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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission file number 001-12669

SOUTH STATE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

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

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

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

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

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý    No o

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

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

         The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was $1,427,741,000 based on the closing sale price of $61.00 per share on June 30, 2014. For purposes of the foregoing calculation only, all directors and executive officers of the registrant have been deemed affiliates. The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 26, 2015 was 24,156,759.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

         Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10 - 14 of this form 10-K.

   

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South State Corporation
Index to Form 10-K

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Forward-Looking Statements

        The disclosures set forth in this Report are qualified by Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and the section captioned "Forward-Looking Statements" in Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Report and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this Report.

PART I

Item 1.    Business.

        South State Corporation (formerly First Financial Holdings, Inc. (July 26, 2013 - June 30, 2014) and SCBT Financial Corporation (February 20, 2004 - July 26, 2013)), headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, is a bank holding company incorporated in 1985 under the laws of South Carolina. We provide a wide range of banking services and products to our customers through our wholly-owned bank subsidiary, South State Bank (formerly SCBT) (the "Bank"), a South Carolina-chartered commercial bank that opened for business in 1934. The Bank operates Minis & Co., Inc. and First Southeast 401k Fiduciaries, both wholly owned registered investment advisors, and First Southeast Investor Services, a wholly-owned limited service broker-dealer. We do not engage in any significant operations other than the ownership of our banking subsidiary.

        On June 30, 2014, First Financial Holdings, Inc. changed its name to South State Corporation, and SCBT, the wholly-owned bank subsidiary of South State Corporation, changed its name to South State Bank. Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, references herein to "South State," the "Company" "we," "us," "our" or similar references mean South State Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to the "Bank" means South State Bank, a South Carolina banking corporation.

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

        Our Bank provides a full range of retail and commercial banking services, mortgage lending services, trust and investment services, and consumer finance loans through financial centers in South Carolina, North Carolina, northeast Georgia, coastal Georgia. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately $7.8 billion in assets, $5.7 billion in loans, $6.5 billion in deposits, $984.9 million in shareholders' equity, and a market capitalization of approximately $1.6 billion.

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

        In recent years, we have continued to grow the business under our guiding principles of soundness, profitability and growth. Below are highlights of our expansion efforts over the past three years:

•

On July 26, 2013, the Company completed the business combination wherein First Financial Holdings, Inc. ("FFHI"), of Charleston, South Carolina, a bank holding company, merged into the Company, and the Company also changed its name from "SCBT Financial Corporation" to "First Financial Holdings, Inc." First Federal Bank merged into the Bank. The remaining subsidiaries became subsidiaries of the Bank, which included First Southeast 401k Fiduciaries, a wholly-owned registered investment advisor, and First Southeast Investor Services, a wholly-owned broker-dealer.

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•

On December 13, 2012, the Company completed the business combination wherein The Savannah Bancorp, Inc. ("Savannah"), of Savannah, Georgia, a bank holding company, merged into the Company, and The Savannah Bank, N.A., and Bryan Bank and Trust merged into the Bank and Minis & Company, Inc., a registered investment advisory firm became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank.



•

On April 24, 2012, the Company completed the business combination wherein the Peoples Bancorporation, Inc. ("Peoples"), of Easley, South Carolina, a bank holding company, merged into the Company, and its bank subsidiaries, The Peoples National Bank ("PNB"), Bank of Anderson ("BOA"), and Seneca National Bank ("SNB") merged into the Bank.

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

Available Information

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

Territory Served and Competition

        We serve customers and conduct our business from 127 financial centers in 19 South Carolina counties, four North Carolina counties, ten northeast Georgia counties, and two coastal Georgia counties. We compete in the highly competitive banking and financial services industry. Our profitability depends principally on our ability to effectively compete in the markets in which we conduct business. We expect competition in the industry to continue to increase as a result of consolidation among banking and financial services firms. Competition may further intensify as additional companies enter the markets where we conduct business and we enter mature markets in accordance with our expansion strategy.

        We experience strong competition from both bank and non-bank competitors in certain markets. Broadly speaking, we compete with national banks, super-regional banks, smaller community banks, and non-traditional internet-based banks. We compete for deposits and loans with commercial banks, and credit unions. In addition, we compete with other financial intermediaries and investment alternatives such as mortgage companies, credit card issuers, leasing companies, finance companies, money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, governmental and corporation bonds, and other securities firms. Many of these non-bank competitors are not subject to the same regulatory oversight, affording them a

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competitive advantage in some instances. In many cases, our competitors have substantially greater resources and offer certain services that we are unable to provide to our customers.

        We encounter strong competition in making loans and attracting deposits. We compete with other financial institutions to offer customers competitive interest rates on deposit accounts, competitive interest rates charged on loans and other credit, and reasonable service charges. We believe our customers also consider the quality and scope of the services provided, the convenience of banking facilities, and relative lending limits in the case of loans to commercial borrowers. Our customers may also take into account the fact that other banks offer different services from those that we provide. The large national and super-regional banks may have significantly greater lending limits and may offer additional products. However, by emphasizing customer service and by providing a wide variety of services, we believe that our Bank has been able to compete successfully with our competitors, regardless of their size.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2014, our Bank had 2,081 full-time equivalent employees compared to 2,106 as of the same date in 2013. We consider our relationship with our employees instrumental to the success of our business. We provide most of our employees with a comprehensive employee benefit program which includes the following: group life, health and dental insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, educational opportunities, a cash incentive plan, a stock purchase plan, stock incentive for officers and key employees, deferred compensation plans for officers and key employees, a defined benefit pension plan for employees hired on or before December 31, 2005 (except for employees acquired in the SunBank acquisition in November of 2005), and a 401(k) plan with employer match.

Regulation and Supervision

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

General

        The current regulatory environment for financial institutions includes substantial enforcement activity by the federal banking agencies, the U.S. Department of Justice, the SEC, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies. This environment entails significant potential increases in compliance requirements and associated costs.

        We are a bank holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and are subject to the supervision of, and to regular inspection by, the Federal Reserve Board. In addition, as a South Carolina bank holding company organized under the South Carolina Banking and Branching Efficiency Act, we are subject to limitations on sale or merger and to regulation by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions (the "SCBFI"). Our Bank is organized as a South Carolina-chartered commercial bank. It is subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the SCBFI and the FDIC. The following discussion summarizes certain aspects of banking and other laws and regulations that affect the Company and our Bank.

        Under the Bank Holding Company Act (the "BHC Act"), our activities and those of our Bank are limited to banking, managing or controlling banks, furnishing services to or performing services for our

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

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

Interstate Banking

        In July 1994, South Carolina enacted legislation which effectively provided that, after June 30, 1996, out-of-state bank holding companies may acquire other banks or bank holding companies in South Carolina, subject to certain conditions. Further, pursuant to the Riegel-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the "Interstate Banking and Branching Act"), a bank holding company became able to acquire banks in states other than its home state, beginning in September 1995, without regard to the permissibility of such acquisition under state law, subject to certain exceptions. The Interstate Banking and Branching Act also authorized banks to merge across state lines, thereby creating interstate branches, unless a state, prior to the July 1, 1997 effective date, determined to "opt out" of coverage under this provision. In addition, the Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act authorized a bank to open new branches in a state in which it does not already have banking operations if such state enacted a law permitting such "de novo" branching.

        Effective July 1, 1996, South Carolina law was amended to permit interstate branching through acquisitions but not de novo branching by an out-of-state bank.

        North Carolina opted-in to the provision of the Interstate Banking and Branching Act that allows out-of-state banks to branch into their state by establishing a de novo branch in the state, but only on a reciprocal basis. This means that an out-of-state bank could establish a de novo branch in North Carolina only if the home state of such bank would allow North Carolina banks (including national banks with their home office in North Carolina) to establish de novo branches in that home state under substantially the same terms as allowed in North Carolina. Because some states imposed greater limits on de novo branching by out-of-state banks, prior to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), this provided a limited barrier of entry into the North Carolina banking market.

        Georgia did not opt-in to the provision allowing out-of-state banks to branch into their state. Therefore, prior to the Dodd-Frank Act, interstate merger was the only method through which a bank

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located outside of Georgia could branch into Georgia, which in effect provided a limited barrier of entry into the Georgia banking market.

        On July 21, 2010, the U.S. President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act removes previous state law restrictions on de novo interstate branching in states such as South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. This change effectively permits out-of-state banks to open de novo branches in states where the laws of such state would permit a bank chartered by that sate to open a de novo branch.

Obligations of Holding Company to its Subsidiary Banks

        There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed by law and regulatory policy on bank holding companies with regard to their depository institution subsidiaries that are designed to minimize potential loss to depositors and to the FDIC insurance fund in the event that the depository institution becomes in danger of defaulting under its obligations to repay deposits. Under a policy of the Federal Reserve Board, which was confirmed in the Dodd-Frank Act, a bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary depository institutions and to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), to avoid receivership of its insured depository institution subsidiary, a bank holding company is required to guarantee the compliance of any insured depository institution subsidiary that may become "undercapitalized" within the terms of any capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary with its appropriate federal banking agency up to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5% of the institution's total assets at the time the institution became undercapitalized, or (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all applicable capital standards as of the time the institution fails to comply with such capital restoration plan.

        The Federal Reserve Board also has the authority under the BHC Act to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a nonbank subsidiary (other than a nonbank subsidiary of a bank) upon the Federal Reserve Board's determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any subsidiary depository institution of the bank holding company. Further, federal law grants federal bank regulatory authorities additional discretion to require a bank holding company to divest itself of any bank or nonbank subsidiary if the agency determines that divestiture may aid the depository institution's financial condition.

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

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

        Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank

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regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

        The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law in July 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act impacts financial institutions in numerous ways, including:

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The creation of a Financial Stability Oversight Council responsible for monitoring and managing systemic risk,



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Granting additional authority to the Federal Reserve to regulate certain types of nonbank financial companies,



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Granting new authority to the FDIC as liquidator and receiver,



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Changing the manner in which deposit insurance assessments are made,



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Requiring regulators to modify capital standards,



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Establishing the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the "CFPB"),



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Capping interchange fees that banks charge merchants for debit card transactions,



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Imposing more stringent requirements on mortgage lenders, and



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Limiting banks' proprietary trading activities.

        There are many provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act mandating regulators to adopt new regulations and conduct studies upon which future regulation may be based. While some have been issued, many remain to be issued. Governmental intervention and new regulations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Basel Capital Standards

        The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, an international forum for cooperation on banking supervisory matters, promulgates capital standards for banking organizations. In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that will revise their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision ("Basel III") and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more (such as the Company) and top-tier savings and loan holding companies, which we collectively refer to herein as "covered" banking organizations. The final rule became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions), and all of the requirements in the final rule will be fully phased in by January 1, 2019.

        The rule imposes higher risk-based capital and leverage requirements for covered banking institutions than those currently in place. Specifically, the rule imposes the following minimum capital requirements:

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a new common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%;



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a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% (increased from the current 4% requirement);



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a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current requirements); and



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a leverage ratio of 4% (currently 3% for depository institutions with the highest supervisory composite rating and 4% for other depository institutions).

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        Under the rule, Tier 1 capital is redefined to include two components: Common Equity Tier 1 capital and additional Tier 1 capital. The new and highest form of capital, Common Equity Tier 1 capital, consists solely of common stock (plus related surplus), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income, and limited amounts of minority interests that are in the form of common stock. Additional Tier 1 capital includes other perpetual instruments historically included in Tier 1 capital, such as non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock. The rule permits bank holding companies with less than $15 billion in total consolidated assets to continue to include trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock issued before May 19, 2010 in Tier 1 capital, but not in Common Equity Tier 1 capital, subject to certain restrictions. Tier 2 capital consists of instruments that currently qualify in Tier 2 capital plus instruments that the rule has disqualified from Tier 1 capital treatment.

        In addition, in order to avoid restrictions on capital distributions or discretionary bonus payments to executives, a covered banking organization must maintain a "capital conservation buffer" on top of its minimum risk-based capital requirements. This buffer must consist solely of Tier 1 Common Equity, but the buffer applies to all three measurements (Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 capital and total capital). The capital conservation buffer will be phased in incrementally over time, becoming fully effective on January 1, 2019, and will consist of an additional amount of common equity equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets.

        The current capital rules require certain deductions from or adjustments to capital. The final rule retains many of these deductions and adjustments and also provides for new ones. As a result, deductions from Common Equity Tier 1capital will be required for goodwill (net of associated deferred tax liabilities); intangible assets such as non-mortgage servicing assets and purchased credit card relationships (net of associated deferred tax liabilities); deferred tax assets that arise from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards (net of any related valuations allowances and net of deferred tax liabilities); any gain on sale in connection with a securitization exposure; any defined benefit pension fund net asset (net of any associated deferred tax liabilities) held by a bank holding company (this provision does not apply to a bank or savings association); the aggregate amount of outstanding equity investments (including retained earnings) in financial subsidiaries; and identified losses. Other deductions will be necessary from different levels of capital.

        Additionally, the final rule provides for the deduction of three categories of assets: (i) deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that cannot be realized through net operating loss carrybacks (net of related valuation allowances and of deferred tax liabilities), (ii) mortgage servicing assets (net of associated deferred tax liabilities) and (iii) investments in more than 10% of the issued and outstanding common stock of unconsolidated financial institutions (net of associated deferred tax liabilities). The amount in each category that exceeds 10% of Common Equity Tier 1 capital must be deducted from Common Equity Tier 1 capital. The remaining, non-deducted amounts are then aggregated, and the amount by which this total amount exceeds 15% of Common Equity Tier 1 capital must be deducted from Common Equity Tier 1 capital. Amounts of minority investments in consolidated subsidiaries that exceed certain limits and investments in unconsolidated financial institutions may also have to be deducted from the category of capital to which such instruments belong.

        Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") is presumptively included in Common Equity Tier 1 capital and often would operate to reduce this category of capital. The final rule provides a one-time opportunity at the end of the first quarter of 2015 for covered banking organizations to opt out of much of this treatment of AOCI. The final rule also has the effect of increasing capital requirements by increasing the risk weights on certain assets, including high volatility commercial real estate, mortgage servicing rights not includable in Common Equity Tier 1 capital, equity exposures, and claims on securities firms, that are used in the denominator of the three risk-based capital ratios.

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        The federal banking agencies have not proposed rules implementing the final liquidity framework of Basel III, and have not determined to what extent they will apply to U.S. banks that are not large, internationally active banks.

Volcker Rule

        Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, known as the "Volcker Rule," prohibits any bank, bank holding company, or affiliate (referred to collectively as "banking entities") from engaging in two types of activities: "proprietary trading" and the ownership or sponsorship of private equity or hedge funds that are referred to as "covered funds." On December 10, 2013, our primary federal regulators, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC, together with other federal banking agencies, the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, finalized a regulation to implement the Volcker Rule. The deadline for compliance with the Volcker Rule is July 21, 2015. At December 31, 2014, the Company has evaluated our securities portfolio and has determined that we do not hold any covered funds.

Prompt Corrective Action

        As an insured depository institution, the Bank is required to comply with the capital requirements promulgated under the FDIA and the regulations under it, which set forth five capital categories, each with specific regulatory consequences. Under current regulations, the categories are as noted below. Beginning in January 2015, however, the minimum capital levels for each prompt corrective action category will be increased pursuant to the new capital regulations adopted in July 2013, described above under "Regulation and Supervision—Basel Capital Standards." The following is a list of the current criteria for each prompt corrective action category:

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Well Capitalized—The institution exceeds the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. A well capitalized institution:



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has total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater; and



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has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater; and



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has a leverage capital ratio of 5% or greater; and



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is not subject to any order or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.



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Adequately Capitalized—The institution meets the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. The institution may not make a capital distribution if it would result in the institution becoming undercapitalized. An adequately capitalized institution:



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has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater; and



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has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4% or greater; and



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has a leverage capital ratio of 4% or greater or a leverage capital ratio of 3% or greater if the institution is rated composite 1 under the CAMELS (Capital, Assets, Management, Earnings, Liquidity and Sensitivity to market risk) rating system.



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Undercapitalized—The institution fails to meet the required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. An undercapitalized institution:



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has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%; or



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has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%; or



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has a leverage capital ratio of less than 4%, or if the institution is rated a composite 1 under the CAMELS rating system, a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%.

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•

Significantly Undercapitalized—The institution is significantly below the required minimum level for any relevant capital measure. A significantly undercapitalized institution:



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has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%; or



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has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3%; or



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has a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%.



•

Critically Undercapitalized—The institution fails to meet a critical capital level set by the appropriate federal banking agency. A critically undercapitalized institution has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.

        If the applicable federal regulator determines, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition, the regulator is authorized to reclassify the institution to the next lower capital category (other than critically undercapitalized) and require the submission of a plan to correct the unsafe or unsound condition.

        If the institution is not well capitalized, it cannot accept brokered deposits without prior FDIC approval. Even if approved, rate restrictions will govern the rate the institution may pay on the brokered deposits. In addition, a bank that is undercapitalized cannot offer an effective yield in excess of 75 basis points over the "national rate" paid on deposits (including brokered deposits, if approval is granted for the bank to accept them) of comparable size and maturity. The "national rate" is defined as a simple average of rates paid by insured depository institutions and branches for which data are available and is published weekly by the FDIC. Institutions subject to the restrictions that believe they are operating in an area where the rates paid on deposits are higher than the "national rate" can use the local market to determine the prevailing rate if they seek and receive a determination from the FDIC that it is operating in a high-rate area. Regardless of the determination, institutions must use the national rate to determine conformance for all deposits outside their market area.

        Moreover, if the institution becomes less than adequately capitalized, it must adopt a capital restoration plan acceptable to the FDIC. The institution also would become subject to increased regulatory oversight, and is increasingly restricted in the scope of its permissible activities. Each company having control over an undercapitalized institution also must provide a limited guarantee that the institution will comply with its capital restoration plan. Except under limited circumstances consistent with an accepted capital restoration plan, an undercapitalized institution may not grow. An undercapitalized institution may not acquire another institution, establish additional branch offices or engage in any new line of business unless it is determined by the appropriate federal banking agency to be consistent with an accepted capital restoration plan, or unless the FDIC determines that the proposed action will further the purpose of prompt corrective action. The appropriate federal banking agency may take any action authorized for a significantly undercapitalized institution if an undercapitalized institution fails to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan or fails in any material respect to implement a plan accepted by the agency. A critically undercapitalized institution is subject to having a receiver or conservator appointed to manage its affairs and for loss of its charter to conduct banking activities.

        An insured depository institution may not pay a management fee to a bank holding company controlling that institution or any other person having control of the institution if, after making the payment, the institution would be undercapitalized. In addition, an institution cannot make a capital distribution, such as a dividend or other distribution that is in substance a distribution of capital, to the owners of the institution if following such a distribution the institution would be undercapitalized.

        As of December 31, 2014, the Bank's regulatory capital surpassed the levels required to be considered "well capitalized."

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        As further described under "Regulation and Supervision—Basel Capital Standards," in July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that will revise their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule became effective on January 1, 2015 and applies to all depository institutions, top-tier bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more (such as the Company) and top-tier savings and loan holding companies. It is management's belief that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company and the Bank would have met all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were effective at that time.

Payment of Dividends

        The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies, which expresses the Federal Reserve Board's view that a bank holding company generally should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the holding company's net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the holding company's capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board also indicated that it would be inappropriate for a bank holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends. Funds for cash distributions to our shareholders are derived primarily from dividends received from our Bank. Our Bank is subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends. Any restriction on the ability of our Bank to pay dividends will indirectly restrict the ability of the Company to pay dividends.

        The Company pays cash dividends to shareholders from its assets, which are mainly provided by dividends from the Bank. However, certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of its subsidiary to transfer funds to the Company in form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The approval of the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions ("SCBFI") is required to pay dividends that exceed the current year's net income. The Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the OCC have issued policy statements which provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings.

        The ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends may also be affected by the various minimum capital requirements and the capital and non-capital standards established under the FDICIA, as described above. The right of the Company, its shareholders, and its creditors to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of its subsidiary is further subject to the prior claims of creditors of our Bank.

        In January of 2014, the Bank requested and received approval from the SCBFI to pay a special dividend of $31.4 million. These funds, along with a normal level of Bank dividends, provided the Company with sufficient funds to redeem $65.0 million of outstanding preferred stock. In December 2014, the Company received all necessary regulatory approvals and redeemed $46.4 million of outstanding preferred stock in January 2015 (see Note 30-Subsequent Events to our audited consolidated financial statements for more information).

Certain Transactions by the Company and its Affiliates

        Various legal limitations restrict the Bank from lending or otherwise supplying funds to the Company or its non-bank subsidiaries. The Company and the Bank are subject to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Federal Reserve Regulation W. Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act places limits on the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, or investments in, or certain other transactions with, affiliates and on the amount of advances to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates. The aggregate of all covered transactions is limited in

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amount, as to any one affiliate, to 10% of the Bank's capital and surplus and, as to all affiliates combined, to 20% of the Bank's capital and surplus. Furthermore, within the foregoing limitations as to amount, each covered transaction must meet specified collateral requirements. The Bank is forbidden to purchase low quality assets from an affiliate.

        Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, among other things, prohibits a bank from engaging in certain transactions with certain affiliates unless the transactions are on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to such bank or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with or involving other nonaffiliated companies. If there are no comparable transactions, a bank's (or one of its subsidiaries') affiliate transaction must be on terms and under circumstances, including credit standards, that in good faith would be offered to, or would apply to, nonaffiliated companies.

        Regulation W generally excludes all non-bank and non-savings association subsidiaries of banks from treatment as affiliates, except to the extent that the Federal Reserve decides to treat these subsidiaries as affiliates.

        The Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, certain principal shareholders, and their related interests. Those extensions of credit:

•

must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties; and



•

must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

        Effective as of July 21, 2011, the Dodd-Frank Act expands the definition of affiliate for purposes of quantitative and qualitative limitations of Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act to include mutual funds advised by a depository institution or its affiliates. The Dodd-Frank Act will apply Section 23A and Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act (governing transactions with insiders) to derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transaction that create credit exposure to an affiliate or an insider. Any such transactions with affiliates must be fully secured. The Dodd-Frank Act also prohibits an insured depository institution from purchasing an asset from or selling an asset to an insider unless the transaction is on market terms and, if representing more than 10% of capital, is approved in advance by the disinterested directors.

Insurance of Deposits

        The deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings associations and credit unions to $250,000 per account. As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC insured institutions. It also may prohibit any FDIC insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the insurance fund.

        FDIC insured institutions are required to pay a Financing Corporation assessment to fund the interest on bonds issued to resolve thrift failures in the 1980s. These assessments, which may be revised based upon the level of deposits, will continue until the bonds mature in the years 2017 through 2019.

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        The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution if it determines after a notice and hearing that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance if the institution has no tangible capital. If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of the termination, less subsequent withdrawals, remain insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. Management is not aware of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of the Bank's deposit insurance.

Incentive Compensation

        In June 2010, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the OCC issued comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization's incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization's ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization's board of directors.

        The Federal Reserve Board will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not "large, complex banking organizations." These reviews will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization's activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization's supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization's ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization's safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

Anti-Tying Restrictions

        Under amendments to the Bank Holding Company Act and Federal Reserve Board regulations, a bank is prohibited from engaging in certain tying or reciprocity arrangements with its customers. In general, a bank may not extend credit, lease, sell property, or furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for these on the condition that:

•

the customer obtain or provide some additional credit, property, or services from or to the bank, the bank holding company or its subsidiaries; or



•

the customer not obtain some other credit, property, or services from a competitor, except to the extent reasonable conditions are imposed to assure the soundness of the credit extended.

        Certain arrangements are permissible: a bank may offer combined-balance products and may otherwise offer more favorable terms if a customer obtains two or more traditional bank products; and certain foreign transactions are exempt from the general rule. A bank holding company or any bank affiliate also is subject to anti-tying requirements in connection with electronic benefit transfer services.

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Community Reinvestment Act

        The Community Reinvestment Act requires a financial institution's primary regulator, which is the FDIC for the Bank, to evaluate the record of each financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could result in the imposition of additional requirements and limitations on the institution. Additionally, the institution must publicly disclose the terms of various Community Reinvestment Act-related agreements. In its most recent CRA examination, the Bank received a "satisfactory" rating.

Consumer Protection Regulations

        Activities of the Bank are subject to a variety of statutes and regulations designed to protect consumers. Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The loan operations of the Bank are also subject to federal laws and regulations applicable to credit transactions, such as:

•

the Dodd-Frank Act that created the CFPB within the Federal Reserve Board, which has broad rule-making authority over a wide range of consumer laws that apply to all insured depository institutions;



•

the federal Truth-In-Lending Act and Regulation Z, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers and including substantial new requirements for mortgage lending, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act;



•

the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 and Regulation C, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;



•

the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or other prohibited factors in extending credit;



•

the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act and Regulation V, as well as the rules and regulations of the FDIC, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies, certain identity theft protections and certain credit and other disclosures;



•

the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Regulation F, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and



•

the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X, which governs aspects of the settlement process for residential mortgage loans.

        The deposit operations of the Bank are also subject to federal laws, such as:

•

the Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;



•

the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E, which governs automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services;



•

the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as "Check 21"), which gives "substitute checks," such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check; and

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•

the Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD, which requires depository institutions to provide disclosures so that consumers can make meaningful comparisons about depository institutions.

Enforcement Powers

        The Bank and its "institution-affiliated parties," including its management, employees, agents, independent contractors, and consultants such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution's affairs, are subject to potential civil and criminal penalties for violations of law, regulations or written orders of a government agency. These practices can include the failure of an institution to timely file required reports or the filing of false or misleading information or the submission of inaccurate reports. Potential civil penalties have been substantially increased. Criminal penalties for some financial institution crimes have been increased to 20 years.

        In addition, regulators are provided with considerable flexibility to commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties. Possible enforcement actions include the termination of deposit insurance. Furthermore, banking agencies' have expansive power to issue cease-and-desist orders. These orders may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts or take other actions as determined by the ordering agency to be appropriate.

        The number of government entities authorized to take action against the Bank has expanded under the Dodd-Frank Act. The FDIC continues to have primary federal enforcement authority, and the SCBFI also has enforcement authority, with respect to the Bank. In addition, the CFPB also has back-up enforcement authority with respect to the consumer protection statutes above. Specifically, the CFPB may request reports from and conduct limited examinations of the Bank in conducting investigations involving the consumer protection statutes. Further, state attorneys general may bring civil actions or other proceedings under the Dodd-Frank Act or regulations against state-chartered banks, including the Bank. Prior notice to the CFPB and the FDIC would be necessary for an action against the Bank.

Anti-Money Laundering

        Financial institutions must maintain anti-money laundering programs that include established internal policies, procedures and controls; a designated compliance officer; an ongoing employee training program; and testing of the program by an independent audit function. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must meet enhanced standards for due diligence and "knowing your customer" in their dealings with foreign financial institutions, foreign customers and other high risk customers. Financial institutions must take reasonable steps to conduct enhanced scrutiny of account relationships to guard against money laundering and to report any suspicious transactions, and recent laws provide law enforcement authorities with increased access to financial information maintained by banks. Anti-money laundering obligations have been substantially strengthened as a result of the USA PATRIOT Act (the "Patriot Act"), enacted in 2001 and renewed through 2015, as described below. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations, and this area has become a particular focus of the regulators in recent years. In addition, the regulators are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications. The regulatory authorities have been active in imposing "cease and desist" orders and money penalty sanctions against institutions found to be violating these obligations.

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USA PATRIOT Act

        The Patriot Act became effective on October 26, 2001 and amended the Bank Secrecy Act. The Patriot Act provides, in part, for the facilitation of information sharing among governmental entities and financial institutions for the purpose of combating terrorism and money laundering by enhancing anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws, as well as enhanced information collection tools and enforcement mechanics for the U.S. government, including:

•

requiring standards for verifying customer identification at account opening;



•

rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering;



•

reports by nonfinancial trades and businesses filed with the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for transactions exceeding $10,000; and



•

filing suspicious activities reports by brokers and dealers if they believe a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations.

