following table presents changes in the carrying amount of goodwill:

 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Beginning of year
 
$
147,578

 
$
64,649

 
$
25,211

Changes from business combinations
 
57,175

 
82,929

 
39,438

Total
 
$
204,753

 
$
147,578

 
$
64,649


 The Company performs an analysis for goodwill impairment on an annual basis. Based on the analysis performed in the fourth quarter, the Company has concluded goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Acquired intangible assets consist of core deposit intangibles ("CDI"), which are intangible assets arising from the purchase of deposits separately or from bank acquisitions. The change in balance for CDI is as follows:
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Beginning of year
 
$
18,937

 
$
14,572

 
$
8,594

Acquired CDI
 
10,170

 
7,726

 
8,464

Amortization expense
 
(4,300
)
 
(3,361
)
 
(2,486
)
End of year
 
$
24,807

 
$
18,937

 
$
14,572

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In months)
 
 

 
 
 
 

Remaining average amortization period for CDI
 
58

 
63

 
64

 
The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's CDI subject to amortization as of:
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Deposit base
 
$
36,691

 
$
(11,884
)
 
$
26,522

 
$
(7,585
)
 

115


The annual amortization expense for the Company's CDI determined using the straight line method for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2018 is $5.9 million, $5.8 million, $4.6 million, $4.1 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
 
Mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") retained from the sale of Small Business Administration ("SBA") guarantees totaled $1.1 million and $0.2 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note I - Borrowings
 
A significant portion of the Company's short-term borrowings were comprised of securities sold under agreements to repurchase with overnight maturities:
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end
 
$
341,213

 
$
216,094

 
$
236,099

Weighted average interest rate at end of year
 
1.14
%
 
0.71
%
 
0.31
%
Average amount outstanding
 
$
200,839

 
$
171,686

 
$
187,560

Weighted average interest rate during the year
 
0.90
%
 
0.46
%
 
0.26
%
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as secured borrowings. For securities sold under agreements to repurchase, the Company would be obligated to provide additional collateral in the event of a significant decline in fair value of collateral pledged. Company securities pledged were as follows by collateral type and maturity as of:
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Fair value of pledged securities – overnight and continuous
 
 

 
 

 
 

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations of U.S. Government Sponsored Entities
 
$
246,829

 
$
216,094

 
$
204,202

 
Seacoast Bank had secured lines of credit of $1.8 billion at December 31, 2018, of which $380 million was outstanding from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") at the end of 2018, with $317 million maturing within 30 days or less, and the remainder maturing by June 2019. The weighted average interest rate on the balance at end of year 2018 was 2.45% and during the year averaged 1.99% for all of 2018. The Company acquired FHLB advances of $77.0 million from First Green on October 19, 2018 which were repaid in November.
 
On April 7, 2016, Seacoast Bank incurred an early redemption cost of $1.8 million related to prepayment of $50.0 million of FHLB advances. The $50.0 million of FHLB borrowings was comprised of two advances of $25 million each borrowed on September 15, 2007 and November 27, 2007, respectively, and had fixed rates of 3.64% and 2.70%, respectively, payable quarterly.
 
The Company issued $20.6 million in junior subordinated debentures on March 31, 2005 and December 16, 2005, for an aggregate of $41.2 million. These debentures were issued in conjunction with the formation of a Delaware and Connecticut trust subsidiary, SBCF Capital Trust I, and SBCF Statutory Trust II ("Trusts I and II"), respectively, which each completed a private sale of $20.0 million of floating rate preferred securities. On June 29, 2007, the Company issued an additional $12.4 million in junior subordinated debentures which were issued in conjunction with the formation of a Delaware trust subsidiary, SBCF Statutory Trust III ("Trust III"), which completed a private sale of $12.0 million of floating rate trust preferred securities. The rates on the trust preferred securities are the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 175 basis points, the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 133 basis points, and the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 135 basis points, respectively. The rates as of December 31, 2018 are 4.55%, 4.12%, and 4.14%, respectively. The trust preferred securities have original maturities of thirty years, and may be redeemed without penalty, upon approval of the Federal Reserve or upon occurrence of certain events affecting their tax or regulatory capital treatment. Distributions on the trust preferred securities are payable quarterly in March, June, September, and December of each year. The Trusts also issued $619 million, $619 million and $372 million, respectively, of common equity securities to the Company. The proceeds of the offering of trust preferred securities and common equity securities were used by Trusts I and II to purchase the $41.2 million junior subordinated deferrable interest notes issued by the Company, and by Trust III to purchase the $12.4 million junior subordinated deferrable interest notes issued by the Company, all of which have terms substantially similar to the trust preferred securities.


116


As part of the October 1, 2014 The BANKshares Inc. (“BANKshares”) acquisition the Company acquired three junior subordinated debentures. Correspondingly, at December 31, 2018, the Company had $5.2 million and $4.1 million of floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures outstanding which are due December 26, 2032 and March 17, 2034, and callable by the Company, at its option, any time after December 26, 2007 and March 17, 2009. The rates on these trust preferred securities are the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 325 basis points and the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 279 basis points, respectively. The rates as of December 31, 2018 are 6.07% and 5.58%, respectively, per annum. At December 31, 2018, the Company also had $5.2 million outstanding of Junior Subordinated Debentures due February 23, 2036. The coupon rate floats quarterly at the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 139 basis points. The junior subordinated debenture is redeemable in certain circumstances. The interest rate was 4.04% at December 31, 2018. The above three junior subordinated debentures in accordance with ASC Topic 805 Business Combinations were recorded at their acquisition date fair values which collectively was $3.5 million lower than face value and will be amortized into interest expense over the remaining term to maturity.
 
As part of the July 17, 2015 Grand Bankshares, Inc. (“Grand”) acquisition the Company acquired one junior subordinated debenture. Correspondingly, at December 31, 2018 the Company has $7.2 million of floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debenture outstanding which is due December 30, 2034. The interest rate is the 3-month LIBOR rate plus 198 basis points. The rate, which adjusts every three months, is currently 4.38%, per annum. The junior subordinated debentures in accordance with ASC Topic 805 Business Combinations were recorded at the acquisition date fair values which was $2.1 million lower than face value and will be amortized into interest expense over the remaining term to maturity.
 
The Company has the right to defer payments of interest on the notes at any time or from time to time at the Company's election. Interest can be deferred for a period not longer than five years. If the Company elects to defer interest, it may not, with certain exceptions, declare or pay any dividends or distributions on its capital stock or purchase or acquire any of its capital stock. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, all interest payments on trust preferred securities were current.
 
The Company has entered into agreements to guarantee the payments of distributions on the trust preferred securities and payments of redemption of the trust preferred securities. Under these agreements, the Company also agrees, on a subordinated basis, to pay expenses and liabilities of the Trusts other than those arising under the trust preferred securities. The obligations of the Company under the junior subordinated notes, the trust agreement establishing the Trusts, the guarantees and agreements as to expenses and liabilities, in aggregate, constitute a full and conditional guarantee by the Company of the Trusts' obligations under the trust preferred securities.

