0000764038false00007640382020-04-232020-04-23

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): April 24, 2020 (April 23, 2020)

GRAPHIC

SOUTH STATE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

001-12669

(Commission File Number)

57-0799315

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

520 Gervais Street

Columbia, South Carolina

(Address of principal executive offices)

29201

(Zip Code)

(800) 277-2175

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

->Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

->Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

->Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

->Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of exchange on which registered

Common stock, par value $2.50 per share

SSB

Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

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.  

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On April 23, 2020, South State Corporation (“South State” or the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter and three months ended March 31, 2020, along with certain other financial information. Copies of the Company’s press release and presentation are attached as Exhibit 99.1 and 99.2, respectively, to this report and incorporated herein by reference.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements included in this communication, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements are based on, among other things, management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy and South State. Words and phrases such as “may,” “approximately,” “continue,” “should,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “is likely,” “look ahead,” “look forward,” “believes,” “will,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “could,” “potential,” “possible” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. South State cautions readers that forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to, among other things, timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following:  (1) economic downturn risk, potentially resulting in deterioration in the credit markets, greater than expected noninterest expenses, excessive loan losses and other negative consequences, which risks could be exacerbated by potential negative economic developments resulting from federal spending cuts and/or one or more federal budget-related impasses or actions; (2) increased expenses, loss of revenues, and increased regulatory scrutiny associated with our total assets having exceeded $10.0 billion; (3) controls and procedures risk, including the potential failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures; (4) ownership dilution risk associated with potential acquisitions in which South State’s stock may be issued as consideration for an acquired company; (5) potential deterioration in real estate values; (6) the impact of competition with other financial institutions, including pricing pressures (including those resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) and the resulting impact, including as a result of compression to net interest margin; (7) credit risks associated with an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with the bank or otherwise fail to perform as agreed under the terms of any loan-related document; (8) interest risk involving the effect of a change in interest rates on the bank’s earnings, the market value of the bank’s loan and securities portfolios, and the market value of South State’s equity; (9) liquidity risk affecting the bank’s ability to meet its obligations when they come due; (10) risks associated with an anticipated increase in South State’s investment securities portfolio, including risks associated with acquiring and holding investment securities or potentially determining that the amount of investment securities South State desires to acquire are not available on terms acceptable to South State; (11) price risk focusing on changes in market factors that may affect the value of traded instruments in “mark-to-market” portfolios; (12) transaction risk arising from problems with service or product delivery; (13) compliance risk involving risk to earnings or capital resulting from violations of or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, or ethical standards; (14) regulatory change risk resulting from new laws, rules, regulations, accounting principles, proscribed practices or ethical standards, including, without limitation, the possibility that regulatory agencies may require higher levels of capital above the current regulatory-mandated minimums and including the impact of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules and regulations, and the possibility of changes in accounting standards, policies, principles and practices, including changes in accounting principles relating to loan loss recognition (CECL); (15) strategic risk resulting from adverse business decisions or improper implementation of business decisions; (16) reputation risk that adversely affects earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion; (17) terrorist activities risk that results in loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions; (18) cybersecurity risk related to the dependence of South State on internal computer systems and the technology of outside service providers, as well as the potential impacts of third party security breaches, subjects each company to potential business disruptions or financial losses resulting from deliberate attacks or unintentional events; (19) greater than expected noninterest expenses; (20) noninterest income risk resulting from the effect of regulations that prohibit financial institutions from charging consumer fees for paying overdrafts on ATM and one-time debit card transactions, unless the consumer consents or opts-in to the overdraft service for those types of transactions; (21) excessive loan losses; (22) failure to realize synergies and other financial benefits from, and to limit liabilities associated with, mergers and acquisitions within the expected time frame; (23) potential deposit attrition, higher than expected costs,

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customer loss and business disruption associated with merger and acquisition integration, including, without limitation, and potential difficulties in maintaining relationships with key personnel; (24) the risks of fluctuations in market prices for South State common stock that may or may not reflect economic condition or performance of South State; (25) the payment of dividends on South State common stock is subject to regulatory supervision as well as the discretion of the board of directors of South State, South State’s performance and other factors; (26) operational, technological, cultural, regulatory, legal, credit and other risks associated with the exploration, consummation and integration of potential future acquisition, whether involving stock or cash consideration; (27) major catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods or other natural or human disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks, including the recent outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus, a respiratory illness, the related disruption to local, regional and global economic activity and financial markets, and the impact that any of the foregoing may have on South State and its customers and other constituencies; and (28) risks related to the proposed merger of South State and CenterState Bank Corporation (“CenterState”), including, among others, (i) the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies from the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, (ii) disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the merger, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement between CenterState and South State, (iv) the risk that the integration of each party’s operations will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected or that the parties are otherwise unable to successfully integrate each party’s businesses into the other’s businesses, (v) the failure to obtain the necessary approvals by the shareholders of South State or CenterState, (vi) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger, (vii) the ability of each of South State and CenterState to obtain required governmental approvals of the merger (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction), (viii) reputational risk and the reaction of each company’s customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the merger, (ix) the failure of the closing conditions in the merger agreement to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing the merger, (x) the possibility that the merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (xi) the dilution caused by South State’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in the merger and (xii) other factors that may affect future results of South State and CenterState, as disclosed in South State’s registration statement on Form S-4, as amended, Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and CenterState’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, in each case filed by South State or CenterState, as applicable, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, implied or otherwise anticipated by such forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. South State does not undertake any obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.

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Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits.

Exhibit No.

    

Description

99.1

Press Release, dated April 23, 2020

99.2

Presentation for South State Corporation Earnings Call

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

SOUTH STATE CORPORATION

By:

/s/ John C. Pollok

Name:

John C. Pollok

Title:

Senior Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 24, 2020

5

SSC_NEWSRELEASE_CORP

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Jackie Smith (803) 231‑3486

 

Analyst Contact:

Jim Mabry (843) 529‑5593

 

South State Corporation Reports First Quarter 2020 Results and

Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

COLUMBIA, S.C.—April 23, 2020South State Corporation (NASDAQ: SSB)  today released its unaudited results of operations and other financial information for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020.

The Company reported consolidated net income of $0.71 per diluted common share for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $1.45 per diluted common share for the three months ended December 31, 2019.  The decline was the result of an increase in the provision for credit losses totaling approximately $36 million, in the first quarter of 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID‑19  pandemic in the United States.

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) totaled $0.82 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $1.48 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019, and compared to $1.26 per diluted share one year ago.

“We started 2020 with strong results and quickly turned our attention to the health and safety of our team and our customers.  I am grateful for our team members who worked around-the-clock to provide close to $900 million in SBA Payment Protection Program loans to almost 6,000 small businesses,” said Robert R. Hill, Jr., President and CEO of South State Corporation.  “The financial strength of South State allows us to support our customers in this crisis.  While producing record revenues this quarter we chose to use this revenue to strengthen our balance sheet with increased liquidity and by adding $36 million to our allowance for loan losses. The strength of our company has helped us and our customers during good times and challenging times and the current crisis is no exception.”

COVID‑19 Response

Our team has responded impressively to the challenges presented by the COVID‑19 pandemic.  The health and safety of our employees and customers is our top priority.  We have adjusted operations to adhere to CDC and local government recommendations.  Our branch drive-through locations remain open and our previous success in building our digital channels has been key in delivery of essential banking services to customers.

Merger Update

We are looking forward to the merger with CenterState and remain on schedule despite the challenges faced by both companies in the current environment.  All regulatory applications have been filed and the shareholder vote is scheduled for May 21, 2020.  We continue to plan for the merger to close in the third quarter.

Loan / Deposit Growth

As of April 17, 2020 we have assisted our customers with almost $900 million in loans through the Payroll Protection Program.  During the first quarter of 2020, net loan growth was 4.8%, annualized, and totaled $136.9 million.  Growth was led by total commercial non-owner occupied with $137.4 million in growth.  Overall deposits grew by 5.5% to over $12.3 billion,  with core deposits growing $176.9 million, or 6.8% annualized during the first quarter of 2020.

Quarterly Cash Dividend

The Company’s Board of Directors voted to hold the common stock dividend this quarter at $0.47 per share, which is the same as last quarter.  Compared to the dividend in the same quarter one year ago,  the increase is $0.07 per share, or 17.5%.  The dividend will be payable on May 15, 2020 to shareholders of record as of May 8, 2020.