        The Patriot Act requires financial institutions to undertake enhanced due diligence of private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for non-U.S. persons that they administer, maintain, or manage. Bank regulators routinely examine institutions for compliance with these obligations and are required to consider compliance in connection with the regulatory review of applications.

        Under the Patriot Act, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN") can send the Bank a list of the names of persons suspected of involvement in terrorist activities or money laundering. The Bank may be requested to search its records for any relationships or transactions with persons on the list. If the Bank finds any relationships or transactions, it must report those relationships or transactions to FinCEN.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control

        The Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"), which is an office in the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is responsible for helping to ensure that U.S. entities do not engage in transactions with "enemies" of the United States, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC publishes lists of names of persons and organizations suspected of aiding, harboring or engaging in terrorist acts; owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of target countries, and narcotics traffickers. If a bank finds a name on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list, it must freeze or block the transactions on the account. The Bank has appointed a compliance officer to oversee the inspection of its accounts and the filing of any notifications. The Bank actively checks high-risk OFAC areas such as new accounts, wire transfers and customer files. These checks are performed using software that is updated each time a modification is made to the lists provided by OFAC and other agencies of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

Privacy and Credit Reporting

        Financial institutions are required to disclose their policies for collecting and protecting confidential information. Customers generally may prevent financial institutions from sharing nonpublic personal financial information with nonaffiliated third parties except under narrow circumstances, such as the processing of transactions requested by the consumer or when the financial institution is jointly sponsoring a product or service with a nonaffiliated third party. Additionally, financial institutions generally may not disclose consumer account numbers to any nonaffiliated third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing to consumers. The Bank's policy is not to disclose any personal information unless permitted by law.

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        Like other lending institutions, the Bank uses credit bureau data in its underwriting activities. Use of that data is regulated under the Federal Credit Reporting Act on a uniform, nationwide basis, including credit reporting, prescreening, sharing of information between affiliates, and the use of credit data. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 allows states to enact identity theft laws that are not inconsistent with the conduct required by the provisions of the act.

Fiscal and Monetary Policy

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

Proposed Legislation and Regulatory Action

        New regulations and statutes are regularly proposed that contain wide-ranging provisions for altering the structures, regulations and competitive relationships of the nation's financial institutions. We cannot predict whether or in what form any proposed regulation or statute will be adopted or the extent to which our business may be affected by any new regulation or statute.

Executive Officers of South State Corporation

        Executive officers of South State Corporation are elected by the board of directors annually and serve at the pleasure of the board of directors. The executive officers and their ages, positions over the past five years, and terms of office as of February 26, 2015, are as follows:

        None of the above officers are related and there are no arrangements or understandings between them and any other person pursuant to which any of them was elected as an officer, other than arrangements or understandings with the directors or officers of the Company acting solely in their capacities as such.

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Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

        Our business operations and the value of securities issued by us may be adversely affected by certain risk factors, many of which are outside of our control. We believe the risk factors listed could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We may also be adversely affected by additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that we currently believe are immaterial to our business operations. If any of such risks actually occur, you could lose part or all of your investment. This Report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

General Business Risks

Our business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally.

        In recent years, economic growth and business activity across a wide range of industries and regions in the U.S. has been slow and uneven. Furthermore, there are continuing concerns related to the level of U.S. government debt and fiscal actions that may be taken to address that debt. There can be no assurance that economic conditions will continue to improve, and these conditions could worsen. In addition, declining oil prices, on-going federal budget negotiations, the implementation of the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the level of U.S. debt may have a destabilizing effect on financial markets.

        Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the primary markets where we operate and in the U.S. as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, efficient capital markets, low inflation, low unemployment, high business and investor confidence, and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment, natural disasters; or a combination of these or other factors.

        Overall, during recent years, the business environment has been adverse for many households and businesses in the U.S. and worldwide. While economic conditions in our primary markets of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, as well as the U.S. and worldwide, have shown signs of improvement, there can be no assurance that this improvement will continue. Economic pressure on consumers and uncertainty regarding continuing economic improvement may result in changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings habits. Such conditions could have a material adverse effect on the credit quality of our loan portfolio and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Negative developments in the financial industry, the domestic and international credit markets, and the economy in general pose significant challenges for our industry and us and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Negative developments that began in the latter half of 2007 have now began to show some signs of improvement both nationally and in our primary markets of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The competition for deposits and quality loans has increased significantly given the limited number of qualified borrowers. As a result, we may face the following risks:

•

economic conditions that negatively affect housing prices and the job market may cause the credit quality of our loan portfolio to deteriorate;

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•

market developments that affect consumer confidence may cause adverse changes in payment patterns by our customers, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates on loans and other credit facilities;



•

the processes that we use to estimate our allowance for loan and lease losses and reserves may no longer be reliable because they rely on judgments, such as forecasts of economic conditions, that may no longer be capable of accurate estimation;



•

the value of our securities portfolio may decline; and



•

we face increased regulation of our industry, and the costs of compliance with such regulation may increase.

        These conditions or similar ones may continue to persist or worsen, causing us to experience continuing or increased adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the price of our common stock.

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

        We are exposed to the risk that our customers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans will not be sufficient to ensure full repayment. Credit losses are inherent in the lending business and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and ability to meet obligations. The volatility and deterioration in domestic markets may also increase our risk for credit losses. The composition of our loan portfolio, primarily secured by real estate, reduces loss exposure. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately 25,754 of non-acquired and acquired non-credit impaired loans secured by real estate with an average loan balance of approximately $152,000. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately 49,769 total non-acquired and acquired non-credit impaired loans with an average loan balance of approximately $95,000. We evaluate the collectability of our loan portfolio and provide an allowance for loan losses that we believe to be adequate based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans, previous loan loss experience, specific loans that have loss potential, delinquency trends, estimated fair market value of the collateral, current economic conditions, the views of our regulators, and geographic and industry loan concentrations. If our evaluation is incorrect and borrower defaults cause loan losses that exceed our allowance for loan losses, our earnings could be significantly and adversely affected. No assurance can be given that the allowance will be adequate to cover loan losses inherent in our portfolio. We may experience losses in our loan portfolio or perceive adverse conditions and trends that may require us to significantly increase our allowance for loan losses in the future, a decision that would reduce earnings.

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

        A significant portion of our non-acquired loan portfolio is secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 81.5% of our loans had real estate as a primary or secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. We have identified credit concerns with respect to certain loans in our loan portfolio which are primarily related to the economic downturn that began in the latter half of 2007. This downturn resulted in increased inventories of unsold real estate, higher vacancy rates, lower lease rates and higher foreclosure rates, which in turn caused property values for real estate collateral to decline. While economic conditions and real estate in our primary markets of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia have shown signs of improvement, there can be no assurance that this improvement will continue or that our local markets will not experience another economic decline. Deterioration in the

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real estate market could cause us to adjust our opinion of the level of credit quality in our loan portfolio. Such a determination may lead to an additional increase in our provisions for loan losses, which could also adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

If we fail to effectively manage credit risk and interest rate risk, our business and financial condition will suffer.

        We must effectively manage credit risk. There are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks with respect to the period of time over which the loan may be repaid, risks relating to proper loan underwriting and guidelines, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers and risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral. There is no assurance that our credit risk monitoring and loan approval procedures are or will be adequate or will reduce the inherent risks associated with lending. Our credit administration personnel, policies and procedures may not adequately adapt to changes in economic or any other conditions affecting customers and the quality of our loan portfolio. Any failure to manage such credit risks may materially adversely affect our business and our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

        We must also effectively manage interest rate risk. Because mortgage loans typically have much longer maturities than deposits or other types of funding, rising interest rates can raise the cost of funding relative to the value of the mortgage. We manage this risk in part by holding adjustable rate mortgages in portfolios and through other means. Conversely, the value of our mortgage servicing assets may fall when interest rates fall, as borrowers refinance into lower-yield loans. Given current rates, material reductions in rates may not be probable, but as rates rise, then the risk increases. There can be no assurance that we will successfully manage the lending and servicing businesses through all future interest-rate environments.

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

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

        Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon whether our initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction equals or exceeds the cost of the property construction (including interest) and the availability of permanent take-out financing. During the construction phase, a number of factors can result in delays and cost overruns. If estimates of value are inaccurate or if actual construction costs exceed estimates, the value of the property securing the loan may be insufficient to ensure full repayment when completed through a permanent loan or by seizure of collateral.

        Commercial business loans are typically based on the borrowers' ability to repay the loans from the cash flow of their businesses. These loans may involve greater risk because the availability of funds to repay each loan depends substantially on the success of the business itself. In addition, the collateral securing the loans have the following characteristics: (i) depreciate over time, (ii) difficult to appraise and liquidate, and (iii) fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

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        Commercial real estate, commercial business, and construction loans are more susceptible to a risk of loss during a downturn in the business cycle. Our underwriting, review, and monitoring cannot eliminate all of the risks related to these loans.

        As of December 31, 2014, our non-acquired and acquired non-credit impaired outstanding commercial real estate loans were equal to 102.1% of our total risk-based capital. The banking regulators are giving commercial real estate lending greater scrutiny, and may require banks with higher levels of commercial real estate loans to implement enhanced underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as possibly higher levels of allowances for losses and capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending growth and exposures.

Repayment of our commercial business loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.

        Our commercial business loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flow and general liquidity of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower and/or repayment capacity of any guarantor. The borrower's cash flow may be unpredictable, and collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use. In addition, business assets may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. Accordingly, the repayment of commercial business loans depends primarily on the cash flow and credit worthiness of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral value provided by the borrower and liquidity of the guarantor.

Changes in local economic conditions where we operate could have a negative effect.

        Our success depends significantly on growth, or lack thereof, in population, income levels, deposits and housing starts in the geographic markets in which we operate. The local economic conditions in these areas have a significant impact on our commercial, real estate and construction loans, the ability of borrowers to repay these loans, and the value of the collateral securing these loans. Unlike larger financial institutions that are more geographically diversified, we are a regional banking franchise. Adverse changes in, and further deterioration of, the economic conditions of the Southeast United States in general or in our primary markets in South Carolina, Mecklenburg County and Wilmington, North Carolina, Northeast Georgia, and Savannah, Georgia could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and profitability. While economic conditions in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, along with the U.S. and worldwide, have shown signs of improvement, there can be no assurance that this improvement will continue. A continuing deterioration in economic conditions could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business:

•

loan delinquencies may increase;



•

problem assets and foreclosures may increase;



•

demand for our products and services may decline; and



•

collateral for loans that we make, especially real estate, may decline in value, in turn reducing a customer's borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with the our loans.

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Liquidity needs could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        The primary sources of our bank's funds are client deposits and loan repayments. While scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, they are subject to the ability of borrowers to repay the loans. The ability of borrowers to repay loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups, reductions in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, natural disasters, which could be exacerbated by potential climate change, and international instability. Additionally, deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, regulatory capital requirements, returns available to clients on alternative investments and general economic conditions. Accordingly, we may be required from time to time to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Such sources include Federal Home Loan Bank advances, sales of securities and loans, and federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks, as well as out-of-market time deposits. While we believe that these sources are currently adequate, there can be no assurance they will be sufficient to meet future liquidity demands, particularly if we continue to grow and experience increasing loan demand. We may be required to slow or discontinue loan growth, capital expenditures or other investments or liquidate assets should such sources not be adequate.

We may make future acquisitions, which could dilute current shareholders' stock ownership and expose us to additional risks.

        In accordance with our strategic plan, we evaluate opportunities to acquire other banks and branch locations to expand the Company. As a result, we may engage in acquisitions and other transactions that could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition, including short and long-term liquidity.

        Our acquisition activities could require us to issue a significant number of shares of common stock or other securities and/or to use a substantial amount of cash, other liquid assets, and/or incur debt. In addition, if goodwill recorded in connection with our potential future acquisitions were determined to be impaired, then we would be required to recognize a charge against our earnings, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations during the period in which the impairment was recognized.

        Our acquisition activities could involve a number of additional risks, including the risks of:

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the possibility that expected benefits may not materialize in the timeframe expected or at all, or may be more costly to achieve;



•

incurring the time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions and merger partners and negotiating potential transactions, resulting in management's attention being diverted from the operation of our existing business;



•

using inaccurate estimates and judgments to evaluate credit, operations, management, and market risks with respect to the target institution or assets;



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incurring the time and expense required to integrate the operations and personnel of the combined businesses;



•

the possibility that we will be unable to successfully implement integration strategies, due to challenges associated with integrating complex systems, technology, banking centers, and other assets of the acquired bank in a manner that minimizes any adverse effect on customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies;



•

the possibility of regulatory approval for the acquisition being delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues surrounding the Company, the

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target institution or the proposed combined entity as a result of, among other things, issues related to anti-money laundering/Bank Secrecy Act compliance, fair lending laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection laws, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices regulations, or the Community Reinvestment Act, and the possibility that any such issues associated with the target institution, which we may or may not be aware of at the time of the acquisition, could impact the combined entity after completion of the acquisition;

•

the possibility that the acquisition may not be timely completed, if at all;



•

creating an adverse short-term effect on our results of operations; and



•

losing key employees and customers as a result of an acquisition that is poorly received.

        If we do not successfully manage these risks, our acquisition activities could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition, including short and long-term liquidity.

        Any acquisition of assets and liabilities of target banks that are in receivership through the FDIC bid process for failed institutions requires our Bank to enter into a Purchase & Assumption Agreement (the "P&A Agreement") with the FDIC. The P&A Agreement typically provides limited disclosure about, and limited indemnification for, risks associated with the target bank. There is a risk that such disclosure regarding, and indemnification for, the assets and liabilities of target banks will not be sufficient and we will incur unanticipated losses in connection with any acquisition of assets and liabilities of target banks through the FDIC bid process for failed institutions. We may be required to make an additional payment to the FDIC under certain circumstances following the completion of an FDIC-assisted acquisition if, for example, actual losses related to the target bank's assets acquired are less than a stated threshold.

Future acquisitions may be delayed, impeded, or prohibited due to regulatory issues.

        Future acquisitions by the Company, particularly those of financial institutions, are subject to approval by a variety of federal and state regulatory agencies (collectively, "regulatory approvals"). The process for obtaining these required regulatory approvals has become substantially more difficult in recent years. Regulatory approvals could be delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues we have, or may have, with regulatory agencies, including, without limitation, issues related to anti-money laundering/Bank Secrecy Act compliance, fair lending laws, fair housing laws, consumer protection laws, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices regulations, Community Reinvestment Act issues, and other similar laws and regulations. We may fail to pursue, evaluate or complete strategic and competitively significant acquisition opportunities as a result of our inability, or perceived or anticipated inability, to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner, under reasonable conditions or at all. Difficulties associated with potential acquisitions that may result from these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

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

        We may not be able to fully achieve the strategic objectives and operating efficiencies that we anticipate in our acquisition activities. Inherent uncertainties exist in integrating the operations of an acquired business. In addition, the markets and industries in which the Company and our potential acquisition targets operate are highly competitive. We may lose customers or the customers of acquired entities as a result of an acquisition. We also may lose key personnel from the acquired entity as a result of an acquisition. We may not discover all known and unknown factors when examining a company for acquisition during the due diligence period. These factors could produce unintended and unexpected consequences for us. Undiscovered factors as a result of acquisition, pursued by non-related

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third party entities, could bring civil, criminal, and financial liabilities against us, our management, and the management of those entities acquired. These factors could contribute to the Company not achieving the expected benefits from its acquisitions within desired time frames.

Our ability to continue to receive the benefits of our loss share arrangements with the FDIC is conditioned upon our compliance with certain requirements under the agreements.

        We are the beneficiary of loss share agreements with the FDIC that call for the FDIC to fund a portion of our losses on a majority of the assets we acquired in connection with our FDIC-assisted transactions. To recover a portion of our losses and retain the loss share protection, we must comply with certain requirements imposed by the agreements. The requirements of the agreements relate primarily to our administration of the assets covered by the agreements, as well as our obtaining the consent of the FDIC to engage in certain corporate transactions that may be deemed under the agreements to constitute a transfer of the loss share benefits. For example, among other transactions, the following transactions require the consent of the FDIC:

•

any merger or consolidation of the Company in which our shareholders will own less than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66.66%) of the equity of the consolidated entity (in connection with the merger with FFHI, the FDIC consented to the assumption by South State Bank of the First Federal purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC related to Plantation and Cape Fear), or



•

any sale of shares of our common stock, or securities convertible into our common stock, by one or more shareholders that will effect a change in control of the Company, as determined by the FDIC with reference to the standards under the Change in Bank Control Act.

        When the consent of the FDIC is required under the loss share agreements, the FDIC may withhold its consent or may condition its consent on terms that we do not find acceptable. If the FDIC does not grant its consent to a transaction we would like to pursue, or conditions its consent on terms that we do not find acceptable, we may be unable to engage in a corporate transaction that might otherwise benefit our shareholders or we may elect to pursue such a transaction without obtaining the FDIC's consent, which could result in termination of our loss share agreements with the FDIC.

        Additionally, the loss sharing agreements have limited terms; therefore, any charge-off of related losses after the term of the loss sharing agreements will not be reimbursed by the FDIC and will negatively impact our net income.

Our loss sharing arrangements with the FDIC will not cover all of our losses on loans we acquired through the acquisitions of Community Bank & Trust ("CBT"), Habersham Bank ("Habersham"), BankMeridian, Plantation Federal Bank ("Plantation"), and Cape Fear Bank ("Cape Fear").

        Although we have entered into loss share agreements with the FDIC that provide that the FDIC will bear a significant portion of losses related to specified loan portfolios that we acquired through the acquired banks, we are not protected for all losses resulting from charge-offs with respect to those specified loan portfolios. Our loss share agreements with the FDIC with respect to Plantation covers losses on certain commercial loans and commercial OREO; it does not cover losses on single-family residential real estate loans. Additionally, the loss sharing agreements have limited terms (10 years for losses on single-family residential real estate loans, as defined by the FDIC, five years for losses on non-residential real estate loans, as defined by the FDIC, and eight years with respect to recoveries on non-residential real estate loans). Therefore, the FDIC will not reimburse us for any charge-off or related losses that we experience after the term of the loss share agreements, and any such charge-offs would negatively impact our net income. Moreover, the loss share provisions in the loss share agreement may be administered improperly, or the FDIC may interpret those provisions in a way different than we do. In any of those events, our losses could increase.

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The FDIC requires that we make a "true-up" payment to the FDIC if our realized losses are less than expected.

        The loss share agreements between the bank and the FDIC with respect to CBT, Habersham, BankMeridian, Plantation, and Cape Fear each contain a provision that obligates us to make a "true-up" payment to the FDIC if the realized losses of each of these acquired banks are less than expected. The "true-up" calculation is scheduled to be made as of the 45th day following the last day of the calendar month of the tenth anniversary of the closing of the acquisitions of the acquired banks. Any such "true-up" payment that is materially higher than current estimates could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be exposed to a need for additional capital resources for the future and these capital resources may not be available when needed or at all.

        We may need to incur additional debt or equity financing in the future to make strategic acquisitions or investments or to strengthen our capital position. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control and our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired. In addition, if we decide to raise additional equity capital, our current shareholders' interests could be diluted.

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

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

•

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



•

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



•

For acquired loans, expected total cash flows decline.

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

        Our primary policy for managing interest rate risk exposure involves monitoring exposure to interest rate increases and decreases of as much as 200 basis points ratably over a 12-month period. As of December 31, 2014, the earnings simulations indicated that the impact of a 200 basis point increase in rates over 12 months would result in an approximate 0.70% increase in net interest income—as compared with a forward-rate curve interest rate scenario as the base case. As a result of the current rate environment with federal funds rates between zero and 25 basis points, simulation analysis does not produce a realistic scenario for the impact of a 200 basis point decrease in rates. These results

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indicate that our rate sensitivity is somewhat asset sensitive to the indicated change in interest rates over a one-year horizon.

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

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

We are exposed to the possibility that more prepayments may be made by customers to pay down loan balances, which could reduce our interest income and profitability.

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

Our historical operating results may not be indicative of our future operating results.

        We may not be able to sustain our historical rate of growth, and, consequently, our historical results of operations will not necessarily be indicative of our future operations. Various factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory and legislative considerations, and competition, may also impede our ability to expand our market presence. If we experience a significant decrease in our historical rate of growth, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected because a high percentage of our operating costs are fixed expenses.

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

        We are dependent on the ability and experience of a number of key management personnel who have substantial experience with our operations, the financial services industry, and the markets in which we offer products and services. The loss of one or more senior executives or key managers may have an adverse effect on our operations. Also, as we continue to grow operations, our success depends on our ability to continue to attract, manage, and retain other qualified middle management personnel. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to attract or retain such personnel.

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If we are unable to offer our key management personnel long-term incentive compensation, including options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units, as part of their total compensation package, we may have difficulty retaining such personnel, which would adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

        We have historically granted equity awards, including options, restricted stock awards or restricted stock units, to key management personnel as part of a competitive compensation package. Our ability to grant equity compensation awards as a part of our total compensation package has been vital to attracting, retaining and aligning shareholder interest with a talented management team in a highly competitive marketplace.

        In the future, we may seek shareholder approval to adopt new equity compensation plans so that we may issue additional equity awards to management in order for the equity component of our compensation packages to remain competitive in the industry. Shareholder advisory groups have implemented guidelines and issued voting recommendations related to how much equity companies should be able to grant to employees. These advisors influence certain shareholder votes regarding approval of a company's request for approval of new equity compensation plans. The factors used to formulate these guidelines and voting recommendations include the volatility of a company's share price and are influenced by broader macro-economic conditions that can change year to year. The variables used by shareholder advisory groups to formulate equity plan recommendations may limit our ability to obtain approval to adopt new equity plans in the future. If we are limited in our ability to grant equity compensation awards, we would need to explore offering other compelling alternatives to supplement our compensation, including long-term cash compensation plans or significantly increased short-term cash compensation, in order to continue to attract and retain key management personnel. If we used these alternatives to long-term equity awards, our compensation costs could increase and our financial performance could be adversely affected. If we are unable to offer key management personnel long-term incentive compensation, including options, restricted stock or restricted stock units, as part of their total compensation package, we may have difficulty attracting and retaining such personnel, which would adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

We may be adversely affected by the lack of soundness of other financial institutions.

        Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by our Bank cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to our Bank. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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

        We face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, both within and beyond our principal markets, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, regional, and internet banks within the various markets in which we operate. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative and regulatory changes and continued consolidation. In addition, as customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Banks, securities firms, and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding

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company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting), and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.

        Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:

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the ability to develop, maintain, and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards, and safe, sound assets;



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the ability to expand our market position;



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the scope, relevance, and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands;



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the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;



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customer satisfaction with our level of service; and



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industry and general economic trends.

        Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect our business.

        The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations.

Consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions.

        Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds or general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as "disintermediation," could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about clients and counterparties.

        In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties, we may rely on information furnished to us by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information. We also may rely on representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For example, in deciding whether to extend credit to clients, we may assume that a customer's audited financial statements conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Our earnings are significantly affected by our ability to properly originate, underwrite and service loans. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted to the extent we incorrectly assess the creditworthiness of our borrowers, fail to detect or respond to deterioration in asset quality in a timely manner, or rely on financial statements that do not comply with GAAP or are materially misleading.

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

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

Any requested or required changes in how we determine the impact of loss share accounting on our financial information could have a material adverse effect on our reported results.

        Our financial results are significantly affected by loss share accounting, which is driven by accounting rule interpretations, assumptions and judgments made by us, and subject to ongoing review by our accountants and the regulatory agencies to whom we report such information. Loss share accounting is a complex accounting methodology. Many of the decisions management makes regarding the application of this accounting methodology are subject to question or revision by our accountants and the various regulatory agencies to whom we report. As such, any financial information generated through the use of loss share accounting is subject to modification or change. Any significant modification or change in such information could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our previously reported results. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in us restating prior period financial statements.

We are exposed to the possibility of technology failure and a disruption in our operations may adversely affect our business.

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

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telecommunication systems, loss of power, interruption of other utilities, natural disaster, fire, global climate changes, computer hacking or viruses, failure of technology, terrorist activity or the domestic and foreign response to such activity or other events outside of our control could have an adverse impact on the financial services industry as a whole and/or on our business. Our business recovery plan may not be adequate and may not prevent significant interruptions of our operations or substantial losses. The increased number of cyber attacks during the past few years has further heightened our attention to this risk. As such, we are in the process of implementing additional security software and hiring additional persons to monitor and assist with the mitigation of this ever increasing risk.

A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third party vendors and other service providers or other third parties, including as a result of cyber attacks, could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and cause losses.

        We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Information security risks for financial institutions such as ours have generally increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists, and other external parties. As client, public, and regulatory expectations regarding operational and information security have increased, our operational systems and infrastructure must continue to be safeguarded and monitored for potential failures, disruptions, and breakdowns. Our business, financial, accounting and data processing systems, or other operating systems and facilities may stop operating properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors, including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. For example, there could be electrical or telecommunications outages; natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes; disease pandemics; events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and, as described below, cyber attacks.

        As noted above, our business relies on our digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct its operations. Although we have information security procedures and controls in place, our technologies, systems, networks, and our clients' devices may become the target of cyber attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our or our clients' confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our or our clients' or other third parties' business operations. Third parties with whom we do business or that facilitate our business activities, including financial intermediaries, or vendors that provide services or security solutions for our operations, and other third parties, could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints.

        While we have disaster recovery and other policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cybersecurity and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes and practices designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a focus for us. As threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate information security vulnerabilities. Disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support our businesses and clients, or cyber attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems or devices that our clients use to access our products and services could result in client attrition, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs, any of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

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Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, result of operations and financial condition.

        We regularly review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our deposit insurance premiums could be substantially higher in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our future earnings.

        The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured depository institutions, such as the Bank, up to $250,000 per account. The amount of a particular institution's deposit insurance assessment is based on that institution's risk classification under an FDIC risk-based assessment system. An institution's risk classification is assigned based on its capital levels and the level of supervisory concern the institution poses to its regulators. Recent market developments and bank failures significantly depleted the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund, and reduced the ratio of reserves to insured deposits. As a result of recent economic conditions and the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, banks are now assessed deposit insurance premiums based on the bank's average consolidated total assets, and the FDIC has modified certain risk-based adjustments which increase or decrease a bank's overall assessment rate. This has resulted in increases to the deposit insurance assessment rates and thus raised deposit premiums for many insured depository institutions. If these increases are insufficient for the Deposit Insurance Fund to meet its funding requirements, further special assessments or increases in deposit insurance premiums may be required.

        Banks with assets of $10 billion or more are subject to a deposit assessment based on a "scorecard" system that combines regulatory ratings and certain forward-looking financial measures intended to assess the risk an institution poses to the deposit insruance fund. If our total assets increase to $10 billion or more for at least four consecutive quarters, then the Bank's deposit insurance assessment would be based on this scorecard system, which could result in an increase in the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance.

        We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the recently increased levels. If our financial condition deteriorates or if the bank regulators otherwise have supervisory concerns about us, then our assessments could rise. Any future additional assessments, increases or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability, may limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, or otherwise negatively impact our operations.

Negative public opinion surrounding our company and the financial institutions industry generally could damage our reputation and adversely impact our earnings.

        Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion surrounding our company and the financial institutions industry generally, is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect our ability to keep and attract clients and employees and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Although we take steps to minimize reputation risk in dealing with our clients and communities, this risk will always be present given the nature of our business.

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Legal and Regulatory Risks

We are subject to extensive regulation that could restrict our activities, have an adverse impact on our operations, and impose financial requirements or limitations on the conduct of our business.