Note J - Employee Benefits and Stock Compensation
 
The Company’s defined contribution plan covers substantially all employees after one year of service and includes a matching benefit for employees who can elect to defer a portion of their compensation. In addition, amounts of compensation contributed by employees are matched on a percentage basis under the plan. The defined contribution plan contributions charged to operations were $2.1 million in 2018, $1.9 million in 2017, and $1.7 million in 2016.
 
The Company, through its Compensation and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”), offers equity compensation to employees and non-employee directors of Seacoast and Seacoast Bank in the form of various share-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), or restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The awards may vest over time, have certain performance based criteria, or both.
 
Stock options are granted with an exercise price at least equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Vesting is determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, generally over five years. The options have a maximum term of ten years.
 
The fair value of RSAs and RSUs are estimated based on the price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation cost is measured straight-line for RSAs and ratably for RSUs over the vesting period of the awards and reversed for awards which are forfeited due to unfulfilled service or performance criteria. To the extent the Company has treasury shares available, stock options exercised or stock grants awarded may be issued from treasury shares. If treasury shares are insufficient, the Company can issue new shares.
 
Vesting of share-based awards is immediately accelerated on death or disability of the recipient. The Compensation Committee may, at its discretion, accelerate vesting upon retirement (including a voluntary termination of employment at age 55) for those employees with five or more years of service with the Company, or upon the event of a change-in-control.
 

117


Awards are currently granted under the Seacoast 2013 Incentive Plan (“2013 Plan”), which shareholders approved on May 23, 2013 and amended on August 26, 2015 to increase the number of authorized shares for issuance thereunder to 3,000,000 and amended on May 24, 2018 to increase the number of authorized shares for issuance thereunder to 4,250,000. The 2013 Plan expires on May 26, 2025. Approximately 1,256,000 shares remain available for issuance as of December 31, 2018.
 
The impact of share-based compensation on the Company’s financial results is presented below:
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Share-based compensation expense
 
$
7,823

 
$
5,267

 
4,154

Income tax benefit
 
(1,911
)
 
(1,966
)
 
(1,602
)

The total unrecognized compensation cost and the weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements at December 31, 2018 is presented below:
 
(In thousands)
 
Unrecognized
Compensation
Cost
 
Weighted-Average Period Remaining (Years)
Restricted stock awards
 
$
4,637

 
1.5
Restricted stock units
 
4,319

 
1.7
Stock options
 
1,653

 
1.8
Total
 
$
10,609

 
1.7
 
Restricted Stock Awards
 
RSAs were granted in 2018 to various employees and vest over time, generally three years. Compensation cost of RSAs is based on the market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and is recognized over the required service period on a straight-line basis. The Company’s accounting policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested RSAs as of December 31, 2018, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
 
 
 
Restricted
Award
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
 
187,511

 
$
19.18

Granted
 
242,613

 
26.48

Forfeited/Canceled
 
(15,514
)
 
25.47

Vested
 
(119,480
)
 
21.05

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
295,130

 
24.09

 
Information regarding restricted stock awards during each of the following years:
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Shares granted
 
242,613

 
114,331

 
164,599

Weighted-average grant date fair value
 
$
26.48

 
$
24.08

 
$
16.03

Fair value of awards vested(1)
 
$
2,515

 
$
1,407

 
$
1,981

(1)Based on grant date fair value
 

118


Restricted Stock Units
 
Certain RSUs granted in 2018 and 2017 allow the grantee to earn 0%-200% of the target award based on the Company's adjusted earnings per share growth or its adjusted return on average tangible equity, each measured over a three year period beginning with the year of grant. Certain RSUs granted in 2016 allow the grantee to earn 0%-200% of the target award as determined by both the Company's adjusted net income and its adjusted return on tangible equity. The 2016 awards measure performance through December 31, 2019.

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested RSUs as of December 31, 2018, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below:
 
 
 
Restricted
Award
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Non-vested at January 1, 2018
 
375,967

 
$
16.96

Granted
 
173,193

 
24.02

Forfeited/Canceled
 
(247
)
 
10.50

Vested
 
(82,077
)
 
13.34

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
466,836

 
20.22

 
Information regarding restricted stock units during each of the following years:

     
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Shares granted
 
173,193

 
164,268

 
136,188

Weighted-average grant date fair value
 
$
24.02

 
$
23.94

 
$
13.53

Fair value of awards vested(1)
 
$
1,095

 
$
937

 
$
846

(1)Based on grant date fair value
 
Stock Options
 
The Company estimated the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
    
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Risk-free interest rates
 
2.56
%
 
1.85
%
 
1.63
%
Expected dividend yield
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
0
%
Expected volatility
 
26.6
%
 
25.4
%
 
21.9
%
Expected lives (years)
 
5.0

 
5.0

 
5.0


A summary of the Company’s stock options as of December 31, 2018, and changes during the year then ended, are presented below:
 

119


 
 
Options
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(000s)
Outstanding at January 1, 2018
 
951,349

 
$
17.29

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
219,118

 
30.98

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(175,541
)
 
11.45

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(61,431
)
 
11.17

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
 
933,495

 
22.00

 
7.09
 
$
5,569

Exercisable at December 31, 2018
 
447,033

 
16.50

 
6.04
 
4,511

 
Information related to stock options during each of the following years:
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Options granted
 
219,118

 
297,576

 
243,391

Weighted-average grant date fair value
 
$
5.65

 
$
4.66

 
$
3.41

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised
 
3,045

 
1,143

 
80

 
The following table summarizes information related to stock options as of December 31, 2018:
 
Range of Exercise Prices
 
Options
Outstanding
 
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 
Options
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$10.54 to $14.82
 
391,113

 
5.2
 
311,759

 
$
12.23

$15.99 to $28.69
 
333,281

 
8.0
 
135,274

 
26.35

$31.15 to $31.15
 
209,101

 
9.3
 
—

 
—

Total
 
933,495

 
7.1
 
447,033

 
$
16.50

 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), as amended, was approved by shareholders on April 25, 1989, and additional shares were authorized for issuance by shareholders on June 18, 2009 and May 2, 2013. Under the ESPP, the Company is authorized to issue up to 300,000 common shares of the Company’s common stock to eligible employees of the Company.  These shares may be purchased by employees at a price equal to 95% of the fair market value of the shares on the purchase date.  Purchases under the ESPP are made monthly.  Employee contributions to the ESPP are made through payroll deductions.
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
ESPP shares purchased
 
15,225

 
12,434

 
10,483

Weighted-average employee purchase price
 
$
26.85

 
$
22.67

 
$
16.02







Note K - Lease Commitments
 
The Company is obligated under various noncancellable operating leases for equipment, buildings, and land. Minimum rent payments under operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. At December 31, 2018, future minimum lease payments under leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
$
6,671

2020
5,778

2021
4,515

2022
3,718

2023
2,967

Thereafter
13,240

 
$
36,889

 
Rent expense charged to operations was $6.7 million for 2018, $5.8 million for 2017 and $5.3 million for 2016. Certain leases contain provisions for renewal and change with the consumer price index.