First Quarter 2020 Financial Performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    

Mar. 31,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar. 31,

 

INCOME STATEMENT

 

2020

 

2019

 

2019

 

2019

 

2019

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Loans, including fees (6)

 

$

133,034

 

$

132,615

 

$

134,953

 

$

135,388

 

$

131,834

 

  Investment securities, federal funds sold and securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     purchased under agreements to resell

 

 

14,766

 

 

14,839

 

 

15,048

 

 

14,594

 

 

11,556

 

Total interest income

 

 

147,800

 

 

147,454

 

 

150,001

 

 

149,982

 

 

143,390

 

Interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Deposits

 

 

14,437

 

 

15,227

 

 

16,655

 

 

17,393

 

 

16,645

 

  Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     to repurchase, and other borrowings

 

 

5,350

 

 

5,771

 

 

5,973

 

 

5,410

 

 

3,478

 

Total interest expense

 

 

19,787

 

 

20,998

 

 

22,628

 

 

22,803

 

 

20,123

 

Net interest income

 

 

128,013

 

 

126,456

 

 

127,373

 

 

127,179

 

 

123,267

 

  Provision for credit losses

 

 

36,533

 

 

3,557

 

 

4,028

 

 

3,704

 

 

1,488

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

 

91,480

 

 

122,899

 

 

123,345

 

 

123,475

 

 

121,779

 

Noninterest income

 

 

44,132

 

 

36,307

 

 

37,582

 

 

37,618

 

 

32,058

 

Pre-tax operating expense

 

 

103,118

 

 

99,134

 

 

96,364

 

 

97,803

 

 

97,125

 

  Merger and/or branch consolid. expense

 

 

4,129

 

 

1,494

 

 

--

 

 

2,078

 

 

1,114

 

 Pension plan termination expense

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

9,526

 

 

--

 

Total noninterest expense

 

 

107,247

 

 

100,628

 

 

96,364

 

 

109,407

 

 

98,239

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

 

28,365

 

 

58,578

 

 

64,563

 

 

51,686

 

 

55,598

 

  Provision for income taxes

 

 

4,255

 

 

9,487

 

 

12,998

 

 

10,226

 

 

11,231

 

Net income

 

$

24,110

 

$

49,091

 

$

51,565

 

$

41,460

 

$

44,367

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (GAAP)

 

$

24,110

 

$

49,091

 

$

51,565

 

$

41,460

 

$

44,367

 

Securities losses (gains), net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

(20)

 

 

(349)

 

 

(1,371)

 

 

(432)

 

FHLB prepayment penalty

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

107

 

Pension plan termination expense, net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

7,641

 

 

--

 

  Merger and/or branch consolid. expense

 

 

3,510

 

 

1,252

 

 

-

 

 

1,667

 

 

782

 

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

$

27,620

 

$

50,323

 

$

51,216

 

$

49,397

 

$

44,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Basic earnings per common share

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.46

 

$

1.51

 

$

1.18

 

$

1.25

 

  Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

0.71

 

$

1.45

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.17

 

$

1.25

 

  Adjusted net income per common share - Basic (non-GAAP) (3)

 

$

0.82

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.41

 

$

1.26

 

  Adjusted net income per common share - Diluted (non-GAAP) (3)

 

$

0.82

 

$

1.48

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.40

 

$

1.26

 

  Dividends per common share

 

$

0.47

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.40

 

$

0.38

 

  Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

 

33,566,051

 

 

33,677,851

 

 

34,056,771

 

 

35,089,129

 

 

35,445,087

 

  Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

 

33,804,908

 

 

33,964,216

 

 

34,300,206

 

 

35,299,747

 

 

35,618,705

 

  Effective tax rate

 

 

15.00

%  

 

16.20

%  

 

20.13

%  

 

19.78

%  

 

20.20

%

 

The Company reported consolidated net income of $24.1 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share for the three-months ended March 31, 2020,  a decrease of $25.0 million,  or $0.74 per diluted common share, from the fourth quarter of 2019, due to the increase in the provision for credit losses associated with COVID‑19.  Compared to the first quarter of 2019,  diluted EPS decreased $0.54,  due primarily to the increase in provision for credit losses associated with

2

COVID‑19.  Weighted-average diluted shares declined by 1.8 million shares, or 5.1%, compared to the first quarter of 2019, from the continuation of the Company repurchasing common shares throughout the past year, including 320,000 shares in the first quarter of 2020.  Net interest income increased by $1.6 million, compared to the fourth quarter of 2019,  on lower interest expense of $1.2 million and higher interest income of $346,000.  The provision for credit losses increased by $33.0 million,  due primarily to the forecasted losses associated with COVID‑19.  Noninterest income was up by $7.8 million compared to fourth quarter of 2019 to  $44.1 million in the first quarter of 2020, due to the strong results from mortgage banking, which more than offset the decline in fees on deposit accounts, other income and recoveries on acquired loans (which now is recorded through the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”)).  Noninterest expense was higher in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 by $6.6 million due primarily to higher salaries and employee benefits from the reset of FICA and unemployment taxes, higher FDIC assessment cost of $731,000, higher merger cost of $2.6 million, and higher other expense from an increase in amortization of passive investments of $1.9 million and higher donation cost related to community support around COVID‑19 of $550,000.  The Company received a $760,000 credit on its FDIC assessment in 4Q 2019.  The efficiency ratio and adjusted efficiency ratio were 62.1% and 59.7% in 1Q 2020,  respectively, compared to 61.6% and 60.7% in 4Q 2019, respectively.

Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”)

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016‑13 (“CECL”), including the liability for unfunded commitments (“UFC”).  The net impact to equity was $44.8 million, net of tax, and reduced TBV by $1.33 per share for the quarter.  In addition, during the first quarter of 2020, the ACL was impacted by COVID‑19 and the provision for credit losses was significantly higher than was forecasted.  Below is a table showing the roll forward of the ACL and UFC for the first quarter of 2020:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

ACL

    

UFC

    

Total

 

Balance 12/31/2019

 

$

56,927

 

$

335

 

$

57,262

 

Adoption of CECL

 

 

54,438

 

 

6,421

 

 

60,859

 

Charge offs

 

 

(1,885)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,885)

 

Acquired charge offs

 

 

(1,338)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,338)

 

Recoveries

 

 

749

 

 

 

 

 

749

 

Acquired recoveries

 

 

1,160

 

 

 

 

 

1,160

 

Provision for credit losses

 

 

34,734

 

 

1,799

 

 

36,533

 

Ending balance 3/31/2020

 

$

144,785

 

$

8,555

 

$

153,340

 

Period end loans

 

$

11,506,890

 

$

11,506,890

 

$

11,506,890

 

Reserve to Period end loans

 

 

1.26

%  

 

0.07

%  

 

1.33

%

 

The ACL of $144.8 million was recorded as a contra asset on its own line within the balance sheet, while the liability for UFC of $8.6 million was recorded on its own line in the liabilities section of the balance sheet.  The provision for credit losses referenced above was recorded in the income statement, accordingly, and totaled $36.5 million.

Income Tax Expense

During the first quarter of 2020, our effective income tax rate decreased to 15.00% from 16.20% in the fourth quarter of 2019 and from 20.20% in the first quarter of 2019.  The lower effective tax rate was driven mainly by a significant decrease in pretax net income and an increase in federal tax credits compared to previous quarters.  Pretax income was reduced in the current quarter by the large provision for credit losses totaling $36.5 million stemming from the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The adoption of CECL and additional provisioning for COVID‑19 increased the allowance for credit losses significantly which resulted in a much larger change in deferred income taxes during the quarter than we normally experience.

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Balance Sheet and Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share and share data)

 

Ending Balance

 

 

Mar. 31,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar. 31,

BALANCE SHEET

    

 

2020

    

 

2019

    

 

2019

    

 

2019

    

 

2019

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,262,836

 

$

688,704

 

$

719,194

 

$

851,971

 

$

949,591

Investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Securities available for sale, at fair value

 

 

1,971,195

 

 

1,956,047

 

 

1,813,134

 

 

1,717,276

 

 

1,466,249

  Other investments

 

 

62,994

 

 

49,124

 

 

49,124

 

 

49,124

 

 

40,624

              Total investment securities

 

 

2,034,189

 

 

2,005,171

 

 

1,862,258

 

 

1,766,400

 

 

1,506,873

Loans held for sale

 

 

71,719

 

 

59,363

 

 

87,393

 

 

47,796

 

 

33,297

Loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired

 

 

1,943,971

 

 

2,117,209

 

 

2,356,317

 

 

2,600,242

 

 

2,830,995

Non-acquired

 

 

9,562,919

 

 

9,252,831

 

 

8,928,512

 

 

8,621,327

 

 

8,310,613

   Less allowance for non-acquired loan losses

 

 

(144,785)

 

 

(56,927)

 

 

(54,937)

 

 

(53,590)

 

 

(52,008)

              Loans, net

 

 

11,362,105

 

 

11,313,113

 

 

11,229,892

 

 

11,167,979

 

 

11,089,600

Other real estate owned ("OREO")

 

 

12,844

 

 

11,964

 

 

13,415

 

 

14,506

 

 

11,297

Premises and equipment, net

 

 

312,151

 

 

317,321

 

 

323,506

 

 

321,348

 

 

322,553

Bank owned life insurance

 

 

233,849

 

 

234,567

 

 

233,206

 

 

231,708

 

 

230,629

Deferred tax asset

 

 

46,365

 

 

31,316

 

 

27,844

 

 

28,240

 

 

31,884

Mortgage servicing rights

 

 

26,365

 

 

30,525

 

 

28,674

 

 

30,332

 

 

32,415

Core deposit and other intangibles

 

 

46,809

 

 

49,816

 

 

53,083

 

 

56,351

 

 

59,619

Goodwill

 

 

1,002,900

 

 

1,002,900

 

 

1,002,900

 

 

1,002,900

 

 

1,002,900

Other assets

 

 

230,779

 

 

176,332

 

 

170,717

 

 

163,806

 

 

136,229

               Total assets

 

$

16,642,911

 

$

15,921,092

 

$

15,752,082

 

$

15,683,337

 