        We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various regulatory agencies. The Company is subject to Federal Reserve Board regulation, and our Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by our primary federal regulator, the FDIC, and by the SCBFI. Also, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB"), the Bank must comply with applicable regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Board and the FHLB. Regulation by these agencies is intended primarily for the protection of our depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the benefit of our shareholders. Our Bank's activities are also regulated under consumer protection laws applicable to our lending, deposit, and other activities. A sufficient claim against us under these laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

        Further, changes in laws, regulations and regulatory practices affecting the financial services industry could subject us to increased capital, liquidity and risk management requirements, create additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could also result in heightened regulatory scrutiny and in sanctions by regulatory agencies (such as a memorandum of understanding, a written supervisory agreement or a cease and desist order), civil money penalties and/or reputation damage. Any of these consequences could restrict our ability to expand our business or could require us to raise additional capital or sell assets on terms that are not advantageous to us or our shareholders and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, such violations may occur despite our best efforts.

The Dodd-Frank Act has affected and will continue to affect our business.

        On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act, which imposes significant regulatory and compliance changes. The key effects of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business include:

•

changes to regulatory capital requirements;



•

exclusion of hybrid securities, including trust preferred securities, issued on or after May 19, 2010 from Tier 1 capital;



•

creation of new government regulatory agencies (such as the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which oversees systemic risk, and the CFPB, which develops and enforces rules for bank and non-bank providers of consumer financial products);



•

potential limitations on federal preemption;



•

changes to deposit insurance assessments;



•

regulation of debit interchange fees for banks with assets of $10 billion or greater than $10 billion;



•

changes in retail banking regulations; and



•

changes in regulation of consumer mortgage loan origination and risk retention.

        In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act restricts the ability of banks to engage in certain proprietary trading or to sponsor or invest in private equity or hedge funds. The Dodd-Frank Act also contains provisions designed to limit the ability of insured depository institutions, their holding companies and

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their affiliates to conduct certain swaps and derivatives activities and to take certain principal positions in financial instruments.

        The federal agencies have issued or proposed certain rules which apply directly or differently to larger institutions with more than $10 billion in assets, such as regulations for financial institutions deemed systemically significant, regulations requiring stress tests and regulations implementing the Volcker Rule. However, requirements and policies applicable to larger institutions may, in some cases, become "best practice" standards that are expected to also be met by smaller institutions. Therefore, as a result of the changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act with respect to larger institutions, we may make changes to certain of our business practices and our profitability may be impacted. The evaluation and implementation of such changes may require significant management attention and resources.

        Many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act became effective immediately upon its enactment or have been implemented by regulations promulgated by various federal agencies. Some provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act require regulations that have not yet been proposed or finalized by the applicable federal agencies. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations may have unintended effects, which will not be clear until sometime after implementation. Certain changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with the new requirements may negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. While we cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations would have on us, these changes could be materially adverse to investors in our common stock.

If our total consolidated assets increase to $10 billion or more, we will be subject to additional regulations and oversight that are not currently applicable to us and that would impact our earnings.

        As of December 31, 2104, the Company had total assets of approximately $7.8 billion. If our total consolidated assets increase to $10 billion or more, we will become subject to additional regulations and oversight that could affect our revenues and expenses. Such regulations and oversight include the following.

        The CFPB has broad rulemaking, supervisory, and enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards. The CFPB has examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to banks with over $10 billion in assets. Banks with $10 billion or less in assets are examined for compliance with the consumer laws and regulations by their primary federal banking agency. If the Bank were to become subject to CFPB examination, receiving adverse examination findings from the CFPB, among other things, could negatively impact our operations, results of operations and financial condition.

        In addition, banking organizations with more than $10 billion in assets must conduct annual stress tests using various scenarios established by federal regulators. Such stress tests are designed to determine whether a banking organization's capital planning, assessment of capital adequacy and risk management practices adequately protect the banking organization in the event of certain economic downturn scenarios. A banking organization that is required to perform stress tests must establish adequate internal controls, documentation, policies and procedures to ensure that the annual stress test adequately meets these objectives. Banking organizations that are required to perform stress rest must report the results of their annual stress to their federal regulator and must consider the results of their stress test as part of their capital planning and risk management practices.

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        Furthermore, banks with assets in excess of $10 billion are subject to deposit insurance premium assessments based on a new scorecard issued by the FDIC. This scorecard considers, among other things, the bank's CAMELS rating and results of asset-related stress testing and funding-related stress, among other things. Depending on the results of a bank's performance under that scorecard, the total base assessment rate for the bank's deposit insurance premiums may increase.

        Banks with over $10 billion in total assets also cease to be exempt from the requirements of the Federal Reserve's rules on interchange transaction fees for debit cards, which limit subject banks to receiving only a "reasonable" interchange transaction fee for any debit card transactions processed using debit cards issued by the bank to its customers. The Federal Reserve has determined that it is unreasonable for a bank with more than $10 billion in total assets to receive more than $0.21 plus 5 basis points of the transaction plus a $0.01 fraud adjustment for an interchange transaction fee for debit card transactions.

        If our total consolidated assets were to increase to $10 billion or more, then we may expend additional resources necessary to comply with the additional applicable regulatory requirements. Increased deposit insurance assessments could result in increased expense related to our use of deposits as a funding source. Likewise, a reduction in the amount of interchange fees we receive for electronic debit interchange could reduce our revenues. Finally, a failure to meet prudential standards and stress testing requirements could, among other things, limit our ability to engage in expansionary activities or make dividend payments to our shareholders.

We are exposed to declines in the value of qualified pension plan assets or unfavorable changes in laws or regulations that govern pension plan funding, which could require us to provide significant amounts of funding for our qualified pension plan.

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

New capital rules that were recently issued generally require insured depository institutions and their holding companies to hold more capital. The impact of the new rules on our financial condition and operations is uncertain but could be materially adverse.

        In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that will revise their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. This rule substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to us. The requirements in the rule began to phase in on January 1, 2015 for the Company and the Bank. The requirements in the rule will be fully phased in by January 1, 2019.

        The final rule increases capital requirements and generally includes two new capital measurements that will affect us, a risk-based common equity Tier 1 ratio and a capital conservation buffer. Common Equity Tier 1 ("CET1") capital is a subset of Tier 1 capital and is limited to common equity (plus related surplus), retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income and certain other items. Other instruments that have historically qualified for Tier 1 treatment, including non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, are consigned to a category known as Additional Tier 1 capital and must be phased out over a period of nine years beginning in 2014. The rule permits bank holding companies with less than $15 billion in assets (such as us) to continue to include trust preferred securities and non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock issued before May 19, 2010 in Tier 1 capital, but not CET1.

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Tier 2 capital consists of instruments that have historically been placed in Tier 2, as well as cumulative perpetual preferred stock.

        The final rule adjusts all three categories of capital by requiring new deductions from and adjustments to capital that will result in more stringent capital requirements and may require changes in the ways we do business. Among other things, the current rule on the deduction of mortgage servicing assets from Tier 1 capital has been revised in ways that are likely to require a greater deduction than we currently make and that will require the deduction to be made from CET1. This deduction phases in over a three-year period from 2015 through 2017. We closely monitor our mortgage servicing assets, and we expect to maintain our mortgage servicing asset at levels below the deduction thresholds by a combination of sales of portions of these assets from time to time either on a flowing basis as we originate mortgages or through bulk sale transactions. Additionally, any gains on sale from mortgage loans sold into securitizations must be deducted in full from CET1. This requirement phases in over three years from 2015 through 2017. Under the earlier rule and through 2014, no deduction was required.

        Beginning in 2015, the minimum capital requirements for the Company and the Bank will be (i) a CET1 ratio of 4.5%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital (CET1 plus Additional Tier 1 capital) of 6% (up from 4%) and (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (the current requirement). Our leverage ratio requirement will remain at the 4% level now required. Beginning in 2016, a capital conservation buffer will phase in over three years, ultimately resulting in a requirement of 2.5% on top of the CET1, Tier 1 and total capital requirements, resulting in a require CET1 ratio of 7%, a Tier 1 ratio of 8.5%, and a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Failure to satisfy any of these three capital requirements will result in limits on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions. While the final rules will result in higher regulatory capital standards, it is difficult at this time to predict when or how any new standards will ultimately be applied to us.

        In addition to the higher required capital ratios and the new deductions and adjustments, the final rule increases the risk weights for certain assets, meaning that we will have to hold more capital against these assets. For example, commercial real estate loans that do not meet certain new underwriting requirements must be risk-weighted at 150%, rather than the current 100%. There are also new risk weights for unsettled transactions and derivatives. We also will be required to hold capital against short-term commitments that are not unconditionally cancelable; currently, there are no capital requirements for these off-balance sheet assets. All changes to the risk weights take effect in full in 2015.

        In addition, in the current economic and regulatory environment, bank regulators may impose capital requirements that are more stringent than those required by applicable existing regulations. The application of more stringent capital requirements for us could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk-based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital or additional capital conservation buffers, could result in management modifying our business strategy and could limit our ability to make distributions, including paying dividends or buying back our shares.

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.

        The federal Bank Secrecy Act, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (which we refer to as the "Patriot Act") and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs and file suspicious activity and

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currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, established by the U.S. Treasury Department to administer the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the OFAC. Federal and state bank regulators also have begun to focus on compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering regulations. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we have already acquired or may acquire in the future are deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans, which would negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us.

Federal, state and local consumer lending laws may restrict our ability to originate certain mortgage loans or increase our risk of liability with respect to such loans and could increase our cost of doing business.

        Federal, state and local laws have been adopted that are intended to eliminate certain lending practices considered "predatory." These laws prohibit practices such as steering borrowers away from more affordable products, selling unnecessary insurance to borrowers, repeatedly refinancing loans and making loans without a reasonable expectation that the borrowers will be able to repay the loans irrespective of the value of the underlying property. Loans with certain terms and conditions and that otherwise meet the definition of a "qualified mortgage" may be protected from liability to a borrower for failing to make the necessary determinations. In either case, we may find it necessary to tighten our mortgage loan underwriting standards in response to the CFPB rules, which may constrain our ability to make loans consistent with our business strategies. It is our policy not to make predatory loans and to determine borrowers' ability to repay, but the law and related rules create the potential for increased liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities. They increase our cost of doing business and, ultimately, may prevent us from making certain loans and cause us to reduce the average percentage rate or the points and fees on loans that we do make.

We are subject to federal and state fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.

        Federal and state fair lending laws and regulations, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The Department of Justice, CFPB and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. A successful challenge to our performance under the fair lending laws and regulations could adversely impact our rating under the Community Reinvestment Act and result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on merger and acquisition activity and restrictions on expansion activity, which could negatively impact our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Federal Reserve Board may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.

        The Federal Reserve Board requires a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. Under the "source of strength" doctrine, the Federal Reserve Board may require a bank holding

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company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal bank regulators to require that all companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as a source of strength for the institution. Under these requirements, in the future, we could be required to provide financial assistance to our Bank if the Bank experiences financial distress.

        A capital injection may be required at times when we do not have the resources to provide it, and therefore we may be required to borrow the funds. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the holding company's general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any borrowing that must be done by the holding company in order to make the required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive and will adversely impact the holding company's cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The downgrade of the U.S. credit rating could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        Recent U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns together with signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe, have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns in the U.S. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling in 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from "AAA" to "AA+" in August 2011. The impact of any further downgrades to the U.S. government's sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. In January 2013, the U.S. government adopted legislation to suspend the debt limit until March 19, 2013. In October 2013, the debt ceiling was suspended until February 7, 2014, and in February 2014, the debt ceiling was suspended further until March 16, 2015. Moody's and Fitch have each warned that they may downgrade the U.S. government's rating if the federal debt is not stabilized. A downgrade of the U.S. government's credit rating or a default by the U.S. government to satisfy its debt obligations likely would create broader financial turmoil and uncertainty, which would weigh heavily on the global banking system. It is possible that any such impact could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are party to various lawsuits incidental to our business. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties such that the expenses and ultimate exposure with respect to many of these matters cannot be ascertained.

        From time to time, customers and others make claims and take legal action pertaining to our performance of fiduciary responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal actions are legitimate or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in our favor, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of us and our products and services as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock

Our ability to pay cash dividends is limited, and we may be unable to pay future dividends even if we desire to do so.

        Our ability to pay cash dividends may be limited by regulatory restrictions, by our Bank's ability to pay cash dividends to our holding company and by our need to maintain sufficient capital to support our operations. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve Board's policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization's capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve's policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

        Since the Company is legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and does not conduct stand-alone operations, its ability to pay dividends depends on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to it. As a South Carolina chartered bank, the Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of dividends that it is permitted to pay. Unless otherwise instructed by the SCBFI or the Commissioner of Banking, the Bank is generally permitted under South Carolina state banking regulations to pay cash dividends of up to 100% of net income in any calendar year without obtaining the prior approval of the SCBFI. The Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the OCC have issued policy statements which provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. In addition, under Federal Reserve Board regulations, a dividend cannot be paid by the Bank if it would be less than well-capitalized after the dividend. The Federal Reserve Board may also prevent the payment of a dividend by the Bank if it determines that the payment would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice.

        If our Bank is not permitted to pay cash dividends to our holding company, it is unlikely that we would be able to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Moreover, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, and if declared by our board of directors. Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our board of directors could reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future.

We may issue additional shares of stock or equity derivative securities that will dilute the percentage ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock and adversely affect the terms on which we may obtain additional capital.

        Our authorized capital includes 40,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of December 31, 2014, we had 24,150,702 shares of common stock outstanding and had reserved for issuance 294,342 shares underlying options that are or may become exercisable at an average price of $35.91 per share. In addition, as of December 31, 2014, we had the ability to issue 1,421,540 shares of common stock pursuant to options and restricted stock that may be granted in the future under our existing equity compensation plans.

        Subject to applicable NASDAQ rules, our board generally has the authority, without action by or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of any authorized but unissued shares of stock for any corporate purpose. Such corproate purposes could include, among other things, issuances of equity-based incentives under or outside of our equity compensation plans, issuances of equity in business

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combination transactions, and issuances of equity to raise additional capital to support growth or to otherwise strengthen our balance sheet. Any issuance of additional shares of stock or equity derivative securities will dilute the percentage ownership interest of our shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock. Shares we issue in connection with any such offering will increase the total number of outstanding shares and may dilute the economic and voting ownership interest of our existing shareholders.

Our stock price may be volatile, which could result in losses to our investors and litigation against us.

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

        Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for our investors to resell their common stock when they desire and at prices they find attractive. Moreover, in the past, securities class action lawsuits have been instituted against some companies following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We could in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management's attention and resources from our normal business.

Future sales of our stock by our shareholders or the perception that those sales could occur may cause our stock price to decline.

        Although our common stock is listed for trading in The NASDAQ Global Select Market^SM, the trading volume in our common stock is lower than that of other larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of our common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the relatively low trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that those sales may occur, could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline or to be lower than it otherwise might be in the absence of those sales or perceptions.

State law and provisions in our articles of incorporation or bylaws could make it more difficult for another company to purchase us, even though such a purchase may increase shareholder value.

        In many cases, shareholders may receive a premium for their shares if we were purchased by another company. State law and our articles of incorporation and bylaws could make it difficult for anyone to purchase us without the approval of our board of directors. For example, our articles of incorporation divide the board of directors into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms with approximately one-third of the board of directors elected at each annual meeting of shareholders. This classification of directors makes it more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of the board of directors. As a result, at least two annual meetings of shareholders would be required for the shareholders to change a majority of the directors, whether or not a change in the board of directors would be beneficial and whether or not a majority of shareholders believe that such a change would be desirable.

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        Our articles of incorporation provide that a merger, exchange or consolidation of the Company with, or the sale, exchange or lease of all or substantially all of our assets to, any person or entity (referred to herein as a "Fundamental Change"), must be approved by the holders of at least 80% of our outstanding voting stock if the board of directors does not recommend a vote in favor of the Fundamental Change. The articles of incorporation further provide that a Fundamental Change involving a shareholder that owns or controls 20% or more of our voting stock at the time of the proposed transaction (a "Controlling Party") must be approved by the holders of at least (i) 80% of our outstanding voting stock, and (ii) 67% of our outstanding voting stock held by shareholders other than the Controlling Party, unless (x) the transaction has been recommended to the shareholders by a majority of the entire board of directors or (y) the consideration per share to be received by our shareholders generally is not less than the highest price per share paid by the Controlling Party in the acquisition of its holdings of our common stock during the preceding three years. The approval by the holders of at least 80% of our outstanding voting stock is required to amend or repeal these provisions contained in our articles of incorporation. Finally, in the event that any such Fundamental Change is not recommended by the board of directors, the holders of at least 80% of our outstanding voting stock must attend a meeting called to address such transaction, in person or by proxy, in order for a quorum for the conduct of business to exist. If the 80% and 67% vote requirements described above do not apply because the board of directors recommends the transaction or the consideration is deemed fair, as applicable, then pursuant to the provisions of the South Carolina Business Corporation Act, the Fundamental Change generally must be approved by two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast with respect thereto.

        Consequently, a takeover attempt may prove difficult, and shareholders may not realize the highest possible price for their securities.

An investment in our common stock is not an insured deposit.

        Our common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund, or by any other public or private entity. An investment in our common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described in this "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in this report and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any company. As a result, if you acquire our common stock, you may lose some or all of your investment.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

        None.

Item 2.    Properties.

        Our corporate headquarters are located in a four-story facility, located at 520 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina. The main offices of South State Bank and the Midlands region lead branch are also located in this approximately 57,000 square-foot building. Including this main location, our bank owns 91 properties and leases 41 properties, all of which are used as branch locations or for housing operational units in North and South Carolina and Georgia. Although the properties owned and leased are generally considered adequate, we have a continuing program of modernization, expansion, and when necessary, occasional replacement of facilities. For additional information relating to the Company's premises, equipment and lease commitments, see Note 7—Premises and Equipment and Note 21—Lease Commitments to our audited consolidated financial statements.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

        As of December 31, 2014 and the date of this form 10-K, we believe that we are not a party to, nor is any of our property the subject of, any pending material proceeding other than those that may occur in the ordinary course of our business.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.

        Not applicable.

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PART II

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

(a)

The table below describes historical information regarding our common equity securities:

Quarterly Common Stock Price Ranges and Dividends

        As of February 26, 2015, we had issued and outstanding 24,156,759 shares of common stock which were held by approximately 15,500 shareholders of record. Our common stock trades in The NASDAQ Global Select Market^SM under the symbol "SSB."

        The Company is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies, which expresses the Federal Reserve Board's view that a bank holding company generally should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the holding company's net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the holding company's capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board also indicated that it would be inappropriate for a bank holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends.

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        We pay cash dividends to the Company's shareholders from our assets, which are provided primarily by dividends paid to the Company by our Bank. Certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of our subsidiary to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The approval of the SCBFI is required to pay dividends in excess of the bank's net income for the current year. For the year ended December 31, 2014, our Bank paid dividends of approximately $89.8 million to the Company. We anticipate that we will continue to pay cash dividends from our Bank to the Company in the future without needing SCBFI approval. Dividends paid to our shareholders are approved each quarter by the board of directors.

Cumulative Total Return Performance

        The performance graph above compares the Company's cumulative total return over the most recent five-year period with the NASDAQ Composite and the SNL Southeast Bank Index, a banking industry performance index for the Southeastern United States. Returns are shown on a total return basis, assuming the reinvestment of dividends and a beginning stock index value of $100 per share. The value of the Company's common stock as shown in the graph is based on published prices for transactions in the Company's stock.

(b)

Not applicable.

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(c)

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

        In February 2004, we announced a program with no formal expiration date to repurchase up to 250,000 of our common shares. The following table reflects share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter of 2014:

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

        The following table presents selected financial and quantitative data for the five years ended December 31 for South State Corporation:

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        The table below provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP for the five years ended December 31:

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        Operating earnings available to common shareholders, basic operating earnings per share, and diluted operating earnings per share are non-GAAP measures and exclude the after-tax effects of gains on acquisitions, gains or losses on sales of securities, other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI"), merger and conversion related expense, termination of group insurance, and FHLB prepayment fees. The tangible measures above are non-GAAP measures and exclude the effect of period end or average balance of intangible assets. The tangible return on equity measures also adds back the after-tax amortization of intangibles to GAAP basis net income. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide additional information that is useful to investors in evaluating the Company's performance and capital and that may facilitate comparisons with others in the banking industry as well as period-to-period comparisons. 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, are not audited, and may not be comparable to other similarly titled financial measures used by other companies. Investors should not consider non-GAAP measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP.

        The following table presents selected financial data for the five years ended December 31:

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

Forward-Looking Statements

        Statements included in this Report 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 and Exchange Act of 1934. The words "may," "will," "anticipate," "should," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "may," and "intend," as well as other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are estimates reflecting our judgment based on current information, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the matters described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Report and the following:

•

Credit risk associated with an obligor's failure to meet the terms of any contract with the Bank or otherwise fail to perform as agreed;



•

Interest rate risk involving the effect of a change in interest rates on both the Bank's earnings and the market value of the portfolio equity;



•

Liquidity risk affecting our Bank's ability to meet its obligations when they come due;



•

Price risk focusing on changes in market factors that may affect the value of financial instruments which are "marked-to-market" periodically;



•

Merger integration risk, including potential deposit attrition, higher than expected costs, customer loss and business disruption, including, without limitation, potential difficulties in maintaining relationships with key personnel and other integration related-matters, and the inability to identify and successfully negotiate and complete additional combinations with potential merger or acquisition partners or to successfully integrate such businesses into the Company, including the ability to realize the benefits and cost savings from, and limit any unexpected liabilities associated with, any such business combinations;



•

Transaction risk arising from problems with service or product delivery;



•

Compliance risk involving risk to earnings or capital resulting from violations of or nonconformance with laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, or ethical standards;



•

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;



•

Regulatory change risk resulting from new laws, rules, regulations, proscribed practices or ethical standards, including the possibility that regulatory agencies may require higher levels of capital above the current regulatory-mandated minimums, including the impact of the new capital rules under Basel III;



•

Strategic risk resulting from adverse business decisions or improper implementation of business decisions;



•

Reputation risk that adversely affects earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion;



•

Terrorist activities risk that result in loss of consumer confidence and economic disruptions;



•

Cybersecurity risk related to our dependence on internal computer systems and the technology of outside service providers, as well as the potential impacts of third-party security breaches, subjects us to potential business disruptions or financial losses resulting from deliberate attacks or unintentional events;

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•

Noninterest income risk resulting from the effect of final rules amending Regulation E 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; and



•

Economic downturn risk resulting in changes in the credit markets, greater than expected non-interest expenses, excessive loan losses and other factors, which risks could be exacerbated by potential negative economic developments resulting from the expiration of the federal tax reductions, and the implementation of federal spending cuts currently scheduled to go into effect.

        Additional information with respect to factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by our forward-looking statements may also be included in other reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exclusive and not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

        For any forward-looking statements made in this Report or in any documents incorporated by reference into this Report, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Report or the date of any document incorporated by reference in Report. We do not undertake to update forward looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. All subsequent written and oral forward looking statements by the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Report.

Introduction

        The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") describes South State Corporation and its subsidiary's results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, and the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, and also analyzes our financial condition as of December 31, 2014 as compared to December 31, 2013. Like most banking institutions, we derive most of our income from interest we receive on our loans and investments. Our primary source of funds for making these loans and investments is our deposits, on most of which we pay interest. Consequently, one of the key measures of our success is the amount of net interest income, or the difference between the income on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the expense on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits. Another key measure is the spread between the yield we earn on these interest-earning assets and the rate we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.

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

        In addition to earning interest on our loans and investments, we earn income through fees and other services we charge to our customers. We incur costs in addition to interest expense on deposits and other borrowings, the largest of which is salaries and employee benefits. We describe the various components of this noninterest income and noninterest expense in the following discussion.

        The following section also identifies significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements. We encourage

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you to read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes and the other information included in this Report.

Overview

        We achieved net income of $74.4 million, or $3.08 diluted earnings per share ("EPS"), during 2014 compared to net income of $47.9 million, or $2.38 diluted EPS in 2013. Net interest income was up $53.0 million, or 19.4%, due primarily to having twelve months of results included in 2014 from the acquisition of FFHI compared to five months in 2013. In addition, average earning assets increased by $1.3 billion, a 24.0% increase over the prior year. This increase resulted in interest income increasing by $55.7 million, or 19.4%. Interest expense increased by $2.7 million, or 20.6%, driven by a $906.3 million increase in interest-bearing liabilities, a 20.7% increase from 2013. Overall cost of funds, including costs associated with noninterest bearing liabilities, declined to 22 basis points from approximately 25 basis points. Provision for loan losses increased by $4.7 million compared to 2013 due primarily to $602.6 million of non-acquired loan growth. Noninterest income increased by $41.0 million, or 76.3%, due primarily to the acquisition of FFHI and inclusion of that business for all of 2014 compared to five months in 2013; and a significant decline in amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset of approximately $7.6 million. Noninterest expense was higher than the prior year by $52.4 million due primarily to a significant increase in salaries and employee benefits of $36.3 million. All other expense categories increased as a result of the acquisition of FFHI in mid-2013. OREO expense and loan related declined by $1.9 million as the inventory of OREO continues to decline, therefore, reducing our cost to carry these assets and our write downs were less as the economy continued to improve. In addition, the amortization of intangibles increased by more than $2.2 million for the year, or 36.8%, with a full year of amortization expense on acquired FFHI intangibles included in 2014 compared to five months in 2013. Income taxes increased by $10.6 million due primarily to the larger pre-tax income in 2014 than 2013 of $36.9 million. The effective tax rate decreased from 34.00% to 32.30% due primarily to increases in both federal and state tax credit investments.

        At December 31, 2014, total classified assets declined by $4.9 million or 5.1% to $91.2 million from the level at December 31, 2013. Net charge offs as a percentage of average non-acquired loans for 2014 equaled 0.16% compared to 0.41% in 2013, an improvement of 0.25%. Non-acquired nonperforming assets ("NPAs") decreased to $36.5 million at December 31, 2014 from $55.7million at December 31, 2013, due to a decrease in the level of non-acquired nonaccrual loans and non-acquired OREO. NPAs as a percentage of non-acquired loans and repossessed assets decreased 89 basis points to 1.05% at December 31, 2014 as compared to 1.94% at December 31, 2013. Total NPAs (including acquired NPAs) to total assets at December 31, 2014 were 1.02% compared to 1.36% at the end of 2013. These improvements in NPAs reflect the gradual improvement of the real estate market within our local markets and overall improvement in the economy.

        Our efficiency ratio was 71.4% at December 31, 2014 as compared to 75.9% at December 31, 2013. This lower ratio was primarily the result of the growth of net interest income and non-interest income in relation to the growth of noninterest expense during 2014. On an operating basis for December 31, 2014 and 2013, the efficiency ratio was 63.0% and 64.9%, respectively, excluding merger and conversion related expenses and OREO and loan related cost.

        Our balance sheet continued to strengthen as evidenced by the decline in OREO of $22.2 million, or 34.2%; the decline in the FDIC receivable for loss share agreements by $64.3 million, or 74.4%; the redemption of $65.0 million in preferred stock with a 9% dividend rate in March 2014, a savings of $5.9 million annually; growth of our non-acquired loans of $602.6 million, or 21.0%; and increase in non-interest bearing deposits of $153.5 million, or 10.3%. Our acquired loan portfolio decreased during 2014 by $574.2 million, or 20.4%. On January 7, 2015, we redeemed $45.0 million of Trust Preferred Securities, classified as "other borrowings" on our balance sheet, which had an interest rate of 7%. This transaction is expected to save $2.2 million, net of tax, during 2015.

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        We continue to remain well-capitalized with a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.43% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 9.47%, as of December 31, 2014, compared to 14.47% and 9.30%, at December 31, 2013. The total risk-based capital ratio has declined slightly due to the increase in risk-weighted assets with the expiration of the Cape Fear loss share agreement on commercial assets on June 30, 2014, which moved assets from 20% to 100% risk weighted. In addition, capital remained relatively flat with net income nearly offset by the redemption of $65.0 million in preferred stock and dividends paid to preferred and common shareholders during 2014. Tier 1 leverage ratio slightly increased from the prior year and reflects equity movements discussed earlier. We believe our current capital ratios position us well to grow both organically and through certain strategic opportunities.