Note L - Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes is as follows:
 

120


 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current
 
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
 
$
9,078

 
$
667

 
$
653

State
 
—

 
2

 
30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred
 
 

 


 


Federal
 
7,018

 
32,791

 
12,163

State
 
4,163

 
2,876

 
2,043

 
 
$
20,259

 
$
36,336

 
$
14,889

 
The difference between the total expected tax benefit (computed by applying the U.S. Federal tax rate of 21% to pretax income in 2018 and 35% in 2017 and 2016) and the reported income tax provision relating to income before income taxes is as follows:
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Tax rate applied to income before income taxes
 
$
18,381

 
$
27,720

 
$
15,431

Increase (decrease) resulting from the effects of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax law change
 
—

 
8,552

 
—

Nondeductible acquisition costs
 
207

 
657

 
217

Tax exempt interest on loans, obligations of states and political subdivisions and bank owned life insurance
 
(667
)
 
(1,445
)
 
(1,215
)
State income taxes
 
(874
)
 
(1,007
)
 
(726
)
Tax credit investments
 
(33
)
 
(165
)
 
(55
)
Stock compensation
 
(918
)
 
(1,027
)
 
(731
)
Other
 
—

 
173

 
(105
)
Federal tax provision
 
16,096

 
33,458

 
12,816

State tax provision
 
4,163

 
2,878

 
2,073

Total income tax provision
 
$
20,259

 
$
36,336

 
$
14,889

 
The net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following as of:
 

121


 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Allowance for loan losses
 
$
8,592

 
$
7,187

Premises and equipment
 
1,670

 
1,390

Other real estate owned
 
207

 
207

Accrued stock compensation
 
2,547

 
1,569

Federal tax loss carryforward
 
4,699

 
4,755

State tax loss carryforward
 
2,912

 
5,578

Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward
 
—

 
2,209

Net unrealized securities losses
 
4,658

 
1,429

Deferred compensation
 
2,287

 
2,125

Accrued interest and fee income
 
7,674

 
2,411

Other
 
1,627

 
2,248

Gross deferred tax assets
 
36,873

 
31,108

Less: Valuation allowance
 
—

 
—

Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance
 
36,873

 
31,108

 
 
 
 
 
Core deposit base intangible
 
(5,706
)
 
(3,964
)
Other
 
(2,213
)
 
(1,727
)
Gross deferred tax liabilities
 
(7,919
)
 
(5,691
)
Net deferred tax assets
 
$
28,954

 
$
25,417

 
Included in the table above is the effect of certain temporary differences for which no deferred tax expense or benefit was recognized. The effect of these items is recorded as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the shareholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. In 2018 and 2017 such items consisted primarily of $4.7 million and $1.4 million on $17.7 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of unrealized losses on certain investments in debt securities accounted for under ASC Topic 320.
 
At December 31, 2018, the Company's net deferred tax assets ("DTAs") of $29.0 million consists of approximately $20.5 million of net U.S. federal DTAs and $8.5 million of net state DTAs.
 
Management assesses the necessity of a valuation allowance recorded against DTAs at each reporting period. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for net DTAs is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires an evaluation of all positive and negative evidence. Based on an assessment of all of the evidence, including favorable trending in asset quality and certainty regarding the amount of future taxable income that the Company forecasts, management concluded that it was more likely than not that its net DTAs will be realized based upon future taxable income. Management's confidence in the realization of projected future taxable income is based upon analysis of the Company's risk profile and its trending financial performance, including credit quality. The Company believes it can confidently and reasonably predict future results of operations that result in taxable income at sufficient levels over the future period of time that the Company has available to realize its net DTA.

A valuation allowance could be required in future periods based on the assessment of positive and negative evidence. Management's conclusion at December 31, 2018 that it is more likely than not that the net DTAs of $29.0 million will be realized is based upon estimates of future taxable income that are supported by internal projections which consider historical performance, various internal estimates and assumptions, as well as certain external data, all of which management believes to be reasonable although inherently subject to judgment. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, even if caused by adverse macro-economic conditions, a valuation allowance may need to be recorded for some or all of the Company's DTAs. The establishment of a DTA valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
Management expects to realize the $29.0 million in net DTAs well in advance of the statutory carryforward period. At December 31, 2018, approximately $4.7 million of DTAs relate to federal net operating losses which will expire in annual installments beginning in 2029 through 2032. Additionally, $2.9 million of the DTAs relate to state net operating losses which will expire in annual installments beginning in 2029 through 2034. Remaining DTAs are not related to net operating losses or credits and therefore, have no expiration date.


122


The Company recognizes interest and penalties, as appropriate, as part of the provisioning for income taxes. No interest or penalties were accrued at December 31, 2018.
 
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-9, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU 2016-9 changed several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including: (1) accounting and cash flow classification for excess tax benefits and deficiencies, (2) forfeitures, and (3) tax withholding requirements and cash flow classification. The Company adopted ASU 2016-9 in the third quarter of 2016 and recognized a $0.8 million tax benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the third and fourth quarters of 2016. During 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of tax benefit under this standard. In addition, the Company presented excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows using a retrospective transition method.
 
As a result of the adoption in 2016 of ASU No. 2014-1, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects," amortization of our low-income housing credit investment of $1.0 million, $0.7 million and $39,000 has been reflected as income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The amount of affordable housing tax credits, amortization and tax benefits recorded as income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $0.8 million, $1.0 million, $0.2 million, respectively. The amount of affordable housing tax credits, amortization and tax benefits recorded as income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $0.6 million, $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The amount of affordable housing tax credits, amortization and tax benefits recorded as income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $32,000, $39,000 and $67,000, respectively. The carrying value of the investment in affordable housing credits is $8.3 million and $9.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $3.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively, is unfunded.
 
The Company has no unrecognized income tax benefits or provisions due to uncertain income tax positions. The following are the major tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates and the earliest tax year, exclusive of the impact of the net operating loss carryforwards, subject to examination:
 
Jurisdiction
Tax Year
United States of America
2015
Florida
2015

On December 22, 2017 H.R. 1, also known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ( the "Tax Reform Act), was enacted. As a result, the Company was required to revalue its existing net DTA on that date based on the future federal corporate tax rate of 21%. The DTA revaluation resulted in a one-time charge to income tax expense in the amount of $8.6 million. Prior to enactment of this legislation, the Company's net DTA was $34.0 million which was then revalued to the $25.4 million reflected in the table above. The tax charge was initially estimated by the Company and was permitted to be adjusted in future periods following evaluation of the effects, if any, of implementation guidance or regulations that may be issued by the Internal Revenue Service on the Company's initial analysis of the Tax Reform Act. Upon the filing of the Company's 2017 income tax return, a $0.2 million tax benefit was recorded in 2018 to true-up the initial estimate. No further adjustments related to the Tax Reform Act are expected.
 