$

15,406,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Noninterest-bearing

 

$

3,367,422

 

$

3,245,306

 

$

3,307,532

 

$

3,255,906

 

$

3,219,864

  Interest-bearing

 

 

8,977,125

 

 

8,931,790

 

 

8,716,255

 

 

8,666,374

 

 

8,699,107

              Total deposits

 

 

12,344,547

 

 

12,177,096

 

 

12,023,787

 

 

11,922,280

 

 

11,918,971

Federal funds purchased and securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

325,723

 

 

298,741

 

 

269,072

 

 

298,029

 

 

276,891

Other borrowings

 

 

1,316,100

 

 

815,936

 

 

815,771

 

 

816,414

 

 

616,250

Reserve for unfunded commitments

 

 

8,555

 

 

335

 

 

335

 

 

335

 

 

335

Other liabilities

 

 

326,943

 

 

255,971

 

 

292,161

 

 

272,301

 

 

217,963

              Total liabilities

 

 

14,321,868

 

 

13,548,079

 

 

13,401,126

 

 

13,309,359

 

 

13,030,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Preferred stock - $.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

  Common stock - $2.50 par value; authorized 80,000,000 shares

 

 

83,611

 

 

84,361

 

 

84,757

 

 

86,839

 

 

88,421

  Surplus

 

 

1,584,322

 

 

1,607,740

 

 

1,617,004

 

 

1,676,229

 

 

1,719,396

  Retained earnings

 

 

643,345

 

 

679,895

 

 

646,325

 

 

609,444

 

 

582,034

  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

9,765

 

 

1,017

 

 

2,870

 

 

1,466

 

 

(13,374)

              Total shareholders' equity

 

 

2,321,043

 

 

2,373,013

 

 

2,350,956

 

 

2,373,978

 

 

2,376,477

              Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

16,642,911

 

$

15,921,092

 

$

15,752,082

 

$

15,683,337

 

$

15,406,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares issued and outstanding

 

 

33,444,236

 

 

33,744,385

 

 

33,902,726

 

 

34,735,587

 

 

35,368,521

 

4

At March 31, 2020, the Company’s total assets were $16.6 billion,  an increase of $721.8 million from December 31, 2019, and an increase  of  4.5%.  During the first quarter of 2020,  changes in the balance sheet include the following:

1.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $574.1 million or 83.4%, due primarily to $500.0 million in borrowings from the FHLB and Federal Reserve in March as the COVID‑19 pandemic was announced and to improve the Company liquidity position.

2.

Net loan growth totaled $136.9 million, or 4.8% annualized.

3.

Investment securities portfolio grew by $29.0 million, representing 12.2% of total assets.

4.

Non-interest bearing deposits increased by $122.1 million, or 15.1% annualized.

5.

Interest bearing deposits grew by $45.3 million, or 2.0% annualized.

6.

Increased other borrowings with $300.0 million from FHLB advances and $200.0 million from the Federal Reserve (see 1. above).

7.

Equity decreased by $52.0 million for the following:  (a) the Company repurchased 320,000 common shares totaling $24.7 million, and at an average price of $77.23 per share,  (b) adopted CECL and recorded $44.8 million, net of tax, reduction from a cumulative change in accounting principle,  (c) paid quarterly dividend of $15.8 million, offset by (4) increases from net income of $24.1 million, (5) other comprehensive income of $8.7 million and (6) impact of equity awards of $0.5 million.

The Company’s book value per common share decreased to $69.40 per share at March 31, 2020, compared to $70.32 per share at December 31,  2019 and increased compared to $67.19 at March 31, 2019.  Total equity (capital) decreased by $52.0 million (see 7. above).  Tangible book value (“TBV”) per common share decreased by $1.12 per share to $38.01 at March 31, 2020, compared to $39.13 at December 31, 2019,  and increased by $0.86 per share, or 2.3%, from $37.15 at March 31, 2019.

The following table presents a summary of the loan portfolio by type:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

ENDING Balance

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

March 31,

LOAN PORTFOLIO

 

2020

    

2019

    

2019

    

2019

    

2019

Commercial non-owner occupied real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Construction and land development

 

$

1,105,308

 

$

1,016,692

 

$

1,024,627

 

$

956,548

 

$

945,786

Commercial non-owner occupied

 

 

2,371,371

 

 

2,322,590

 

 

2,356,335

 

 

2,397,240

 

 

2,328,602

Total commercial non-owner occupied real estate

 

 

3,476,679

 

 

3,339,282

 

 

3,380,962

 

 

3,353,788

 

 

3,274,388

Consumer real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer owner occupied

 

 

2,665,405

 

 

2,704,405

 

 

2,757,424

 

 

2,759,920

 

 

2,729,335

Home equity loans

 

 

758,482

 

 

758,020

 

 

773,363

 

 

778,234

 

 

791,658

Total consumer real estate

 

 

3,423,887

 

 

3,462,425

 

 

3,530,787

 

 

3,538,154

 

 

3,520,993

Commercial owner occupied real estate

 

 

2,177,738

 

 

2,158,701

 

 

2,093,795

 

 

2,047,933

 

 

2,086,662

Commercial and industrial

 

 

1,418,421

 

 

1,386,303

 

 

1,261,527

 

 

1,271,464

 

 

1,251,640

Other income producing property

 

 

327,696

 

 

346,554

 

 

361,879

 

 

367,353

 

 

380,177

Consumer non real estate

 

 

674,791

 

 

662,883

 

 

654,422

 

 

641,276

 

 

609,524

Other

 

 

7,678

 

 

13,892

 

 

1,457

 

 

1,601

 

 

18,224

Total loans

 

$

11,506,890

 

$

11,370,040

 

$

11,284,829

 

$

11,221,569

 

$

11,141,608

 

5

Performance and Capital Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Mar. 31,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar. 31,

 

PERFORMANCE RATIOS

    

2020

 

2019

 

2019

 

2019

 

2019

 

Return on average assets (annualized)

 

 

0.60

%  

 

1.23

%  

 

1.31

%  

 

1.08

%  

 

1.21

%

Adjusted return on average assets (annualized) (non-GAAP) (3)

 

 

0.69

%  

 

1.26

%  

 

1.30

%  

 

1.28

%  

 

1.23

%

Return on average equity (annualized)

 

 

4.15

%  

 

8.26

%  

 

8.70

%  

 

6.98

%  

 

7.61

%

Adjusted return on average equity (annualized) (non-GAAP) (3)

 

 

4.75

%  

 

8.47

%  

 

8.64

%  

 

8.32

%  

 

7.69

%

Return on average tangible common equity (annualized) (non-GAAP) (5)

 

 

8.35

%  

 

15.79

%  

 

16.62

%  

 

13.38

%  

 

14.66

%

Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (annualized) (non-GAAP) (3) (5)

 

 

9.45

%  

 

16.17

%  

 

16.51

%  

 

15.79

%  

 

14.80

%

Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent)

 

 

62.11

%  

 

61.64

%  

 

58.40

%  

 

66.87

%  

 

63.24

%

Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (7)

 

 

59.72

%  

 

60.73

%  

 

58.40

%  

 

59.78

%  

 

62.52

%

Dividend payout ratio (2)

 

 

65.70

%  

 

31.62

%  

 

28.48

%  

 

33.89

%  

 

30.29

%

Book value per common share

 

$

69.40

 

$

70.32

 

$

69.34

 

$

68.34

 

$

67.19

 

Tangible common equity per common share (non-GAAP) (5)

 

$

38.01

 

$

39.13

 

$

38.20

 

$

37.85

 

$

37.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL RATIOS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity-to-assets

 

 

13.95

%  

 

14.90

%  

 

14.92

%  

 

15.14

%  

 

15.42

%

Tangible equity-to-tangible assets (non-GAAP) (5)

 

 

8.15

%  

 

8.88

%  

 

8.81

%  

 

8.99

%  

 

9.16

%

Tier 1 common equity (4) *

 

 

11.0

%  

 

11.3

%  

 

11.2

%  

 

11.6

%  

 

11.9

%

Tier 1 leverage (4) *

 

 

9.5

%  

 

9.7

%  

 

9.7

%  

 

10.0

%  

 

10.5

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital (4) *

 

 

12.0

%  

 

12.3

%  

 

12.2

%  

 

12.6

%  

 

12.9

%

Total risk-based capital (4) *

 

 

12.7

%  

 

12.8

%  

 

12.7

%  

 

13.1

%  

 

13.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of branches

 

 

155

 

 

155

 

 

157

 

 

156

 

 

168

 

Number of employees (full-time equivalent basis)

 

 

2,583

 

 

2,547

 

 

2,544

 

 

2,544

 

 

2,589

 

 

*The regulatory capital ratios presented above include the assumption of the transitional method relative to recent legislation by Congress in relief of COVID‑19 pandemic on the economy and financial institutions in the United States.  The referenced relief allows a total five year phase in of the CECL impact on capital and relief over the next two years for the impact on the allowance for credit losses resulting from COVID‑19.