        At December 31, 2014, we had $7.8 billion in assets and 2,081 full-time equivalent employees. Through our Bank we provide our customers with checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings and time deposits of various types, brokerage services and alternative investment products such as annuities and mutual funds, trust and asset management services, business loans, agriculture loans, real estate loans, personal use loans, home improvement loans, automobile loans, credit cards, letters of credit, home equity lines of credit, safe deposit boxes, bank money orders, wire transfer services, correspondent banking services, and use of ATM facilities.

Recent Government Actions

        Please see the caption "Regulation and Supervision" under PART I, Item 1 Business on page 4.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

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

Allowance for Non-acquired Loan Losses

        The allowance for loan losses reflects the estimated losses that will result from the inability of our bank's borrowers to make required loan payments. The allowance for loan losses is established for estimated loan losses through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

        The allowance consists of general and specific reserves. The general reserves are determined, for loans not identified as impaired, by applying loss percentages to the portfolio that are based on historical loss experience and management's evaluation and "risk grading" of the loan portfolio. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are included in this evaluation. The specific reserves are determined, for impaired loans, on a loan-by-loan basis based on management's evaluation of the Company's exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. Management evaluates nonaccrual loans and TDRs to determine whether or not they are impaired. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The Company requires updated appraisals on at least an annual basis for impaired loans that are collateral dependent. Generally, the need for specific reserve is evaluated on impaired loans, and once a specific

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reserve is established for a loan, a charge off of that amount occurs in the quarter subsequent to the establishment of the specific reserve.

Allowance for Acquired Loan Losses

        With the FFHI and Savannah acquisitions, the Company segregated the loan portfolio between loans for which there was a discount related, in part, to credit (ASC Topic 310-30 loans) and loans for which there was not a material discount attributable to credit. The loans where the discount was not attributable to credit or revolving type loans are accounted for under FASB ASC 310-20, with each loan being accounted for individually. The allowance for loan losses on these loans will be measured and recorded consistent with non-acquired loans.

        Subsequent to the acquisition date, decreases in cash flows expected to be received on FASB ASC Topic 310-30 acquired loans from the Company's initial estimates are recognized as impairment through the provision for loan losses. For acquired loans subject to a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC, the FDIC indemnification asset will be adjusted prospectively in a similar, consistent manner with increases and decreases in expected cash flows.

        Probable and significant increases in cash flows (in a loan pool where an allowance for acquired loan losses was previously recorded) reduces the remaining allowance for acquired loan losses before recalculating the amount of accretable yield percentage for the loan pool in accordance with ASC 310-30. For covered loan pools, the reduction of the remaining allowance for acquired loan losses would be offset by the impact to the indemnification asset depending on each covered portfolio's loss share coverage (either 80%, in the case of Habersham, Cape Fear, Plantation, and BankMeridian, or 95%, in the case of CBT).

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO")

        OREO, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or through a deed in lieu of foreclosure in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current valuations obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses.

        Subsequent declines in the fair value of OREO below the new cost basis are recorded through valuation adjustments. Significant judgments and complex estimates are required in estimating the fair value of other real estate, and the period of time within which such estimates can be considered current is significantly shortened during periods of market volatility. In response to market conditions and other economic factors, management may utilize liquidation sales as part of its problem asset disposition strategy. As a result of the significant judgments required in estimating fair value and the variables involved in different methods of disposition, the net proceeds realized from sales transactions could differ significantly from the current valuations used to determine the fair value of OREO. Management reviews the value of OREO periodically and adjusts the values as appropriate. Revenue and expenses from OREO operations as well as gains or losses on sales and any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as OREO expense and loan related expense, a component of non-interest expense.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is

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recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. The goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing each reporting unit's estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment.

        If required, the second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. Management has determined that the Company has one reporting unit.

        Our stock price has historically traded above its book value and tangible book value. During 2014, the lowest trading price for our stock was $53.87, and the stock price closed on December 31, 2014 at $67.08, above book value and tangible book value. We evaluated the carrying value of goodwill as of April 30, 2014, our annual test date, and determined that no impairment charge was necessary. Should our future earnings and cash flows decline, discount rates increase, and/or the market value of our stock decreases, an impairment charge to goodwill and other intangible assets may be required.

        Core deposit intangibles, client list intangibles, and noncompetition ("noncompete") intangibles consist of costs that resulted from the acquisition of other banks from other financial institutions. Core deposit intangibles represent the estimated value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in these transactions. Client list intangibles represent the value of long-term client relationships for the wealth and trust management business. Noncompete intangibles represent the value of key personnel relative to various competitive factors such as ability to compete, willingness or likelihood to compete, and feasibility based upon the competitive environment, and what the Bank could lose from competition. These costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives, such as deposit accounts in the case of core deposit intangible, on a method that we believe reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from this intangible. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

Income Taxes and Deferred Tax Assets

        Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related to differences between the tax basis and accounting basis of certain assets and liabilities, including available-for-sale securities, allowance for loan losses, write downs of OREO properties, accumulated depreciation, net operating loss carry forwards, accretion income, deferred compensation, intangible assets, and pension plan and post-retirement benefits. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. A valuation allowance is recorded in situations where it is "more likely than not" that a deferred tax asset is not realizable. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. We file a consolidated federal

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income tax return for our subsidiary bank. We evaluate the need for income tax reserves related to uncertain income tax positions but had no material reserves at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Business Combinations, Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired, and FDIC Indemnification Asset

        We account for acquisitions under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, and liabilities assumed, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk.

        Acquired credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, formerly American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") Statement of Position (SOP) 03-3, Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer, and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Loans acquired in business combinations with evidence of credit deterioration are considered impaired. Loans acquired through business combinations that do not meet the specific criteria of FASB ASC Topic 310-30, but for which a discount is attributable, at least in part to credit quality, are also accounted for under this guidance. Certain acquired loans, such as lines of credit (consumer and commercial) and loans for which there was no discount attributable to credit are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-20, where the discount is accreted through earnings based on estimated cash flows over the estimated life of the loan.

        In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, the FDIC Indemnification Assets are initially recorded at fair value, and are measured separately from the loan assets and foreclosed assets because the loss sharing agreements are not contractually embedded in them or transferrable with them in the event of disposal. The FDIC indemnification asset is measured at carrying value subsequent to initial measurement. Improved cash flows of the underlying covered assets will result in impairment of the FDIC indemnification asset and negative accretion through non-interest income over the shorter of the lives of the FDIC indemnification asset or the underlying loans. Impairment of the underlying covered assets will result in improved cash flows of the FDIC indemnification asset and a credit to the provision for loan losses for acquired loans will result.

        For further discussion of the Company's loan accounting and acquisitions, see Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions and Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses to the audited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Standards and Pronouncements

        For information relating to recent accounting standards and pronouncements, see Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements entitled "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."

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Results of Operations

        Consolidated net income available to common shareholders increased by $26.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase reflects the improved net interest income and improved noninterest income, partially offset by an increase in the provision for loan losses, increases in noninterest expenses and an increase in the provision for income taxes. Calendar year 2013 included five months of activity after the acquisition of FFHI compared to 2014 which included the full twelve months of activity. Below are key highlights of our results of operations during 2014:

•

Consolidated net income available to common shareholders increased 55.4% to $74.4 million in 2014 compared with $47.9 million in 2013, and increased $44.3 million or 147.6% from 2012, when net income totaled $30.0 million.



•

Basic earnings per common share increased to $3.11 in 2014 compared with $2.41 in 2013, or 29.0%, and $2.04 in 2012, or 52.5%.



•

Diluted earnings per common share increased to $3.08 in 2014 compared with $2.38 in 2013, or 29.4%, and $2.03 in 2012, or 51.7%.



•

Book value per common share was $40.78 at the end of 2014, an increase from $40.72 at the end of 2013 and $29.97 at the end of 2012. The slight increase in 2014 was related to higher net income and reduced accumulated other comprehensive loss. These were partially offset by the redemption of preferred stock of $65.0 million in March of 2014 and the payment of dividends to common and preferred shareholders during the year. The increase from 2012 was primarily the result of the acquisition of FFHI during 2013.



•

Return on average assets increased to 0.95% in 2014, compared with 0.77% in 2013 and 0.70% in 2012. The increase in return on average assets for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013 was driven by improved net income partially offset by the increase in average total assets primarily from the acquisition of FFHI. Average assets increased by approximately $1.6 billion, or 24.9% during 2014.



•

Return on average common shareholders' equity increased to 7.80% in 2014, compared with 6.99% in 2013, and increased from 7.15% in 2012. The increase in 2014 was the result of higher net income which outpaced the $268.1 million average increase in common equity. The increase from 2012 reflected the increase in average shareholders' equity from the issuance of common shares related to the FFHI merger and fully offset by higher net income.



•

Our dividend payout ratio decreased to 26.61% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared with 31.91% in 2013 and 34.11% in 2012. The decrease from 2013 and 2012 reflects higher net income available to common shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The higher net income was primarily the result of the acquisition of FFHI in 2013. Our dividend was increased by $0.08 per share, or 10.8% in 2014 compared to 2013.



•

Our common equity to assets ratio increased to 12.58% at December 31, 2014 compared with 11.55% in 2013 and 9.88% in 2012.

        The yield on average earning assets declined by 19 basis points in 2014 from 2013 due primarily to the decline in the yield on acquired loans which decreased by 73 basis points and a decline in the yield on non-acquired loans which decreased by 25 basis points. Both of these decreases were directly attributable to the low interest rate environment. This decrease was fully offset by the increase in volume from a full year of acquired loans from the FFHI acquisition being included in 2014 which increased the average balance by $687.5 million (only five months in 2013) and resulted in an increase in interest income of $38.1 million, and non-acquired loan volume increased substantially in 2014, which resulted in an increase in interest income of $13.1 million. Average rate of interest-bearing

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liabilities remained level in 2014 with 2013 at 30 basis points. All categories of funding showed improvement during 2014, other than the other borrowing category which included a full year of 7% cost on trust preferred securities acquired in the FFHI acquisition (see Note 30—Subsequent Events in our notes to the audited consolidated financial statements). These trust preferred securities resulted in an increase in interest expense of $1.9 million in 2014 over 2013. Interest expense on deposits increased by approximately $812,000 which was the result of an increase in balances during the year. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities grew by $906.3 million, or 20.7%, due primarily from the acquisition of FFHI. Overall, higher net interest income was the result of a much higher average earning asset base in 2014, partially offset by a decline in the overall yield.

        In the table below, we have reported our results of operations by quarter for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Table 1—Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)

Net Interest Income

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

        The Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee's target for Federal funds remained at a range of zero to 0.25% for the year ended December 31, 2014. We continued to reduce rates on all of our deposit products in 2014 in line with the historically low Federal funds target. The reduction in the rates on interest-bearing liabilities contributed to higher net interest income for 2014 as compared to 2013. The repricing of all of our deposit products to lower interest rates, offset by the full year impact of additional balances added from the FFHI merger resulted in an increase in interest expense of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in net interest income was volume driven, as average interest-earning assets increased considerably during the year. The yields on interest-earning assets continued to adjust downward while the rates on interest-bearing liabilities remained relatively flat contributing to the decline in the net interest margin.

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        Net interest income highlighted for the year ended December 31, 2014:

•

Net interest income increased by $53.0 million, or 19.4%, to $326.4 million during 2014.



•

Higher 2014 net interest income was driven by an increase in volume as total average interest-earning assets increased by $1.3 billion, or 24.0%. This increase is partially offset by lower accretion income on the acquired credit-impaired loans.



•

An increase in the average balances of both acquired and non-acquired loans was the largest contributor to the volume increase, accounting for 87.3% of the growth in the average balance of total interest-earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2014. The average balance of acquired loans increased $687.5 million and the average balance of non-acquired loans increased $474.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2013.



•

Non-taxable equivalent net interest margin decreased 18 basis points to 4.75% from 4.93% in 2013.



•

Net interest margin (taxable equivalent) decreased 19 basis points to 4.80% during 2014.



•

Interest-free funds favorably impacted net interest margin by seven basis points, an increase of one basis point from the year ended December 31, 2013.

        Net interest income highlighted for the year ended December 31, 2013:

•

Net interest income increased by $97.0 million, or 55.0%, to $273.4 million during 2013.



•

Higher 2013 net interest income was driven by higher average balances of interest earning assets from the FFHI and Savannah mergers completed in July 2013 and December 2012, respectively, and by a 7 basis point decrease in the average rate on interest-bearing liabilities.



•

Non-taxable equivalent net interest margin increased 17 basis points to 4.93% from 4.76% in 2012.



•

Net interest margin (taxable equivalent) increased 16 basis points to 4.99% during 2013.



•

Interest-free funds favorably impacted net interest margin by six basis points, flat from the year ended December 31, 2012.



•

The average balance of acquired loans increased $1.3 billion from the year ended December 31, 2012 due to the FFHI and Savannah mergers. This partially offset the impact of declining interest rates on non-acquired loans.

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Table 2—Yields on Average Interest-Earning Assets and Rates on Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities

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Table 3—Volume and Rate Variance Analysis

Noninterest Income and Expense

        Noninterest income provides us with additional revenues that are significant sources of income. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, noninterest income comprised 22.5%, 16.4%, and 19.0%, respectively, of total net interest and noninterest income. The increase from 2013 resulted primarily from the $7.8 million increase in bankcard services income, $7.6 million decrease in amortization of the FDIC indemnification asset and $7.0 million increase in mortgage banking income.

Table 4—Noninterest Income for the Three Years

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        Noninterest income increased 76.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 resulting from the following:

•

Service charges on deposit accounts increased 18.6% driven by the increase in deposit accounts through organic growth as well as 12 months of FFHI service charges included in 2014 compared to five months included in 2013.



•

Bankcard services income increased 35.7%, due to organic growth as well as an increased customer base from past acquisitions.



•

Trust and investment services income increased 44.9%, driven primarily by the addition of investment services income generated by past acquisitions.



•

Other noninterest income increased 79.2%, driven by increases in recoveries from acquired assets, cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance policies, and rental income.



•

Negative accretion on the FDIC indemnification asset decreased $7.6 million, resulting from a smaller difference between expected cash flows from the FDIC compared to the remaining carrying value of the indemnification asset.



•

Mortgage banking income increased 76.7%, driven primarily by 12 months of FFHI mortgage banking income included in 2014 compared to five months in 2013.

        Noninterest income increased 30.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012 resulting from the following:

•

Service charges on deposit accounts increased 28.3% driven by the increase in deposit accounts through organic growth combined with the FFHI, Peoples, and Savannah acquisitions.



•

Bankcard services income increased 54.1%, due to organic growth as well as an increased customer base from the FFHI, Peoples, and Savannah acquisitions.



•

Trust and investment services income increased 99.1%, driven primarily by the addition of investment services income generated by Minis & Co., Inc., acquired in the Savannah transaction as well as the FFHI acquisition.



•

Other noninterest income increased 81.7%, driven by an increase in recoveries from acquired assets and from the contribution of the FFHI acquisition.



•

Negative accretion on the FDIC indemnification asset increased $8.8 million, resulting from decreases in expected cash flows from the FDIC. This decrease in expected cash flows from the FDIC was driven by improvement in the cash flows in certain acquired loan pools.



•

Mortgage banking income decreased 27.1%, driven by a reduction in refinancing activities in the secondary market due to rising interest rates.

        Noninterest expense represents the largest expense category for our company. During 2014, we continued to emphasize carefully controlling our noninterest expense.

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Table 5—Noninterest Expense for the Three Years

        Noninterest expense increased 20.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 resulting from the following:

•

The increases in almost every category were driven by the impact of a full year of the FFHI acquisition being included in 2014 compared to five months in 2013.



•

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by 29.8% driven by the addition of staff from the past acquisitions, along with increases in both incentive and merit pay for employees.



•

Net occupancy expense increased by 27.7% driven by an increase in depreciation expense as well as higher utilities and maintenance and repair costs.



•

Bankcard expense increased by 30.7% driven by an increased deposit base.

        Noninterest expense increased 57.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 2012 resulting from the following:

•

The increases in every category were driven by the impact of five months of the FFHI acquisition being included in 2013.



•

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased by 60.0% driven by the addition of staff from the FFHI acquisition during 2013, along with increases in both incentive and merit pay for employees.



•

OREO and loan related expense increased 14.4% driven by an increase in carrying costs on OREO properties as well as a increase in legal expenses related to collections.



•

Business development and staff related expense increased 66.8% due primarily to the FFHI acquisition, along with an increase in recruitment and relocation costs, travel expenses, and training expenses.



•

Merger and conversion related expenses increased by 120.6% due to the merger costs related to the FFHI acquisition.

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Income Tax Expense

        Our effective tax rate decreased to 32.3% at December 31, 2014, compared to 34.0% at December 31, 2013. The lower effective tax rate was attributable to additional state income tax credits acquired in 2014, "new job" related credits in South Carolina, and additional tax credits (both federal and state related) which were included in the December 31, 2013 income tax returns filed in September of 2014 that were not included in the 2013 income tax provision.

Investment Securities

        We use investment securities, the second largest category of interest-earning assets, to generate interest income through the employment of excess funds, to provide liquidity, to fund loan demand or deposit liquidation, and to pledge as collateral for public funds deposits and repurchase agreements. The expected average life of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2014 was approximately 3.46 years, compared with 4.27 years at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2014, investment securities were $826.9 million, or 12.0% of average earning assets, compared with $812.6 million, or 14.7% of average earning assets, at December 31, 2013. See Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the audited consolidated financial statements for our accounting policy on investment securities.

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

Table 6—Investment Securities for the Five Years

        During 2014, total investment securities increased $14.3 million, or 1.8%, from December 31, 2013. The increase was primarily the result of purchases of $167.3 million of GSEs and mortgage-backed securities. The increase was partially offset by $151.7 million of maturing, called, and prepaid securities that were generally purchased in higher interest rate environments. The decrease in held-to-maturity ("HTM") securities was the result of called and maturing state and municipal tax-exempt securities during 2014. These are generally longer-maturity bonds that we classified at the time of purchase as HTM. Beginning in the latter portion of 2008, we began to typically classify new purchases of municipal securities as available-for-sale to increase future flexibility to sell some of these securities if conditions

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warrant. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the total investment securities portfolio (including HTM) was $9.4 million, or 1.15%, above its amortized cost basis. Comparable valuations at December 31, 2013 reflected a total investment portfolio fair value that was $8.5 million, or 1.06%, below its amortized cost basis.

Held-to-maturity

        HTM securities consist solely of some of our tax-exempt state and municipal securities. The following are highlights:

•

Total HTM securities decreased $2.8 million from the balance at December 31, 2013.



•

The balance of HTM securities represented 0.1% and 0.2% of total assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.



•

Interest earned amounted to $422,000, a decrease of $99,000, or 19.0%, from $521,000 in 2013. The average balance of the HTM portfolio decreased by $2.5 million during 2014, as compared to the average during 2013. The overall yield on the HTM portfolio decreased by nine basis points from 2013 and decreased by 16 basis points from 2012 attributable to maturing or called securities that were purchased in higher interest rate environments.

        The expected average life of the held to maturity portfolio was 2.43 years and 2.84 years at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Available-for-sale

        Securities available for sale consist mainly of debentures of government-sponsored entities, state and municipal bonds, and mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2014, investment securities with an amortized cost of $797.9 million and fair value of $806.8 million were classified as available for sale. The adjustment of $8.8 million between the carrying value of these securities and their amortized cost has been reflected, net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheet as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. The following are highlights of our available-for-sale securities:

•

Total securities available for sale increased $20.0 million, or 2.5%, from the balance at December 31, 2013, primarily the result purchases of GSEs and mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by maturing or called securities specifically within the state and municipal category that were purchased in higher interest rate environments.



•

The balance of securities available for sale represented 10.3% of total assets at December 31, 2014 and 9.9% of total assets at December 31, 2013.



•

Interest income earned in 2014 amounted to $19.4 million, an increase of $4.5 million, or 30.1%, from $14.9 million in the comparable year of 2013. The increase in interest earned reflected a $223.1 million increase in the average balances of securities available for sale, partially offset by a 16 basis point decrease in the yield on available for sale securities, reflecting the ongoing low interest rate environment throughout 2014.

        At December 31, 2014, we had 66 securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position, which totaled $3.6 million. During 2014, the credit and capital markets continued to experience some turmoil globally, and U.S. intermediate to longer term rates generally declined during the year as the yield curve flattened and credit spreads remained generally tight. See Note 3—Investment Securities in the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

        Investment securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2014 continue to perform as scheduled. We have the intent to hold all securities within the portfolio until their maturity or until their value recovers and it is more-likely-than-not that we will not be required to sell the debt

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securities. Therefore, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014. We continue to monitor all of these securities with a high degree of scrutiny. There can be no assurance that we will not conclude in future periods that conditions existing at that time indicate some or all of these securities are other than temporarily impaired, which would require a charge to earnings in such periods. Any charges for other-than-temporary impairment related to securities available for sale would not impact cash flow, tangible capital or liquidity.

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

Other Investments

        Other investment securities primarily include our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB") stock, with no readily determinable market value. The amortized cost and fair value of all these securities are equal at year end. As of December 31, 2014, the investment in FHLB stock represented approximately $7.5 million, or 0.10% of total assets.

Table 7—Maturity Distribution and Yields of Investment Securities

Loan Portfolio

        Our loan portfolio remains our largest category of interest-earning assets. At December 31, 2014, total loans were $5.7 billion, relatively flat compared to the balance at the end of 2013. Non-acquired loan growth of $602.6 million, or 21.0%, for the year was partially offset by a $578.4 million, or 20.4%, decrease in acquired loans. A 33.0% increase in consumer real estate loans, an 18.0% increase in commercial non-owner occupied real estate loans, an 8.9% increase in commercial owner occupied real

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estate loans, a 38.8% increase in consumer loans, and a 26.1% increase in commercial and industrial loans contributed to the non-acquired loan growth for the year ended December 31, 2014. Average loans outstanding during 2014 were $5.7 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion, or 25.5%, over the 2013 average of $4.5 billion. (For further discussion of the Company's acquired loan accounting, see Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions and Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses in the consolidated financial statements.)

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

Table 8—Distribution of Non-Acquired Loans by Type

        In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-30, the Company aggregated acquired credit impaired loans that have common risk characteristics into pools within the following loan categories: commercial loans greater than or equal to $1 million—CBT, commercial real estate, commercial real estate—construction and development, residential real estate, residential real estate junior lien, home equity, consumer, commercial and industrial, and single pay. Single pay loans consist of those instruments for which repayment of principal and interest is expected at maturity. The following table presents the acquired credit impaired loans by type:

Table 9—Distribution of Acquired Credit Impaired Loans by Type

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        Acquired loans that are not credit impaired and lines of credit (consumer and commercial) are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-20. The following table presents the acquired non-credit impaired loans by type:

Table 10—Distribution of Acquired Non-Credit Impaired Loans by Type

        The Company did not have any acquired non-credit impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010.

        Real estate mortgage loans continue to comprise the largest segment of our loan portfolio. All commercial and residential loans secured by real estate are included in this category. As of December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013:

•

Acquired loans were $2.3 billion, or 39.4% of total loans at December 31, 2014.



•

Non-acquired loans secured by real estate mortgages, excluding commercial owner occupied loans, were $1.8 billion, and comprised 30.9% of the total loan portfolio. This was an increase of $372.1 million, or 26.6%, over December 31, 2013.



•

Loans secured by commercial real estate, excluding commercial owner occupied loans, increased by $106.7 million, or 18.0%.



•

Loans secured by consumer real estate grew by $265.4 million, or 33.0%.



•

Commercial owner occupied real estate loans grew $74.4 million, or 8.9%, from the comparable year of 2013. The balance represented 15.9% of total loans at December 31, 2014.

        Loan interest income was $319.9 million in 2014, an increase of $51.3 million, or 19.1%, over 2013 loan interest income of $268.6 million. The increase was the result of the 37.9% growth in the average balance of the acquired loan portfolio from the full year impact of the FFHI business combination along with organic growth partially offset by an average acquired loan portfolio yield in 2014 of 7.46% which was 73 basis points lower than the 8.19% loan yield in 2013 and an average non-acquired loan portfolio yield in 2014 of 4.17% which was 25 basis points lower than the 4.42% loan yield in 2013. Interest income for 2013 was 53.6% higher than the 2012 income of $174.8 million. The average loan yield of the non-acquired loan portfolio in 2013 was 39 basis points lower than the 2012 yield of 4.42%. The average loan yield of the acquired loan portfolio in 2013 was 294 basis points lower than the 2012 yield of 11.13%.

        Non-acquired loans secured by commercial real estate were comprised of $364.2 million in construction and land development loans and $333.6 million in commercial non-owner occupied loans at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, we had $300.0 million in construction and land

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development loans and $291.2 million in commercial non-owner occupied loans. Construction and land development loans are more susceptible to a risk of loss during the current downturn in the business cycle.

        Non-acquired loans secured by consumer real estate comprised of $786.8 million in consumer owner occupied loans and $283.9 million in home equity loans at December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2013, we had $548.2 million in consumer owner occupied loans and $257.1 million in home equity loans.

        The table below shows the contractual maturity of the non-acquired loan portfolio at December 31, 2014.

Table 11—Maturity Distribution of Non-acquired Loans

        At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our non-acquired commercial non-owner-occupied real estate loans, with fixed rates and maturities greater than a year, had a balance of $399.8 million and $355.2 million, respectively. The adjustable interest rate loan balance in this loan category was $202.8 million and $116.5 million, respectively. The non-acquired commercial owner occupied loans, with fixed rates and maturities greater than a year, had a balance of $751.6 million and $727.1 million, respectively. The adjustable interest rate loan balance in this loan category was $62.9 million and $31.5 million, respectively. The non-acquired commercial and industrial loan category, with fixed rates and maturities greater than a year, had a balance of $244.1 million and $178.3 million, respectively. The adjustable interest rate loan balance in this loan category was $44.2 million and $30.9 million, respectively.

        The table below shows the contractual maturity of the acquired non-credit impaired loan portfolio at December 31, 2014.

Table 12—Maturity Distribution of Acquired Non-credit Impaired Loans

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        The table below shows the contractual maturity of the acquired credit impaired loan portfolio at December 31, 2014.

Table 13—Maturity Distribution of Acquired Credit Impaired Loans

Nonaccrual Loans

        Generally, we place a non-acquired loan on nonaccrual when the loan becomes 90 days or more past due. Management does place loans which are not 90 days or more past due on nonaccrual based upon management's judgment of collectability of principal and interest.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")

        The Company designates loan modifications as TDRs when, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, it grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider (ASC Topic 310-40). Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual TDRs. Loans on accruing status at the date of concession are initially classified as accruing TDRs if the note is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is expected in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the concession date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. TDRs are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is documented credit evaluation of the borrower's financial condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months). At December 31, 2014 and 2013, total TDRs were $16.2 million and $16.0 million, respectively, of which $6.8 million were accruing restructured loans at December 31, 2014, compared to $5.3 million at December 31, 2013. The Company does not have significant commitments to lend additional funds to these borrowers whose loans have been modified.

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        The level of risk elements in the loan portfolio, OREO and other nonperforming assets for the past five years is shown below:

Table 14—Nonperforming Assets

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        Excluding the acquired loans, total nonperforming loans were $28.5 million, or 0.82% of total loans, a decrease of $13.8 million, or 32.6%, from December 31, 2013. The decrease in nonperforming loans was driven by a decrease in commercial nonaccrual loans and TDRs of $10.0 million and a decrease in consumer nonaccrual loans and TDRs of $4.0 million from December 31, 2013.