In 2017, the Company early adopted ASU 2018-2, as discussed in Note A - Significant Accounting Policies, to adjust for the historical impact of the corporate tax rate change to accumulated other comprehensive income. The adjustment relates to changes in the deferred tax asset associated with mark to market adjustments on available for sale securities. The table below reflects the balances before and after the adjustment between accumulated other comprehensive income and retained earnings:
  
(In thousands)
 
Unadjusted as of
December 31, 2017
 
Adjustment
 
Adjusted as of
December 31, 2017
Retained Earnings
 
$
29,208

 
$
706

 
$
29,914

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
(3,510
)
 
(706
)
 
(4,216
)



Note M - Noninterest Income and Expenses
 
Details of noninterest income and expense are as follows:
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Noninterest Income
 
 

 
 

 
 

Service charges on deposit accounts
 
$
11,198

 
$
10,049

 
$
9,669

Trust fees
 
4,183

 
3,705

 
3,433

Mortgage banking fees
 
4,682

 
6,449

 
5,864

Brokerage commissions and fees
 
1,732

 
1,352

 
2,044

Marine finance fees
 
1,398

 
910

 
673

Interchange income
 
12,335

 
10,583

 
9,227

BOLI Income
 
4,291

 
3,426

 
2,213

Other
 
10,826

 
6,756

 
4,304

 
 
50,645

 
43,230

 
37,427

Gain on sale of Visa stock
 
—

 
15,153

 
—

Securities (losses) gains, net
 
(623
)
 
86

 
368

Total Noninterest Income
 
$
50,022

 
$
58,469

 
$
37,795

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
 
71,111

 
65,692

 
54,096

Employee benefits
 
12,945

 
11,732

 
9,903

Outsourced data processing costs
 
16,374

 
14,116

 
13,516

Telephone and data lines
 
2,481

 
2,291

 
2,108

Occupancy
 
13,394

 
13,290

 
13,122

Furniture and equipment
 
6,744

 
6,067

 
4,720

Marketing
 
5,085

 
4,784

 
3,633

Legal and professional fees
 
9,961

 
11,022

 
9,596

FDIC assessments
 
2,195

 
2,326

 
2,365

Amortization of intangibles
 
4,300

 
3,361

 
2,486

    Foreclosed property expense and net loss (gain) on sale
 
461

 
(300
)
 
44

Early redemption cost for Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
—

 
—

 
1,777

Other
 
17,222

 
15,535

 
13,515

Total Noninterest Expenses
 
$
162,273

 
$
149,916

 
$
130,881


Note N - Shareholders' Equity

Required Regulatory Capital
 
The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by the regulators, which could have a direct material impact on the financial statements. These requirements involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items calculated pursuant to regulatory guidance. The Company's capital amounts and classification 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 amounts and ratios of total, Tier 1 capital and common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined).

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company and Seacoast Bank, our wholly-owned banking subsidiary, were both considered "well capitalized" based on the applicable U.S. regulatory capital ratio requirements as reflected in the table below:
 


123


 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum to meet "Well Capitalized" Requirements
Minimum for Capital Adequacy
Purpose(1)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
 
Ratio
Amount
 
 
Ratio
 
Seacoast Banking Corporation
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
(Consolidated)
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2018:
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
744,687

 
14.43
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

$
412,754

 
≥
8.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
712,144

 
13.80
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

309,566

 
≥
6.00
%
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
641,340

 
12.43
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

232,174

 
≥
4.50
%
 
Leverage Ratio (to adjusted average assets)
 
712,144

 
11.16
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

255,167

 
≥
4.00
%
 
At December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
619,746

 
14.24
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

$
348,191

 
≥
8.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
592,562

 
13.61
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

261,143

 
≥
6.00
%
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
523,832

 
12.04
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

195,858

 
≥
4.50
%
 
Leverage Ratio (to adjusted average assets)
 
592,562

 
10.68
%
 
n/a

 
 
n/a

221,863

 
≥
4.00
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seacoast National Bank
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A Wholly Owned Bank Subsidiary)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
701,093

 
13.60
%
 
$
515,607

 
≥
10.00
%
$
412,486

 
≥
8.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
668,550

 
12.97
%
 
412,486

 
≥
8.00
%
309,364

 
≥
6.00
%
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
668,550

 
12.97
%
 
335,145

 
≥
6.50
%
232,023

 
≥
4.50
%
 
Leverage Ratio (to adjusted average assets)
 
668,550

 
10.49
%
 
318,795

 
≥
5.00
%
255,036

 
≥
4.00
%
 
At December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
≥
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
$
565,149

 
13.04
%
 
$
433,475

 
≥
10.00
%
$
346,780

 
≥
8.00
%
 
Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
537,965

 
12.41
%
 
346,780

 
≥
8.00
%
260,085

 
≥
6.00
%
 
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio (to risk-weighted assets)
 
537,965

 
12.41
%
 
281,759

 
≥
6.50
%
195,022

 
≥
4.50
%
 
Leverage Ratio (to adjusted average assets)
 
537,965

 
9.72
%
 
276,791

 
≥
5.00
%
221,432

 
≥
4.00
%
 
 
(1)Excludes the capital conservation buffer of 1.875% for 2018 and 1.250% for 2017, which if not exceeded may constrain dividends, equity repurchases and compensation.
n/a - not applicable

The Company has reserved 300,000 common shares for issuance in connection with an employee stock purchase plan and 1,000,000 common shares for issuance in connection with an employee profit sharing plan.
 
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters presented to shareholders as provided in the Company’s Articles of Incorporation. The Company implemented a dividend reinvestment plan during 2007, issuing no shares from treasury stock under this plan during 2018 and 2017.

On February 21, 2017, the Company closed on its offering of 8.9 million shares of common stock, consisting of 2.7 million shares sold by the Company and 6.2 million shares sold by one of its shareholders. The Company received proceeds of $56.7 million less legal and professional fees of $1.1 million from the issuance of the 2.7 million shares of its common stock. The Company is using the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the acquisitions of GulfShore Bancshares, Inc., NorthStar Banking Corporation, and Palm Beach Community Bank in 2017, First Green Bancorp, Inc in 2018, and to support organic growth. Seacoast did not receive any proceeds from the sale of its shareholder's shares. Herbert Lurie, who is a member of our board of directors is a consulting Senior Adviser to Guggenheim Securities, LLC, an underwriter of this offering. Under his consulting agreement with Guggenheim, Mr. Lurie was entitled to receive customary compensation, including in connection with our offering of common stock. Mr. Lurie recused himself from board decisions regarding this offering.