6

Asset Quality

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending Balance

 

 

 

Mar. 31,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar. 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2019

    

2019

    

2019

 

NONPERFORMING ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-acquired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-acquired nonperforming loans

 

$

23,912

 

$

22,816

 

$

19,187

 

$

15,605

 

$

15,910

 

Non-acquired OREO and other nonperforming assets

 

 

3,635

 

 

3,705

 

 

3,724

 

 

4,374

 

 

4,070

 

Total non-acquired nonperforming assets

 

 

27,547

 

 

26,521

 

 

22,911

 

 

19,979

 

 

19,980

 

Acquired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquired nonperforming loans (prior periods ANCI loans only) *

 

 

32,791

 

 

11,114

 

 

9,596

 

 

9,985

 

 

14,558

 

Acquired OREO and other nonperforming assets

 

 

9,520

 

 

8,579

 

 

9,938

 

 

10,412

 

 

7,782

 

Total acquired nonperforming assets

 

 

42,311

 

 

19,693

 

 

19,534

 

 

20,397

 

 

22,340

 

Total nonperforming assets *

 

$

69,858

 

$

46,214

 

$

42,445

 

$

40,376

 

$

42,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

Mar. 31,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar. 31,

 

 

 

2020

    

2019

    

2019

    

2019

    

2019

 

ASSET QUALITY RATIOS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for non-acquired loan losses as a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 percentage of non-acquired loans (1)

 

 

 

 

 

0.62

%  

 

0.62

%  

 

0.62

%  

 

0.63

 

Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans

 

 

1.26

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for non-acquired loan losses as a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 percentage of non-acquired nonperforming loans

 

 

 

 

 

249.50

%  

 

286.32

%  

 

343.42

%  

 

326.89

%

Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans *

 

 

255.34

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net charge-offs on non-acquired loans as a percentage of average (annualized) (1)

 

 

 

 

 

0.06

%  

 

0.05

%  

 

0.02

%  

 

0.02

 

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans (annualized)

 

 

0.05

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

%

Net charge-offs on acquired loans as a percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 of average acquired loans (annualized) (1)

 

 

 

 

 

-0.01

%  

 

0.15

%  

 

0.25

%  

 

0.03

%

Total nonperforming assets as a percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 of total assets *

 

 

0.42

%  

 

0.29

%  

 

0.27

%  

 

0.26

%  

 

0.27

 

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of period end loans *

 

 

0.49

%  

 

0.30

%  

 

0.25

%  

 

0.23

%  

 

0.27

%

 

*Total nonperforming assets now include nonaccrual loans that are purchase credit deteriorated (PCD loans).  In prior periods, these loans, which were called acquired credit impaired (“ACI”) loans were excluded from nonperforming assets.  The adoption of CECL resulted in the discontinuation of the pool-level accounting for ACI loans and replaced it with loan-level evaluation for nonaccrual status.  The Company’s nonperforming loans increased by $21.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 from these loans.  The Company has not assumed or taken on any additional risk relative to these assets.

Total nonperforming assets increased by $23.6 million to $69.9 million, representing 0.42% of total assets,  an increase of 13 basis points  compared to December 31, 2019.  The increase was due primarily to the adoption of CECL and the inclusion of ACI nonaccrual loans in the nonaccrual balance (prior to CECL, ACI loans were excluded from nonaccrual loans).  As a result, non-performing acquired loans increased by $21.7 million ($21.0 million from purchased credit deteriorated loans) and totaled $32.8 million.  Legacy non-performing loans increased by $1.1 million during the first quarter of 2020 to $23.9 million at March 31, 2020.  The ACL as a percentage of total nonperforming loans was 255% at March 31, 2020 (with the adoption of CECL),  up from 250% of total non-acquired loans at December 31, 2019 (under the incurred loss methodology), and down from 327%  of total non-acquired loans at March 31, 2019 (under the incurred loss methodology).

At March 31, 2020,  the ACL was $144.8 million, or 1.26%, of period end loans.  Additionally, unfunded commitments have a reserve of $8.6 million, or 0.07% of period end loans.  The allowance for non-acquired loan losses was $56.9 million, or 0.62%, of non-acquired period-end loans at December 31, 2019, and $52.0 million, or 0.63%, at

7

March 31, 2019.  Net charge-offs totaled $1.3 million, or 5 basis point,  annualized of average total loans, in the first quarter of 2020.

During the first quarter of 2020,  the provision for credit losses totaled $36.5 million  for the loan portfolio compared to $3.6 million for the provision for loan losses, in the fourth quarter of 2019, and $1.5 million in the first  quarter of 2019.   The significant increase in the first quarter of 2020 was the result of COVID‑19 pandemic and forecasted losses.  In addition, with the adoption of CECL, unfunded commitments reserve was increased by $1.8 million through the provision for credit losses during the first quarter of 2020.

Total OREO increased during the first quarter of 2020 to $12.8 million, or $880,000 from the balance at December 31, 2019.  OREO was higher by $1.5 million from the balance at March 31, 2019.

Net Interest Income and Margin

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2020

 

December 31, 2019

 

March 31, 2019

 

(Dollars in thousands)

    

Average

    

Income/

    

Yield/

    

Average

    

Income/

    

Yield/

    

Average

    

Income/

    

Yield/

 

YIELD ANALYSIS

 

Balance

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

Balance

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

Balance

 

Expense

 

Rate

 

Interest-Earning Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal funds sold, reverse repo, and time deposits

 

$

538,310

 

$

1,452

 

$

1.08

%  

$

573,957

 

$

2,337

 

1.62

%  

$

248,620

 

$

1,463

 

2.39

%

Investment securities (taxable)

 

 

1,851,052

 

 

11,915

 

 

2.59

%  

 

1,713,050

 

 

11,016

 

2.55

%  

 

1,327,336

 

 

8,597

 

2.63

%

Investment securities (tax-exempt)

 

 

171,674

 

 

1,399

 

 

3.28

%  

 

176,261

 

 

1,486

 

3.34

%  

 

187,732

 

 

1,496

 

3.23

%

Loans held for sale

 

 

41,812

 

 

331

 

 

3.18

%  

 

73,541

 

 

664

 

3.58

%  

 

19,308

 

 

214

 

4.49

%

Loans

 

 

11,439,676

 

 

132,703

 

 

4.67

%  

 

11,297,402

 

 

131,951

 

4.63

%  

 

11,023,005

 

 

131,620

 

4.84

%

    Total interest-earning assets

 

 

14,042,524

 

 

147,800

 

 

4.23

%  

 

13,834,211

 

 

147,454

 

4.23

%  

 

12,806,001

 

 

143,390

 

4.54

%

Noninterest-earning assets

 

 

2,010,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,024,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,006,898

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total Assets

 

$

16,052,933

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

15,858,859

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

14,812,899

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transaction and money market accounts

 

$

5,976,771

 

$

7,682

 

$

0.52

%  

$

5,768,724

 

$

8,010

 

0.55

%  

$

5,429,375

 

$

9,340

 

0.70

%

Savings deposits

 

 

1,323,770

 

 

650

 

 

0.20

%  

 

1,313,991

 

 

769

 

0.23

%  

 

1,379,688

 

 

1,256

 

0.37

%

Certificates and other time deposits

 

 

1,642,749

 

 

6,104

 

 

1.49

%  

 

1,684,633

 

 

6,448

 

1.52

%  

 

1,773,365

 

 

6,049

 

1.38

%

Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements

 

 

328,372

 

 

615

 

 

0.75

%  

 

290,287

 

 

590

 

0.81

%  

 

284,350

 

 

753

 

1.07

%

Other borrowings

 

 

887,431

 

 

4,735

 

 

2.15

%  

 

815,847

 

 

5,181

 

2.52

%  

 

301,696

 

 

2,725

 

3.66

%

    Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

10,159,093

 

 

19,786

 

 

0.78

%  

 

9,873,482

 

 

20,998

 

0.84

%  

 

9,168,474

 

 

20,123

 

0.89

%

Noninterest-bearing liabilities

 

 

3,557,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,628,741

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,280,126

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

 

2,336,348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,356,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,364,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total Non-IBL and shareholders' equity

 

 

5,893,840

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,985,377

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,644,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

16,052,933

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

15,858,859

 

$

 

 

 

 

$

14,812,899

 

$

 

 

 

 

Net interest income and margin (NON-TAX EQUIV.)

 

 

 

 

 

128,014

 

 

3.67

%  

 

 

 

 

126,456

 

3.63

%  

 

 

 

 

123,267

 

3.90

%

Net interest margin (TAX EQUIVALENT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.68

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.64

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.92

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Cost of Funds (including demand deposits)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.59

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.63

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.67

%

 

Non-taxable equivalent net interest income was $128.0 million for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $1.6 million from the fourth quarter of 2019.  The increase resulted from higher interest income of $346,000 partially from the securities portfolio which improved by $812,000 from higher average balance and higher yield, partially from higher loan interest income of $419,000, and offset by a decrease of $885,000 in income from Fed funds.  All funding components declined from the fourth quarter of 2019 in a declining rate environment, with total interest expense declining by $1.2 million.  Interest income from the loan portfolio improved due to higher loan accretion totaling $10.9 million compared to $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.  The higher accretion was directly related to the adoption of CECL and elimination of loan pools, resulting in an acceleration of the recognition of the loan discount.  The yield on the acquired loan portfolio improved to 7.14% compared 6.28% in the fourth quarter of 2019; while the non-acquired loan portfolio declined to 4.14% from 4.23% in the fourth quarter of 2019.  The average balance of loans increased by $142.3 million in the first quarter of 2020.