        Nonperforming loans and restructured loans decreased by approximately $179,000 during the fourth quarter of 2014 from the level at September 30, 2014. This was primarily the result of $2.6 million being repaid or sold, $1.1 million returning to accruing status, $1.8 million being transferred to OREO, and $384,000 charged-off; partially offset by $6.0 million in loans moving to nonaccrual status during the quarter. The top 10 nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 consist of five loans located along the coast of South Carolina, four in the Low Country/Orangeburg region, and one located in the Charlotte region, and total $10.9 million. These loans comprise 30.6% of total nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 and are all real estate collateral dependent. The Company currently holds specific reserves of $306,000 on one of these ten loans. Of our nonperforming loan balance of $36.2 million at December 31, 2014, 39% is in South Carolina coastal markets.

        At December 31, 2014, non-acquired OREO (not covered) decreased by $5.5 million from the balance at December 31, 2013 to $7.9 million. At December 31, 2014, non-acquired OREO consisted of 55 properties with an average value of $145,000, a decrease of $11,000 from December 31, 2013, when we had 86 properties. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we added eight properties with an aggregate value of $1.7 million into non-acquired OREO, and we sold 12 properties with a basis of $2.3 million in that same quarter. We recorded a net loss of $3,000 on the properties sold during the quarter. We also wrote down five properties during the fourth quarter by $100,000. Our non-acquired OREO balance of $7.9 million at December 31, 2014 is comprised of 38% in the Low Country/Orangeburg region, 25% in the Coastal region (Beaufort to Myrtle Beach), 9% in the Charlotte region, 13% in the Upstate region (Greenville), and 15% primarily related to former branch locations.

        Our general policy is to obtain updated OREO valuations at least annually. OREO valuations include appraisals or broker opinions, (See Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") under Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Item 7—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion on the Company's OREO policies.)

Potential Problem Loans

        Potential problem loans, which are not included in nonperforming loans, amounted to approximately $7.6 million, or 0.22% of total non-acquired loans outstanding at December 31, 2014, compared to $7.3 million, or 0.25% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2013. Potential problem loans represent those loans with a well-defined weakness and where information about possible credit problems of borrowers has caused management to have serious doubts about the borrower's ability to comply with present repayment terms. Potential problem loans related to acquired non-credit impaired loans totaled $10.4 million, or 0.79%, of total acquired non-credit impaired loans at December 31, 2014. For the period ended December 31, 2013, there were no acquired non-credit impaired loans that were considered potential problem loans until we completed the evaluation of acquired loans and any related purchase adjustment during the measurement period. All potential problem loans represent

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those loans where information about possible credit problems of the borrowers has caused management to have serious concern about the borrower's ability to comply with present repayment terms.

Allowance for Loan Losses

        On December 13, 2006, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and other regulatory agencies collectively revised the banking agencies' 1993 policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses to ensure consistency with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and more recent supervisory guidance. Our loan loss policy adheres to the interagency guidance.

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

        The allowance consists of general and specific reserves. The general reserves are determined by applying loss percentages to the portfolio that are based on historical loss experience and management's evaluation and "risk grading" of the loan portfolio. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are included in this evaluation. The specific reserves are determined on a loan-by-loan basis based on management's evaluation of our exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. These are loans classified by management as nonaccrual and graded doubtful or substandard. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Generally, the need for a specific reserve is evaluated on impaired loans. Loans for which specific reserves are provided are excluded from the calculation of the general reserves.

        With the FFHI business combination, the Company segregated the FFHI acquired loan portfolio into performing loans ("non-credit impaired") and credit impaired loans. The acquired non-credit impaired loans and acquired revolving type loans are accounted for under FASB ASC 310-20, with each loan being accounted for individually. Acquired credit impaired loans are recorded net of any acquisition accounting discounts and have no allowance for loan losses associated with them at acquisition date. The related discount, if applicable, is accreted into interest income over the remaining contractual life of the loan using the level yield method. Subsequent deterioration in the credit quality of these loans is recognized by recording a provision for loan losses through the income statement, increasing the non-acquired and acquired non-credit impaired allowance for loan losses. The acquired credit impaired loans will follow the description in the next paragraph.

        In determining the acquisition date fair value of acquired credit impaired loans, and in subsequent accounting, the Company generally aggregates purchased loans into pools of loans with common risk characteristics. Expected cash flows at the acquisition date in excess of the fair value of loans are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans using a level yield method if the timing and amount of the future cash flows of the pool is reasonably estimable. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are recognized as interest income

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prospectively. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses. Evidence of credit quality deterioration for the loan pools may include information such as increased past-due and nonaccrual levels and migration in the pools to lower loan grades. Offsetting the impact of the provision established for the loan, the receivable from the FDIC is adjusted to reflect the indemnified portion of the post-acquisition exposure with a corresponding credit to the provision for loan losses (For further discussion of the Company's allowance for loan losses on acquired loans, see Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions and Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses in the consolidated financial statements.)

        The following tables provide the allocation for the non-acquired and acquired credit impaired allowance for loan losses. There was no allowance for acquired credit impaired loan losses prior to 2011. At December 31, 2014, there has been no allowance recognized for acquired non-credit impaired loan losses.

Table 15—Allocation of the Allowance for Non-Acquired Loan Losses

Table 16—Allocation of the Allowance for Acquired Credit Impaired Loan Losses

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        The following table presents changes in the allowance for loan losses on non-acquired loans for the five years at December 31:

Table 17—Summary of Non-Acquired Loan Loss Experience

        The increase in non-acquired provision for loan losses in 2014 was primarily the result of loan growth during 2014. Non-acquired loans grew by more than $602.6 million, or 21%, in 2014. Net

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charge-offs declined by more than $6.1 million from the level in 2013. The following provides highlights for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:

•

Total net charge-offs decreased $6.1 million, or 55.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to a $7.1 million, or 39.1%, decrease for the comparable year in 2013. Gross charge offs and recoveries both declined from the 2013 levels, as gross charge offs declined by $7.8 million, or 50.8%, and recoveries declined by $1.7 million, or 39.1%. The decrease in net charge-offs between December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was in commercial non-owner occupied real estate by $3.7 million, consumer real estate by $778,000, commercial owner occupied real estate by $2.2 million, and other income producing by $474,000. These declines were partially offset by the following increases in net charge-offs: commercial and industrial by $35,000 and consumer by $1.0 million.



•

During the fourth quarter of 2014, the ratio of net charge-offs to average loans decreased to 0.13% from 0.26% during the third quarter of 2014 and during the fourth quarter of 2013.

        We have seen noted improvement in the economy and business activity throughout our markets during 2014, and we are expecting this trend to continue in 2015. Excluding acquired loans, non-acquired non-accrual loans decreased by $1.9 million during the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter of 2014. The ratio of the ALLL to cover these non-acquired nonaccrual loans increased from 81% at December 31, 2013 to 121% at December 31, 2014.

        We decreased the ALLL for the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 due to the decline in risk and net charge offs within the overall loan portfolio. On a general basis, we consider three-year historical loss rates on the entire loan portfolio, except residential lot loans where two-year historical loss rates are applied, consumer auto loans where seven quarter historical loss rates have been applied, and consumer marine where six quarter historical loss rates have been applied. Once more historical loss rates are determined for consumer auto loans and consumer marine loans, three year historical loss rates will be applied. We also consider economic risk, model risk and operational risk when determining the ALLL. All of these factors are reviewed and adjusted each reporting period to account for management's assessment of loss within the loan portfolio.

        The three-year historical loss rate average on an overall basis decreased from December 31, 2013 due to the removal of much higher historical loss rates in our rolling averages being replaced with recent lower historical loss rates. This resulted in a decrease of 20 basis points in the ALLL. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, the decrease was five basis points.

        Economic risk remained flat at the end of 2014 as compared to 2013. A decrease of one basis point was reflected in the unemployment factor, but was offset with an increase in home sales factor of one basis point. Compared to the third quarter of 2014, we did not adjust the economic risk factors.

        Model risk increased one basis point compared to December 31, 2013, and was adjusted based upon our experience with the current model which is a more automated solution. This risk comes from the fact that our ALLL model is not all-inclusive. Risk inherent with new products, new markets, and timeliness of information are examples of this type of exposure. Our model has been reviewed by management, the audit committee, and the bank's primary regulators (including the FDIC, the SCBFI, and until July 2012, the OCC), and we believe it adequately addresses the various inherent risks in our loan portfolio.

        Operational risk consists of the underwriting, documentation, closing and servicing associated with any loan. This risk is managed through policies and procedures, portfolio management reports, best practices and the approval process. The risk factors evaluated include the following: exposure outside our deposit footprint, changes in underwriting standards, levels of past due loans and classified assets, loan growth, supervisory loan to value exceptions, results of external loan reviews, our centralized loan documentation process and significant loan concentrations. We increased the overall operational risk by

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five basis points during 2014 compared to December 31, 2013, due primarily to loan growth experienced during 2014, which increased by six basis points. Other factors declined by one basis point including levels of classified assets and levels of past dues.

        On a specific reserve basis, the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 decreased by approximately $73,000 from December 31, 2013. The loan balances being evaluated for specific reserves during the year increased from $26.0 million to $27.1 million at December 31, 2014. Our practice, generally, is that once a specific reserve is established for a loan, a charge off of that amount occurs in the quarter subsequent to the establishment of the specific reserve.

        The following table presents changes in the allowance for loan losses on acquired non-credit impaired loans for the year ended December 31, 2014. Prior to 2014, there was no material activity in the allowance for loan losses for acquired non-credit impaired loans.

Table 18—Summary of Acquired Non-Credit Impaired Loan Loss Experience

        The following table presents changes in the allowance for loan losses on acquired credit impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011. Prior to 2011, there was no material activity in the allowance for loan losses for acquired credit impaired loans.

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Table 19—Summary of Acquired Credit Impaired Loan Loss Experience

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Loss Share

        The following table presents the projected total losses compared to the original estimated losses on acquired assets covered under loss share agreements as of December 31, 2014:

Table 20—Projected Total Losses under FDIC Loss Share Agreements

        Under the Habersham and BankMeridian loss share agreements, all losses (whether or not they exceed the intrinsic loss estimate ("ILE")) are reimbursable by the FDIC at 80% of the losses and reimbursable expenses paid. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the losses and reimbursable expenses claimed under the CBT loss share agreement exceeded the $233.0 million threshold and became reimbursable at 95% rather than 80%. Under the loss sharing agreement for Cape Fear, the Bank assumes $32.4 million of losses and the FDIC reimburses the Bank for 80% of the losses greater than $32.4 million up to $110.0 million. On losses exceeding $110.0 million, the FDIC will reimburse the Bank for 95% of the losses. Under the loss sharing agreement for Plantation, the Bank shares in the losses on certain commercial loans and commercial OREO in three tranches. On losses up to $55.0 million, the FDIC reimburses the Bank for 80% of all eligible losses; the Bank absorbs losses greater than $55.0 million up to $65.0 million; and the FDIC reimburses the Bank for 60% of all eligible losses in excess of $65.0 million.

        Effective June 30, 2014, the Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement with the FDIC for Cape Fear expired and losses on assets covered under this agreement are no longer claimable after filing the second quarter of 2014 commercial loss share certificate. The Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement for CBT will expire March 31, 2015 and losses on assets covered under this agreement will no longer be claimable after this date; however, 95% of recoveries received over the next three years will be shared with the FDIC. At December 31, 2014, $50.3 million in loans and $3.9 million in OREO were covered under this agreement.

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Liquidity

        Liquidity refers to our ability to generate sufficient cash to meet our financial obligations, which arise primarily from the withdrawal of deposits, extension of credit and payment of operating expenses. Our Asset Liability Management Committee ("ALCO") is charged with the responsibility of monitoring policies that are designed to ensure acceptable composition of our asset/liability mix. Two critical areas of focus for ALCO are interest rate sensitivity and liquidity risk management. We have employed our funds in a manner to provide liquidity from both assets and liabilities sufficient to meet our cash needs.

        Asset liquidity is maintained by the maturity structure of loans, investment securities and other short-term investments. Management has policies and procedures governing the length of time to maturity on loans and investments. As reported in Table 7, less than one percent of the investment portfolio contractually matures in one year or less. This segment of the portfolio consists mostly of municipal obligations. There is also an additional amount of securities that could be called or prepaid; as well as expected monthly paydowns of mortgage-backed securities. Normally, changes in the earning asset mix are of a longer-term nature and are not utilized for day-to-day corporate liquidity needs.

        Our liabilities provide liquidity on a day-to-day basis. Daily liquidity needs are met from deposit levels or from our use of federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings. We engage in routine activities to retain deposits intended to enhance our liquidity position. These routine activities include various measures, such as the following:

•

Emphasizing relationship banking to new and existing customers, where borrowers are encouraged and normally expected to maintain deposit accounts with our bank,



•

Pricing deposits, including certificates of deposit, at rate levels that will sustain balances at levels that will enhance our bank's asset/liability management and net interest margin requirements, and



•

Continually working to identify and introduce new products that will attract customers or enhance our bank's appeal as a primary provider of financial services.

        Our legacy loan portfolio increased by approximately $602.6 million, or approximately 21.0%, compared to the balance at December 31, 2013. The acquired loan portfolio declined by $578.4 million, or 20.4%, from the balance at December 31, 2013. Our investment securities portfolio increased $14.3 million compared to the balance at December 31, 2013. Total cash and cash equivalents was $417.9 million at December 31, 2014 as compared to $479.5 million at December 31, 2013.

        At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $23.4 million and $34.8 million, respectively, in traditional, out-of-market brokered deposits and $67.5 million and $85.3 million, respectively, of reciprocal brokered deposits. Total deposits decreased $93.1 million, or 1.4%, from December 31, 2013, to $6.5 billion, resulting primarily from decreases in certificates of deposit by $288.4 million partially offset by increases in core deposits by $195.2 million. Other borrowings were relatively flat from the balance at December 31, 2013, decreasing by $850,000. To the extent that we employ other types of non-deposit funding sources, typically to accommodate retail and correspondent customers, we continue to take in some shorter maturities of such funds. Our current approach may provide an opportunity to sustain a low funding rate or possibly lower our cost of funds but could also increase our cost of funds if interest rates rise.

        Our ongoing philosophy is to remain in a liquid position as reflected by such indicators as the composition of our earning assets, typically including some level of reverse repurchase agreements, federal funds sold, balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, and/or other short-term investments; asset quality; well-capitalized position; and profitable operating results. Cyclical and other economic trends and conditions can disrupt our bank's desired liquidity position at any time. We expect that these conditions would generally be of a short-term nature. Under such circumstances, our bank's reverse

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repurchase agreements and federal funds sold positions, or balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, if any, serves as the primary source of immediate liquidity. At December 31, 2014, our bank had total federal funds credit lines of $376.0 million with no outstanding advances. If additional liquidity were needed, the bank would turn to short-term borrowings as an alternative immediate funding source and would consider other appropriate actions such as promotions to increase core deposits or the sale of a portion of our investment portfolio. At December 31, 2014, our bank had $164.9 million of credit available at the Federal Reserve Bank's discount window, but had no outstanding advances as of the end of 2014. In addition, we could draw on additional alternative immediate funding sources from lines of credit extended to us from our correspondent banks and/or the FHLB. At December 31, 2014, our bank had a total FHLB credit facility of $960.8 million with $135,000 in outstanding advances and outstanding uses of FHLB letters of credit to secure certain public funds deposits of $19.7 million. We believe that our liquidity position continues to be very adequate and readily available.

        Our contingency funding plan describes several potential stages based on stressed liquidity levels. Our board of directors reviews liquidity benchmarks quarterly. Also, we review on at least an annual basis our liquidity position and our contingency funding plans with our principal banking regulators. Our bank maintains various wholesale sources of funding. If our deposit retention efforts were to be unsuccessful, the bank would utilize these alternative sources of funding. Under such circumstances, depending on the external source of funds, our interest cost would vary based on the range of interest rates charged to our bank. This could increase our bank's cost of funds, impacting net interest margins and net interest spreads.

Derivatives and Securities Held for Trading

        The SEC has adopted rules that require comprehensive disclosure of accounting policies for derivatives as well as enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures of market risk for derivatives and other financial instruments. The market risk disclosures are classified into two categories: financial instruments entered into for trading purposes and all other instruments (non-trading purposes). We do not maintain a derivatives or securities trading portfolio.

Asset-Liability Management and Market Risk Sensitivity

        Our earnings and the economic value of our shareholders' equity may vary in relation to changes in interest rates and the accompanying fluctuations in market prices of certain of our financial instruments. We use a number of methods to measure interest rate risk, including simulating the effect on earnings of fluctuations in interest rates, monitoring the present value of asset and liability portfolios under various interest rate scenarios, and, to a lesser extent, monitoring the difference, or gap, between our balances of rate sensitive assets and liabilities. The earnings simulation models take into account our contractual agreements with regard to investments, loans, deposits, borrowings, and derivatives. While the simulation models are subject to the accuracy of the assumptions that underlie the process, we believe that such modeling provides a better illustration of the interest sensitivity of earnings than does a static or even a beta-adjusted interest rate sensitivity gap analysis. The simulation models assist in measuring and achieving growth in net interest income by providing the Asset- Liability Management Committee ("ALCO") a reasonable basis for quantifying and managing interest rate risk. Numerous simulations incorporate an array of interest rate changes as well as projected changes in the mix and volume of balance sheet assets and liabilities. Accordingly, the simulations are considered to provide a measurement of the degree of earnings risk we have, or may incur in future periods, arising from interest rate changes or other market risk factors.

        From time-to-time we enter into interest rate swaps to hedge some of our interest rate risks. For further discussion of the Company's interest rate swaps, see Note 28—Derivative Financial Instruments in the consolidated financial statements.

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        Our primary management tool and policy, established by ALCO and the board of directors, is to monitor exposure to interest rate increases and decreases of as much as 200 basis points ratably over a 12-month period. Our policy guideline prescribes 8% as the maximum negative impact on net interest income associated with a steady ("ramping") change in interest rates of 200 basis points over 12 months. This most-relied-upon simulation also uses a strategy (or dynamic) balance sheet that forecasts growth, not a static or frozen balance sheet. We traditionally have maintained a risk position well within the policy guideline level. As of December 31, 2014, the earnings simulations indicated that the impact of a 200 basis point increase in rates over 12 months would result in an approximate 0.70% increase in net interest income—as compared with a base case interest rate environment that uses the implied forward rates in the currently existing yield curve. Certain key rates in the simulations model (such as federal funds at zero to 0.25%) are at unprecedented low levels that can decline very little, if at all, and remain a positive number. Consequently, the simulations in the declining-rate scenarios are viewed by us and many other depository institutions as being remote and not meaningful. Therefore, declining rate scenario simulations are not currently being used in our assessment and management of interest rate risk. The simulations indicate that our rate sensitivity is currently somewhat asset sensitive to the indicated change in interest rates over a one-year horizon. As of December 31, 2013, the earnings simulations indicated that the impact of a 200 basis point increase in rates over 12 months would result in an approximate 0.93% increase in net interest income—as compared with a base case interest rate environment.

        The shape and non-parallel shifts of the fixed-income yield curve can also influence interest rate risk sensitivity. Therefore, we run a number of other rate scenario simulations to provide additional assessments of our interest rate risk posture. For example, in our analysis at December 31, 2014, we simulated a curve that flattens with one-month rates rising by approximately 180 basis points and then all rates beyond that point rising proportionally up to the current 30-year rate. This caused net interest income to increase somewhat from a base case. This is largely attributable to our position in short-term assets rising quickly in yield. A simulation of a curve that steepened, caused by a 200 basis points rise in 30-year yields, and then sloping downward proportionally to the current one-month rate, would have a less beneficial but still positive effect on net interest income as deposit rates would rise only modestly and longer-term loan yields (like mortgages) would increase.

        In addition to simulation analysis, we use Economic Value of Equity ("EVE") analysis as an indicator of the extent to which the present value of our capital could change, given potential changes in interest rates. This measure assumes no growth or decline in the balance sheet (no management influence) but does assume mortgage-related prepayments and certain other cash flows occur. It provides a measure of rate risk extending beyond the analysis horizon contained in the simulation analyses. The EVE model is essentially a discounted cash flow fair value of all of the Company's assets, liabilities, and derivatives. The difference represented by the present value of assets minus the present value of liabilities is defined as the economic value of equity. At December 31, 2014, the Company's ratio of EVE-to-assets was 13.2% in a current forward rate curve and 13.2% in a hypothetical environment where rates increased from there by 200 basis points instantaneously.

Deposits

        We rely on deposits by our customers as the primary source of funds for the continued growth of our loan and investment securities portfolios. Customer deposits are categorized as either noninterest-bearing deposits or interest- bearing deposits. Noninterest-bearing deposits (or demand deposits) are transaction accounts that provide the Company with "interest-free" sources of funds. Interest-bearing deposits include savings deposit, interest-bearing transaction accounts, certificates of deposits, and other time deposits. Interest-bearing transaction accounts include NOW, HSA, IOLTA, and Market Rate checking accounts.

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        During 2014 and 2013, we continued our focus on increasing core deposits (excluding certificates of deposits and other time deposits). This focus has led to increases in demand deposits, savings deposits and interest-bearing deposits. This increase in our core deposit balances helped offset the planned decline in certificate of deposit balances, which are a higher cost funds to the bank.

        The following table presents total deposits for the five years at December 31:

Table 21—Total Deposits

        The reduction in higher cost time deposits drove the lower balance in total deposits at December 31, 2014 compared to 2013, which was partially offset by the organic growth in core deposits. The following are key highlights regarding overall growth in total deposits:

•

Total deposits decreased $93.1, or 1.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, driven largely by the reduction in time deposits. For the year ended December 31, 2013, total deposits increased $2.3 billion, or 52.5% from the year ended December 31, 2012, driven largely by the acquisition of FFHI.



•

Noninterest-bearing deposits (demand deposits) increased by $153.5 million, or 10.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2014.



•

Total savings and interest-bearing account balances increased $41.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. Savings deposits increased $7.5 million, or 1.2%, money market (Market Rate Checking) deposits increased $7.3 million, or 0.5%, and other interest-bearing deposits (NOW, IOLTA, and other) increased $26.9 million, or 1.9%.



•

At December 31, 2014, the ratio of savings, interest-bearing, and time deposits to total deposits was 74.6%, down slightly from 77.3% at the end of 2013.

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

•

Growth in average total deposits was primarily attributable to the additional deposits from the FFHI acquisition being included for 12 months for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to five months for the year ended December 31, 2013.



•

Total deposits averaged $6.5 billion in 2014, an increase of 24.6% from 2013.



•

Average interest-bearing transaction account deposits increased by $901.7 million, or 22.3%, in 2014 compared to 2013.



•

Average noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased by $389.4 million, or 32.0%, in 2014 compared to 2013.

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        The following table provides a maturity distribution of certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more for the next twelve months as of December 31:

Table 22—Maturity Distribution of Certificates of Deposits of $250 Thousand or More

Short-Term Borrowed Funds

        Our short-term borrowed funds consist of federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements. Note 10—Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase in our audited financial statements provides a profile of these funds for the last three years at each year-end, the average amounts outstanding during each period, the maximum amounts outstanding at any month-end, and the weighted average interest rates on year-end and average balances in each category. Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase most typically have maturities within one to three days from the transaction date. Certain of these borrowings have no defined maturity date.

Capital and Dividends

        Our ongoing capital requirements have been met primarily through retained earnings, less the payment of cash dividends. As of December 31, 2014, shareholders' equity was $984.9 million, an increase of $3.5 million, or 0.4%, from $981.5 million at December 31, 2013. The driving factor for the increase from year-end was net income and a favorable change in accumulated comprehensive income. Partially offsetting the increases were the redemption of $65.0 million in preferred stock and the dividend paid to both common and preferred shareholders of $20.9 million during the year. Our common equity-to-assets ratio increased to 12.58% at December 31, 2014 from 11.55% at December 31, 2013.

        The Federal Reserve Board in March of 2005 announced changes to its capital adequacy rules, including the capital treatment of trust preferred securities. The Federal Reserve's rule, which took effect in early April 2005, permits bank holding companies to treat outstanding trust preferred securities as Tier 1 Capital for the first 25 years of the 30 year term of the related junior subordinated debt securities. We issued $40.0 million of these types of junior non-consolidated securities during 2005, positively impacting Tier I Capital. In November of 2007, we acquired the Scottish Bank and an additional $3.0 million of non-consolidated junior subordinated debt securities. In December of 2012, we acquired $9.2 million of non-consolidated junior subordinated debt securities through the Savannah acquisition. In July of 2013, we acquired an additional $46.1 million of non-consolidated junior subordinated debt securities through the FFHI merger. We did not issue trust preferred securities during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. (See Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the audited consolidated financial statements for a more detailed explanation of our trust preferred securities; see Note 30—Subsequent Events in the audited consolidated financial statements for discussion of the redemption of the FFHI junior subordinated debt securities.)

        Pursuant to the Basel III capital rules adopted by the bank regulatory agencies in July 2013, financial institutions with less than $15 billion in total assets, such as the Company, may continue to

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include their TRUPs issued prior to May 19, 2010 in Tier 1 capital, but cannot include in Tier 1 capital any TRUPs issued after such date.

        We are subject to certain risk-based capital guidelines that measure the relationship of capital to both balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks. Risk values are adjusted to reflect credit risk. Pursuant to guidelines of the Federal Reserve Board, which are substantially similar to those promulgated by the FDIC, Tier 1 capital must be at least 50% of total capital and total capital must be 8% of risk-weighted assets.

        As an additional measure of capital soundness, the regulatory agencies have prescribed a leverage ratio of total capital to total assets. The minimum leverage ratio assigned to banks is between 3% and 5% and is dependent on the institution's composite rating as determined by its regulators.

Table 23—Capital Adequacy Ratios

        Compared to December 31, 2013, our Tier 1 risk-based capital increased due primarily to Tier 1 capital increasing faster than the increase in risk-weighted assets. Our total risk-based capital has decreased due to a decline in Tier 2 capital. The Tier 1 leverage ratio has increased compared to December 31, 2013 due to the decrease in average assets. Our capital ratios are currently well in excess of the minimum standards and continue to be in the "well capitalized" regulatory classification.

        We pay cash dividends to shareholders from funds provided mainly by dividends received from our bank subsidiary. Dividends paid by our bank are subject to certain regulatory restrictions. The approval of the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions ("SCBFI") is required to pay dividends that exceed current year's net income. As of December 31, 2014, approximately $119.5 million of the bank's current year net income was available for distribution to the Company as dividends without prior regulatory approval. During 2012 and in conjunction with the acquisition of Peoples, the Bank paid a special dividend of $13.4 million to the Company to allow for the redemption of Peoples preferred stock (TARP). This special dividend along with a special dividend used to pay certain obligations assumed from the Savannah acquisition resulted in the Bank paying dividends that approximated 2012 net income. During January 2013, the Bank requested and received approval, from the SCBFI, to pay a special dividend of $5.0 million to the Company in order to provide working capital and the funds needed to pay the quarterly dividend to its shareholders in February of 2013. In January 2014, the Bank requested and received approval from the SCBFI to pay a special dividend of $31.4 million to the Company in order to redeem $65.0 million of outstanding preferred stock. It is expected that no special dividend approval will be needed from the SCBFI during 2015. The Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the OCC have issued policy statements which provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings.

        In July 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued final rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations that would implement the Basel III capital framework and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. See "Regulation and Supervision—Basel Capital Standards" for additional information on Basel III and the Dodd-Frank Act. Management believes that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company and the Bank would meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III capital rules on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were effective at that time.

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        The following table provides the amount of dividends and payout ratios for the years ended December 31:

Table 24—Dividends Paid to Common Shareholders

        We retain earnings to have capital sufficient to grow our loan and investment portfolios and to support certain acquisitions or other business expansion opportunities. The dividend payout ratio is calculated by dividing dividends paid during the year by net income for the year.