Note O - Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (Parent Company Only) Financial Information
 
Balance Sheets
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Assets
 
 

 
 

Cash
 
$
197

 
$
1,154

Securities purchased under agreement to resell with subsidiary bank, maturing within 30 days
 
40,130

 
33,151

Investment in subsidiaries
 
897,683

 
711,973

Other assets
 
777

 
21,337

 
 
$
938,787

 
$
767,615

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Subordinated debt
 
$
70,804

 
$
70,521

Other liabilities
 
3,716

 
7,430

Shareholders' equity
 
864,267

 
689,664

 
 
$
938,787

 
$
767,615


Statements of Income (Loss)
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest/other
 
$
484

 
$
2,104

 
$
352

Dividends from subsidiary Bank
 
—

 
—

 
—

Gain on sale of Visa Class B stock
 
—

 
15,153

 
—

 
 
484

 
17,257

 
352

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
3,165

 
2,499

 
2,115

Other expenses
 
879

 
649

 
462

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
 
(3,560
)
 
14,109

 
(2,225
)
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
(747
)
 
4,938

 
(801
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
 
(2,813
)
 
9,171

 
(1,424
)
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
 
70,088

 
33,694

 
30,626

Net income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202



124


Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202

Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
 
(70,088
)
 
(33,694
)
 
(30,626
)
Gain on sale of Visa Class B stock
 
—

 
(15,153
)
 
—

Net (increase) decrease in other assets
 
(10,045
)
 
1,415

 
(12
)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
(3,431
)
 
4,005

 
12

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
(16,289
)
 
(562
)
 
(1,424
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash paid for bank acquisition
 
(6,558
)
 
(27,862
)
 
(28,905
)
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary
 
—

 
—

 
(200
)
Purchase of Visa Class B stock
 
—

 
(6,180
)
 
—

Proceeds from sale of Visa Class B stock
 
21,333

 
—

 
—

(Increase) decrease in securities purchased under agreement to resell, maturing within 30 days, net
 
(421
)
 
(20,475
)
 
30,647

Net cash provided by (used in) investment activities
 
14,354

 
(54,517
)
 
1,542

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock, net of related expense
 
—

 
55,641

 
—

Stock based employment benefit plans
 
978

 
(56
)
 
166

Net cash provided by financing activities
 
978

 
55,585

 
166

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash
 
(957
)
 
506

 
284

Cash at beginning of year
 
1,154

 
648

 
364

Cash at end of year
 
$
197

 
$
1,154

 
$
648

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
 
$
2,936

 
$
2,205

 
$
1,824


Note P - Contingent Liabilities and Commitments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
 
The Company and its subsidiaries, because of the nature of their business, are at all times subject to numerous legal actions, threatened or filed. Management presently believes that none of the legal proceedings to which it is a party are likely to have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, or operating results or cash flows.
 
The Company's subsidiary bank is party to financial instruments with off balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and limited partner equity commitments.
 
The subsidiary bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contract or notional amount of those instruments. The subsidiary bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and standby letters of credit as they do 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

125


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 subsidiary bank evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the bank upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and commercial and residential real estate. Of the $982.7 million in commitments to extend credit outstanding at December 31, 2018, $438.6 million is secured by 1-4 family residential properties for individuals with approximately $92.4 million at fixed interest rates ranging from 3.24% to 6.50%.
 
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the subsidiary bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These instruments have fixed termination dates and most end without being drawn; therefore, they do not represent a significant liquidity risk. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The subsidiary bank holds collateral supporting these commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for secured standby letters of credit at December 31, 2018 and 2017 amounted to $19.1 million and $26.4 million respectively.
 
Unfunded limited partner equity commitments at December 31, 2018 totaled $7.3 million that the Company has committed to small business investment companies under the SBIC Act to be used to provide capital to small businesses, and entities that provide low income housing tax credits.

Unfunded commitments for the Company as of: 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Contract or Notional Amount
 
 

 
 

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
 
 

 
 

Commitments to extend credit
 
$
982,739

 
$
807,651

 
 
 
 
 
Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written:
 
 
 
 
Secured
 
17,736

 
12,913

Unsecured
 
847

 
681

 
 
 
 
 
Unfunded limited partner equity commitment
 
7,252

 
10,914



126


Note Q - Fair Value
 
Under ASC Topic 820, fair value measurements for items measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 included:
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands)
 
Measurements
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
At December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Available for sale debt securities(1)
 
$
865,831

 
$
100

 
$
865,731

 
$
—

Loans held for sale(2)
 
11,873

 
—

 
11,873

 
—

Loans(3)
 
8,590

 
—

 
2,290

 
6,300

Other real estate owned(4)
 
12,802

 
—

 
297

 
12,505

Equity securities(5)
 
6,205

 
6,205

 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale debt securities(1)(5)
 
$
949,460

 
$
100

 
$
949,360

 
$
—

Loans held for sale(2)
 
24,306

 
—

 
24,306

 
—

Loans(3)
 
4,192

 
—

 
3,454

 
738

Other real estate owned(4)
 
7,640

 
—

 
60

 
7,580

Equity securities(5)
 
6,344

 
6,344

 
—

 
—

(1)See Note D for further detail of fair value of individual investment categories.
(2)Recurring fair value basis determined using observable market data.
(3)See Note E. Nonrecurring fair value adjustments to loans identified as impaired reflect full or partial write- downs that are based on the loan’s observable market price or current appraised value of the collateral in accordance with ASC Topic 310.
(4)Fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with ASC Topic 360.
(5)Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-1 on January 1, 2018, an investment in shares of a mutual fund that invests primarily in CRA-qualified debt securities was classified as an available for sale security. Beginning in 2018, this security is reported at fair value in Other Assets. Fair value is determined based on market quotations.

Loans held for sale: Fair values are based upon estimated values to be received from independent third party purchasers. These loans are intended for sale and the Company believes the fair value is the best indicator of the resolution of these loans. Interest income is recorded based on contractual terms of the loan in accordance with Company policy on loans held for investment. None of the loans are 90 days or more past due or on nonaccrual as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The aggregate fair value and contractual balance of loans held for sale as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Aggregate fair value
 
$
11,873

 
$
24,306

Contractual balance
 
11,562

 
23,627

Excess
 
311

 
679


Loans: Level 2 loans consist of impaired real estate loans which are collateral dependent. Fair value is based on recent real estate appraisals less estimated costs of sale. For residential real estate impaired loans, appraised values or internal evaluation are based on the comparative sales approach. Level 3 loans consist of commercial and commercial real estate impaired loans. For these loans evaluations may use either a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches, such as comparative sales, cost and/or income approach. A significant unobservable input in the income approach is the estimated capitalization rate for a given piece of collateral. At December 31, 2018 the range of capitalization rates utilized to determine fair value of the underlying collateral averaged approximately 7.6%. Adjustments to comparable sales may be made by an appraiser to reflect local market conditions or other economic factors and may result in changes in the fair value of an asset over time. As such, the fair value of these impaired loans is considered level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Impaired loans measured at fair value totaled $8.6 million with a specific reserve of $2.7 million at December 31, 2018, compared to $4.2 million with a specific reserve of $2.4 million at December 31, 2017.