Tax-equivalent net interest margin improved by 4 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2019 and declined by 24 basis points  from the  first quarter of 2019.  During the first quarter of 2020, the Company’s average total assets increased to $16.1 billion, an increase of $194.1 million from the fourth quarter of 2019, and an increase of $1.2 billion

8

from the first quarter of 2019.  Average earning assets totaled $14.0 billion up $208.3 million from fourth quarter of 2019, and up $1.2 billion from the first quarter of 2019.  Average interest-bearing liabilities totaled $10.2 billion at March 31, 2020, an increase of $285.6 million from December 31, 2019; and up $990.6 million from March 31, 2019.  Average non-interest bearing liabilities decreased by $71.2 million, from December 31,  2019, to $3.6 billion; and was up $277.4 million from March 31, 2019.  Including the impact of noninterest bearing deposits, the Company’s  overall cost of funds declined to 59 basis points for the  first quarter of 2020 compared to 63 basis points in the fourth quarter of 2019, and decreased when compared to 67 basis points one year ago.

Acquired Loans and Loan Accretion

With the adoption of CECL, loan accretion, accretable yield, and the related discounts are now consistently accounted for within the balance sheet and income statement.  Acquired loans reflected the following results in the first quarter of 2020:

·

Contractual interest income totaled $24.9 million, or 4.96% yield.

·

Loan accretion totaled $10.9 million, compared to $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.  This increase was a direct result of no longer using loan pools and each loan being accounted for individually on a contractual basis due to the adoption of CECL.  Prior to the adoption of CECL, discounts on ACI loans were accreted into income based upon expected cash flows which included extensions and renewals of these loans.

·

Including the loan accretion, total interest income was $35.8 million on acquired loans resulting in 7.14% yield during the first quarter of 2020.

Below is a table of the remaining discount on acquired loans which will be accreted into loan interest income over the contractual life of the loan (similar to the recognition of the discount on acquired noncredit impaired loans):

Unrecognized discount on acquired loans

    

 

 

 

Beginning balance, January 1, 2020

 

$

64,862

 

Reclassification to accrued interest receivable - ACI loans

 

 

(1,731)

 

Loan accretion recognized in 1Q 2020

 

 

(10,931)

 

Ending balance, March 31, 2020

 

$

52,200

 

 

9

Noninterest Income and Expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

    

Mar. 31,

    

Dec. 31,

    

Sept. 30,

    

June 30,

    

Mar. 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2020

 

2019

 

2019

 

2019

 

2019

Noninterest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Fees on deposit accounts

 

$

18,141

 

$

19,161

 

$

19,725

 

$

18,741

 

$

17,808

  Mortgage banking income

 

 

14,647

 

 

3,757

 

 

6,115

 

 

5,307

 

 

2,385

  Trust and investment services income

 

 

7,389

 

 

6,935

 

 

7,320

 

 

7,720

 

 

7,269

  Securities (losses) gains, net

 

 

--

 

 

24

 

 

437

 

 

1,709

 

 

541

  Recoveries of fully charged off acquired loans

 

 

--

 

 

2,232

 

 

1,401

 

 

1,347

 

 

1,867

  Other

 

 

3,955

 

 

4,198

 

 

2,584

 

 

2,794

 

 

2,188

        Total noninterest income

 

$

44,132

 

$

36,307

 

$

37,582

 

$

37,618

 

$

32,058

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noninterest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Salaries and employee benefits

 

$

60,978

 

$

58,218

 

$

59,551

 

$

58,547

 

$

58,431

  Pension plan termination expense

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

--

 

 

9,526

 

 

--

  Occupancy expense

 

 

12,287

 

 

12,113

 

 

11,883

 

 

11,849

 

 

11,612

  Information services expense

 

 

9,306

 

 

8,919

 

 

8,878

 

 

8,671

 

 

9,009

  FHLB prepayment penalty

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

134

  OREO expense and loan related

 

 

587

 

 

1,013

 

 

597

 

 

881

 

 

751

  Business development and staff related

 

 

2,244

 

 

2,905

 

 

2,018

 

 

2,171

 

 

2,288

  Amortization of intangibles

 

 

3,007

 

 

3,267

 

 

3,268

 

 

3,268

 

 

3,281

  Professional fees

 

 

2,494

 

 

2,862

 

 

2,442

 

 

2,781

 

 

2,240

  Supplies, printing and postage expense

 

 

1,505

 

 

1,464

 

 

1,418

 

 

1,495

 

 

1,504

  FDIC assessment and other regulatory charges

 

 

2,058

 

 

1,327

 

 

228

 

 

1,455

 

 

1,535

  Advertising and marketing

 

 

814

 

 

1,491

 

 

1,052

 

 

959

 

 

807

  Other operating expenses

 

 

7,838

 

 

5,555

 

 

5,029

 

 

5,726

 

 

5,667

  Branch consolid. or merger / convers related exp.

 

 

4,129

 

 

1,494

 

 

-

 

 

2,078

 

 

980

  Merger and branding related expense

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

        Total noninterest expense

 

$

107,247

 

$

100,628

 

$

96,364

 

$

109,407

 

$

98,239

 

Noninterest income totaled $44.1 million for the first quarter of 2020 and $36.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of $7.8 million.  The largest variance was in mortgage banking income which increased by $10.9 million.  The increase was the result of higher secondary market income totaling $4.8 million (from an increase in the mortgage pipeline and higher margin), and higher MSR related income of $6.1 million as hedge gains significantly outpaced the decline in the fair value of the MSR (the result of the decline in the 10 year treasury vs. mortgage rates by 110 bps).  Trust and investment services income was higher by $454,000.  These increases were partially offset by decreases in fees on deposit accounts of  $1.0 million and lower other income of $243,000.  Recoveries on acquired loans now flow through the allowance for credit losses (CECL adoption), which resulted in a decline of $2.2 million.

Compared to the first quarter of 2019,  noninterest income increased by $12.1 million due to mortgage banking income which increased by $12.3 million.  Secondary market mortgage income was up $6.6 million from the increase in the mortgage pipeline and the higher margin; while the MSR, net of the hedge, increased by $5.7 million from hedge gains significantly outpacing the decline in fair value of the MSR.  The remaining line items offset each other, with no securities gains or losses, which resulted in a $541,000 decrease, and no recoveries from acquired loans  (which now flow through the allowance for credit losses) resulted in a $1.8 million decrease.  All offset by $333,000 increase in fees on deposit accounts, $120,000 increase in wealth income and $1.8 million increase in other income, primarily from receipt of cash surrender value of a bank owned life insurance policy.

Noninterest expense was $107.2 million in the first quarter of 2020,  an increase of $6.6 million from $100.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.  The increase was primarily related to the following:  (1) merger expenses of $2.6 million,  (2) higher FDIC assessment and other regulatory expense of $731,000 related to a credit received from the FDIC in the fourth quarter of 2019 totaling $760,000,  (3) higher salaries and employee benefits from reset of FICA and state unemployment taxes totaling $2.4 million, (4) higher expense associated with passive loss investments (amortization) in other expense of $1.9 million, and (5) $550,000 donation for the communities we serve in light of COVID‑19 pandemic.  

10

Adjusted noninterest expense totaled $103.1 million in 1Q 2020, which was $4.0 million higher than fourth quarter of 2019, and resulted in an adjusted efficiency ratio of 59.7%  compared to 60.7%, in fourth quarter of 2019.

Compared to the first quarter of 2019, noninterest expense was higher by $9.0 million.  The net increase was primarily due to the following:  (1) merger cost of $4.1 million, an increase of $3.1 million,  (2) higher FDIC assessments of $523,000,  (3) higher salary and employee benefits totaling $2.5 million, which was the result of higher salary, benefits and commissions, and (4) higher other expense of $1.7 million related to more passive loss amortization related to CRA investments and the donation of $550,000 referenced above.  Adjusted noninterest expense (non-GAAP) increased $6.0 million, compared to the first quarter of 2019.

South State Corporation (NASDAQ:SSB) will announce its first quarter 2020 financial results in a news release after the market closes on April 23, 2020. At 10 a.m. Eastern Time on April 24, 2020, a joint conference call will be held with CenterState Bank Corporation (NASDAQ:CSFL) where management from each company will review earnings and discuss performance trends.  The combined management teams will provide a review and an update of the pending merger of South State and CenterState.  Callers wishing to participate may call toll-free by dialing 877‑506‑9272.  The number for international participants is 412‑380‑2004.  The conference ID number is 10140091.  Participants can also listen to the live audio webcast through the Investor Relations section of www.SouthStateBank.com.  A replay will be available beginning April 24, 2020 by 2:00 p.m.  Eastern Time until 9:00 a.m. on May 8, 2020.  To listen to the replay, dial 877‑344‑7529 or 412‑317‑0088.  The passcode is 10140091.