        In February 2004, the Company's board of directors authorized a program with no formal expiration date to repurchase up to 250,000 of its common shares. We did not repurchase any shares under this program during 2014, 2013 and 2012. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, we redeemed 14,723, 17,186, and 23,532, respectively, of shares of common stock from officers and directors at an average cost of $62.31, $54.38 and $35.57, respectively, under an approved program designed to facilitate stock option exercises or tax payments on vesting restricted stock under the Company's stock incentive plans.

Asset Credit Risk and Concentrations

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

Loan and Deposit Concentration

        We have no material concentration of deposits from any single customer or group of customers. We have no significant portion of our loans concentrated within a single industry or group of related industries. Furthermore, we attempt to avoid making loans that, in an aggregate amount, exceed 10% of total loans to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no aggregated loan concentrations of this type. We do not believe there are any material seasonal factors that would have a material adverse effect on us. We do not have foreign loans or deposits.

Concentration of Credit Risk

        Each category of earning assets has a certain degree of credit risk. We use various techniques to measure credit risk. Credit risk in the investment portfolio can be measured through bond ratings published by independent agencies. In the investment securities portfolio, the investments consist of U.S. government-sponsored entity securities, tax-free securities, or other securities having ratings of "AAA" to "Not Rated". All securities, with the exception of those that are not rated, were rated by at least one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. The credit risk of the loan portfolio can be measured by historical experience. We maintain our loan portfolio in accordance with credit policies that we have established. Although the subsidiary has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of their borrowers' abilities to honor their contracts is dependent upon economic conditions within South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and the surrounding regions.

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        We consider concentrations of credit to exist when, pursuant to regulatory guidelines, the amounts loaned to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by general economic conditions represents 25 percent of total risk-based capital. Based on this criteria, we had four such credit concentrations at December 31, 2014, including loans to religious organizations, loans to lessors of nonresidential buildings (except mini-warehouses), loans to lessors of residential buildings, and loans to offices of physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners. The risk for these loans and for all loans is managed collectively through the use of credit underwriting practices developed and updated over time. The loss estimate for these loans is determined using our standard ALLL methodology.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

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

        At December 31, 2014, the bank had issued commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit and financial guarantees of $1.3 billion through various types of lending arrangements. We believe that we have adequate sources of liquidity to fund commitments that are drawn upon by the borrowers.

        In addition to commitments to extend credit, we also issue standby letters of credit, which are assurances to third parties that they will not suffer a loss if our customer fails to meet its contractual obligation to the third party. Standby letters of credit totaled $17.4 million at December 31, 2014. Past experience indicates that many of these standby letters of credit will expire unused. However, through our various sources of liquidity, we believe that we will have the necessary resources to meet these obligations should the need arise.

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

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

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

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

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Contractual Obligations

        The following table presents payment schedules for certain of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014. Long-term debt obligations totaling $101.2 million include junior subordinated debt. On January 7, 2015 we redeemed $46.3 million of junior subordinated debt. See Note 30—Subsequent Events for additional information. Operating lease obligations of $38.3 million pertain to banking facilities and equipment. Certain lease agreements include payment of property taxes and insurance and contain various renewal options. Additional information regarding leases is contained in Note 21 of the audited consolidated financial statements. Additional information regarding FDIC loss share agreement—estimated "true-up" is contained in Note 5 of the audited consolidated financial statements.

Table 25—Obligations

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

        See "Asset-Liability Management and Market Risk Sensitivity" on page 78 in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

        See Table 1 on page 55 for our unaudited quarterly results of operations and the pages beginning with F-1 for our audited consolidated financial statements.

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

        Not applicable.

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        The Company's management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014, in accordance with Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). We applied our judgment in the process of reviewing these controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding our control objectives. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014, were effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding our control objectives.

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        Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included on page F-1 of this Report. The report of the Company's independent registered public accounting firm regarding the Company's internal control over financial reporting begins on page F-2 of this Report.

Changes in Internal Controls

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

Management's Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

        We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 is included in Item 8 of this Report under the heading "Management's Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting."

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

Item 9B.    Other Information.

        Not applicable.

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PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

        The information required by this item will be incorporated herein by reference to the information in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the caption "Election of Directors," in the fourth paragraph under the caption "The Board of Directors and Committees," in the subsection titled "Audit Committee" under the caption "The Board of Directors and Committees," in the subsection titled "Governance Committee" under the caption "The Board of Directors and Committees," and under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance."

Item 11.    Executive Compensation.

        The information required by this item will be incorporated herein by reference to the information in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the caption "Executive Compensation," including the sections titled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Summary Compensation Table," "Grants of Plan Based Awards," "Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End," "Option Exercises and Stock Vested," "Pension Benefits," "Deferred Compensation Plan," "Compensation Committee Report," "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control," "Director Compensation," and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."

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

        The following table contains certain information as of December 31, 2014, relating to securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans:

        Included within the 1,551,913 number of securities available for future issuance in the table above are a total of 130,373 shares remaining from the authorized total of 363,825 under the Company's 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. All securities totals for the outstanding and remaining available for future issuance amounts described in this Item 12 have been adjusted to give effect to stock dividends paid on March 23, 2007, January 1, 2005 and December 6, 2002.

        Other information required by this item will be incorporated herein by reference to the information under the captions "Beneficial Ownership of Certain Parties" and "Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers" in the definitive proxy statement of the Company to be filed in connection with our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

        The information required by this item will be incorporated herein by reference to the information under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the definitive proxy statement of the Company to be filed in connection with our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

        The information required by this item will be incorporated by reference to the information under the caption "Audit and Other Fees" in the definitive proxy statement of the Company to be filed in connection with our 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)

1.    The financial statements and independent auditors' report referenced in "Item 8—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" are listed below:

South State Corporation and Subsidiary
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2.

Financial Schedules Filed: None



3.

Exhibits

        In most cases, documents incorporated by reference to exhibits that have been filed with the Company's reports or proxy statements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available to the public over the Internet from the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any such document at the SEC's public reference room located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 under the Company's SEC file number (001-12669).

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(b)

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

(c)

Not Applicable.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Columbia and State of South Carolina, on the twenty-seventh day of February, 2015.

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

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

        Management of South State Corporation (the "Company") is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management has assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting using the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

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

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

        Based on the testing performed using the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), management of the Company believes that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.

        The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, has been audited by Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

South State Corporation
Columbia, South Carolina
February 27, 2015

   

www.SouthStateBank.com
(800) 277-2175 -- P.O. Box 1030 -- Columbia, South Carolina -- 29202-1030

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
South State Corporation

        We have audited South State Corporation's (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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

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

        In our opinion, South State Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

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        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of South State Corporation and subsidiary as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 27, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ DIXON HUGHES GOODMAN LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 27, 2015

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and the Shareholders
South State Corporation

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of South State Corporation and Subsidiary (the "Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of South State Corporation and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 27, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DIXON HUGHES GOODMAN LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
February 27, 2015

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South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands, except par value)

   

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

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South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   

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

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South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Dollars in thousands)

   

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

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South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

   

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

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South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

   

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

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South State Corporation and Subsidiary

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)

   

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

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

        South State Corporation (the "Company") is a bank holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of its wholly-owned subsidiary, South State Bank (the "Bank"). The Bank also operates Minis & Co., Inc. and First Southeast 401k Fiduciaries, both wholly owned registered investment advisors; and First Southeast Investor Services, a wholly owned limited service broker dealer. The Bank provides general banking services within 19 counties in South Carolina, four counties in North Carolina, ten counties in northeast Georgia and two coastal Georgia counties. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and its consolidated subsidiary conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. There are seven unconsolidated subsidiaries of the Company that were established for the purpose of issuing in the aggregate $98.0 million of trust preferred securities. The seven capital trusts include the following: SCBT Capital Trust I at $12.0 million; SCBT Capital Trust II at $8.0 million; SCBT Capital Trust III at $20.0 million; TSB Statutory Trust I at $3.0 million; SAVB Capital Trust I at $6.0 million; SAVB Capital Trust II at $4.0 million and FFCH Capital Trust I at $45.0 million. See Note 30—Subsequent Events for information about the redemption of the FFCH Capital Trust I trust preferred securities.

        On June 30, 2014, First Financial Holdings, Inc. changed its name to South State Corporation, and SCBT, the wholly-owned bank subsidiary of South State Corporation, changed its name to South State Bank. Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, references herein to "South State," the "Company" "we," "us," "our" or similar references mean South State Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to the "Bank" means South State Bank, a South Carolina banking corporation.

Basis of Consolidation

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

Segments

        The Company, through its subsidiary, provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. These services include demand, time and savings deposits; lending and credit card servicing; ATM processing; and wealth management and trust services. While the Company's decision makers monitor the revenue streams of the various financial products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on an organization-wide basis. Accordingly, the Company's banking and finance operations are not considered by management to constitute more than one reportable operating segment.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, fair values of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, loss estimates related to loans and other real estate acquired which are covered under loss share

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agreements with the FDIC, evaluating other-than-temporary-impairment of investment securities, goodwill impairment tests and valuation of deferred tax assets.

        With the FDIC loss share agreements, the Company must comply with certain administration requirements of the covered assets and indemnification is limited for the assets covered. Actions by the Company can result in assets becoming uncovered under the loss share provisions, and interpretation of the provisions of the loss share agreement may be different in a way which results in losses increasing and impacting the Company adversely.

        In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses, management has identified specific loans as well as adopted a policy of providing amounts for loan valuation purposes which are not identified with any specific loan but are derived from actual loss experience ratios, loan types, loan volume, economic conditions and industry standards. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of the examination process, periodically review the banking subsidiary's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

        The Company's subsidiary grants agribusiness, commercial, and residential loans to customers throughout South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Although the subsidiary has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of their borrowers' abilities to honor their contracts is dependent upon economic conditions within South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and the surrounding regions.

        The Company considers concentrations of credit to exist when, pursuant to regulatory guidelines, the amounts loaned to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar business activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by general economic conditions represents 25% of total risk-based capital, or $188.9 million at December 31, 2014. Based on this criteria, the Company had four such credit concentrations for non-acquired and acquired non-credit impaired loans at December 31, 2014, including $301.4 million of loans to lessors of residential buildings, $395.1 million of loans to lessors of nonresidential buildings (except mini-warehouses), $211.0 million of loans to religious organizations, and $249.4 million of loans to offices of physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

        The Company enters into purchases of securities under agreements to resell substantially identical securities typically for the purpose of obtaining securities on a short-term basis for collateralizing certain customer deposit relationships. Securities purchased under agreements to resell at December 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of U.S. government-sponsored entities and agency mortgage-backed securities. It is the Company's policy to take possession of securities purchased under agreements to resell. The securities are delivered into the Company's account maintained by a third-party custodian designated by the Company under a written custodial agreement that explicitly recognizes the Company's interest in the securities. The Company monitors the market value of the

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

underlying securities, including accrued interest, which collateralizes the related receivable on agreements to resell. At December 31, 2014, these agreements were considered to be cash equivalents with maturities of three months or less.

Investment Securities

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

        Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the terms of the securities. Declines in the fair value of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification method. The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. In estimating OTTI losses, management considers: (1) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (2) the outlook for receiving the contractual cash flows of the investments, (3) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (4) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value, and (5) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates. (see Note 3—Investment Securities).

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

Loans Held for Sale

        Loans originated and intended for sale are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Estimated fair value is determined on the basis of existing forward commitments, or the current market value of similar loans. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Loans held-for-sale are sold to investors either under guaranteed delivery or with the best effort intent and ability to sell loans as long as they meet the underwriting standards of the potential investor.

Loans

        Loans that management has originated and has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their unpaid principal balances, less unearned income and net of any deferred loan fees and costs. Unearned income on installment loans is recognized as income over the terms of the loans by methods that generally approximate the interest

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

method. Interest on other loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

        Loans are placed on nonaccrual status depending upon the type of loan, the past due status, and the collection activities in progress. Well-secured loans, in the process of collection, are allowed to remain on an accrual basis until they become 120 days past due. Partially secured loans are written down to the collateral value and placed on nonaccrual status on or before becoming 120 days past due. Unsecured commercial loans are charged off on or before the date they become 120 days past due. Closed end consumer loans and open end consumer loans are charged off or written down to the fair value of collateral on or before becoming 120 and 180 days past due, respectively. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged against interest revenue on loans. Interest payments are applied to the principal balance on nonaccrual loans.

        A loan is considered impaired when, in management's judgment, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Management determines when loans become impaired through its normal loan administration and review functions. Loans identified as nonaccrual are potentially impaired loans. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired, provided that management expects to collect all amounts due, including interest accrued at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest income recognition on non-acquired impaired loans is discontinued when the loans meet the criteria for nonaccrual status described above. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous non-acquired loans are collectively evaluated for loss and a general reserve is established accordingly.

        Acquired credit impaired loans are initially recorded at a discount to recognize the difference in the fair value of the loans and the contractual balance. The discount includes a component to recognize the absolute difference between the contractual value and the amount expected to be collected (total cash flow) as well as a component to recognize the net present value of that future amount to be collected. The net present value component is accretable into income, and therefore generates a yield on all acquired credit impaired loans, regardless of past due status. Therefore, acquired credit impaired loans are considered to be accruing loans. Acquired credit impaired loans that are greater than 90 days past due are placed into the greater than 90 days past due and still accruing category when analyzing the aging status of the loan portfolio. See Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses for further detail.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")

        The Bank designates loan modifications as TDRs when, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, it grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual TDRs. Loans on accruing status at the date of modification are initially classified as accruing TDRs at the date of modification, if the note is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the modification date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. Nonaccrual TDRs are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is well documented credit evaluation of the borrower's financial

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months).

Allowance for Loan Losses

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

        The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management's periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

        The allowance consists of general and specific reserves. The general reserves are determined, for loans not identified as impaired, by applying loss percentages to the portfolio that are based on historical loss experience and management's evaluation and "risk grading" of the loan portfolio. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are included in this evaluation. The specific reserves are determined, for impaired loans, on a loan-by-loan basis based on management's evaluation of the Company's exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. Management evaluates nonaccrual loans and TDRs regardless of accrual status to determine whether or not they are impaired. For such loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The Company requires updated appraisals on at least an annual basis for impaired loans that are collateral dependent. Generally, the need for specific reserve is evaluated on impaired loans, and once a specific reserve is established for a loan, a charge off of that amount occurs in the quarter subsequent to the establishment of the specific reserve.

        Although management uses available information to estimate losses on loans, because of uncertainties associated with local, regional, and national economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, and subjection of the model to the review of regulatory authorities, it is reasonably possible that a material change could occur in the allowance for loan losses in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

Other Real Estate Owned

        Other real estate owned ("OREO"), consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or through a deed in lieu of foreclosure in satisfaction of loans and property originally acquired for further branch expansion (formerly classified as premises and equipment), is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current valuations obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure or initial possession of collateral, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses.

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        Subsequent declines in the fair value of OREO below the new cost basis are recorded through valuation adjustments. Significant judgments and complex estimates are required in estimating the fair value of other real estate, and the period of time within which such estimates can be considered current is significantly shortened during periods of market volatility. In response to market conditions and other economic factors, management may utilize liquidation sales as part of its problem asset disposition strategy. As a result of the significant judgments required in estimating fair value and the variables involved in different methods of disposition, the net proceeds realized from sales transactions could differ significantly from the valuations used to determine the fair value of OREO. Management reviews the value of OREO each quarter and adjusts the values as appropriate. Revenue and expenses from OREO operations as well as gains or losses on sales and any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as OREO expense and loan related expense, a component of non-interest expense.

Business Combinations and Method of Accounting for Loans Acquired

        The Company accounts for its acquisitions under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations, which requires the use of the acquisition method of accounting. All identifiable assets acquired, including loans, are recorded at fair value. No allowance for loan losses related to the acquired loans is recorded on the acquisition date because the fair value of the loans acquired incorporates assumptions regarding credit risk. Loans acquired are recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value methodology prescribed in FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, exclusive of the loss share agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). The fair value estimates associated with the loans include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of expected principal, interest and other cash flows.

        Acquired credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality, found in FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Receivables—Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, formerly American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") Statement of Position (SOP) 03-3, Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer, and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Loans acquired in business combinations with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are considered to be credit impaired. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of purchase dates may include information such as past-due and nonaccrual status, borrower credit scores and recent loan to value percentages. The Company considers expected prepayments and estimates the amount and timing of expected principal, interest and other cash flows for each loan or pool of loans meeting the criteria above, and determines the excess of the loan's scheduled contractual principal and contractual interest payments over all cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition as an amount that should not be accreted (nonaccretable difference). The remaining amount, representing the excess of the loan's or pool's cash flows expected to be collected over the fair value for the loan or pool of loans, is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool (accretable difference). In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-30, the Company aggregated acquired loans that have common risk characteristics into pools within the following loan categories: commercial loans greater than or equal to $1 million—CBT, commercial real estate, commercial real estate—construction and development, residential real estate, residential real estate junior lien, home equity, consumer, commercial and industrial, and single pay. Single pay loans consist of those instruments for which repayment of principal and interest is expected at maturity. Commercial loans greater than or equal to $1 million-CBT consist of commercial loans acquired through the Community Bank and Trust ("CBT") FDIC-assisted transaction that had outstanding contractual principal balances of $1.0 million or more at the date of acquisition.

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        Loans acquired through business combinations that do not meet the specific criteria of FASB ASC Topic 310-30, but for which a discount is attributable at least in part to credit quality are generally accounted for under this guidance. As a result, related discounts are recognized subsequently through accretion based on the expected cash flow of the acquired loans. Certain acquired loans, such as lines of credit (consumer and commercial) and loans for which there was no discount attributable to credit are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-20, where the discount is accreted through earnings based on estimated cash flows over the estimated life of the loan.

        Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows expected to be received in excess of the Company's initial estimates are reclassified from nonaccretable difference to accretable difference and are accreted into interest income on a level-yield basis over the remaining life of the loan. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected are recognized as impairment through the provision for loan losses. For acquired loans subject to a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC, the FDIC indemnification asset will be adjusted prospectively in a similar, consistent manner with increases and decreases in expected cash flows.

        Probable and significant increases in cash flows (in a loan pool where an allowance for acquired loan losses was previously recorded) reduces the remaining allowance for acquired loan losses before recalculating the amount of accretable yield percentage for the loan pool in accordance with ASC 310-30. For covered loan pools, the reduction of the remaining allowance for acquired loan losses would be offset by the impact to the indemnification asset depending on each covered portfolio's loss share coverage (80%, in the case of Habersham Bank ("Habersham") and BankMeridian, N.A. ("BankMeridian"); 95% in the case of CBT; 80% up to $110.0 million and 95% thereafter, in the case of Cape Fear Bank ("Cape Fear"); or 80% up to $55.0 million, 0% from $55.0 million to $65.0 million, and 60% thereafter, in the case of Plantation Federal Bank ("Plantation")).

FDIC Indemnification Asset

        The FDIC indemnification asset is measured separately from the related covered asset as it is not contractually embedded in the assets and is not transferable with the assets should the Company choose to dispose of them. Fair value was estimated at the acquisition date using projected cash flows related to the loss sharing agreements based on the expected reimbursements for losses and the applicable loss sharing percentages. These expected reimbursements do not include reimbursable amounts related to future covered expenditures. These cash flows were discounted to reflect the uncertainty of the timing and receipt of the loss sharing reimbursement from the FDIC. The Company will offset any recorded provision for loan losses related to acquired-covered loans by recording an increase in the FDIC indemnification asset by the increase in expected cash flow, which is the result of a decrease in expected cash flow of acquired loans. An increase in cash flows on acquired loans results in a decrease in cash flows on the FDIC indemnification asset, which is recognized in the future as negative accretion through non-interest income over the shorter of the remaining life of the FDIC indemnification asset or the underlying loans.

        The Company incurs expenses related to the assets indemnified by the FDIC, and pursuant to the loss share agreement certain costs are reimbursable by the FDIC. These costs are included in monthly and quarterly claims made by the Company. The estimates of reimbursements are netted against these covered expenses in the income statement.

Premises and Equipment

        Land is carried at cost. Office equipment, furnishings, and buildings are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed principally on the declining-balance and straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line

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method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the terms of the related leases including lease renewals only when the Company is reasonably assured of the aggregate term of the lease. Additions to premises and equipment and major replacements are added to the accounts at cost. Maintenance and repairs and minor replacements are charged to expense when incurred. Gains and losses on routine dispositions are reflected in current operations.

Intangible Assets

        Intangible assets consist of goodwill, core deposit intangibles, client list intangibles, and noncompetition agreement ("noncompete") intangibles that result from the acquisition of other banks or branches from other financial institutions. Core deposit intangibles represent the value of long-term deposit relationships acquired in these transactions. Client list intangibles represent the value of long-term client relationships for the wealth and trust management business. Noncompete intangibles represent the value of key personnel relative to various competitive factors such as ability to compete, willingness or likelihood to compete, and feasibility based upon the competitive environment, and what the Bank could lose from competition. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the sum of the estimated fair values of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is evaluated for impairment annually or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. The goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step, used to identify potential impairment, involves comparing the reporting unit's estimated fair value to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill assigned to that reporting unit is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment of goodwill assigned to that reporting unit.

        If required, the second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted. Management has determined that the Company has one reporting unit.

        The Company evaluated the carrying value of goodwill as of April 30, 2014, its annual test date, and determined that no impairment charge was necessary. Additionally, should the Company's future earnings and cash flows decline and/or discount rates increase, an impairment charge to goodwill and other intangible assets may be required. There have been no events subsequent to the April 30, 2014 evaluation that caused the Company to perform an interim review of the carrying value of goodwill.

        Core deposit intangibles, included in core deposit and other intangibles, are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the deposit accounts acquired (generally 7 to 13 years) on either (1) the straight-line method or (2) an accelerated basis method which reasonably approximates the anticipated benefit stream from the accounts. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

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        Noncompete intangibles, included in core deposit and other intangibles are amortized over the life of the underlying noncompete agreements (generally 2 to 3 years) on the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

        Client list intangibles, included in core deposit and other intangibles, are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the client lists acquired (generally 15 years) on the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives are periodically reviewed for reasonableness.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

        The Company has a mortgage loan servicing portfolio with related mortgage servicing rights. Mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") represent the present value of the future net servicing fees from servicing mortgage loans. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities must be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. For subsequent measurements, an entity can choose to measure servicing assets and liabilities either based on fair value or lower of cost or market. The Company uses the fair value measurement option for MSRs.

        The methodology used to determine the fair value of MSRs is subjective and requires the development of a number of assumptions, including anticipated prepayments of loan principal. Fair value is determined by estimating the present value of the asset's future cash flows utilizing estimated market-based prepayment rates and discount rates, interest rates and other economic factors and assumptions validated through comparison to trade information, industry surveys and with the use of independent third party appraisals. Risks inherent in the MSRs valuation include higher than expected prepayment rates and/or delayed receipt of cash flows. The value of MSRs is significantly affected by mortgage interest rates available in the marketplace, which influence mortgage loan prepayment speeds. In general, during periods of declining interest rates, the value of mortgage servicing rights declines due to increasing prepayments attributable to increased mortgage refinance activity. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of servicing rights generally increases due to reduced refinance activity. MSRs are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking income each period in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company also uses derivative instruments to mitigate the income statement effect of changes in fair value due to changes in valuation inputs and assumptions of its MSRs.

Transfer of Financial Assets

        With the FFHI merger in July of 2013, the Company acquired a portfolio of residential mortgages serviced for others and began to sell mortgages directly to Fannie Mae. Prior to this merger, all of the Company's loan sales were to third party investors on the secondary market with servicing rights released. Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over the transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when: (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. The Company reviews all sales of loans by evaluating specific terms in the sales documents and believes that the criteria discussed above to qualify for sales treatment have been met as loans have been transferred for cash and the notes and mortgages for all loans in each sale are endorsed and assigned to the transferee. As stated in the commitment document, the Buyer has no recourse with these loans except in the case of fraud. In certain sales, mortgage servicing rights may be retained and in other programs potential loss exposure from the credit enhancement obligation may be retained, both of which are evaluated and appropriately measured at the date of sale.

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        The Company packages most of the 30 year fixed rate conforming mortgage loans as securities to investors issued through Fannie Mae and sold to third-party investors or sells them as cash forward mandatory commitments to Fannie Mae. The Company records loan securitizations or cash forwards as a sale when the transferred loans are legally isolated from its creditors and the accounting criteria for a sale are met. Gains or losses recorded on loan securitizations and cash forwards depend in part on the net carrying amount of the loans sold, which is allocated between the loans sold and retained interests based on their relative fair values at the date of sale. The Company generally retains mortgage servicing rights on residential mortgage loans sold in the secondary market. Loans transferred to held for sale with the intention of disposal through a bulk loan sale will be sold with servicing released. Since quoted market prices are not typically available, the fair value of retained interests is estimated through the services of a third-party service provider to determine the net present value of expected future cash flows. Such models incorporate management's best estimates of key variables, such as prepayment speeds and discount rates that would be used by market participants and are appropriate for the risks involved. Gains and losses incurred on loans sold to third-party investors are included in mortgage banking income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Advertising Costs

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

Comprehensive Income

        Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as (1) unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities (2) unrealized gains and losses on effective portions of derivative financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges and (3) net change in unrecognized amounts related to pension and post-retirement benefits, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet. Such items, along with net income, are components of total comprehensive income (see Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income on page F-7).

Employee Benefit Plans

        The Company's defined benefit pension and other post retirement plans are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 715, Compensation—Retirement Benefits, which requires the Company to recognize the funded status in its statement of financial position. See Note 17 for information regarding the defined benefit pension plan and Note 18 for information regarding our post-retirement benefits plan. The expected costs of the plans are being expensed over the period that employees provide service.

        The Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") allows for a look-back option which establishes the purchase price as an amount based on the lesser of the stock's market price at the grant date or its market price at the exercise (or purchase) date. For the shares issued in exchange for employee services under the plan, the Company accounts for the plan under the FASB ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, in which the fair value measurement method is used to estimate the fair value of the equity instruments, based on the share price and other measurement assumptions at the grant date. See Note 19 for the amount the Company recognized as expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

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Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Income Taxes

        Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the tax basis and financial statement basis of gains on acquisitions, available-for-sale securities, allowance for loan losses, write downs of OREO properties, accumulated depreciation, net operating loss carryforwards, accretion income, deferred compensation, intangible assets, and pension plan and post-retirement benefits. The deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

        The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits in its respective federal or state income taxes accounts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no material accruals for uncertain tax positions. The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated United States federal income tax return, as well as income tax returns for its subsidiary in the state of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The Company's filed income tax returns are no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2010.

Earnings Per Share

        Basic earnings per share ("EPS") represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential shares had been issued. Potential shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options, restricted stock (non-vested shares), and warrants, and are determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the number of incremental shares is determined by assuming the issuance of stock for the outstanding stock options and warrants, reduced by the number of shares assumed to be repurchased from the issuance proceeds, using the average market price for the year of the Company's stock. Weighted-average shares for the basic and diluted EPS calculations have been reduced by the average number of unvested restricted shares.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        The Company's interest rate risk management strategy incorporates the use of a derivative financial instrument, specifically an interest rate swap, to essentially convert a portion of its variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. Cash flows related to variable-rate debt will fluctuate with changes in an underlying rate index. When effectively hedged, the increases or decreases in cash flows related to the variable-rate debt will generally be offset by changes in cash flows of the derivative instrument designated as a hedge. This strategy is referred to as a cash flow hedge.

        In addition, the Company acquired two interest rate swap contracts through the merger transaction with Savannah. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and are not speculative in nature. One of the derivatives is an interest rate swap that was executed with a commercial borrower to facilitate a respective risk management strategy and allow the customer to pay a fixed rate of interest to the Company. This interest rate swap was simultaneously hedged by executing an offsetting interest rate swap that was entered into with a third party to minimize the net risk exposure to the Company resulting from the transactions and allow the Company to receive a variable rate of interest.