127



For loans classified as level 3, the changes included additions of $9.4 million related to loans that became impaired during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, offset by paydowns, chargeoffs and changes in specific reserves of $3.8 million in 2018.
 
Other real estate owned: When appraisals are used to determine fair value and the appraisals are based on a market approach, the fair value of other real estate owned ("OREO") is classified as level 2. When the fair value of OREO is based on appraisals which require significant adjustments to market-based valuation inputs or apply an income approach based on unobservable cash flows, the fair value of OREO is classified as Level 3.

For OREO classified as level 3 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, changes included the addition of foreclosed loans of $0.3 million and acquired branches taken out of service of $8.4 million offset by reductions primarily consisting of sales of $5.9 million.
 
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized on the actual date of the event or circumstances that caused the transfer, which generally coincides with the Company's monthly and/or quarter valuation process. There were no such transfers during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
The carrying amount and fair value of the Company's other significant financial instruments that were not disclosed previously in the balance sheet and for which carrying amount is not fair value as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is as follows:
 
 
 
Carrying
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands)
 
Amount
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
At December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Debt securities held to maturity (1)
 
$
357,949

 
$
—

 
$
349,895

 
$
—

Time deposits with other banks
 
8,243

 
—

 
—

 
8,132

Loans, net
 
4,784,201

 
—

 
—

 
4,835,248

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
5,177,240

 
—

 
—

 
5,172,098

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings
 
380,000

 
—

 
—

 
380,027

Subordinated debt
 
70,804

 
—

 
61,224

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities held to maturity (1)
 
$
416,863

 
$
—

 
$
414,470

 
$
—

Time deposits with other banks
 
12,553

 
—

 
—

 
12,493

Loans, net
 
3,786,063

 
—

 
—

 
3,760,754

Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
 
4,592,720

 
—

 
—

 
4,588,515

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) borrowings
 
211,000

 
—

 
—

 
211,000

Subordinated debt
 
70,521

 
—

 
61,530

 
—

 (1)See Note D for further detail of recurring fair value basis of individual investment categories.

The short maturity of Seacoast’s assets and liabilities results in having a significant number of financial instruments whose fair value equals or closely approximates carrying value. Such financial instruments are reported in the following balance sheet captions: cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with other banks, FHLB borrowings, and securities sold under agreement to repurchase, maturing within 30 days.
 

128


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate that value at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
Debt securities: U.S. Treasury securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other securities are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. The estimated fair value of a security is determined based on market quotations when available or, if not available, by using quoted market prices for similar securities, pricing models or discounted cash flow analyses, using observable market data where available.
 
The Company reviews the prices supplied by independent pricing services, as well as their underlying pricing methodologies, for reasonableness and to ensure such prices are aligned with traditional pricing matrices. The fair value of collateralized loan obligations is determined from broker quotes. From time to time, the Company will validate, on a sample basis, prices supplied by the independent pricing service by comparison to prices obtained from other brokers and third-party sources or derived using internal models.
 
Loans: Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, mortgage, etc. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and nonperforming categories. The fair value of loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated life including prepayment considerations, using estimated market discount rates that reflect the risks inherent in the loan. Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-1 on January 1, 2018, the estimated fair value of the loan portfolio utilized an "entrance price" approach. Beginning in 2018, the fair value approach considers market-driven variables including credit related factors and reflects an "exit price" as defined in ASC Topic 820.
 
Deposit Liabilities: The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for funding of similar remaining maturities.

Note R - Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year.
 
In 2018, 2017, and 2016, options and warrants to purchase 483,000, 274,000, and 131,000 shares, respectively, were antidilutive and accordingly were excluded in determining diluted earnings per share.
 
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Basic earnings per share
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202

Total weighted average common stock outstanding
 
47,969

 
42,613

 
36,872

Net income per share
 
$
1.40

 
$
1.01

 
$
0.79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
67,275

 
$
42,865

 
$
29,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total weighted average common stock outstanding
 
47,969

 
42,613

 
36,872

Add: Dilutive effect of employee restricted stock and stock options (See Note J)
 
779

 
737

 
636

Total weighted average diluted stock outstanding
 
48,748

 
43,350

 
37,508

Net income per share
 
$
1.38

 
$
0.99

 
$
0.78



129


Note S - Business Combinations

Acquisition of GulfShore Bancshares, Inc.
 
On April 7, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of GulfShore Bancshares, Inc. ("GulfShore"), the parent company of GulfShore Bank. Simultaneously, upon completion of the merger, GulfShore’s wholly owned subsidiary bank, GulfShore Bank, was merged with and into Seacoast Bank. GulfShore, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, operated 3 branches in Tampa and St. Petersburg. This acquisition added $357.6 million in total assets, $250.9 million in loans and $285.4 million in deposits to Seacoast. As a result of this acquisition the Company enhanced its presence in the Tampa, Florida market, expanded its customer base and leveraged operating cost through economies of scale, and positively affected the Company’s operating results to the extent the Company earns more from interest earning assets than it pays in interest on its interest bearing liabilities.
 
The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of GulfShore. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, GulfShore shareholders received, for each share of GulfShore common stock, the combination of $1.47 in cash and 0.4807 shares of Seacoast common stock (based on Seacoast’s closing price of $23.94 per share on April 7, 2017).
(In thousands, except per share data)
April 7, 2017
Shares exchanged for cash
$
8,034

 
 
Number of GulfShore Bancshares, Inc. common shares outstanding
5,464

Per share exchange ratio
0.4807

Number of shares of common stock issued
2,627

Multiplied by common stock price per share on April 7, 2017
$
23.94

Value of common stock issued
62,883

 
 
Total purchase price
$
70,917

 
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company recognized goodwill of $37.1 million for this acquisition that is nondeductible for tax purposes. Determining fair values of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio, core deposit intangibles, and deferred taxes, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values.
(In thousands)
 
April 7, 2017
Assets:
 
 

Cash
 
$
38,267

Time deposits with other banks
 
17,273

Investment securities
 
316

Loans, net
 
250,876

Fixed assets
 
1,307

Other real estate owned
 
13

Core deposit intangibles
 
3,927

Goodwill
 
37,098

Other assets
 
8,572

  Total assets
 
$
357,649

 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
Deposits
 
$
285,350

Other liabilities
 
1,382

  Total liabilities
 
$
286,732



The table below presents information with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, as well as their unpaid principal balance (“Book Balance”) at acquisition date.
 

130


 
 
April 7, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Book Balance
 
Fair Value
Loans:
 
 

 
 

Single family residential real estate
 
$
101,281

 
$
99,598

Commercial real estate
 
106,729

 
103,905

Construction/development/land
 
13,175

 
11,653

Commercial loans
 
32,137

 
32,247

Consumer and other loans
 
3,554

 
3,473

Purchased credit-impaired
 
—

 
—

Total acquired loans
 
$
256,876

 
$
250,876

 
No loans acquired were specifically identified with credit deficiency factor(s), pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The factors we considered to identify loans as PCI loans were all acquired loans that were nonaccrual, 60 days or more past due, designated as TDR, graded “special mention” or “substandard.”
 