***************

South State Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina with approximately $16.6 billion in assets.  South State Bank, the company’s primary subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth management solutions throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia.  South State has served customers since 1934.  Additional information is available at www.SouthStateBank.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

Statements included in this press release include non-GAAP measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.  Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide additional useful information which allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the company.   Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Mar. 31,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar. 31,

 

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO Non-GAAP

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (GAAP)

 

$

24,110

 

$

49,091

 

$

51,565

 

$

41,460

 

$

44,367

 

Securities losses (gains), net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

(20)

 

 

(349)

 

 

(1,371)

 

 

(432)

 

Provision for income taxes - Deferred Tax Asset Write-Off

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

Pension plan termination expense, net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

7,641

 

 

--

 

FHLB prepayment penalty, net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

--

 

 

107

 

Merger and branch consolidation/acq. expense, net of tax

 

 

3,510

 

 

1,252

 

 

--

 

 

1,667

 

 

782

 

Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 

$

27,620

 

$

50,323

 

$

51,216

 

$

49,397

 

$

44,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income per common share - Basic (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Earnings per common share - Basic (GAAP)

 

$

0.72

 

$

1.46

 

$

1.51

 

$

1.18

 

$

1.25

 

Effect to adjust for securities losses (gains)

 

 

--

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.04)

 

 

(0.01)

 

Effect to adjust for provision for income tax DTA Write-Off

 

 

--

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Effect to adjust for pension plan termination expense, net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.22

 

 

-

 

Effect to adjust for FHLB prepayment penalty, net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.00

 

Effect to adjust for merger & branch consol./acq expenses, net of tax

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.04

 

 

-

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.02

 

Adjusted net income per common share - Basic (non-GAAP)

 

$

0.82

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.41

 

$

1.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted net income per common share - Diluted (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Earnings per common share - Diluted (GAAP)

 

$

0.71

 

$

1.45

 

$

1.50

 

$

1.17

 

$

1.25

 

Effect to adjust for securities losses (gains)

 

 

--

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.01)

 

 

(0.04)

 

 

(0.01)

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Mar. 31,

 

Dec. 31,

 

Sept. 30,

 

June 30,

 

Mar. 31,

 

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO Non-GAAP

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

 

2019

 

Effect to adjust for provision for income tax DTA Write-Off

 

 

--

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Effect to adjust for pension plan termination expense, net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.22

 

 

-

 

Effect to adjust for FHLB prepayment penalty, net of tax

 

 

--

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

0.00

 

Effect to adjust for merger & branch consol./acq expenses, net of tax

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.04

 

 

-

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.02

 

Adjusted net income per common share - Diluted (non-GAAP)

 

$

0.82

 

$

1.48

 

$

1.49

 

$

1.40

 

$

1.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Return of Average Assets (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Return on average assets (GAAP)

 

 

0.60

%  

 

1.23

%  

 

1.31

%  

 

1.08

%  

 

1.21

%

Effect to adjust for securities losses (gains)

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

-0.01

%  

 

-0.04

%  

 

-0.01

%

Effect to adjust for provision for income tax DTA Write-Off

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%

Effect to adjust for pension plan termination expense, net of tax

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.20

%  

 

0.00

%

Effect to adjust for FHLB prepayment penalty, net of tax

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%

Effect to adjust for merger & branch consol./acq expenses, net of tax

 

 

0.09

%  

 

0.03

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.04

%  

 

0.03

%

Adjusted return on average assets (non-GAAP)

 

 

0.69

%  

 

1.26

%  

 

1.30

%  

 

1.28

%  

 

1.23

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Return of Average Equity (3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Return on average equity (GAAP)

 

 

4.15

%  

 

8.26

%  

 

8.70

%  

 

6.98

%  

 

7.61

%

Effect to adjust for securities losses (gains)

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

-0.06

%  

 

-0.23

%  

 

-0.07

%

Effect to adjust for provision for income tax DTA Write-Off

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%

Effect to adjust for pension plan termination expense, net of tax

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

1.29

%  

 

0.00

%

Effect to adjust for FHLB prepayment penalty, net of tax

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.02

%

Effect to adjust for merger & branch consol./acq expenses, net of tax

 

 

0.60

%  

 

0.21

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.28

%  

 

0.13

%

Adjusted return on average equity (non-GAAP)

 

 

4.75

%  

 

8.47

%  

 

8.64

%  

 

8.32

%  

 

7.69

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Return on Average Common Tangible Equity (3) (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Return on average common equity (GAAP)

 

 

4.15

%  

 

8.26

%  

 

8.70

%  

 

6.98

%  

 

7.61

%

Effect to adjust for securities losses (gains)

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

-0.06

%  

 

-0.23

%  

 

-0.07

%

Effect to adjust for provision for income tax DTA Write-Off

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%

Effect to adjust for pension plan termination expense, net of tax

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

1.29

%  

 

0.00

%

Effect to adjust for FHLB prepayment penalty, net of tax

 

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.02

%

Effect to adjust for merger & branch consol./acq expenses, net of tax

 

 

0.60

%  

 

0.21

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

0.28

%  

 

0.13

%

Effect to adjust for intangible assets

 

 

4.70

%  

 

7.70

%  

 

7.87

%  

 

7.47

%  

 

7.11

%

Adjusted return on average common tangible equity (non-GAAP)

 

 

9.45

%  

 

16.17

%  

 

16.51

%  

 

15.79

%  

 

14.80

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted efficiency ratio (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Efficiency ratio

 

 

62.11

%  

 

61.64

%  

 

58.40

%  

 

66.87

%  

 

63.24

%

Effect to adjust for merger and branch consolidation related expenses

 

 

-2.39

%  

 

-0.91

%  

 

0.00

%  

 

-7.09

%  

 

-0.72

%

Adjusted efficiency ratio

 

 

59.72

%  

 

60.73

%  

 

58.40

%  

 

59.78

%  

 

62.52

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tangible Book Value Per Common Share (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Book value per common share (GAAP)

 

$

69.40

 

$

70.32

 

$

69.34

 

$

68.34

 

$

67.19

 

Effect to adjust for intangible assets

 

 

(31.39)

 

 

(31.19)

 

 

(31.14)

 

 

(30.49)

 

 

(30.04)

 

Tangible book value per common share (non-GAAP)

 

$

38.01

 

$

39.13

 

$

38.20

 

$

37.85

 

$

37.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tangible Equity-to-Tangible Assets (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Equity-to-assets (GAAP)

 

 

13.95

%  

 

14.90

%  

 

14.92

%  

 

15.14

%  

 

15.42

%

Effect to adjust for intangible assets

 

 

-5.80

%  

 

-6.02

%  

 

-6.11

%  

 

-6.15

%  

 

-6.26

%

Tangible equity-to-tangible assets (non-GAAP)

 

 

8.15

%  

 

8.88

%  

 

8.81

%  

 

8.99

%  

 

9.16

%

 

Footnotes to tables:

(1)

Loan data excludes mortgage loans held for sale.

(2)

The dividend payout ratio is calculated by dividing total dividends paid during the period by the total net income for the same period.

(3)

Adjusted earnings, adjusted return on average assets, and adjusted return on average equity are non-GAAP measures and exclude the after-tax effect of gains on acquisitions, gains or losses on sales of securities, other-than-temporary-impairment (OTTI), and merger and branch consolidation related expense.  Management believes that non-GAAP adjusted measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the company.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the company.   Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.  Adjusted earnings and the related adjusted return measures (non-GAAP) exclude the following from net income (GAAP) on an after-tax basis:  (a) pre-tax merger and branch consolidation related expense of  $4.1 million, $1.5 million, $2.1 million, and $980,000, for the quarters ended March 31, 2020, December 31, 2019, June 30, 2019, and March 31, 2019, respectively; (b) securities (losses) gains, net of $24,000, $437,000, $1.7 million, and $541,000, for the quarters ended December 31, 2019, September 30, 2019, June 30, 2019, and March 31, 2019, respectively; (c) Pension plan termination expense of $9.5 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019; and (d) FHLB prepayment penalty of $134,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

12

(4)

March 31, 2020 ratios are estimated and may be subject to change pending the final filing of the FR Y‑9C; all other periods are presented as filed.

(5)

The tangible measures are non-GAAP measures and exclude the effect of period end or average balance of intangible assets.  The tangible returns on equity and common equity measures also add back the after-tax amortization of intangibles to GAAP basis net income.  Management believes that these non-GAAP tangible measures provide additional useful information, particularly since these measures are widely used by industry analysts for companies with prior merger and acquisition activities.  Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the company’s performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the company.   Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company’s results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.  The sections titled "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP" provide tables that reconcile non-GAAP measures to GAAP.

(6)

Includes loan accretion (interest) income related to the discount on acquired loans of $10.9 million $7.4 million, $8.1 million, $9.1 million, and $9.1 million, respectively, during the five quarters above.