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        During 2013, the Company acquired derivatives contracts through the merger transaction with FFHI. These instruments are a part of the Company's risk management strategy for its mortgage banking activities. These derivative instruments are used to hedge both the value of the mortgage servicing rights and the mortgage pipeline and are not designated as hedges and are not speculative in nature. The derivative instruments that are used to hedge the value of the mortgage servicing rights include financial forwards, futures contracts, and options written and purchased, while when-issued securities and mandatory cash forward trades are typically used to hedge the mortgage pipeline. These instruments derive their cash flows, and therefore their values, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate.

        By using derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the fair value gain in a derivative. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this situation generally indicates that the counterparty is obligated to pay the Company, and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Company is obligated to pay the counterparty and, therefore, has no repayment risk. The Company minimizes the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by the Company.

        The Company's derivative activities are monitored by its Asset-Liability Management Committee as part of that committee's oversight of the Company's asset/liability and treasury functions. The Company's Asset-Liability Management Committee is responsible for implementing various hedging strategies that are developed through its analysis of data from financial simulation models and other internal and industry sources. The resulting hedging strategies are then incorporated into the overall interest-rate risk management process.

        The Company recognizes the fair value of derivatives as assets or liabilities in the financial statements. The accounting for the changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative instrument at inception. The change in fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges is accounted for in other comprehensive income rather than net income. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that are not intended as a hedge are accounted for in the net income in the period of the change (see Note 28—Derivative Financial Instruments for further disclosure).

Reclassification

        Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net income and shareholders' equity.

Subsequent Events

        The Company has evaluated subsequent events for accounting and disclosure purposes through the date the financial statements are issued (see Note 30—Subsequent Events for further disclosure).

Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements

        In November 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This ASU clarifies how current U.S. GAAP should be interpreted in subjectively evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. ASU 2014-16 is effective for

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public business entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2014-16 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

        In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-14, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40)—Classification of Certain Government Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure ("ASU 2014-14"). ASU 2014-14 provides clarifying guidance related to how creditors classify government-guaranteed loans upon foreclosure. ASU 2014-14 requires that a mortgage loan be derecognized and a separate receivable be recognized upon foreclosure if certain conditions are met. Upon foreclosure, the separate receivable should be measured based on the amount of the loan balance (principal and interest) expected to be recovered from the guarantor. ASU 2014-14 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The amendments can be applied using either a prospective transition method or a modified retrospective transition method. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-14 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

        In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity may apply the standards (1) prospectively to all share-based payment awards that are granted or modified on or after the effective date, or (2) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. Earlier application is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

        In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures ("ASU 2014-11"). ASU 2014-11 aligns the accounting for repurchase to maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. Going forward, these transactions would all be accounted for as secured borrowings. ASU 2014-11 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. In addition the disclosure of certain transactions accounted for as a sale is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014, and the disclosure for transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. Early adoption is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements, but does not expect it to have a material impact.

        In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Topic 606 ("ASU 2014-09"). The new standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under existing guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after

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December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The amendments can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this new guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements, but the Company does not expect it to have a material impact.

        In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("ASU 2014-04"). ASU 2014-04 clarifies that an in-substance foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. ASU 2014-04 also requires disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure. ASU 2014-04 is effective for public companies for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. Once adopted, an entity can elect either (i) a modified retrospective transition method or (ii) a prospective transition method. The modified retrospective transition method is applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to residential mortgage loans and foreclosed residential real estate properties existing as of the beginning of the period for which the amendments of ASU 2014-04 are effective, with real estate reclassified to loans measured at the carrying value of the real estate at the date of adoption and loans reclassified to real estate measured at the lower of net carrying value of the loan or the fair value of the real estate less costs to sell at the date of adoption. The prospective transition method is applied by means of applying the amendments of ASU 2014-04 to all instances of receiving physical possession of residential real estate properties that occur after the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2014-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

        In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects ("ASU 2014-01"). ASU 2014-01 amends FASB ASC 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures, to permit reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). ASU 2014-01 is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements, but the Company does not expect it to have a material impact.

Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions

        The following mergers and acquisitions are referenced throughout this Form 10-K:

•

Community Bank & Trust ("CBT")—January 29, 2010—Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") purchase and assumption agreement



•

Habersham Bank ("Habersham")—February 18, 2011—FDIC purchase and assumption agreement

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•

BankMeridian, N.A. ("BankMeridian")—July 29, 2011—FDIC purchase and assumption agreement



•

Peoples Bancorporation, Inc. ("Peoples")—April 24, 2012—Whole bank acquisition



•

The Savannah Bancorp, Inc. ("Savannah")—December 13, 2012—Whole bank acquisition



•

First Financial Holdings, Inc. ("FFHI")—July 26, 2013—Whole bank acquisition with FDIC purchase and assumption agreements of Cape Fear Bank ("Cape Fear")—April 10, 2009 and Plantation Federal Bank ("Plantation")—April 27, 2012

"FDIC purchase and assumption agreement" means that only certain assets and liabilities were acquired by the bank from the FDIC. A "whole bank acquisition" means that the two parties in the transaction agreed to the transaction, and there was no involvement of the FDIC. A "whole bank acquisition with FDIC purchase and assumption agreements" means that the two parties in the transaction agreed to the merger, and there were existing FDIC purchase and assumption agreements.

First Financial Holdings, Inc. Merger

        On July 26, 2013, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of FFHI, of Charleston, South Carolina, the bank holding company for First Federal Bank ("First Federal"), in a stock transaction. FFHI common shareholders received 0.4237 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for each share of FFHI common stock, resulting in the Company issuing 7,018,274 shares of its common stock. Each outstanding share of FFHI Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A ("FFHI Preferred Stock"), was converted into the right to receive one share of preferred stock of the Company, designated Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock and having such rights, preferences and privileges as are not materially less favorable than the rights, preferences and privileges of the FFHI Preferred Stock. In total, the purchase price for the FFHI acquisition was $447.0 million including $65.0 million in preferred stock and the value of "in the money" outstanding stock options (i.e., stock options for which the exercise price of the stock option is below the market price of the underlying stock) totaling $530,000. On March 28, 2014, the Company redeemed all 65,000 outstanding shares of the Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock. The shares had a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share and dividends were accruing at 9% per annum.

        The FFHI transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date.

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Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

        The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of July 26, 2013, as recorded by FFHI on the acquisition date and initial and subsequent fair value adjustments.

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        The operating results of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014, include the operating results of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities since the acquisition date of July 26, 2013. Merger and branding related charges of $23.9 million are recorded in the consolidated statement of income and include incremental costs related to closing of certain branches, employment related cost, professional cost (legal, accounting and audit related), travel, printing and supplies, advertising and brand related, and other cost.

        The following table discloses the impact of the merger with FFHI (excluding the impact of merger-related expenses) for the year ended December 31, 2014. The table also presents certain pro forma information as if FFHI had been acquired on January, 1 2012. These results combine the historical results of FFHI in the Company's consolidated statement of income and, while certain adjustments were made for the estimated impact of certain fair value adjustments and other acquisition-related activity, they are not indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2013 or January 1, 2012.

        Merger-related costs of $22.8 million from the Savannah and FFHI acquisitions are included in the Company's consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2013, and are not included in the pro forma information below. In particular, no adjustments have been made to the pro forma information to eliminate the provision for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 of FFHI in the amount of $6.4 million and $20.1 million, respectively. No adjustments have been made to reduce the impact of any OREO write downs recognized by FFHI in either the years

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ended December 31, 2013 or 2012. The pro forma results below for December 31, 2013 and 2012 do not reflect the operating cost savings and other business synergies related to the acquisition of FFHI:

The Savannah Bancorp, Inc. Acquisition

        On December 13, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of The Savannah Bancorp, Inc. ("Savannah"), a bank holding company based in Savannah, Georgia, in a stock transaction. Savannah common shareholders received 0.2503 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for each share of Savannah common stock, resulting in the Company issuing 1,802,137 shares of common stock. In total, the purchase price for the Savannah acquisition was $68.9 million including the value of "in the money" outstanding stock options (i.e., stock options for which the exercise price of the stock option is below the market price of the underlying stock) totaling $63,000.

        The Savannah transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at fair value on the acquisition date.

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Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

        The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of December 13, 2012, as recorded by Savannah on the acquisition date and initial and subsequent fair value adjustments.

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Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

Peoples Bancorporation Acquisition

        On April 24, 2012, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Peoples Bancorporation, Inc. ("Peoples"), a bank holding company based in Easley, South Carolina, in a stock transaction. Peoples common shareholders received 0.1413 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for each share of Peoples stock, resulting in the Company issuing 1,002,741 common shares at a fair value of $31.1 million. Peoples' preferred stock (including accrued and unpaid dividend) issued under the U.S. Treasury's Troubled Asset Relief Program ("TARP") were purchased by the Company for $13.4 million and retired as part of the merger transaction. In total, the purchase price was $44.5 million including the value of the outstanding options to purchase common stock assumed in the merger.

        The Peoples transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at fair value on the acquisition date.

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Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

        The following table presents the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of April 24, 2012, as recorded by Peoples on the acquisition date and initial and subsequent fair value adjustments.

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Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions (Continued)

Note 3—Investment Securities

        The following is the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities held to maturity:

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Note 3—Investment Securities (Continued)

        The following is the amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available for sale:

        The following is the amortized cost and fair value of other investment securities:

        The Company has determined that the investment in Federal Home Loan Bank stock is not other than temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2014 and ultimate recoverability of the par value of these investments is probable.

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Note 3—Investment Securities (Continued)

        The amortized cost and fair value of debt and equity securities at December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity are detailed below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. Equity securities have no set maturity dates and are classified as "Due after ten years".

        The following table summarizes information with respect to sales of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities:

        The Company had 66 securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2014. Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 and 2013, aggregated by

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Note 3—Investment Securities (Continued)

investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position follows:

        The unrealized losses in 2014 declined significantly from the unrealized loss position in 2013. This improvement was in all securities classifications, and was the result of the decline in interest rates throughout the year. In analyzing an issuer's financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, the results of reviews of the issuer's financial condition, and the issuer's anticipated ability to pay the contractual cash flows of the investments. The Company does not currently intend to sell the securities within the portfolio and it is not more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt securities; therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014. Management continues to monitor all of these securities with a high degree of scrutiny. There can be no assurance that the Company will not conclude in future periods that conditions existing at that time indicate some or all of these securities may be sold or are other than temporarily impaired, which would require a charge to earnings in such periods.

        Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (2) the outlook for receiving the contractual cash flows of the investments, (3) the length of time and the

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Note 3—Investment Securities (Continued)

extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (4) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value or for a debt security whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovering its fair value, and (5) the anticipated outlook for changes in the general level of interest rates. As part of the Company's evaluation of its intent and ability to hold investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market, the Company considers its investment strategy, cash flow needs, liquidity position, capital adequacy and interest rate risk position.

        At December 31, 2014 and 2013, investment securities with a carrying value of $273.2 million and $261.7 million, respectively, were pledged to secure public funds deposits and for other purposes required and permitted by law. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of the securities pledged to collateralize repurchase agreements was $160.9 million and $163.2 million, respectively.

Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

        The following is a summary of non-acquired loans:

        The above table includes deferred fees, net of deferred costs, totaling $2.1 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following is a summary of acquired non-credit impaired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20, net of the related discount:

        In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310-30, the Company aggregated acquired loans that have common risk characteristics into pools of loan categories as described in the table below.

        The following is a summary of acquired credit impaired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-30 (identified as credit impaired at the time of acquisition), net of related discount:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The table below reflects refined contractual loan payments (principal and interest), estimates of the amounts not expected to be collected (non-accretable difference), accretable yield (interest income recognized over time), and the resulting fair values at the acquisition date for FFHI (July 26, 2013) for loans accounted for using ASC Topic 310-30. These refinements did not change the carrying value of these pools of loans. The changes were the result of the conversion to one loan system and a better projection of the timing of cash flows for these acquired credit impaired loans.

        Contractual loan payments receivable, estimates of amounts not expected to be collected, other fair value adjustments and the resulting fair values of acquired credit impaired loans accounted for using ASC 310-30 at the acquisition date for Savannah (December 13, 2012) are as follows:

        Contractual loan payments receivable, estimates of amounts not expected to be collected, other fair value adjustments and the resulting fair values of acquired credit impaired loans at the acquisition date for Peoples (April 24, 2012) are as follows:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        Contractual loan payments receivable, estimates of amounts not expected to be collected, other fair value adjustments and the resulting carrying values of acquired credit impaired loans as of December 31, 2014, and 2013 are as follows:

        Income on acquired credit impaired loans that are not impaired at the acquisition date is recognized in the same manner as loans impaired at the acquisition date. A portion of the fair value discount on acquired non-impaired loans has been ascribed as an accretable difference that is accreted into interest income over the estimated remaining life of the loans. The remaining nonaccretable difference represents cash flows not expected to be collected.

        The following are changes in the carrying value of acquired credit impaired loans:

        The following are changes in the carrying amount of accretable difference for acquired credit impaired loans:

        On December 13, 2006, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, and other regulatory agencies collectively revised the banking agencies' 1993 policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses to

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

ensure consistency with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and more recent supervisory guidance. Our loan loss policy adheres to the interagency guidance.

        The allowance for loan losses is based upon estimates made by management. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at a level that we believe is appropriate to cover estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans that are determined to be impaired as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of our loan portfolio. Arriving at the allowance involves a high degree of management judgment and results in a range of estimated losses. We regularly evaluate the adequacy of the allowance through our internal risk rating system, outside credit review, and regulatory agency examinations to assess the quality of the loan portfolio and identify problem loans. The evaluation process also includes our analysis of current economic conditions, composition of the loan portfolio, past due and nonaccrual loans, concentrations of credit, lending policies and procedures, and historical loan loss experience. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on, among other factors, changes in economic conditions in our markets. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowances for losses on loans. These agencies may require management to recognize additions to the allowances based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these and other factors, it is possible that the allowances for losses on loans may change. The provision for loan losses is charged to expense in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at an appropriate level.

        The allowance for loan losses on non-acquired loans consists of general and specific reserves. The general reserves are determined by applying loss percentages to the portfolio that are based on historical loss experience for each class of loans and management's evaluation and "risk grading" of the loan portfolio. Additionally, the general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, the findings of internal and external credit reviews and results from external bank regulatory examinations are included in this evaluation. Currently, these adjustments are applied to the non-acquired loan portfolio when estimating the level of reserve required. The specific reserves are determined on a loan-by-loan basis based on management's evaluation of our exposure for each credit, given the current payment status of the loan and the value of any underlying collateral. These are loans classified by management as doubtful or substandard. For such loans that are also classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Generally, the need for specific reserve is evaluated on impaired loans, and once a specific reserve is established for a loan, a charge off of that amount occurs in the quarter subsequent to the establishment of the specific reserve. Loans that are determined to be impaired are provided a specific reserve, if necessary, and are excluded from the calculation of the general reserves.

        With the FFHI acquisition, the Company segregated the loan portfolio into performing loans ("non-credit impaired) and purchased credit impaired loans. The performing loans and revolving type loans are accounted for under FASB ASC 310-20, with each loan being accounted for individually. The allowance for loan losses on these loans will be measured and recorded consistent with non-acquired loans. The acquired credit impaired loans will follow the description in the next paragraph.

        In determining the acquisition date fair value of purchased loans, and in subsequent accounting, the Company generally aggregates purchased loans into pools of loans with common risk characteristics. Expected cash flows at the acquisition date in excess of the fair value of loans are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans using a level yield method if the timing and amount of the future cash flows of the pool is reasonably estimable. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

over those expected at the acquisition date are reclassified from the non-accretable difference to accretable difference and recognized as interest income prospectively. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses. Management analyzes the acquired loan pools using various assessments of risk to determine an expected loss. The expected loss is derived based upon a loss given default based upon the collateral type and/or detailed review by loan officers of loans greater than $25,000 and the probability of default that is determined based upon historical data at the loan level. The Company changed the threshold of loans reviewed from $500,000 during the second quarter of 2013 to more accurately derive the expected loss in pools where there are few, if any, loans greater than $500,000. Trends are reviewed in terms of accrual status, past due status, and weighted-average grade of the loans within each of the accounting pools. In addition, the relationship between the change in the unpaid principal balance and change in the mark is assessed to correlate the directional consistency of the expected loss for each pool. Offsetting the impact of the provision established for acquired loans covered under FDIC loss share agreements, the receivable from the FDIC is adjusted to reflect the indemnified portion of the post-acquisition exposure with a corresponding credit to the provision for loan losses. (For further discussion of the Company's allowance for loan losses on acquired loans, see Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 2—Mergers and Acquisitions.)

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        An aggregated analysis of the changes in allowance for loan losses is as follows:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for non-acquired loans:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

        As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company has not recorded any allowance for loan losses for loans acquired and accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20.

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following tables present a disaggregated analysis of activity in the allowance for loan losses and loan balances for acquired credit impaired loans:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Company's loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to (i) the level of classified loans, (ii) net charge-offs, (iii) non-performing loans (see details below) and (iv) the general economic conditions of the markets that we serve.

        The Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans. A description of the general characteristics of the risk grades is as follows:

•

Pass—These loans range from minimal credit risk to average however still acceptable credit risk.



•

Special mention—A special mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or the institution's credit position at some future date.



•

Substandard—A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses, that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. A substandard loan is characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.



•

Doubtful—A doubtful loan has all of the weaknesses inherent in one classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of the currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of commercial non-acquired loans:

 

        The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of consumer non-acquired loans:

 

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of total non-acquired loans:

        At December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of non-acquired substandard and doubtful loans totaled $62.8 million. When these loans are combined with non-acquired OREO of $7.9 million, our non-acquired classified assets (as defined by the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions and the FDIC, our primary regulators) were $70.7 million. At December 31, 2013, the amounts were $82.8 million, $13.5 million, and $96.3 million, respectively.

        The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of commercial loans for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

 

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of consumer loans for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

 

        The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of total acquired non-credit impaired loans:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents the credit risk profile by risk grade of acquired credit impaired loans (identified as credit-impaired at the time of acquisition), net of the related discount (this table should be read in conjunction with the allowance for acquired loan losses table found on page F-45):

 

 

        The risk grading of acquired credit impaired loans is determined utilizing a loan's contractual balance, while the amount recorded in the financial statements and reflected above is the carrying value. In an FDIC-assisted acquisition, covered acquired loans are initially recorded at their fair value, including a credit discount due to the high concentration of substandard and doubtful loans. In addition to the credit discount and the allowance for loan losses on covered acquired loans, the Company's risk of loss is mitigated by the FDIC loss share arrangement.

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents an aging analysis of past due loans, segregated by class for non-acquired loans:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents an aging analysis of past due loans, segregated by class for acquired non-credit impaired loans:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents an aging analysis of past due loans, segregated by class for acquired credit impaired loans:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired non-acquired and acquired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20:

        Acquired credit impaired loans are accounted for in pools as shown on page F-37 rather than being individually evaluated for impairment; therefore, the table above excludes acquired credit impaired loans.

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following summarizes the average investment in impaired loans, non-acquired and acquired loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20, and interest income recognized on these loans:

        The following is a summary of information pertaining to non-acquired nonaccrual loans by class, including restructured loans:

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following is a summary of information pertaining to acquired non-credit impaired nonaccrual loans by class, including restructured loans:

        In the course of resolving delinquent loans, the Bank may choose to restructure the contractual terms of certain loans. Any loans that are modified are reviewed by the Bank to determine if a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR" or "restructured loan") has occurred. A TDR is a modification in which the Bank grants a concession to a borrower that it would not otherwise consider due to economic or legal reasons related to a borrower's financial difficulties. The concessions granted on TDRs generally include terms to reduce the interest rate, extend the term of the debt obligation, or modify the payment structure on the debt obligation.

        The Bank designates loan modifications as TDRs when it grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider due to the borrower experiencing financial difficulty (FASB ASC Topic 310-40). Loans on nonaccrual status at the date of modification are initially classified as nonaccrual TDRs. Loans on accruing status at the date of concession are initially classified as accruing TDRs if the note is reasonably assured of repayment and performance is expected in accordance with its modified terms. Such loans may be designated as nonaccrual loans subsequent to the concession date if reasonable doubt exists as to the collection of interest or principal under the restructuring agreement. Nonaccrual TDRs are returned to accruing status when there is economic substance to the restructuring, there is documented credit evaluation of the borrower's financial condition, the remaining balance is reasonably assured of repayment in accordance with its modified terms, and the borrower has demonstrated sustained repayment performance in accordance with the modified terms for a reasonable period of time (generally a minimum of six months).

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Note 4—Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

        The following table presents non-acquired and acquired non-credit impaired loans designated as TDRs segregated by class and type of concession that were restructured during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:

        At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the balance of accruing TDRs was $6.6 million, $5.3 million, respectively.

        The following table presents the changes in status of non-acquired loans restructured within the previous 12 months as of December 31, 2014 by type of concession:

        The amount of specific reserve associated with non-acquired restructured loans was $991,000 at December 31, 2014, none of which was related to the restructured loans that had subsequently defaulted. The Company had no remaining availability under commitments to lend additional funds on these restructured loans at December 31, 2014.

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Note 5—FDIC Indemnification Asset

        The following table provides changes in the FDIC indemnification asset:

        The FDIC indemnification asset is measured separately from the related covered assets. At December 31, 2014, the projected cash flows related to the FDIC indemnification asset for losses on assets acquired were approximately $16.0 million less than the current carrying value. This amount is being recognized as negative accretion (in non-interest income) over the shorter of the underlying asset's remaining life or remaining term of the loss share agreements. Subsequent to year-end, the Company received $1.3 million from loss share claims filed, including reimbursable expenses.

        Included in the FDIC indemnification asset is an expected "true up" with the FDIC related to both the BankMeridian and Plantation acquisitions. This amount is determined each reporting period and at December 31, 2014, was estimated to be approximately $4.1 million related to the BankMeridian acquisition at the end of the loss share agreement (July 2021) and $3.4 million related to the Plantation acquisition at the end of the loss share agreement (April 2017). The actual payment will be determined at the end of the loss sharing agreement term for each of the five FDIC-assisted acquisitions and is based on the negative bid, expected losses, intrinsic loss estimate, and assets covered under loss share. There was no true up expected from the CBT, Cape Fear, or Habersham FDIC-assisted transactions as of December 31, 2014.

        Effective June 30, 2014, the Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement with the FDIC expired for Cape Fear and losses on assets covered under this agreement are no longer claimable after filing the second quarter of 2014 commercial loss share certificate. The Commercial Shared-Loss Agreement for CBT will expire March 31, 2015 and losses on assets covered under this agreement will no longer be claimable after this date; however, 95% of recoveries received over the next three years will be shared with the FDIC. At December 31, 2014, $50.3 million in loans and $3.9 million in OREO were covered under this agreement.

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Note 6—Other Real Estate Owned

        The following is a summary of the changes in the carrying value of OREO:

        The covered OREO above is covered pursuant to the FDIC loss share agreements and is presented net of the related fair value discount. At December 31, 2014, there were 279 properties included in OREO, with 166 uncovered and 113 covered by loss share agreement with the FDIC. At December 31, 2013, there were 480 properties in OREO, with 216 uncovered and 264 covered by loss share agreement with the FDIC. During 2014, the Company sold 557 properties with 304 covered by loss share agreements with the FDIC and 253 not covered. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold 693 properties with 457 covered by loss share agreements with the FDIC and 236 were not covered. See Note 30—Subsequent Event for information about the OREO auction.

Note 7—Premises and Equipment

        Premises and equipment consisted of the following:

        Depreciation expense charged to operations was $11.1 million, $10.0 million, and $8.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

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Note 7—Premises and Equipment (Continued)

        At December 31, 2014 and 2013, computer software with an original cost of $6.0 million and $10.7 million, respectively, were being amortized using the straight-line method over thirty-six months. Amortization expense totaled $1.7 million, $1.4 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        In accordance with FASB ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, the Company ceased amortization of goodwill as of January 1, 2002. The Company has determined that there has been no impairment of goodwill as of December 31, 2014. The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill:

        The Company's other intangible assets, consisting of core deposit intangibles, noncompete intangibles, and client list intangibles are included on the face of the balance sheet. The following is a summary of gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets:

        Amortization expense totaled $8.3 million, $6.1 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Other intangibles are amortized using either the straight-line method or an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives, with lives generally between 2 and 15 years. Estimated amortization expense for other intangibles for each of the next five years is as follows:

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Note 9—Deposits

        The Company's total deposits are comprised of the following:

        At December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company had $128.5 million and $152.6 million in certificates of deposits greater than $250,000, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $23.4 million and $34.8 million, respectively, in traditional, out-of-market brokered deposits.

        At December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities of time deposits (includes $1.0 million of other time deposits) of all denominations are as follows:

Note 10—Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

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

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Note 10—Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase (Continued)

the Company. Information concerning federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are below:

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Note 11—Other Borrowings

        The Company's other borrowings were as follows:

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Note 11—Other Borrowings (Continued)

FHLB Advances

        The Company has from time-to-time entered into borrowing agreements with the FHLB. Advances under these agreements are collateralized by stock in the FHLB, qualifying first and second mortgage residential loans, and commercial real estate loans under a blanket-floating lien.

        As of December 31, 2014, and 2013, there was $136,000 and $142,000 in outstanding advances, respectively. Net eligible loans of the Company pledged via a blanket lien to the FHLB for advances and letters of credit at December 31, 2014, were approximately $2.4 billion which allows the Company a total borrowing capacity at FHLB of approximately $960.8 million. After accounting for letters of credit totaling $19.7 million, the Company had unused net credit available with the FHLB in the amount of approximately $940.7 million at December 31, 2014.

Junior Subordinated Debt

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

        As of December 31, 2014, the sole assets of the Trusts were an aggregate of $101.0 million of the Company's junior subordinated debt securities with like maturities and like interest rates to the trust preferred securities.

        As of December 31, 2014, the Company recorded a $100.3 million liability for the junior subordinated debt securities, net of a $772,000 discount recorded on SAVB Capital Trust I and II and FFCH Capital Trust I. The Company, as issuer, can call any of these subordinated debt securities without penalty. If the Company were to call the securities, the amount paid to the holders would be $101.0 million and the Company would fully amortize any remaining discount into interest expense. The remaining discount is being amortized over either a two and one-half year period or five year period. See Note 30—Subsequent Events for information about the redemption of the FFCH Capital Trust I junior subordinated debt securities.

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

Line of Credit

        On October 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") with U.S. Bank National Association (the "Lender"). The Agreement provides for a $20 million unsecured line of credit by the Lender to the Company. The maturity date of the Agreement is October 26, 2015, provided that the Agreement may be extended subject to the approval of the Lender. Borrowings by the Company under the Agreement will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.75%.

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Note 11—Other Borrowings (Continued)

        Principal maturities of other borrowings are summarized below:

Note 12—Income Taxes

        The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

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

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Note 12—Income Taxes (Continued)

        The components of the net deferred tax asset, included in other assets are as follows:

        The Company had federal net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards of $34.7 million and $38.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which expire in varying amounts through 2023. As a result of the Peoples and Savannah ownership changes in 2012, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code places an annual limitation of the amount of federal net operating loss carryforwards which the Company may utilize. Additionally, section 382 limits the Company's ability to utilize certain tax deductions (realized built-in losses or RBIL) due to the existence of a Net Unrealized Built-in Loss (NUBIL) at the time of the change in control. The Company is allowed to carry forward any such RBIL under terms similar to those related to NOLs. Consequently, $11.8 million of the Company's RBIL carryforwards attributed to the Peoples acquisition are subject to annual limitations of $1.5 million, and $22.9 million of the Company's NOL and RBIL carryforwards attributed to the Savannah acquisition are subject to annual limitation of $2.0 million. All of the NUBIL limitations were exhausted as of December 31, 2013. The Company expects all section 382 limited carryforwards to be realized within the applicable carryforward period.

        The Company had state net operating loss carryforwards of $50.6 million and $40.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively, which expire in varying amounts through 2024. There is a valuation allowance of $1.5 million that relates to the parent company's state operating loss

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Note 12—Income Taxes (Continued)

carryforwards for which realizability is uncertain. The change in the valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was immaterial.