Loans without specifically identified credit deficiency factors are referred to as PULs for disclosure purposes. These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Although no specific credit deficiencies were identifiable, we believe there is an element of risk as to whether all contractual cash flows will be eventually received. Factors that were considered included the economic environment both nationally and locally as well as the real estate market particularly in Florida. We have applied ASC Topic 310-20 accounting treatment to the PULs.
 
The Company believes the deposits assumed from the acquisition have an intangible value. In determining the valuation amount, deposits were analyzed based on factors such as type of deposit, deposit retention, interest rates and age of deposit relationships.
 
Acquisition of NorthStar Banking Corporation
 
On October 20, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of NorthStar Banking Corporation (“NorthStar”). Simultaneously, upon completion of the merger of NorthStar with and into the Company, NorthStar’s wholly owned subsidiary bank, NorthStar Bank, was merged with and into Seacoast Bank. NorthStar, headquartered in Tampa, Florida, operated three branches in Tampa, of which all have been retained as Seacoast locations. This acquisition added $216.3 million in total assets, $136.8 million in loans and $182.4 million in deposits to Seacoast.
 
As a result of this acquisition the Company enhanced its presence in the Tampa, Florida market, expanded its customer base and leveraged operating cost through economies of scale, and positively affected the Company’s operating results to the extent the Company earns more from interest earning assets than it pays in interest on its interest bearing liabilities.
 
The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of NorthStar. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, NorthStar shareholders received, for each share of NorthStar common stock, the combination of $2.40 in cash and 0.5605 shares of Seacoast common stock (based on Seacoast’s closing price of $24.92 per share on October 20, 2017).
(In thousands, except per share data)
October 20, 2017
Shares exchanged for cash
$
4,701

 
 
Number of NorthStar Banking Corporation Common shares outstanding
1,958

Per share exchange ratio
0.5605

Number of shares of common stock issued
1,098

Multiplied by common stock price per share on October 20, 2017
$
24.92

Value of common stock issued
27,353

Cash paid for NorthStar Banking Corporation vested stock options
801

 
 
Total purchase price
$
32,855

 

131


The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company recognized goodwill of $12.3 million for this acquisition that is nondeductible for tax purposes. Determining fair values of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio core deposit intangibles, and deferred taxes, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values. The adjustments reflected in the table below are the result of information obtained subsequent to the initial measurement.
 
(In thousands)
Initially Measured October 20, 2017
 
Measurement Period Adjustments
 
As Adjusted October 20, 2017
Assets:
 

 
 
 
 
Cash
$
5,485

 
$
—

 
$
5,485

Investment securities
56,123

 
—

 
56,123

Loans, net
136,832

 
—

 
136,832

Fixed assets
2,637

 
—

 
2,637

Core deposit intangibles
1,275

 
—

 
1,275

Goodwill
12,404

 
(99
)
 
12,305

Other assets
1,522

 
99

 
1,621

Total assets
$
216,278

 
$
—

 
$
216,278

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
182,443

 
$
—

 
$
182,443

Other liabilities
980

 
—

 
980

Total liabilities
$
183,423

 
$
—

 
$
183,423


The table below presents information with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, as well as their unpaid principal balance (“Book Balance”) at acquisition date.
 
 
 
October 20, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Book Balance
 
Fair Value
Loans:
 
 

 
 

Single family residential real estate
 
$
15,111

 
$
15,096

Commercial real estate
 
73,139

 
69,554

Construction/development/land
 
11,706

 
10,390

Commercial loans
 
31,200

 
30,854

Consumer and other loans
 
6,761

 
6,645

Purchased Credit Impaired
 
5,527

 
4,293

Total acquired loans
 
$
143,444

 
$
136,832

 
For the loans acquired we first segregated all acquired loans with specifically identified credit deficiency factor(s). The factors we considered to identify loans as PCI loans were all acquired loans that were nonaccrual, 60 days or more past due, designated as TDR, graded “special mention” or “substandard.” These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, we are accounting for these loans pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The table below summarizes the total contractually required principal and interest cash payments, management’s estimate of expected total cash payments and fair value of the loans as of October 20, 2017 for purchased credit impaired loans. Contractually required principal and interest payments have been adjusted for estimated prepayments.
 

132


(In thousands)
October 20, 2017
Contractually required principal and interest
$
5,596

Non-accretable difference
(689
)
Cash flows expected to be collected
4,907

Accretable yield
(614
)
Total purchased credit-impaired loans acquired
$
4,293

 
Loans without specifically identified credit deficiency factors are referred to as PULs for disclosure purposes. These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Although no specific credit deficiencies were identifiable, we believe there is an element of risk as to whether all contractual cash flows will be eventually received. Factors that were considered included the economic environment both nationally and locally as well as the real estate market particularly in Florida. We have applied ASC Topic 310-20 accounting treatment to the PULs.
 
The Company believes the deposits assumed from the acquisition have an intangible value. In determining the valuation amount, deposits were analyzed based on factors such as type of deposit, deposit retention, interest rates and age of deposit relationships.
 
Acquisition of Palm Beach Community Bank
 
On November 3, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of Palm Beach Community Bank (“PBCB”). PBCB was merged with and into Seacoast Bank. This acquisition added $357.0 million in total assets, $270.3 million in loans and $268.6 million in deposits to Seacoast. PBCB, headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, operated four branches in West Palm Beach.

As a result of this acquisition the Company enhanced its presence in the Palm Beach, Florida market, expanded its customer base and leveraged operating cost through economies of scale, and positively affected the Company’s operating results to the extent the Company earns more from interest earning assets than it pays in interest on its interest bearing liabilities.
 
The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of PBCB. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, PBCB shareholders received, for each share of PBCB common stock, the combination of $6.26 in cash and 0.9240 shares of Seacoast common stock (based on Seacoast’s closing price of $24.31 per share on November 3, 2017).
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
November 3, 2017
Shares exchanged for cash
$
15,694

 
 
Number of Palm Beach Community Bank Common shares outstanding
2,507

Per share exchange ratio
0.9240

Number of shares of common stock issued
2,316

Multiplied by common stock price per share on November 3, 2017
$
24.31

Value of common stock issued
56,312

Total purchase price
$
72,006

 
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company recognized goodwill of $34.5 million for this acquisition that is nondeductible for tax purposes. Determining fair values of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio, core deposit intangibles, and deferred taxes, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values. The adjustments reflected in the table below are the result of information obtained subsequent to the initial measurement.