(7)

Adjusted efficiency ratio is calculated by taking the noninterest expense excluding branch consolidation cost and merger cost, pension plan termination and the FHLB prepayment penalty divided by net interest income and noninterest income excluding securities gains (losses) and OTTI.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements included in this communication, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements are based on, among other things, management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy and South State. Words and phrases such as “may,” “approximately,” “continue,” “should,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “is likely,” “look ahead,” “look forward,” “believes,” “will,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “could,” “potential,” “possible” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. South State cautions readers that forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to, among other things, timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following:  (1) economic downturn risk, potentially resulting in deterioration in the credit markets, greater than expected noninterest expenses, excessive loan losses and other negative consequences, which risks could be exacerbated by potential negative economic developments resulting from federal spending cuts and/or one or more federal budget-related impasses or actions; (2) increased expenses, loss of revenues, and increased regulatory scrutiny associated with our total assets having exceeded $10.0 billion; (3) controls and procedures risk, including the potential failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures; (4) ownership dilution risk associated with potential acquisitions in which South State’s stock may be issued as consideration for an acquired company; (5) potential deterioration in real estate values; (6) the impact of competition with other financial institutions, including pricing pressures (including those resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) and the resulting impact, including as a result of compression to net interest margin; (7) credit risks associated with an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with the bank or otherwise fail to perform as agreed under the terms of any loan-related document; (8) interest risk involving the effect of a change in interest rates on the bank’s earnings, the market value of the bank’s loan and securities portfolios, and the market value of South State’s equity; (9) liquidity risk affecting the bank’s ability to meet its obligations when they come due; (10) risks associated with an anticipated increase in South State’s investment securities portfolio, including risks associated with acquiring and holding investment securities or potentially determining that the amount of investment securities South State desires to acquire are not available on terms acceptable to South State; (11) price risk focusing on changes in market factors that may affect the value of traded instruments in “mark-to-market” portfolios; (12) transaction risk arising from problems with service or product delivery; (13) compliance risk involving risk to earnings or capital resulting from violations of or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, or ethical standards; (14) regulatory change risk resulting from new laws, rules, regulations, accounting principles, proscribed practices or ethical standards, including, without limitation, the possibility that regulatory agencies may require higher levels of capital above the current regulatory-mandated minimums and including the impact of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules and regulations, and the possibility of changes in accounting standards, policies, principles and practices, including changes in accounting principles relating to loan loss recognition (CECL); (15) strategic risk resulting from adverse business decisions or improper implementation of business decisions; (16) reputation risk that adversely affects earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion; (17) terrorist activities risk that results in loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions; (18) cybersecurity risk related to the dependence of South State on internal computer systems and the technology of outside service providers, as well as the potential impacts of third party security breaches, subjects each company to potential business disruptions or financial losses resulting from deliberate attacks or unintentional events; (19) greater than expected noninterest expenses; (20) noninterest income risk resulting from the effect of regulations that prohibit financial institutions from charging consumer fees for paying overdrafts on ATM and one-time debit card transactions, unless the consumer consents or opts‑in to the overdraft service for those types of transactions; (21) excessive loan losses; (22) failure to realize synergies and other financial benefits from, and to limit liabilities associated with, mergers and acquisitions within the expected time frame; (23) potential deposit attrition, higher than expected costs, customer loss and business

13

disruption associated with merger and acquisition integration, including, without limitation, and potential difficulties in maintaining relationships with key personnel; (24) the risks of fluctuations in market prices for South State common stock that may or may not reflect economic condition or performance of South State; (25) the payment of dividends on South State common stock is subject to regulatory supervision as well as the discretion of the board of directors of South State, South State’s performance and other factors; (26) operational, technological, cultural, regulatory, legal, credit and other risks associated with the exploration, consummation and integration of potential future acquisition, whether involving stock or cash consideration; (27) major catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods or other natural or human disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks, including the recent outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus, a respiratory illness, the related disruption to local, regional and global economic activity and financial markets, and the impact that any of the foregoing may have on South State and its customers and other constituencies; and (28) risks related to the proposed merger of South State and CenterState Bank Corporation (“CenterState”), including, among others, (i) the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies from the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, (ii) disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the merger, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement between CenterState and South State, (iv) the risk that the integration of each party’s operations will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected or that the parties are otherwise unable to successfully integrate each party’s businesses into the other’s businesses, (v) the failure to obtain the necessary approvals by the shareholders of South State or CenterState, (vi) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger, (vii) the ability of each of South State and CenterState to obtain required governmental approvals of the merger (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction), (viii) reputational risk and the reaction of each company’s customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the merger, (ix) the failure of the closing conditions in the merger agreement to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing the merger, (x) the possibility that the merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (xi) the dilution caused by South State’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in the merger and (xii) other factors that may affect future results of South State and CenterState, as disclosed in South State’s registration statement on Form S‑4, as amended, Annual Report on Form 10‑K, as amended, Quarterly Reports on Form 10‑Q, and Current Reports on Form 8‑K, and CenterState’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10‑Q, and Current Reports on Form 8‑K, in each case filed by South State or CenterState, as applicable, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, implied or otherwise anticipated by such forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. South State does not undertake any obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.

 

14

Exhibit 99.2

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1 Earnings Call 1Q 2020 Friday, April 24, 2020

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2 Forward Looking Statements Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Statements included in this communication, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements are based on, among other things, management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy and South State. Words and phrases such as “may,” “approximately,” “continue,” “should,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “is likely,” “look ahead,” “look forward,” “believes,” “will,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “could,” “potential,” “possible” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. South State cautions readers that forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to, among other things, timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following: (1) economic downturn risk, potentially resulting in deterioration in the credit markets, greater than expected noninterest expenses, excessive loan losses and other negative consequences, which risks could be exacerbated by potential negative economic developments resulting from federal spending cuts and/or one or more federal budget-related impasses or actions; (2) increased expenses, loss of revenues, and increased regulatory scrutiny associated with our total assets having exceeded $10.0 billion; (3) controls and procedures risk, including the potential failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures; (4) ownership dilution risk associated with potential acquisitions in which South State’s stock may be issued as consideration for an acquired company; (5) potential deterioration in real estate values; (6) the impact of competition with other financial institutions, including pricing pressures (including those resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) and the resulting impact, including as a result of compression to net interest margin; (7) credit risks associated with an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any contract with the bank or otherwise fail to perform as agreed under the terms of any loan-related document; (8) interest risk involving the effect of a change in interest rates on the bank’s earnings, the market value of the bank’s loan and securities portfolios, and the market value of South State’s equity; (9) liquidity risk affecting the bank’s ability to meet its obligations when they come due; (10) risks associated with an anticipated increase in South State’s investment securities portfolio, including risks associated with acquiring and holding investment securities or potentially determining that the amount of investment securities South State desires to acquire are not available on terms acceptable to South State; (11) price risk focusing on changes in market factors that may affect the value of traded instruments in “mark-to-market” portfolios; (12) transaction risk arising from problems with service or product delivery; (13) compliance risk involving risk to earnings or capital resulting from violations of or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, or ethical standards; (14) regulatory change risk resulting from new laws, rules, regulations, accounting principles, proscribed practices or ethical standards, including, without limitation, the possibility that regulatory agencies may require higher levels of capital above the current regulatory-mandated minimums and including the impact of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules and regulations, and the possibility of changes in accounting standards, policies, principles and practices, including changes in accounting principles relating to loan loss recognition (CECL); (15) strategic risk resulting from adverse business decisions or improper implementation of business decisions; (16) reputation risk that adversely affects earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion; (17) terrorist activities risk that results in loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions; (18) cybersecurity risk related to the dependence of South State on internal computer systems and the technology of outside service providers, as well as the potential impacts of third party security breaches, subjects each company to potential business disruptions or financial losses resulting from deliberate attacks or unintentional events; (19) greater than expected noninterest expenses; (20) noninterest income risk resulting from the effect of regulations that prohibit financial institutions from charging consumer fees for paying overdrafts on ATM and one-time debit card transactions, unless the consumer consents or opts-in to the overdraft service for those types of transactions; (21) excessive loan losses; (22) failure to realize synergies and other financial benefits from, and to limit liabilities associated with, mergers and acquisitions within the expected time frame; (23) potential deposit attrition, higher than expected costs, customer loss and business disruption associated with merger and acquisition integration, including, without limitation, and potential difficulties in maintaining relationships with key personnel; (24) the risks of fluctuations in market prices for South State common stock that may or may not reflect economic condition or performance of South State; (25) the payment of dividends on South State common stock is subject to regulatory supervision as well as the discretion of the board of directors of South State, South State’s performance and other factors; (26) operational, technological, cultural, regulatory, legal, credit and other risks associated with the exploration, consummation and integration of potential future acquisition, whether involving stock or cash consideration; (27) major catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods or other natural or human disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks, including the recent outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus, a respiratory illness, the related disruption to local, regional and global economic activity and financial markets, and the impact that any of the foregoing may have on South State and its customers and other constituencies; and (28) risks related to the proposed merger of South State and CenterState Bank Corporation (“CenterState”), including, among others, (i) the risk that the cost savings and any revenue synergies from the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer than anticipated to be realized, (ii) disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the merger, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement between CenterState and South State, (iv) the risk that the integration of each party’s operations will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected or that the parties are otherwise unable to successfully integrate each party’s businesses into the other’s businesses, (v) the failure to obtain the necessary approvals by the shareholders of South State or CenterState, (vi) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger, (vii) the ability of each of South State and CenterState to obtain required governmental approvals of the merger (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction), (viii) reputational risk and the reaction of each company's customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners to the merger, (ix) the failure of the closing conditions in the merger agreement to be satisfied, or any unexpected delay in closing the merger, (x) the possibility that the merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, (xi) the dilution caused by South State’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in the merger and (xii) other factors that may affect future results of South State and CenterState, as disclosed in South State’s registration statement on Form S-4, as amended, Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and CenterState’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, in each case filed by South State or CenterState, as applicable, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, implied or otherwise anticipated by such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. South State does not undertake any obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.