        In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance at December 31, 2014.

        As of December 31, 2014, the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. It is the Company's policy to account for interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

        Federal and state tax returns for 2010 and subsequent tax years remain subject to examination by taxing authorities as of December 31, 2014.

Note 13—Other Expense

        The following is a summary of the components of other noninterest expense:

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Note 14—Earnings Per Common Share

        The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:

        The calculation of diluted earnings per common share excludes outstanding stock options for which the results would have been antidilutive under the treasury stock method as follows:

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Note 15—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        The changes in each components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows:

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Note 15—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Continued)

        The table below presents the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2014:

Note 16—Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends, Loans, or Advances

        The Company pays cash dividends to shareholders from its assets, which are mainly provided by dividends from its banking subsidiary. However, certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of its subsidiary to transfer funds to the Company in form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The approval of the South Carolina Board of Financial Institutions ("SCBFI") is required to pay dividends that exceed current year's net income. The Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, and the FDIC have issued policy statements which provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings. During 2012 and in conjunction with the acquisition of Peoples, the Bank paid a special dividend of $13.4 million to the Company to allow for the redemption of Peoples preferred stock (TARP). This special dividend along with a special dividend used to pay certain obligations assumed from the Savannah acquisition resulted in the Bank paying dividends that approximated current year net income.

        During January 2013, the Bank requested and received approval, from the SCBFI, to pay a special dividend of $5.0 million to the Company in order to provide working capital and the funds needed to pay the quarterly dividend to its shareholders in February of 2013. In January 2014, the Bank requested and received approval from the SCBFI to pay a special dividend of $31.4 million. These funds were used to redeem $65.0 million of outstanding preferred stock.

        Under Federal Reserve regulations, the bank is also limited as to the amount it may lend to the Company. The maximum amount available for transfer from the bank to the Company in the form of

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Note 16—Restrictions on Subsidiary Dividends, Loans, or Advances (Continued)

loans or advances was approximately $107.0 million and $106.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 17—Retirement Plans

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

        Effective July 1, 2009, the Company suspended the accrual of benefits for pension plan participants under the non-contributory defined benefit plan. The pension plan remained suspended as of December 31, 2014.

        The following sets forth the pension plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's accompanying consolidated financial statements:

        At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the net losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income excluding related income tax effects were $8.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively.

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Note 17—Retirement Plans (Continued)

        The components of net periodic pension cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are as follows:

        The amount of estimated net loss for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $898,000.

        The following is information as of the measurement date:

        The Company used a 3.70% and 4.60% discount rate in its weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The rate of compensation increase was not applicable in the Company's weighted-average assumptions because of the plan curtailment at June 30, 2009. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost are as follows:

        For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the discount rate of 4.60%, 3.80%, and 4.20%, respectively, was determined by matching the projected benefit obligation cash flows of the plan to an independently derived yield curve, to arrive at the single equivalent rate.

        The expected rate of return for the pension plan's assets represents the average rate of return to be earned on plan assets over the period the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid. In developing the expected rate of return, the Company considered long-term compound annualized returns of historical market data as well as historical actual returns on the Company's plan assets. Using this reference information, the Company developed forward- looking return expectations for

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Note 17—Retirement Plans (Continued)

each asset category and a weighted average expected long-term rate of return for a targeted portfolio allocated across these investment categories. In developing the 7.75% long-term rate of return assumption for the pension plan, the Company utilized the following long-term rate of return and standard deviation assumptions:

        The portfolio's equity weighting is consistent with the long-term nature of the Plan's benefit obligation, and the expected annual return on the portfolio of 7.75%.

        The policy, as established by the Investment Committee of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, seeks to maximize return within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. The overall long-term objective of the Plan is to achieve a rate of return that exceeds the actuarially assumed rate of return of 7.75%. The investment policy is reviewed on a regular basis and revised when appropriate based on the legal or regulatory environment, market trends, or other fundamental factors. In determining the long-term rate of return for the pension plan, the Company considers historical rates of return and the nature of the plan's investments. Plan assets are divided among various investment classes with allowable allocation percentages as follows: Equities 55-65%, Fixed Income 20-40%, Cash Equivalents 0-35%. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 64% of pension plan assets were invested with equity managers, approximately 28% of pension plan assets were invested with fixed income managers, and approximately 8% of pension plan assets were held in cash equivalents. The difference between actual and expected returns on plan assets is accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, affects the recognized expenses in such future periods.

        Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value.

Money Market Funds

        Money Market Funds are public investment vehicles valued using $1 for the Net Asset Value (the "NAV"). The money market funds are classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

Broad Market Fixed Income, Domestic Equity and Foreign Equity Mutual Funds

        Broad Market Fixed Income, Domestic Equity and Foreign Equity mutual funds are public investment vehicles valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the fund. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus its liabilities, and then divided by the number of shares outstanding. The NAV is a quoted price in an active market and classified within level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.

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Note 17—Retirement Plans (Continued)

        The fair values of the Company's pension plan assets at December 31, 2014 by asset category are as follows:

        As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Plan's domestic equity securities did not include any of the Company's common stock. The plan made no purchases of the Company's stock during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

        Estimated future benefit payments for the next ten years:

        Expenses incurred and charged against operations with regard to all of the Company's retirement plans were as follows:

        The Company does not expect to contribute to the pension plan in 2015, but reserves the right to contribute between the minimum required and maximum deductible amounts as determined under applicable federal laws.

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Note 17—Retirement Plans (Continued)

        The Company and its subsidiaries have a Safe Harbor plan. Under the plan, electing employees are eligible to participate after attaining age 18. Plan participants elect to contribute portions of their annual base compensation in any combination of pre-tax deferrals or Roth post-tax deferrals subject to the annual IRS limit. Employer contributions may be made from current or accumulated net profits. Participants may elect to contribute 1% to 50% of annual base compensation as a before tax contribution. Employees participating in the plan receive a 100% matching of their 401(k) plan contribution, up to 5% of salary.

        Employees hired on January 1, 2006 or thereafter will not participate in the defined benefit pension plan, but are eligible to participate in the employees' savings plan.

        Employees can enter the savings plan on or after the first day of each month. The employee may enter into a salary deferral agreement at any time to select an alternative deferral amount or to elect not to defer in the Plan. If the employee does not elect an investment allocation, the plan administrator will select a retirement-based portfolio according to the employee's number of years until normal retirement age. The plan's investment valuations are generally provided on a daily basis.

Note 18—Post-Retirement Benefits

        At December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiary have two post-retirement health and life insurance benefit plans, South State Bank Retiree Medical Plan (the "retiree medical plan") and the First Federal Retiree Welfare Plan (the "retiree welfare plan").

Retiree Medical Plan

        Under the retiree medical plan, post-retirement health and life insurance benefits are provided to eligible employees, such benefits being limited to those employees of the Company eligible for early retirement under the pension plan on or before December 31, 1993, and former employees who are currently receiving benefits. The plan was unfunded at December 31, 2014, and the liability for future benefits has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

        The following sets forth the retiree medical plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's accompanying consolidated financial statements:

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Note 18—Post-Retirement Benefits (Continued)

        Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

        Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are as follows:

        The estimated net loss for the retiree medical plan that will be amortized from other comprehensive income into periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $9,000.

        Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the post-retirement benefit plan. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects at the end of 2014:

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Note 18—Post-Retirement Benefits (Continued)

        Estimated future benefit payments (including expected future service as appropriate):

        The Company expects to contribute approximately $45,000 to the retiree medical plan in 2015.

Retiree Welfare Plan

        Under the retiree welfare plan, post-retirement health and life insurance benefits are provided to eligible employees, such benefits being limited to retired FFHI employees who are currently receiving benefits. The plan was unfunded at December 31, 2014, and the liability for future benefits has been recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Prior to the July 26, 2013 FFHI merger, the company had no obligations under the retiree welfare plan, therefore information is presented as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the year ending December 31, 2014 and for the period from July 26, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

        The following sets forth the retiree welfare plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's accompanying consolidated financial statements:

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Note 18—Post-Retirement Benefits (Continued)

        Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost are as follows:

        Components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income are as follows:

        The estimated net loss for the retiree welfare plan that will be amortized from other comprehensive income into periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $115,000.

        Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the post-retirement benefit plan. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects at the end of 2014:

        The Company expects to contribute approximately $205,000 to the retiree welfare plan in 2015.

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Note 19—Share-Based Compensation

        Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees. Compensation cost is measured as the fair value of these awards on their date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company's common stock at the date of grant is used as the fair value of restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period for stock option awards and as the restriction period for restricted stock awards. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

        The Company's 1999, 2004, and 2012 stock incentive programs are long-term retention programs intended to attract, retain, and provide incentives for key employees and non-employee directors in the form of incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock.

Stock Options

        With the exception of non-qualified stock options granted to directors under the 1999, 2004, and 2012 plans, which in some cases may be exercised at any time prior to expiration and in some other cases may be exercised at intervals less than a year following the grant date, incentive stock options granted under the plans may not be exercised in whole or in part within a year following the date of the grant, as these incentive stock options become exercisable in 25% increments pro ratably over the four-year period following the grant date. The options are granted at an exercise price at least equal to the fair value of the common stock at the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. No options were granted under the 1999 plan after January 2, 2004, and the 1999 plan is closed other than for any options still unexercised and outstanding. No options were granted under the 2004 plan after January 26, 2012, and the 2004 plan is closed other than for any options still unexercised and outstanding. The 2012 plan is the only plan from which new share-based compensation grants may be issued. It is the Company's policy to grant options out of the 1,684,000 shares registered under the 2012 plan, of which no more than 817,476 shares can be granted as restricted stock.

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

        The aggregate intrinsic value of 294,342, 295,916, and 267,941 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $9.2 million, $9.8 million, and $2.9 million, respectively. The

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Note 19—Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

aggregate intrinsic value of 239,417, 233,566, and 267,941 stock options exercisable at December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $8.1 million, $7.9 million, and $2.3 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of 22,878, 65,555, and 51,887 stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $724,000, $1.8 million, and $757,000, respectively.

        Information pertaining to options outstanding at December 31, 2014, is as follows:

        The fair value of options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black- Scholes option pricing model and expensed over the options' vesting periods. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in valuing options issued:

        As of December 31, 2014, there was $666,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option grants under the plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.00 year as of December 31, 2014. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $413,000, $402,000 and $402,000, respectively. Compensation expense of $394,000, $419,000, and $382,000 was recorded in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Restricted Stock

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

        All restricted stock agreements are conditioned upon continued employment. Termination of employment prior to a vesting date, as described below, would terminate any interest in non-vested shares. Prior to vesting of the shares, as long as employed by the Company, the key employees and non-employee directors will have the right to vote such shares and to receive dividends paid with

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Note 19—Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

respect to such shares. All restricted shares will fully vest in the event of change in control of the Company or upon the death of the recipient.

        Non-vested restricted stock for the year ended December 31, 2014 is summarized in the following table. All information has been retroactively adjusted for stock dividends and stock splits.

        The Company granted 28,014, 83,760, and 47,666 shares for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average- grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $60.40, $43.33, and $32.27, respectively. Compensation expense of $2.3 million, $2.2 million, and $1.3 million was recorded in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

        The vesting schedule of these shares as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:

        As of December 31, 2014, there was $4.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock granted under the plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.31 years as of December 31, 2014. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.2 million $759,000 and $1.3 million, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

        The Company from time-to-time also grants performance RSUs to key employees. These awards help align the interests of these employees with the interests of the shareholders of the Company by providing economic value directly related to the performance of the Company. Performance RSU grants contain a three year performance period. The Company communicates threshold, target, and maximum performance RSU awards and performance targets to the applicable key employees at the beginning of a performance period. Dividends are not paid in respect to the awards during the performance period. The value of the RSUs awarded is established as the fair market value of the stock at the time of the grant. The Company recognizes expenses on a straight-line basis typically over three years based upon the probable performance target that will be met. For the year ended

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Note 19—Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

December 31, 2014, the Company accrued for 70.7% of the RSUs granted, based on Management's expectations of performance.

        Nonvested RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2014 is summarized in the following table.

        The Company granted 37,802 and 43,820 shares for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company had not granted RSUs prior to 2013. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted shares granted in 2014 was $61.49. Compensation expense of $1.2 million and $700,000 was recorded in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

        As of December 31, 2014, there was $2.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs granted under the plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.48 years as of December 31, 2014.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

        The Company has registered 363,825 shares of common stock in connection with the establishment of an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The plan, which expires June 30, 2017, is available to all employees who have attained age 21 and completed six months of service. The Company currently has more than 130,000 shares available for issuances under the plan. The price at which common stock may be purchased for each quarterly option period is the lesser of 95% of the common stock's fair value on either the first or last day of the quarter.

        The 2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase Company stock at a discounted price. Beginning July 1, 2009, the 15% discount was reduced to 5%. The Company recognized $44,000, $41,000 and $38,000 in share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 20—Stock Repurchase Program

        In February 2004, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program to acquire up to 250,000 shares of its outstanding common stock. This program superseded any previously announced programs that may have had remaining available shares for repurchase. Under the announced stock repurchase program, the Company did not repurchase any shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Under other arrangements where directors or officers surrendered currently owned shares to the Company to acquire proceeds for exercising stock options or paying taxes on currently vesting restricted stock, the Company repurchased 14,723, 17,186, and 23,532 shares at a cost of $917,000, $933,000, and $836,000 in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

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Note 21—Lease Commitments

        The Company's subsidiary was obligated at December 31, 2014, under certain noncancelable operating leases extending to the year 2038 pertaining to banking premises and equipment. Some of the leases provide for the payment of property taxes and insurance and contain various renewal options. The exercise of renewal options is, of course, dependent upon future events. Accordingly, the following summary does not reflect possible additional payments due if renewal options are exercised.

        Future minimum lease payments, by year and in the aggregate, under noncancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year are as follows:

        Total lease expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $6.2 million, $5.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

Note 22—Contingent Liabilities

        The Company has been named as defendant in various legal actions, arising from its normal business activities, in which damages in various amounts are claimed. The Company is also exposed to litigation risk related to the prior business activities of banks acquired through whole bank acquisitions as well as banks from which assets were acquired and liabilities assumed in FDIC-assisted transactions. Although the amount of any ultimate liability with respect to such matters cannot be determined, in the opinion of management, any such liability will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        The Company and its subsidiary are involved at times in certain litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management as of December 31, 2014, there is no pending or threatened litigation that will have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Note 23—Related Party Transactions

        During 2014 and 2013, the Company's banking subsidiary had loan and deposit relationships with certain related parties, principally directors and executive officers, their immediate families and their business interests. All of these relationships were in the ordinary course of business at rates and terms substantially consistent with similar transactions with unrelated parties. Loans outstanding to this group (including immediate families and business interests) totaled $10.7 million and $10.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively. During 2014, $5.5 million of new loans were made to this group while repayments of $5.0 million were received during the year. There were also certain individuals that were considered related parties in 2013 who were not considered related parties in 2014 due to retirement, change in job function, or other reasons. Related party deposits totaled approximately $15.5 million and $14.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Note 24—Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

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

        The subsidiary's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The subsidiary uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the following financial instruments, whose contract amounts represent credit risk, were outstanding:

Commitments to Extend Credit

        Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future liquidity requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the bank upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and personal guarantees. Unfunded commitments under commercial lines-of-credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. These lines-of-credit are uncollateralized and usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn to the extent to which the banking subsidiary is committed.

Standby Letters of Credit and Financial Guarantees

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

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Note 25—Fair Value

        FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC 820 clarifies that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions.

        The Company utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Available for sale securities and derivative contracts are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held for sale, impaired loans, OREO, and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

        FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1    Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2    Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3    Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

        The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value.

Investment Securities

        Securities available for sale are valued on a recurring basis at quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable securities. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange and The NASDAQ Stock Market, or U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities and debentures issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Securities held to maturity are valued at quoted market prices or dealer quotes similar to securities available for sale. The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

        Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair market value. The fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors within the secondary market for loans with similar characteristics. As such, the fair value adjustments for mortgage loans held for sale are nonrecurring Level 2.

Loans

        The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan may be considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses may be established. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment using estimated fair value methodologies. The

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Note 25—Fair Value (Continued)

fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. At December 31, 2014, substantially all of the impaired loans were evaluated based on the fair value of the collateral because such loans were considered collateral dependent. Impaired loans, where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company considers the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO")

        Typically non-covered OREO, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs (Level 2). However, both non-covered and covered OREO are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because management has qualitatively applied a discount due to the size, supply of inventory, and the incremental discounts applied to the appraisals. Management also considers other factors, including changes in absorption rates, length of time the property has been on the market, and anticipated sales values, which have resulted in adjustments to the collateral value estimates indicated in certain appraisals. At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses. Gains or losses on sale and generally any subsequent adjustments to the value are recorded as a component of OREO expense, net of any FDIC indemnification proceeds in the case of covered OREO.

Derivative Financial Instruments

        Fair value is estimated using pricing models of derivatives with similar characteristics; accordingly, the derivatives are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 28—Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.

Mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs")

        The estimated fair value of MSRs is obtained through an independent derivatives dealer analysis of future cash flows. The evaluation utilizes assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value including market discount rates, prepayment speeds, servicing income, servicing costs, default rates and other market driven data, as well as the market's perception of future interest rate movements. MSRs are classified as Level 3.

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Note 25—Fair Value (Continued)

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

        The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

        There were no financial instruments transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013.

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

        When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement. However, since Level 3 financial instruments typically include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 components, observable components (that is, components that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources), the gains and losses below include changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology.

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Note 25—Fair Value (Continued)

        There were no changes in hierarchy classifications of Level 3 assets or liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2014. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of Level 3 assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:

        There were no unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to Level 3 financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 or 2013.

        See Note 29—Loan Servicing, Mortgage Obligation, and Loans Held for Sale for information about recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of mortgage servicing rights.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

        The tables below present the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

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Note 25—Fair Value (Continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those models are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. The use of different methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. Such amounts have not been revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since those dates and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

        The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

        Cash and Cash Equivalents—The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

        Investment Securities—Securities held to maturity are valued at quoted market prices or dealer quotes. The carrying value of FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions. The carrying value of the Company's investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries approximates fair value.

        Loans—For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. Fair values for certain mortgage loans (e.g., one-to-four family residential) and other consumer loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company's current rates offered for new loans of the same type, structure and credit quality. Fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and investment property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered by the Company for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Fair values for non-performing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

        FDIC Indemnification Asset—The fair value is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using current discount rates.

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

        Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase—The carrying amount of federal funds purchased, borrowings under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values.

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

        Accrued Interest—The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

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Note 25—Fair Value (Continued)

        Derivative Financial Instruments—The fair value of derivative financial instruments (including interest rate swaps) is estimated using pricing models of derivatives with similar characteristics.

        Commitments to Extend Credit, Standby Letters of Credit and Financial Guarantees—The fair values of commitments to extend credit are estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair values of guarantees and letters of credit are based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated costs to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date.

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Note 25—Fair Value (Continued)

        The estimated fair value, and related carrying amount, of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:

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Note 26—Regulatory Matters

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

        Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

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

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Note 26—Regulatory Matters (Continued)

        Actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the table below:

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Note 27—Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company

        Financial information pertaining only to South State Corporation is as follows:

Condensed Balance Sheet

Condensed Statements of Income

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Note 27—Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (Continued)

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

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Note 28—Derivative Financial Instruments

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

        The Company is exposed to interest rate risk in the course of its business operations and manages a portion of this risk through the use of derivative financial instruments, in the form of interest rate swaps. The Company accounts for its interest rate swap that is classified as a cash flow hedge in accordance with FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires that all derivatives be recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. For more information regarding the fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments, see Note 25 to these financial statements.

        The Company utilizes the interest rate swap agreement to essentially convert a portion of its variable-rate debt to a fixed rate (cash flow hedge). For derivatives designated as hedging exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge), the effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings or when the hedge is terminated. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately. For derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recognized in earnings immediately.

        When applying hedge accounting for derivatives, the Company establishes a method for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and a measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge upon the inception of the hedge.

        During 2009, the Company entered into a forward starting interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $8.0 million to manage interest rate risk due to periodic rate resets on its junior subordinated debt issued by SCBT Capital Trust II, an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company established for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The Company hedges the variable rate cash flows of subordinated debt against future interest rate increases by using an interest rate swap to effectively fix the rate on the debt beginning on June 15, 2010, at which time the debt contractually converted from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate. This hedge expires on June 15, 2019. The notional amount on which the interest payments are based will not be exchanged. This derivative contract calls for the Company to pay a fixed rate of 4.06% on $8.0 million notional amount and receive a variable rate of three-month LIBOR on the $8.0 million notional amount.

        The Company recognized an after-tax unrealized gain on its cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2014 of $36,000, compared to a $365,000 gain for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company recognized an $856,000 and a $914,000 cash flow hedge liability in other liabilities on the balance sheet at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There was no ineffectiveness in the cash flow hedge during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

        Credit risk related to the derivative arises when amounts receivable from the counterparty (derivative dealer) exceed those payable. The Company controls the risk of loss by only transacting with derivative dealers that are national market makers whose credit ratings are strong. Each party to the interest rate swap is required to provide collateral in the form of cash or securities to the counterparty when the counterparty's exposure to a mark-to-market replacement value exceeds certain negotiated limits. These limits are typically based on current credit ratings and vary with ratings changes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the Company was provided $1.1 million and $950,000 of collateral, which is included in cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet as interest-bearing deposits with banks. Also, the Company has a netting agreement with the counterparty.

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Note 28—Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)

Non-designated Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

Customer Swap

        As of December 31, 2014, the Company has two interest rate swap contracts that were classified as non-designated hedges that were acquired through the merger transaction with Savannah. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and are not speculative in nature. One of the derivatives is an interest rate swap that was executed with a commercial borrower to facilitate a respective risk management strategy and allow the customer to pay a fixed rate of interest to the Company. This interest rate swap was simultaneously hedged by executing an offsetting interest rate swap that was entered into with a third party to minimize the net risk exposure to the Company resulting from the transactions and allow the Company to receive a variable rate of interest.

        The interest rate swap contract with the commercial borrower requires the borrower to pay or receive from the Company an amount equal to and offsetting the value of the interest rate swap. If the commercial borrower fails to perform and the market value for the interest rate swap with the third party is negative (net liability position), the Company would be obligated to pay the settlement amount for the financial derivative. If the market value for the interest rate swap with the third party is positive (net asset position), the Company would receive a payment for the settlement amount for the financial derivative. The settlement amount is determined by the fluctuation of interest rates.

        As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. As of December 31, 2014, the interest rate swaps had an aggregate notional amount of approximately $4.0 million and the fair value of these two offsetting interest rate swap derivatives are recorded in other assets and in other liabilities for $172,000 on the balance sheet. The net effect of recording the derivatives at fair value through earnings was immaterial to the Company's financial condition and results of operations during 2014.

        The Company also has an agreement with the third party in this derivative relationship that contains a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. As of December 31, 2014 the fair value of the interest rate swap derivative with the third party was in a net liability position of $172,000, which excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was required to provide $355,000 of collateral, which is included in cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet as interest-bearing deposits with banks. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2014, it would have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value, $179,000 at December 31, 2014.

Mortgage Banking

        The Company also has derivatives contracts that were classified as non-designated hedges. These derivatives contracts are a part of the Company's risk management strategy for its mortgage banking activities. These instruments may include financial forwards, futures contracts, and options written and purchased, which are used to hedge mortgage servicing rights; while when-issued securities and mandatory cash forward trades are typically used to hedge the mortgage pipeline. Such instruments derive their cash flows, and therefore their values, by reference to an underlying instrument, index or referenced interest rate. The Company does not elect hedge accounting treatment for any of these derivative instruments acquired through the merger with FFHI and as a result, changes in fair value of

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Note 28—Derivative Financial Instruments (Continued)

the instruments (both gains and losses) are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income in mortgage banking income.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

        Derivatives contracts related to mortgage servicing rights are used to help offset changes in fair value and are written in amounts referred to as notional amounts. Notional amounts provide a basis for calculating payments between counterparties but do not represent amounts to be exchanged between the parties, and are not a measure of financial risk. On December 31, 2014, the Company had derivative financial instruments outstanding with notional amounts totaling $102.0 million related to mortgage servicing rights. The estimated net fair value of the open contracts related to the mortgage servicing rights was recorded as a gain of $640,000 at December 31, 2014.

        The following table presents the Company's notional value of forward sale commitments and the fair value of those obligations along with the fair value of the mortgage pipeline.

Note 29—Loan Servicing, Mortgage Origination, and Loans Held for Sale

        The portfolio of residential mortgages serviced for others, which are not included in the accompanying balance sheets, was $2.3 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts and disbursing payments to investors. The amount of contractually specified servicing fees earned by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $5.4 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Servicing fees are recorded in mortgage banking income in the Company's consolidated statements of income.

        At December 31, 2014 and 2013, MSRs were $21.6 million and $20.7 million, respectively, on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. MSRs are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The market value adjustments related to MSRs recorded in mortgage banking income for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were a loss of $1.6 million and a gain of $1.1 million respectively. Since the merger with FFHI, the Company has used various free standing derivative instruments to mitigate the income statement effect of changes in fair value due to changes in market value adjustments and to changes in valuation inputs and assumptions related to MSRs.

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Note 29—Loan Servicing, Mortgage Origination, and Loans Held for Sale (Continued)

        The following table presents the changes in the fair value of MSRs and its offsetting hedge.

        The following table is an analysis of the activity in the MSRs.

        The fair value of MSRs is highly sensitive to changes in assumptions and fair value is determined by estimating the present value of the asset's future cash flows utilizing market-based prepayment rates, discount rates and other assumptions validated through comparison to trade information, industry surveys and with the use of independent third party appraisals. Changes in prepayment speed assumptions have the most significant impact on the fair value of MSRs. Generally, as interest rates decline, mortgage loan prepayments accelerate due to increased refinance activity, which results in a decrease in the fair value of the MSR. Measurement of fair value is limited to the conditions existing and the assumptions utilized as of a particular point in time, and those assumptions may not be appropriate if they are applied at a different time.

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Note 29—Loan Servicing, Mortgage Origination, and Loans Held for Sale (Continued)

        The characteristics and sensitivity analysis of the MSR are included in the following table.

        The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance. Changes in fair value based on adverse changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the changes in assumptions to fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effects of an adverse variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the MSRs is calculated without changing any other assumptions, while in reality, changes in one factor may result in changing another, which may magnify or contract the effect of the change.

        Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with the loan servicing were $10.1 million and $10.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

        Mandatory cash forwards and whole loan sales were $596.0 million and $782.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, of which $462.0 million and $146.5 million or 77.5% and 18.7% were sold with the servicing rights retained by the Company.

        Loans held for sale have historically been comprised of residential mortgage loans awaiting sale in the secondary market, which generally settle in 15 to 45 days. Loans held for sale, which consists of residential mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market, was $60.3 million at December 31, 2014, compared with $30.6 million at December 31, 2013.

Note 30—Subsequent Events

        On January 7, 2015, the Company redeemed $46.4 million of Fixed Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debt Securities ("Trust Preferred Securities") due 2034. These Trust Preferred Securities had a fixed rate of interest payable each quarter at 7% per annum and were originally issued on March 24, 2004, by FFHI. The Company acquired FFHI on July 26, 2013 and assumed these Trust Preferred Securities. The Company owned the equity portion of these securities which totaled $1.4 million (of the $46.4 million issuance). The Company incurred approximately $2.2 million in net interest expense, net of tax, in 2014.

        During February 2015, the Company auctioned 75 properties with a carrying value of approximately $4.0 million in other real estate owned. All of these assets had been in this category for at least one year and included both covered and uncovered OREO. These properties are now under contract and expected to close the majority of these by March 31, 2015. The expected loss on the disposition of these assets, net of any loss share agreement of certain covered assets is approximately $600,000.

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