133


(In thousands)
Initially Measured November 3, 2017
 
Measurement Period Adjustments
 
As Adjusted November 3, 2017
Assets:
 

 
 
 
 
Cash
$
9,301

 
$
—

 
$
9,301

Investment securities
22,098

 
—

 
22,098

Loans, net
272,090

 
(1,772
)
 
270,318

Fixed assets
7,641

 
—

 
7,641

Core deposit intangibles
2,523

 
—

 
2,523

Goodwill
33,428

 
1,076

 
34,504

Other assets
9,909

 
696

 
10,605

Total assets
$
356,990

 
$
—

 
$
356,990

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
$
268,633

 
$
—

 
$
268,633

Other liabilities
16,351

 
—

 
16,351

Total liabilities
$
284,984

 
$
—

 
$
284,984

 
The table below presents information with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, as well as their Book Balance at acquisition date.
 
 
 
November 3, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Book Balance
 
Fair Value
Loans:
 
 

 
 

Single family residential real estate
 
$
30,153

 
$
30,990

Commercial real estate
 
134,705

 
132,089

Construction/development/land
 
69,686

 
67,425

Commercial loans
 
36,076

 
35,876

Consumer and other loans
 
179

 
172

Purchased Credit Impaired
 
4,768

 
3,766

Total acquired loans
 
$
275,567

 
$
270,318

 
For the loans acquired we first segregated all acquired loans with specifically identified credit deficiency factor(s). The factors we considered to identify loans as PCI loans were all acquired loans that were nonaccrual, 60 days or more past due, designated as TDR, graded “special mention” or “substandard.” These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, we are accounting for these loans pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The table below summarizes the total contractually required principal and interest cash payments, management’s estimate of expected total cash payments and fair value of the loans as of November 3, 2017 for purchased credit impaired loans. Contractually required principal and interest payments have been adjusted for estimated prepayments.

    
(In thousands)
November 3, 2017
Contractually required principal and interest
$
4,768

Non-accretable difference
(1,002
)
Cash flows expected to be collected
3,766

Accretable yield
—

Total purchased credit-impaired loans acquired
$
3,766

 
Loans without specifically identified credit deficiency factors are referred to as PULs for disclosure purposes. These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Although no specific credit deficiencies were identifiable, we believe there is an element of risk as to whether all contractual cash flows will be eventually received. Factors

134


that were considered included the economic environment both nationally and locally as well as the real estate market particularly in Florida. We have applied ASC Topic 310-20 accounting treatment to the PULs.
 
The Company believes the deposits assumed from the acquisition have an intangible value. In determining the valuation amount, deposits were analyzed based on factors such as type of deposit, deposit retention, interest rates and age of deposit relationships.

Acquisition of First Green Bancorp, Inc.

On October 19, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of First Green Bancorp, Inc ("First Green"). Simultaneously, upon completion of the merger of First Green with and into the Company, First Green's wholly owned subsidiary bank, First Green Bank, was merged with and into Seacoast Bank. Prior to the acquisition, First Green operated seven branches in the Orlando, Daytona, and Fort Lauderdale markets.

As a result of this acquisition the Company expects to enhance its presence in the Orlando, Daytona and Fort Lauderdale, Florida markets, expand its customer base and leverage operating cost through economies of scale, and positively affect the Company’s operating results to the extent the Company earns more from interest earning assets than it pays in interest on its interest bearing liabilities.

The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of First Green. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, each share of First Green common stock was converted into the right to receive 0.7324 shares of Seacoast common stock.

(In thousands, except per share data)
October 19, 2018
Number of First Green common shares outstanding
5,462

Per share exchange ratio
0.7324
Number of shares of common stock issued
4,000

 
 
Multiplied by common stock price per share on October 19, 2018
$
26.87

Value of common stock issued
107,486

Cash paid for First Green vested stock options
6,558

 
 
Total purchase price
$
114,044


The acquisition of First Green was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company recognized goodwill of $56.2 million for this acquisition that is nondeductible for tax purposes. The fair values initially assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary and could change for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as new information and circumstances relative to closing date fair values are known. Determining fair values of assets and liabilities, especially the loan portfolio, core deposit intangibles, and deferred taxes, is a complicated process involving significant judgment regarding methods and assumptions used to calculate estimated fair values.

135


(In thousands)
 
 October 19, 2018
Assets:
 
 

Cash
 
$
29,434

Investment securities
 
32,145

Loans, net
 
631,497

Fixed assets
 
16,828

Other real estate owned
 
410

Core deposit intangibles
 
10,170

Goodwill
 
56,198

Other assets
 
40,669

Total assets
 
$
817,351

 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
Deposits
 
$
624,289

Other liabilities
 
79,018

   Total liabilities
 
$
703,307


The table below presents information with respect to the fair value of acquired loans, as well as their unpaid principal balance (“Book Balance”) at acquisition date.
 
 
 
October 19, 2018
(In thousands)
 
Book Balance
 
Fair Value
Loans:
 
 

 
 

Single family residential real estate
 
$
101,674

 
$
101,119

Commercial real estate
 
437,767

 
406,613

Construction/development/land
 
61,195

 
58,385

Commercial loans
 
56,288

 
54,973

Consumer and other loans
 
9,156

 
8,942

Purchased credit-impaired
 
2,136

 
1,465

Total acquired loans
 
$
668,216

 
$
631,497

 
For the loans acquired we first segregated all acquired loans with specifically identified credit deficiency factor(s). The factors we considered to identify loans as PCI loans were all acquired loans that were nonaccrual, 60 days or more past due, designated as TDR, graded “special mention” or “substandard.” These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, we are accounting for these loans pursuant to ASC Topic 310-30. The table below summarizes the total contractually required principal and interest cash payments, management’s estimate of expected total cash payments and fair value of the loans as of October 19, 2018 for purchased credit impaired loans. Contractually required principal and interest payments have been adjusted for estimated prepayments.

(In thousands)
October 19, 2018
Contractually required principal and interest
$
2,136

Non-accretable difference
(671
)
Cash flows expected to be collected
1,465

Accretable yield
—

Total purchased credit-impaired loans acquired
$
1,465


Loans without specifically identified credit deficiency factors are referred to as PULs for disclosure purposes. These loans were then evaluated to determine estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Although no specific credit deficiencies were identifiable, we believe there is an element of risk as to whether all contractual cash flows will be eventually received. Factors

136


that were considered included the economic environment both nationally and locally as well as the real estate market particularly in Florida. We have applied ASC Topic 310-20 accounting treatment to the PULs.


The Company believes the deposits assumed from the acquisition have an intangible value. In determining the valuation amount, deposits were analyzed based on factors such as type of deposit, deposit retention, interest rates and age of deposit relationships.

Acquisition Costs

Acquisition costs included in the Company’s income statement for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are $9.7 million, $12.9 million, and $9.0 million, respectively.
 
Pro-Forma Information
 
Pro-forma data as of 2018 and 2017 present information as if the acquisitions of GulfShore, NorthStar, PBCB, and First Green occurred at the beginning of 2017:
 
    
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2018
 
2017
Net interest income
 
$
238,498

 
$
223,508

Net income available to common shareholders
 
82,307

 
62,188

EPS - basic
 
$
1.61

 
$
1.24

EPS - diluted
 
$
1.58

 
$
1.22

 
.


137