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3 COVID-19 Response Team • Expanded insurance coverage for testing and treatment of COVID-19 • Increased paid leave for team members unable to work due to lack of child or dependent care • Paid leave for team members under quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure • Additional compensation for team members with essential in-office jobs Customers • Expanded communication through digital channels (online, mobile, app) to adjust to reduced branch interaction • Record usage of Digital channels with no service interruption • 65% increase in Mobile Deposits • 30% increase in Consumer Loan Applications • 40% increase in Bank to Bank transfers

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4 COVID-19 Impact Virginia Shelter in Place until 6/10 7 of 7 branches Open North Carolina Shelter in Place until 4/30 24 of 24 branches open Georgia Shelter in Place until 4/30 30 of 31 branches open South Carolina Shelter in Place until TBD 92 of 93 branches open • Branches limited to drive-through beginning 3/19 • ~80% of Employees working from home Data as of 4/22/20. State information from state government websites.

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5 Merger Update Progress Next Steps 1/28-2/9 Town Halls with Executive Leadership reached ~50% of employees February Integration Kickoff and Team selection Weekly Integration Team Meetings Weekly Executive Team Meetings March All Regulatory Applications Filed 3/5/20 Core Provider Selected 3/5/20 Named Line of Business and Market Leaders 4/20/20 S-4 Became Effective 5/21/20 Shareholder Vote 3Q 20 Anticipated Close 2Q 21 Expected System Conversion

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6 Credit Update

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7 Payroll Protection Program (PPP) • Extended Credit to Customers and Non-Customers • Secured funding for nearly 6,000 loans totaling ~$900 million1 • Funding through deposit growth and excess liquidity • Capacity to accommodate additional demand should program be expanded 1) As of 4/17/20

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8 Loan Portfolio Summary • Actively managing exposures in Lodging, Restaurants, and Retail • Minimal exposure to Oil & Gas, Aviation, Steel or Mining • Shared National Credits and Leveraged Lending combined exposure <$100 million • Over 98% of loan portfolio is in footprint • Granular loan portfolio with average loan size of $134,000 Data as of 3/31/20.

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9 Commercial 61% Consumer 12% Mortgage 27% Industry Exposure Total Portfolio $11.5 Billion Selected Industries (% of total loan portfolio) Lodging $590 5.1% Retail CRE 558 4.8 Restaurants 225 2.0 Dollars in millions. Data as of 3/31/20.

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10 Loan Deferrals(1) Commercial $2,044 Consumer $28 Mortgage $236 $4 $8 $146 $240 $144$131 $99 $242$220 $164$154$123$115 $89 $64 $51 $48 $32 $95 $39 $21 $35 $20 $12 $12 Daily Request Volume • $2.3 billion total loans under deferral • Proactive communication with customers • Commercial standard deferral is 90 days P & I or 120 days principal • Consumer and Mortgage standard deferral is 120 days P & I Dollars in millions. Data as of 4/17/20.

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11 Lines of Credit $1,193 $1,192 $1,200 $1,215 $1,220 $1,210 $1,208 $1,211 $1,203 $1,210 $1,204 $1,195 40.7% 40.7% 40.9% 41.4% 41.6% 41.4% 41.3% 41.5% 41.3% 41.6% 41.3% 41.0% 29-Feb 9-Mar 16-Mar 23-Mar 27-Mar 30-Mar 31-Mar 6-Apr 9-Apr 13-Apr 16-Apr 17-Apr Total Balance Utilization Dollars in millions.

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12 Lodging Portfolio • Lodging is $590 million or 5.1% of the total loan portfolio • Average loan balance is $8.2 million • 100% of lodging portfolio under deferral • Weighted average LTV of 57% Marriott $234 Hilton $221 Other National Brand $72 Independent $63 Dollars in millions. Data as of 3/31/20.

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13 Restaurant Portfolio Owner Occupied Real Estate $61 Non-Owner Occupied Real Estate $121 Non-Real Estate $43 • Restaurants are $225 million or 2.0% of the total loan portfolio • Average loan balance of real estate secured loans is $692,000 • 59% of restaurant portfolio is under deferral • Weighted average LTV of real estate secured loans is 66% Dollars in millions. Data as of 3/31/20.

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14 Retail Portfolio Owner Occupied $122 Non-Owner Occupied $436 • Retail CRE is $558 million or 4.8% of the total loan portfolio • Average loan balance is $888,000 • 37% of Retail CRE portfolio is under deferral • Weighted average LTV of 59% Dollars in millions. Data as of 3/31/20.

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15 1Q20 Financial Highlights

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16 Highlights – Linked Quarter 16 * Adjusted is a Non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the impact of branch consolidation, merger related expenses, and securities gains or losses. 4Q19 1Q20 GAAP Net Income $49.1 $24.1 EPS $1.45 $0.71 Return on Average Assets 1.23% 0.60% Return on Average Tangible Equity 15.79% 8.35% Adjusted * Net Income $50.3 $27.6 EPS $1.48 $0.82 Return on Average Assets 1.26% 0.69% Return on Average Tangible Equity 16.17% 9.45% Cash Dividend per common share $0.46 $0.47

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17 Net Interest Margin 3.92% 3.82% 3.73% 3.64% 3.68% $114.1 $118.0 $119.3 $119.0 $117.0 $123.3 $127.2 $127.4 $126.5 $128.0 1Q 2019 2Q 2019 3Q 2019 4Q 2019 1Q 2020 Net Interest Margin NII - Excluding Accretion Net Interest Income Dollars in millions.

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18 Average Interest Earning Assets Average Balance % of Earning Assets 4Q 2019 % of Earning Assets 1Q 2020 Net Change Short-Term Investments 4.1% 574 $ 3.8% 538 $ (36) $ Investment Securities 13.5% 1,889 14.4% 2,023 134 Loans - Acquired 15.8% 2,224 14.4% 2,016 (208) Loans - Non-Acquired 64.6% 9,073 67.1% 9,424 351 Total Loans 80.4% 11,297 $ 81.5% 11,440 $ 143 $ Loans Held for Sale 0.5% 74 0.3% 42 (32) Total Interest Earning Assets 13,834 $ 14,043 $ 209 $ Dollars in millions. Quarterly averages

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19 Acquired Loans 14.4% 12.5% 10.3% 6.4% 7.4% 4% 8% 12% 16% 1Q16 3Q16 1Q17 3Q17 1Q18 3Q18 1Q19 3Q19 1Q20 Accretion / Total Interest Income Dollars in millions. Income Statement (Yields Annualized) Contractual Interest Accretion Total Income Contractual Yield Total Yield 1Q 2020 $24.9 $10.9 $35.8 4.96% 7.14% 4Q 2019 $27.8 $7.4 $35.2 4.81% 6.28%

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20 Acquired Loan Portfolio Dollars in millions. As of March 31, 2020 UPB Discount Carrying Value Percentage $344.1 ($32.8) $311.3 9.5% 1,652.0 (19.4) 1,632.6 1.2% $1,996.1 ($52.2) $1,943.9 2.6% (A) Represents a non-credit discount Credit Deteriorated Non-Credit Deteriorated Total Acquired Loans (A)

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21 Noninterest Income 4Q 2019 1Q 2020 Net Change Fees on Deposit Accounts 19.2 $ 18.1 $ (1.1) $ Mortgage Banking 3.7 14.6 10.9 Wealth Management 6.9 7.4 0.5 Acquired Loan Recoveries 2.2 - (2.2) Other Income 4.3 4.0 (0.3) Total Noninterest Income 36.3 $ 44.1 $ 7.8 $ 1st Quarter 2020 Highlights Dollars in millions. 1) $1.2 Million in acquired loan recoveries which flow through the loan loss reserve post-CECL (1)

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22 1st Quarter 2020 Highlights Dollars in millions. * Adjusted is a Non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the impact of branch consolidation, merger related expenses, and securities gains or losses. Noninterest Expense 4Q 2019 1Q 2020 Net Change Salaries and Benefits 58.2 $ 61.0 $ 2.8 $ Information services expense 8.9 9.3 0.4 OREO and loan related expense 1.0 0.6 (0.4) Net occupancy expense & FFE 12.1 12.3 0.2 FDIC assessment & regulatory chgs 1.3 2.1 0.8 Bankcard expense 0.6 0.5 (0.1) Amortization of intangibles 3.3 3.0 (0.3) Professional fees & marketing 4.4 3.3 (1.1) Business development and staff related 2.9 2.2 (0.7) Other 6.4 8.8 2.4 Total Adjusted* Noninterest Expense 99.1 $ 103.1 $ 4.0 $ Consolidation and merger related costs 1.5 4.1 2.6 Total Noninterest Expense 100.6 $ 107.2 $ 6.6 $

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23 Efficiency Ratio 63.2% 66.9% 58.4% 61.6% 62.1% 62.5% 59.8% 58.4% 60.7% 59.7% 1Q 2019 2Q 2019 3Q 2019 4Q 2019 1Q 2020 Efficiency Ratio Adjusted* Efficiency Ratio * Adjusted is a Non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the impact of branch consolidation, merger related expenses, and securities gains or losses.

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24 Tangible Book Value $37.15 $37.85 $38.20 $39.13 $38.01 1Q 19 2Q 19 3Q 19 4Q 19 1Q 20